By Sergio Luis Yanes, CJE
Continuing in the spirit of amplifying the voices of female journalists for Women’s History Month, the 2022 post focuses on overcoming barriers women (and women of color) face in the newsroom, inspired by the 2021 post featuring two female journalists who shared what keeps them going as professionals.
The first comes from Laryssa Diaz, a sports reporter at Arvada High School in Colorado. In this video, Diaz interviews freelance sports reporter Cealey Godwin about her experiences moving through various markets and challenges she has faced along the way.
The second story comes from Aryanna Lamas, a college journalist studying to become a sports reporter herself. In her account, she shares a classroom experience about three Latina journalists losing their positions at a local news affiliate and explores how that conversation inspires her to keep using her voice as a female and a Latina.
Finding the Latina voice in journalism
My first few years of college were spent at Front Range Community College getting my general education for my associates degree. I transferred to Metropolitan State University of Denver for my bachelor’s in broadcast journalism, minor in sports media. My first semester at a new college was all online. It was difficult. Comparing myself to peers who have had experience already when I had little to none. However, I was determined to put myself out there. Participating in classes was the best option during remote learning.
One day, during my journalism fundamentals class, my professor decided we would talk about the three Latina journalists who were fired from 9News Denver. The professor was describing the situation to the class and asked for our input. At first, I was hesitant to speak up. I was the only Latina in the class. I did not want my professor to look down on me. Eventually, I decided to speak up. I explained to the professor that, although I see his perspective, I also see the Latina journalists’.
Wanting more diversity in the newsroom in order for topics to be reported accurately does not equate to being biased. They wanted to report on their community in a different light from what the audience is used to. The professor did not agree with me, and I respect that. A man cannot understand the perspectives of a first-generation Latina, just as I can’t understand the struggles of another marginalized group.
Ever since I decided to become a journalist, I have always been clear that my Mexican-American background will be with me. When people find out about my passion for being a sports reporter, they automatically assume it is for Univision. Many of my broadcasting reels have people pronouncing my name in English even after I correct them, forcing me to say it incorrectly. The past year being a journalism student has been difficult trying to find where I belong. Yet, I realize that it is difficult to find that place because there are not enough people like me.
But, with many downfalls come blessings. A year later, I am now networking with those same three Latina journalists. I am proud to say that I am currently the only Latina involved in the live broadcast for the athletics department at my university. Because of this, I have been afforded so many great opportunities, including being the face of the spring 2022 MSU Denver commercial.
My ultimate goal is to be one of the first Latinas wherever I land. The first Latina sideline reporter. The first Latina sports anchor. The first Latina play-by-play reporter. If I have to go through many hardships in order for future Latina journalists to make it in the industry, I’ll do it over and over again.
As always, we’re looking to amplify voices in our JEA community. If you have something you’d like to add to this discussion — resources, stories, lesson plans — please reach out to ktaylor1164@gmail.com or sergioluisyanes@gmail.com so we can feature them.
Lindsay Porter