It was 20 years ago this month when Spanish and English speaking Central New Yorkers were first introduced to what is still the area’s only Latino-oriented bi-lingual newspaper. CNY Latino first hit newsstands in February 2004, and also covers Albany, Watertown, Binghamton, Rochester, Cortland, Ithaca and communities in between. Founder, owner, and president Hugo Acosta says he wanted to share positive news and success stories in the Hispanic community while also covering the issues of the day.
“Let's talk about immigration. Let's talk about drug dealing. Let's talk about cultural issues," Acosta said. "Let's talk about the growth of the population in this country is good content for us, the media companies to expose. The only issue is that sometimes the negative part of it is a little bit more enhanced then the positive part of it.”
Acosta says they try to include a little something from every geographic community and every Latino group. He says some of the material applies to the general Latino population.
“For example, how to drive on the snow. How to cope with the cold weather, which is very rare in all the Latino native countries," Acosta said. "Understanding American things, American customs. What's Halloween? What's April Fools? We don't even have Thanksgiving. That is is something that we use a publication to link both cultures, the American culture and the Latino culture.”
He says a lot has changed in 20 years, both with the Hispanic community and at CNY Latino. The population has roughly doubled in the region, and the market has changed to serve them. Supermarkets have increased their selection of Latino produces, and signs at most places are in both English and Spanish. Acosta says advertisers have noticed and changed their perspective from years past when they thought most Latinos were poor.
“I couldn't get cars advertisement. I couldn't get real estate advertisement or anything that's expensive. That has changed," Acosta said. "Now there's a lot of Latinos that are business owners that have money. There's Latinos everywhere. So I have a little bit more leverage about companies that provide expensive services or products to advertising our bilingual publication.”
Acosta says he remains committed to publishing the printed version of CNY Latino, in addition to expanding his digital presence. He’s also looking for potential successors to take over the company when he’s ready to retire.
Click the Listen tab above the photo to hear the full interview with Hugo Acosta.
