Public Broadcasting(23)

RESOLUTION 23: Public Broadcast

WHEREAS THE LEAGUE OF UNITED LATIN AMERICAN CITIZENS (LULAC) supports the purpose of fostering and enlarging the opportunities for training, education, civil rights, job opportunities, housing, economic development, and welfare of all Hispanics in the United States; and,

WHEREAS, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting publication "A Community of Common Interests" Public Broadcasting and the needs of the Minority and Diverse Audiences and Public Broadcasting's Services to minority groups, a report to the 104th Congress and the America People Pursuant to Pub. L. 100-626, July 1, 1995 quotes, "The Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 found that 'it is in the public interest to encourage the development of programming that involves risks and addresses the needs of unserved and underserved audiences, particularly children and minorities.' Fulfilling this mandate is a foundation of public broadcasting's mission." And, "Public broadcasters will work hard to improve our services to the Hispanic communities.", and;

WHEREAS, it has been reflected in focus group research conducted by the Corporation that ethnic and racial minorities have indicated their interest in such programs fro two primary reasons: first to educate other Americans about the history, achievements, and challenges of minority groups; and second, to help members of the minority group better understand their own culture and heritage, and;

WHEREAS, 90 percent of Americans believe that Public Television is more suitable for the whole family to watch. for over a generation, Public Television has set the standard in non-violent educational television, and;

WHEREAS, in regards to the image of Hispanics on public television it is perceived as not much better in making them visible, it is given slightly more credit than commercial television for not reinforcing negative stereotypes of Hispanics, and;

WHEREAS, the 1990 Census shows that 22 million Hispanics live in the U.S. today and are nine percent of the population. By 2010 projections estimate the Hispanic population at 40 million, 13 percent of the total population, and;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the 1998 National Assembly convened in Dallas, Texas on the 4th day of July, 1998, support and encourage all local PBS stations to assist, produce, promote and broadcast future programs and documentaries on Hispanics and our culture.

THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all LULAC members contact all PBS stations and encourage them to produce Latino community oriented programs and to have the Corporation for Public Broadcasting reinstate the National Latino Communications Center by the Public Broadcasting Service.

Approved this 4th day of July, 1998.

Rick Dovalina
LULAC National President