Felix Contreras, an NPR journalist renowned for his work in Latino music, is celebrated with the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Award for journalism. Contreras, known for his podcast "Alt.Latino," expresses humility at receiving such recognition, emphasizing that journalists should remain behind the story. Over a nearly 50-year career spanning positions from a TV news photographer to a dedicated NPR producer, he has focus on representing Latino narratives, aiming to elevate the voices of both mainstream and alternative Latino artists who often lack coverage.
"We learn early on that [journalists] are not supposed to be the story. That's the largest stumbling block as to why I'm having a difficult time accepting this accolade."
"My point has always been to tell our Latino stories through the news, good or bad."
"Alt.Latino" was created to fill the dearth of coverage of alternative Latino music—Spanish-language stations gave little airtime to alternative rock groups like Los Fabulosos Cadillacs or Café Tacvba.
Contreras has been a dedicated reporter for close to 50 years, transitioning from TV news to NPR with a focus on Latino stories.
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