by Libby Juliá Vázquez
I must confess that when I was asked to represent Being Latino at Telemundo’s Digital Influencer’s Day in Miami, I had to give it a
little thought. As a committed member of Being Latino, Inc.’s administration I felt duty-bound to go and represent, but as someone who doesn’t watch Spanish-language TV or award shows, I thought the opportunity would be lost on me. As I mulled it over, I realized that my lack of fanatical excitement might just be what the event required, as it would translate to pure objectivity. (And really, who could say no to a few days in Miami and out of the Chicago cold?)
The event, an opportunity for digital influencers such as Being Latino to have some very productive conversations with Telemundo executives, talent, and staff about the role that social media is taking in marketing, the dissemination of news, and even regular TV-watching, was a successful one.
With a day of discussion at Telemundo’s headquarters, and an afternoon touring Telemundo’s studios to see where and how novelas are made, this non-fan was quickly becoming a fan and excited at the prospect of seeing the red carpet at the Billboard Latin Music Awards.
Nowhere was the power of social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter more evident than at the awards. As we were ushered to seats on the side of the red carpet and began sharing information and photos as soon as the festivities began, Telemundo staff tweeted which celebrity had just arrived before they made it in front of the camera. Fans who were following were privy to information that those simply sitting in front of the TV were not. Attendees were able to share photos with each other, and with friends and family elsewhere as it happened.
The die-hard fans were behind us screaming, cheering, and often crying (Prince Royce was very popular). They were holding up posters and their excitement was palpable and contagious as the celebrities, who were friendly and loving towards their fans, stopped in front of them to share kisses, hugs, take pictures, and sign autographs.
Many say social media has taken over as if it’s a negative thing, but as I shared my experience live with friends through Facebook statuses and photos, I felt they were there with me. I didn’t have to recall and retell my story later; they almost lived it with me. Social media is changing our lives and it is here to stay.
Click on photos to enlarge
Gaby Espino
Yarel
Jason Canela
Cristian Castro
Jorge Bernal interviews Natalia Jimenez
Luis Fonsi
Rashel Diaz
Prince Royce talks to his fans
Cultura Profetica
Tercer Cielo
Telemundo president, Don Browne
A fan's view of Juanes
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To learn more about Libby, visit the about us section.
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those
of the author and should not be understood to be shared by Being Latino, Inc.
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Being Latino Online Magazine 