Column: It’s not even election day, but a Latino Republican radio show is already giddy.
Juanita Diaz, a co-host on an NPR program called On the Media, is hosting an October edition of the election-themed show that combines interviews with elected officials with live performances from Latino celebrities.
Diaz joined the program Tuesday to talk with host Terry Gross about the importance of keeping Latino issues high on the national agenda and to share thoughts about the importance of immigration reform.
But the episode’s star is its host, who announced in a tweet Wednesday that she plans to retire after the election.
Juanita Diaz, our guest host, has made her position clear: she is retiring early. She told us so herself.
In the same tweet she said: “I know what it is to lose the love of ones that are important to you – but I know what it is to lose yourself in the process.”
I know what it is to lose the love of ones that are important to you – but I know what it is to lose yourself in the process. — Juanita Diaz (@Juanitadorica) October 10, 2012
Diaz, in a phone interview with Fusion, said she’s leaving her radio show because of health reasons, but declined to answer whether she was retiring to focus on her health.
“I have been fighting for my health,” she said. “It’s health and happiness. But what I’m getting is not as clear to me as what it will be when I can do whatever I’m doing. I love this show quite a bit, so it’s really not about that. I want to spend time with my family, so I’m just doing this on my own terms.”
She said she hopes On the Media can continue to serve as an outlet for Latinos, and for people who love Latino culture.
“It could go to a new format and a new host or a new format and a new host, but I would love to try many different things and share with listeners the stories I’m hearing
