#MediaMonday – Elvia Diaz
Today’s #MediaMonday comes to us from Elvia Diaz, a multimedia/bilingual journalist with the Arizona Republic. She and I have emailed each other many times over the years, but we just met in person at the SPJ holiday party.
Elvia, how did you get your start in the media? What is your story?
I grew up in rural México where my main connection to the world was radio. Once in northern California, my family and I listened to a local public Spanish-language radio station. I was lucky to meet the news director who thought I had potential and eventually did their newscast. I never left news since.
You’ve been with the newspaper for quite a while. Tell us about your journey to the newsroom.
I had earned a bachelor’s degree and did well as a Spanish-language newscaster. I traveled around the country and Central America. But I wanted more, wanted to expand my horizons writing in English. The only way to do it was to go back to the classroom. Newspapers started calling once I earned a master’s degree in journalism from the University of California at Berkeley. I reported for the Albuquerque Journal in New Mexico and the Statesman Journal in Oregon before joining The Republic in 1999. I stayed here because I wanted to give my daughter stability, then it just felt home.
What are some of your favorite stories?
Hard to say. I’ve been writing and editing for too long. I’ve always covered and edited current events, politics mainly. Must say, though, I gravitate toward the underdogs, those who don’t necessarily have a voice. It’s relatively easy to amplify narratives, especially in today’s social media environment. It’s much harder to ignore the noise and dig below the surface to find and publish what’s really happening to people. I don’t always succeed but that’s the only thing that keeps me in journalism.
Favorite color?
Don’t have one. But my wardrobe is mostly black. Drives my daughter crazy so I’m adding a bit of color now.
Favorite TV shows or movies?
Hmmm. I could spend weekends watching black and white movies. I’m sure my daughter and I have watched all the Alfred Hitchcock movies, Charlie Chaplin, classics like the Godfather, Casa Blanca. Netflix, Amazon, and other streaming services are producing great Spanish shows.
Favorite local restaurants or other haunts?
Honestly, I’m not a foodie but I love the bruschetta from Postinos, the burritos from Bacanora PHX, chile verde from Cocina Madrigal. Truth be told I’d rather spend my money checking out speakeasy bars – the ones the daughter tells me she no longer visits. God forbid if we see each other there, LOL. She pretends she doesn’t know me when that happens. It’s fun, actually.
Three things readers would be surprised to know about you?
I’ve been watching British shows for years. yes, I’m sort of an expert on British history, the royal family, etc. Why? I have no clue.
Contact Email: elvia.diaz@arizonarepublic.com
