Texas Border Business
HOUSTON – Jose F. Sanchez, a PSJA High School Class of 2004 alumnus and Multimedia Journalist for KENS 5 News in San Antonio, was awarded a 2018 Lone Star Emmy on Saturday, Nov. 10 by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Lone Star Chapter in the Specialty Assignment Report category for his coverage in the Texas/Mexico Border.
Sanchez began his journalism career as a freelance photographer for El Nuevo Heraldo Newspaper in Brownsville and later worked as a photojournalist for KGBT, the CBS affiliate in Harlingen. In June 2016, he joined the TEGNA Rio Grande Valley border bureau which is part of the team for KENS 5 in San Antonio.
According to Sanchez, he and his teammate Oscar Margain were awarded 2018 Lone Star Emmy’s for their 3-part series news coverage of border-related issues such as immigration in the Rio Grande Valley. In addition to being awarded an Emmy, Sanchez was recently awarded a Lone Star Award from the Houston Press Club and has been recognized by the Texas Association Press Broadcasters.
Sanchez, who grew up in Las Milpas, shared that he takes pride in covering news stories in the Valley as it is home.
“As an immigrant myself, it’s important for me to tell stories that matter and the truth about what is really happening here,” said Sanchez whose family first moved to Pharr from Reynosa when he was 4 years old. “I want people to see our Valley, and the border, for what it really is.”
Humbled by his professional journey, the PSJA alum advised students to work hard for their dreams and never give up.
“It doesn’t matter where you come from or what challenges you’re faced with,” Sanchez stressed. “As long as you put in the hard work and follow your passion, you’re bound to find success.”
Having been recognized for his work, Sanchez shared being grateful for the support he’s received from his friends and PSJA family.
“I am deeply humbled by the recognition,” said the proud PSJA alumnus. “I believe that the quality of education I received at PSJA ISD and the support system from my family has helped me get to where I am.”
