[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 72 (Friday, June 5, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1050-E1051]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN HONOR OF THE NEW JERSEY NETWORK'S IMAGES/IMAGENES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 5, 1998

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor New Jersey Network's 
Images/

[[Page E1051]]

Imagenes for its 25th year of providing quality cultural and public 
affairs programming for the Hispanic community. This program has helped 
introduce America to the rich depth, diversity and beauty of the Latino 
culture through probing documentaries and thought-provoking round table 
discussions.
  Over the years Images/Imagenes has shed light on the everyday lives 
of the Latino community and provided a forum for role models such as 
Roberto Clemente, Ricardo Montalban, Gloria Estefan, Chi Chi Rodriguez, 
Julio Iglesias, Nancy Lopez, Lee Trevino and Tony Ayala. The program 
has done some of its best work by exploring major news stories such as 
the AIDS epidemic, bilingual education, U.S. relations with Cuba, and 
the roots of domestic violence.
  The show's quality and professionalism has not gone unrecognized by 
the television industry. Images/Imagenes has earned a Regional Emmy 
Award and nine Regional Emmy Award nominations. The program has also 
been recognized for excellence in broadcasting from the National 
Commission on Working Women and has received the National Unity Award.
  In the late '80's, Images/Imagenes began airing the Hispanic Youth 
Showcase. This competition provides a forum for the tri-state area's 
Hispanic youth to demonstrate their skills in the performing arts. Over 
1500 children have participated, with many going on to professional 
acting and musical careers. Every participant gains confidence because 
they have competed in such a popular and renowned event.
  Images/Imagenes is now the longest running Latino community program 
in the PBS system. On Saturday, June 6, Images/Imagenes will be 
celebrating its Silver Anniversary at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, 
New Jersey.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Images/Imagenes by 
working to strengthen our commitment to strong community programming. 
Images/Imagenes has shown us that television can be more than just 
entertainment, but can also provide a forum through which community 
building activities can take place. I congratulate Images/Imagenes on a 
successful 25 years and wish them another 25 years of success.

                          ____________________