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Óscar J. Reyes Baca, a prominent figure in Hispanic journalism, passed away on March 12 at the age of 88. Born in Honduras, Reyes was known for his role as editor of El Pregonero, the oldest Hispanic publication in the Washington metropolitan area.
El Pregonero announced his passing with a statement: “It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Óscar Reyes Baca, who for many years served as editor of El Pregonero and left an indelible mark on those of us who had the privilege of working alongside him.” The publication extended condolences to his family and loved ones.
Reyes' career began with a student newspaper during high school. He later studied journalism at Nicaragua's National University and held editorial positions at La Noticia and La Prensa newspapers. In 1985, he joined El Pregonero as a reporter and became its editor within a year.
Reyes also contributed to academia by teaching at the School of Journalism of the National Autonomous University of Honduras, which he helped found. His life took a dramatic turn in 1982 when he and his wife were tortured by Honduran military operatives, leading them to seek asylum in the United States.
Having become a U.S. citizen in the 1990s, Reyes expressed gratitude for being able to work "without fear" in a country that values press freedom. During his tenure at El Pregonero, he garnered numerous awards from what is now known as the Catholic Media Association.
In recognition of his contributions, Reyes received the St. Francis de Sales Award from the Catholic Press Association in 2005. He dedicated this honor to his colleagues: “The award is not for me but for the group that made this possible.”
Gretchen R. Crowe from OSV News remarked on March 24: “Óscar Reyes...has been known for his commitment to Catholic journalism and to reaching Hispanic Catholics through his work in El Pregonero.”
In addition to journalism, Reyes sought justice for past abuses; in 2006, a federal judge ordered damages against Retired Col. Juan Lopez Grijalba for torturing Reyes and others during their time in Honduras.
Funeral arrangements are pending as tributes continue to pour in from those who knew him both personally and professionally.
