Syracuse’s Spanish Language News Gap: Organizations Fill the Void
During a time when there’s an influx of content on social media, online and in the news in multiple languages, there’s an obvious gap in Syracuse media content: Syracuse does not have a daily newspaper or broadcast in Spanish.
Instead nonprofit organizations support Spanish speaking residents and help provide access to information and resources.
Non-profits supporting Spanish speakers in Syracuse:
La Liga:
700 Oswego St. Syracuse, NY 13204
Also known as the Spanish Action League of Onondaga County, La Liga has supported Spanish speakers in Syracuse for nearly six decades. Operating as an affiliate of the Acacia Network, a Latino-led nonprofit, La Liga provides services in health, housing and economic development.
La Liga helps helps address the gap in local Spanish-language news through translation assistance. The nonprofit in Syracuse’s Westside provides a 24/7 language hotline, offering interpretation and translation services, including medical translations.
109 Otisco St. Syracuse, NY 13204
The Syracuse University program aimed at bridging the university’s Hispanic communities and Central New York is celebrating its quinceañera (15th birthday). “La Casita,” meaning little house in Spanish, provides a bilingual hub and home for Spanish-speaking students and community members, with an art gallery, performance space and bilingual library.
Focusing on culture and the arts, La Casita hosts traditional Hispanic events, including dances, quinceañeras and art exhibits. The center celebrated its own quinceañera in September alongside a 15-year-old from the Syracuse community.
Why Spanish-Language Local News Matters in Syracuse:
The work of organizations providing support and community for Spanish-speaking residents in Syracuse is vital and important; however, I think it should be supported by Spanish-language local news.
News in Spanish is not just a translation of news in English. Instead it covers issues that Spanish speakers are invested in and tailor towards them, according to Suzanne García, a Cal State Monterey Bay professor interviewed by Cal Matters.
The Spanish speaking group in Syracuse remains a prevalent group in the city, so does the need for local news in Spanish. Until then, non-profits and community groups help provide information and resources.
