FINGER ON THE PULSE
Beloved local journalist back on the beat of San Antonio arts coverage

Jessie Degollado is chronicling San Antonio's arts scene on The Beat.
In a boon for San Antonio arts coverage, a long-running PBS program is rebooting with an iconic host. Broadcast legend Jessie Degollado has joined the KLRN series The Beat as host and producer.
Degollado has been a familiar face on Alamo City airwaves for decades. The award-winning reporter's remarkable 40-year run on KSAT broke the glass ceiling for local Latina journalists. The Laredo native retired from the station in July 2024.
Fittingly, her return to broadcasting came via ¡SALUD! In September 2024, a show highlighting Latina businesswomen. As host of The Beat, she will introduce audiences to the creators who form the rich mosaic of San Antonio's cultural life.
"I am beyond thrilled to be involved with KLRN, given its excellent reputation and standing in San Antonio and throughout much of South Texas," said Degollado via a press release. "They've made me feel right at home – como familia, like a member of their family."
The Beat first launched in 2018, profiling multi-discipline artists, including musicians, dancers, and storytellers. The KLRN show was briefly on hiatus in 2024 before returning with Degollado as the host. This season, she visited everyone from Joe Castillo, the founder of A & C Custom Boots and Repair to San Antonio's "Mother of Flamenco," Teresa Champion.
Locals can catch The Beat segments between KLRN's programming throughout the broadcast week. Episodes are also available online, on YouTube, and through the PBS app.
"The response from viewers has been overwhelming," Degollado added in the release. "They all tell me, 'I love KLRN! We're so happy you're there!' And I couldn't agree more."