By Catherine Tsounis
“I, along with my collaborators Dr. Nicholas Alexiou, founder and director of the Hellenic American Project at Queens College, and Evmorfia Argyropoulou, doctoral student at Stony Brook University, welcome you to our public forum, Beyond the Headlines: New York City and the Greek American Media Landscape,” said Moderator Dr. Fevronia Soumakis, Hellenic American Project Research Fellow and Adjunct Assistant Professor at Queens College, CUNY. “It is a privilege to gather here today with journalists, cultural commentators, and community leaders, all united by a shared commitment to understanding the vital role of media in shaping the Greek American experience.”
The Hellenic American Project at Queens College, CUNY, held its first annual public forum with the Greek Independence Day Parade Program Committee on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Vista Hotel, 2705 39th Avenue, Long Island City, NY. The event, themed “Beyond the Headlines: The Greek American Media Landscape,” featured a full-day program with representatives from Greek media and included refreshments. This free event was open to the public and was recorded for later viewing on the Hellenic American Project (HAP) website, www.hapsoc.org.
The forum explored the role of Greek media in shaping the Greek American experience across generations. Speakers discussed its cultural, social, and political impact, tracing its evolution from immigrant newspapers and radio stations to its current presence on digital platforms and social media.
“Through four interdisciplinary panels, we will explore the historical evolution, cultural impact, and future of Greek American media,” said Moderator Dr. Soumakis. “We will address pressing questions about the ways media has responded to shifting political landscapes and technological revolutions; the role it plays in maintaining cultural continuity and fostering community identity; and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in the digital era. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all our speakers, panelists, and participants for bringing your expertise and perspectives to this important conversation. I also wish to especially thank this year’s Greek Parade Committee and our sponsors for their generous support.”
Program Overview
10:00 – 10:30 AM | Welcome Remarks
• Philip Christopher – Chair, Greek Parade Committee; President, International Coordinating Committee for Justice for Cyprus; President, Pancyprian Association of America
• Dr. Nicholas Alexiou – Director, Hellenic American Project, Queens College, CUNY
• Dr. Fevronia K. Soumakis – Associate Editor, Journal of Modern Greek Studies
10:30 – 11:15 AM | Panel 1: The Immigrant Press: Foundations and Legacy
• Lou Katsos – President and Founder, Eastern Mediterranean Business Cultural Alliance – The History and Legacy of the Hellenic American Newspaper Atlantis
• Christodoulos Athanasatos – Journalist, Ethnikos Kyrikas – History of the Ethnikos Kyrikas
• Protopresbyter Gregory Telemachos Stamkopoulos – Associate Professor, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America – The Orthodox Observer’s Legacy of Faith, Culture, and the Greek American Community
• Paul Kotrotsios – Founder and Chairman, Hellenic News of America
• Aphrodite Kotrotsios – CEO and Publisher, Hellenic News of America – Publishing Beyond New York City: Challenges and Realities
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Panel 2: Media, Politics, and Advocacy
• Dr. Despina Afentouli – Journalist, Sociologist, Public Relations Specialist
• Dimitris Filios – Journalist, Radio Correspondent, COSMOS FM
• Andreas Hadjioannou – Radio Producer, ELLAS FM
• Nomiki Kastana – TV Producer, NGTV – Demetris Kastanas Show
• Angeliki Stasi – Editor, Hellas News and Greek Press; Founder and Radio Producer, GR Radio
12:30 – 1:00 PM | Lunch Break
1:00 – 1:45 PM | Panel 3: The Greek American Media in the Digital Age
• Avgi-Maria Atmatzidou – Media Relations, Hellenic Societies of Greater New York
• Maria Pardalis – Founder and CEO, Elle Media Lab
• Dimitris Tsakas – Publisher and Journalist, Anamniseis
• Stelios Taketzis – Radio Producer, COSMOS FM; Chairman, G.A.E.P.I.S.
1:45 – 2:30 PM | Panel 4: Documenting the Greek American Community
• Michalis Giakoumelis – Videographer and Film Producer, MGTV
• Dimitrios Panagos – Photographer and Video Producer, Greek News
• Anastassios Rigopoulos – Associate Professor, Media Arts and Technology, BMCC, CUNY
• Catherine Tsounis – Journalist and Author, Queens Gazette
2:30 – 3:00 PM | Keynote Speaker
• Stavros Stavrides – The Life and Legacy of Journalist Lambros Papantoniou
3:00 – 3:30 PM | Concluding Remarks and Cultural Performance
• The Dance and Polyphonic Group of the Academy of Hellenic Paideia presented a special musical performance. A photography and art exhibit was displayed throughout the event.
Dr. Nicholas Alexiou is a legend in the Greek American community. His work with the Hellenic American Project at Queens College, CUNY, includes a physical and digital archive that preserves Greek American history.
“I am a poet,” said Dr. Alexiou. “I see life differently. We must recognize the literary contributions of Greek Americans. The history of the Greek American experience is not taught in schools. Our children should learn from a young age about our impact on poetry and literature.” Dr. Alexiou’s 2024 poetry book sold out its first print run of 1,000 copies.
Keynote speaker Stavros Stavrides presented his book The Life and Legacy of Journalist Lambros Papantoniou. “Mr. Lambros had his own style and courage reporting major events,” said Stavrides.
Rev. Protopresbyter Gregory Stamkopoulos described the historical significance of the Orthodox Observer, which documents key events at the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Archdiocese, Metropolis, and parish levels.
Lou Katsos discussed the impact of Atlantis, the first Hellenic-language newspaper in the United States, which helped Greek immigrants maintain their connection to their homeland while navigating life in America.
Aphrodite Kotrotsios, CEO of Hellenic News of America, emphasized the role of Greek language and media in preserving Greek identity. “Greek is a lifeline to our roots. It ties us to our heritage. Through the Hellenic News, we celebrate the triumphs of Greek Americans and stand up for our community when it matters most.”
Paul Kotrotsios, Founder of Hellenic News of America and President of Hermes Expo International, highlighted the evolving media landscape. “We are meeting the professional demands of the 21st century. We connect, engage, and inspire. It is up to us to keep the flame alive.”
The Hellenic American Project (HAP) is a nonprofit program under the Department of Sociology at Queens College, CUNY. HAP documents the Greek American presence in the U.S. from the first wave of immigration in 1900 to the present. Donations to support the Hellenic American Project can be made through www.hapsoc.org.
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