Karla Leal is a seasoned award-winning journalist that feels honored every time someone gives her the opportunity to share their stories. You can find her on Spectrum News 1 Texas, anchoring our Saturday evening newscasts, and reporting or working on special projects throughout the week.

For over 16 years, Karla has covered an array of topics in states, including Texas, California, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Florida, and abroad in several parts of Mexico.

She was born and raised in the Mexican town of Tijuana, Mexico, which borders the U.S. This gave her the advantage of growing up bilingual, while embracing the richness of both countries.

Karla is passionate about conducting effective and versatile interviews in both English and Spanish. As an immigrant herself, she follows border topics closely. She’s also covered other beats including: politics, police, pandemic topics, natural disasters, health, and education.

This bilingual Latina journalist is no stranger to the lone star state. Karla is one of the original members of the team that launched the first local Spanish language newscasts for Telemundo Austin in the capital city. For about 4 years, she anchored their broadcasts, and she also reported on special topics for sister station KEYE TV. Some examples include her reporting on the development of the Tejano Monument, until the project came to fruition, at our state capitol. She also offered continued coverage of the inaugural Formula 1 Races at the Circuit of the America’s race track.

Before joining the Spectrum News 1 Texas team, Karla spent close to 9 years as a general assignment reporter and fill in anchor at “Telemundo Chicago” in the windy city. There, she also was a substitute correspondent for Telemundo’s national newscasts.

Her work with the NBC 5/Telemundo Chicago investigative unit in a news series called “Persecuciones Mortales,” or deadly pursuits, earned Karla both an Emmy and a Peter Lisagor award. It was a series that explored the aftermath of police pursuits, gone wrong, where innocent bystanders ended up dying or severely injured. Karla says she will never forget those families & the pain they still endure.

Karla considers herself an adoptive “Tejana” and says the Texas spirit has never left her. In fact, she married a Texas native, and their favorite spot in the state is the oldest unrestored stone church in America: “Mission Concepcion” in San Antonio. It’s the place where they tied the knot, accompanied by a mariachi choir, in front of a full house of family and dear friends.

Here in Texas, Karla also became a marathoner and a stand up paddling enthusiast. She has completed 7 marathons, including the ones in Austin & San Antonio. In her free time, you might find her visiting parks with her daughter or the whole family, going out for a run with her dog, or dancing the night out to Latin rhythms with her husband and friends.

You can reach out to her via email at karla.leal@charter.com

On Facebook: www.facebook.com/KarlaLealTVNews

Or Via twitter, Instagram & Tik-tok: @KarlaLealTV