In a move to address the urgent informational needs of Hispanic communities, the Hispanic Information Telecommunications Network (HITN) and Impacto, Philadelphia's Latino newspaper of record, have joined forces to present a special television program focused on immigration. The program, scheduled to air nationally on Sunday, August 16, at 9 a.m., will offer viewers across the United States access to legal information and consular resources, with the broadcast subsequently available for free on the HITN Go app, requiring no account creation.
The initiative underscores the critical importance of accurate and reliable information in navigating complex immigration processes. Hosted by journalist Haydeé Rosario Latorre, the program features immigration attorney Gladys Carredeguas, who will address legal considerations related to immigration and emphasize the necessity of seeking qualified professional advice before making decisions that could impact an individual's or family's immigration status. Additionally, Marcos Bucio M., consul general of Mexico in New York, will discuss the guidance, protection, and support services available through Mexico's consular network to Mexican communities across the United States.
The collaboration originated from Impacto's publication of an informational guide on immigration issues affecting communities in Pennsylvania. By expanding this information through a national television program, HITN and Impacto aim to create a broader ripple effect, ensuring that Hispanic audiences nationwide have access to essential legal and consular information. Michael D. Nieves, president and CEO of HITN, highlighted the relevance of Impacto's work at this time, stating, "From an information and outreach perspective, the work of Impacto is particularly relevant at this time. We wanted to expand that message so it could reach HITN viewers and create a broader ripple effect supported by legal and consular information. Access to accurate and reliable information is essential, which is why anyone will be able to watch this program for free on the HITN Go app, without having to create an account."
Impacto, based in Hunting Park, North Philadelphia, has a long-standing commitment to community journalism. Founded in 2003 and relaunched in 2020 with a focus on community-based reporting, Impacto publishes three print editions monthly in Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania, along with weekly digital editions and ongoing online coverage. The newspaper is distributed free of charge door-to-door throughout North Philadelphia and at additional locations across the city and state. Impacto is owned by Nueva Esperanza, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening Hispanic communities and expanding opportunities for individuals, families, and neighborhoods.
This special program reinforces the partnership between HITN and Impacto and their shared commitment to providing Hispanic communities with accessible, reliable, and relevant information on issues affecting their daily lives. By leveraging HITN's extensive reach—more than 35 million homes in the United States and Puerto Rico through major distributors such as DIRECTV, AT&T U-verse, DISH Network, Verizon FiOS TV, Comcast Xfinity, and Charter Spectrum—and Impacto's trusted community journalism, the initiative aims to empower viewers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions regarding their immigration status and access available consular services.
The program's availability on the HITN Go app, free of charge and without requiring an account, ensures that anyone with internet access can benefit from this vital information, breaking down barriers to reliable guidance. As immigration policies continue to evolve, such collaborative efforts are crucial in ensuring that Hispanic communities remain informed and supported. The partnership between HITN and Impacto exemplifies how media organizations can work together to serve the public interest, providing a model for future initiatives aimed at addressing pressing social issues.
