UH’s newest Hispanic news organization seeks to establish a fresh voice for students.
El Gato’s founders said they want to improve Latino coverage by reporting interesting and innovative stories not only for Hispanics, but also for UH’s diverse community. The group also plans to provide training for English and Spanish journalists.
El Gato’s mission is to unite the community through a fun, interactive and educational Web site with news of interest for everyone.
At the first meeting on Aug. 27, El Gato Director Raymond Ruiz said the goal of the program is to recruit more Latinos who can relate to students through the media.
He also said the organization is seeking enthusiastic students who want to get an early start in journalism or other areas of interest. Open positions include: writers, photographers, columnists, bloggers, editors, videographers, marketing, public relations, sales, management and human resources.
‘If you are ambitious, come and (provide) leadership,’ Ruiz said. ‘We want people to come in their freshman year and stay four years so they can really become developed.’
During the past few months, El Gato has focused on offering students a chance to leave a lasting legacy at UH, Ruiz said.
‘I want El Gato to be around when my kids come to UH,’ he said.
This organization collaborates with Arte P’uacute;blico Press, Houston Association of Hispanic Media Professionals, Glass Mountain, The National Association of Hispanic Journalists, University of Houston National Association of Black Journalists and The Daily Cougar.
Interested students can attend meetings from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. every other Wednesday and every Thursday at the Rodeo Room inside the University Center.
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