Omaha 1 of 4 markets offering new Hispanic cable package

eomaha · Post by **eomaha** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 12:53 pm

Demonstrating the influence of Omaha's growing Hispanic community.

Cox Communications Offers Hispanic Consumers New Cable Television Package with the Launch of Paquete Latino

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 20, 2004--Cox Communications Inc. (NYSE: COX) announced today the launch of its new digital cable package specifically tailored to meet the preferences and needs of Hispanic consumers. Paquete Latino(SM) with Cox Digital Cable combines the best selection of Spanish- and English-language programming, all at a value-added price.

For approximately $34.95 per month in select Cox markets, consumers can access up to 35 Spanish-language channels featuring the best in news, sports, educational programming, movies, music, family programming and more. The package also includes multiple channels of HBO, with HBO Latino, and the English-language programming in Cox's limited basic tier consisting of local broadcast channels.

"Cox is excited to introduce this new, robust Hispanic video package - Paquete Latino - to consumers in our markets," said Cesar Cruz, Director of Multicultural Marketing for Cox. "Paquete Latino offers a great combination of diverse cable networks, HBO Latino and local broadcast channels - all in one cable television package for the best value to Hispanic consumers in our markets."

Some of the networks offered in Cox's Paquete Latino include:

-- TeleFutura

-- Azteca America

-- Discovery en Espanol

-- CNN en Espanol

-- History en Espanol

-- Fox Sports en Espanol

-- ESPN Deportes

-- MTV Espanol

-- VHUno

-- CineLatino

-- De Pelicula

-- De Pelicula Clasico

By offering programming in both languages in Paquete Latino, Cox can better meet the needs of multi-generational Hispanic households and consumers at all levels of acculturation. Cox's Paquete Latino delivers a substantial amount of culturally-relevant programming combined with local broadcast and HBO Latino for a highly competitive price.

The new Spanish-language package is currently available in San Diego, Calif.; Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz.; and Omaha, Neb. Additional Cox cable systems will launch Paquete Latino this fall.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 2:58 pm

I wonder how large an ifluence our Hispanic people have as compared to other cities. Most people wouldn't think of large Hispanic population in Omaha.

DMRyan · Post by **DMRyan** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 3:25 pm

This defintely says something about the ethnic makeup of the markets Cox serves and no, I really wouldn't have thought to put Omaha among cities with very high hispanic populations like Tuscon and San Diego.

I wish there were a more accurate way of counting the hispanic population during Census periods. I'd put money on this being the most undercounted, yet fastest growing segement of the population in virtually every midwest city.

eomaha · Post by **eomaha** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 4:18 pm

What I think IS unique about Omaha within the midwest... is the number of Hispanics which have congregated in a well defined, centralized community in south Omaha. They are very visible in the metro. I think it says something too that Mexico chose to put a consulate office here. The only other cities in the midwest with one are Chicago, Detroit and Kansas City! Omaha also has (what is called anyway) one of the largest dedicated Hispanic cultural museums in the nation... El Museo Latino.

edsas · Post by **edsas** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 5:42 pm

What drew so many Hispanics to Omaha? In central Nebraska, it was the meat-packing industry (Lexington's population, for example, is 50% Hispanic) that caused an Hispanic influx over the last 30 years. Is that the case in Omaha, too? Or were there other jobs that attracted immigrants?

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 6:27 pm

Well, meatpacking is the stereotype, but since that's declined so much in recent years, I hardly think it's the cause.

I'd say that at one time, meatpacking and jobs in general were a huge draw for hispanics. Nowadays, though, Hispanics have their own district with culture and flavor that I'm sure is a draw in and of itself.

edsas · Post by **edsas** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 7:36 pm

Meatpacking is not a stereotype, Aaron. There is a direct correlation between meatpacking centers in Nebraska and large percentages of Hispanics. Yes, Hispanics quickly branch out to other sectors of the job market, but the packing industry is so clearly a fist-wave filter. I'm aware that Omaha is no longer a meatpacking center, so I was just curious about the draw. If it is that they are seeking Omaha's cultural district, then that's pretty cool.

DMRyan · Post by **DMRyan** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 7:43 pm

That makes sense Aaron. Clusters of ethnicities attract other people similar to them. That usually doesn't matter if you're Punjabi, Korean or El Salvadorian.

I've seen this in certain Iowa cities too. There's usually some kind of industry like a packing plant to bring in the first wave of hispanic workers, but word travels fast about the new life in America to these worker's families and friends in their hometowns and they branch out to find other kinds of work, or even better, start their own business.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 7:46 pm

I know every city has them, but it could be the temp jobs that are
available and home construction jobs. Don't tell Joe$

but one of the High Schools was South. I talked with lots of mexican kids who said that they came because they already had family here. So it could be that they are coming to Omaha for the community. One guy told me it's not uncommon for mexican families to have 3 or 4 differant families in one house. Their is already a Spanish Phone book that is put out, a Spanish speaking radio station, and now their will be more Spanish speaking tv channels too.

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 8:26 pm

edsas wrote:Meatpacking is not a stereotype, Aaron. There is a direct correlation between meatpacking centers in Nebraska and large percentages of Hispanics. Yes, Hispanics quickly branch out to other sectors of the job market, but the packing industry is so clearly a fist-wave filter. I'm aware that Omaha is no longer a meatpacking center, so I was just curious about the draw. If it is that they are seeking Omaha's cultural district, then that's pretty cool.

I think you misunderstood me. It IS a stereotype that meatpacking is the main reason Hispanics come to Omaha. As I said, with the decline of the meatpacking industry, that simply can't be true because there aren't that many jobs to be had. But the idea that Hispanics only come here for the meatpacking jobs still exists as a STEREOTYPE.

projectman · Post by **projectman** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 9:09 pm

There are a number of factors why the Hispanic population is flourishing in South Omaha. The meatpacking centers, construction jobs all over Omaha, strong family ties, and word of mouth about how South Omaha embraces the Mexican people. The majority of Mexicans are Roman Catholic and very dedicated to their religion. South O has many Catholic churces and they take many of these new families under their wings. Our Lady of Guadalupe at 23rd and Q streets is one of the Catholic churches that helps the immigrants as many of them show up in pickup trucks with all of their belongings and no place live, no jobs and no English. The priests are usually fluent in Spanish and help them get started in their new city. This particular parish is one example of how the community opens up to them and makes them feel welcome.

edsas · Post by **edsas** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 10:04 pm

Oh, I see what you're saying, Aaron.

eomaha · Post by **eomaha** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 10:40 pm

I have no doubt that many Hispanics who were initially attracted to small meat packing towns in Nebraska... have also found their way to bigger (ie non-meat packing) opportunities in Omaha.