FEBRUARY 2014
CHAPTER NEWS THE 2014 SILVER CIRCLE AWARDS WILL HONOR SIX DISTINGUISHED PEOPLE
Marilys Llanos Manuel Martinez Teresa Rodriguez
The Board of Governors of the Suncoast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences voted to bestow the 2014 Silver Circle Awards to Marilys Llanos, Manuel Martinez, Teresa Rodriguez, Nelly Rubio, Craig Stevens, and Kerry Weston. This is the 26th consecutive year that these awards have been given in South Florida.
Marilys Llanos is Senior Reporter for WSCV/51. She has received 9 Emmy® Awards, 20 nominations and was selected by the National Hispanic Media Organization as one of the 100 Best Hispanic Journalists in the nation. She was a “Congressional Angels In Adoption” recipient for a series she did about international adoptions that ultimately lead to the adoption of her children, both from Guatemala. Born in Havana, Cuba she began her career in Puerto Rico.
Manuel Martinez is President, Telemundo Stations. He has nearly 30 years experience in the broadcast industry. He overseas Telemundo’s 16 owned local stations in the United States and Puerto Rico. A long-time Telemundo executive, Martinez was President and General Manager of NBC6 South Florida/WTVJ, and prior to that position, was President and General Manager of Telemundo 51/WSCV. He is a native of Cuba and graduated from Montclair State College in N.J. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Florida Association of Broadcasters.
Teresa Rodriguez co-anchors Univision’s primetime, weekly news Magazine, “Aqui y Ahora”. She became the first woman ever to host a national prime-time Spanish-language newscast. She is the winner of numerous awards for excellence in broadcast journalism, anchoring, reporting, writing and news integrity. Teresa graduated Magna Cum Laude with Bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Marketing from Barry University.
National Television Academy, Suncoast Chapter • P.O. Box 840738 • Pembroke Pines, FL 33084 • Tel. 954-322-3171 • Fax 954-322-3178 • e-mail: [email protected] FEBRUARY 2014
CHAPTER NEWS THE 2014 SILVER CIRCLE AWARDS WILL HONOR SIX DISTINGUISHED PEOPLE
Nelly Rubio Craig Stevens Kerry Weston
Nelly Rubio is the Director of Community & Public Relations for WFOR/CBS4 and WBFS/TV33. In the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew, Nelly founded the station’s Neighbors Helping Neighbors disaster relief program. That project evolved into what is now Neighbors 4 Neighbors, a non-profit organization that for more than 21 years has linked people in need with those willing to help. She has received numerous awards. Nelly graduated from Hialeah High School and attended Miami Dade College and Nova Southeastern University.
Craig Stevens co-anchors 7NEWS HD at 5:00, 6:00, 10:00 and 11:00 p.m. Weeknights. He began his career in 1987 at NBC News in Washington. Beginning in 1990 he spent two years as a reporter & substitute anchor at WBBH. He joined WSVN in 1992. Craig is active in numerous charities and organization. In 2009, he was elected to the Board of Trustees for the United Way of Miami and also serves as WSVN’s spokesman for “Habitat for Humanity.” The Emmy® nominated anchor has received several honors for his work and and charitable efforts. He graduated from The American University in Washington, DC.
Kerry Weston is Assignment Desk Planner at WPLG-TV10. After graduation from the University of South Carolina, she worked at WPLG as assignment editor. She then went to WPTV and came back to WPLG in 1989. Kerry is involved in community service, including the Girl Scouts, as well as a past Board member of the American Red Cross.
The 2014 Suncoast Silver Circle Awards will be presented on the evening of May 4, 2014 as a formal reception and gourmet dinner at the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel, 1617 Southeast 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale. Tickets will be available in mid-March until all seats are sold through the Chapter web site www.suncoastchapter.org.
National Television Academy, Suncoast Chapter • P.O. Box 840738 • Pembroke Pines, FL 33084 • Tel. 954-322-3171 • Fax 954-322-3178 • e-mail: [email protected] FEBRUARY 2014
CHAPTER NEWS
NBC 6 SOUTH FLORIDA EXPANDS WEEKDAY MORNING NEWS
Following a strong response from viewers, NBC 6 South Florida announced that the 4:30 AM newscast unveiled during the Olympic Games will become a permanent addition to the weekday morning news block.
“We had an overwhelming viewer response to the 4:30 AM newscast we launched during the Olympics and are excited to make it a permanent addition to our lineup,” said Migdalia Figueroa, Vice President of News for NBC 6 South Florida. “We are committed to providing our viewers relevant local news and information when they need it and are pleased they want to start their day with us.”
NBC 6 South Florida Today at 4:30 AM will be anchored by current morning news journalists Pam Giganti and Jawan Strader. Meteorologist Ryan Phillips will continue to provide the latest weather information and Traffic Reporter Kelly Blanco will have the most up-to-the minute traffic reports.
With the addition of the 4:30 AM newscast, NBC 6 South Florida will provide the community with 31 hours of local news each week.
TONY PIPITONE LEAVING ORLANDO FOR MIAMI By Kevin Eck TVSPY
The Orlando Sentinel reports Tony Pipitone is leaving WKMG to work as an investigative reporter at Miami NBC owned station WTVJ.
“I’ve worked with many fine journalists, but Tony Pipitone is at the head of that class,” WKMG GM Skip Valet told the Sentinel. “As an investigative reporter, he is as good as they come.”
Pipitone has worked at the Orlando CBS affiliate for 26 years. He’s never worked at another station. Tony Pipitone
He was drawn to WTVJ because NBC is making a big push for investigative reporting at its owned stations. “They’re going to have a serious commitment to investigative reporting, and lucky for me, they want me to be part of it,” he said.
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National Television Academy, Suncoast Chapter • P.O. Box 840738 • Pembroke Pines, FL 33084 • Tel. 954-322-3171 • Fax 954-322-3178 • e-mail: [email protected] FEBRUARY 2014
CHAPTER NEWS MIAMI CREATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT By Kevin Eck TVSPY
Paul Kaniewski has announced his retirement from Miami ABC affiliate WPLG.
In an email obtained by TVSpy, WPLG GM Bert Medina told staffers, “After a tenure that spans 26 ½ years of service, Paul Kaniewski has informed me of his decision to retire as WPLG’s Creative Services Director, effective March 1, 2014. As we know in our industry it is rare for a broadcaster to serve the community for this length of time with one company. It truly speaks volumes for Paul’s dedication and commitment to our industry and South Florida.”
Kaniewski has worked at WPLG since 1988. He also worked at WTVJ from 1980-1987 and WCIX Paul Kaniewski from 1976-1980.
WFOR PROMOTES METEOROLOGIST CRAIG SETZER By Kevin Eck TVSPY
Craig Setzer has been promoted to chief meteorologist for Miami CBS owned station WFOR.
Setzer has been with WFOR for 14 years. He will continue working on the 5:00, 6:00 and 11:00 p.m. newscasts.
“Craig’s experience in the number one hurricane market in the country serves our news team and our viewers extremely well when it comes to tracking tropical systems,” WFOR VP and GM Adam Levy said in a statement. Craig Setzer Before starting at WFOR in January 2000, Setzer worked at KRDO in Colorado Springs, WFLA in Tampa and KSDK in St. Louis. He has appeared on “CBS This Morning” and “The CBS Evening News.” JUDGES NEEDED It’s easy. Judge at home or in your office. All entries are judged online and easy to access. The success of the Emmy® Awards process depends on the willingness of qualified professionals to serve as judges. Call or email Karla MacDonald today at 954.322.3171 or [email protected]. (if you don’t contact her, she’ll probably come looking for you!)
National Television Academy, Suncoast Chapter • P.O. Box 840738 • Pembroke Pines, FL 33084 • Tel. 954-322-3171 • Fax 954-322-3178 • e-mail: [email protected] FEBRUARY 2014
CHAPTER NEWS IRIKA SARGENT TO JOIN WFOR AS ANCHOR IN MAY By Kevin Eck TVSPY
Miami CBS owned station WFOR has announced Irika Sargent will be joining Rick Folbaum as co-anchor of the evening newscasts.
“We are excited to welcome Irika Sargent to CBS4,” Adam Levy, VP and GM of WFOR-WBFS said in a statement. “Irika will be another key addition to the talented and experienced news team we have here and we look forward to having her partner with Rick, starting in May.”
Sargent comes from KPRC in Houston where she is a weekend anchor and nightside reporter. She has also worked in Mobile, AL, Columbia, MO, and London, England. Irika Sargent She is currently a member of the New York Bar Association.
Levy also spoke about Cynthia Demos who currently anchors the 5:00, 6:00 and 11:00 p.m. news with Folbaum and had been filling in after Shannon Hori left the station last year. “Cynthia has given us an experienced and steady hand at the anchor desk during our evening newscasts the past several months and we look forward to having her continue to be a key contributor to our success.”
REGIONAL NEWS
BILL BERRA NAMED NEWS DIRECTOR AT WFLA By Kevin Eck TVSPY
Bill Berra has been named VP of news for Tampa NBC affiliate WFLA.
Berra left his position as VP of news for Journal Broadcasting and Milwaukee NBC affiliate WTMJ in early February.
“I’m delighted to welcome a news veteran of Bill’s caliber to WFLA,” said station GM Brad Moses. “He has a strong record of success increasing ratings and audience share at a number of television Bill Berra stations across the country. Importantly, he knows the Tampa market well, having worked in this market in recent years.”
Berra came to WTMJ from WFTS in Tampa. He’s also worked at WSYX in Columbus, OH, WKMG in Orlando, KSAZ in Phoenix, AZ, and KTVI in St. Louis, MO, and WREG in Memphis, TN.
He will start at WFLA on March 17.
National Television Academy, Suncoast Chapter • P.O. Box 840738 • Pembroke Pines, FL 33084 • Tel. 954-322-3171 • Fax 954-322-3178 • e-mail: [email protected] FEBRUARY 2014
REGIONAL NEWS
BRETT CONNOLLY JOINS WESH AS ANCHOR By Kevin Eck TVSPY
Brett Connolly has joined Orlando NBC affiliate WESH as co-anchor for the 5:00 p.m. news.
Connolly comes to WESH from WFXT in Boston where he was a morning anchor and reporter.
Current 5:00 p.m. anchor Jim Payne will continue to anchor at 4:00, 6:00 and 11:00 p.m.
“With so many hours of news a day, adding Brett to the anchor team will only strengthen how WESH 2 covers news for Central Florida viewers,” Jim Carter, president and GM of WESH said in a statement. Carter also said, “Adding Brett will allow Jim Payne to cover more news from the field, something that we wanted to do for some time.” Brett Connolly
Connolly started on Monday, February 17.
WESH NAMES KIRSTEN WOLFF NEWS DIRECTOR By Kevin Eck TVSPY
Kirsten Wolff has been named news director for Hearst owned Orlando NBC affiliate WESH.
Wolff posted the news to her facebook page, “I am blown away by today. 7 years ago I dreamed of becoming a News Director. I took a 3,000 mile leap of faith and landed in Orlando. Fell in love with the WESH Newsroom. Today my dream came true. I feel so much love and support from my family—they kind of have to give it ... and my co-workers—they definitely DON’T have to give it. But I feel it! Can’t wait to live this chapter with all of you!”
According to the Orlando Sentinel, Wolff has worked for WESH’s parent company Hearst for 23 years, starting as a photojournalist and working as a producer. Before coming to WESH, Wolff worked at Hearst’s KCRA in Sacramento.
JUDGES NEEDED It’s easy. And it’s always great to see the work of our peers in other markets. You can judge at home or in your office—all at your convenience. Entries are judged online and easy to access.The success of the Emmy® Awards process depends on the willingness of qualified professionals to serve as judges. Call or email Karla MacDonald today at 954.322.3171 or [email protected]. (if you don’t contact her, she’ll probably come looking for you!)
National Television Academy, Suncoast Chapter • P.O. Box 840738 • Pembroke Pines, FL 33084 • Tel. 954-322-3171 • Fax 954-322-3178 • e-mail: [email protected] FEBRUARY 2014
REGIONAL NEWS
WOFL TO TEST HALF HOUR ENTERTAINMENT LOCAL NEWS TALK SHOW By Kevin Eck TVSPY
Orlando FOX owned station WOFL is set to begin a six week test of a new Friday night show called “The Cue.”
The new show will be a half-hour of entertainment local news talk hosted by WOFL reporter David Martin and co-hosted by radio personality Jayde Donovan and WOFL producer Art Miles.
The press release said “The Cue,” which starts February 28 at 11:30 p.m., “will take a witty and satirical look at pop culture and local happenings in the Central Florida area, including local David Martin current events and topics trending on the web.”
“This fresh, new format will bring our viewers a different type of entertainment news on Friday nights,” Allyson Meyers WOFL VP and GM said in a statement. “David’s irreverent and unscripted take on today’s hot topics and the local news of the week will be a great addition to our weekend lineup.”
RUSSELL COLBURN LEAVES WALA By Kevin Eck TVSPY
Russell Colburn has said goodbye to Mobile, AL, FOX affiliate WALA.
WALA announced his departure on its facebook page, “FOX10 News is saying goodbye to one of our own. Russell Colburn Fox10, who joined the FOX10 family in 2011, is setting off on a new adventure. You’ll be missed around the newsroom, and we wish you the best!”
Sources say it has also been reported by Florida News Center, that Colburn may be heading to WTEV-WAWS in Jacksonville, FL. Colburn started at WALA as a photojournalist in February 2011. Russell Colburn
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NationalNational Television Television Academy, Academy, Suncoast Suncoast Chapter Chapter • • P.O. P.O. Box Box 840738 840738 • • Pembroke Pembroke Pines, Pines, FL FL 33084 33084 • • Tel. Tel. 954-322-3171 954-322-3171 • • Fax Fax 954-322-3178 954-322-3178 • • e-mail: e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] FEBRUARY 2014
PEOPLE MOVES
BILL BERRA has been named news director for NBC affiliate WFLA in Tampa. Berra was previously VP of news for Journal Broadcasting and Milwaukee NBC affiliate WTMJ.
TONY PIPITONE joins NBC owned WTVJ in Miami as investigative reporter. Pipitone previously worked at the Orlando CBS affiliate WKMG for the last 26 years.
BRETT CONNOLLY joins WESH, the NBC affiliate in Orlando as co-anchor for the 5:00 p.m. news. Connolly comes to WESH from WFXT in Boston, MA.
IRIKA SARGENT will join Miami CBS owned station WFOR in May. She will be co-anchor of the evening newscasts with Rick Folbaum. Sargent comes from KPRC in Houston where she is a weekend anchor and nightside reporter.
MARQUES WHITE joins WJXT in Jacksonville as the weekend morning anchor. White previously worked at WVNS in Lewisburg, West Virginia.
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National Television Academy, Suncoast Chapter • P.O. Box 840738 • Pembroke Pines, FL 33084 • Tel. 954-322-3171 • Fax 954-322-3178 • e-mail: [email protected] FEBRUARY 2014
Officers Committee Chairs
Chip Richards, President and Trustee, Art & Design Production Manager, WLRN-TV, PBS, Miami Stacey Panson, Designer, Ft. Lauderdale John Mays, 1st Vice President and Trustee, Production Manager, WFOR/CBS4, Miami Emmy Awards Maria Cristina Barros, 2nd Vice President and Alternate Trustee, John Mays, Production Manager, WFOR/CBS4, Miami Director of Marketing and Community Relations, WSCV/Telemundo 51, Miami Scholarship Angela Ramos, Programming & Public Affairs Director, Karla MacDonald, Secretary, Suncoast Chapter Administrator WLTV/Univision23, Miami Betsy Behrens, Treasurer, Retired television producer Karla MacDonald, Suncoast Chapter Administrator Board of Governors Tel. 954-322-3171 e-mail [email protected]
Frank Adelson, Special Projects Editor, WTVJ/NBC6, Miami TO SUBSCRIBE TO TUBE TALK: Send mail to: [email protected] with the Barbara Alfonso, Manager, Programming and Community Marketing, WTVJ/NBC6, Miami following command as the body of your e-mail message: subscribe tube talk TO UNSUBSCRIBE TO TUBE TALK: Send mail to: [email protected] with the Maria Cristina Barros, Chapter 2nd Vice President and Alternate Trustee, Director of Marketing and Community following command as the body of your e-mail message: unsubscribe tube talk Relations, WSCV/Telemundo 51, Miami Joyce Belloise, Executive Producer, WPBT Channel 2, Miami Submissions related to television in the Suncoast region of Florida, Terry Bloom, Ph.D., Associate Professor, University of Miami Mobile, Alabama, Louisiana and Puerto Rico are welcome. Send to Pam Giganti Bunge, News Anchor, WTVJ/NBC6, Miami [email protected] Natalia Crujeiras, Director of Digital Media & Social Strategy for the Office of Cuba Broadcasting Tammy Darling, Director, WSVN-TV, Miami Lori Davis, Producer/DP/Director/Avid Editor, LCD Productions, Ft. Lauderdale Steve Greenberg, Freelance Producer/Reporter/VO/ Media Training, Miami Frances Hernandez, Manager, Production Administration, WPBT Channel 2, Miami John Mays, Chapter 1st Vice President and Trustee Production Manager, WFOR/CBS4, Miami Adriana Mocciola, Producer, Telemundo Network, Miami Christine Portela, Producer, Fusion, an ABC-Univision joint venture Liz Roldan, News Director, WFOR/CBS4, Miami Mel Taylor, Assignment Desk, WPLG, Miami Max Wyler, Owner, Accord Productions, Coconut Grove
National Television Academy, Suncoast Chapter • P.O. Box 840738 • Pembroke Pines, FL 33084 • Tel. 954-322-3171 • Fax 954-322-3178 • e-mail: [email protected]