GRANTS, N.M. – Cibola Citizen Editor Diego Lopez was awarded the Dixon Freedom Award in the government category, acknowledging his dedication to government transparency, journalism and his commitment to the community of Cibola County.
Lopez shared “I love Cibola County and I care deeply about it. I think the land is some of the most beautiful in the country, and as someone who has been around the union and seen the land, I have to say there is [nowhere] like right here in Cibola County.”
His passion for the land is matched by his dedication to its people, as he exposed a man who falsely claimed to be a resident to secure the role of being the district’s representative, the district of which is characterized by a significant population, including communities such as the Zuni Pueblo and the Navajo Nation. This series of articles is the reason he won the Dixon Award, but it wasn’t about the award, it was because “we must always choose to do what is right.”
Lopez's journey into journalism was not one he had initially planned; he considered a career in politics but soon found himself frustrated with the slowmoving processes of government. Instead, he found his calling in journalism, stating, 'I am inspired by America. I am inspired by the founding ideals of this nation.' His reporting has been marked by a commitment to protect the rights of local residents, particularly when he uncovered corruption within the Cibola and McKinley County commissions. Faced with pushback from local officials who questioned his credibility, he remained resolute. 'God strike down the good man who does nothing when he sees wrong,” Lopez stated. “I saw something I knew was wrong, something un-American, and I couldn't sit idly by while the people of my community got taken advantage of.”
During his acceptance speech, Lopez expressed gratitude not only for the honor but also for the readers whose engagement validates his work. 'This award is a reminder of the importance of local journalism. Even when no one is paying attention, even when it feels like our voices are small, local journalism can and does make a difference,' he emphasized.
The Dixon Award signifies not just personal achievement but the vital role of journalism in a democratic society. Lopez said with a reaffirmation of his commitment to the people he serves: 'I am grateful to the New Mexico Foundation of Open Government for their recognition, but really I am grateful to our readers. None of this would be possible without them. Their readership helps us to protect them.” Lopez acknowledged the relationship between journalists and their communities showing the essence of his work, highlighting that the true power of journalism lies in its ability to empower and inform the public.