Hispanic Journalists Leaving Legacy Media for Independent Practice

A growing number of Hispanic journalists are departing traditional news outlets to establish independent media presences, reflecting broader changes in the journalism landscape and the increasing appeal of self-directed reporting on community issues. Two veteran reporters detailed this trend on Horizonte, a current-affairs program produced by Arizona PBS, where they discussed why more journalists are embracing independent platforms such as podcasts, Substack, and YouTube to connect directly with audiences.

Former Arizona Republic columnist Elvia Díaz is among those who have transitioned to independent journalism after a long career in legacy media. Díaz, who spent 25 years as a reporter, columnist, and opinion writer — and was the first Latina to lead the newspaper’s editorial page — described the shifting media environment and reduced investment in local news as key factors in her decision to leave her previous role. She now hosts her own podcast, NOTAS con Elvia Díaz, where she offers analysis of both Arizona and national news for English- and Spanish-speaking audiences.

Also featured on Horizonte was Maritza Félix, founder of Conecta Arizona and host of the bilingual podcast Cruzando Líneas, which highlights stories from communities on both sides of the U.S.–Mexico border. Félix said that while independent journalism presents challenges — including financial uncertainty — it also provides the freedom to report on issues that matter deeply to Hispanic audiences without the constraints often imposed by legacy outlets.

Both journalists emphasized that independent platforms allow them to maintain closer ties to the communities they cover and to explore topics that might receive limited attention in traditional newsrooms. Félix noted that conventional media sometimes requires journalists to distance themselves from the communities they serve in pursuit of objectivity, whereas independent work enables more direct engagement with cultural identity and community priorities.

Their experiences reflect a wider industry trend in which established journalists are leveraging new media technologies and direct publishing models to sustain their careers and amplify underrepresented voices. By stepping outside traditional newsroom structures, they aim to create space for reporting that prioritizes relevance, accessibility, and diverse perspectives within the Hispanic community.

Reference –

https://www.pbs.org/video/leaving-traditional-media-as-independent-journalism-on-the-rise-du0lav/

Hispanic journalists leaving legacy media for independent practice