Pictured from left to right: Saul Hernandez, Charter Communications; Robert Fisher, Verizon; Freddy Arias Jr., Comercio TV; Michael Fernandez, V-Me Media Inc.; Burke Berendes, 2042 Media; Rep. Erin Houchin (IN); Mark Williams, Ferox Strategies; Iris Gonzalez, Links-G Consulting; and Leo Muñoz, Comcast.
The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institue (CHLI) held a Congressional Public Policy Briefing on Media and Telecommunications on July 15th, 2025, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
The briefing brought together a diverse group of experts in media and telecommunications to have in-depth dialogue on current public policy issues that affect the U.S. Hispanic and Portuguese communities.
The evening began with opening remarks from CHLI Chairwoman, The Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who emphasized the need for inclusive technology policies that ensure equitable access to digital tools and media.
Pictured from left to right: Rep. Erin Houchin (IN) and Mark Williams, Ferox Strategies.
This was followed by a fireside chat, moderated by CHLI Advisory Council Member and Principal at Ferox Strategies, Mark Williams, who led a conversation with Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Their discussion focused on spectrum policy and wireless infrastructure and its impact on rural communities.
Pictured from left to right: Michael Fernandez, V-Me Media Inc.; Burke Berendes, 2042 Media; Freddy Arias Jr., Comercio TV; and Iris Gonzalez, Links-G Consulting.
The briefing continued with our first panel discussion on the future of independent media, moderated by Iris Gonzalez, Founder and President of G-Links Consulting. Panelists included Freddy Arias Jr., Co-Founder and Director of Content Strategy at Comercio TV; CHLI Advisory Council Member, Burke Berendes, Partner at 2042 Media; and Michael Fernandez, Vice President of Marketing at V-Me Media. They discussed challenges facing independent networks such as media consolidation and limited distribution, as well as the importance of culturally relevant programming and policy.
Pictured: CHLI Board Member, Rep. Tony Gonzales (TX)
The program continued with remarks from CHLI Board Member and Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Conference (CHC) Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX), who discussed the importance of secure and reliable telecommunications infrastructure in rural and border communities.
Pictured left to right: Saul Hernandez, Charter Communications; Leo Muñoz, Comcast; and Robert Fisher, Verizon.
Our second panel focused on broadband policy, moderated by Tripp McKemey, Senior Policy Advisor at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP. Panelists included Robert Fisher, Vice President of Federal Government Relations & Public Affairs at Verizon; CHLI Executive Board Member, Leo Muñoz, Associate Vice President of Federal Government Affairs at Comcast; and Saul Hernandez, Vice President of Government Affairs at Charter Communications. Experts shared their insights on expanding broadband access, strengthening infrastructure, and promoting equitable adoption that can drive economic opportunity and community advancement.
Pictured: CHLI Board Member, Rep. Darren Soto (FL)
CHLI Board Member and Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Congressman Darren Soto (FL), shared valuable remarks regarding broadband policy and the importance of transparency and access.
The program concluded with an engaging audience Q&A followed by a networking reception, where attendees continued the conversation on bridging the digital divide and promoting inclusive media representation.
Special thank you to our sponsors: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Coca-Cola Company, Capital One, CITI, Amazon, Dell Technologies, Green Hills Software, Oportun, Charter Communications, Chevron, Dominion Energy, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Comcast, NBC Universal, Telemundo, ServiceNow, and 2042 Media
To view a full recording of the CHLI Public Policy Briefing, click here.
To view pictures of the event, click here.
To view additional coverage of our event, click here
ABOUT CHLI:
The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) is the premier organization founded by former Members of Congress to advance economic prosperity with a focus on social responsibility and global competitiveness. CHLI is dedicated to advancing the Hispanic community’s diversity of thought and fostering a broad awareness of the heritage, interests, and views of Americans of Hispanic and Portuguese descent.
For more information about CHLI and its programs, please contact Mary Ann Gomez Orta at mgomezorta@chli.org