Q&A with ‘Horizonte’ host Julio Cisneros

Horizonte, Arizona PBS’ look at current events through a Hispanic lens, is back, with new voices, new perspectives and new energy. Julio Cisneros is one of our hosts this season, and we’re thrilled to have him on the team. Watch on Arizona PBS at 5:45 p.m. on Saturdays, at azpbs.org/horizonte or on the PBS Video app.

Who is Julio Cisneros? Tell us briefly about your background

I am a Guatemalan journalist with over 25 years in the media. I am a professor at Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University. I love to write and enjoy all forms of art.

What has been your proudest professional achievement?

My most significant achievement is to continue informing my community and serving as a mentor to my students.

What is your preparation for an interview? Do you still get butterflies after decades in the profession?

I read about the topic. Knowing the topic you will discuss in a program is essential. Of course, I still get butterflies in my stomach because every interview is a new adventure.

How has being bilingual and bicultural impacted your journalism work

Living in two different cultures and languages helps me understand every story from a different perspective. I can tell you that no matter the language or culture, what is very important for me is to inform people with the truth and give voice to people.

Tell us a little about the topics that will be covered in Horizonte? What can the audience expect?

We will discuss politics, education, immigration, culture, and many other topics. We want to cover the needs of our audience. I see Horizonte as a window to reach and engage with the Hispanic community. At the same time, Horizonte represents a horizon of opportunities to inform about different topics.

What do you hope viewers will take away from Horizonte?

They will take valuable information, but at the same time, they will take a piece of our hearts because we love what we do.