Throughout her career, Maria Hinojosa has brought attention to experiences and points of view often underreported in mainstream media.
Born in Mexico City, raised in Chicago and educated at Barnard College, Hinojosa made history as the first Latina in many newsrooms. Her vision for independent, multimedia journalism led her to establish Futuro Media, a journalism nonprofit that explores the breadth of the evolving American experience. Her podcast series “Suave” about a justice system in which juveniles can receive life-long prison sentences, earned a Pulitzer Prize in 2022. “Suave” was recognized as a distinguished example of audio journalism that judges described as “a brutally honest and immersive profile of a man re-entering society after serving more than 30 years in prison.”
As the anchor and executive producer of the Peabody Award-winning show “Latino USA” and co-host of the award-winning political podcast “In The Thick,” Hinojosa has informed millions about the changing cultural and political landscape in America and beyond. Her career includes reporting for PBS, CBS, WNBC, CNN, and NPR, as well as anchoring the Emmy Award-winning talk show “Maria Hinojosa: One-on-One.”
Throughout her career, Hinojosa has been recognized for her thoughtful, attentive approach to journalism. Her work reflects a dedication to accuracy and detail as she tells the stories of those whose lives and experiences are often overlooked. She continues to bring attention to underreported stories, acting as a mentor to the next generation of diverse journalists at Futuro Media.
She has earned numerous accolades, including four Emmys, the John Chancellor Award, the Studs Terkel Community Media Award, two Robert F. Kennedy Awards, and the Ruben Salazar Lifetime Achievement Award.
Today, we honor Maria Hinojosa with the 2024 Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Journalism in recognition of her outstanding leadership and career.