by Joe Siegel

The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) recently issued an open letter over fears of how media consolidation will affect local outlets and community voices.

The letter is entitled, “Don’t let news consolidation silence local voices: A joint statement on proposed changes to federal media-ownership rules.”

Several organizations signed on to the letter including NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists, the Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA), Journalism & Women Symposium (JAWS), National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), South Asian Journalists Association (SAJA), and the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ).

The letter reads in part: “Changes to media ownership rules under consideration by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) threaten to accelerate this contraction. As organizations representing a broad range of journalists, we call on policymakers and industry leaders to recognize that diverse, local voices are the foundation of a strong, sustainable news media that serves all Americans.

“Gains made over decades are being rolled back in months. Economic headwinds and corporate restructuring have led to layoffs that disproportionately affect journalists of color — often the most recent hires in newsrooms that only recently began to reflect the communities they serve. National outlets have laid off staffers of verticals dedicated to covering underrepresented communities.”

Those working in LGBTQ media echoed those sentiments.

“As media conglomerates kowtow to the Trump administration’s efforts at controlling the narrative — the L.A. Times and Washington Post canceling their endorsements of Kamala Harris; ’60 Minutes’ killing a story critical of the government — it’s more important than ever to fight for and preserve local media and independent, niche outlets,” said Kevin Naff, editor of the Washington Blade, based in the nation’s capital.

“I agree with the sentiments and principles of the NAHJ and I believe all journalists must stand together for our profession, so I’ve encouraged organizations that we’re a member of to sign on,” said Michael Yamashita, publisher of San Francisco-based Bay Area Reporter. “I’m just not sure how effective it will ultimately be given the forces against us. The public must value our work and be our most steadfast supporters in many ways in order to remain relevant.”

Todd Evans, CEO of Rivendell Media (which publishes Press Pass Q), reflected on the current state of LGBTQ media in a statement to various outlets.

“Many of us believed that nothing could be more challenging than the COVID era, but 2025 brought its own unique difficulties,” said Evans. “After a strong recovery in 2024, we anticipated a return to normalcy — only to be met with new uncertainties following the election. This past year has reminded us all just how much leadership matters, both in government and within our own organizations.”

“Despite these challenges, one thing remains clear,” Evans added, “our work in LGBTQ media is more vital than ever. The need for authentic voices and representation continues to grow, and our relevance as a community and industry has never been greater. I am encouraged to see signs of improvement, … and businesses are beginning to adapt to the new landscape. While the path forward is still taking shape, I am confident that together, we will find our footing.”

Addressing LGBTQ media publishers specifically, Evans said, “If you have felt isolated in your struggles this year, please know you are not alone. Every publisher I’ve spoken with — inside and outside LGBTQ media — has faced similar struggles. We should all take pride in the resilience and dedication that brought us through these times. I truly believe the hardest days are behind us. Looking ahead, I see 2025 as the closing chapter of an old era and 2026 as the beginning of a new one—one that we will shape together. Let’s continue to build on the progress we’ve made in technology, in our relationships within the publishing industry, and especially within our own LGBTQ publishing community.”

The full letter is available at https://nahj.org/dont-let-news-consolidation-silence-local-voices-a-joint-statement-on-proposed-changes-to-federal-media-ownership-rules

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Volume 27
Issue 12