PBS to broadcast historic 32nd Annual Hispanic Heritage Awards at the Kennedy Center on October 11

Spanish version 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, DC – The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) announced today that the 32^nd Annual Hispanic Heritage Awards, which will take place at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on October 1, will be broadcast on PBS stations on October 11 during Hispanic Heritage Month. The Awards are among the highest honors by Latinos for Latinos, and are supported by 40 national Hispanic-serving institutions.

“The Hispanic Heritage Awards are thrilled to be back at the Kennedy Center and on PBS stations,” said Jose Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. “More than ever, it’s important to shine the spotlight on the tremendous value Latinos provide this great country. We are grateful to PBS for allowing all of America to share in the celebration of the great promise, accomplishments and cultural pride of the Latino community.”

The 2019 Honorees will be announced over the coming months, followed by the performers, hosts and presenters (visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C92ZiK5MxAs). The Hispanic Heritage Awards are among the highest honors for Latinos by Latinos and were started at the White House in 1987 to commemorate the establishment of Hispanic Heritage Month in America.

“PBS is delighted to join the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in honoring the contributions of Latino Americans,” said Paula Kerger, President and CEO, PBS. “As the broadcast partner for this annual celebration, we look forward to sharing the extraordinary accomplishments of this year’s awardees with audiences across the country.”

Past Honorees of the Hispanic Heritage Awards include Sonia Sotomayor, Rita Moreno, Plácido Domingo, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Gloria Estefan, Oscar Hijuelos, Martin Sheen, Ricky Martin, Rubén Blades, Fania All-Stars, Junot Diaz, José Feliciano, Carlos Vives, Alejandro Sanz, Juanes, Antonio Banderas, Juan Luis Guerra, Anthony Quinn, J Balvin, Zoe Saldana, Juan Marichal, Los Tigres Del Norte, Oscar de la Hoya, America Ferrera, Pedro Martinez, Luis Fonsi, Andy García, Gael Garcia Bernal, Latin Grammys, Diego Luna and others.

About the Hispanic Heritage Foundation

The Hispanic Heritage Awards serve as a launch of HHF’s year-round, award-winning programs, which inspire, prepare and connect Latino leaders in the classroom, community and workforce to meet America’s needs as well as promote cultural pride. HHF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information on the mission of HHF, visit www.hispanicheritage.org.

About PBS 

PBS, with more than 330 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and digital content. Each month, PBS reaches over 120 million people through television and 26 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. Decades of research confirms that PBS’ premier children’s media service, PBS KIDS, helps children build critical literacy, math and social-emotional skills, enabling them to find success in school and life. Delivered through member stations, PBS KIDS offers high-quality educational content on TV – including a 24/7 channel, online at pbskids.org, via an array of mobile apps and in communities across America. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile and connected devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS Pressroom on Twitter.

For more information on the 2019 Hispanic Heritage Awards or to request media credentials, please contact John Reilly at  212.878.5076 /  [email protected]  or Sylvia Bedrosian: [email protected]

PBS Contact: Michaé Godwin; [email protected]; 703-739-8483

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