Society of Professional Journalists San Antonio Chapter

07/24/2026

SPJ San Antonio remembers and celebrates the extraordinary legacy of Diana “DeeDee” Fuentes, who was honored posthumously as the recipient of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas’ James Madison Award.

A longtime champion of transparency, open government and the First Amendment, DeeDee dedicated her career to strengthening journalism and supporting the journalists who serve their communities. Her leadership, mentorship and unwavering commitment to a free press left a lasting impact across Texas.

We're honored to share that our late Executive Director, Diana "DeeDee" Fuentes, has been named the posthumous recipient of the James Madison Award by the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas.

Throughout her career, DeeDee was a tireless advocate for open government, a free press and the public's right to know. Whether she was reporting, mentoring journalists or leading Investigative Reporters & Editors, she never stopped fighting for transparency and accountability.

IRE board president Josh Hinkle, also an Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas board member, noted at Fuentes’ memorial service in Del Rio that she had reminded IRE colleagues across the country: “We have a constitutionally protected right — and deep responsibility — to keep the people informed, and we will not stop.”

“Nobody was a stronger champion of open government and transparency than DeeDee — she was always quick to lend a hand, offer great ideas and fight for what’s right,” said Ayan Mittra, current president of the FOIFT board. “Her legacy is one of service, dedication and support, and nobody is more deserving of this honor.”

Congratulations to DeeDee's family on this meaningful recognition. Her legacy continues to inspire us every day.

Read more: https://foift.org/news-release/texas-news-leader-free-press-advocate-diana-fuentes-recipient-of-james-madison-award/

05/28/2026

Gridiron 2026 is coming! Stranger Times: Writing the Upside Down. Saturday, September 26 at UTSA’s Buena Vista Theater.

This year’s show is dedicated to Diana “Deedee” Fuentes.

Will you stay (home) or will you go?

04/13/2026

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Society of Professional Journalists' Code of Ethics, the San Antonio pro chapter hosted an Ethics Panel this afternoon at UT San Antonio. An exciting bunch of aspiring journalists and communication arts students learned from some of the best!

Thank you to our respected and trusted panel: Nancy Martinez Preyor-Johnson with the San Antonio Express-News, Daniela Ibarra with KSAT, Joey Palacios from Texas Public Radio, Arelis R. Hernandez with the Washington Post and Edgar Sandoval with the New York Times. And of course, Randy Beamer with KLRN for being our moderator.

We look forward to hosting more of these with local colleges in San Antonio!

04/12/2026

Thank you to everyone who honored, raised a tequila shot and remembered the legendary Diana R. “DeeDee” Fuentes.

Many shared memories of her meticulous edits, her love for mariachi and her amazing gift of being present in everyone’s lives.

May she live through all of us as we continue to tell stories, spread joy and be kind.

And, as she would say, “Un abrazo for everyone.”

03/24/2026

“She knew the news business from the ground up — literally, from the press room to the editor-in-chief’s office and every step in between. She had done it all, and brilliantly,” said Marc Duvoisin, editor-in-chief of the San Antonio Express-News. “Yet she was utterly without pretense, generous toward colleagues and always fun to be around. She viewed her expertise as a gift to be shared freely. I learned something from her every day.”

Diana R. 'DeeDee' Fuentes rose as a national figure among Hispanic journalists and had a calming effect on colleagues.

03/23/2026

Hello friends, just a quick update about services for Diana R. “DeeDee” Fuentes. While we still don’t have a time for the services, we can share that they will be in Del Rio. There will be a viewing Friday and the services will be Saturday morning. We will share the time as soon as the family confirms it. A memorial service in San Antonio is also being planned for a later date.

Meanwhile, the family shared that they are planning to wear something red in honor of DeeDee and encourage others to do the same.

They have set up a scholarship at Texas State University, where DeeDee taught and recently obtained her master’s degree. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, folks can donate to the Diana Fuentes Memorial Scholarship, link in the comments.

Additionally, Investigative Reporters & Editors have nominated DeeDee to their Hall of Fame. If you would like to donate to that campaign, you can also find that link in the comments.