Plenary sessions at the NAHJ 40th Anniversary Conference and Expo will explore the impact of AI-powered misinformation on politics and health care, challenge the myth that Hispanic voters are monolithic, explore how diverse audiences and technology are reshaping the future of news, show how book bans threaten press freedom, and illustrate the paths Latino journalists have take to jobs covering the 2024 campaign.
NAHJ announced the line-up of mainstage topics as the May 31 deadline for regular registration approached. Click here for the schedule, including nearly 90 training sessions and workshops, and click here to register for the July 9-13, 2023 conference in Hollywood, CA.
After a full day of journalism training open to the community on Tuesday, July 9, a public Town Hall kicks off the mainstage events.
Tuesday, July 9
Election 2024: Empowering Hispanic Voters as AI Amplifies Misinformation (Town Hall Meeting)
The Hispanic population, comprising a significant and diverse segment of the electorate, faces distinct barriers to accessing accurate information and navigating the digital landscape. This session explores how misinformation campaigns target Hispanic communities through social media platforms, messaging apps, and other digital channels, often exploiting language and cultural nuances. We’ll show the impact of misinformation and the innovative techniques news organizations and community groups are using to counter it.
Wednesday, July 10
Wednesday July 10 will feature the Opening Plenary and Reception for registered conference attendees.
Thursday, July 11
Misinformation in Healthcare and Its Impact on the Hispanic/Latino Community (Breakfast Plenary)
Misinformation in healthcare poses significant challenges to public health, exacerbating disparities and hindering access to accurate medical information, particularly among vulnerable communities. In this session, we focus on the impact of healthcare misinformation on the Hispanic/Latino community, exploring its origins, manifestations, and consequences, and highlight approaches that can successfully combat it.
Latino Journalists Covering the 2024 Campaign: How We Got Here and Why It Matters (Super Session)
Latino/Hispanic journalists share their personal journeys to top jobs in Washington and discuss how their lived experience brings depth to coverage of immigration, abortion, the economy, and other top issues of the 2024 elections. What still needs to change to build a press corps that truly reflects the rich diversity of the country it covers?
Friday, July 12
What Journalism Can Learn from the Success of Diverse Talent in Hollywood (Super Session)
Even though Latinos are underrepresented in Hollywood, especially in proportion to their growing share of the audience, when they get a chance, it pays off. A plurality of the top-grossing films of 2023 featured diverse casts, including Latina/os. Clearly, moviegoers connect with human stories. The music industry, for its part, is visibly powered by diverse talent. So why is journalism so slow to embrace a winning formula, especially as news audiences grow more diverse? We’ll discuss the challenges and opportunities of making journalism and entertainment more inclusive — including at the leadership level.
Election 2024: Exploding the Myth of the Monolithic Hispanic Vote (Super Session)
This session aims to dissect the myth of the monolithic Hispanic vote and explore the multifaceted nature of Latino political preferences, behaviors, and influences in the context of the upcoming 2024 election. From immigration policy to economic concerns, from social justice issues to healthcare, we will examine the key issues driving Hispanic voter engagement and political participation. Through insightful analysis and data-driven insights, we will challenge stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding Latino voters, highlighting the diverse perspectives and priorities that shape their electoral decisions. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of Hispanic voter demographics, including generational shifts, regional variations, and cultural nuances.Â
Ă‘ AWARDS (Luncheon)
Sponsored by Toyota, the 2024 NAHJ Ă‘ Awards will recognize journalistic excellence across eight categories, plus celebrate the winner of the NAHJ/University of Florida Award in Investigative Journalism.
Book Bans and Growing Threats to Free Speech (Super Session)
The number of book titles banned in schools jumped 65% to a record 4,240 titles in 2024, according to the American Library Association, with Texas, Florida and Missouri leading the way. The top 10 most challenged titles featured LGBTQIA+ content, but Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye” is also on the list. The surge in censorship has implications for journalism and society at large, setting a precedent for information suppression, causing people to self-censor, and depriving students of historical knowledge and critical thinking that healthy democracy needs.
Saturday, July 13
Celebrating CCMNA and the Founding of NAHJ (Breakfast Plenary)
We’ll acknowledge and celebrate the central role the California Chicano Media Association (CCMNA) in the creation of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. During the celebratory breakfast, founders will discuss the beginnings of NAHJ and how NAHJ’s founding values can help advance our mission and secure our future.
40th Anniversary & Hall of Fame Gala
We’ll celebrate our newly elected NAHJ Hall of Fame inductees and recognize the cherished members we lost during the past year. Then we’ll celebrate NAHJ’s 40th anniversary in a way only NAHJ members can do.Â