Raoul Martinez Biography: Award-Winning Anchor at FOX 5 San Diego
Raoul Martinez is an award-winning American journalist serving as a morning news anchor at FOX 5 San Diego (KSWB-TV), where he has been since July 2008.
He anchors newscasts from 4:30 AM to 10 AM, covering local news, interviews, and current events.
Before joining FOX 5 San Diego, Martinez spent 6.5 years at WESH, the NBC affiliate in Orlando, Florida, where he anchored various shows including mornings, evenings, and weekends.
He made the jump to Orlando from KESQ-ABC in Palm Springs, California, where he was a weekend anchor for 2.5 years, securing that job two weeks after graduation.
With his charismatic presence and credible reporting, he has become a trusted voice in Southern California. Martinez brings decades of experience and journalistic excellence to viewers every weekday morning.
Early Life & Education:
- Raoul Martinez was born in Cuba and left the country with his family in 1980 at the age of seven during the Mariel boatlift.
- His family first moved to Venezuela, then Miami, before settling in Santa Ana, California.
- He graduated from Saddleback High School.
- He attended the University of Southern California, majoring in political science and American Literature.
- He briefly attended law school before entering journalism.
- He credits his mother’s love for watching the news for his own interest in current events.
Career:
- He has over two decades of experience in television.
- Before joining FOX 5 San Diego, he worked at WESH, the NBC affiliate in Orlando, FL, for 6.5 years, anchoring various shows (mornings, evenings, weekends).
- He moved to Orlando from KESQ-ABC in Palm Springs, CA, where he spent 2.5 years as a weekend anchor. He landed that job two weeks after graduating from college.
- He started his on-air career as a sports reporter, drawn to journalism by his love of baseball.
- He has worked in only three markets in his 20+ year career, which is considered rare in the industry.
- He has been with FOX 5 San Diego for over a decade, with the FOX 5 Morning News celebrating its 11th anniversary in August (presumably 2024, based on the article’s publication date).
- He was part of the WESH news team that won an Alfred I. duPont Award for covering the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003 and an Emmy award for their coverage of the deadly February 2007 tornadoes.
Personal Interest:
- The Martinez family has lived in Scripps Ranch for close to nine years and is actively involved in their community.
- He enjoys playing pickleball, and his wife plays tennis. His kids are also learning to play.
- He is a big baseball fan.
- He enjoys RV camping with his family.
Age:
Raoul Martinez was born on June 6, 1972, making him 53 years old as of 2025. His zodiac sign is Gemini. He is of Hispanic/Latino descent and proudly holds American nationality.
Parents and Siblings:
Raoul Martinez was born in Cuba and immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of seven.
His early years were shaped by the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language, which he overcame in part by watching television news—an experience that later inspired his career in journalism.
While he has not publicly shared the names or professions of his parents, he has expressed deep appreciation for their support during his formative years.
Details about any siblings have not been disclosed, suggesting that Raoul prefers to keep aspects of his family life private.
His upbringing as a Cuban-American immigrant continues to influence his passion for mentorship and his commitment to representing the Hispanic community in media.
Wife:
Raoul Martinez shares a strong and enduring bond with his wife, Christine Martinez, whom he married on April 12, 2003.
Their relationship is filled with affection and humor, often highlighted by Raoul’s playful references to their names mirroring the romantic leads in The Phantom of the Opera.
Christine, who celebrates her birthday on January 2, is frequently the subject of Raoul’s heartfelt tributes on social media, especially during anniversaries and special occasions.
The couple has two children: a daughter named Esme, born on January 24, 2009, and a son named Mateo, born on November 15, 2012.
Raoul is a devoted father who often shares proud and joyful moments with his kids, celebrating their birthdays and achievements with warmth and sincerity.
The family also includes a beloved dog named George, who turned five in 2024.
Raoul’s public presence reflects a deep commitment to his family, and he often emphasizes how much he values the time they spend together.
Height:
Raoul Martinez is estimated to stand around 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall and weighs approximately 170 pounds (77 kg).
Career and Background:
Raoul Martinez joined FOX 5 San Diego in 2008 and has been a key part of the station’s morning news team ever since.
He co-anchors “FOX 5 Morning News” from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Before joining FOX 5, he worked in other news markets, building a solid reputation for delivering compelling and accurate news.
Over the years, he has covered major breaking stories, public affairs, and human-interest segments.
Career Timeline
| Years | Role & Station | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1999–2001 | Anchor, KESQ (ABC affiliate, Palm Springs) | First anchor job after graduation |
| 2002–2008 | Anchor, WESH 2 (NBC affiliate, Orlando) | Part of award-winning team (Peabody & duPont Awards); appeared on CNN, MSNBC, The Today Show |
| 2008–Present | Anchor, FOX 5 San Diego (KSWB) | Anchors morning news; known for community engagement and storytelling |
Early Career and Education
Martinez’s journalism career was shaped by his early life experiences. Born in 1987 in El Paso, Texas, after his family moved from Cuba to the United States when he was seven, Martinez learned English partly by watching TV news.
This exposure sparked his interest in journalism. After graduating from Saddleback High School in Santa Ana, California, he earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Miami in 1992.
He then pursued a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Southern California (USC) in 1995. Initially, Martinez enrolled in USC’s law school but soon realized his passion lay in journalism, prompting him to shift careers.
Martinez began his professional journey in sports reporting before transitioning to news, which allowed him to develop a versatile skill set in storytelling and on-air presentation.
Career Timeline and Stations
KESQ-TV (ABC), Palm Springs, California (June 1999 – December 2001)
Martinez started his on-air career at KESQ-TV, the ABC affiliate in Palm Springs, California.
As a reporter and weekend anchor, he covered local news in the Coachella Valley, gaining experience in live reporting, newsroom operations, and anchoring.
This role marked his entry into television journalism, where he honed his skills in a smaller market before moving to larger stations.
WESH-TV (NBC), Orlando, Florida (January 2002 – June 2008)
Martinez joined WESH-TV, an NBC affiliate in Orlando, Florida, where he worked as a reporter and anchor for over six years.
During his tenure, he contributed to the station’s coverage of major events, including the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia disaster and the 2007 Central Florida tornadoes.
The WESH-TV team’s reporting on these events earned prestigious awards, including a Peabody Award, a Columbia DuPont Award, and an Emmy.
Martinez’s work during this period also led to appearances on national platforms such as CNN, The Today Show, and MSNBC, showcasing his ability to handle high-profile stories.
His time at WESH-TV solidified his reputation as a skilled journalist capable of covering both breaking news and in-depth stories.
- FOX 5 San Diego (KSWB-TV), San Diego, California (July 2008 – Present)
Since joining FOX 5 San Diego, Martinez has been a cornerstone of the station’s morning news team, anchoring the 4:30 AM to 10 AM newscasts alongside co-anchors Shally Zomorodi and Kristina Audencial.
His role involves delivering local news, conducting interviews, and covering current events in San Diego and beyond.
His long tenure at FOX 5 has made him a recognizable figure in the San Diego media landscape, where he continues to engage audiences with his reporting on local issues, human-interest stories, and major events.
Additional Career Highlights
- Transition from Sports to News: Martinez’s early career in sports reporting gave him a foundation in dynamic storytelling and live coverage, skills he carried into news reporting. His ability to adapt from sports to general news demonstrates his versatility as a journalist.
- Awards and Recognition: While at WESH-TV, Martinez was part of a team that received some of the highest honors in journalism, including the Peabody and DuPont Awards for investigative and disaster coverage. These accolades underscore his contribution to impactful journalism.
- National Exposure: His appearances on CNN, The Today Show, and MSNBC during his WESH-TV tenure highlight his ability to handle stories of national significance, further elevating his profile in the industry.
Net Worth and Salary:
Raoul Martinez’s estimated net worth is between $500,000 and $1 million, primarily accumulated through his long-standing career in broadcast journalism.
His annual salary at FOX 5 San Diego is estimated to range between $75,000 and $120,000, depending on tenure and contract specifics.
Is Raoul Martinez Married?
Yes, Raoul Martinez is married to Christine Martinez. They tied the knot on April 12, 2003, and have two children together.
How Old Is Raoul Martinez?
As of 2025, Raoul Martinez is 53 years old, born on June 28, 1972.
Where is Raoul Martinez working?
Raoul Martinez is currently working as a morning news anchor at FOX 5 San Diego (KSWB-TV).
He anchors the weekday morning newscasts from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., a role he has held since 2008.
Raoul Martinez is active on social media. He regularly shares updates on news, family life, and local events.
Instagram: @raoulmartineztv
X (Twitter): @RaoulMartinezTV
Facebook: Raoul Martinez FOX 5 San Diego
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