On November 7, 2023, Univision aired a softball interview with Donald Trump, in which he threatened to use the Department of Justice and the FBI to target his enemies. The interview sparked outrage among the Latino community, with many accusing Univision of spreading mis- and disinformation.
In a letter to Univision CEO Wade Davis, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) expressed their concerns about the interview. The CHC wrote that they were “concerned about Univision’s continued commitment to its mission and its audience” and that they had a “responsibility to our constituents, and to the Latino community we represent in Congress, to fight for their rights.”
The CHC also noted that they have worked closely with Univision in the past to ensure that the Latino community is well informed. However, they said that by giving Trump the appearance on the network, Univision did not uphold its standards of “fair and accurate reporting.”
The CHC called on Univision to meet with them to discuss their concerns. They said that it was important for Univision to prove that it is a trusted news source that provides accurate, balanced, and truthful information.
The CHC’s letter is the latest in a series of criticisms of Univision’s Trump interview. Shortly after the interview aired, Univision anchor Leon Krauze announced that he was leaving the network. Krause said that he was committed to journalism that “amplifies the voices and illuminates the stories of those who so often go unheard and unseen.”
The CHC’s concerns about Univision’s Trump interview are valid. The interview was indeed a softball affair, and Trump’s threats to use the Department of Justice and the FBI to target his enemies were alarming. Univision has a responsibility to its viewers to provide accurate and unbiased news coverage. The CHC’s call for a meeting with Univision is a positive step towards ensuring that the network meets its obligations.
