L-r: Katie Couric, America Ferrera and Carlos Mencia
Sonia Sotomayor, Maria Elena Salinas, America Ferrera, and Carlos Mencia talk about Latinos and the American Dream on Katie
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor
Latinos as a class and a culture get pretty short shrift on American talk shows, especially since the demise of George Lopez’ program (which wasn’t all that heavy on Latino guests or topics itself). But Katie Couric is trying to fill the gap, at least a little, with an hour-long exploration of “the power and influence of the Latin explosion” on her fledgling talk show Katie, this Friday February 8.
“Find out how the fastest growing minority in the U.S. is making the American dream a reality,” the press release told us. “First, Katie welcomes Latin television’s hottest host, Maria Elena Salinas. How “The Voice of Hispanic America” is making waves! Then, critically acclaimed Golden Globe winning actress America Ferrera! And, from the street to the studio, we’ll enter the “Mind of Mencia” with comedian Carlos Mencia! Plus, Katie’s interview with Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. The Hispanic history-maker on her rise from humble beginnings in the Bronx to the highest court in the country!” So many exclamation points! Or, as Stephen Colbert recently called the upside-down Spanish punctuation, Mexclamation mark.
Katie seem to recognize the potential for Latinocentric talk topics; in the last couple of weeks she also had back-to-back interviews with Jennifer Lopez and Juanes. Hopefully this is part of a continuing trend. Meanwhile, check out the promo below, then consult local listings for Katie’s local time and channel for her “Latinos Rising” extravaganza.
