Two associations representing African American and Hispanic newspapers have formed a new task force to educate advertisers about the importance of minority newspaper markets.

The National Newspaper Publishers Association and National Association of Hispanic Publications say the formation of the task force is the first time the two groups have teamed up. The associations also have brought in marketing firm Refuel Agency to guide the effort.

The groups said their members have a combined reach of 43 million readers and unlike traditional newspapers that are struggling to hold onto readers, minority papers are thriving.

"With close to 97 million African Americans and Hispanics in the U.S. today, representing 33 percent of the total population, this consumer segment demands attention," said Martha Montoya, vice president of NAHP. "The buying power of the African American and Hispanic communities, currently at over $2.3 trillion combined, continues to outpace the national average."

Neither group detailed exactly what the task force would do. Instead, they only said that Refuel Agency would spearhead centralized advertising efforts on behalf of both associations.

"This historic media alliance is a gigantic step for our organizations," NNPA CEO Benjamin Chavis said. "We believe our working together has tremendous potential mutual benefits in today's marketplace." http://bit.ly/1Wy8ESG

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