Join us for a dynamic and insightful panel discussion designed to empower public relations and communications professionals to better engage with New Orleans's vibrant Hispanic news outlets. PURCHASE TICKETS HERE!
New Orleans has a rich and growing Hispanic population, and the city's Hispanic media outlets play a critical role in informing, entertaining, and connecting the community. But to successfully reach these audiences, PR professionals need to move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. It requires a nuanced understanding of local culture, community interests, and the specific needs of New Orleans's unique media landscape.
This event will provide a unique opportunity to hear directly from leading journalists and editors in New Orleans's Hispanic media market. Our expert panelists will share their perspectives on:
Crafting Culturally Resonant Stories: Learn what types of stories resonate with the New Orleans Hispanic community, from local events and family-centric topics to business trends, community advocacy, and arts & culture. We'll discuss how to identify the "NOLA Hispanic angle" in your news, even when the subject isn't explicitly Latino.
Best Practices for Media Engagement: Get an inside look at how to build and maintain strong relationships with local Hispanic journalists. Find out how they prefer to be pitched, the importance of providing information in both Spanish and English, and the value of having a well-prepared Spanish-speaking spokesperson.
What's New and What's Next: Discover the latest trends in New Orleans Hispanic media, including the rise of digital-first outlets, the power of social media and influencers, and how to effectively reach bilingual and bicultural audiences in the Crescent City.
Whether you're new to the New Orleans market or looking to deepen your existing relationships, this panel will provide you with the knowledge and actionable tips you need to succeed. Don't miss this chance to move beyond the pitch and start building truly authentic and impactful connections with New Orleans Hispanic media.
Panelists are:
Juan Francisco García, Multimedia Journalist at Telemundo New Orleans
Juan Francisco García is a multimedia journalist for Telemundo New Orleans and a content creator based in New Orleans. He has covered some of the world’s most high-profile events—including the Miss Universe pageant and the Super Bowl—bringing a unique perspective that blends storytelling, culture, and community.
He is the host of Un Café con Juan, a radio show where news and conversation meet with authenticity, warmth, and energy.
Beyond broadcasting, Juan creates viral digital content and partners with brands to engage diverse audiences. Passionate about elevating Latino voices, his work connects local stories to global moments and amplifies underrepresented perspectives.
Proudly Honduran, Juan carries his country with him in every project—sharing its culture, values, and resilience, while opening doors for new generations of Hondurans and Latinos to shine on the international stage.
AnaMaria Bech, Founder and Publisher of VIVIA NOLA Magazine & Owner of VIVA Media
AnaMaria Bech is a leading authority in Multimedia Strategy, Cultural Marketing, and Latino Media. With a 20-year track record of connecting cultures and driving creative services, she excels at building platforms that celebrate diversity and achieve business results.
AnaMaria is the Founder and Publisher of VIVA NOLA Magazine, a multi-platform publication established to give a vital voice to the Hispanic community in Louisiana and showcase the positive contributions of Latinos in the U.S. This passion project is anchored by VIVA Media, her full-service marketing agency, where she and her team develop and execute bilingual and culturally-relevant marketing campaigns.
Prior to founding VIVA NOLA, AnaMaria honed her expertise in high-stakes media production, managing complex digital and broadcast video projects for local, national, and international clients, including PR Newswire, CNN, MSNBC, and PBS. Her deep background includes specializing in LIVE television, streaming production, and corporate video, allowing her to offer a powerful blend of editorial insight and marketing execution to her clients.
Originally from Colombia and a graduate of the University of New Orleans, AnaMaria is a sought-after speaker and media reference on topics related to culturally competent marketing, Latino consumer trends, and media diversification.
Andrés Fuentes, Multimedia Journalist at FOX 8
Andrés Fuentes is a New Orleans native and a 2020 graduate of Loyola University. He joined the FOX 8 News Team in January 2022 as a Multimedia Journalist.
Andrés is a proud member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, and comes to FOX 8 having already won awards for his work as a college journalist.
Brenda Melara, Senior Producer at Hispanic Flavor Productions
Brenda Melara is a proud first-generation Hispanic American from New Orleans, bringing over 35 years of experience in Hispanic and Latin media. As Editor-in-Chief of Que Pasa, a bilingual newspaper celebrating art, culture, and entertainment, and Senior Producer at Hispanic Flavor Productions, Brenda has dedicated her career to elevating Latino voices and stories.
Her dynamic professional journey spans journalism, television, radio, music, artist promotion, and bilingual education. Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, she was raised in a vibrant bicultural environment that shaped her deep-rooted passion for Latino heritage. Brenda credits her Guatemalan immigrant parents for instilling in her a lifelong commitment to education, cultural pride, and community service.
Brenda is an active member of the Cervantes Fundación Hispanoamericana de Arte, a nonprofit devoted to advancing Latino arts and culture across Louisiana. She is also the co-founder of Que Pasa Fest, the state’s largest Hispanic Heritage celebration.
She holds a BA in Drama and Communications from the University of New Orleans. Outside of her professional endeavors, Brenda enjoys traveling, reading, listening to music, and spending time with her family and friends.
