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00:00 So we all come together tonight, I think, at a unique moment in history.
00:06 We live in times of great complexity and we live in times of great consequence.
00:14 We have a moment where misinformation and disinformation is proliferating, and that's
00:21 only being exacerbated by new technologies.
00:25 The Middle East is at war.
00:27 Europe is in year two of the largest land war that they've seen since World War II.
00:34 And here in the United States, we have a divided nation.
00:37 We're seeing polarizations at levels we haven't seen in a generation.
00:41 And that division has not allowed us to find solutions or compromise to some of the most
00:49 challenging issues that we face as a society.
00:53 But it's not all doom and gloom.
00:57 I think as so many of you in this room, I am an optimist and I believe strongly in the
01:03 capacity of our country and in the capacity of our Latino community to overcome absolutely
01:10 any challenge.
01:18 And for us at the NBC Universal News Group, as the largest news organization in the country,
01:23 we feel a tremendous responsibility to be part of that solution of helping our country
01:29 move forward and thrive.
01:32 And it's through that lens of journalism that we've had the great fortune of being able
01:36 to see some of the most courageous women and men in our country.
01:41 These are journalists who are unselfish professionals, who are deeply committed to covering and shining
01:48 a light on the issues that matter most and are going to impact us the most.
01:53 And covering those issues without fear or favor.
01:57 And that courage is on display daily.
02:00 Yes, sometimes we see it in war zones, but more often than not, we see it in the coverage
02:06 that they're doing day in and day out right here on the front lines covering issues around
02:10 healthcare, around climate change, around social justice, around the economy, and so
02:15 many other issues in our country.
02:19 And as we enter the next election cycle, as millions of Americans prepare to go to the
02:25 polls, journalists have a very deep understanding of the responsibility that they have to ask
02:31 the tough questions, to cover the issues that matter most to us, to help voters be informed
02:39 as they go to the polls in this next cycle.
02:43 This issue of ensuring that we have a strong and independent press in our democracy is
02:49 an issue that's extraordinarily personal to me.
02:52 My mom in the 1960s left Cuba while Fidel Castro was tightening his grip on that island
02:59 country.
03:00 And as democracy was being attacked, the very first institution that was attacked was the
03:06 free press.
03:07 So my brothers and I grew up with a very deep understanding and appreciation for the role
03:13 that a strong, free, independent press plays in a strong and healthy democracy.
03:22 So my toast tonight is for the journalists.
03:34 It's for the journalists at Time Inc.
03:36 It's for the journalists at NBCUniversal.
03:38 It's for the journalists at so many incredible news organizations that are represented here
03:42 tonight and that are doing great work day in and day out.
03:46 Thank you for your perseverance.
03:49 Thank you for your courage.
03:51 And thank you for the service that you're doing for all of us.
03:53 Buenas noches.
03:54 Felicidades.
03:55 Salud.
03:56 (Applause.)
03:56 (applause)