La Estrella de Tucsón’s closure in 2023 left a significant gap in Spanish-language news for Tucson’s large Hispanic community.

Once a vibrant, community-rooted publication, La Estrella struggled against industry-wide declines, corporate cost-cutting, and shifting media habits. Despite strong local support and efforts to innovate, the paper ultimately folded.

Since then, independent Spanish-language news startups and increased philanthropic support have stepped in to serve the community.

While a return to traditional print newspapers in Spanish seems unlikely, these new outlets offer hope for the future of local Spanish journalism in Tucson.

Independent news startups like El Foco de Tucson — part of Tucson Spotlight —Conecta Arizona, and Arizona Luminaria have tried to fill the gap in Spanish reporting.

Conecta’s website is entirely in Spanish, while Tucson Spotlight offers articles in Spanish on its El Foco de Tucson page. The Arizona Luminaria and Tucson Sentinel also publish a limited number of stories in Spanish.

Somos Tucson is a new Spanish-language digital news outlet launching in August, founded by Liliana Lopez Ruelas, the former editor of La Estrella de Tucsón.

This initiative aims to fill the void left by La Estrella’s closure, providing the Spanish-speaking community with reliable, locally focused journalism.

Somos Tucson will operate entirely online, offering community stories and resources to address the information needs of Tucson’s Latino population. Lopez Ruelas stresses the importance of accurate and professional information, especially during times of uncertainty, to help residents make informed decisions.

Independent digital news sites have gained popularity in recent years, with a Medill study revealing an increase of 80 news startups from 2022 to 2023, despite the continued decline in traditional journalism.

There has also been a surge in philanthropy supporting local news, allowing the independent journalism landscape to thrive.

“In the wake of all the changes that have taken place in the industry, not everything has been bad,” Lopez Ruelas said. “There’s a boom right now in local independent media outlets, most of which still focus their resources primarily on English-language journalism, but they’re making a huge effort in community journalism in Spanish. It’s a very positive change that’s taking place over the years, over time, and in the wake of a crisis.”

While La Estrella’s closure left a hole in access to information for the Hispanic community, it serves as an example of what media outlets should strive for to serve the Spanish-speaking community — while also sparking a new beginning.

As independent digital outlets like Somos Tucson and others step up to fill the void, there’s renewed hope for strong, community-focused reporting in Spanish.

Though the landscape has changed, the commitment to accurate, relevant news for Tucson’s Latino population remains steadfast. In a time of rapid transformation, collaboration and innovation may be the key to a vibrant future for local Spanish journalism.

“We’re no longer in a time when we should aspire to a great newspaper, a great name, a great media outlet. I think we’re in a time when we should aspire to collaborate,” Lopez Ruelas said. “I think the efforts that have emerged recently will grow, and I think the answer will be unity… I think good times are coming for local journalism in Spanish.”

Susan Barnett is Deputy Editor of Tucson Spotlight and a University of Arizona alum. Contact her at susan@tucsonspotlight.org.

Tucson Spotlight is a community-based newsroom that provides paid opportunities for students and rising journalists in Southern Arizona. Please consider supporting our work with a tax-deductible donation.