MAY 2015
CHAPTER NEWS SIX DISTINGUISHED FIGURES IN SOUTH FLORIDA TELEVISION WIN SILVER CIRCLE AWARDS
(L-R) The 2015 Silver Circle recipients: Mark A. Baker, WPBT, Francisco “Cisco” Suarez, Univision, Jackie Nespral, WTVJ César Ricardo Núñez, City of Miami/CRNFILMS, Emilio Marrero, Baptist Health South Florida (not pictured, Teri Forbush, WPBF)
The 2015 Suncoast Silver Circle Awards were presented at an afternoon reception and luncheon on Sunday, April 26, 2015 at the Westin Beach Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale. The Awards recognized six people who have devoted a quarter of a century or more toEligibility the television Period industry, a for significant Entry part Submissions: of which was done inJuly South 1, Florida. 2014 – June 30, 2015
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Suncoast Chapter • P.O. Box 840738 • Pembroke Pines, FL 33084 • Phone 954.322.3171 • [email protected] MAY 2015
CHAPTER NEWS SIX DISTINGUISHED FIGURES IN SOUTH FLORIDA TELEVISION WIN SILVER CIRCLE AWARDS
Mark A. Baker is Senior Producer at WPBT, Miami. He creates historical and contemporary programs like Flagler’s Train: The Florida Keys Oversea Railroad and Panama Canal: Prized Possession. Mark’s programs have earned many awards of distinction for WPBT.
In 1976, Mark began his television career as a studio cameraman at WPTV Channel 5, NBC in West Palm Beach. He was promoted to studio Crew Chief and Director for live news and public affairs programs. In 1976, Mark began his television career as a studio cameraman at WPTV Channel 5, NBC in West Palm Beach. He was promoted to studio Crew Chief and Director for live news and public affairs programs.
Mark Baker, Silver Circle recipient Joyce Belloise, Executive Producer, WPBT, presented Mark with his Award.
Emilio Marrero is the Director of News Services for Baptist Health South Florida. He is responsible for providing strategic direction and oversight of content production, including digital, video, social media and healthcare blog. He leads a team of multi-media journalists and content specialists, as well as a video production team across multiple media platforms.
In 2014, he launched Marrero Media, working on several consulting projects. Previously, he was news director for Univision WLTV-23, in Miami.
He is a winner of three Suncoast Regional Emmy® awards and six-time nominee. He is a McCormick-Tribune Foundation Fellow. Marrero is a member of the Radio Emilio Marrero, Silver Circle recipient and Television Digital News Association and is past president of the Florida Associated Press Broadcast Board of Directors. He was named 2013 Communicator of the Year by the University of Miami School of Communication.
Carlos Espinosa, Managing Editor, WLTV, presented Emilio with his Award.
Jackie Nespral currently anchors “NBC 6 News” at 5pm, 5:30pm, 6pm and 11pm. The Emmy® Award-winning journalist became the first Hispanic ever to anchor a network news program when she was tapped for NBC’s Weekend Today show in 1992. After commuting between Miami and New York, she chose to continue her career in South Florida with NBC 6.
A South Florida native, Nespral is a familiar face throughout the community. She is on the Board of Trustees of the University of Miami and served as the first Hispanic Jackie Nespral, Silver Circle recipient woman past president of the University of Miami Alumni Association. She is
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Suncoast Chapter • P.O. Box 840738 • Pembroke Pines, FL 33084 • Phone 954.322.3171 • [email protected] MAY 2015
CHAPTER NEWS SIX DISTINGUISHED FIGURES IN SOUTH FLORIDA TELEVISION WIN SILVER CIRCLE AWARDS
on the board of Amigos For Kids, as well as on the Board of Directors for the March of Dimes, the Columbia Women’s Center and South Miami Hospital’s Child Development Center. She served as the Orange Bowl Queen in 1985-86 and achieved the highest honor at the University of Miami, the Iron Arrow.
Tony Segreto, former Anchor, NBC 6, presented Jackie with her Award.
César Ricardo Núñez is Owner and Executive Director/Producer for CRNFILMS Multimedia Productions. He also serves as Video Producer for the City of Miami, Special Events Parks and Recreation, working on stories dealing with children and the elderly to help make an impact in our community. He is the Founder and President of FILM MIAMI FEST and WIDESCREENFEST, both of which are César Ricardo Núñez, Silver Circle recipient international festivals based in Miami. César is a photojournalist, film director and producer. He has received five Suncoast Regional Emmy® awards and fourteen nominations.
Michele Gillen, Chief Investigative Reporter, CBS 4, presented César with his Award.
Francisco “Cisco” Suarez is senior vice president of Special Events at Univision Communications Inc. (UCI), the leading media company serving Hispanic America. Cisco is an award winning producer/director of some of the most important live events for Hispanics, including the annual Latin GRAMMY® Awards, Premio Lo Nuestro Latin music awards and Premios Juventud youth awards, in addition to special productions such as the 2015 search for the ultimate Latino boyband, “La Banda”. Francisco “Cisco” Suarez, Silver Circle recipient Cisco has been responsible for producing an unbroken string of some of the highest rated and most prestigious star-studded specials ever to air on U.S. Hispanic television, many of which are also broadcast to a worldwide audience across the globe.
Throughout his career, Suarez has received numerous awards and industry recognitions including Emmy® Awards, A.C.E. Awards, Premio Ondas, Europe’s highest TV award; A.C.C.A. Awards, O.T.T.O. Awards and the Hard’s Club Award as Producer of the Year.
Robert “Bob” Behar, President / CEO Hero Broadcasting presented Cisco with his Award.
Teri Forbush was hired at WPBF in 1988 as a Director. With the exception of Teri Forbush, Silver Circle recipient 6 years when she was a full-time producer, she continued to direct live
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Suncoast Chapter • P.O. Box 840738 • Pembroke Pines, FL 33084 • Phone 954.322.3171 • [email protected] MAY 2015
CHAPTER NEWS SIX DISTINGUISHED FIGURES IN SOUTH FLORIDA TELEVISION WIN SILVER CIRCLE AWARDS newscasts at WPBF since signing on January 1, 1989. Currently, she is responsible for producing commercial and sales presentations, as well as editing these projects on Avid. She has directed newscasts which have been awarded two AP Best Newscast Awards and an RTNDA Best Newscast Award.
As a producer she has been honored with six Telly awards and an Emmy® nomination. As Executive Producer she ran two different initiatives for WPBF-TV. One was a web-based venture devoted to celebrity interviews and coverage of local charity events. The second was a wide-reaching campaign designed to engage viewers in the local education system called Taking The Lead. Teri helped launch this initiative from concept to implementation. Taking The Lead ran for over seven years and was the primary factor in WPBF-TV receiving the prestigious NABEF Service To Children Award.
Teri was unable to attend the Silver Circle Awards ceremony.
LOTS OF GREAT SUBMISSIONS IN THE 2015 SUNCOAST HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT TELEVISION AWARDS The 2015 Suncoast Television Awards of Excellence received 101 entries from the following schools:
Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High Biscayne Bay Campus, Miami Miami Dade College, Miami, FL American Heritage School/WAHS News, Plantation, FL Oviedo High School, Oviedo, FL Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, Miami, FL Pine Crest School, Boca Raton, FL Christopher Columbus High School/CCNN Live, Miami, FL School District of Lee County, Ft. Myers, FL Escuela de Artes Plasticas de Puerto Rico Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA John A. Ferguson High School, Miami, FL Treen Technology Center, Mandeville, LA McFatter Technical High School, Davie, FL Westland Hialeah Senior High, Hialeah, FL
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Suncoast Chapter • P.O. Box 840738 • Pembroke Pines, FL 33084 • Phone 954.322.3171 • [email protected] MAY 2015
CHAPTER NEWS 2015 STUDENT TELEVISION AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE WINNERS
CATEGORY 1 NEWSCAST Pine Crest School, Boca Raton, FL PCTV 09/11/2014 School District of Lee County, Ft. Myers, FL CURRENTLee Episode 39
CATEGORY 2 NEWS STORY - SERIOUS NEWS Christopher Columbus High School/CCNN Live, Miami, FL Football Coach Pays it Forward
CATEGORY 3 NEWS STORY - LIGHT NEWS School District of Lee County, Ft. Myers, FL Awards of Excellence Winners, Escuela de Artes Plasticas de Puerto Rico Squeaky Clean Smiles
CATEGORY 5 LONG FORM (NON-FICTION) Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High, N. Miami Beach, FL Miami Dade Schools Police Department Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High, N. Miami Beach, FL Spectrum
CATEGORY 7 SPORTS Awards of Excellence Winners, American Heritage School/WAHS News, Plantation, FL Christopher Columbus High School, Miami, FL Harvest Drive: Creating A Culture of Giving CATEGORY 12 DIRECTING CATEGORY 9 ANIMATION Escuela de Artes Plasticas de Puerto Rico Escuela de Artes Plasticas de Puerto Rico Fashion Art Fashion Film The Book of Zion Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA Emma CATEGORY 10 GRAPHICS Christopher Columbus High School/CCNN Live, Miami, FL CATEGORY 13 EDITING American Heritage School/WAHS News, Plantation, FL CATEGORY 11 PHOTOGRAPHER When I was a Star American Heritage School/WAHS News, Plantation, FL Graveshift CATEGORY 16 WRITING American Heritage School/WAHS News, Plantation, FL School District of Lee County, Ft. Myers, FL Photography Highlight Reel Squeaky Clean Smiles
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Suncoast Chapter • P.O. Box 840738 • Pembroke Pines, FL 33084 • Phone 954.322.3171 • [email protected] MAY 2015
CHAPTER NEWS 2015 STUDENT TELEVISION AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE WINNERS
Awards of Excellence Winners, American Heritage School, Plantation, FL
Kaitlyn Morales Kayla Hill Matt Flores Michael Vinsanau Paul Rivera Sarah Barbier Awards of Excellence Winners, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Suncoast Chapter • P.O. Box 840738 • Pembroke Pines, FL 33084 • Phone 954.322.3171 • [email protected] MAY 2015
CHAPTER NEWS 2015 STUDENT TELEVISION AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE WINNERS
Awards of Excellence Winners, Pine Crest School, Boca Raton, FL
Awards of Excellence Winners, Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High, North Miami Beach, FL
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Suncoast Chapter • P.O. Box 840738 • Pembroke Pines, FL 33084 • Phone 954.322.3171 • [email protected] MAY 2015
CHAPTER NEWS 2015 STUDENT TELEVISION AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE HONORABLE MENTIONS
CATEGORY 1 NEWSCAST CATEGORY 8 PUBLIC AFFAIRS/COMMUNITY Pine Crest School, Boca Raton, FL SERVICE/PUBLIC SERVICE PCTV 10/29/2014 American Heritage School/WAHS News, Plantation, FL Harvest Drive: Creating A Culture of Giving CATEGORY 2 NEWS STORY - SERIOUS NEWS Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High, N. Miami Beach, FL Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA I’m Fine, I Promise Manufacturing on the North Shore McFatter Technical High School, Davie, FL Treen Technology Center, Mandeville, LA PCTV 10/29/2014 NOMA Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA CATEGORY 3 NEWS STORY - LIGHT NEWS Tobacco Free Campus School District of Lee County, Ft. Myers, FL From Classroom to Career CATEGORY 9 ANIMATION Escuela de Artes Plasticas de Puerto Rico Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA Dia de San Anselmo Blooming Rose Escuela de Artes Plasticas de Puerto Rico CATEGORY 4 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, Le Diner Pour Deux CULTURAL AFFAIRS American Heritage School/WAHS News, Plantation, FL CATEGORY 12 DIRECTING Hero of Our Future Escuela de Artes Plasticas de Puerto Rico Oportunidad American Heritage School/WAHS News, Plantation, FL Fostered Love School District of Lee County, Ft. Myers, FL CURRENTLee Episode 36 Christopher Columbus High School/CCNN Live, Miami, FL Tech Talk, Episodes 1 & 2 Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA Donate Blood, Save Lives Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA John Schneider Studios CATEGORY 13 EDITING Treen Technology Center, Mandeville, LA American Heritage School/WAHS News, Plantation, FL Artist Gabby Armstrong Editing Highlight Reel CATEGORY 7 SPORTS Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High, N. Miami Beach, FL CATEGORY 16 WRITING Triple Crown Sports Rising Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA Miracle Leagues School District of Lee County, Ft. Myers, FL Student Olympians
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Suncoast Chapter • P.O. Box 840738 • Pembroke Pines, FL 33084 • Phone 954.322.3171 • [email protected] MAY 2015
CHAPTER NEWS TWELVE SOUTH FLORIDA COLLEGE STUDENTS RECEIVE SUNCOAST SCHOLARSHIPS, INCLUDING THE BOB BEHRENS SCHOLARSHIP
The Suncoast Chapter Scholarship Committee, under the direction of Scholarship Chairman Angela Ramos, Programming and Public Affairs Director at WLTV Univision 23 in Miami, interviewed South Florida college students of Broadcasting and Television on April 13, 2015. Twelve students were awarded scholarship assistance from the Suncoast Chapter, including the Bob Behrens Scholarship Fund. WPLG Local 10 and WLTV generously contributed to the Suncoast Scholarship Fund.
Samantha B. Avilan Miami Dade College
Samantha B. Avilan is a sophomore and plans to complete her Associate degree in Radio and Television Broadcast Programming at Miami Dade College. She wants to further her education by completing a B.A.S. in Film, Television & DIgital Production. She would like to become a Director or Producer and make an impact in the television industry. She has a passion for television and would like to be known as a woman who learned every aspect of the business until she made it to the top. Samantha has a 4.0 GPA.
Samantha B. Avilan
Michelle Barrera Miami Dade College
Michelle is a freshman at Miami Dade College with a major in Radio & TV Broadcasting and intends to use her scholarship to pay for her studies at Miami Dade College. She would eventually like to be an Entertainment Reporter. Michelle also holds a B.A. in Sports/Entertainment/Event Management from Johnson & Wales University. Michelle has a 3.65 GPA.
Michelle Barrera Ana Yvette Cruz Miami Dade College
Ana Yvette Cruz is a recipient of the Bob Behrens Scholarship. She is a sophomore at Miami Dade College and plans to graduate with an Associate degree in Radio & Television Broadcasting. Ms. Cruz comes from a very humble family—her motivation and her drive are her parents; when she sees them and realizes how much they have achieved as well as the obstacles they have overcome, she knows she wants to do better for them. Ana Yvette holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Fashion Merchandise & Retail Marketing. Ana has a 3.9 GPA.
Ana Yvette Cruz
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Suncoast Chapter • P.O. Box 840738 • Pembroke Pines, FL 33084 • Phone 954.322.3171 • [email protected] MAY 2015
Leyanis Diaz Florida International University
Leyanis is a senior at Florida International University and majors in Broadcast Media. After completing her undergraduate degree at FIU, she plans to pursue a Masters in Spanish Language Journalism. Since Leyanis was in elementary school, she has always wanted to become a journalist. She has chosen that profession because it provides one with the opportunity to express themselves, as well as entertain, inform and most importantly, make a difference. Leyanis has a 3.79 GPA.
Leyanis Diaz Eric Duran Florida International University
Eric Duran is a freshman at Florida International University and majors in Broadcast Media, as well as International Relations. He is a first generation student from a low-income Hispanic background, but has never let his adversities hinder him. They have served as motivation for the goals he hopes to achieve in his life. He is specifically drawn to the Latin American Television market and his dual major in International Relations comes from his need to understand what is happening in the world and comprehending that to create a change in the future you must know what is wrong in the present. Eric has a 3.93 GPA.
Eric Duran
Johnni Fazio Miami Dade College
Johnni Fazio is a sophomore at Miami Dade College majoring in Radio and Television Broadcast Programming. Johnni embraces television, music and technology as the foundation of his creative endeavors. He feels that society is craving a more engaging entertainment platform and his aspirations are simple—create dynamic content and have a positive impact on those that he connects with. Johnni lived in NYC before arriving in Florida, where he produced a TV series on the Manhattan Neighborhood Network, “The Conchy John Show”. Johnni has a 3.51 GPA.
Johnni Fazio Nabeel Hasan University of Miami
Nabeel Hasan is a junior at the University of Miami with a major in Broadcast Journalism. Nabeel came to America when he was 5 years old from Pakistan. Even before he learned to speak English, he used to watch “SportsCenter” on ESPN. He has held sports internships at Comcast SportsNet Chicago and another in the Broadcast Operations Department at Northwestern University. He wants to be able to express himself through the stories he tells and combine that with his passion for sports. He would like to become a sports anchor and reporter. Nabeel has a 3.6 GPA.
Nabeel Hasan
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Suncoast Chapter • P.O. Box 840738 • Pembroke Pines, FL 33084 • Phone 954.322.3171 • [email protected] MAY 2015
Kelly Merrill Jr. Barry University
Kelly is a junior at Barry University and double majors in Broadcast and Emerging Media and Mathematical Sciences. Kelly has three professional aspirations. First he would like to become a director. Secondly, he would like to become president of a news station. And lastly, he wants to be the best broadcaster that he can be. Kelly is currently the News Director at his school’s radio station and he founded the Broadcast Club, Out of Focus at his school. Kelly has a 3.845 GPA. ,
Kelly Merrill, Jr. Jorge Otiniano Miami Dade College
Jorge Otiniano is a sophomore majoring in Radio and Television Broadcasting at Miami Dade College. He was born in Peru and moved with his family to the United States when he was 14 years old. His perseverance through difficult challenges in his young life have helped him realize his true passion in Broadcasting. Jorge has a 3.58 GPA.
Jorge Otiniano Hellen Revas Florida International University
Hellen Revas is a junior majoring in Broadcast Journalism at Florida International University. She is a recipient of the Bob Behrens Scholarship. Hellen was born in Cali, Columbia and raised in Miami. Her parents nurtured her talent. She recorded her first album at age 4 and began visiting local radio and TV stations to promote her music. She hosted her own radio show at age 9. That experience reinforced her love of the field. She has done extensive community work both locally and abroad through Pink H. Foundation, the non-profit organization she co-founded with her family in 2005. Hellen has a 3.93 GPA.
Hellen Revas Andrea Sanmiguel Florida International University
Andrea Sanmiguel is a senior majoring in Mass Communications in Journalism at Florida International University. She is a recipient of the Bob Behrens Scholarship. Studying journalism has opened many doors for Andrea, including internships with Clear Channel, SFL-TV/The CW and being part of a Model United Nations simulation at Webster University Vienna. These opportunities have led her to discover her passion for reporting on subjects such as international affairs. She plans to achieve her Bachelor’s in journalism and her Masters in international relations and public affairs, in the hopes of one day working for the United Nations Press team. Andrea has a 3.42 GPA. Andrea Sanmiguel
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Suncoast Chapter • P.O. Box 840738 • Pembroke Pines, FL 33084 • Phone 954.322.3171 • [email protected] MAY 2015
CHAPTER NEWS
Jesus Silva Florida International University
Jesus Silva is a junior majoring in Mass Communication at Florida International University. Jesus is a 22 year old Venezuelan/American student and underground recording artist from Miami, Florida. He was born in Venezuela and grew up under the government of Hugo Chavez—something that made a huge impact not only in Venezuela, but within Silva as well. What truly made a difference in Silva’s life within the field of expression, was the closure of Venezuelan TV Channel RCTV, which informed and entertained the Venezuelan audience for more than a half century. Jesus and his family moved to Panama after the RCTV closure, where he won the reality show “Star Project” (which had Jesus Silva a similar format to American Idol for teens) and was signed to AMZ Records in Miami. He decided to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication at FIU. Jesus has a 3.84 GPA.
TWO GOVERNORS RETIRE FROM THE BOARD OF THE SUNCOAST CHAPTER
Chip Richards and Maria Cristina Barros Chip Richards and Mel Taylor
At the May 12th meeting of the Board of Governors that was held at the Hilton Airport Hotel, it was announced that two Governors had completed their terms of service on the board. Maria Cristina Barros, Director of Marketing and Community Relations, WSCV/Telemundo 51, Miami and Mel Taylor, Assignment Desk, WPLG, Miami, were awarded gold medallions which were presented at the meeting by Chip Richards, Suncoast Chapter president.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Suncoast Chapter • P.O. Box 840738 • Pembroke Pines, FL 33084 • Phone 954.322.3171 • [email protected] MAY 2015
CHAPTER NEWS
FORMER SOUTH FLORIDA ANCHOR KELLEY MITCHELL HAS PASSED AWAY
Veteran broadcast journalist Kelley Mitchell died Sunday, May 10th at the age of 58.
Most recently Kelley worked as an afternoon anchor at WLRN (FM 91.3) in Miami where she delivered local news updates on the NPR station for four years until this past January.
Kelley Mitchell is best known for her TV and anchor reporting roles at WSVN 7, where she worked from 1992 to 1998 and then at WPLG Channel 10.
On WSVN, she and Rick Sanchez co-anchored the early evening and late news.
“She was there because she wanted to tell a good story, an accurate story,’’ said Sanchez, who invited Kelley to his morning radio show on WIOD (AM 610) in late April. They reminisced about working late nights, jumping from one breaking news story to another sans script and how they felt like they lived at WSVN’s North Bay Village studios during those hey days. Kelley Mitchell “She really really cared about getting the story right and she really cared about knowing things,’’ Sanchez added.
Michael Putney, her former colleague at WPLG, remembered her love for words and the craft.
“She was a TV star, a radio star, but I don’t think she ever really did it for the glamour. She just loved doing it. She was so good at it,” said Putney. “She paid very close attention to words and valued words and used them deliciously. She used them to great effect to tell stories but she also used them to eviscerate people.”
On social media and online, former colleagues and fans paid tribute to Kelley and what she brought to South Florida media.
Wrote WSVN anchor Craig Stevens, “Her passion to tell a story and tell it well drove all of us harder.”
In 2003, Kelley shared to Local 10 News viewers her personal battle with breast cancer.
“Sometimes stories about a reporter’s health crisis or problems somehow are self-serving or even self-aggrandizing, but that was not the case with Kelley because it wasn’t just about her,” Putney said. “It was about all women who either are or could be facing breast cancer and what it’s like to go through it, and go through it with grace and courage.”
Kelley Mitchell touched many lives throughout her career and always felt blessed for the gift she got back.
“People always say you just don’t know who your friends are until the tough times hit you, and I now know I have friends I couldn’t even dream of,” Mitchell said in 2003.
A public memorial was held at the Miami Theater Center in Miami Shores on May 19th.
Kelley Mitchell is survived by her husband, Kirk Wade, Chief Photographer, WSVN 7, her stepdaughter and her beloved dogs, Oscar and Felix.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Suncoast Chapter • P.O. Box 840738 • Pembroke Pines, FL 33084 • Phone 954.322.3171 • [email protected] MAY 2015
REGIONAL NEWS NEWS CHANNEL 8 ANCHOR GAYLE SIERENS RETIRES By Kevin Eck TV SPY
Gayle Sierens, veteran anchor for WFLA-TV/NewsChannel 8, will retire after 38 years with the station. Her last day anchoring the news was Wednesday, May 20, 2015.
“I am so grateful to live out my career in the town where I grew up. Who gets to do that?” says Sierens. “I am truly excited for this next phase of my life. I have worked the night shift for more than three decades. I’m eager to go to bed at a normal time, and have time to travel with my husband and children. I’m even hoping to improve on my golf game, and looking forward to more time to volunteer in our community.”
Among the many awards Gayle has received throughout her long and successful career, she was a 2014 Suncoast Regional Silver Circle recipient. The Suncoast Chapter wishes Gayle all the best in this new phase of her life.
LINDA HURTADO LEAVING WFTS AFTER 20 YEARS By Kevin Eck TV SPY
WFTS anchor and health reporter Linda Hurtado says she’s leaving Tampa ABC affiliate WFTS to “take a break and slow down.”
On the station website and on her Facebook page, Hurtado told viewers this would be her last two weeks at the station. Linda Hurtado
“Right after my diagnosis of breast cancer in 2011, I realized I’ve been running hard for many years both personally and professionally—and that, when the right time came, I wanted to take a break and slow down,” wrote Hurtado. “That time is now. For many reasons.”
Hurtado started at WFTS in 1995 as a weekend anchor. Yesterday, she wrote on her Facebook page, “Friends! Feeling happy today! Cancer blood work came back clean. Tumor markers normal. And ... I lost six pounds. Woot! Woot!
“Always the professional journalist, each and every story was a personal commitment to her and it showed,” said news director Matt Brown. “She shared her knowledge, passion and leadership far beyond the newsroom and into our communities. I know Linda’s commitment to her family comes first, so I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her.”
Hurtado ended by saying “I leave with a smile on my face and true gratitude in my heart. It’s been a blast.”
Special thanks to everyone in the Suncoast Chapter area who have given their time to judge other NATAS Chapter’s entries. The success of the EMMY® Awards process depends on the willingness of qualified professionals to serve as judges. Thanks again to everyone who stepped up!
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Suncoast Chapter • P.O. Box 840738 • Pembroke Pines, FL 33084 • Phone 954.322.3171 • [email protected] MAY 2015
NATIONAL NEWS TELEMUNDO STATIONS IN LOS ANGELES, MIAMI AND PHOENIX HAVE THE MOST-WATCHED LOCAL NEWSCASTS IN ANY LANGUAGE AT CLOSE OF MAY 2015 SWEEP PERIOD
MIRAMAR, FL – (May 21, 2015) – The Telemundo Station Group announced that its local stations in Los Angeles, Miami, Phoenix, Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth have closed out the end of the May 2015 sweep period with several top market ratings among key demographic groups.
Telemundo 52 Los Angeles (KVEA) continued to be the most-watched local station at 5 AM in the market regardless of language among Adults 18 to 34 for the seventh month in a row. Telemundo 51 Miami (WSCV) reaffirmed its stronghold in the market as the most-watched local station at 11 PM among Adults 18 to 49 and Adults 25 to 54 for 26 consecutive months. Telemundo 51 also outperformed its competitors by having the most-watched local newscasts regardless of language at 5:30 PM and 6 PM among Adults 18 to 49 and Adults 25 to 54. Telemundo Phoenix (KTAZ) returned as the market leader at 10 PM regardless of language among Adults 18 to 34 and Adults 18 to 49 for the second consecutive month.
Additionally, Telemundo Chicago (WSNS) was the most-watched Spanish-language station at 10 PM among Adults 18 to 34 and Adults 18 to 49. This is the first time since people meters were introduced in the market that WSNS outranked all other Spanish-language stations in this time period and among two key demographic groups. Telemundo62 Philadelphia (WWSI), the local Telemundo station that launched locally-produced news for the first time in its history in January 2014, had the most-watched local Spanish-language newscast at 11 PM among Adults 18 to 34. In Texas, Telemundo Houston (KTMD) and Telemundo39 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXTX) outperformed their English-language competitors with their locally-produced newscasts at 10 PM among Adults 18 to 34.
“Our sense of pride comes from knowing that our viewers are choosing our local stations to get the news and information they need and, most importantly, deserve,” said Manuel Martinez, President, Telemundo Station Group. “These rankings reinvigorate our commitment to continue growing all of our local stations so they can deliver best-in-class and locally-produced programming to all the communities we serve.”
Telemundo 51 Miami-Fort Lauderdale (WSCV) details: • Noticiero Telemundo 51 at 5:30 PM, 6 PM and 11 PM (Monday to Friday) ranked as the most-watched station in the market, regardless of language, among Adults 18 to 49 and Adults 25 to 54 • Noticiero Telemundo 51 at 11 PM (Monday to Friday) was the most-watched program in the market, regardless of language among Adults 18 to 49 and 25 to 54 for 26 consecutive months WSCV continues to make history as the only station in the market to hold this rank for 26 consecutive months and since people meters were introduced in the market in October 2008
Source: NSI Miami-Ft. Lauderdale May 2015 sweeps (April 23, 2015-May 20, 2015) M-F 5:30pm-6pm, 6pm-6:30pm & 11pm-11:30pm. All News programs are based on Program Average Live+SD Ratings. 5:30pm news ranked against stations with local newscasts airing Monday-Friday between 5pm-6pm: WSCV@5:30p, WFUN@5p-6p, WJAN@5p-6p, WGEN@5p-5:30p, WSVN@5p and 5:30p, WFOR@5p and 5:30p, WTVJ@5p and 5:30p, and WPLG@5-6. 6pm news ranked against stations with local newscasts airing Monday-Friday between 6pm-6:30pm including WSCV, WLTV, WFUN, WJAN, WSVN, WTVJ, WPLG, and WFOR. 26 consecutive sweeps for “Noticiero 51 at 11PM” is based on the April 2013-May 2015 ratings sweep periods. 11pm news ranked against stations with local newscasts airing Monday-Friday between 11pm-11:30pm including WSCV, WLTV, WAMI, WSVN, WTVJ, WPLG, and WFOR.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Suncoast Chapter • P.O. Box 840738 • Pembroke Pines, FL 33084 • Phone 954.322.3171 • [email protected] MAY 2015
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, Executive Director WLTV/Univision23, Miami Betsy Behrens, Treasurer, Retired television producer Karla MacDonald, Executive Director Board of Governors Tel. 954-322-3171 e-mail [email protected]
Barbara Alfonso, Director, TeleXitos, Miami TO SUBSCRIBE TO TUBE TALK: Send mail to: [email protected] with the Maria Cristina Barros, Chapter 2nd Vice President and following command as the body of your e-mail message: subscribe tube talk Alternate Trustee, Director of Marketing and Community TO UNSUBSCRIBE TO TUBE TALK: Send mail to: [email protected] with Relations, WSCV/Telemundo 51, Miami the following command as the body of your e-mail message: unsubscribe tube talk Joyce Belloise, Executive Producer, WPBT Channel 2, Miami Pam Giganti Bunge, News Anchor, WTVJ/NBC6, Miami Submissions related to television in the Suncoast region of Florida, Natalia Crujeiras, Director of Digital Media & Social Strategy Mobile, Alabama, Louisiana and Puerto Rico are welcome. Send to for the Office of Cuba Broadcasting [email protected] Lori Davis, Producer/DP/Director/Avid Editor, LCD Productions, Ft. Lauderdale Frances Hernandez, Manager, Production Administration, WPBT Channel 2, Miami John Mays, 1st Vice President and Trustee, Production Manager, WFOR/CBS4, Miami Danny Rodriguez, Senior Designer, WTVJ/NBC6, Miami Liz Roldan, News Director, WFOR/CBS4, Miami Mel Taylor, Assignment Desk, WPLG, Miami Max Wyler, Owner, Accord Productions, Coconut Grove
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Suncoast Chapter • P.O. Box 840738 • Pembroke Pines, FL 33084 • Phone 954.322.3171 • [email protected]