As Executive Director, Mr. Llorenz will lead HTTP’s coalition of more than 20 national and regional Hispanic-serving organizations in advancing its mission of realizing full access to technology for underserved communities.

“The Hispanic Institute is thrilled to have a leader in Mr. Llorenz who brings the consensus–building and advocacy skills, along with the strategic insight needed to articulate a meaningful policy agenda in Washington,” said Gus West, Chair, the Hispanic Institute and Co-Chair, HTTP.

“HTTP is the Latino community’s voice to Congress, the administration and the community on technology and telecommunications policy. High-stakes decisions about implementation of the National Broadband Plan, investments in next-generation networks and the potential revision of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 make our voice more necessary than ever, as these issues are discussed in the beltway and around the country. I am thrilled to lead this coalition during such a historic moment,” said Jason Llorenz, Esq., HTTP Executive Director.

To advance its mission, HTTP develops public policy and research that promotes access to broadband and digital tools to close the digital divide and ensure Latinos benefit from the many advances brought about by the telecommunications and information technology sectors of the economy.

Mr. Llorenz succeeds Ms. Sylvia Aguilera, who served as HTTP’s Executive Director since its formation in 1996, and brought the organization to national prominence.

“Our communities’ priorities on technology, broadband and telecommunications policy will be well-articulated by Mr. Llorenz. As Chair of the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda, I am excited to have his leadership on this core component of the Latino policy agenda,” said Lillian Rodriguez-Lopez, President, Hispanic Federation and Chair, the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA).

“LULAC continues to be a strong member of HTTP’s coalition and we look forward to working with Mr. Llorenz on the issues of digital inclusion and access that are so critical to the advancement of the Latino community,” said Brent Wilkes, National Executive Director, LULAC.

“Access to technology is central to the future of American economic competitiveness. USHCC looks forward to working with Mr. Llorenz and the HTTP coalition to advance policies that expand access to technology for America’s Hispanic businesses,” said Javier Palomarez, President and CEO, US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Read the Full Press Release [PDF]

In the letter, USHCC President and CEO, Javier Palomarez, wrote:
For the past two years, Congress has been closely monitoring the introduction
by Arbitron of its new Portable People Meter radio ratings system. Over that
period, numerous concerns have been raised about the reliability of this new
system, particularly in regard to the accurate measurement of minority
communities. These concerns have been expressed through numerous letters
and public statements by both parties and both chambers of Congress. We
write to you now with a sense of increasing urgency that this matter be
resolved before further damage is done to the public interest in a diverse and
audience-driven radio marketplace.

In December of last year, the House Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform held a hearing at which your predecessor was asked to work with the
Media Ratings Council (MRC) and the Coalition of industry representatives
who serve minority audiences to develop a road map for fixing the PPM
system’s flaws. Three months later, Congress is still waiting for affirmative
evidence that this road map is being put in place and implemented.
This unfinished business is a source of grave concern. Our constituents rely
upon radio for news, information and connection to their community. The
radio system can only deliver if it is based on reliable ratings. Arbitron’s
failure to deliver an agreed upon road map for fixing the PPM system puts that
public interest at risk. Therefore, we urge you to work with expeditiously to
come to an agreement with the industry Coalition and the MRC so that the
listening public can be assured of reliable ratings.

We ask that in your response to this letter, you provide us with a detailed
update of the status of your company’s work toward resolving this matter, along with a clear indication of when we can expect to see concrete evidence of improved reliability in PPM.

Sincerely,

Javier Palomarez

USHCC President and CEO