Latino USA is a nationally syndicated public radio program produced by The Futuro Media Group and distributed nationwide by National Public Radio. As a news podcast, the mission of Latino USA is to provide weekly insights into the lived experiences of Latino communities throughout the nation, and to be a window to the cultural, political, and social ideas that impact the country’s fastest-growing demographic. The program is anchored by Maria Hinojosa.
History
According to founding Executive Producer Maria Emilia Martin, Latino USA was born following several failed attempts by NPR to create Latino-oriented programming for public radio. The program originated at KUT in Austin, Texas. KUT approached the Center for Mexican-American Studies at the University of Texas at Austin for a partnership in the production of the series. Dr. Gil Cardenas, director of the Center for Mexican-American Studies, co-wrote a grant proposal with KUT-FM to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting that eventually led to the creation of Latino USA, which premiered in April 1993. Originally launched by University of Texas in Austin and the Ford Foundation in 1992, it was a cutting-edge experiment to create an English-language Latino-centered public radio program. In 1992, Maria Emilia Martin left her position as editor at NPR in Washington, D.C. to become Latino USAs founding Executive Producer. She brought Maria Hinojosa on board as the program anchor, a post she still holds. In 2000, responsibility for the administration of Latino USA was transferred from the Center for Mexican American Studies at the University of Texas at Austin, to KUT-FM, based at UT's College of Communication. In 2002, Maria Emilia Martin left her position as Executive Producer and was replaced by Hinojosa. In 2006, Hinojosa had the title "Managing Editor" added. In 2010, Futuro Media Group, a production company founded by Hinojosa, assumed full developmental and production responsibilities for Latino USA, including content, research and reporting. In 2012, the show transitioned from its half-hour format to its current one-hour format, overseen in turn by senior producers Carolina González, A.C. Valdez, and Daisy Rosario.
Today
Today, Latino USA is a flagship NPR program with a 20-year history and strong audience loyalty and provides NPR its only news magazine with a dedicated focus on America’s Latino community. It is the longest-running Latino-focused program on the radio and the foremost voice in public media providing insight into the experience of Latinos throughout the United States. It is ranked among the top 10 in 5 of the top 25 national markets.
