The first obligation of a journalist is to the truth and their first loyalty is to his or her fellow citizens. The trade fails when the truth is not accurately presented to those who stand to better themselves, and in turn, their society.

Newspapers, magazines, newsletters, blogs and the like each strive to do this on a daily, or at least regular, basis. Anyone who chooses to publish wears their obligation to citizens on their sleeve.

That said, it's always rewarding to see the creation of a publication motivated by increasing the visibility of that loyalty. Where a voice didn't exist before, one should exist today, so long as it follows the obligations and loyalties to journalism. One of the founders of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Inc., and members of the MSU chapter are doing just that with La Onda, a news, entertainment and cultural publication tailored for the Chicano and Latino community.

According to Pete Vargas, editor of La Onda - which translates to "The Wave" - there hasn't been a Latino or Chicano-based publication in the Lansing area for about 20 years. When there has been a prominent one, it was a financial struggle to keep it afloat. We believe this does not point to a lack of support for such publications - if only because support cannot be measured in dollars or in a large staff - it's measured by the sentiment of readers.

The creation of publications aimed at specific cultural or ethnic populations also serves as an important catalyst for change. Media in general benefits from diversity in its staff, its coverage and its readership. When this lack of diversity - be it real or perceived - is addressed by publications like La Onda, the role of journalism and its obligations and loyalties are expressed to a wider audience. We foster growth of our medium when publications like La Onda emerge and survive.