As National Hispanic Heritage Month draws to a close, we’re excited to spotlight a recent partnership that is having a profound impact on the Hispanic community in the greater Seattle area. Our partnership with Se Habla Media, announced earlier this year, is not just supporting Jaime Mendez News, but a lifeline for over 60,000 Hispanic community members in King and Snohomish Counties. This collaboration, which included a grant for operational and technological support, also provides a dedicated 7 am weekday slot on Comcast’s Xfinity TV Channel 79, ensuring the Jaime Mendez News is consistent and reliable news source for our Spanish-language community.
This initiative, which came at a crucial time following the discontinuation of the Univision affiliate, has seen remarkable growth and impact. Recognizing the information gap, Jaime Mendez and Diana Oliveros launched Se Habla Media in January 2024, a media outlet born from their determination to keep the Hispanic community informed. Despite being limited to online platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, Se Habla Media has quickly grown, amassing over 120,000 followers and reaching over a million viewers. This growth underscores the demand for Spanish-language news and the potential for future expansion.
The timing of this partnership with Comcast during National Hispanic Heritage Month not only highlights the ongoing need to celebrate and support Hispanic media and voices but also underscores Comcast’s unwavering commitment to diversity. Television remains a vital source of information for many, especially in vulnerable segments of the Hispanic community that may not have easy access to the internet or social media. Comcast’s support not only helps bridge this technological gap but also reflects a commitment to enhancing the presence of Hispanic culture and language in mainstream media, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and represented.
Jaime Mendez, a trailblazer in Hispanic media for over 25 years, and Diana Oliveros, a career diplomat and advocate for the Hispanic community, have demonstrated unwavering commitment to the community. Their mission, which spans from health and education to financial literacy, is a testament to their dedication. With the support of Comcast, their leadership promises to bring critical news coverage to a broader audience, offering new opportunities for local reporting and the potential for future programming, such as specialized sports shows.
This partnership is a meaningful step in honoring and uplifting the Hispanic community during National Hispanic Heritage Month, ensuring that local Spanish-language news continues thriving and serves as a trusted resource for future generations.
