Miami Herald’s Nora Gámez Torres Honored with Gold Medal for Exceptional Cuba Reporting
New York, NY – September 24, 2025 – In a significant win for independent journalism and Latin American coverage, Nora Gámez Torres, a veteran journalist with the Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald, has been awarded the gold medal of the prestigious Maria Mours Cabot Award from Columbia University. This breaking news recognizes over a decade of dedicated reporting on the complex and evolving relationship between Cuba and the United States – a beat often overlooked by mainstream American media. This award isn’t just a personal triumph for Gámez Torres; it’s a powerful signal about the importance of nuanced, on-the-ground reporting in an era of misinformation and shrinking newsrooms. For those following Google News trends, this story highlights the value of in-depth international coverage.
From Havana to Miami: A Journey Driven by a Search for Truth
Gámez Torres’s path to becoming “the most reliable voice about the island in the American media,” as described by the Cabot Award jury, wasn’t a straightforward one. Her journey began at the University of Havana, where she quickly became disillusioned with the limitations placed on journalists working for state-controlled media. “It was basically working for official media, under many restrictions and practically obliged to produce propaganda,” she explained in an interview. This realization fueled her pursuit of advanced degrees – a Master’s in Media and Communications from the London School of Economics and a doctorate in Sociology from the City University of London – before ultimately landing an opportunity at El Nuevo Herald, initially envisioned as a temporary position.
Serendipitously, her arrival in the U.S. coincided with the historic restoration of relations between the two countries. “And a vertiginous rhythm of events begins that nobody would have planned,” Gámez Torres recalled. She was embedded with the team covering President Obama’s landmark visit to Cuba in 2016 – a trip she hasn’t been able to revisit since – and has since reported on pivotal moments including the death of Fidel Castro, the transition to a non-Castro leader, and the widespread protests of July 11, 2021. Her academic background, she emphasizes, has been “vital” in providing context and depth to her reporting.
The Power of Context: Why Deep Reporting on Cuba Matters
Gámez Torres’s work stands out not just for its timeliness, but for its analytical rigor. She leverages her sociological training and a robust network of academics, experts, and artists to provide a comprehensive understanding of Cuban society and politics. This approach is particularly crucial given the limited access and control exerted by the Cuban government over its own media landscape. As the Cabot Award jury noted, her reporting often serves as a primary source of information for Cubans themselves. This underscores a critical role for international journalism: providing a lifeline of independent information to populations living under restrictive regimes.
Her investigations haven’t come without risk. Gámez Torres has faced accusations from the Cuban government, ranging from being a tool of the State Department to a CIA operative, particularly following her exclusive reporting on the Havana Syndrome and the arrest of a former U.S. ambassador. More recently, her reporting on leaked financial documents revealing substantial assets held by the Cuban armed forces – while the country struggles with shortages of medicine and infrastructure improvements – has further drawn the ire of authorities. These challenges highlight the inherent dangers faced by journalists committed to uncovering the truth.
Navigating the Crisis in Local Journalism: A Call for Support
Gámez Torres is acutely aware of the pressures facing the media industry, particularly local news organizations like the Miami Herald. “Making journalism today is really very challenging,” she says, citing economic constraints and the rise of misinformation as significant threats. She also points to the competition from influencers who lack the same commitment to factual reporting. This is a critical moment for the future of journalism. Supporting local news organizations, investing in fact-checking initiatives, and promoting media literacy are essential steps to combat the spread of false information and ensure a well-informed public. For those interested in SEO best practices, supporting quality journalism contributes to a healthier online ecosystem.
Gámez Torres will receive the Maria Mours Cabot Award at a ceremony on October 8th at Columbia University in New York, alongside fellow honorees Omaya Sosa Pascual, Natalia Viana, and Isabella Cota. Her recognition serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of courageous, insightful journalism – and a beacon of hope for a future where truth prevails.
