WASHINGTON, June 26 -- The Nieman Foundation at Harvard University has devoted a section of its summer edition of Nieman Reports to issues affecting Latinos in journalism. All the stories in the section "Latino Voices: Journalism by and about Latinos" were written by Latino journalists or by journalists who reported extensively on Latinos. Juleyka Lantigua, managing editor of Urban Latino magazine, served as coeditor of the section. Lantigua and Amanda Cruz also translated the stories into Spanish so that a Spanish-language edition could be published. The summer issue of the Nieman Reports and the separate Spanish-language edition were distributed at the National Association of Hispanic Journalists convention held in Phoenix June 20-23.
"As the president of NAHJ and a Nieman Fellow (class of '89), it is particularly gratifying for me that this project was initiated and nurtured by NAHJ Member Juleyka Lantigua, the managing editor of "Urban Latino," said NAHJ President Cecilia Alvear. "We thank Juleyka for her commitment and hard work and we are also grateful to Nieman Reports Editor Melissa Ludtke and Nieman Foundation Curator Bob Giles for their endorsement and support of this initiative which provides a showcase for the talent and creativity of many NAHJ members."
"The role of Latinos in journalism -- their work in newsrooms and the coverage of issues affecting Latino communities -- is a topic we wanted our readers to be able to learn more about," said Melissa Ludtke, editor of Nieman Reports. "As the magazine's articles attest, these are challenging and exciting times for journalists who are Latino. By sharing their experiences and reflecting on that which remains unfinished, these writers bring to life
important issues that need to be addressed by the entire profession."
The NAHJ would also like to extend its appreciation to many of its members who contributed to the special section. Their articles include:
- "Latinos Bring More Than Diversity to the Newsroom," by Cecilia Alvear, NAHJ president"
- "The Elusive Hispanic/Latino Identity," by Marie Arana, book world editor at the Washington Post
- "Observations on the potential and paradoxes of Latinos in journalism," by Ray Suarez, senior correspondent for the Newshour with Jim Lehrer.
- "Caution: Words having Meaning," by Rosa Maria Santana, reporter for the Plain Dealer in Cleveland
- "The Evening News en Espanol," by Maria Elena Salinas, co-anchor of Noticiero Univision
- "The 'Latino Initiative' Reshapes the Los Angeles Times Coverage," by Frank Del Olmo, the Los Angeles Times
The summer issue of the Nieman Reports as well as the Spanish-language edition can be purchased for $5 apiece (plus shipping charges) by calling Cheryl Scantlebury at the Nieman Foundation at 617-496-6324 or e-mailing her at cscantle@harvard.edu .
