Kenny Lopez, or “K-Lo,” has been in the television business for many years. He started off by interning for ABC’s Good Morning America. His journalistic journey kept him in the Big Apple for many years, followed by reporter stints in New Mexico, Texas, California and most recently — New Orleans, starting in 2011.
For six months, he worked with kids as a Teen Disc Jockey for Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas cruise ship. He danced with 80’s Popstar Debbie Gibson at a record store once. Meeting the entire cast of “Saved by the Bell” is on his bucket list. So far, he’s met three.
When his friends come to visit New Orleans, the first place he takes them is to a drive-thru daiquiri shop. Then, they head off for some “soul food” — fried chicken.
Kenny’s known around the newsroom for his high energy and acrobatic antics. If a Justin Timberlake song is playing, he will dance. He’s even known for doing cartwheels into trash cans by accident and falling off stages while doing back flips. But, like former fellow-reporter Vanessa Bolano said, “Kenny’s known for finding the good in every situation.”
Kenny says his greatest TV moment is yet to come.
A television moment he’d like to forget is running shirtless Baywatch-style on a beach after swimming in the Rio Grande. His photographer tossed him the microphone so he wouldn’t wet it.
He gives back to my community by entertaining and informing. Years ago, when he became a reporter, he told himself that he wants viewers to see him as their friend. He wants them to relate to him, and vice versa. Through his stories, he hopes to make viewers smile, laugh, feel or think. If he can do one of those things with each story, then he knows he’s done his job.
His favorite Saints players are Drew Brees, because he’s a man of integrity, and Steve Gleason because he’s one of the most positive people he’s ever met. Gleason said to Kenny once, “No one knows how to celebrate life and party like the City of New Orleans.” Very true.
Kenny’s motto is “Love living and Live loving.”
Email Kenny your story ideas at klopez@digital-staging.wgno.com.
