Esteban Escobar a.k.a Steven Escobar Nominated for 2013 EOTM Award for Outstanding Internet Radio

Esteban Escobar a.k.a. Steven Escobar from Diversity News Radio and Diversity News Magazine Has been Nominated for Two 2013 EOTM Awards for ‘Outstanding Internet Radio’ and ‘Outstanding Journalist.’

On Friday, April 26, 2013, Diversity News Productions producer of Diversity News Radio and part of Diversity News Publications publisher of Diversity News Magazine announced that Esteban Escobar A.K.A. Steven Escobar  (Journalist, reporter, editor, columnist, writer, producer, director, publicist, radio personality, accounts receivable specialist, humanitarian and philanthropist) has been nominated for two 2013 EOTM (Entrepreneurs on the Move) Awards on 4-25-2013 for Outstanding Internet Radio Show; Diversity News Radio, On Air with Steven Escobar and Diversity News Radio Top 10 Most Requested Songs with Steven Escobar. Previously he was also nominated on 2-22-2013 for Outstanding Journalist.

Hit Billboard songwriter and recording artist Fawn said, “Steven works harder than any other radio host and journalist I know. I am so happy he is being recognized for his excellence.”

The EOTM Awards takes place on Sunday, August 4, 2013 in West Hollywood at The Pacific Design Center 8687 Melrose Avenue, in West Hollywood, CA 90069.

About Steven Escobar:
Esteban A. Escobar (born in El Salvador, Central America on September 6th) is an award winning American (Journalist, reporter, editor, columnist, writer, producer, director, publicist, radio personality, accounts receivable specialist and philanthropist).

Steven Escobar is the Executive Editor-In-Chief of DiversityNews Magazine. Esteban “Steven” Escobar is also the Producer, Director of Diversity News TV, the host of Diversity News Radio, on Air with Steven Escobar, the President of Diversity News Publications and he owns E.E.Enterprises, an affiliate of The Diversity News Publications Family of Companies. For more information visit his IMDB at http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4164655/

About the EOTM Awards:
The EOTM Awards is an accolade presented by the EOTM Radio & TV Network celebrating entrepreneurial achievements and performances in business, philanthropy and the arts (recordings, television, radio, and literature, film, directing and writing). The EOTM Awards Show will also present “Christopher Kennedy Lawford” to key individuals and organizations that promote human rights and social justice. For more information visit http://www.eotmawards.com to find out more about the show.


About Diversity News Radio On AIR with Steven Escobar and Diversity News Radio Top 10 Most Requested Songs with Steven Escobar: “Diversity News Radio, On AIR with Steven Escobar” is an interactive, live internet talk-radio show that focuses on singers, business leaders, actresses, actors, recording artists, music composers, authors and writers and more of all genres and mediums. The show format features live music, interviews, breaking news, gossips, announcements, confessions, events, advertisements and much more. Host Steven Escobar explores the careers, advice, writing style and personality of each guest. Callers are encouraged to call (760) 888-5783 to listen or ask questions. The stream and archives are available at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/diversitynewsradio. or http://www.diversitynewsradio.diversitynewspublications.com. The show is live every Saturdays and Sundays is the coutdown of songs with starts with #10 to #1 at 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. The show is hosted on BlogTalkRadio.

About Diversity News Magazine:
Diversity News Magazine purpose is to educate and inform the diverse community worldwide. It focuses on local, national and international news, entertainment, features, sports and more importantly, newsworthy items that would be of interest to our diverse cultures. For more information visit Diversity News Magazine at www.diversitynewsmagazine.com/

MEDIA CONTACT FOR STEVEN ESCOBAR:
Alex Leon, Director of Marketing & PR
World Wide Vital Marketing & Public Relations Inc.
TELS: (323) 465-3945 or (213) 321-9408
worldwidevitalpr.wordpress.com/
worldwidevitalpr@gmail.com

EDITOR’S NOTE: Please post press release or mention event in your magazine, website, radio and television shows and if you would like more information contact Alex Leon via email at worldwidevitalpr@gmail.com

This article post is brought to you and partial sponsored by Radio-TV Interview Report (Click logo to visit website)

AT&T Tops (HACR) Prestigious List Of Companies That Invest In Hispanic Talent

With a 95 rating – the highest obtained by any other participating company— leading Hispanic advocacy group HACR recognizes AT&T’s inclusion of Hispanics.

DALLAS, April 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — With nearly 50 million Hispanic consumers in the U.S., Fortune 100 companies are continually doing more to reflect the diverse communities they serve. Among those leading the way is AT&T, as recently recognized by the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) in its 2012 Corporate Inclusion Index (CII) survey.

AT&T topped the list of 55 participating Fortune 100 companies and HACR corporate members with a 95 rating – the highest received in 2011 and 2012. This is the second year in a row that AT&T obtains a stellar rating in the areas of workforce, procurement, philanthropy and governance. In last year’s HACR CII report, AT&T was one of two companies to obtain a 95 rating score – receiving the highest rating for all telecommunication firms.

“We pride ourselves on being an innovation leader that hires, retains and develops talented individuals that reflect our diverse customer base. We have a personal and business responsibility to serve our diverse customers in their preferred language and invest in the communities where they live and work,” said Debbie Storey, AT&T senior vice president of Talent Development and chief diversity officer. “This recognition by HACR acknowledges our commitment, and we couldn’t be prouder.”

The HACR CII, a component of HACR’s Corporate Accountability Strategy, takes a comprehensive measurement of Hispanic inclusion at Fortune 100 companies and HACR corporate member companies by focusing on HACR’s four pillars of corporate social responsibility and market reciprocity: Employment, Procurement, Philanthropy, and Governance.

“On behalf of HACR’s Board of Directors, congratulations to AT&T for their commitment to Hispanic inclusion, which is reflected in their 95 rating,” HACR President & CEO Carlos F. Orta said.

Key findings from the 2012 HACR CII include:

• The average Hispanic hiring rate remained steady from 2011 to 2012 at 11 percent
• The average attrition rate for Hispanics was 13 percent
• Fifteen percent of survey participants reported less than one percent procurement spend with Hispanic suppliers
• An average annual philanthropic investment of nine percent of total dollars distributed to Hispanic communities
• Twenty-eight companies reported having a Hispanic on their board of directors, with only one company reporting having two Hispanic board members

Our inclusive culture dates back more than 100 years
AT&T’s inclusive culture dates back more than a century. Throughout our history the telecom leader has welcomed individuals from all walks of life and backgrounds. “That’s what makes AT&T a desired business partner and telecommunications provider,” Storey said. In 2012, the AT&T retention rate for people of color was 88 percent.

AT&T also:

• Has a 13 percent representation of Hispanics in its workforce.  The total U.S. AT&T workforce is 38 percent female and 39 percent people of color.
• Sponsors an award-winning employee resource group , HACEMOS (the Hispanic/Latino Employee Association of AT&T).
• Is a top-rated global supplier diversity program that spent more than $12.8 billion with minority, women and disabled-veteran suppliers in 2012, representing 23.96 percent of the company’s procurement base. AT&T’s goal is to always achieve 21.5 percent of its procurement from diverse suppliers.
• Has a strong focus on the Hispanic Consumer Market , which includes converting 720 retail stores in high-density Hispanic markets including California, Florida, New York and Texas to a bilingual AT&T stores (Spanish/English) format; full AT&T’s Spanish-language website and social media presence in Spanish; a strong advertising investment in Hispanic media; and sponsorship of top-rated Hispanic music, television, sports and entertainment programs and events.
• Supports the Hispanic community by investing resources to advance education, strengthen communities and improve lives. In 2012, AT&T contributed more than $131 million to the diverse communities it serves through corporate, employee and AT&T Foundation giving programs.
• Has significant representation of Hispanics in its most senior ranks including Ralph de la Vega, president and Chief Executive Officer of AT&T Mobility; Jose Gutierrez, President-Wholesale Solutions of AT&T Business Solutions; Thaddeus Arroyo, Chief Information Officer of AT&T Services, Inc.; and Carmen Nava, Senior Vice President-Customer Experience of AT&T Services, Inc.

The HACR CII is open to all Fortune 100 companies and HACR corporate members. The 2012 HACR CII saw a record number of participants, and certain industrial classifications were better represented than others. AT&T has been a participant in the HACR CII since its release four years ago.

For employment opportunities visit www.att.jobs

About AT&T:
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world . Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and internationally. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s largest 4G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T |DIRECTV brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. For more information visit http://www.att.com/aboutus on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/att and YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/att.

The Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR):
HACR’s mission is to advance the inclusion of Hispanics in Corporate America at a level commensurate with our economic contributions. HACR focuses on four areas of corporate responsibility and market reciprocity. They are: Employment, Procurement, Philanthropy, and Governance.

In pursuit of its mission, HACR offers Corporate America direct access to the Hispanic community – its talent, entrepreneurs, and leadership – creating a forum to ensure corporate responsibility and market reciprocity for the nation’s Hispanic population. For more information visit http://www.hacr.org/about/mission/

Sources: AT&T Inc. & HACR

Hit Recording Artist and Singer Fawn in Marketing and Merchandising for Musicians Book by Robert Safir

Hit Singer/Songwriter and Recording Artist Fawn is included in the Music Industry Book ‘Marketing and Merchandising for Musicians’ book by Robert Safir. today April 17, 2013.

On April 17, 2013, World Wide Vital Marketing & Public Relations announced that hit singer-songwriter and recording artist Fawn, also known as ‘Songirl’, is in the music industry book, ‘Marketing and Merchandising for Musicians’ by Robert Safir.

The book addresses the issues and differences in today’s music industry compared to the industry of yesteryears, and gives the reader concrete advice on how to make a living at music through marketing and merchandising. It cover topics such as How To Keep Up With ‘The Change,’ Music Libraries, Latest Trends Towards Digital Music, Music Merchandising, Music Licensing, Developing Merchandise, Marketing Your Music The Traditional Way, Understanding Marketing, Knowing Your Audience, The Record Business and many more.

Fawn said, “I was very excited to be included in this book with other industry professionals, especially since it’s a book that helps people advance their careers.” She continued, “It can be rough out there in this music business, and I think Robert did a great job exploring the industry today and giving people some concrete tools to get their music and themselves out there.”

Robert Safir states, “The old way of ‘making it’ in the music business—get a recording contract, then relax and enjoy the ride while your record label does all the work—is gone forever. Succeeding as a musician today calls for new skills, new attitudes, and a new approach.” He explains, “Today, more than ever, how far you get in the business depends on you. The technology-driven, do-it-yourself ethos that revolutionized the way music is recorded and distributed has also transformed the way musicians and songwriters market themselves and their creations.”

In ‘Marketing and Merchandising for Musicians,’ veteran composer, producer, and engineer Robert Safir gives the reader ‘nuts-and-bolts’ type of information needed to craft a promotional strategy that will draw attention and get results.  The book teaches it’s audience to learn how to understand markets and target them with precision, grow a fan base, make CDs and websites, sell music online, leverage social media as a promotional tool, create T-shirts, hats, and other merchandise, keep up with the rapid changes in the industry, and more. Robert continues, “There are great opportunities in today’s music business, but achieving success is as tough as it’s ever been, maybe tougher. And there’s a lot to learn. This book will give you every possible advantage. It’s up to you to get your music career on the fast track.”

You can find ‘Marketing and Merchandising for Musicians’ on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and all the major outlets.

Robert Safir:
http://www.robertsafir.com/

Fawn:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2779641/

MEDIA CONTACT FOR RECORDING ARTIST FAWN:
Alex Leon, Director of Marketing & PR
World Wide Vital Marketing & Public Relations Inc.
TELS: (323) 465-3945 or (213) 321-9408
worldwidevitalpr.wordpress.com/
worldwidevitalpr@gmail.com

EDITOR’S NOTE: Please post press release or mention event in your magazine, website, radio and television shows and if you would like more information contact Alex Leon via email at worldwidevitalpr@gmail.com

Consumer Alert: Coldwater Canyon Ave to Close March 23 – April 25 for Water Trunk Line Replacement‏

LADWP to Replace 99-Year Old Pipe, Requiring Full Use of Street for Construction. Limited through Traffic Reduced to Evening, Overnight Hours and Sundays.

LOS ANGELES (March 4, 2013) – The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) will be replacing a portion of the City Trunk Line, a 60-inch diameter pipeline that runs along Coldwater Canyon Avenue between Mulholland Drive and Ventura Boulevard, necessitating closure of the major Valley to Westside pass from March 23-April 25 to allow the full use of the street for construction equipment and crews.  The LADWP is replacing the 99-year old pipe in sections with new welded steel pipe as part of an ongoing citywide upgrade to major pipelines that cross the city to ensure reliable service and to comply with federal water quality regulations.

Starting March 9th, no left turns will be allowed onto Ventura Blvd from Coldwater Canyon north and south bound as crews prepare for construction.

Closures begin Saturday, March 23, and are scheduled to continue through Thursday, April 25. The hours of closure are Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.  After 7 p.m. each night (6 p.m. on Saturdays), and all day Sunday, one lane in each direction will be open for traffic.

“This is a vitally important project to ensure the continued safety and reliability of our drinking water,” LA City Councilmember Paul Krekorian said. “I know how difficult it will be to drive through the area during this time, which is why I would urge all of us to find alternate routes during construction. While crews are working to repair this pipeline, my office will ensure that residents, businesses, schools and drivers are kept informed about this project and we will work with all city departments to ensure this is done as safely and efficiently as possible. I thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation.”

“This is an important improvement, but it poses an impact and a challenge. LADWP needs to get this job done as quickly and safely as possible,” added LA City Councilmember Tom LaBonge.

“Coldwater Canyon Avenue is one of our key trans-mountain routes, and there’s no question its month-long daytime closure will be a hardship to residents and commuters. But the water trunk-line replacement work’s got to be done, and I’m confident that people will cooperate with patience and understanding, with a final result that we can all be proud of,” said LA County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky.

In 2009, the City Trunk Line ruptured at Coldwater Canyon and Ventura Boulevard, causing flooding of area residents and businesses. Cost of repairs was over $700,000 and claims totaled nearly $8 million. Water loss was estimated at four million gallons.

Details of the closure were discussed earlier today at a morning press conference near the site of the 2009 rupture with Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Krekorian, who represents the area, joined by Councilmember Tom LaBonge and Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky.

A representative from the City Department of Transportation also discussed traffic mitigation plans that include electronic signage, traffic control officers, new striping to guide motorists through the area.

Motorists are urged to avoid the area during the closure and take alternate routes, including: Laurel Canyon Blvd.; Beverly Glen Blvd., Sepulveda Blvd., Cahuenga Blvd./Highland Avenue and Interstate 405. During peak commuting hours, Coldwater Canyon carries approximately 1,300 vehicles per hour.

The LADWP has worked closely with Councilmember Krekorian and his staff, as well as community groups and others, to ensure that their concerns and issues are addressed to the extent possible.

Special access permits will be issued to area residents and schools, including Harvard-Westlake, and other facilities along Coldwater between Mulholland Drive and Ventura Boulevard.  The actual construction zone is from Dickens Street to Hacienda Drive, where most of the work will occur.

“This project poses particular challenges – on an engineering level and for how to mitigate impacts for those who live, work or travel through this area of the City,” said James B. McDaniel, Senior Assistant General Manager, Water System. “The quality and reliability of your water service is our priority at the LADWP, and we are going to work as quickly and safely as possible to get this job done. We appreciate your understanding and patience.”

For information about the closure, please visit www.ladwp.com.  To receive e-mail updates on construction progress during the closure, please visit LADWP’s online newsroom and sign-up to receive updates here.  Select “City Trunk Line – Coldwater Canyon Construction” from the dropdown menu, or follow @LADWP on Twitter.

Also to read more about the Coldwater Canyon Construction March 23 – April 25, 2013

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
*TRAFFIC ADVISORY*
Left Turn Restrictions Begin Saturday, March 9 at
Coldwater Canyon Avenue and Ventura Boulevard
NO Left Turns from Coldwater Canyon Avenue
Northbound and Southbound onto Ventura Boulevard

Left turn restrictions will go into effect as part of an ongoing water trunk line construction project on Coldwater Canyon Avenue in the Studio City area of Los Angeles.Beginning Saturday, March 9, 2013, no left turns from Coldwater Canyon Avenue northboundand southbound onto Ventura Boulevard will be allowed.These left turn restrictions will be in effect for two weeks, through March 23, 2013. At that time, the full closure of Coldwater Canyon Avenue between Ventura Boulevard and Mulholland Drive will commence and will be in effect through April 25, 2013. During this timeframe, the left turn restrictions will remain in effect during non-working hours and on Sundays. For more information on the full closure of Coldwater Canyon Avenue, click here. Left turn restrictions will continue after the closure through June 1, 2013. Drivers who may be affected by the left turn restrictions are encouraged to consider other routes, including Cahuenga Boulevard/Highland Avenue, Laurel Canyon Boulevard, Beverly Glen Boulevard, Sepulveda Boulevard and Interstate 405, or take Metro- visit www.metro.net for more information.

WHAT: Left-turn restrictions from Coldwater Canyon Ave. northbound and southbound onto Ventura Blvd. WHEN: March 9, 2013 through March 23, 2013 – around the clockMarch 23, 2013 through April 25, 2013 – overnight hours and SundaysApril 25, 2013 through June 1, 2013 – around the clock WHERE: Intersection of Coldwater Canyon Avenue and Ventura Boulevard Studio City, CA 91604Map of the intersection

Source: LADWP

Author Lourdes Duque Baron Wins Award for “Scripted In Heaven” at MoneyCytec Achiever Awards Night 2013 in New York

On Thursday, February 28, 2013 The National Association of Medical Business Leaders in collaboration with Moneycytec held their 1st Semi Annual Achiever’s Night Awards at Antun’s Restaurant located 96-43 Springfield Boulevard in Queens Village, New York 11429 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Event ticket cost was $85

(Please click on the photos to view regular)

The Achiever’s Night Dinner Awards is a day to remember the recognition of outstanding leaders in their respective industry. Commissioner James W. Reed presented a citation to the event producers. The Achievers night awards was produced by Lorenda Pedron aka Lowella Pedron.

Here is the list of all the award winners:

Lourdes Duque Baron – Author, Publication “Scripted In Heaven”
Henedina Sy – Nursing
Silver Cord Consultant Corp. – Consulting
Nemsy Duran – Nursing
Akia Blandon – Nursing
Dr. Raji Ayinla – Pulmonary Medicine
Dr. Prospere Remy – Gastroenterology
Dr. Thomas Pattugalan – Internal Medicine
Dr. Arnil Neri – Chiropractor
Carina De Luna Ibarrola – Nursing
Akia Blandon – Nursing
Linda Rufo – Fine Art
Phyllis Thomas – Healthcare
James W. Reed – Community Service
Atty. Karin Anderson – Law
Chester Jay Tolentino – Physical Therapy
Mikey Sosa Cabunoc – Future Achiever Award (Youth)
Carmen Meliton – Nursing Compliance
Mirielle Bastien – Nursing Compliance
Mary Christine Santiago – Education
Jenelyn Faustino – Outstanding Overseas Worker

Proceeds of the event will go to the building of a nursing home for healthcare workers.


About Moneycytec Achiever’s Night Awards: Is to give recognition to outstanding citizens is truly an invaluable initiative towards the development of a society. By giving recognition to ordinary citizens who do their job extra-ordinarily, they nurture the spirit of hope and foster important virtues such as civic-consciousness, hard-work, excellence and self- improvement. From a governmental perspective, the National Association of Medical and Business Leaders and the MoneyCytec are genuine partners in building a community of productive and responsible citizens. For more information visit http://moneylog.ning.com/

About Author Lourdes Duque Baron:
Lourdes (Lou) Duque Baron: Lou Baron is a community leader, international published book author of Scripted in Heaven, beauty queen (3rd runner-up for Mrs. Asia USA 2011 representing the Philippines), producer, president of Celestial Productions and founder/president of The Baron Publishing House Corporation. On January 10, 2013 she was nominated for The Sidney Hillman Foundation Award for her book “Scriped In Heaven” On February 12, 2013 she was nominated for the 2013 EOTM Award for her published book “Scripted In Heaven” in the category of Outstanding Literary(Inspirational, True Story, Biography). Lourdes Duque Baron is the wife of Dr. Robinson V. Baron. For more information visit her IMDB at http://www.imdb.me/lourdesduquebaron

About Scripted In Heaven:
Scripted in Heaven follows the journey of Dr. Robinson V. Baron and his physical and metaphysical healing. As a stubborn surgeon, he ignores a cryptic warning from an old lady about a supposedly imminent complication with his health. The struggles that follow take him to journey of spiritual renewal, which leads him to rediscover his true faith and his true love. He seeks for the divine guidance of Padre Pio da Pietrelcina while trials and tribulations test him and his family. His devotion grew, even causing him to embark on a punishing pilgrimage to San Giovanni Rotondo in Italy, despite his fragile health.His mystical metamorphosis is a story of courage, sacrifice, and triumph. It inspires the reader to reflect on his won weakness and makes him long for purpose and truth in his mortal life. To purchase your copy of this book and/or to attend the next book signing please visit http://www.scriptedinheaven.com/ for more information.

Photos credit to: Moneycytec
Source: Moneycytec

Diversity News Magazine, Diversity News Publications and Steven Escobar Joint Statement on Harassments & Reporting Practices

Multi-media producer and content Hollywood companies Diversity News Magazine, Diversity News Publications and Journalist Steven Escobar Joint Statement on Harassments and Reporting Practices.

Hollywood, CA — Wednesday, February 27, 2013, Diversity News Publications publisher of Diversity News Magazine managed by Steven Escobar has made a joint statement to tell all of our readers, fans, friends and supporters of recent harassment issues concerning our reporting practices.

A small group of people have proclaimed that they do not want anything negative written or reported to the masses about their fraudulent business affairs and questionable charitable events.

As we have stated in the past-although we did cover some of those events-upon further investigation, found them to not be forthright and honest establishments. Because of our responsibility and obligation to every single consumer, we decided to publish our investigative reports in our magazine, Diversity News Magazine. Diversity News Magazine believes in honest and accurate investigative reporting. We believe that you, the consumer deserve to be informed of such establishments and individuals. It is your right to know the truth, and our right to report it.

Unfortunately, a few individuals have taken it upon themselves to create drama and gossip. They have contacted our past and current friends and partners. Diversity News Magazine, Diversity News Publications nor Steven Escobar have lied to any of our allies/partners. Whatever we have promised, we have delivered.

We strongly believe in being real and fair to every one we encounter. There is no hidden agenda from us and we feel no obligation to stop reporting the facts-the truth. We do, however, feel an obligation to continue servicing our worldwide, diverse community by accurately investigating and reporting fraudulent individuals and organizations that take advantage of we, the people. Because of numerous calls, letters and emails from concerned individuals/readers, we decided to investigate and report our findings of such establishments in question. Diversity News Magazine is built on and run by volunteers. There is no paid staff. We are reporting the news and our findings. This is not a personal issue. We are not a strictly entertainment magazine publishing and doing free PR for individuals with hidden agendas.

In light of recent events, Steven Escobar is making a new promise. He states that, “We are not going to care anymore or get involved if someone takes advantage of their friends, partners or organizations. We will not entertain any personal drama in our proprietary outlets.”

Steven Escobar has been the messenger and bearer of honest investigative reporting and in no way should be under fire, due to lack of integrity and dishonest dealings of other individuals or their illegal practices. Steven Escobar reports what he observes and his investigative findings. He added, “People should not take this personally. I am doing my job by reporting the truth for my readers. I have never intended to hurt anyone in this process, but the truth is, authenticity must be reported. My job is to educate and alert our consumers/readers so they can make accurate decisions for themselves.”

He went on to say, “I am being harassed by a job I am not even getting paid a salary for! Diversity News Magazine is a labor of love for the community. Our writers and photographers are freelance volunteers/consultants; they are not employees of Diversity News Magazine or Diversity News Publications. We are an independent media outlet and our team does not get any paychecks, health benefits or holiday pay.” He continued, “Our outlet helps people. We have been targeted and victimized by honest news reporting.”

Diversity News Magazine and Diversity News Publications have affiliate partnerships relationship for media content and distribution with the following media, news and entertainment leader companies such as MediaMax Online via EPK TV, PartyBy5.com, The Miss Universe Organization, ABC Television Network, CBS Television, NBC Universal, Inc via NBC Universal Media Village, Fox Broadcasting Company via Fox Flash, Summit Entertainment, Lions Gate Entertainment, Conscience Entertainment, Tehran International Weekly Magazine, Studio One via Men’s Life Today, Repost.Us, Film District Publicity, Grab Media formerly the Voxant Newsroom and many more.

Additionally Diversity News Magazine and Diversity News Publications are working with some of the finest advertising organizations in the world such as Google Ad Sense, Google Affiliate Network, Rakuten LinkShare Corporation, Chitika, Inc., Share A Sale, media.net, Blip TV, YouTube, MGM Resorts International, Advertising.com (part of AOL Advertising.com Group), Amazon, Career Builder, Lijit Networks Inc.,and many more.

He concluded, “If the defamation of character, threats, questions of credibility and mud-slinging toward us continue, then we will have no choice but to report everything and turn in, including all of our evidence and investigative findings to the local, state, federal, national and international government authorities to take appropriate actions. We will file and turn it all over and allow the appropriate government authorities to deal with the people who are harassing and trying to intimidate us, all because they do not understand the meaning of what reporting the news actually means.”

About Diversity News Magazine:
Diversity News Magazine is an independent multi-media outlet own by Minority-Owned Business who works with everyone and it is published by Diversity News Publications. Diversity News Magazine executive editor-in-chief is Esteban Escobar aka Steven Escobar an award winning honored and respected Journalist.

Diversity News Magazine is a consumer news magazine covering news, entertainment, features, awards, sports, events and much more. DiversityNewsMagazine.com, an online & special print consumer news magazine that is visited by more than two million visitors a month, it is another venue for advertisers to showcase their products, brands or services on the classified and display pages.

The purpose of the magazine is to educate and inform the diverse community worldwide. It focuses on local, national and international news, entertainment, features, sports and more importantly, newsworthy items that would be of interest to our diverse cultures. For more information visit Diversity News Magazine at http://www.diversitynewsmagazine.com/

About Diversity News Publications: Founded in 2003 Diversity News Publications, is a news/entertainment multimedia firm specialized in Advertising, Design, Media, Film & Events Production, Marketing, Printing & Public Relations services who combines all sources in one. Diversity News Publications is the publisher of Diversity News Magazine and owns Diversity News TV, Diversity News Radio, Diversity News Productions, Local Celebrity Los Angeles and many more sites. For more information visit http://www.diversitynewspublications.com

About Esteban “Steven” Escobar:
Esteban A. Escobar (born in El Salvador, Central America on September 6th) is an Award Winning American (Journalist, reporter, editor, columnist, writer, producer, director, publicist, radio personality, accounts receivable specialist, humanitarian and philanthropist). Esteban is known as Steven Escobar. He is the Executive Editor-In-Chief of Diversity News Magazine, an online & special print consumer news magazine that is visited by close to two million visitors a month while growing each day. Esteban “Steven” Escobar is also Producer, Director of Diversity News TV, the host of Diversity News Radio, on Air with Steven Escobar and the President of Diversity News Publications, a news/entertainment multimedia firm in Hollywood, CA.

Steven Escobar owns E.E.Enterprises and an affiliate of The Diversity News Family of Companies. Steven Escobar is also the official Hollywood and Los Angeles County Events Examiner for Examiner.com and contributor for Yahoo.com distributed via Yahoo Voices. Steven Escobar also gives back to the community by helping charities, and since 2003 to the present, he has been raising money and awareness for AIDS Walk LA benefiting AIDS Project Los Angeles. Also in 2011 Steven Escobar raised money and awareness for The Life Group LA and volunteered for Exotifit For Humanity and The Human Rights Campaign Los Angeles Steering Committee.

Steven Escobar was nominated for The Shorty Awards 2011 and the People’s Choice Fan Award 2012. In 2012 Steven Escobar receives the Humanitarian Award at the 2012 International Noble Awards. Also on June 2, 2012 Steven Escobar Received the Community and Humanitarian Services Award at Kayamanan ng Bayan for all his contributions to the Filipino American community in Southern California.

On 12-12-12 Steven Escobar received Award for Most Fascinating Person of the Year 2012. Yahoo.com names Steven Escobar the Hot 500 contributors during the month of March 2012 of Yahoo! Contributor Network. Also on 2-22-2013 Steven Escobar is nominated for a 2013 EOTM (Entrepreneurs on the Move) Award for Outstanding Journalist.

Steven Escobar currently resides in Los Angeles County in the City of Hollywood, CA. For more information visit http://www.stevenescobar.blogspot.com or his IMDB at http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4164655/

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alex Leon, Director of Marketing & PR
World Wide Vital Marketing & Public Relations Inc.
TELS: (323) 465-3945 or (213) 321-9408

http://worldwidevitalpr.wordpress.com/

worldwidevitalpr@gmail.com
EDITOR’S NOTE: Please post press release or mention event in your magazine, website, radio and television shows and if you would like more information contact Alex Leon via email at worldwidevitalpr@gmail.com

Fox Broadcasting Company Launches New Digital Content Syndication Network

Launch Partners Shazam, Viggle, ConnecTV and NextGuide to Feature

FOX NOW Sync-to-Broadcast Content Within Their Multi-Platform Environments.

Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013 - Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX) today announced that it is launching a new, first-of-its-kind syndication network that will distribute FOX’s custom sync-to-broadcast experiences – currently available exclusively in FOX NOW apps – to other second-screen TV app providers. Powered by content syndication platform Watchwith®, the new network allows partners to take advantage of FOX’s high-quality companion content and ensures that fans can enjoy a premium, cohesive FOX digital content and advertising experience across multiple TV apps and platforms.

Syndication partners at launch include digital leaders Shazam®, the world’s leading media engagement company; Viggle℠, a leading second-screen TV platform that makes TV more rewarding; ConnecTV, the biggest social network designed specifically for TV fans; and NextGuide, the hyper-personalized TV guide app (from Dijit Media) that helps people discover and experience TV shows and movies. Through these partnerships, viewers using Shazam, Viggle, ConnecTV or NextGuide can easily access FOX’s social, behind-the-scenes and interactive content around their favorite FOX shows while synced to the broadcast.


“FOX has some of the most loyal, invested fans on the planet, so we want them to have the richest, most immersive experience possible with our shows and our brand partners – no matter which TV app or platform they use,” said David Wertheimer, President, Digital, Fox Broadcasting. “By syndicating the content we’ve built around our show broadcasts, we’re extending the FOX experience to viewers across all digital platforms and providing our partners with new and valuable opportunities around our content.”

“FOX’s focus on the creation of second-screen content as the shows are being produced is a really important step in the industry, and we’re proud to be one of FOX’s launch partners,” said Doug Garland, Chief Revenue Officer at Shazam. “Given the significant reach of Shazam – 85 million users in the US alone – we’re excited to partner with FOX to engage a wide audience with compelling second-screen content.”

In addition to mobile and tablet second-screen environments, the network is designed to allow FOX to create, manage and syndicate content to the rapidly evolving industry of Smart TVs, Connected TVs and television service providers looking to increase audience engagement. FOX is currently in discussions with such providers and plans to announce additional partners soon.

“FOX is a leader in creating premium sync-to-broadcast experiences,” said Zane Vella, CEO at Watchwith. ”The launch of this syndication network is a true path to scale for FOX, their distribution partners, and advertisers. Watchwith is excited to help power this vision for the innovators at Fox Broadcasting Company.”

About Shazam®:
Shazam® is the world’s leading media engagement company with more than 300 million people in 200 countries and adding another two million new users each week. With the industry’s unlimited fastest tagging in the Free and premium Encore Apps on iOS and Android devices, Shazam is the best way for people to discover, explore, buy and share more music, TV shows and branded content they love.

Shazam makes it easy for people to share their discoveries with their friends on Facebook using the Shazam Friends feature, as well as on Twitter and Google+.  For people who don’t yet have the Shazam application on their smartphone, it is available for FREE on every major platform and can be found on iTunes App Store, Google play, Amazon App Store, AT&T’s AppCenter, Verizon VCast app store, Nokia Store, Windows Phone Marketplace, Blackberry App World and GetJar.

For further information about Shazam Entertainment visit www.shazam.com and @ShazamNews or follow us on Facebook.  For daily music updates follow theShazam Blog and @Shazam.

About Viggle℠:
Launched in January 2012, Viggle is a free second-screen media platform that rewards its members for watching their favorite TV shows. Viggle enhances TV with interactive games like Viggle LIVE and the first ever real-time fantasy sports game, MyGuy. Viggle members get rewarded for their TV time from places like Best Buy, Papa John’s, Fandango, Hulu Plus and Groupon, among others. Viggle also allows like-minded fans of their favorite shows to connect through Viggle Chatter features. Viggle’s audio verification technology recognizes shows on TV and allows members to check into live and DVR’d TV content from more than 170 of the most popular broadcast and cable channels. For more information, visit www.viggle.com, follow us on Twitter @Viggle or like us on Facebook.

About ConnecTV:
ConnecTV is the biggest social network designed specifically for TV fans – a second-screen companion entertainment experience that complements the video programming delivered from cable, satellite, telecom, over-the-air or online service providers. ConnecTV automatically connects television viewers while they watch their favorite programs and synchronizes engaging second-screen content, including the latest news, celebrity information, trivia, polls and play-by-play sports stats – as well as top Tweets and real-time chat with guest chat stars and other Superfans. ConnecTV subscribers can see what TV shows their friends are watching and invite them to a “viewing party” for conversation, games and prizes. ConnecTV also makes it easy to “one touch” share viewers’ favorite TV moments using Facebook, Twitter and email. ConnecTV was founded by pioneering executives at the intersection of media, entertainment and technology: Ian Aaron, Alan Moskowitz and Stacy Jolna.

About Dijit Media:
Dijit Media is a startup transforming the way people discover and experience TV shows and movies. Dijit’s newest product is NextGuide, a hyper-personalized TV listings guide designed specifically for the iPad™. The company’s first app, launched in 2011, was the Dijit Remote – the top-rated iOS remote control app, which also powers the experience for the Griffin Beacon iOS accessory. The company is venture-backed, based in San Francisco and is helmed by a team of serial entrepreneurs including TV technology industry veterans Jeremy Toeman and Adam Burg, as well as Stanford alum Thomas Quinto. More information about the company is available at www.dijit.com and more information about the app is available at www.nextguide.tv.

About Watchwith®:
Watchwith, the leader in related content syndication, unlocks value across the entertainment industry by transforming how people experience film and television. Watchwith gives content owners and app developers a way to realize new value by creating an engaging layer of time- based related content events, one-click commerce, and contextual advertising around film, television programming and commercials. Watchwith also provides business rules-based syndication of the related content experience to smartphones, tablets, connected TVs, game consoles and OTT set-top boxes. Powered by the Related Content Database™, Watchwith enables content owners to create new licensable related content properties that will generate profits across media far into the future. Watchwith is headquartered in San Francisco, CA. For more information visit watchwith.com.

 Source: Fox Broadcasting Company

LADWP Awards $765,000 in Grants to 17 Non-profits for Conservation Outreach to Hard-to-Reach Customers

Selected Non-profits to Receive $45,000 Grants for Energy and Water Conservation Awareness.

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) announced today that it has awarded $765,000 in grants to 17 local non-profit organizations to promote energy efficiency and water conservation.

The Los Angeles-based organizations will each receive a $45,000 grant to creatively reach diverse communities, encouraging them to reduce their energy and water use to benefit the environment and help lower their utility bills. The selected grant recipients will target a broad cross-section of residential and commercial customers, and are spread across all City Council districts. They will reach communities through multiple languages including English, Spanish, Armenian, Korean, and Tagalog, among others.

“LADWP has long needed to do a better job reaching non-English speaking and underserved communities and last year, with federal funding provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act we began to do just that.  We were very encouraged by the results, and this year we’ve extended the program with Department funds to build on our success and spur more of our customers to conserve power and water,” said LADWP General Manager Ronald O. Nichols.


“The conservation partnership grants are one part of a comprehensive package of energy efficiency and water conservation programs offered by LADWP and will help meet the Department’s goal of reducing energy consumption among customers by at least 10% by 2020 and further increase water conservation by customers. This year, LADWP has more than doubled its budget for energy efficiency to help more customers save power.

In the first round of the program, 32 federally-funded grants totaling $1.415 million were awarded to LA-based non-profits. These funds supported outreach projects that directly involved over 75,000 residential and business customers.  In addition, about 17,500 customers participated in more intensive workshops or training sessions.  Many of the community-based organizations that received the first-round grants in fiscal year 2011/12 now incorporate energy efficiency and water conservation into their ongoing outreach and education efforts.

This year, the program is expected to achieve similar results and will track and quantify energy and water savings achieved through the outreach.  Projects will be completed within one year.

Following is a list of this year’s grant recipients:

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Non-Profit Community Partnership Grants
2012-13 Grant Recipients:

Salvadoran American Leadership and Education Foundation

The River Project

Pacific Lodge Youth Services

The Children’s Nature Institute

Community Enhancement Services

Pacoima Beautiful

Greater Community Missionary Baptist Church

FAME Assistance Corporation

California Greenworks

Los Angeles Conservation Corps

The University Corp – Cal State Northridge

LA Community Garden Council

LAMP Community

Gang Alternatives Project

SCOPE

Green LA Coalition (Peer Facilitator)

Ballona Institute

John Palisano nominated for 2012 Bram Stoker Awards category of Superior Achievement in Short Fiction

On February 23rd, 2013, The Horror Writers Association (HWA) announced the Final Ballot for the 2012 Bram Stoker Awards®. The HWA (see www.horror.org ) is the premiere writers organization in the horror and dark fiction genre, with nearly 1000 members. We have presented the Bram Stoker Awards in various categories since 1987 (see http://www.horror.org/stokers.htm ).

The HWA Board and the Bram Stoker Awards Committee congratulate all these Bram Stoker Award Nominees.

Notes about the voting process appear after the ballot listing.

SUPERIOR ACHIEVEMENT IN A NOVEL

Ethridge, Benjamin Kane – Bottled Abyss (Redrum Horror)
Everson, John – NightWhere (Samhain Publishing)
Kiernan, Caitlin R. – The Drowning Girl (Roc)
Little, Bentley – The Haunted (Signet)
McKinney, Joe – Inheritance (Evil Jester Press)

SUPERIOR ACHIEVEMENT IN A FIRST NOVEL

Boccacino, Michael – Charlotte Markham and the House of Darkling (William Morrow)
Coates, Deborah – Wide Open (Tor Books)
Day, Charles – The Legend of the Pumpkin Thief (Noble YA Publishers LLC)
Dudar, Peter – A Requiem for Dead Flies (Nightscape Press)
Gropp, Richard – Bad Glass (Ballantine/Del Rey)
Soares, L.L. – Life Rage (Nightscape Press)

SUPERIOR ACHIEVEMENT IN A YOUNG ADULT NOVEL

Bray, Libba – The Diviners (Little Brown)
Lyga, Barry – I Hunt Killers (Little Brown)
Maberry, Jonathan – Flesh & Bone (Simon & Schuster)
McCarty, Michael – I Kissed A Ghoul (Noble Romance Publishing)
Stiefvater, Maggie – The Raven Boys (Scholastic Press)
Strand, Jeff – A Bad Day for Voodoo (Sourcebooks)

SUPERIOR ACHIEVEMENT IN A GRAPHIC NOVEL

Bunn, Cullen – The Sixth Gun Volume 3: Bound (Oni Press)
Moore, Terry – Rachel Rising Vol. 1: The Shadow of Death (Abstract Studio)
Thornton, Ravi – The Tale of Brin and Bent and Minno Marylebone (Jonathan Cape)
Wacks, Peter J., and Guy Anthony De Marco – Behind These Eyes (Villainous Press)
Wood, Rocky, and Lisa Morton – Witch Hunts: A Graphic History of the Burning Times (McFarland)

SUPERIOR ACHIEVEMENT IN LONG FICTION

Burke, Kealan Patrick – Thirty Miles South of Dry County (Delirium Books)
Ketchum, Jack, and Lucky McKee – I’m Not Sam (Sinister Grin Press)
McKinney, Joe, and Michael McCarty – Lost Girl of the Lake (Bad Moon Books)
O’Neill, Gene – The Blue Heron (Dark Regions Press)
Prentiss, Norman – The Fleshless Man (Delirium Books)

SUPERIOR ACHIEVEMENT IN SHORT FICTION

Boston, Bruce – Surrounded by the Mutant Rain Forest (Daily Science Fiction)
McKinney, Joe – Bury My Heart at Marvin Gardens (Best of Dark Moon Digest, Dark Moon Books)
Ochse, Weston – Righteous (Psychos, Black Dog and Leventhall Publication)
Palisano, John – Available Light (Lovecraft eZine, March 2012)
Snyder, Lucy – Magdala Amygdala (Dark Faith: Invocations, Apex Book Company)

SUPERIOR ACHIEVEMENT IN SCREENPLAY

Goldman, Jane – The Woman in Black (Cross Creek Pictures)
Kim, Sang Kyu – The Walking Dead, “Killer Within” (AMC TV)
Minear, Tim – American Horror Story: Asylum, “Dark Cousin” (Brad Falchuk Teley-Vision, Ryan Murphy Productions)
Ross, Gary, Suzanne Collins, and Billy Ray – The Hunger Games (Lionsgate, Color Force)
Whedon, Joss, and Drew Goddard – The Cabin in the Woods (Mutant Enemy Productions, Lionsgate)

SUPERIOR ACHIEVEMENT IN ANTHOLOGY

Castle, Mort, and Sam Weller – Shadow Show (HarperCollins)
Guignard, Eric J. – Dark Tales of Lost Civilizations (Dark Moon Books)
Miller, Eric – Hell Comes to Hollywood (Big Time Books)
Scioneaux, Mark C., R.J. Cavender, and Robert S. Wilson – Horror for Good: A Charitable Anthology (Cutting Block Press)
Swanson, Stan – Slices of Flesh (Dark Moon Books)

SUPERIOR ACHIEVEMENT IN FICTION COLLECTION

Carroll, Jonathan – Woman Who Married a Cloud: Collected Stories (Subterranean Press)
Castle, Mort – New Moon on the Water (Dark Regions)
Hand, Elizabeth – Errantry: Strange Stories (Small Beer Press)
Hirshberg, Glen – The Janus Tree (Subterranean Press)
Oates, Joyce Carol – Black Dahlia and White Rose: Stories (Ecco)

SUPERIOR ACHIEVEMENT IN NON-FICTION

Collings, Michael – Writing Darkness (CreateSpace)
Klinger, Les – The Annotated Sandman, Volume 1 (Vertigo)
Morton, Lisa – Trick or Treat: A History of Halloween (Reaktion Books)
Paffenroth, Kim, and John W. Morehead – The Undead and Theology (Pickwick Publications)
Phillips, Kendall R. – Dark Directions: Romero, Craven, Carpenter, and the Modern Horror Film (Southern Illinois University Press)

SUPERIOR ACHIEVEMENT IN POETRY

Addison, Linda, and Stephen M. Wilson – Dark Duet (NECON eBooks)
Boston, Bruce, and Gary William Crawford – Notes from the Shadow City (Dark Regions Press)
Collings, Michael – A Verse to Horrors (Amazon Digital Services)
Simon, Marge – Vampires, Zombies & Wanton Souls (Elektrik Milk Bath Press)
Turzillo, Mary A. – Lovers & Killers (Dark Regions)

NOTE: In two categories there are six nominees because two works tied for fifth place.

Our voting members will now vote on this Final Ballot, with voting closing on March 31 (only Active and Lifetime Members are eligible to vote).

The Final Ballot will be sent to Lifetime and Active Members on February 28. If you are an Active or Lifetime Member and do NOT receive your electronic Ballot link by March 1, please first check your spam/junk mail filter and then email admin@horror.org . Note that Ballots are sent to the same email address as the Newsletter and the Internet Mailer. It is the responsibility of Members to keep their email address up to date by advising the administrator of any changes at admin@horror.org. Late Ballots cannot be accepted under any circumstances.

If your work (you are the author, agent, editor, publisher, or publicist) appears on the ballot and you wish to provide a link allowing Voting Members to read the work there will be a SPECIAL FINAL BALLOT INTERNET MAILER issued on or about February 28. If your work was listed on the Special Preliminary Ballot Internet Mailer it will be relisted automatically and you need not email or query. If your work was not previously listed, please email the Internet Mailer editor at imailer@horror.org with the details as soon as you can but no later than February 27 (links will not be accepted for this Special IM after February 27). You may offer to send electronic copies; provide reading copies on a website; or physical copies. Anyone validly representing a work appearing on the Preliminary Ballot may submit via this method, whether or not they are HWA members (this includes the author, agent, editor, publisher or publicist of the work).

Do NOT spam Voting Members, this is a severe breach of etiquette – Active and Lifetime (voting) members tend to notice such breaches and may consider them when determining which works to vote for on the Ballot.

You may also post the fact that your work is available to be read for Bram Stoker Award consideration ONCE, and only once, here: http://www.horror.org/private/smf/index.php?board=12.0 (Bram Stoker Eligible Work). If you had already posted your work here prior to the announcement of the Final Ballot you ARE entitled to post it again. Note: Only members may post at this Forum but members are encouraged to post on behalf of non-members who may appear on the Ballot.

The Bram Stoker Awards for the 2012 calendar year will be presented at the 26th annual Bram Stoker Awards Banquet held during the Bram Stoker Awards Weekend 2013 Incorporating World Horror Convention in New Orleans on June 15.

Bookings and information at: http://www.stokers2013.org/ . Note: Banquet Tickets are separate from the Convention Membership and should be purchased directly from: http://stokers2013.horror.org/register.html.

About the Bram Stoker Awards:
Each year, the Horror Writer’s Association presents the Bram Stoker Awards for Superior Achievement, named in honor of Bram Stoker, author of the seminal horror work, Dracula. The Bram Stoker Awards were instituted immediately after the organization’s incorporation in 1987.
To ameliorate the competitive nature of any award system, the Bram Stoker Awards are given “for superior achievement,” not for “best of the year,” and the rules are deliberately designed to make ties possible. The first awards were presented in 1988 (for works published in 1987) and they have been presented every year since. The award itself is an eight-inch replica of a fanciful haunted house, designed specifically for HWA by sculptor Steven Kirk. The door of the house opens to reveal a brass plaque engraved with the name of the winning work and its author.

Any work of Horror first published in the English language may be considered for an award during the year of its publication. The categories for which a Bram Stoker Award may be presented have varied over the years, reflecting the state of the publishing industry and the horror genre.

From 2011 the eleven Bram Stoker Award categories are: Novel, First Novel, Short Fiction, Long Fiction, Young Adult, Fiction Collection, Poetry Collection, Anthology, Screenplay, Graphic Novel and Non-Fiction.

There are two paths to a work becoming a Nominee for the Bram Stoker Award. In one, the HWA membership at large recommends worthy works for consideration. A preliminary ballot for each category is compiled using a formula based on these recommendations. In the second, a Jury for each category also compiles a preliminary ballot. Two rounds of voting by our Active members then determine first the Final Ballot (all those appearing on the Final Ballot are “Bram Stoker Nominees”), and then the Bram Stoker Award Winners. The Winners are announced and the Bram Stoker Awards presented at a gala banquet, normally during the period between March and June.

In addition, Lifetime Achievement Awards are occasionally presented to individuals whose entire body of work has substantially influenced Horror.

Anti-paparazzi bill pushed by Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler approved by Hawaii Senate committee‏

The Hawaii Senate Judiciary Committee approved an anti-paparazzi bill that would allow people who are photographed on their private property or while taking part in “personal or family activities” to sue the photographer for invasion of privacy.

The bill — dubbed the “Steven Tyler Act” due to the Aerosmith lead singer’s role in initiating and drafting the initial legislation — was amended by Senate Committee Chairman Clayton Hee to limit the bill’s scope and clarify the wording. The bill is now expected to be voted on by the full state Senate.

Tyler and Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac testified before the Senate committee last week, urging members to approve the act. The stars argued that they should be able to enjoy time with their families on Hawaii’s beaches without being constantly stalked by paparazzi.

Hee amended much of the bill’s language, which was originally written by Tyler’s attorney, to mirror California’s anti-paparazzi law. The amendments include specifying what defines private property where a plaintiff would have a reasonable expectation of privacy, deleting language about civil fines and clarifying the definition of “personal or family activity.”

The bill would also outlaw the use of telephoto lenses and other advanced camera and recording equipment to view people on private property. Although the bill is supported primarily by celebrities and is aimed at paparazzi, it would apply to everyone.

Media organizations have criticized the bill for being too vague and infringing upon the First Amendment rights of photographers. The National Press Photographers Association, joined by 14 media organizations including the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, submitted a letter to the Legislature arguing against the measure.

“[The bill] imposes civil penalties of alarming breadth and burdens substantially more speech than is necessary to advance a compelling government interest,” the NPPA letter stated. “While we recognize the right of privacy, we oppose a broadening of these protections by abridging the clearly established tenents of First Amendment Jurisprudence.”


While most states have some sort of privacy laws that affect photography, California’s privacy laws have provisions taking aim at overzealous photographers seeking to snap celebrity photos. The state’s so-called “anti-paparazzi” law, which was first passed in 1999, prohibits trespassing with the intent of capturing photographic images or sound recordings of people in “personal or familial activity.”

The state’s vehicle code was also recently amended to include penalties for anyone who interferes with the driver of a vehicle, follows too closely or drives recklessly “with the intent to capture any type of visual image, sound recording or other physical impressions of another person for a commercial purpose.”

The California laws permit the subjects of illegally obtained photos to file a civil suit, and anyone who publishes illegally obtained photos can also be subject to fines.

Source: By Lilly Chapa from Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press

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