Nickelodeon Honored by Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute for Educational Programming

Dora the Explorer, Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, Recognized for Promoting Multiculturalism, Bilingualism and Diversity

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Nickelodeon

Sep 16, 2010, 02:01 ET

NEW YORK, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and Dora the Explorer's 10th anniversary, Nickelodeon has been awarded the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Service Award for its commitment to educational programming that promotes the ideals of multiculturalism, bilingualism, and diversity. On Sept. 13, Congressman Silvestre Reyes (D-TX) formally announced the recognition for the Congressional Record on the floor of the House of Representatives.

During his remarks about Nickelodeon and "Dora the Explorer" on the House Floor, Congressman Reyes said, "Nickelodeon is one of these important partners that has been successful in incorporating the values of multiculturalism, bilingualism, and diversity by producing shows like 'Dora the Explorer.'" Later in his speech, Congressman Reyes added, "The show's main character, Dora Marquez, has become an ambassador of Latino language and culture, reaching millions of children around the world. The show's creators have been able to use the full power of animation to transform the television medium as a force for bridging cultural gaps and educating children about diversity television."

Congressman Reyes serves as the Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, the first Hispanic American in U.S. history to lead the committee. As co-chair of the Communications, Technology, and Arts Taskforce, Congressman Reyes works to promote the advancement of Latino arts and culture in all mediums, including print, broadcast, and the Internet.

"We are honored that the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute is recognizing our efforts to present diversity in our programming," said Cyma Zarghami, President, Nickelodeon. "As we celebrate Dora's 10th anniversary, we are proud that our Latino heroine continues to be a role model and that the show is considered a successful representation of multiculturalism, bilingualism and diversity. We take great pride in developing entertainment and educational programming that reflect the diverse world today's kids live in."

Since launching on Nickelodeon Aug. 14, 2000, Dora the Explorer has emerged as a pop culture phenomenon and is currently the number-one rated preschool show on commercial television year-to-date. (Source: NMR, Live+7 Blended with Live+SD from 12/28/09-7/20/10). Dora the Explorer, which can be seen in 151 markets and is translated into 30 languages, has been honored with a number of awards, including the Peabody, NAACP, Alma, Imagen, Latino Spirit, Gracie Allen, Parents' Choice Award, the Television Critics Association Award and has received 16 Daytime Emmy nominations.

Nickelodeon, now in its 31st year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 16 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B).

SOURCE Nickelodeon