Call for Biden to Nominate Latine FCC Commissioner

A Statement from Brenda Victoria Castillo, President & CEO of the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC)

Latines are the largest minority group in the country, accounting for nearly 20% of the U.S. population, yet it has been more than twenty years since the Latino community has been represented in the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), a seat previously filled by Gloria Tristani in 2001. The diversity of this country is one of our greatest strengths, and our federal government and its institutions, such as the FCC, should reflect the nation’s demographics. Now more than ever, it is time for the Biden administration to nominate a Latine commissioner to the FCC.

Every day, Latine individuals face the spread of disinformation in Spanish language radio and social media, and even struggle trying to access basic information about important issues such as COVID-19 and the U.S. Census. We need a commissioner who understands firsthand the obstacles our community faces. It is essential to the Latine community that we have a voice that will help to ensure we can fully participate in America’s digital economy, regardless of age, socioeconomic background, educational attainment, while surpassing language barriers.

In January, NHMC and its fellow Latine allies sent a letter to the Biden Administration urging consideration for a Latine candidate to the commission. The representation of Latines at agencies like the FCC is a necessary component of meaningful progress, but for far too long, it has been one step forward, two steps back.

This position is an opportunity for the administration to ensure that Latine representation is not just a trendy topic, but an integral part of an inclusive government that reflects its people.

We urge the Biden administration to move quickly to nominate a qualified Latine individual to the role, bringing representation and equity where it is needed most.