LATIN LIFE TV HIGHLIGHTS

VIBRANT CULTURE TV SHOW IS A BRIDGE BETWEEN HISPANICS AND OTHER CANADIANS

By Sharon Aschaiek -- Special to Today's Canadian

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“There's more to Latin life than just salsa.”

That's the explanation Roberto Hausman provides when asked about Latin Life , a new weekly half-hour program he hosts and produces that showcases the best that Latin culture in Ontario has to offer. Wanting to counteract some of the stereotypes about Latin culture and to portray its depth and accomplishments, he launched the show last April on Telelatino, but now it's on the A Channel (Channel 20) every Saturday morning at 8:30am.

Each week, Hausman and his crew .. attend . concerts, art exhibitions, festivals and more to find .. and . spotlight . the people, places and events making waves in .. the . Latin . community. The program covers a wide range of .. subjects, such as . fashion, music, business, entertainment, .. politics, travel, dining, . art and more.

 
“Before this, there weren't a lot of TV shows showing the variety, richness and diversity within the Hispanic community in Ontario and Canada at large,” says Hausman, a native of Uruguay and also president of the Canadian Hispanic Chamber of Commerce . “I realized the need to truly let the Hispanic culture become better known among the Canadian public.”

The show ( www.latinlife.tv ) will provide the highlights of the key annual cultural and business events that represent Latin culture, including Latin American Expo, Latin Fiesta, Latinoforum, Hispanic Celebration of Literature and Culture, Latin American Achievement Awards, Miss Latin America Pageant and Miss Latina Canada World.

Canadians love Latin culture . They find it and the people fun, exciting and easy going. We want to share that vibrant side of our culture, while at the same time educate people about our history and achievements,” Hausman says. He is intent on balancing the show's arts and cultural content with hard-hitting political news and views.

To that end, he has had an impressive array of politicians — both Hispanic and non-Hispanic — on the show as guests, including Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, Toronto city councillor Cesar Palacio, Canadian Minister of International Trade Jim Peterson, and President of the Dominican Republic Leonel Fernandez Reyna.

As well, the show takes a close look at social issues specifically affecting Latin Canadians, the happenings in the local Hispanic business community, and the key Hispanic entrepreneurs who are achieving notable success in their fields. “There are plenty of large Latino companies and innovative small business that are really making an impact on the economy,” Hausman says. “We import great food from Central and South America, wine from Chile and Spain , and beautiful jewelry and arts and crafts from all over the Latin world. Our culture has a lot to offer on many different levels.”

Travel content figures prominently into the show's programming, and includes in-depth profiles of various Latin countries, including Puerto Rico, Chile and the Dominican Republic . The next season will include up-close profiles of countries such as Peru , Ecuador and Guatemala .

Now entering its third season and airing Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. on the A Channel (Channel 20) , Hausman hopes that the show not only informs Canadians about the highlights of Latin culture , but also acts as a link for newly immigrated Hispanic Canadians. “I feel that the show is a bridge between Hispanics and other Canadians,” Hausman says. “It's a way for people to learn about our culture, and for new Hispanic Canadians to learn about what's happening in the Latin community .”