Hot-button issues, growth
on the schedule

At a time when newspapers are at a crossroads and Latino issues are front-page news, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists prepares for a brave new world as it opens its 24th-annual convention today in Fort Lauderdale. Attendance is expected to be the highest in recent years.

About 1,400 members are preregistered, including more than 100 students, said Iván Román, NAHJ executive director. Hundreds more are expected to register on-site.

“The conference is going to be the best we ever had. It’s going to be great, despite the fact that Tropical Storm Alberto is coming; a little rain isn’t going to kill us,” said Román, adding that a majority of attendees are from the area.

The theme of this year’s convention is “Brave New World,” and it will feature panels on changes and challenges facing journalists while also celebrating diversity.

Tonight, Ricardo Alarcón, president of the Cuban National Assembly, will be interviewed by New York Times contributor Mirta Ojito at the opening plenary. Alarcón is to speak on immigration and his country’s relations with the United States, and his message will be broadcast live from Havana to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

Throughout the week, panels are expected to challenge attendees’ views on technology in the newsroom and on issues such as immigration.

“Immigration is huge in a place like Florida, so it’s going to have different elements that don’t affect people in other border states,” said Marissa Silvera, NAHJ professional development manager.

On Friday, the newsmakers luncheon will feature New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson; Lou Dobbs, host of CNN’s “Lou Dobbs Tonight,” and Jorge Castañeda, the former foreign minister of Mexico, for a panel titled “The Great American Immigration Debate.”

Convention-goers also can learn about computer databases and other technologies at the “Hands-on Multimedia Storytelling” session today.

Other highlights include a live broadcast of National Public Radio’s “Talk of the Nation” from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday from the expo hall and Saturday, María Elena Salinas and Henry Alfaro will be inducted into the NAHJ Hall of Fame before El Gran Baile.

Contact Christine Show at christineshow@gmail.com.