Patricio G. Espinoza: Emmy-Winning ABC15 Arizona Journalist Biography
Patricio G. Espinoza is a five-time Emmy Award-winning multimedia journalist currently working at ABC15 Arizona (KNXV-TV) in Phoenix, Arizona.
Born in Quito, Ecuador, Espinoza has over 30 years of experience in journalism, marked by a passion for storytelling and community engagement in both English and Spanish.
Career Overview
Espinoza’s journalism career began humbly as an intern and handyman at local TV stations.
Over the decades, he has held various roles, including reporter, anchor, network producer, assignment editor, and news director.
His work spans major national networks such as ABC News, NBC, CBS, Univision, Telemundo, CNN, PBS, NPR, Radio Bilingue, A&E, Discovery, and Court-TV, as well as programs like 20/20, Entertainment Tonight, and Al Rojo Vivo.
Notably, he served as a freelance network news field producer for ABC News and worked as a multimedia journalist for the Associated Press before joining ABC15.
In July 2024, Espinoza transitioned from freelancing as a special assignment multimedia journalist at KNXV ABC15 to a full-time multimedia journalist role.
His reporting focuses on in-depth, investigative stories, often highlighting issues affecting the Hispanic community and underserved populations.
Examples include his coverage of George’s journey from homelessness to success through Rosalie’s Place (March 2025) and the potential closure of Arizona’s Spanish-language radio station La Onda due to a land dispute (November 2024).
Education and Teaching
Espinoza is an adjunct professor at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, where he teaches multimedia journalism.
He also shares his expertise with students at other institutions, such as the University of Alaska Anchorage, mentoring the next generation of journalists.
Community Involvement
Beyond reporting, Espinoza runs a not-for-profit community journalism website and contributes to journalism training through the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ).
His work emphasizes social justice, immigration, and community empowerment, reflecting his commitment to giving voice to marginalized groups.
Personal Interest
In his spare time, Espinoza engages with journalism students and remains active in community outreach.
His bilingual proficiency and cultural roots inform his storytelling, making him a vital voice in Arizona’s diverse media landscape.
Age:
Patricio G. Espinoza was born in Quito, Ecuador, making his nationality Ecuadorian and his ethnicity Hispanic or Latino.
Based on available information, he was born in 1962, which would make him 62 or 63 years old as of 2025.
Parents and Siblings:
Patricio G. Espinoza, born in Quito, Ecuador, grew up in a culturally rich, bilingual environment that likely shaped his passion for storytelling, though specific details about his upbringing remain undisclosed.
With no public information on his parents or siblings, his early life is largely undocumented, but his humble beginnings as an intern and handyman at local TV stations suggest a background rooted in hard work and determination.
His Ecuadorian nationality and probable Hispanic or mestizo ethnicity, inferred from his birthplace and focus on Hispanic community issues, influenced his 30+ year career as a five-time Emmy-winning journalist, now with ABC15 Arizona.
While his professional achievements are well-documented, personal family details are absent from available sources, leaving his childhood and familial ties largely a mystery.
Wife:
Patricio G. Espinoza is married to Bernessa (Jakle) Espinoza. They celebrated their union on October 31, 2000, in Bexar County, Texas.
While we know they married on October 31, 2000, in Bexar County, Texas, details about their family life remain private.
Height, Weight:
Based on professional appearances, it can be reasonably estimated that Patricio G. Espinoza’s height is likely around 5’8″ to 5’10” (173 cm to 178 cm), and his weight might fall within the range of 150 lbs to 180 lbs (68 kg to 82 kg).
Career and Background:
Patricio Espinoza has had a distinguished career in journalism, spanning over three decades. He has worked as a multimedia journalist for various esteemed organizations, including ABC, NBC, CBS, Univision, Telemundo, NPR, Radio Bilingüe, A&E, Discovery, and Court-TV. His work has earned him multiple accolades, including five Lone Star Emmy Awards.
In addition to his reporting, Espinoza has been involved in digital journalism initiatives, such as running the not-for-profit community journalism websites AlamoCityTimes.com and espiBlog.org. He has also led digital journalism projects like SA4Mayor.com, covering the 2009 mayoral candidates in San Antonio, Texas.
Espinoza has been recognized as a Knight Digital Media Center Fellow at UC Berkeley and USC, as well as a Poynter and McCormick Fellow.
Early Career:
Patricio began his career as an intern and handyman at local TV stations, showcasing his determination and passion for journalism. His early experiences laid the foundation for his future success.
Collaborations with Major Networks:
Over the years, Patricio has worked with a wide range of prestigious networks, including:
- ABC News: As a freelance network news field producer.
- NBC: Contributing to investigative and feature stories.
- CBS: Engaging in impactful reporting.
- Univision: Producing award-winning Spanish-language investigative reports.
- Telemundo: Delivering compelling stories to Spanish-speaking audiences.
- NPR and Radio Bilingüe: Contributing to radio journalism.
- A&E, Discovery, and Court-TV: Expanding his storytelling to specialized programs.
- Entertainment Tonight and Al Rojo Vivo: Collaborating on entertainment and news magazine shows.
Award-Winning Reporting:
Patricio’s investigative journalism has earned him five Lone Star Emmy Awards, including recognition for:
- En Su Defensa (“In Your Defense”) in the Specialty Assignment Reporter category.
- Election Immigrant Workers/Mayoral Candidate in the Specialty Assignment Report category.
- Trágica Jornada (“Tragic Journey”) in the Continuing Coverage category.
Digital Journalism Initiatives:
Patricio has been a pioneer in digital journalism, leading innovative projects such as:
- SA4Mayor.com: Covering the 2009 mayoral candidates in San Antonio, Texas.
- AlamoCityTimes.com and espiBlog.org: Community-focused platforms that highlight local stories and issues.
Current Role:
Patricio is currently a multimedia journalist at ABC15 Arizona (KNXV-TV) in Phoenix.
He continues to produce impactful stories in both English and Spanish, connecting with diverse audiences.
Fellowships and Education:
Patricio is a two-time Knight Digital Fellow and has received a Lifetime McCormick Fellowship.
He holds a Master’s degree from ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Awards and Recognition
Espinoza has earned five Emmy Awards for his exceptional journalism:
- 2004: Emmy for En Su Defensa in the Specialty Assignment Reporter category.
- 2004: Emmy for Election Immigrant Workers/Mayoral Candidate in the Specialty Assignment Report category.
- 2005: Emmy for Trágica Jornada in the Continuing Coverage category.
- Two additional Emmys, specifics not detailed in available sources.
Patricio G. Espinoza’s colleagues at ABC15 Arizona (KNXV-TV) include a talented team of journalists and broadcasters. Some notable names are:
- Nick Ciletti: Anchor and reporter.
- Amber Sullins: Chief Meteorologist.
- Katie Raml: Evening news anchor.
- Javier Soto: Morning news anchor.
- Fay Fredricks: Anchor and reporter.
- Nicole Grigg: Investigative reporter.
- Ashley Holden: Reporter.
This diverse team contributes to delivering high-quality news and stories to the Phoenix community.
Net Worth and Salary:
Specific details about Patricio G. Espinoza’s net worth and salary are not publicly available in the provided sources, and estimates for journalists vary widely based on market, experience, and role.
As a five-time Emmy-winning multimedia journalist with over 30 years of experience, currently working at ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix, Espinoza’s salary likely ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, aligning with industry standards for experienced reporters in mid-sized markets like Phoenix.
His past freelance work with major networks (e.g., ABC, NBC, Univision) and roles as a field producer and adjunct professor at Arizona State University may supplement his income, potentially pushing his earnings toward the higher end or beyond through additional contracts or speaking engagements.
His net worth is harder to estimate but could reasonably fall between $500,000 and $2 million, considering his long career, awards, and not-for-profit ventures like his community journalism website, which may not generate significant profit.
These figures are speculative, as no direct financial data exists in the sources, and his private nature limits further insight.
Is Patricio G. Espinoza Married?
Yes, Patricio G. Espinoza is married. He tied the knot with Bernessa (Jakle) Espinoza on October 31, 2000, in Bexar County, Texas.
How Old Is Patricio G. Espinoza?
Patricio G. Espinoza was born in 1962, which makes him approximately 62 or 63 years old as of 2025.
Where Is Patricio G. Espinoza Working?
Patricio G. Espinoza is currently working as a Multimedia Journalist at ABC15 Arizona (KNXV-TV) in Phoenix.
In this role, he continues to produce impactful stories in both English and Spanish, leveraging his extensive experience in investigative reporting and digital journalism.
His work often focuses on community-centered stories, uplifting narratives, and critical investigative pieces.
Additionally, Patricio shares his expertise with aspiring journalists by teaching and mentoring students at institutions like ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Patricio G. Espinoza is active on social media, particularly on Instagram. His official Instagram handle is @patricio.g.espinoza, where he regularly shares stories, behind-the-scenes content, and updates related to his work as a journalist.
On Instagram, he frequently posts reels and photos highlighting his reporting assignments, community events, and personal experiences.
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