As communities become more diverse, the sources of news tend to follow suit. To show the impact of Hispanic media, Univision 34 Atlanta‘s team earned awards for excellence in news, best reporter and best journalistic enterprise during the 50th edition of the regional Emmy Awards.
The awards and nominations acknowledge the work of the newscasts that focus on local issues and provide valuable information to the community.
The Southeast Region of the Emmy serves Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina and Asheville, North Carolina. Univision Atlanta serves Georgia.
“Winning these prestigious accolades is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our Univision 34 Atlanta team. Their unwavering commitment to journalistic excellence and serving our local community continues to set a high standard in Spanish-language media. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and honored to be recognized by the Emmy Southeast Chapter of NATAS,” said Roberto Yanez, Northeast Regional President and General Manager.
Reaching the Hispanic audience
Although it is part of the world’s leading Spanish-language media company, local professionals focus on news and issues that are important to metro Atlanta residents.
“Gwinnett County is really important for us because it’s a very diverse county that has many Hispanic people and we try to help them,” said News Director Dacelys Martinez. “When you talk about inclusion and diversity and equity, we have a lot of hard news, but we also try to show the good stories about Hispanic people.”
A recurring segment called Historias Comunes tells stories of average people doing extraordinary things.
“Hispanics in Georgia are doing really good jobs in different areas,” she said. “For example, in health and sports and even law. We try to show the stories where they are doing great things in different segments of the community.”
But of course, there are stories of crime and tragedy and that’s where Univision 34 Atlanta gives the community unbiased reporting and up-to-date information.
“We try to be the bridge between the stories and the community,” she said.
Staying involved with the community
Many immigrants who struggle with English or who may be distrustful of government agencies, look to Univision 34 Atlanta as a source for needed services.
“We try to work with different organizations and nonprofits that want to help the Hispanic people in Georgia,” said Martinez. “Maybe our people know about the Latin American Association, or Georgia Hispanic Chamber. But what about the other nonprofits that have resources for them that they don’t know.”
And even though many locals look to Univision 34 Atlanta for international news from their home countries, the team works hard to get hyper-local information to the audience as well.
“When the people turn on the TV at 6 p.m. or 11 p.m. they can find out what happened in these areas as well as in Georgia,” said Martinez. “We cover the hyper-local information with hyper-local resources.”
Establishing audience trust with consistency
“We are a household name. We’ve had generations of families growing up with Univision. They trust us,” said Adriana Andrade, director of community empowerment. “We also make sure everything is culturally appropriate and we also stay in contact not only with the local entities and government entities but also with the foreign entities here.”
There are many embassies in Atlanta and that allows the station to be a bridge between them and the communities.
“We do our best to help them acclimate to this new life in this new country,” said Andrade. “We help assess their needs and what resources are available for them.”
And the consulates trust that Univision 34 Atlanta will accurately share their message. The metro Atlanta area is almost like a United Nations with many international interests.
But at the end of the day, the community is the most important part of the coverage.
Andrade came to the U.S. from Peru when she was in fifth grade. She lives in Peachtree Corners with her family and encourages them and her neighbors to embrace the diversity around them.
With live streaming access on YouTube and a digital presence as well as broadcast, anyone can access Univision content and learn more about the people around them.
“What sets us apart is what we have been doing here in Georgia to bridge to the general market and Latinos,” said Andrade.
Univision 34 Atlanta recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of a program called Liga de Campeones, The League of Champions.
“It’s a scholarship program,” she said. “We received a commendation from the governor’s office and a congressional commendation because we are focusing again, not only on helping our community, but also getting more information about our community to the general market.”
Univision 34 Atlanta awards:
- News Excellence: Dacelys Martinez
- Talent – Reporter: Ana Lourdes Herrera
- Journalistic Enterprise – Team: Noticias Univision 34 Atlanta
Univision 34 Atlanta also received the following nominations:
- Overall Excellence: Univision 34 Atlanta.
- Newscast: Noticias Univision 34 Atlanta.
- Hard News Report (no production time limit): Tragedy on the road.
- Human Interest/Lifestyle – News (No Production Time Limit): One Punch at a Time and The Inspiring Journey of a 90-year-old Master Painter.
- Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Societal Concerns/ Politics/Government/Crime/Justice – News: CASA – Advocates for the Voiceless, Dalia, otra Víctima de Violencia Doméstica and Deadly Attack in Atlanta.
- Historic/Cultural/Politics/Government/Societal Concerns: Inquilinos denuncian and Going Green: Is Net Zero Possible.
- Talent – Anchor: Dacelys Martinez and Michelle Benitez.
- Talent – Reporter: Valerie Burgos.
