Latino media leaders share insights on how journalism is a ministry

A panel of renowned communicators gathered at the Media Music Marketing Summit in Miami, Florida, to discuss a crucial challenge: how to unite the consumers of news and entertainment and deliver an impactful message “from Prime Time to the Timeline and back.”

The conversation, moderated by Rochy Cantillo, revealed that beyond technology, the key lies in a deep sense of purpose and ministry.

The panel featured Tayhana García, a reporter with Univision 23 and 13-time Emmy Award winner; Father Alberto Cutié, one of the most recognized figures in Hispanic radio and television; Ray Cruz, content director at La Poderosa 990 AM; and Melvin Rivera, a pioneer of Spanish-language podcasting. Together, they shared their experiences transitioning from mass media to digital niches, agreeing that every screen represents an opportunity to serve.

Journalism as social work and ministry

Tayhana García opened the discussion by emphasizing her view of journalism as a calling to serve. “For me, journalism is social work,” she said, describing how her investigative reports have led to tangible change — such as new laws protecting residents from corrupt homeowners’ associations or resolving urgent community issues.

She recalled the story of an apartment building for seniors who had gone months without air conditioning in Miami’s intense heat. “They called me, and I immediately contacted city hall and local officials … that same day, those residents had air conditioning again,” she said.

For García, being a Christian professional in a secular environment is not a contradiction but a mission. When asked why she works in secular news, her answer is firm: “This is my ministry. God put me there to bring good news in moments of hardship. When a woman loses her husband, when a mother loses her child — I’m there to pray with them.”

From television as a 'cross' to a mass ministry

Father Alberto Cutié, known to millions as “Father Oprah,” shared a surprising story about how his media career began. “I never wanted to be on television,” he admitted, explaining that his superiors sent him to a Telemundo audition. At first, he saw it as a burden that pulled him away from his parish work. “For me, it was a cross — it was hard to leave what I loved to spend hours in a dark studio,” he said.

Original reporting by Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition.