Executive Producer

Fernie Ortiz was born and raised in El Paso and brings nearly 20 years of news experience to the Border Report.

He graduated with a degree in journalism from the University of Texas at El Paso, and an associate degree in broadcasting from El Paso Community College. Fernie was also the sports editor for both of his college student newspapers: UTEP’s Prospector and EPCC’s El Conquistador.

He started his career at the El Paso Times, where he was a copy editor and designer for nearly a decade.

In 2011, Fernie joined KVIA-TV in El Paso. As Digital Content Director and writer for the station’s website, he covered everything from local government and crime, to politics and education. After a year and a half, Fernie transitioned to broadcast, producing daily newscasts, with the occasional overnight stint on the morning shows.

He continued his broadcasting career when he joined the KTSM news team, where he took a position as newscast producer in December of 2018.

Growing up a stones-throw from the Rio Grande, Fernie knows and loves the border and is excited to share its story for Nexstar Media Group’s Border Report.

Fernie’s wife, Vanessa, is a longtime educator, who currently teaches ESOL to young students. The two happily share their home with Maxwell the dachshund and June the basset hound.