BOSTON – El Planeta, our leading Spanish-language media outlet serving Massachusetts’ Hispanic community, has been selected as one of 205 local newsrooms nationwide to receive the first round of funding from Press Forward, a movement dedicated to strengthening communities through local journalism.
Local journalism in the U.S. is in steep decline, with two to three newsrooms closing each week. Years of investment in journalistic innovation have created new models and a fresh generation of leaders eager to reinvigorate the field. “Each newsroom plays a vital public service role in its community—providing trustworthy local news and information in places where no other sources may exist. Independent newsrooms need community support to survive,” said Dale R. Anglin, Director of Press Forward.
Since its launch in 2023, Press Forward has focused on helping communities keep their local newsrooms strong, backed by major funders like the MacArthur and Knight Foundations. Initially planning to fund 100 organizations, Press Forward expanded its support to 205 newsrooms after receiving over 900 applications, underscoring the urgent need for resources to help them thrive and continue innovating in the industry.
“These newsrooms are proof that we are witnessing a moment of transformation, where new and long-standing outlets are stepping up to create a new story for local news,” added Anglin.
The 2025 recipients represent all 50 states and address a wide range of news needs, including climate issues, local government, community resources, and social topics. El Planeta stands out as one of six grantees and the only Spanish-language news provider in Massachusetts, highlighting innovative, technology-driven journalism efforts that serve communities across the state.
“Press Forward’s investment in El Planeta not only supports Hispanic communities in Massachusetts but also highlights the essential role local news plays in expanding access,” said Rafael Ulloa, Deputy Publisher at El Planeta. “This grant strengthens our commitment to addressing local issues and bridging information gaps for our audience. Although we still produce print editions, we are now guided by the founder’s second generation and a team of young professionals adept at navigating the digital landscape,” Ulloa concluded
With this support, El Planeta is expanding its reach to over 600,000 monthly Spanish-speaking readers across digital platforms. Focused on immigration, education, and Latino empowerment, El Planeta serves as a vital resource by addressing community needs, guiding the community through complex systems, uplifting advocacy voices, preserving cultural traditions, and celebrating achievements.
To download this press release click here for English and here for Spanish.
About Press Forward
Press Forward is a nationwide movement to strengthen our democracy by revitalizing local news and information. Press Forward’s growing coalition of 60+ funders has committed to invest more than $500 million to strengthen local newsrooms, close longstanding gaps in journalism coverage, advance public policy that expands access to local news and scale infrastructure the sector needs to thrive. Press Forward is housed at The Miami Foundation. For more, visit pressforward.news.
About El Planeta:
El Planeta is Massachusetts’ leading Spanish-language media outlet, serving the vibrant Hispanic community since 2004. The publication delivers comprehensive coverage in both digital and print formats to 600,000 monthly Spanish-speaking readers across the state, focusing on topics such as immigration, education, business, Latino empowerment, and other issues important to the Hispanic community. El Planeta is dedicated to empowering its audience by providing reliable and authentic coverage that reflects the voices and stories of the community.
For more information, please contact:
Rafael Ulloa
Deputy Publisher
El Planeta