Alfredo Corchado

Alfredo Corchado 2018

Alfredo Corchado Jiménez is a Mexican-American journalist and author, best known for his work as the Mexico City bureau chief for The Dallas Morning News. Born in Durango, Mexico, in 1961, Corchado grew up in the United States after his family migrated when he was a child. He has become a prominent figure in journalism, particularly for his coverage of Mexico and the U.S.-Mexico border, focusing on issues such as drug trafficking, immigration, and politics.

Early Life and Education

Alfredo Corchado was born in Durango, Mexico, and moved to the United States with his family, settling in El Paso, Texas. The experience of growing up in a border town deeply influenced his perspective and later his journalistic focus. Corchado pursued higher education in the United States, earning a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP).

Career

Corchado began his journalism career with smaller newspapers in the United States before joining The Dallas Morning News as a reporter. His work has taken him across the United States and Mexico, providing him with a unique vantage point on the complex relationship between the two countries. As the Mexico City bureau chief, Corchado has reported extensively on drug trafficking, organized crime, corruption within police and government institutions, and the challenges faced by journalists in Mexico. His reporting has earned him numerous awards and recognition, including the Maria Moors Cabot prize from Columbia University and the Elijah Parish Lovejoy Award for courage in journalism.

Notable Works

Corchado is the author of several books that delve into the issues he has covered as a journalist. His most notable works include:

- Midnight in Mexico: A Reporter's Journey Through a Country's Descent into Darkness (2013), which chronicles his experiences and challenges as a journalist in Mexico. The book provides a personal and in-depth look at the violence and corruption that has plagued Mexico, as well as the resilience of its people.

- Homelands: Four Friends, Two Countries, and the Fate of the Great Mexican-American Migration (2018), explores the complex and evolving relationship between Mexico and the United States through the lens of immigration and the personal stories of four friends, including Corchado himself.

Impact and Legacy

Alfredo Corchado's work has had a significant impact on the field of journalism, particularly in the context of U.S.-Mexico relations. His reporting has shed light on critical issues affecting both countries, contributing to a greater understanding among the public. Corchado's dedication to telling the stories of those impacted by policy, violence, and corruption has made him a respected voice in international journalism.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Corchado has received numerous accolades for his courageous reporting and commitment to truth. These include the Maria Moors Cabot Prize and the Elijah Parish Lovejoy Award, among others. His work has not only highlighted the challenges faced by journalists in Mexico but also the importance of press freedom and the role of journalists in holding power to account.

See Also

• Journalism
• Mexico-United States relations
• Drug trafficking in Mexico
• Immigration to the United States