Joe Torres
After high school, Joe continued his education at SUNY Brockport, where he earned a B.S. in Communications. Along with his wife Fran and their two boys, Joe still lives in the town where he grew up.
Joe joined the Eyewitness News team as a general assignment reporter in 1996. Throughout the last two decades he has established himself as one of the premier street reporters here in the nation's #1 television market. Versatility is his strength. Crime, politics, religion, education, transportation, business, whatever the subject, Joe has covered it all with an engaging and energetic style that fellow New Yorkers have come to know and love.
Perhaps most memorable for viewers has been Joe's extensive coverage of Pope's John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis. Before the death of John Paul II, Joe followed the globe-trotting Pontiff on his trips to Cuba, Mexico, and the Holy Land, providing New Yorkers with local angles to worldly events. Joe was at the Vatican for the Pope's Silver Anniversary and for his death, when millions flocked to Rome to say goodbye to the spiritual leader. Joe was at St. Peter's Square in April of 2005 when the white smoke from the Sistine Chapel informed the world of the election of Pope Benedict the XVI. Three years later Joe provided in-depth coverage of Pope Benedict's visit to New York. Joe returned to the Vatican and St. Peter's Square in March of 2013 for the historic election of Pope Francis, the church's very first Pontiff from Latin America.
Two days a week Joe comes in from the street and heads to the anchor desk. Each Saturday and Sunday evening Joe serves as Co-Anchor of the 5, 6 and 11 o'clock editions of Eyewitness News This Weekend.
Joe also serves as Host of 'Tiempo,' a 30-minute public affairs program aimed at the ever-growing Latino population in the New York metropolitan area. 'Tiempo' airs each Sunday morning at 11:30.
Joe's distinctive storytelling ability garnered him a Peabody Award and the Edward R. Murrow Award for his reports on the world-changing events of September 11th. Joe also earned an Emmy Award for his coverage of the Greenpoint Gas Tank Implosions in 2001.
Joe started his television career in 1987 as an NBC Page in New York. His first reporting job was at WSAV-TV in Savannah, Georgia where he served as a general assignment reporter and beat reporter covering county government. Joe then moved to ABC affiliate WNEP-TV in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania to work as a Consumer Reporter, general assignment reporter and Weekend Anchor. In 1992 Joe landed a job as the Jersey Shore correspondent for Disney/ABC-owned WPVI-TV in Philadelphia.
Joe's Stories
Tiempo: The role of Latino voters in the 2024 presidential election
In this episode of Tiempo, we examine the significance of New York Latino voters ahead of the presidential election in November. Plus, we highlight a New York City jazz program where most of the students are Latino.
Ramapo PD kicks off 'No Empty Chair' campaign educating young drivers on dangers of reckless driving
With proms and graduations quickly approaching, police, parents and teachers want to be sure there are "no empty chairs" for teenagers killed by reckless drivers.
Tiempo: Inside the dengue fever epidemic roiling Puerto Rico
In this episode of Tiempo, we look into the public health emergency taking over Puerto Rico: dengue fever. Plus, we discuss the challenges of health coverage for Latino children.
Man who pleaded guilty to Hell's Kitchen hate crime attack sentenced to 15 years
The victim of a vicious hate crime spoke out for the first time Wednesday as her attacker was sentenced to prison.
Scores of couples celebrate Valentine's Day by renewing vows in Midtown
More than a dozen couples gathered inside a Midtown restaurant to celebrate a lifelong commitment this Valentine's Day.
Tenants from Bronx apartment building collapse sue landlords over alleged repair delays
The lawsuit seeks to force the landlords to rebuild the collapsed section of the building and restore units to their original layouts and square footage.
Tiempo 2/4/24: Chita Rivera: Legacy of a Broadway legend
In this episode of Tiempo, Joe Torres remembers the long-lasting impact of Broadway legend Chita Rivera. Plus, a new program trains asylum seekers to be chefs.
Tiempo 1/28/24: NYC bodega owners now armed with guns
In this episode of Tiempo, Joe Torres takes a look at the security measures taken by hundreds of bodega owners across New York City, who are now armed with guns.
Tiempo 1/21/24: Turmoil in Ecuador and Latino entrepreneurship
In this episode of Tiempo, Joe Torres takes a closer look at the turmoil unfolding in Ecuador and discusses a new wave of Latino entrepreneurs.
Tiempo 1/14/24: Tour the New York City Salsa Museum in El Barrio
On this episode of Tiempo, host Joe Torres takes you to the Salsa Museum in East Harlem.