Salinas, CA – May 1, 2026 – KSBW will proudly celebrate the outstanding 30-year career of veteran reporter Felix Cortez with a special report airing Friday, May 8 at 6 p.m., honoring a respected journalist whose work has played a vital role in shaping the station’s strong commitment to serving Central Coast communities. 

Since 1953, KSBW has shared stories that bring communities together with moments of triumph and challenge, strength, and resilience. For nearly half of that time, Cortez has been right there, capturing the people and events that have shaped the Central Coast’s story. 

“Felix is the kind of reporter every newsroom hopes for. He’s steady, fearless, and deeply committed to getting the story right,” said News Director Cassady Velasco. “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside him for many years and have seen firsthand the trust he builds in the community.” 

Since arriving on the Central Coast in the 1990s, Cortez has covered some of our communities’ most defining moments. Early in his career, he reported on the tragic Monterey Bay plane crash that claimed singer John Denver’s life. Over the years, his reporting has spanned major natural disasters, including the deadly San Simeon earthquake, devastating wildfires, and the 2023 Pajaro floods that displaced thousands of residents. 

He has also covered visits from national leaders, including Presidents Joe Biden and Bill Clinton, and chronicled campaign stops by figures such as George W. Bush with Senator John McCain. From breaking news to long-form storytelling, Cortez has reported from the front lines including active standoffs, high profile cases, and most recently the Moss Landing Vistra battery plant fire, where he remained on scene throughout the night. 

Cortez’s career has included coverage of some of the Central Coast’s most difficult moments, including fallen law enforcement officers and high-profile crimes such as the Christina Marie Williams case and the Gilroy Garlic Festival mass shooting. At the same time, his work has highlighted stories of hope. Reporting on neighbors helping neighbors after disasters and acts of heroism like the rescue of a shark attack victim in Pacific Grove. 

“Felix’s work embodies the very best of KSBW with journalism that informs, connects, and serves our communities,” said President and General Manager Laura Williamson. 

A two-time Emmy Award winner for breaking news coverage, Cortez remains focused on the viewers he serves. “At the end of the day, it’s not about awards. It’s about giving viewers the news they’ve come to depend on,” he said. “For 30 years, you’ve trusted me, and for that I’m eternally grateful.” 

Before joining KSBW in 1996, Cortez worked in Texas at KIII-TV and KRIS-TV. He earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California and studied journalism at San Diego State University. 

As KSBW marks this milestone, the station honors Felix Cortez not just for his longevity, but for his lasting impact with three decades of dedication, courage, and an unwavering commitment to telling the stories that matter most.

About KSBW
KSBW is the California Central Coast’s broadcast/digital media leader, providing news, weather, sports, community service and entertainment on multiple platforms including KSBW 8 NBC, Central Coast ABC, Estrella TV Costa Central, KSBW.com, and the KSBW mobile app. Founded in 1953, KSBW is committed to its mission to serve the Salinas-Monterey-Santa Cruz region with quality local content. The station has been honored with numerous prestigious broadcasting honors including regional RTDNA Edward R. Murrow Awards for “Best Newscast” and regional Emmy’s, and Associated Press Awards for “Breaking News Coverage.” KSBW is owned by Hearst Television, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hearst, a leading media company whose global holdings include 35 television stations. Follow us on Facebook (ksbw8), X (@ksbw), and Instagram (ksbw_8). 

About Hearst Television
Hearst Television owns and/or operates 35 television and two radio stations serving 27 media markets across 39 states reaching 24 million U.S. television households. Through its partnership with nearly all major networks, Hearst Television distributes national content over more than 120 video channels including programming from ABC, NBC, CBS, CW, MY Net, MeTV, Estrella and more. The radio stations are leaders in Baltimore news/talk and rock music listenership. Its Hearst Media Production Group unit produces original programming across linear and streaming platforms for domestic and international distribution. Its Very Local app, free to download on household OTT devices and available across popular streaming services, offers 24/7 access to local news, weather and an array of local and regional programming. Hearst Television is recognized as one of the industry's premier companies and has been honored with numerous awards for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service. Hearst Television is a wholly owned subsidiary of.Hearst. Contact for KSBW: Ed Everest, Creative Services Director (831) 758-7724 eeverest@hearst.com