Beyond the Latino Trump voter
Five Latine voting issues public media needs to follow from now until Election Day
When I wrote in 2022 about better ways to do the timeworn Latino/a voter roundtable, it was met with a lot of relief. 😌 Many of you mentioned you’ve felt the weight of how we in public media relate to Latinx communities when it comes to elections. We can do it better. And you’re right.
It’s easy to play the hits, though. For example, for America Amplified, I talked about how the rightward Latino/a shift had found a comfortable spot on the loteria card. ☠️ In fact, there are tons of commentaries and roundtables on this subject. Mother Jones just published a piece on a whole book about it. John Leguizamo had takes this week.
PSA: I’m not saying Hispanics voting for Donald Trump is not important. I’m saying it’s not as crucial to Latine voters as editors may think. 🙀 In fact, the attention the topic gets reminds me of our discussion about white editorial firewalls — who chooses the stories, what they think is critical to large cross-sections of Latinos versus what is, and thus who these narratives are told for.
What could you cover to attract diverse audiences? Here’s an exploration of key issues that public radio and television can address to enhance engagement with Latinx communities. ⬇️
Immigration on our minds
Immigration remains a pivotal issue for many in the Latino community, encompassing policy, family dynamics and human rights. Despite its importance, immigration often receives unfavorable attention, consistently ranking as the top problem in Gallup polls for several consecutive months. 😦
Public media outlets can play a role in shaping public discourse on immigration, a subject that is often mired in ideological disputes. To foster a smarter dialogue, public media can continue leaning in on offering a diverse range of voices. NPR does this well, and local stations can follow the lead. 📻 By exploring the multifaceted nature of immigration, including family dynamics and its intersection with the American Dream, local public media has the opportunity to step in by offering comprehensive coverage that transcends incendiary headlines. 🪟
Economic resilience
Economic prosperity is perennially on the election agenda. The surge of Hispanic entrepreneurship represents one of the noteworthy narratives of the year, inviting compelling content within public media.
Local public media can go deeper into the economic landscape of Latinx communities, exploring topics such as access to capital, workforce development and the role of mentorship in fostering entrepreneurship. Reports uncovering the systemic barriers faced by aspiring business owners, and stories showcasing innovative community-led initiatives are just a few examples. 🗄️
Latino/a communities have exhibited a remarkable spirit, particularly amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic. 🔭 By looking more for stories of economic growth, challenges and opportunities within these communities, public media can forge relationships.
Healthcare and equity
Speaking of the pandemic, the glaring disparities in healthcare access and outcomes exposed at the height of COVID-19 difficulties remain pressing concerns. 🧬 Surveys indicate as much, and your station might spark relationships by investigating.
Public media locally can shine a light on local and national initiatives, and foster community dialogues around potential solutions. WHYY just hosted an event on how Latine residents in are best served by healthcare options in Philadelphia. 🩹 By shedding light on issues that contribute to access and outcomes, public media can play a vital role. Such engagement ultimately works towards a more intelligent discussion about equitable systems.
Need more ideas for deeper Latino/a coverage this season? 👇
Education will be an issue to cover
With Latinos comprising one of the youngest demographics in the nation, the educational journey of young Latinos and their families deserves focused attention. There is a critical need for narratives that delve into the triumphs and challenges experienced in accessing education. 🛋️
Public media has a significant role to play in spotlighting the educational journey of young Latinos and their families. Through compelling storytelling, public media can look into the needs residents have in accessing education, and the experiences shaping their academic pursuits. Education is one of the rare spaces where public media can practically change lives.🖍️ That transformation creates lifelong bonds.
Environmental worries are mounting
Environmental concerns resonate deeply within many Latino communities. This worry is particularly situated with those in areas disproportionately affected by pollution and climate change. 📍 In regions like the West, Hispanics are increasingly voicing their questions about the environment.
By covering the environmental threats faced by Latino communities as well as the solutions being implemented to address them, public media can show audiences what’s happening where they live. 🗝️ We hear so much about news fatigue related to this subject, so stories that give audiences a sense of a more sustainable future are surely beneficial.
So, here’s what to do
As we edge closer to the 2024 political conventions this summer, public media organizations face a crucial opportunity: to serve, attract and tell the stories that resonate deeply with Hispanic audiences. 🍻 Our demographic's growing influence underscores the need for culturally relevant journalism.
Polling of Hispanics is oftentimes fraught with problems. One way to address what we don’t know is for public broadcasters to prioritize building authentic connections through sustained engagement, cultural sensitivity and collaborative community efforts. 📋 This approach will not only enrich programming but also ensure that public media remains a relevant and trusted resource for all communities.
Yes, Hispanics voting Republican stresses some people out and seems shocking to others. But there’s a lot more to talk about too. 📇 Let's commit to storytelling that reflects the lives and experiences within the Latine community. Engage with us, share our stories, and help bring to focus the issues that matter most. As public media, we can ensure that many stories are told. 🟢
Cafecito: stories to discuss ☕
José Martínez Saldaña. has been announced as Radio Bilingue’s new co-director, pairing up with longtime leader Hugo Morales. 👏 The Fresno Bee has more. I shared some thoughts on the LinkedIn version of OIGO.
¡Campeones en Parejas! 👊 What’s not to love when Factchequeado and Latino USA come together? Here’s a good conversation on disinformation targeting Spanish-language audiences.
The Washington Post covers efforts to rebrand DEI, and the existential questions that are arising in response to the ideological and legislative campaigns. 🪀 Here’s my April OIGO on anti-DEI bills and strategies to address them.
Speaking of, a trio of noncommercial religious broadcasters has filed a petition against FCC requirements to publish staff race and gender information. 📓
Among the recent LPFM broadcast licensees is Valdosta Alliance, which promotes its signal as one of Hispanic audience service in Georgia. 📻 The bilingual station will offer music, talk and religious programming.
El radar: try this 📡
Explore Latinx stories on TikTok. A TikTok influencer originally from Peru is using her platform to educate newcomers by offering practical advice tailored to accessing local resources. 📲 Connecticut Public reports on how she informs viewers about bilingualism and integration within American society.
Talk Hispanic wellness. KCBX hosted a discussion on how empathy promotes healthy life and Latine family well-being. 🌠 The dialogue shared resources for the Latinx community on the Central Coast.
Cover bilingual authors. Motivated by her own upbringing with a mother who spoke little English, Meg Medina publishes books in both English and Spanish, aiming to instill pride in readers' heritage. 🦁 New Hampshire Public Radio reminds me how you could highlight local bilingual authors too.
Keep tabs on voter engagement drives. KJZZ spotlights efforts in the Phoenix area. 🌈 The initiative, called Latino Loud, does events like family-friendly concerts and grassroots campaigns centered on music, while emphasizing the importance of participation and civic engagement in maintaining democracy.
Ask about Latino/a artists in mostly white spaces. 👑 That was the subject of a Colorado Public Radio podcast, and it’s a conversation you could localize, surely.
The next OIGO arrives May 24. It’s the last newsletter of the spring and I have something very special. 🦄 Public media veterano and Hawai‘i Public Radio President and General Manager José A. Fajardo joins you to talk about his career, his fight against ALS, his advice for the next generation and much more. It will be a conversation you won’t want to miss.
I’m headed to Phoenix for the Native Broadcast Summit May 21. 🌷 See you there.
Get my colleague Blanca Torres’ K Onda KQED! 🧨 It’s out next week. Subscribe here.
🥤 You can buy me a coffee if you’d like to support the newsletter.