Ethnic Media Legislation Passes First Policy Committee

(Sacramento, CA) – Following passage of AB 1511 through the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy, bill author Assembly Member Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles) released the following statement:

“It is imperative that we connect ALL Californians to current events through the unique lens of their respective cultural and ethnic backgrounds,” said Assembly Member Santiago.

“That is why we must establish the office of Ethnic Media to build relationships with media outlets serving Californians of ALL ethnic backgrounds and ensure the state of California is disseminating information in culturally sensitive and accessible ways. All Californians deserve access to state information and programs, regardless of our ethnic backgrounds.”

AB 1511 would create the office of Ethnic Media to help state agencies and departments maximize the use of ethnic and community media as platforms for state government advertising and outreach. The Office of Ethnic Media would cultivate relationships with ethnic and community media, and advise state departments on strategies to increase integration of ethnic and community media into the state’s advertising and outreach campaigns.

The bill would require the office, by Jan. 1, 2029, to submit a report to the Legislature with information relating to coverage and translation of ethnic media and the challenges, efforts to overcome challenges, and options to improve the program.

AB 1511 will be heard next in the Appropriations Committee.

Assembly Member Miguel Santiago is the Chair of the Assembly Committee on Governmental Organization. He also sits on the Assembly Committees on Public Safety, Health, HigherEducation and Utilities and Energy. He represents the 54th District composed of the cities of Los Angeles, Commerce, Montebello, and Vernon.

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