If you've followed the news in Kansas City the past couple of months, you know there have been a lot of headlines related to our local Hispanic community. As a result, the Kansas City Press Club is holding a forum this week to discuss the way reporters did their jobs. Our own Chris Hernandez will moderat the event.
Here's the full release:
The Media: How Well Do They Cover the Hispanic Community
The Kansas City Press Club sponsors a frank discussion, "The Media: How Well Do They Cover the Hispanic Community," featuring representatives of the Hispanic community and media at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, at KSHB-TV studios, 4720 Oak, Kansas City, Mo.
With the controversy over Mayor Mark Funkhouser’s appointment of a Minuteman Civil Defense Corps supporter to the Kansas City Park Board, the discussion could provide insight into how fair media members think they report the news versus what others think.
"This is exactly the kind of program the Kansas City Press Club should sponsor. As professional journalists, we strive to report all stories fairly and this program will act as a barometer for how well we are accomplishing that goal from the Hispanic community’s perspective," Press Club President Jack "Miles" Ventimiglia said.
Panelists are Sylvia Maria Gross, KCUR- FM; Joe Arce, publisher, KC Hispanic News; Maria Antonia, KMBC-TV; Cris Medina, executive director, Guadalupe Center; and Rita Valenciano, Coalition of Hispanic Organizations.
Channel 41 reporter Chris Hernandez will moderate the event. A native Kansas Citian with reporting experience in Chicago and Cleveland, Hernandez has volunteered with the Mattie Rhodes Center, which provides social services in the Hispanic community.