KTSM welcomes its newest anchor, J Russell, who will be co-anchoring the morning and noon broadcasts with anchor Susy Castillo. You can catch J starting Monday from 5 to 7 a.m., and from noon to 1 p.m.
Hailing from the Valley of the Sun, J is familiar with the hot temperatures and desert landscapes that are synonymous with El Paso. “The best part of El Paso reminds me of home — it’s not even a culture shock; it looks the same as Phoenix, so I just love it out here,” he said.
He’s a self-proclaimed movie buff and foodie, and is looking forward to hiking the Franklins. But his real love is to “bust a dance move.”
Previously a lifestyle and entertainment reporter in Phoenix, J will continue in that vein for KTSM. He enjoys finding unique and fun destinations and is looking forward to discovering hidden gems in the Borderland.
J started his career as a multimedia journalist for the Nexstar Media Group in Midland. He was promoted to sports reporter and weekend anchor following the Permian Panthers and Texas Tech Red Raiders. J then became the founding sports director for the Lafayette, La., station covering the LSU and the New Orleans Saints. Before returning home to work at the Phoenix CW, J was a sports anchor in Beaumont, where he was able to report on high school and Houston-area sports.
In 2019, J was an in-arena host and field reporter for the Arizona Coyotes in Glendale, and was a sports host for USA Today’s Sports Media Group.
And, for those wondering, his name really is just “J”. He was named after basketball legend Julius Erving, known as Dr. J.
