Journalist Launched New Spanish News Program in Portland
The 30-minute broadcast serves as the only local Spanish-language newscast for residents in Oregon and southwest Washington.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Immigration
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Journalist Antonio Sánchez premiered the Spanish-language news program Noticias Noroeste on January 20, 2025. The show was established to provide local information for Spanish speakers following the closure of a previous news outlet in late 2024.
Why it matters
The program serves as a critical bridge for Latino communities to access local news and advocacy, filling the void left by larger corporate media outlets. By focusing on local issues, the newscast helps ensure that Spanish-speaking residents remain informed on regional developments.
The 30-minute newscast, which requires 16 hours of daily production, airs 5 days a week via Facebook and YouTube. It is currently the only locally produced Spanish-language broadcast in Oregon and southwest Washington.
The players
Antonio Sánchez
He is a veteran journalist with over 20 years of experience who produces and anchors the program.
Jackie Merlos
She is a community member who was released from immigration detention following a lengthy stay.
Maxine Dexter
She is a U.S. Representative who intervened in the case of Jackie Merlos to help secure her release.
The details
Produced from a basement studio in Portland, the program offers a grassroots alternative to traditional media cycles. Antonio Sánchez utilizes his two decades of journalism experience to cover local stories, such as the case of Jackie Merlos, who was released from immigration detention after intervention from U.S. Representative Maxine Dexter.
Timeline
Late 2024: Sinclair ceased its Spanish-language operations in Portland.
January 20, 2025: The debut edition of Noticias Noroeste aired.
Political Context
The creation of this program directly counters the trend of news deserts as corporate outlets consolidate or shutter regional operations. Critics of corporate consolidation argue that such closures diminish local accountability and reduce the availability of non-English news sources.
Spanish-speaking residents in Oregon and southwest Washington now have access to a dedicated source of local information that was previously unavailable. The program provides vital updates on civic issues and advocacy, helping residents navigate regional regulatory and social environments.
The takeaway
The success of this program demonstrates how individual journalists can mitigate the impact of corporate media consolidation. Residents can support local information access by engaging directly with community-produced content platforms.
Further reading
Learn more about the local Immigration policy landscape and community developments.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Investigatetv.
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