Schwarzenegger - Turn Off Spanish-Language TV

FULL DISCLOSURE: I have been a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists off and on for more than a decade. I worked for two Spanish-language television networks for a total of seven and a half years.

Speaking at an event organized by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger reportedly

"drew gasps from some of the 700 people in the audience by suggesting that undocumented immigrants "have got to turn off the Spanish-language television" programs in order to learn English."

I thought one reaction cited in the LA Times article was particularly on target

"Cecilia Alvear, a former TV news producer, was only half kidding when she said, "What? And give up my telenovelas?"

The LAT failed to note some worthwhile background to the Governor's statement. Namely, Schwarzenegger gladly took large contributions from former Univision CEO, Chair and controlling shareholder A. Jerrold Perenchio.

Perhaps he shares conservative concerns about Univision´s new owners and the network´s citizenship and voter registration drives.

UPDATE:

The Modesto Bee provides additional background on the irony of the Governor's request to turn off Spanish-language television. The article highlights Schwarzenegger's Spanish-language Web site, Hispanic media outreach and provides additional details on the contributions of former Univision CEO A. Jerrold Perenchio's to the Governor.