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From Crisis Coverage to Community Care

July 1, 2025

Webinar promotion titled Empowering Communities in Crisis with photos of Maria Barquin, Walter Gomez, Imelda Carrasco and Nicolás Ríos.
Recent Pivot Fund webinar event

How Immigrant-Serving Newsrooms Are Reshaping Journalism—Together

Immigration crackdowns. Policy whiplash. Rising fear and misinformation. In the face of these challenges, community-rooted newsrooms aren’t just reporting the news—they’re stepping up with tools, safety guides, and connection.

At a recent Pivot Fund webinar, leaders from Enlace Latino NC, Radio Campesina Network, and Acción Latina (publisher of El Tecolote) shared how they’re meeting this moment—and what it takes to do the work with care.

Their approaches varied, but one theme was clear: start by listening. From WhatsApp groups for RV-dwelling families to explainers on civil rights and Facebook Lives breaking down legislation, these publishers are turning audience needs into action. “Put the community at the center—not around it,” said Walter Gómez of Enlace Latino NC.

Key Lessons for Fellow Publishers:

  • Build with, not for: Your community knows what it needs. Let them lead the way.
  • Translation isn’t enough: Adapt culturally and linguistically—speak with your audience, not just to them.
  • Trust is the true ROI: These tools may not drive clicks, but they deepen community trust—and open new doors.
  • Take care of your team: Mental health and physical safety are essential, not optional.

And don’t forget to celebrate the wins. As El Tecolote’s Imelda Carrasco shared, balancing hard news with joy, culture, and art helps preserve both community and newsroom well-being.

Whether you’re covering immigration, housing, or local policy, this conversation was a reminder: our journalism is stronger when it’s built from within.

Empowering Communities in Crisis: Spanish-Language Newsrooms on the Frontlines

Key Tips from Publishers

  1. Listen First. Use tools like WhatsApp to hear directly from your audience and respond to their real needs.
  2. Let Community Guide Your Tools. Build platforms—like podcasts or info guides—based on what your community asks for, not just what you want to create.
  3. Stay Present and Involved. Be active in the community you serve. Show up, build trust, and be more than a newsroom—be a neighbor.
  4. Train and Empower Your Team. Invest in training so your staff can adapt, connect deeply, and report with care and accuracy.
  5. Report with Humanity. Don’t just cover “issues”—tell stories rooted in real lives. Know the people behind the headlines.