Joe Ortiz had the distinction of being the first Mexican American in the US to host an English-language talk show on a commercial radio station, beginning in 1971 on KABC-AM in the city of Los Angeles. Joe was a journalist and freelance writer for numerous media throughout the nation. He manages several blogs as well as writes on a variety of issues including business, community and public leaders, authors, sports and entertainment personalities, theology and many other significant topics.
Joe has conducted radio and television talk shows at KABC-AM, KLOS-FM; KCBS Television; he was the Chief News Reporter for the nationally syndicated KPFK-FM NEWS (Pacifica Radio) in Los Angeles; and hosted his Prime Time with Joe Ortiz show, which aired on KPPC-AM in Pasadena and KPZE-AM in Anaheim. He also co-starred with writer-actor-comedian Cris Franco on a 6-9 a.m. drive-time show, Mornings with Joe & Cris, at KPZE-AM. He was a member of both the National Association of Latino Journalists and (one of the original founding members of) the California Chicano News Media Association. He wrote a weekly column at Eastern Group Publications, the largest chain of Hispanic owned bilingual newspapers in the U.S. He is the current publicist for the Chicano Radio Network (CRNLive!), the largest Latino-themed radio conglomerate.
We at CRNLive are proud to air shows from Joe's career dating back to the 60's, when a new Chicano artist would appear they would stop by and have a chat with Joe. Joe also covered many big stars and important individuals like Caesar Chavez when he was starting his movement. These are shows you’re not going to want to miss every Sunday at 6:00pm PST on Studio (A)