NBC Announces Network Television Debut of 'Hispanic Heritage Awards'

Business Wire, July 5, 2000

Entertainment & News Editors

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 5, 2000

Prestigious Celebration Airs Saturday, September 9th

From the Nation's Capital in One-Hour Special Honoring

Outstanding Hispanic Americans

For the first time ever, NBC will present the "Hispanic Heritage Awards" as a prime-time network special. The one-hour television special will air from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, September 9, 2000 (10:00-11:00 p.m. PT/ET). The broadcast celebrates the contributions of Hispanic Americans by honoring five individuals who have reached the pinnacle of their careers in each of these areas: arts, literature, leadership, education and sports.

"NBC is extremely proud to present the network television debut of the 'Hispanic Heritage Awards'" said Scott Sassa, NBC West Coast President. "The support of NBC Television Stations over the past four years has provided viewers the opportunity to celebrate the significant contributions of Hispanic Americans. Now, with the commitment of the entire NBC network, we will be able to bring this inspiring celebration of diversity and Hispanic excellence to the entire nation."

Joining in the announcement, Raul R. Tapia, Chairman of the Hispanic Heritage Awards Foundation said, "NBC's network carriage of the 'Hispanic Heritage Awards' is an important element in our efforts to chronicle Latino achievement and provide role models for our youth as we highlight the extraordinary contributions Hispanics have made and are making to our country."

The star-studded Ceremony is co-produced by The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and will be held on September 7, 2000. In addition to celebrity Presenters and distinguished Honorees, the "Hispanic Heritage Awards" features performances by some of America's greatest stars. Among past Honorees and participants are Tito Puente, Martin Sheen, Gloria Estefan, The Miami Sound Machine, Placido Domingo, Andy Garcia, Jimmy Smits, Isabel Allende, Henry Cisneros, Oscar de la Renta, Rebecca Lobo, Edward James Olmos, Rita Moreno, the Hon. Bill Richardson and Bobby Bonilla.

The "Hispanic Heritage Awards" are considered to be the most prestigious honor bestowed within the Latino community and are co-hosted by 33 national Hispanic organizations. Since their inception in 1987, the "Hispanic Heritage Awards" have taken place every year in Washington, D.C, and the television program has aired on many NBC Television Stations for the past four years. This year's broadcast on the NBC network is an historic first and broadens the reach of the program to many more viewers nationwide.

NBC has been a premiere corporate sponsor of the "Hispanic Heritage Awards" for the past five years. The other premiere corporate sponsors are Dr Pepper/Seven Up, Inc., Denny's, the United States Postal Service, Fannie Mae Foundation, MasterCard/The Chase Manhattan Bank, General Motors, Microsoft and American Airlines.

Now celebrating its 14th year, The Hispanic Heritage Awards Foundation is credited with spearheading the growing recognition of Hispanic achievement in the U.S. The mission of the Hispanic Heritage Awards Foundation is to promote Hispanic excellence, provide a greater understanding of the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the U.S., and to recognize role models who inspire our youth.

"The Hispanic Heritage Awards" is a production of the Hispanic Heritage Awards Foundation in conjunction with Terra Associates for NBC Entertainment.

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