José Luis Sanz is a Spanish journalist renowned for his extensive work in Central America. For more than two decades he was an essential member of El Faro, one of the most awarded media in the hemisphere and a reference for investigative journalism in Latin America, where he served as the Director for seven years. Under his leadership El Faro expanded its international presence and received numerous accolades, including the Gabriel García Márquez Prize for Excellence in Journalism and the King of Spain Prize. Most recently, he also served as the Washington correspondent and editor of El Faro English from 2021 until his departure in July of 2024.
Prior to this role, Sanz was a founding member of Sala Negra, an investigative team specializing in violence, gangs, and organized crime in Central America. His work has been featured in several publications, including Crónicas Negras (2013), Terror Zones: Gewalt und Gegenwehr in Lateinamerika (2015), and Crónicas Latinoamericanas (2020).
He is a recipient of the LASA Media Award and co-recipient of the Gabriel García Márquez Award, the Latin American Investigative Journalism Award, and the Hillman Award. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Fundamedios USA and of the Advisory Committee of the Center for Media Integrity in the Americas.
Sanz was an event speaker at the Dialogue.