Introducing, PRESENTE with francisco aviles pino

For years, I’ve listened to and produced shows for universal audiences in Southern California but always felt a strong absence and void for reported and in-depth content that speaks directly to the Latino community. Nationally, I’ve been inspired by my friends and colleagues over at Futuro Media with Latino USA and their Pulitzer Prize-winning show “Suave” setting the tone for what complex Latino audio journalism should be. With over a year of contributing to CALÓ News as a writer and reporter, I’m honored and excited to introduce readers to PRESENTE, our first podcast.

The name

As an immigrant, I’ve been directly inspired and energized by all the movements here in the United States and especially the Chicana/o movement across the Southwest. In 2014, I organized a vigil while I was attending Fullerton College to commemorate the 43 missing students from my home state of Guerrero, Mexico. I had learned that reading off the names of missing or murdered people was a tradition in the Chicano movement as a call and response act where the crowd would affirm the word “presente” in Spanish to honor the names as our own. It also just translates to what we say in grade school when a teacher calls off your name during attendance.  

As a news organization named after Chicano slang and with a host who is an immigrant, it is only logical to name our first show PRESENTE. 

A little about me 

I’ve written about my journey across the border for CALÓ so I won’t say it here but I grew up learning that telling your story was important, though telling the story of those around you can be even more impactful. 

For almost ten years, I’ve been the writer and producer for documentaries, some audio shows and even political campaigns. I got my start writing for campaigns for elected officials, organizations like the ACLU and much more, with the last few years primarily focused on uplifting Latino research and stories. 

I’ve also taught and produced theatre across Los Angeles and at my alma mater, UCLA. This is however my first time hosting something like this and I’m excited to be open and share this journey. 

What to expect 

With an array of many different guests and topics, the show is set to be a versatile journey just like the Latino experience is. Think of KQED’s “The California Report” and “The Assignment with Audie Cornish” but for CALÓ News. Each episode takes on an important ballot initiative, a major local elected seat and all the major issues facing Latinos in California with a focus on Southern California -- representation in media, criminal justice, housing , immigration, the economy, climate justice and much more. The show breaks down these topics into 30-minute episodes that are released occasionally on Tuesdays and promoted throughout the week.

Some episodes will be deep dives with a guest while others will be reported pieces with possible guest appearances by CALÓ News contributors. 

How can you support the show? 

I always wanted to be in a punk or thrash metal band and have backyard shows but I guess I wasn’t cool enough for that. This however is like my band whose first single and first album matters so please support us by, of course, listening and following the show wherever you get your podcasts. 

If you also have tips and pitches for what or who the show should have on, please email us at info@calonews.com

Thank you for supporting our first show, we look forward to sharing more!