"THE 2008 ALMA AWARDS'(R)" ALL-STAR EVENT KICKS OFF HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH WITH HOST EVA LONGORIA PARKER

Showcase Highlighting Latino Contributions to Entertainment Industry Airs September 12 on ABC

Call for Entries Open Until June 6

"The 2008 ALMA Awards," celebrating the outstanding artistic achievements of Latinos in motion pictures, television and music, will air FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

Television and film actress Eva Longoria Parker returns once again as executive producer and host of the telecast. "The 2008 ALMA Awards" will tape Sunday, August 17 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

"We are thrilled that this year's broadcast of the ALMA Awards will kick off Hispanic Heritage Month," said Janet Murgu�a, president and CEO of the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the largest national Latino civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States.

"What better way is there to celebrate than with a star-studded showcase of Latino contributions to American culture?," Murgu�a continued. "We are also delighted to have Eva back as our host. She's respected and talented in the entertainment industry and a true champion for our community.

"I am honored to executive-produce and host the ALMA Awards with NCLR again," said Longoria Parker. "Every year I think we build a stronger show with some of the most amazing talent and performers."

The ALMA Awards Call for Entries was also officially opened for the 2008 selection process. In addition to the nominated awards, a series of special achievement honors will be presented. Nominees will be announced at a live press conference on Tuesday, July 8.

The ALMA Awards was created by the National Council of La Raza in 1995 as part of NCLR's strategy to promote the diverse, accurate and balanced portrayals of Latinos in the media and the enhancement of the Latino image in the entertainment industry, and to serve as an example of how inclusion strengthens the entertainment industry, just as diversity strengthens the country.

For more information on "The 2008 ALMA Awards," please visit www.almaawards.com.

About NCLR

NCLR was founded in 1968 to improve life opportunities for Hispanic Americans, and represents over 275 local affiliates, community-based organizations that provide housing, education, immigration and social services to more than four million Latinos annually in 37 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and a broader network of more than 30,000 groups and individuals.

Following is the calendar of events:

ELIGIBILITY PERIOD: JANUARY 1, 2007 - MAY 31, 2008

March 31 Rules and entry forms available online

June 6 Entry form deadline for all entries that were originally presented May 17, 2008 - May 31, 2008, 5:00 p.m., PT

July 8 Nominations announcement press conference

July 9 Awards selection online polling begins

July 30 Awards selection online polling ends

August 17 2008 NCLR ALMA Awards presentation (taping)

September 12 "The 2008 ALMA Awards" broadcasts on ABC (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET)