FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2020
Today, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) announced it would work over the next months with the Hispanic Caucus and legislators to improve representation in journalism and preserve the right to fair treatment of Latinos in news. As the nation’s largest organization for Hispanics, Latinos and Latinx journalists, the NAHJ recognizes an accelerated and heightened responsibility to ensure stories cover issues directly impacting marginalized communities and hold those in leadership positions accountable. The national association will also work to improve the public’s understanding around the critical role media plays in preserving democracy. Restoring the public‘s trust in news institutions is a critical component in industry preservation. The lack of trust is notable and a product of decades of failure in representation and information needs fulfillment by white led newsrooms.
One focus area revolves around the House Judiciary Committee’s recent and upcoming hearings on the representation of people of color in media. It is essential to include the proper voices to present and discuss the real issues that have prevented newsrooms from accurately reflecting the audiences they serve.
“Existing as a nonpartisan entity doesn’t mean isolating ourselves from partisan institutions and groups who are in alignment with our mission,” said Hugo Balta, NAHJ President. “The combined experience made up by 3,000 members over the course of 35 years, provides much-needed direction and a valuable tool for more Latinos in the news to be realized.”
Last week, the association spoke out to support new legislation to bolster local journalism with The Future of Local News Commission Act. If passed, the legislation works to preserve the newspapers, radio stations, and broadcasters that keep their communities informed.
The sustainability of local print journalism and the industry’s future as a whole is uncertain. According to a report by PEN America, more than 2,100 local newspapers have shuttered in the last 15 years. Many that haven’t closed, have instead been bought by hedge funds. The current pandemic and resulting recession has accelerated trends’ that have statistically proven to be a deterrent to the rise in diversity & inclusion, and additionally heightens the risk of layoffs involving journalists of color. Lower ranking positions in newsrooms show greater racial, ethnic and gender diversity, but are also the jobs most often impacted by collapsing news organizations.
While there is rhetoric in this political climate that presents itself as partisan, accurate representation in news coverage and fair treatment of journalists is nonpartisan. NAHJ will continue to work with those dedicated to this fight. The efforts and initiatives by the association will continue to play a nonpartisan role in the work to inspire the next generation of journalists, educate the public, and protect Latinos in the news.
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About the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ)
The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) is the largest organization of Latino journalists in the United States and dedicated to the recognition and professional advancement of Hispanics in the news industry. The mission of NAHJ is to increase the number of Latinos in the newsrooms and to work toward fair and accurate representation of Latinos in the news media. Established in April 1984, NAHJ created a national voice and unified vision for all Hispanic journalists. NAHJ has over 3,000 members, including working journalists, journalism students, other media-related professionals, and journalism educators. For more information please visit NAHJ.org or follow on Twitter @NAHJ.
Media Contact:
BA Snyder
Veritas Group for NAHJ
512.630.6337
BA@VeritasAustin.com