NAHJ warns CBS News cuts are shrinking Latino representation

By AI, Created 12:16 PM UTC, May 31, 2026, /AGP/ – The National Association of Hispanic Journalists is pressing CBS News to reaffirm its commitment to diversity after the departures of Cecilia Vega and other Latino journalists. NAHJ says the losses weaken newsroom representation at a time when Latino audiences make up nearly 20% of the U.S. population.

Why it matters: - NAHJ says the departure of Latino journalists from CBS-owned news operations weakens representation in national newsrooms. - The group argues that fewer Hispanic voices can reduce cultural understanding, source access and the range of perspectives in coverage. - The issue lands as Latino audiences account for nearly 20% of the U.S. population, according to NAHJ.

What happened: - CBS News announced Thursday that Cecilia Vega, Sharyn Alfonsi, Tanya Simon and Draggan Mihailovich were departing 60 Minutes. - NAHJ said it is deeply concerned by the continuing loss of Latino journalists across CBS-owned news operations. - Vega was the first Latina correspondent on 60 Minutes. - Vega joined 60 Minutes in 2023 after a high-profile run at ABC. - Vega won the NAHJ Excelencia Award as National Latina Journalist of the Year in 2024.

The details: - NAHJ said the personnel changes continue a troubling trend of experienced journalists being fired or leaving national news programs. - The group said those changes undermine independent media and erode public trust in journalism. - NAHJ also cited recent exits and staffing reductions involving Latino journalists at CBS-owned properties, including Omar Villafranca, Andrés Gutiérrez and Nidia Cavazos. - The organization said the circumstances differ for each journalist, but the cumulative effect has intensified concerns about Latino representation in prominent reporting and newsroom roles. - 60 Minutes was established in 1968 and became known for investigative broadcast journalism that exposed wrongdoing, prompted official investigations and drove change. - The NAHJ statement included social links to its LinkedIn page, Instagram account, Facebook page, YouTube channel and X account.

Between the lines: - NAHJ is using the Vega departure to spotlight a broader concern about who gets retained and elevated in high-profile newsrooms. - The group’s argument is not only about one correspondent. It is about whether major news organizations reflect the communities they cover. - The call for replacements and new hires with Hispanic perspectives signals pressure on CBS News and other national outlets to make diversity visible in staffing, not just in public statements.

What’s next: - NAHJ said it wants CBS and other news organizations to reaffirm their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. - The group is calling for replacements and new hires that bring the perspectives and expertise of Hispanic journalists, viewers and sources into newsrooms. - NAHJ said it will continue advocating for stronger Latino representation across the media industry.

The bottom line: - The CBS departures have become a larger test of whether national newsrooms will preserve Latino representation while reshaping senior editorial teams.