The layoffs in the industry and the awful economy have also caught up with the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. Facing a projected $300,000 deficit, NAHJ has decided to cancel this year’s Noche de Triunfos awards ceremony, to concentrate on fundraising. Awards will be given out. The staff is working on the logistics. The cancellation of the event is said to be a one-time deal.
Noche de Triunfos was made a stand alone event, getting pulled from the annual convention programming in 2004, as part of NAHJ’s fundraising strategy. But in the past 4 years, the association has struggled to make it financially viable, dedicating a great deal of time and human resources to put the show on.
Adding to NAHJ’s troubles has been a 36% drop in membership and a huge drop in attendance at its annual convention, this year held in Puerto Rico. Barely 800 people attended, compared to almost 2,000 in the last convention (pre Unity last year). While it was not a financial success, those who made it to San Juan gave rave reviews on the multi-media training.
