Chilean Fulbright scholar to deliver Latin American journalism speeches

By Marc Speir
University News Service
November 9, 2007

Claudia Mellado-Ruiz

Claudia Mellado-Ruiz, an international Fulbright scholar and professor of social communication at the Universidad de Concepción in Chile, will present two speeches on contemporary issues in Latin American journalism at Texas State University-San Marcos.

The lectures are scheduled Nov. 12 from 9:30-10:45 a.m. in Old Main room 234 and Nov. 13 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in Old Main room 102C. Both speeches are free and open to the public.

Subjects that will be addressed include comparative studies about the journalism profession in Latin America, the conceptualization of the media industry and modern problems, challenges and influences facing reporters.

“We’re going to discuss the common variables and denominators asked of the U.S. Latino journalist and of Latin American journalists working in the U.S.,” said Federico Subervi, professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Other topics will include the political structures and organizations that reporters face in Latin America.

“The pressure of government influence is stronger there than it is in the United States, although it has risen in recent years in our country,” said Subervi. “There is also a licensing of journalists to practice in Latin American countries by professional organizations. The debate is whether or not that is a restriction on free speech.”

Lectures are sponsored by the provost’s office at Texas State and the Council for the International Exchange of Scholars.

For more information, contact Prof. Subervi at (512) 965-5267 or subervi@txstate.edu.