Journalist John Quiñones Speaks in Fort Worth

The television veteran visited the Dee J. Kelly Alumni Center on Oct. 6 to mark National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Hispanic

Gouache-painted illustration of a vintage microphone on a wooden desk, symbolizing the storytelling legacy of a veteran journalist. — Journalist John Quiñones reflected on his four-decade career and upbringing during an Oct. 6 event in Fort Worth marking Hispanic Heritage Month. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Journalist John Quiñones shared insights from his extensive career during an Oct. 6 event held at the Dee J. Kelly Alumni Center. The talk was organized to commemorate National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Why it matters

The event highlighted Quiñones's professional journey and his perspective as a voice in national media, offering attendees an opportunity to celebrate cultural heritage through the lens of his long-standing career.

Quiñones, who decided to become a journalist at age 13, learned English at 6 years old before attending St. Mary's University and Columbia University. His show 'What Would You Do?' premiered in 2008 and utilizes hidden cameras to capture social reactions.

The players

John Quiñones

A veteran journalist with over 40 years of experience in national television who hosts the hidden-camera show 'What Would You Do?'.

Texas Christian University

The institution that hosted the event through its Human Resources department, the Center for Connection Culture, and its College of Education.

The details

Hosted by TCU's Human Resources, the Center for Connection Culture, and the College of Education, the discussion touched on his upbringing in a migrant family in San Antonio. Quiñones detailed his path from those roots to a career spanning four decades in broadcast television.

Oct. 6, 2026: John Quiñones spoke at Dee J. Kelly Alumni Center.
2008: The show 'What Would You Do?' first aired.

Culture Shift

The appearance aligns with the broader societal trend of utilizing National Hispanic Heritage Month to highlight the visibility and professional achievements of Hispanic figures in media. This shift promotes increased representation and cultural awareness within academic and public forums.

Members of the Fort Worth community were invited to attend the discussion to gain personal insights into the career of a prominent media figure. The event encouraged an engagement with diverse professional backgrounds and cultural milestones.

The takeaway

Quiñones’s journey underscores the value of perseverance in overcoming linguistic and social barriers early in life. His transition from a migrant family to national journalism serves as a case study for the importance of diverse perspectives in media.