When he was a student at Ball High School, some of Jonathan Martinez’s teachers had to get on to him for talking in class. Now he talks for a living as a seasoned newsman and the soon-to-be evening anchor for the 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 10 p.m. newscasts for WOAI, the NBC television affiliate in San Antonio.
“This is a very exciting opportunity for me in a place that I’m familiar with,” says Martinez, who graduated from Ball High in 2001 and has spent the last six years on the air anchoring and reporting for KPRC Channel 2 in Houston.
He’s familiar with San Antonio because it was one of his numerous stops at the various TV stations he has worked for since graduating from Stephen F. Austin State University with a communications degree. He has spent time as a reporter or anchor in Beaumont, San Antonio, Las Vegas, Boise, Northwest Arkansas, and Houston.
“I am leaving family that live in the Houston area, but this new role will allow me to become an even bigger part of a community,” claims Martinez.
Martinez has become a mainstay at KPRC and is known for being very involved with community outreach, which includes appearing at or emceeing local events, many for nonprofit organizations.
“I’m still committed to emceeing events here in Houston through October and even one in November after I begin the new job in San Antonio,” says a dedicated Martinez.
Martinez spent his elementary years between school districts in Galveston and the mainland. He remembers his days at Parker Elementary School and elementary teacher Ms. Stephens, who he says was an encouraging influence. He attended Weis Middle School and Ball High School, where he excelled in choir as part of the ensemble group.
“When I was in school I don’t recall if they had specific courses for my profession back then, but I do remember some very inspirational people at Ball High, such as my choir director Mr. Mike Gilbert, my counselor Mrs. Dyann Polzin, and activities sponsor Ms. Alice Martinez,” recalls Martinez.
Martinez may not have had the advanced audio/video courses now offered at Ball High through its CTE courses, but he made good use of his network of influencers and even back then had the inquisitive mind of a journalist.
“The majority of my teachers really got to know me and would stay after class to help anytime,” remembers Martinez. “I was a talker in class but I was also pretty curious and had a lot of questions.”
Congratulations to former TOR Jonathan Martinez who begins his role as WOAI lead anchor in November, 2021!
- Alumni