“En Su Defensa, Patricio G. Espinoza, Investigative Reporter/Anchor, Univision – Houston
Winner of Category 26S:
Specialty Assignment Reporter
Craft Achievement Categories
Lone Star Emmys - 2004
Work entered:
1. “En Su Defensa” Montage”: Consumer advocate and Investigative reports.
2. Predatory Realtors/Lenders (1 & 2): En Su Defensa uncovers a company targeting mostly Hispanics, undocumented immigrants promising “their dream home” but just taking their money. Espinoza recovered over $6,000 scammed from several Hispanic families. For one family who lost their home… Espinoza's coordinated efforts help them find a Realtor and a lender. Using alternative credit funding the family was able to prove their income, qualified and purchased a new home. After having lost thousands of dollars and a broken dream... finally their American dream owning “a casita” a home came true.
3.Elections Immigrant Workers without pay – Part 1
Mayoral Candidate Follow-up, Crew forced to leave – Part 2
In November of 2004 Hispanic Mayoral candidate Orlando Sanchez (R) ejected reporter Patricio Espinoza of his press conference after Espinoza relentlessly inquired about several campaign workers who had been hired by Sanchez campaign. All Hispanics, most undocumented immigrants who claimed to have been hired for $100 a day and a a couple of meals but were never paid. The story follows the reports, uncovers the Sanchez operative who had hired the workers who admits on camera to have received several thousands to contract the workers. Faced with questions regarding this matter the Mayoral candidate Orlando Sanchez refuses -on camera- to answer any questions and orders the removal of reporter Patricio Espinoza. Sanchez campaigg managers also called KXLN in an effort to silence the report.
The above stories were submitted to Emmy Lone Star Chapter in 2004 for their consideration of Patricio Espinoza’s journalism body of work and contributions to the Latino community in Houston, Texas not only by protecting their rights, but also firmly standing and upholding journalism’s highest value: the freedom of the press. Espinoza's work through his “En Su Defensa” stories served as a journalism watchdog, helping and protecting community rights and concerns. Particularly those of immigrants found a voice in such reports.
UPDATE: The Elections story aired in Nov. 2003 and included as part of the Individual Craft Achievement Category earned an additional 2004 EMMY Award
