By Brenda Melara
¿Que Pasa New Orleans?is a bilingual television entertainment show that will debut on YurView Cox in the Florida market, specifically Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach and Gainesville, starting on Saturday, November 6 at 10am (CT) with a replay on Sundays at 10pm (CT). The show, which was created in 2010 by Javier Olondo and produced by Hispanic Flavor Productions, has partnered with Conexion Media Group, to make this happen. The dynamic, informative, and cultural program will air every week and will be full of interesting and fun content. In each episode, the hosts will guide the viewers to the exciting multicultural events in and around New Orleans, Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach and Gainesville. These events will include concerts, food events, festivals, restaurants, art galleries, sports, and more. Conexion Media Group will be the key player in highlighting the “connection” between the viewer and Florida. “I’m excited to work with David Triana and his team. I think we’re going to make a positive impact,” said Olondo.
Olondo, a musician himself, originally decided to create a half hour show to not only promote New Orleans but to provide a positive economic impact to the state of Louisiana through a television show conceived, planned, and produced by local Hispanic talent. Also, to support Latino artists and musicians who are vital contributors to the culture’s diversity and heritage to the New Orleans and surrounding areas. Finally, to increase interest in the Latino culture and heritage by presenting the highest caliber of artists, musicians, and other top talent to install a sense of pride in the Latino community. “What excites me more is that is serves to educate the non-Latinos about our culture and show them the rich and colorful traditions we enjoy,” said Olondo. “Now we are not only in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Houston but also, Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach and Gainesville. Eleven years of hard work has gotten us here. I’m very grateful for that.”
The production team of Que Pasa New Orleans has created more than 400 shows throughout the years. It has brought the viewer to countries such as Spain, Honduras, Cuba, and France and to many cities throughout the United States. Another important gift the show brings to the viewer are the interviews with government officials, specifically outside the United States. In the past, QPNO has secured interviews with Artur Mas, President of the Generalitat de Catalunya and ministers of Spain and Chile. It has also aired special appearances by First Lady Michelle Obama, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia and President Bill Clinton. “As the show evolved, I realized that it was important to feature important leaders if we had the opportunity. We’ve been very fortunate to have been granted these interviews and I am proud that the show has been able to be an important platform to get their messages out,” commented Olondo.
He also added that one of the favorites shows each year has been covering the red-carpet interviews at the Billboard Latin Music Awards either from Puerto Rico, Las Vegas or Miami, with the exception of 2020 and 2021, due to the pandemic. “It’s one of our favorite events to cover,” said Olondo, “and we hope to continue the tradition in 2022.
What does Olondo expect with Que Pasa New Orleans now airing in Florida? “I hope to bring the community closer through our culture,” he said. “So, tune in on Saturdays starting on November 6 to YurView on Cox. I also want to welcome Conexion Media Group to the Que Pasa New Orleans family.”
