Comcast has announced a partnership with Se Habla Media to support and expand its Jaime Mendez News Spanish-language newscast to the Hispanic community in Seattle. This partnership includes a grant to support operations and technology, along with a regular spot on Comcast's Xfinity TV Channel 79 to air its broadcasts.
The need for a local Spanish newscast arose when Sinclair Broadcasting group let go of its Univison affiliate at the end of 2023, leaving many Hispanics without a vital source of information. Se Habla Media was created by Diana Oliveros and Jaime Mendez to address this gap, launching on Jan. 1, 2024. With the support of Comcast, the news outlet aims to keep the Spanish-speaking community informed about local events and important issues.
Jaime Mendez News was previously limited to online broadcasts, reaching over 120,000 followers and a million viewers across social media platforms. The addition of a TV cable channel and Comcast's support will help expand its audience and reach. Oliveros highlighted the importance of TV as a source of information for vulnerable populations within the Hispanic community.
Mendez, a pioneer in Hispanic media, was the news anchor for the now-closed Seattle Univision broadcast. Oliveros, a career diplomat, has experience in community outreach and economic development. The financial support from Comcast will enable the hiring of freelance reporters to develop news stories and expand their programming in the future.
Comcast's collaboration with Se Habla Media aligns with their mission to support communities, advance digital equity, and help small businesses succeed. The partnership will provide reliable information to more people and raise awareness about the needs of the Hispanic community.
