Leighanne Muñoz, a native of Las Cruces, has joined the Las Cruces Sun-News as a fellow through the New Mexico Local News Fund. Her role will focus on reporting business and development news in Las Cruces and Doña Ana County over the next year. This fellowship is part of an initiative to place early-career journalists in New Mexico newsrooms to enhance local reporting.
Local Talent for Local News
Muñoz, a graduate of New Mexico State University with a degree in journalism and new media, expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity. “I am very excited to join the Las Cruces Sun-News as a fellow this year. I am ready to learn as much as I can through my time as a fellow and build stronger connections within the community,” she said.
Her work will be featured across various platforms, including the Sun-News website, daily print edition, and social media channels. Editor Jessica Onsurez praised the addition of Muñoz to the team, emphasizing the importance of investing in journalists who are familiar with and passionate about their communities.
Fellowship Program’s Impact
The New Mexico Local News Fund Fellowship and Internship program, managed by the University of New Mexico’s Department of Communication and Journalism, aims to cultivate the next generation of journalists by placing them in local newsrooms. Gwyneth Doland, a professor at UNM, highlighted the program’s goal of helping journalists build careers in the communities they know best.
Rashad Mahmood, executive director of the New Mexico Local News Fund, underscored the significance of local news as essential infrastructure for communities. By supporting fellows and interns, the program ensures that New Mexicans have access to reliable information necessary for informed decision-making.
Muñoz is part of a cohort of 16 emerging journalists, including six fellows and ten interns, placed in various newsrooms across the state. This initiative is supported by public funding, making New Mexico one of only three states with dedicated resources for journalism fellowships.
Original reporting: Las Cruces Sun News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
