Maria Martin Reports
President-Elect Arevalo Calls For Transition Pause
Guatemala’s President-elect Bernardo Arevalo is calling for a temporary halt of the presidential transition process, this after the Justice Department staff raided the offices of the country’s highest electoral authorities.
Maria Martin Reports
Guatemalan Presidential Transition Begins
These are critical times for Guatemala's fragile democracy. Recently the country's much-criticized Attorney General Consuelo Porras met with the head of the Organization of American States as part of the uncertain presidential transition and her Justice Department’s role in the country’s turbulent election process.
Meanwhile, indigenous leaders carried out traditional ceremonies to censure the attorney general and others they accuse of corruption.
Guatemala Election News
A planned celebration of anti-corruption candidate Bernardo Arevalo’s historic landslide victory was canceled two days after the August 20th election, as Guatemala’s Justice Department and losing parties used legal means to try to stop Arevalo’s progressive presidency.
SOS Central America
The first episode of a limited series examining the crisis of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in the Central American region. This episode explores the case of renowned Guatemalan journalist Jose Ruben Zamora, arrested in July of last year.
Maria Martin Reports
Guatemalans continue to fight for their fragile democracy
(National Native News) Hundreds of Guatemalans took to the streets over the weekend to protest...
Guatemalans continue to fight for their fragile democracy
(National Native News) Hundreds of Guatemalans took to the streets over the weekend to protest...
Intento por descalificar candidato presidencial dispara entusiasmo electoral en Guatemala
(en Español en Radio Bilingüe) Attempt to disqualify presidential candidate triggers electoral enthusiasm in Guatemala
Tensions rise ahead of the presidential election in Guatemala
(NPR) The next few weeks of campaigning in Guatemala will be tense...
Maria Martin is interviewed
by NPR's Weekend Sunday Edition Host Ayesha Rascoe about Guatemalan elections held June 25.
Guatemala está en vísperas de controversiales elecciones presidenciales
(en Español en Radio Bilingüe) Maria Martin Reports in Spanish on Guatemalan Elections
Maria Martin reports for National Native News on protests by indigenous groups
on legal efforts to exclude indigenous candidate Thelma Cabrera from being on the ballot as a candidate for president of Guatemala which has a high percentage of indigenous citizens.
A Ground-breaking Report on the high number Of Indigenous activists killed in Guatemala.
for USC's Center for Religion and Civic Discourse. This one focuses on the story of indigenous rights leader Rosalina Tuyuc.
An award-winning 12-part radio documentary series produced in English
and in Spanish by U.S. radio reporters and their Central American
colleagues–achieving a unique international collaboration.
Awarded best radio production in Latin America award by the International
Federation of Journalists (FIP).
What Do They Say About GraciasVida?
"...A unique perspective on all things Latin, both here at home and in Latin America..."
"...because of her honesty, integrity, empathy, and tech savviness, Maria and GraciasVida bring into focus the plight of many of the forgotten voices of our sisters and brothers in a very human way."
"...authentic stories that engage, provoke, enlighten and create opportunities for different endings..."
"...offers thoughtful reporting which respects its subjects and enlightens the listener. GraciasVida offers journalism and radio experience; cultural sensitivity; intimate and profound knowledge of Mexico, Mexican-American, Latino, Latina-American and border culture; inovative information; a unifying voice willing to relocate to dangerous places to get the true story on rebels, heroes, and victims; and true caring for the problems of its subject. Gracias Vida offers invaluable resources for teaching cultural heritage, awareness, and pride in deeply complicated issues, people, and their history; it gives Latinos living in the U.S. a broader picture of their culture and their worth."
"...highly produced programming which explores stories not covered in the mainstream media–stories which allow the general public to understand Latinos and Latin America.
"GraciasVida offers holistic, intelligent and diverse programming that engages the imagination and inspires progressive action–programming which contributes to the bettement of the Latino community and enriches all of us.
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"GraciasVida offers fabulous insights. It is top quality reporting with a human connection which leaves audiences with a sense of true understanding and knowledge of the people and countries they're hearing about."
What Is GraciasVida?
GraciasVida is a media advocacy and production and training non-profit with a mission to:
- Promote the Practice of an independent journalism in the public service.
- Foster cross-cultural understanding.
- Create forums for increased North/South and South/North media exchanges.
- Use the communication media to promote a more just and peaceful world.
- Provide diverse audiences with multiple perspectives on issues affecting Latinos and Latin America.
María Emilia Martin
is a pioneering public radio journalist with over two dozen
awards for her work covering Latino issues and Latin America. She started her
career at the first community public radio station owned and operated by Latinos
in the U.S. She has developed ground-breaking programs and series for public
radio, including NPR's Latino USA, and Despues de las Guerras: Central
America After the Wars. A recipient of Fulbright and Knight Fellowships, she
has extensive experience in journalism and radio training, in the U.S., Mexico,
Guatemala, Bolivia and other countries. Martin currently directs the non-profit GraciasVida Center for Media based in Austin, Texas and Antigua,
Guatemala. She holds a Masters Degree in Journalism from the Ohio State University, and has been inducted into the Hall of Fame of the National Association of Hispanic Journalist
Contact Gracias Vida
Maria Martin is available as a consultant, fixer, and for reporting and teaching assignments and collaborations, as well as for contacts from friends and colegas.
Email: graciasvida.media@gmail.com
Phone: 415-670-9717
Donate to Support Independent Journalism from Central America and Maria Martin’s Reporting.
Books
Crossing Borders, Building Bridges: A Journalist's Heart in Latin America
In her journalistic memoir, "Crossing Borders: Building Bridges: A Journalist's Heart in Latin America," public radio correspondent and pioneer bilingual journalist Maria Martin documents Latino life in the U.S starting in the 1970’s, then travels to Central America to cover the civil wars and their aftermath, including the migration story and other developments in the region to the present.
Reporting Across Borders: A Short Guide to Becoming a Foreign Correspondent
Learn about becoming a foreign correspondent from the author and many other journalists who share tips and best practices.