Immigration news is hardly covered by Latinos for top American newspapers, according to a recent study.

White, non-Hispanic journalists wrote 98.2 percent of the front page articles this year in major U.S. newspapers, according to data compiled by Fourth Estate, a group that tracks information about media. Only a miniscule 0.2 percent of journalists writing front-page newspaper features on immigration were Latino, according to figures gathered from Jan. 1 to Oct. 12.

The study found that even papers that serve large Latino populations have few Latino authors on their front page stories, or in the newsroom altogether.

Furthermore, the number of Hispanic journalists working at U.S. daily newspapers went from 1,889 to 1,650, a 0.47 percent decrease (4.54 to 4.07 percent) since last year. The total loss of minority newsroom positions is at 5.7 percent, according to the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.

What the Fourth Estate report shows is there is a clear lack of diversity in our media, a disproportionate and erroneous comparison to how diverse our country is.

The most striking underrepresentation of minorities in the report’s data is that of Hispanic journalists, considering the Hispanic population stands at approximately 16.7 percent of the U.S. population, according to the 2010 Census.

At 6.1 percent, The Miami Herald has the highest percentage of front page stories written by Hispanics.

Although it can be agreed that any reporter worth his or her salt should be able to cover any story, as there have undoubtedly been great stories written by white, non-Hispanic reporters with no immigrant experiences, an argument also exists for having people with real-life immigrant experience covering these important stories.

Not only are native language skills valuable, but there’s a trust element that occurs when there is a common experience or understanding shared between the reporter and the community. In terms of stories like immigration, when the subject matter is so sensitive and fragile for those experiencing it, the ability to relate to a source or community provides for a deeper, more perceptive and often times more literal storytelling.

As a Latina and journalist, I was immediately appalled after reading the staggering statistics. I understand how beneficial it can be to have reporters who can relate to their sources and how it can affect the quality and development of each story. In addition, it’s saddening to see that such a low percentage of Latinos are working in the print or online media industry.

With the population of 52 million Latinos continuing to grow, there is so much potential for aspiring writers and storytellers to represent and reflect the changing Latino community in the United States.

What’s more, the Fourth Estate’s report shows us that the American people are not being represented accurately, and that needs to change.

In December 2011, I embarked on one of the most fulfilling and stimulating experiences of my short 22 years: I became editor in chief of The Pioneer newspaper. Soon after being awarded the position, I created our bilingual news feature. Occurring every three editions, we have focused on issues affecting the Hispanic population in the East Bay as well as highlighting influential and emerging members in the community.

Articles are written in Spanish or translated, with the intention of increasing access to information to all members of our community, moving past language barriers and moving towards diversity in media.

Hayward is close to 50 percent Latino and since 2010 Alameda County has seen a 35 percent increase in the Hispanic population. With such a prominent voice, it would be unwise to not serve the Latino community in this capacity.

From undocumented day laborers, local artists, child poverty, education and more, I have seen how writing about Latinos has created a new sense of community and unity in Hayward.

We write stories about our community to preserve our heritage and history. But we also write stories that challenge this beloved heritage. We should be proud of who we are as Latinos and minority groups, but we should also be self-critical and reflective about what we might want to be in the future.

Diversifying news stations nation-wide could have instrumental effects. It starts with more minorities choosing careers in media and journalism and for news organizations to make an effort to present diversity in stories and those who write them for us.

There have been some notable efforts. For example, the Los Angeles Times obtained grant funding earlier this year for two additional immigration reporters to focus on the region’s large Vietnamese and Korean communities; two Asian American reporters were subsequently hired in August. This is a small, but important step in ensuring the American people are truly reflected in their representatives in our fourth estate.

One of the best things I will take away from working at The Pioneer is the incredible diversity in our newsroom. The East Bay is one of the most diverse areas in the country, and our newspaper at one point has represented almost every ethnic background. Our stories have reflected that, and I have always been so proud of that experience.

Now, if only our nation could reflect that as well. A journalist can dream.