Houston Tejanos Seek Apology From Univision 45 For Negative Comment About Their Music

Univision 45 was facing a boycott by Tejanos and supporters in Houston for female news commentator's negative comment about Tejano music.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

March 3, 2015

Houston, Texas - On Monday, José Vega, a member of the Tejano Heritage Alliance (THA) confirmed that the group had requested for Univision 45 to make a public apology within 48 hours or face a vast boycott by the Tejano community regarding news commentator Laura Sierra's comment that indicated Tejano music "ya no pega" (is no longer popular) during a February 18th news broadcast. The news broadcast was about the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) and La Mafia band singer Oscar de la Rosa ranting and claiming the HLSR was discriminating against Tejano music and artists.

Vega was immediately contacted by Univision 45 about the proposed Tejano community boycott and later posted on his Facebook account that, "Univision Houston is neutral of The Tejano Movement in Htown and they will prove that on air on Wednesday..." morning, according  to Vega. Tejanos in Houston are expecting an apology from Sierra, the Univision 45 news commentator on Wednesday.

The THA staged a protest last Saturday during the HLSR parade for their practice not to include Tejano music artists during their March 15 "Go Tejano Day" event. Hundreds of Tejanos and supporters held "Bring Back Tejano Music" signs along the parade route. Many of the HLSR parade participants backed and supported the THA claim, which has raised an awareness that Tejano music si pega (is not popular) despite, Sierra's comment on Univision 45 and the HLSR's claim that it was not and doesn't sell out concerts. In contrary, Tejano venues during prior Go Tejano Day at the HLSR arena event were sold out, including Little Joe y La Familia, Emilio Naviara and La Mafia concerts during the Houston rodeo event. La Mafia broke the all time record for attendance during Go Tejano Day.

Univision KXLN-45 was contacted by Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) via e-mail on Monday about the THA's public apology request or face a boycott, but no response was made regarding Sierra's negative Tejano music comment or apology request.

Univision 45 news video, Laura Sierra's negative Tejano music comment:  http://bit.ly/1JrVN1f