A man who is wearing a grey cap smiles at the camera.

Jorge Valencia

Reporter

Jorge Valencia is the lead Latin America correspondent for The World.

Prior to joining the program in 2020, Jorge served as Mexico City-based correspondent for Arizona public radio station KJZZ-FM, covering politics, economics and migration in Mexico. Jorge previously covered state government and politics for North Carolina Public Radio. And before that, he began his career covering crime at the Roanoke Times in southwest Virginia.

Jorge, who grew up in downtown Bogotá, Colombia, and the suburbs of Washington, DC, graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He is based in Mexico City.

Recent Stories

COVID-19

Russia expands ‘soft power’ in Latin America with Sputnik vaccine

The World

March 02, 2021

For Russia, the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine is an opportunity to appeal to faraway governments and citizens.

COVID-19

Mexico’s COVID-19 wards are full. Many patients who can’t get oxygen die at home.

The World

February 12, 2021

In many cities across Latin America, including Mexico City, patients with the coronavirus are struggling to receive vital medical oxygen to stay alive. Many who couldn’t find space in overflowing emergency rooms are dying at home.

Colombian singer Carlos Vives: Protecting the environment is the ‘only way to save folklore’

The World

December 22, 2020

In an interview with The World’s Latin America correspondent, Jorge Valencia, the well-known pop singer talks about how the environment shapes his music.

Global Politics

Exiled Venezuelan dissident says Sunday's National Assembly elections are a 'fraud'

The World

December 04, 2020

Leopoldo López, in exile in Spain, is speaking out against the Venezuelan National Assembly elections being held Sunday by the government of President Nicolás Maduro.

Sports

Remembering Diego Maradona, a leftie on the field — and in politics

The World

November 30, 2020

While Diego Maradona never ran or held public office, his success on the field, larger-than-life personality and friendships with leftist leaders connected him to political life in Argentina and across Latin America over more than three decades.

Development

By building Bogotá metro, China makes a new breakthrough in Latin America

The World

November 05, 2020

The construction project by Chinese government-owned companies is a major feat for a city that has long sought to join other South American capitals with rail systems.

2020 US presidential election

Discussion: What's at stake in the 2020 election?

The World

November 01, 2020

Updated

11/02/2020 - 12:45pm

The World's correspondents Shirin Jaafari and Jorge Valencia give context and analysis on foreign policy issues at stake in the 2020 election. Moderated by senior editor Daisy Contreras, we'll be taking your questions and explore what's at stake for the US and beyond.

Sports

‘You get fired up’: Mexico City fans savor lucha libre wrestling at drive-in venues

The World

October 16, 2020

A company that organizes the colorful, larger-than-life bouts has set up fights to be enjoyed from the socially distant comfort of spectators' own cars.

Education

Mexico City tortilla shop provides free Wi-Fi for kids to access virtual school

The World

October 08, 2020

La Abuela tortilla bakery on the hilly outskirts of Mexico's capital is providing pupils with a place to study and a complimentary connection to their virtual lessons as the pandemic prevents in-person learning.

Trump campaign courts voters in swing states with tough stance on Venezuela

The World

October 06, 2020

Trump’s reelection campaign puts the human rights crisis in Venezuela at the center of their Latin America foreign policy agenda, attracting voters who oppose undemocratic governments in battleground states like Florida.

Jorge Valencia

Recent Stories

Updated

Pages