Luis Avila

Luis Avila joined KESQ News Channel 3 as a multimedia journalist in June 2024. In August 2026, he began his new role as anchor/reporter.

He graduated from Chapman University with a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism & Documentary. He also minored in Advertising. At Chapman, he reported for Chapman News, a weekly student-produced newscast, where he took on many roles, including anchor, reporter, and weather anchor.

Luis was the winner of the 2023 Society of Professional Journalists Mark of Excellence Awards for regional political reporting. He was also a finalist for the television general news reporting category. 

He previously interned with the Television Academy at Univision Los Angeles where he worked as an assignment desk editor. Additionally, he worked cross-functionally with a variety of different departments, including social media, production, marketing & promos, and radio.

Among the stories he has covered while at KESQ are major traffic problems surrounding the Coachella Valley Music Festival, dubbed “Carmageddon,” speaking with the father of the suspect in the Palm Springs fertility clinic bombing, interviewing 2025 Los Angeles fire victims who evacuated to the Coachella Valley, and reporting multiple stories that helped get results for local residents.

His work in the Coachella Valley has also earned recognition, including a nomination for the Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation’s Rising Star award.

Luis is active in the Coachella Valley community, volunteering as a celebrity artist for "Poorly Drawn Pets" fundraiser and serving as an emcee for community events, including Lift to Rise’s Community Investment Awards.

Luis was born in Santa Ana, CA, and raised by two fun-loving Mexican parents. He is honored to be able to represent his community. He enjoys listening to music, photography and attending fun drag shows. 

His hope as a reporter is not only to educate but to uplift and give a voice to those often overlooked.