More Latino representation in media long overdue

A federal report reveals what some of us already knew: There aren’t enough Latinos in the media. Latinos have likely grown accustomed to disproportionate representation, but that doesn’t mean we should accept it.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office report released Tuesday found Latinos are vastly underrepresented in media. This is part of a crusade for U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, a San Antonio native and Democrat who has been meeting with media executives to advocate for greater Latino representation.

On Tuesday, Castro told the National Press Club that Latinos are left out of America’s narrative. He’s right. According to

U.S. Census Bureau data, more than 18 percent of all Americans are Hispanics and Latinos — 64 percent in Texas — but Hispanics made up an estimated 12 percent of workers in the media industry, compared with an estimated 18 percent of the rest of the workforce.

Journalism groups also have been sounding this alarm, urging more robust Latino representation. Awareness is important, but what good is any of it if nothing ever changes — or continues to worsen?

The analysis of census data found little increase in recent years in the overall representation of Hispanics in the media industry, which remained at an estimated 11 to 12 percent from 2014-2019. This despite demographic growth.

The media industry represented in the report is broad: newspapers, periodicals, books and directory publishers; motion pictures, video and sound recording; radio and television broadcasting; cable and other subscription programming; and other information services.

Even more damning is the dearth of Latinos in leadership positions — 4 percent of senior and executive management, and 7 percent of first- and midlevel management.

Latinos need more equitable media representation. This is a critical time in our country — deadly misinformation is rampant, and the need for quality, trustworthy news from journalists who represent their communities is imperative.

There has been some change. On Sept. 4, Rebecca Aguilar became the first Latina national president of the Society of Professional Journalists in its 112year history. Aguilar, a freelance journalist based in Dallas who has 40 years of journalism experience, said in a statement that continuing to bring new diverse voices to SPJ is important. “I want everyone to know that SPJ is for ALL journalists, professors and student journalists, and that everyone’s differences and experiences should be shared to make us a better organization,” Aguilar said.

Excellent. But what took so long? Latinos will know times have changed when these moments are no longer rare but routine.

The local picture of Latino representation — and other people of color — is mixed, and our community knows it.

On June 4, I wrote about a San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists audit supported by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists that found a lack of Latino anchors at local TV news stations. In my column, I also wrote about diversity efforts at the Express-News.

On June 11, Express-News Publisher Mark Medici announced the addition of myself and two other Latinas — Nora López, executive editor of news, and Jess Elizarraras, executive producer of MySA.com — to the masthead, a historic change he said he had been working on for some time.

In July, the contract of Isis Romero, a beloved KSAT News

Latina anchor, was not renewed. In a stunning social media post, Romero said her 11-year run with KSAT ended July 12. Neither Romero nor the station said why she was let go, citing a nondisclosure agreement, but locals — myself included — still lament her departure. We can’t afford to lose Latino journalists, especially those who are known and trusted.

Why would anyone listen, watch or read journalism they don’t deem relevant or trustworthy?

Media organizations and companies must begin or continue to forge change by hiring and retaining Latino journalists, but they need help. Universities, colleges and high schools must step up to ensure there are always quality Latino journalists in the pipeline.

The message that brown people can maintain a rewarding career in journalism must be clear — but first, it must be true.