The Hispanic Media Spotlight Series is a unique weekly feature of the Hispanic PR Blog made possible by the Hispanic PR practice team of South Florida-based Tilson PR.
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Vista Magazine, a bi-monthly, bilingual publication nationally distributed to newspapers with a combined circulation of approximately 900,000 has been publishing for 26 years.
Owned by ImpreMedia, the publication serves established and emerging Hispanic communities throughout the United States and is designed to represent cultural heritage in an upbeat and compelling editorial format. Vista’s unique editorial approach delivers content focused on issues central to Latinas’ contemporary lives in health, family, finances, parenting, education, style and celebrations.
Marissa Rodriguez, Editorial Director of Vista Magazine, gives her take on how to effectively reach Hispanic audiences and gives us some insights about her personal tastes.
What advice would you give PR people when pitching you?
RODRIGUEZ: My advice would be to get to know our brand and who we are today. Vista Magazinehas been in print for 27 years! It was one of the first national magazines for Latinos, and today we focus on supporting and inspiring Latinas to live an organized, balanced and fulfilled life. Also, know our sections and the topics we cover. They focus on the areas central to our lives like family, health, style, food, home and spirit, among others!
How do you like to be pitched and what do you think of people pitching you via Twitter or Facebook?
RODRIGUEZ: Being pitched through Facebook is just fine; in fact you can like us and reach us via www.facebook.com/vistamagazine. I prefer the longer-form descriptions that I can get through e-mail or Facebook messages, rather than a short-form Tweet.
What is your biggest pet peeve when being pitched?
RODRIGUEZ: I would have to say getting pitches that have are inappropriate for our brand and mission, and then being hounded about why the pitch hasn’t been featured in print or online, would be considered by biggest pet peeve.
What stories are you currently working on that you are seeking products, experts, or content for?
RODRIGUEZ: I am always looking for innovative products, experts or ideas that can provide solutions to everyday challenges; especially those faced by contemporary Latinas.
Do you prefer being pitched in English or in Spanish?
RODRIGUEZ: As we publish in both languages, I am open to news and information in either language.
Are there certain day and/or times when you are most available to connect?
RODRIGUEZ: Not necessarily, so initial communication by e-mail is usually best.
What is the most fundamental editorial change that has happened at Vista in the past three to five years?
RODRIGUEZ: In the past few years, the most fundamental change has definitely been our redesign and rebranding initiative. In 2011, we launched the new look and refreshed identity for Vista Magazine as an essential resource to help contemporary Latinas to live well. Our focus naturally evolved from “news you can use” approach, into a modern lifestyle guide with accessible and practical tips and advice for daily life from Latina experts and contributors who can give great insights into our values, needs and experiences.
In the last few months, the most fundamental editorial change has occurred online. VistaMagazine.com recently went live with an updated look and feel, more editorial content and a responsive design, which optimizes viewing on personal computers, tablets or mobile devices. Plus, there are more opportunities for interactivity, social media discussion and sharing, and commenting.
Is there a canción that INSTANTLY makes you want to get up and dance?
RODRIGUEZ: This is the toughest of all the questions, but it would have to be “Eres para mi” by Julieta Venegas. It’s a few years old, but never ceases to get me in a good mood. If you haven’t heard it, check it out here.
What is your favorite Hispanic dish?
RODRIGUEZ: Without a doubt, it’s Mexican-style coctel de camarones. I love the mix of fresh shrimp, big chunks of avocado, spicy broth and lime. Living in Miami with great seafood and warm weather, I could eat this any time of year.
Have a product or story you’d like to share with Marissa?
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