LITERANISTA Dialogue on Multicultural Books, Tech & Life

NEW YORK, Aug. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Selecciones, the world’s best-selling Spanish-language magazine, celebrates a major milestone this year — 35 years since the debut of its first U.S. edition. Since its launch in 1971, the magazine has been a leading voice in world news, topical health issues, parenting advice, and celebrity exclusives, specifically targeting U.S. Hispanic families.

Selecciones will commemorate its 35th anniversary during Hispanic Heritage Month by introducing an annual signature franchise issue and event, “Generation Latino: Hispanic Teens Who Are Changing the World.” The pages of the magazine will come to life at a special awards luncheon and media event in Miami on October 4 honoring seven extraordinary Hispanic teens for their talents, accomplishments and unsurpassed contributions to their communities. Seven of today’s most prominent newsmakers — TV personalities, musicians, athletes, and political leaders — will also be on-hand to present each teen with an award and will deliver their own personal stories of obstacles, successes and achievements.

As the event’s Platinum sponsor, McDonald’s, will present each teen with a $2,500 scholarship, reinforcing its commitment and continued support of the Ronald McDonald House Charities(R)/ Hispanic American Commitment to Educational Resources(R) RMHC(R)/HACER(R) scholarship program. Since the program began in 1985, more than 12,000 Hispanic students have received more than $14 million dollars in scholarships to support their education.

“Hispanic teens account for 38% of the U.S. Hispanic population. What better way to celebrate our anniversary than with the future leaders of tomorrow,” says Selecciones publisher Elizabeth Bradley. “We are thrilled to offer advertisers this innovative and integrated franchise opportunity.”

“McDonald’s is pleased to partner with Selecciones on this great event celebrating a group of very talented Hispanic students,” said Rick Marroquin, Director of Marketing, McDonald’s USA. “For many years McDonald’s has been a big supporter of education and we are pleased to help these students pursue their dreams through higher education,” added Marroquin.

Selecciones’ first Spanish-language global edition launched in Cuba in 1940 by Reader’s Digest founders Dewitt and Lila Wallace. Today, Selecciones and its sister publications reach a global audience of nearly 10 million throughout more than 10 Latin American countries.

“Our readers have been extremely brand loyal for the past 35 years,” says Selecciones editor-in-chief Genevieve Marlin-Fernandez. “U.S. Hispanics turn to Selecciones for its cultural relevance and original editorial content. But even more so, they embrace the magazine because it connects them to their families across the globe.”

During Hispanic Heritage month, the magazine will also reproduce its original 1940 and 1971 vintage covers for the October issue creating a collector’s edition, “then-and-now” retrospective for in-book advertisers. Additionally, Selecciones will launch multi-tiered advertiser and consumer initiatives including customized retail programs, brand-building grassroots events and innovative distribution opportunities throughout top-Hispanic targeted cities.

Over the past six years, the U.S. based Selecciones’ total circulation has increased an impressive 87% — from 200,000 to 375,000, currently reaching more than three million U.S. Hispanics. The brand continues to prove strong, year over year, with an average yearly circulation growth of 11%. Additionally, its annual subscription price of $20.56 has held steady for the past six years.