Testimony of Claudia Puig Before Congress

Testimony presented to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for nomination to the Board of Directors Corporation for Public Broadcasting

November 18, 2004

Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today to discuss my nomination to the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. I would also like to express my deep gratitude to the President for nominating me.

I was born in Cuba, and arrived in this country as a 8-year-old girl. It was shortly after the Bay of Pigs, where my father was executed by Castro’s firing squad and my mother was imprisoned in their struggle to bring freedom to Cuba. My mother, brother, sisters and I were given political asylum to this country. Neither I nor my three younger siblings spoke a word of English when we arrived in 1961. As an immigrant, I understand well the challenges that newcomers face when they arrive. Public broadcasting can serve as an important vehicle to help educate, inform and serve the needs of this growing sector of the population.

My professional experience over the last 20 years has been in Spanish-language commercial radio, marketing and promotions. As Senior Vice President/Eastern Regional Manager of Univision Radio, I am responsible for all aspects of operations -- from programming to financial – of radio stations in key Hispanic markets like in Miami, New York, and Puerto Rico. As you know, the Hispanic population is the fastest growing segment of the US population, and I have a great understanding of its needs, interests and to the best ways to reach it.

This country has given me many wonderful opportunities including the ability to serve actively on various boards including Florida International University Board of Trustees, United Way Board of Trustees, The American Cancer Society Hispanic Board, the Florida Broadcasters Association, the Orange Bowl Committee, New American Alliance, and others

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I truly believe that public broadcasting plays a unique role in education. It can transcend the limitations that are place on commercial broadcast outlets and offer high quality entertainment and information programs that enlighten, inform and enrich our communities. I am drawn to public broadcasting for its commitment to provide high quality educational programming and especially award winning children’s programs from Sesame Street to Between the Lions, which helps young children learn to read. Equally important, PBS provides educational opportunities to all members of the community by offering instructional, informational and cultural programs.

Public radio also provides the American public with in-depth, quality news and programming day after day. As a Board member for less than a year, I have become very impressed with the public’s opinion about public radio as one of the more trust worthy and in-depth providers of news around the world.

This is a very exciting and challenging time to be part of public broadcasting. Technology is rapidly changing, making it possible for public broadcasting to reach more people and to empower new voices. I believe that digital technology offers public broadcasting even more opportunities to provide programs that reflect the diversity and culture of America. Thru digital technology, both public radio and television stations will have more channels to broadcast simultaneously programs that appeal to different audiences, age groups, needs or interests.

If confirmed to this position, I will work to ensure that CPB continues to be a leader in responding to emerging technologies and developing multi media platforms that are consistent with the public broadcasting criteria. From emergency notification to emergency services, the opportunities are many. I would also work to ensure that public broadcasting remains committed to the development of high quality programming that represents all segments of the public interest and needs.

Serving Americans effectively requires public broadcasters to take advantage of new technology and to provide continued high quality programming. But it requires something more as well – an understanding of how America is changing.

Public broadcasters, like all broadcasters, face the challenge of an America that is growing increasingly diverse. As a Hispanic woman with years of experience in reaching diverse markets – and years of experience in diverse workplaces – I believe that both my business experience and my life experience will help CPB to respond to the needs of an increasingly diverse population.

Thank you again for the opportunity to appear before you today. I’m happy to respond to any questions that you may have.