Estimada familia NAHJ,
The first quarter of 2025 has been devastating for our members who lost jobs in newsroom layoffs. I’m writing to assure all those affected that NAHJ is here to support you, both as an organization and as a community.
Approximately 624 jobs cuts in January 2025 impacted television, film, streaming, and news, up 27% from the 490 announced in the industry in December 2024. In February and March of 2025 many newsrooms across the country also cut staff from their operations. The entire industry has been impacted. Many Latino journalists were among those to lose their positions, including NAHJ members.
Every month we see more and more companies and dozens of newsrooms across the country announcing layoffs, and/or buyouts, impacting all of us and threatening the livelihoods of thousands of journalists.
The transformation of news media is a painful reality. I know, I went through the effects myself in 2008, when my job was one of the 14,265 newsroom cuts announced that year. But it’s also a reality that news needs Latino journalists more than ever. Hispanics are close to 20% of the U.S. population (more in major markets), and growing. Newsrooms that reflect the communities they cover produce better journalism. NAHJ members are the best of the best. It’s a message we deliver every time we secure a meeting with media executives.
NAHJ’s staff, board and entire leadership are fully committed to advocating for and supporting our members. That includes ensuring NAHJ members are prepared for and aware about new opportunities being created as the industry transitions, by hosting webinars, workshops, career fairs and networking events for members.
NAHJ is here to support you as we build the future together. We offer:
- Free six-month NAHJ membership extensions for affected members, maintaining access to career resources and professional development opportunities.
- Discounted conference admission to #NAHJ25 in Chicago July 9-12, including the job fair.
- Webinars with industry recruiters and inside looks at newsrooms.
- Free one-year NAHJ membership for new members impacted by layoffs.
- Access to NAHJ’s Career Center.
Here’s how you can contact us.
We encourage all members to come to the NAHJ 2025 Conference and Expo in Chicago, whether you are seeking a new role, hiring, or pursuing professional development. It’s a place to make connections that advance your career and find the unity that makes us strong in challenging times.
I give you my word that our Executive Director, Yaneth Guillen, NAHJ staff, the board, and our volunteers are working very hard to advocate, educate, and represent our members. We are also devoted to bringing as many opportunities as possible to our journalists. NAHJ’s commitment is solid and unconditional, and we stand in support for all members impacted by layoffs. Even more importantly, so do our other members.
Saludos,
Dunia Elvir, MBA
President
National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ)
Asociación Nacional de Periodistas Hispanos