Lilia O'Hara to receive inaugural Jack White Award for Excellence in Local Journalism
The School of Journalism and Media Studies (JMS) at San Diego State University will award Lilia O'Hara with the inaugural Jack White Award for Excellence in Local Journalism. This award is in recognition of her 25-year career that includes tireless dedication to the San Diego Union-Tribune's weekly Spanish language newspaper. Through O’Hara’s roles as a copy editor, entertainment editor and editorial director, she was responsible for the quality of the Spanish language content across all products.
The new Jack White Award for Excellence in Local Journalism is given in honor and recognition of Jack White’s long career in San Diego news. It will be awarded to O’Hara May 10, 2024 at JMS’s annual graduation celebration, JMS Next.
“This award is a nice surprise,” said O’Hara. “More than anything, it means a lot to the Latino community because the news media in Spanish is not big. I am glad that someone was paying attention to what we did. However, it is more important for the new generations of journalists, because hopefully, thanks to this award, they will realize that there is an opportunity here.”
Starting her career in Mexico City, O’Hara worked as a culture reporter covering those things that make a community and nation unique, such as lifestyle, food, music and fine arts.
When O’Hara assumed the role of editorial director at The San Diego Union-Tribune en Español in 2010, her deep understanding of culture became a guiding light when covering the community. O’Hara sought to showcase the contributions of the Latino community in the development and identity of San Diego.
“O’Hara’s contributions as a journalist to the local community through her passion and dedication to shining light on the bi-national identity of San Diego embodies the essence of what the Jack White Award for Excellence in Local Journalism is all about," said Dr. Temple Northup, director of JMS.
Although O’Hara has ended her chapter with the San Diego Union-Tribune, her time as a journalist is not over. More information about her current services can be found on her website: liliaohara.com.
More information about JMS Next, including how to attend, can be found on the event website: JMSnext.org.
