María Molina: An Insightful Journey as a Washington D.C. News Correspondent

María Molina, an esteemed Washington D.C. news correspondent for NTN24, brings a wealth of experience and expertise in delivering compelling stories to Spanish-speaking audiences in the United States and Latin America. With a remarkable background encompassing international coverage of major events such as political summits, Olympic games, and European film festivals, María possesses a deep understanding of the intricate dynamics between the United States, Latin America, and Spain. Her proficiency in coordinating teams of correspondents and producing exceptional content tailored to diverse audiences has solidified her reputation as a distinguished journalist. Notably, María's exceptional ability to secure exclusive interviews and foster strong relationships with high-level government and media entities sets her apart in the industry.

In the following interview she speaks about her career in the realm of international journalism and shares some insights about her experience as a foreign correspondent working in the United States.

María Molina

How did you begin your career in journalism?

I started my career in journalism in Bogotá, Colombia, working as a guest producer at W Radio, under the direction of Julio Sánchez Cristo. Growing up, my dad listened to this station every morning, and I was always fascinated by the way Julio connected the world. From my kitchen, I could hear people reporting stories and global events from various faraway places like Madrid, Miami, Paris, Washington, Tel Aviv, and more. It was during those moments that I realized I wanted to be one of them—a person who witnesses something, talks to authorities, personalities, and regular people from distant lands, and then shares their testimonies with people listening from their homes in Bogotá. The influence of my two cousins, who were incredible radio hosts in Colombia, further fueled my passion for reporting. 

As I progressed in my career, my path became clear: international producer, correspondent in Madrid, bureau chief in Madrid, and now a correspondent in Washington. My vision came true also by becoming a special envoy in many events around the globe. 

What were some of the notable differences or surprises you encountered while reporting in the United States compared to your home country?

The United States has an extremely organized way of communicating. Colombia, on the other hand, is much more spontaneous, while Spain falls somewhere in between.

The level of organization in the U.S. is great because you always have the right tools to inform, and your email is full of newsletters, advisories, press calls, press conferences, and background calls. You receive information from so many colleagues and resources. However, it is also much harder to get "scoops" or exclusive interviews. You know that someone has so much more to say than what their press officers write for them, but they are well trained to stick to a particular message. As reporters, we always do our job and work hard to gather information from different angles and sources, not limiting ourselves to what is handed to us.

How did you navigate cultural nuances and adapt your reporting style to effectively communicate with American audiences?

Molina conducting an interview with Esteban Moctezuma, the Mexican ambassador to the United States, in Washington, D.C.

In the United States, the conversation always includes race and ethnicity due to the country's diverse population and history of migration. When I first arrived in Washington, D.C., I found it challenging to understand that I had to indicate my skin color or if I was Latina when visiting the doctor. Coming from Madrid, which is part of the European Union, I had already been exposed to people from all over the world. However, it was in D.C. that I truly felt the significance of being "Latino" in the U.S.  I had always been a proud Colombian, but here I became a proud Latina and began exploring deeper into what it means to be Hispanic in the U.S. This helped me understand the topics that are important to my community within American society, as well as the remarkable contributions my community has made to the U.S. and vice versa. To adapt my reporting style, I learned how to bridge the best of both worlds—my Colombian background and my current life as a U.S. resident.

Were there any specific challenges you faced as a foreign correspondent in the United States, and how did you overcome them?

While I love engaging with Spanish-speaking audiences, I also believe it's time for more Latinos to be part of the English-language American media. In the past midterm elections, Hispanics constituted the second-largest group of potential voters, highlighting their crucial role as an electoral force. Many Latinos are making significant contributions to American society. However, we are still underrepresented in the American media, and there is a tendency for some audiences to assume that Hispanics only care about migration issues. So not true. It’s a challenge that we have ahead. 

What are some key insights or observations you gained about American society and its political landscape during your time reporting in the country?

As a reporter, my primary goal is to ensure that my personal political opinions do not influence my public comments or reports. I try to be as neutral as I can and refrain from injecting my views into my stories. However, I can say that in the U.S I feel free to speak. I also feel happy to live in a democracy. It's easy to take these values for granted, but observing other countries in the region highlights the treasure of being part of a free society.

Did you find any significant variations in media practices or journalistic norms between your home country and the United States?

The United States has very strict policies regarding "off the record" and "background information," which I respect and admire. These practices help build an environment of trust between reporters and sources, ensuring accurate and reliable information is shared with the public.

Molina covering the United States’ border last May.

Can you share a memorable story or experience from your reporting in the United States that had a lasting impact on you personally or professionally?

One memorable experience from my reporting in the United States was when we went to the southern border to cover the end of Title 42, a migration policy implemented during the pandemic. Our goal was to report on the migration crisis that affects the entire continent, focusing specifically on human trafficking techniques and providing guidance to migrants regarding the new policies. During this assignment, I was deeply touched by the people we encountered from different angles of the story. We met authorities in Texas who were trying to maintain order while demonstrating empathy towards the migrants, as well as citizens in Mexico and Texas who had to live with thousands of people transiting through their cities. We also encountered volunteers dedicated to helping the migrants. And most importantly, we met the migrants themselves, individuals seeking the American dream. 

Despite the suffering and dramatic situations, I saw incredible strength and resilience in all those we encountered. As a mother, I couldn't help but see my own child in those kids. This experience reaffirmed to me that there are no good or bad people in this story; they are all just individuals trying to survive a hemispheric crisis and do the best they can. It was a powerful reminder of the human side of every story. I am grateful to those who allowed us to portray the story of one of the worst crises the hemisphere has faced in decades.