This set organizes programs that cover cultural and public affairs issues that deal with the country of Panama from the "Latin Pulse" series.

The graphic of the flag of Panama is in the public domain.

Panama

For a summer change of pace, this week Latin Pulse travels to New York City for the Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC).  The program explores both musical and cultural issues linked to the conference, and highlights music from various countries and regions including: Mexico, Argentina, Panama, and Puerto Rico.  The program traces the roots of alternative music from salsa through rock and rap.  The news segment covers the latest complaints from Latin American governments regarding the revelations of Edward Snowden regarding NSA spying on various governments in the region.&#13;
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The program includes in-depth interviews with:&#13;
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Felix Contreras &amp; Jasmine Garsd of NPR's Alt.Latino .&#13;
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The program also includes shorter sound clips from artists: &#13;
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Ruben Blades  http://www.rubenblades.com/&#13;
&amp; &#13;
Carla Morrison  http://www.carlamorrisonmusica.com/&#13;
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Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell&#13;
Associate Producer: Curt Devine.&#13;
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More on the LAMC can be found here: http://www.latinalternative.com/&#13;
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A complete list of song excerpts used in this program can be found here: https://app.box.com/shared/static/u2f80os3weo4zly0ecrn.pdf&#13;
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The photo from the Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC) is by Rick Rockwell and is used with permission.&#13;
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Celebrating the Latin Alternative Music Conference (Lp 7122013)

Espionage and the fallout from the Edward Snowden case are resonating through Latin America and “Latin Pulse” looks closely at the issues.  The program focuses on the conflicts between espionage and diplomacy in the region including more reactions from Brazil this week to the revelations of spying by the National Security Agency (NSA).  The program also looks at the proposed energy and oil reforms under consideration in Mexico.   The news segment of the program reviews the decision in Ecuador to open the Yasuni region to oil drilling.  The program also includes a commentary about marijuana legalization in Uruguay.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Fulton Armstrong of the Center for Latin America & Latino Studies (CLALS) at American University; and
Duncan Wood of the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson Center.


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell
Associate Producer: Alexia Campbell.

The graphic is the symbol of the National Security Agency (NSA) and is in the public domain.

“Latin Pulse” is produced at American University’s School of Communication. This program is sponsored by the university’s Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS), in association with Link TV.

http://www.american.edu/soc/
http://www.american.edu/clals/latin-pulse.cfm


Examining Espionage in Latin America & Oil Politics in Mexico (Lp8232013)

Politics and elections provide the central themes this week on Latin Pulse with a deep exploration of politics in Colombia and Panama.  In Colombia, President Juan Manuel Santos is running for re-election but a former president, Alvaro Uribe and his political coalition are proving problematic to Santos' goals.  The discussion on Panama swirls around who will succeed President Ricardo Martinelli and if his independent party will continue its dominance over the traditional parties. The news segment gives an update on the presidential campaigns in El Salvador and Costa Rica. &#13;
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The program includes interviews with:&#13;
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Adam Isacson of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA); and &#13;
Luis Botello of the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ).&#13;
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Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and&#13;
Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml.&#13;
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The photo is from Colombia’s El Tiempo  which shares some of its photos online for reuse. This photo is available via Flickr, using a Creative Commons license:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/50268106@N08/4617626977/in/photolist-833xCe-86mS5Q-86mRAb-8xNx5a-8xRyvd-57jwSo-57fmJD-57fms4-57jwKG-8qRstR-8qRsrR-8qUze1-8xm6KS-dar1j2-4C2efX-ggwqwS-ggwamu-ggwqWQ-ggwqes-aNjB66-aNjAut-aNjztM-bxeSzg-bxeSGD-bxeTaz-csAmYY-csAkEo-csAmLm-csAmnh-csAkfq-csAm5m-csAmzu-csAksd-csAkTY-aNmzcz-aNmynk-aNmxUp-aNmySp-bDtt2G-bSobY6-bSobP6-duBe9Y-duzJzy-duusxi-duzJoS-duzJPN-duu9ur-duu9Rt-duu8RM-duu9Ai-duu9Ue&#13;
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“Latin Pulse” is produced at American University’s School of Communication. This program is sponsored by the university’s Center for Latin American &amp; Latino Studies (CLALS), in association with Link TV.&#13;
http://www.american.edu/soc/&#13;
http://www.american.edu/clals/latin-pulse.cfm&#13;


Surveying Presidential Campaigns in Colombia & Panama (Lp2072014)

The problems corruption causes for politics, policy, and society is the central topic for this extended version of "Latin Pulse" this week.  The program traces the effects of political scandals in Colombia, Brazil, Panama, and Costa Rica.  The expert panel on this program also discusses some of the countries with the worst corruption problems including Honduras and Venezuela.  The program also features an in-depth report on the Cuban Five espionage case. The news segment of the program gives an update on the unrest in Venezuela led by the political opposition and the student movement. 

The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Fulton Armstrong of the Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS) at American University; 
Luis Botello of the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ)http://www.american.edu/sis/faculty/colgan.cfm; and
Adam Isacson of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA).


Other interviews include:


Gloria La Riva of the National Committee to Free the Cuban Five; 
Stephen Kimber the University of King's College, Halifax, Canada; and
Robert Muse, attorney. 


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Repoter: Rachel Baye; and
Associate Producer: Zach Cohen.

The photo is from the United Nations and is in the public domain.

“Latin Pulse” is produced at American University’s School of Communication. This program is sponsored by the university’s Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS), in association with Link TV.


Analyzing Corruption in Latin America & the Case of the Cuban Five (Lp2212014)

Central America provides the central themes this week on Latin Pulse, with discussions about Panama and Guatemala.  The program looks forward toward this weekend's presidential elections in Panama with a tight three-way race among the major candidates.  In Guatemala, the concern is about the rule of law and the justice system after controversial Attorney General Claudia Paz y Paz lost her bid to be reappointed.  The news segment of the program discusses how Venezuela is trying to reduce violence in the street protests that continue to hurt the country. The program also includes a commentary on Cuba and USAID.
The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Orlando Perez of Central Michigan University; and
Kelsey Alford-Jones & Rob Mercatante of the Guatemala Human Rights Commission.


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Associate Producers: Megan Ekhaml & Elyssa Pachico. 

The photo of Juan Carlos Navarro and his wife Cuqui Campagnani campaigning is from Navarro’s campaign Facebook page and is in the public domain: https://es-la.facebook.com/juancarlos2014

“Latin Pulse” is produced at American University’s School of Communication. This program is sponsored by the university’s Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS), in association with Link TV.

http://www.american.edu/soc/
http://www.american.edu/clals/latin-pulse.cfm


Presidential Elections in Panama & Critiquing the Justice System in Guatemala (Lp5012014)

This week, "Latin Pulse" covers a variety of topics, including the crackdown on the protest movement in Venezuela and corruption tainting police in El Salvador.  The segment on Venezuela reviews the opinions of one of the leaders of the opposition protest movement who has also been influential with the country's student protestors too.  The Salvadoran segment traces the history of the national police and how criminal organizations infiltrated the police during the past generation.  The news segment of the program covers the visit of Uruguay's President Jose "Pepe" Mujica to Washington, D.C. and his discussion of health issues and human rights.  The program also includes a commentary on the failure of marriage equality in Colombia.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Rodrigo Diamanti of El Mundo Sin Mordaza; and
Hector Silva of American University's Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS). 


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and 
Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml.


The photo is by Marquinam via Flickr using a Creative Commons license: https://www.flickr.com/photos/marquinam/13155160395/


“Latin Pulse” is produced at American University’s School of Communication. This program is sponsored by the university’s Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS), in association with Link TV.

http://www.american.edu/soc/
http://www.american.edu/clals/latin-pulse.cfm



Cracking Down on Protests in Venezuela & Police Corruption in El Salvador (Lp5162014)

This week before heading out on an extended summer break, Latin Pulse provides a 90-minute summer special filled with emotion and information.  The in-depth segments include an update on the protest movement in Venezuela, an examination of Brazilian national identity and the World Cup, an update on immigration issues in Mexico, and an analysis of the Panama Canal as it celebrates 100 years of operation.  Also, included: a commentary on women and the World Cup.  The program also includes a special interview with the U.S. ambassador to Honduras.  The news segment deals with coca and the Drug War.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Ambassador Lisa Kubiske, U.S. Ambassador to Honduras; 
Sonja Wolf of Mexico's INSYDE; and 
Julie Greene of the University of Maryland.


Additional interviews include: 

Hermann Escarrá of Universidad Central de Venezuela; 
Javier Ciurlizza of the International Crisis Group; 
Mark Weisbrot of the Center for Economic & Policy Research (CEPR); 
Carlos Lauria of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ); 
Rachel Glickhouse, writer; 
Julia Michaels, writer; and
Roberto DaMatta, University of Notre Dame;  


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml; and
Reporter: Elyssa Pachico.


The photo is by Carlos Diaz of Venezuela via Flickr using a Creative Commons license: https://www.flickr.com/photos/carlosdiazme/13977683128/


Special: Protesting in Venezuela; Celebrating in Brazil & the U.S. View from Tegucigalpa (Lp6272014)

This week, "Latin Pulse" dives into the Drug War.  The program explores two of the most important fronts in that war: Mexico and Venezuela.  The segment of the program on Mexico gives an overview of the condition of various cartels and why the strategy to focus on drug kingpins has mostly failed. The segment on Venezuela focuses on the ties between Venezuela's military and the drug trade. The news segment of the program gives the latest information about the controversy surrounding 43 missing university students in Mexico and whether they were massacred by police and drug cartels colluding together.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Jo Tuckman of The Guardian;
Jeremy McDermott of InSight Crime.

Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Producer: Jim Singer; and
Associate Producer: Gabriela Canchola.

The photo of Mexican marines on patrol is from Wikimedia Commons and is in the public domain:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexican_Drug_War

The program is produced at Webster University: www.webster.edu/


The Drug War: Analysis of the Front Lines in Mexico & Venezuela (Lp11142014)

The historic changes between Cuba and the United States are rolling out but the Obama administration is also making aggressive diplomatic moves throughout Latin America.  That strategic shift provides the centerpiece for discussion on Latin Pulse this week. The program takes a wide-ranging view of the geopolitical situation in Latin America and provides a preview of the summit next week of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).  The news segment of the program focuses on the negotiations between the U.S. and Cuba and President Barack Obama's policy pronouncements on Cuba.

Adam Isacson of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA); and
Michael McCarthy of American University's Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS). 

Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Producer: Jim Singer; 
Engineering Support: Zach Kromer; and
Production Assistant: Gabriela Canchola.

The photo is from the Brazilian government and is in the public domain.

The program is produced at Webster University: www.webster.edu/


Latin America: The Obama Administration's Policy Changes & the CELAC Summit (Lp1232015)

The tensions within U.S. policy toward Cuba provide the main focus on Latin Pulse this week. The program analyzes how domestic politics in the United States continue to have an effect on the diplomatic changes in Cuba.  The program also focuses on the continuation of controversial democracy building programs from USAID, aimed at Cuba. The news segment of the program looks at the complex case in Argentina linking the country's spy agency and the murder of a special prosecutor.  The program covers the surprise reaction of the country's president this week.

The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Eric Hershberg, director of American University's Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS); and 
Sujatha Fernandes of the City University of New York (CUNY).

 Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Producer: Jim Singer; and
Production Assistant: Gabriela Canchola.

The graphic is from the Cuban government and is in the public domain.

The program is produced at Webster University: www.webster.edu/


Cuba: The Politics of Diplomatic Change & USAID's Cuban Rap Strategy (Lp1302015)

China and its economic and geopolitical strategy and cultural influence provide the central themes for this week's edition of Latin Pulse. The first half of the program examines the trade and economic issues connected to China's strategies in Latin America.  And the program debates the response of the U.S. to this economic expansion.  The second half of the program examines the history and cultural influence of Chinese emigration to Peru.  The news segment of the program covers the protests this week against the handling of the investigation into the death of special prosecutor Alberto Nisman in Argentina.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Mark Jones of Rice University; 
Kevin Gallagher of Boston University;
Larry Clayton of the University of Alabama; and 
Adam McKeown, author of Chinese Migrant Networks and Cultural Change. 


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Producer: Jim Singer; and
Production Assistant: Gabriela Canchola.


The photo of President Ollanta Humala of Peru and President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China is from the Peruvian government and is in the public domain.

Produced for release on Feb. 20, 2015.

The program is produced at Webster University: www.webster.edu/



Special: The Chinese Strategy in Latin America & The Cultural Influence of China in Peru (Lp2202015)

The United States and its participation in the Summit of the Americas this weekend provides the central theme this week on Latin Pulse. Although the summit has a specific agenda to deal with economic inequality in Latin America, experts expect that diplomacy between the U.S. and Cuba, and U.S. relations with Venezuela will dominate what happens at this meeting. The news segment of the program covers deportations and extraditions concerning former members of the Salvadoran military who sought asylum from prosecution on human rights charges stemming from their actions in the Salvadoran Civil War.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:


Eric Olson of the Woodrow Wilson Center; and
Peter Hakim of the Inter-American Dialogue.


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Producer: Jim Singer; and
Production Assistant: Sierra Hancock.

The graphic is from the Summit of the Americas and is in the public domain.

Produced for release on April 10, 2015.

The program is produced at Webster University: www.webster.edu/


Analyzing the Summit of the Americas (Lp4102015)

Cuba, diplomacy and the Cuban refugee crisis in Central America provide the primary themes this week on "Latin Pulse." The program discusses the diplomatic, business, and tourist openings that continue to improve between Cuba and the United States, including a discussion of new reforms announced this week regarding travel and economic concerns.  The program also shares the view from Central America about the problem of Cuban refugees there.  The news segment of the program covers the alarm this week from health officials about the outbreak of the zika virus in the Western Hemisphere and especially how Brazil is responding.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Eric Hershberg, the director of American University's Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS); and 
Carlos Sandoval Garcia of the Universidad de Costa Rica.


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and
Associate Producer: Natalie Ottinger.


The photo of Cuban refugees in silhouette at the Costa Rican border with Nicaragua is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain.


Cuba: Improving Relations & the Refugee Question (Lp1292016)

Pope Francis and his trip to Mexico provide the central themes this week on Latin Pulse. The program discusses the pope's fourth trip to Latin America, which will primarily focus on key stops throughout Mexico. The program reflects on the pope's efforts to put the global refugee crisis and the need to ease migration restrictions in front of policymakers in the hemisphere.  The news segment of the program covers testimony from the Centers for Disease Control in the United States officially linking the zika virus outbreak to microcephaly, a condition that causes brain damage in infants.
The program includes in-depth interviews with:
Andrew Chesnut of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU); and
Maureen Meyer of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA).

Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and
Associate Producer: Natalie Ottinger.

The photo of Mexico’s President Enrique Pena Nieto and Pope Francis is from the Mexican government and is in the public domain.


Mexico: The Visit of Pope Francis, Migration and Scandal (Lp2122016)

Consequences regarding abuses of power provide the central discussion this week on "Latin Pulse." The program delves into the politics of impeachment in Brazil as President Dilma Rousseff tangles with members of Congress.  Congress says Rousseff misled them about the country's finances.  But many of those looking to prosecute Rousseff are themselves tangled in various corruption scandals.  The program's analysis gives the necessary context before a Congressional impeachment vote this coming weekend. The program also looks at the reaction in Latin America to the Panama Papers scandal.  The discussion revolves around the Panamanian view of the corruption scandal.


The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Alex Cuadros, the author of Brazillionaires; and
Luis Botello of the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ).


Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; 
Technical Director: Jim Singer; and
Production Assistant: Brittney Madison.


The photo of members of the Chamber of Deputies in Brazil demonstrating about impeachment is from Fábio Rodrigues Pozzebom of Agência Brasil .  Agência Brasil is the Brazilian government news agency and offers its material through a Creative Commons license: http://otaboanense.com.br/noticia/19327/deputados%20usam%20cartazes%20para%20manifestar%20voto%20sobre%20impeachment


The Impeachment Debate in Brazil & Panama Papers Fallout (Lp4152016)

The proposed peace treaty dealing with the FARC in Colombia and the deterioration of democracy in Nicaragua are the twin themes on Latin Pulse this week. First, the program dissects the proposed peace pact between the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC by its Spanish acronym) and the Colombian government. Also, the program explores how President Daniel Ortega has manipulated the electoral system in Nicaragua. The news segment of the program covers the end of Dilma Rousseff's presidency as the Brazilian Senate found her guilty of shifting funds without Congressional approval and with misleading the Brazilian Congress.
The program includes in-depth interviews with:

Adam Isacson of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA); and
Manuel Orozco of the Inter-American Dialogue. 

Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and
Technical Director: Jim Singer. 

The photo of celebrations about the proposed peace treaty in Colombia is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain.

“Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/


Rick Rockwell's Album

The FARC Peace Treaty in Colombia & Politics in Nicaragua (Lp9022016)

This week, Latin Pulse returns to culture and music in Latin America and the connections to social movements. This is the third in a series of programs looking at these cultural connections. This program looks closely at the roots of protest music originating in Argentina, Panama, and Brazil. The hosts of NPR's Alt.Latino podcast are back, sharing their expertise to discuss the music of Mercedes Sosa, Ruben Blades, and Chico Buarque. The news segment of the program includes a report on the Organization of American States' request for a hearing in the dispute between Ecuador's President Rafael Correa and his country's media.

In-Depth Interviews:
Felix Contreras of Alt.Latino and
Jasmine Garsd of Alt.Latino (http://www.npr.org/series/alt-latino/).

Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell
Associate Producer: Vanessa Haces Gonzatti

The photo of Mercedes Sosa is in the public domain.

Tracing Latin American Protest Music (Lp2242012)

“Latin Pulse” is a weekly program that reviews news from Latin America and analyzes politics, culture, religion, and important issues throughout the region. This weekly podcast is distributed by Link TV, iTunes, and, of course, SoundCloud.  

Panama

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