Impact snapshot from a Press Forward grantee newsroom

Who: Javier Marin, executive chairman, El Planeta

Where: Based in Boston; serving Massachusetts. 

What: Since 2004, El Planeta is the leading Spanish-language news organization in Massachusetts, serving over 600,000 Latinos through print, digital, social and community platforms. It provides culturally relevant journalism and reporting on news, public policy, health, education and immigration, helping readers navigate complex systems with confidence. The news is delivered through multiple channels, with 15,000+ newsletter subscribers and more than 250,000 followers on social media.

Why: Its mission is to inform, empower and amplify the voices of the Hispanic community. El Planeta connects with the growing Latino population in Massachusetts, offering local and authentic coverage and fostering a sense of belonging among a diverse population.

How: El Planeta has quickly mobilized to cover immigration issues in Massachusetts in the following ways:

• When the Latino community was alarmed at Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey’s lack of response to intensified immigration enforcement by the Trump administration, El Planeta brought those concerns to the governor and lieutenant governor, leading to a strong public statement in Spanish reaffirming the commitment of Massachusetts as a safe space for immigrants. 
• The outlet published a special “Safe Families” print and digital supplement as an emergency response tool for immigrant families. Produced in collaboration with local nonprofits, the supplement included advice for families encountering law enforcement, in addition to legal resources and contact info for support groups. 
• Part of the supplement included a special “Red Card” cut-out page (pictured above) that helped educate readers on their constitutional rights when approached by ICE or law enforcement. Designed to be cut out and carried in a wallet or purse, the Red Card was a lifeline for many readers living in fear of deportation. “This card is a powerful signal to stop unlawful action and assert one’s rights,” Marin said.
• El Planeta has also been reporting on the human and economic consequences of enforcement actions. Its bilingual reporters have attended community meetings, collaborated with advocacy groups, and used WhatsApp and other social media in collaboration with community leaders and influencers to gather real-time community testimony.

Quotable: “Press Forward’s support has been pivotal. It allowed us to maintain our core editorial staff, three full-time journalists and two student interns, during a period of surging news demand. It also enabled us to launch a branded content hub offering agency-style services to clients targeting multicultural audiences.”