Spanish News Program Launched in Portland
Beginning January 20, 2025, a new local newscast aimed to fill a regional media gap.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Immigration
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Following the late 2024 closure of a Sinclair-owned Spanish-language news operation, Portland journalist Antonio Sánchez launched a new digital program to serve Latino communities. The project currently stands as the only locally produced Spanish-language newscast in Oregon and southwest Washington.
Why it matters
The program was created to prevent the formation of a media desert for local Spanish speakers, ensuring residents have access to community-focused reporting. It underscores the challenges of sustaining independent, ad-supported journalism after larger corporate outlets exit the market.
The 30-minute newscast, which requires a 16-hour daily commitment from its producer, reaches tens of thousands of viewers weekly. While the program currently serves the region five days a week, its total long-term viewership capacity remains unknown.
The players
Antonio Sánchez
A journalist with over 20 years of experience who produces and anchors the program.
Maxine Dexter
A U.S. Representative who intervened in an immigration case involving a local family.
Jackie Merlos
A community member who was released from immigration detention after more than 100 days.
The details
Produced from a basement studio, the newscast leverages Antonio Sánchez's two decades of television experience to deliver news via Facebook and YouTube. The program recently highlighted advocacy efforts, such as U.S. Representative Maxine Dexter's involvement in the release of Jackie Merlos and her four children after their 100-day detention. The venture remains entirely reliant on advertising revenue.
Timeline
Late 2024: Sinclair ended its local Spanish-language news production.
January 20, 2025: The first episode of Noticias Noroeste aired.
Beyond the Bridges
This program serves as a direct response to the media void left by the closure of a Sinclair-owned Spanish-language news operation. It marks a shift toward independent, digital-first production models in the region's broader news landscape.
Residents across Oregon and southwest Washington can access the daily news updates via Facebook and YouTube. The shift to digital-only delivery allows the producer to reach viewers directly without the need for traditional broadcast infrastructure.
The takeaway
The program highlights the persistence of independent media in covering local advocacy and immigration issues. Keep an eye on how these digital-only outlets sustain operations in the absence of traditional broadcast funding.
Further reading
For broader context on how local media coverage intersects with regional community advocacy, visit Immigration.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Investigatetv.
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