Hoaxing satirists, author-journalist coming to Boulder

Free talks part of student-run offshoot of Conference on World Affairs

The University of Colorado's Conference on World Affairs (CWA) Athenaeum Series will host two free public events in February on the University of Colorado Boulder campus.

The Yes Men

Maria Hinojosa

"The Yes Men: Fixing the World One Hoax at a Time," with sociopolitical satirists Andy Bichlbaum and Mike Bonanno of the Yes Men, is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, in the University Memorial Center Ballroom.

Journalist Maria Hinojosa, host of the PBS series "Maria Hinojosa: One-on-One," will speak on "Immigration and the American Divide: The Consequences of Inaction" at 7 p.m. Feb. 15 in Chemistry 140.

The Yes Men aim to raise awareness of social and political issues by carrying out large-scale hoaxes that often include impersonation of corporate and government representatives, as well as the creation of mock websites and press releases.

They have produced two films documenting their work: "The Yes Men" and "The Yes Men Fix the World," which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

Hinojosa was host of NPR's "Latino USA" and was senior correspondent for the PBS news magazine "NOW" for its last five seasons. She has received numerous honors and awards, including the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award, and was named one of the 100 Most Influential Hispanics by Hispanic Business Magazine.

The CWA Athenaeum Series is a student-run offshoot of the Conference on World Affairs. The program brings acclaimed speakers and performers to campus to interact with CU students in classes throughout the academic year.

The 63rd annual Conference on World Affairs will take place April 4-8. All conference sessions are free and open to the public.