Miami Herald Investigates: Univision vs. Rubio

The Miami Herald has an investigation into an alleged deal that Spanish-language news leader Univision proposed to Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL):

Days before Univision aired a controversial story this summer about the decades-old drug bust of Marco Rubio’s brother-in-law, top staff with the Spanish-language media powerhouse offered what sounded like a deal to the U.S. senator’s staff.

If Rubio appeared on Al Punto —Univision’s national television show where the topic of immigration would likely be discussed — then the story of his brother-in-law’s troubles would be softened or might not run at all, according to Univision insiders and the Republican senator’s staff. They say the offer was made by Univision’s president of news, Isaac Lee.

The investigation highlights a problem that affects many media outlets–the relationship between the press and the politicians it covers. Trading access for scoops, or suggesting behind-the-scenes handshake agreements in exchange for holding back on stories. It also loops in Univision’s signature news program, “Al Punto,” anchored by Jorge Ramos.

You can read the entire report here.

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