Gold Circle
The Gold Circle honors media professionals who began their careers in television at least 50 years ago, either in a performing, creative, technical or administrative role within the industry or in an area related to television such as TV journalism education, advertising, promotion, and public relations.
Over the course of their 50-year career, they must also have made a significant contribution to the Suncoast Chapter.
Gold Circle Honorees
2025
2024
2023
2023
2022
2020
2013
Silver Circle
The Silver Circle recognizes individuals who have worked with distinction in the television industry within the Suncoast Region of the State of Florida, the State of Louisiana, the Mobile, Alabama-Pensacola, Florida television market as well as Puerto Rico for a quarter of a century or more, a significant part of which was done in the Suncoast Region. Silver Circle members are honored for more than their longevity — they are honored for making an enduring contribution to the vitality of the television industry and for setting standards of achievement we can all hope to emulate. These honorees also give back to the community as mentors, educators, and volunteers.
Silver Circle Honorees
2025
2025
2025
2025
2025
2024
2024
2024
2024
2024
2024
2024
2024
2024
Gold Circle Honoree
Eric Paulsen
Eric Paulsen's career in New Orleans television made him one of the country's longest-tenured broadcasters, with 40+ years as the top-rated, beloved morning news anchor for WWL-TV. A New Orleans fixture, he brought humor, warmth, and journalistic excellence to his broadcasts, earning the trust of viewers and shaping morning news into a dynamic mix of hard-hitting reporting, engaging interviews, and lively features on the city's culture.
Paulsen's versatility defined his career. He delivered serious reports on major events like Hurricane Katrina while also showcasing New Orleans' rich culture, interviewing music icons, profiling chefs, and highlighting rising talent. His exclusive interviews included politicians, celebrities, and even rare sit-downs with Fats Domino.
Beginning at WWL in 1977 after brief stints in smaller markets, Paulsen co-hosted PM Magazine before returning to mornings, where his partnerships with Andre Trevigne and Sally-Ann Roberts became legendary. His efforts helped WWL's morning show dominate ratings for decades.
Paulsen's impact extended beyond television. He was a champion of local music, food, and charitable causes, earning numerous awards, including a Press Club of New Orleans Lifetime Achievement Award and an EMMY®. Paulsen's legacy is one of dedication to his craft and his city. He once said, "I have been one of the luckiest people in the world... This is my hometown. I'll never leave New Orleans."
Gold Circle Honoree
Hank Tester
Hank Tester is a 60-year veteran broadcaster who arrived in South Florida in July of 1992, two months ahead of Hurricane Andrew. His reporting during that historic event contributed to Miami television station WTVJ’s staff being recognized with the DuPont-Columbia University Award and the George Foster Peabody Broadcasting Award.
In 1963 Hank began his broadcast news career behind the microphone at KEOS Radio in Flagstaff, Arizona, while attending Northern Arizona University.
After graduation, his television career took off in Las Vegas, Nevada after accepting a teaching position with the Clark County School District. He transitioned from the classroom to the School District’s PBS station where he developed the station’s newscast.
In 1971, Hank and other investors formed Las Vegas Valley Broadcasting Company and acquired the Las Vegas NBC affiliate. By the late 1980s the company operated TV and radio stations in several western states.
Hank’s broadcasting career has included working as news director, news anchor, reporter, political commentator, and assignment editor.
A business buyout opportunity and a surprise job offer from WTJV brought Hank to South Florida. “Best move I have ever made,” he will tell you.
In 2015 Hank departed WTVJ and joined WFOR CBS News Miami where he continues his work as a special projects reporter. “I appreciate the CBS News Miami’s management over the years supporting the continuing career of an “old school” storyteller.” Hank Tester is an Emmy® award winner and a member of the Suncoast Silver Circles.
Hank and his wife Lourdes (Luly) Tester live in Miami and share four daughters and five grandchildren.
Gold Circle Honoree
Billy Joe Barnes
A stalwart in South Florida television, Billy Joe Barnes began his career in 1963 at the University of Miami television studio. From there, after brief stints at what would become South Florida’s PBS and WPLG, he joined Channel 7 in 1967.
Billy worked both in studio and in the field, shooting major news and sporting events. As remote “live” technology developed in the mid-70s, he was among the first to bring that technology home to South Florida viewers.
He has been twice honored with National Emmy® Awards: in 1971 for camera work at an NFL Championship game, and again in 1988 for shooting basketball during the Olympic games in South Korea.
Billy has also held a variety of production positions that enable the station to showcase its ‘working newsroom’ concept. From old-school studio cameras … to robotics … teleprompter to stage managing, he does it all.
He’s mentored countless young people along the way … welcoming them to Channel 7 and the broadcast industry with his knowledge … his kindness … and his trademark wit.
Billy was awarded the Silver Circle in 2005 … and even with the honor of the Gold Circle … he’s showing no signs of slowing down!
Gold Circle Honoree
John Wilson
John Wilson was one of the most well-known, honored, and respected TV News Anchors in the country who retired after 53 years on radio and television and 30 years in 2014 as a top-rated prime time anchor at WTVT-TV FOX 13 in Tampa and WTSP-TV in St Petersburg, FL.
For his commentaries and reporting from Moscow, Normandy, Romania, Panama, Cuba, and Saudi Arabia during “Desert Storm,” the White House, and elsewhere, this former News Director and Anchor earned three television Emmy® Awards, the Florida Broadcasters Award, The Associated Press Prime Time News Cast Award, and was honored by the Florida Motion Picture and Television Association and the Radio and Television News Directors Association. John anchored prime time newscasts for the U.S. Armed Forces Radio and TV Service in Panama, local network affiliates in Richmond and Norfolk, VA, Charlotte, NC, and St. Louis, MO before he and his family moved to the Tampa Bay area. There, he anchored the news for decades for CBS/ABC/NBC and FOX stations and he also moderated network panel shows for CBS News in Charlotte and NBC News in St. Louis.
John has since produced documentaries for WMOR-TV/Hearst, Tampa, is a founding board member of the Tampa Bay Area Police Chiefs Foundation, trained with the Tampa Headquarters of Homeland Security and continues to be a giving community leader. He and his wife have performed annual Holiday concerts for The New York Yankees and The City of Clearwater, the City of Tampa, Sarasota, New Port Richey, and North Port, Florida. John is also a founding board member and Vice President of the non-profit Wilson Family Foundation through which his family supports local non-profits and awards scholarships to students pursuing degrees in the arts.
Gold & Silver Circle Honoree
Eddie Miró
Born in Humacao, PR, in 1935, Eddie Miró, TV host, writer, actor, comedian, and producer, became the most acclaimed television host for Telemundo PR with a career that extends for more than five decades from the 1950s to the 2000s. Eddie, always distinguished by his elegance, eloquence, presence, and humbleness, generated a special connection with the audience that still lasts today.
Eddie was a host to many shows during his prime, including “El Show de las 12,” which aired on Telemundo PR for 40 years. Eddie was not only the show’s central figure—he participated as an actor in the comedy sketches that he wrote.
Additionally, Eddie became the TV host of “Noche de Gala,” a weekly musical program that aired for 27 successful years. Eddie also became co-host of “Super Sábados” (Super Saturdays), a 3-hour live game show that aired on Saturdays for Telemundo Puerto Rico. He also hosted “Salsa Sábado en la Noche,” a variety show dedicated to the salsa music genre.
His start in the industry was in radio, where he met producer Tommy Muñiz. His TV debut came with the birth of the industry in 1954 as a scriptwriter and comedian for various shows.
Eddie and actor-turned-producer Paquito Cordero became a winning team. They were the pioneers of the television industry and created some of the most emblematic shows; Paquito producing and Eddie as the writer and host. He also was a screenwriter and actor in various films. For many decades, this dynamic duo placed Telemundo as the undisputable number one TV station in PR. In 2004, Telemundo PR named Studio # 1 the Eddie Miró Studio.
With over 1 million minutes, over 16,000 hours, on the air in front of the cameras, Eddie Miró’s legacy entails countless contributions to the entertainment industry and popular culture in Puerto Rico, the US, and Latin America; but most of all to the television industry as a TV host, writer, comedian, and actor.
Gold Circle Honoree
Mel Showers
Mel Showers is a news icon in the Mobile-Pensacola television market who worked at WKRG News 5 for 50 years.
A Mobile native, Showers began working at WKRG News 5 part-time in 1969. He became a full-time employee in March 1970, working as a booth announcer, providing live station identification, and reading live commercials. In 1974, Showers became a reporter, covering many beats including courts, local police, the Alabama Legislature, and Mobile County and City governments. Among the most memorable stories he covered were Hurricane Frederic in 1979 and the KKK lynching of Michael Donald in Mobile in 1981.
“Mel Showers is beloved by people all along the Gulf Coast,” said Jesse Grear, Vice President and General Manager of WKRG. “Millions of viewers have watched Mel over the years. From reporting on cross burnings by the KKK to the devastation brought by some of the country’s most powerful tropical storms and hurricanes, Mel has been the voice of calm during some of the most dramatic times in Alabama history,” Grear said.
In 1981, Showers was named co-anchor of Morning Newscenter 5, and in 1990, he was moved to the evenings, anchoring at 6:00 pm and 10:00 pm newscast. In 2016, Showers was inducted into the Alabama Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame, and he retired in 2019 after an illustrious career.
Gold Circle Honoree
Gustavo G. Godoy
Gustavo is editor and executive publisher of Vista Magazine, a national dual language publication for the U.S. Hispanic market, with a monthly national circulation of a million one hundred thousand copies.
Godoy has held numerous positions in the U.S. market as well as in Spanish language television. He started his career as a reporter/photographer for Miami’s NBC affiliate WCKT-Channel 7. He was hired as field producer and bureau chief for ABC News Latin American Bureau. In 1971 he was made Assistant News Director for Miami’s WCIX-Channel 6. In 1977 he was made Latin Affairs Director for Miami’s WTVJ-Channel 4 and also served as special assignment reporter on the Ralph Renick Report. Godoy organized live coverage of the Republican and Democratic conventions. In 1984 he became vice president and news director for S.I.N. After establishing and structuring Miami’s WLTV news operation, he was appointed Network Vice President News Director for Washington-based Spanish International Network. In 1986 Godoy produced Spanish language news, news specials, and public affairs programs for the Telemundo Network. In 1987 he was made vice president and general manager of KTVW, Channel 33, in Phoenix, AZ.
Gustavo is a four-time EMMY® Award winner. He developed and established the first Town Hall meeting Spanish format program in education as well as several news special programs covering national elections. He created the first exit polling system in the Hispanic market covering presidential and congressional elections.
Godoy is active in professional organizations as well as in community service. He also is a regular panelist and guest speaker.
Gustavo and his wife Virginia have five children and reside in Miami.
Silver Circle Honoree
Louis Aguirre
In September 2017, WPLG-Local 10 welcomed multiple EMMY® Award-winning journalist Louis Aguirre back home to South Florida. Louis co-anchors several early evening newscasts as well as the 10 p.m. Local 10 newscast on WSFL.
On Earth Day 2021, Louis became Local 10's Environmental Advocate and the face of a new, station-wide campaign called Don’t Trash Our Treasure. A staunch defender of the planet, Louis brings awareness of environmental issues in South Florida with the purpose of seeking solutions. Louis has received numerous accolades for Don't Trash Our Treasure, including six of his eight EMMY® awards, the prestigious Porter Prize, an Esserman-Knight Foundation Journalism award and several commendations from Miami-Dade County.
Louis previously worked at Local 10 from 1989 to 1992, during which time he became one of the few American journalists allowed into Cuba to cover the 30th anniversary of the Cuban missile crisis and interview Fidel Castro.
Nationally, Louis co-hosted "Fox and Friends" and later co-anchored the CBS syndicated program "The Insider." He also reported for "Extra" and served as lead correspondent for "A Current Affair."
In addition, Louis has guest starred on "Sex and the City," "JAG," "Burn Notice," "Guiding Light" and "All My Children."
Silver Circle Honoree
Felipe Gómez Martínez
Felipe Gómez Martínez, born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, moved to Puerto Rico in 1971, where he completed his education at local schools. His journalism journey began as a newspaper carrier, leading to his first published article in El Mundo in 1976. Known as "Felipe el Periodista" in high school, he earned a degree in communications from the University of Puerto Rico.
Felipe's career took off at El Mundo in 1984, where he worked as a news editor and writer. He later held positions at El Nuevo Día, the Associated Press, and various radio stations. His transition to television journalism began in 1992 with Las Noticias de TeleOnce, eventually anchoring the pioneering program Tu Mañana. After Univision's acquisition of the network, he served as weekend news anchor until 2014.
In 2018, Felipe joined NotiCentro at WAPA TV, becoming the anchor for weekend newscasts and host of the weekly recap show, En una semana. He also anchors NotiCentro América, focusing on news for Hispanic communities in the U.S. mainland, and the late-night NotiCentro Edición Nocturna.
With over 40 years in journalism, Felipe is a passionate advocate for the Spanish language and has received numerous awards, including from the ASPPRO and the EMMY® Awards. As a mentor, he guides aspiring journalists, exemplifying integrity and excellence in the field.
Silver Circle Honoree
Linda Hernández Rosado
Linda Hernández began her television career in 1980 at Telemundo in Puerto Rico, where she produced the successful news and cultural program "En Vivo a las Cinco." Her innovative approach caught the attention of TeleOnce, where she spent over two decades, eventually becoming the director of the news department and vice president. Linda was instrumental in building the Las Noticias team and advocated for press freedom during her tenure.
From 2001 to 2004, she served as president of the Puerto Rico Corporation for Public Broadcasting, overseeing operations that earned over ten EMMY® Awards. She also initiated educational programs to improve media literacy through PROCOM. In 2009, Linda took on the role of COO and Co-Director of the Ready To Learn Project at HITN-TV, significantly boosting viewership and expanding the network's reach to 40 million homes.
Returning to San Juan in 2011, she directed Primera Hora under GFR Media and later became the Executive Director of the Luis Muñoz Marín Foundation, a role she held until 2021. Actively engaged in her community, Linda serves on various boards, including Hispanic Information Television Network (HITN), the United Way of Puerto Rico and Latino Justice PRLDEF. She holds a Master's in Library Science and has completed advanced management training at Northwestern University.
Silver Circle Honoree
Sean Hickey
Award-winning editor and videographer Sean Hickey swapped snow skis for scuba fins when he moved to Miami from New Hampshire in 1990. After earning a Bachelor's degree in Sports Management from Barry University, he began his broadcasting career in 1997 at South Florida PBS. Rising from production assistant to Senior Videographer/Editor, he has contributed to acclaimed documentaries and series such as Vizcaya, Anatomy of a Hurricane, Miami: Reflections on the River, and Parallel Lives.
Sean is also the Director of Photography/Editor for Changing Seas, a marine science series airing on 95% of PBS stations and in over 39 countries. He has filmed and edited more than 55 of its 64 episodes, often serving as the sole videographer capturing both topside and underwater footage of sharks, coral reefs, and marine ecosystems. As a former dive instructor, he has the expertise to film safely in challenging underwater conditions while maintaining the show’s high visual standards.
Through his work, he remains dedicated to capturing the world's beauty to inspire audiences for generations. With 18 Suncoast EMMY® Awards and a passion for mentoring, Sean continues to elevate visual storytelling. He lives in Fort Lauderdale with his wife, Debbie, and their five dogs.
Silver Circle Honoree
Michael W. Holfeld
Mike Holfeld, retired EMMY® Award-winning investigative reporter with WKMG-TV, made central Florida history over his 25 year career in the Suncoast region.
His efforts have not only led to new state laws but have also been the foundation for national legislation. Holfeld's investigations gained national attention, with appearances on shows like Dr. Phil, Inside Edition, CNN and CBS.
When families moving to Florida were being victimized by a high stakes moving scam, Holfeld took action. His reporting led to the shutdown of an International crime syndicate operating from New York to Miami. That investigation led to new Florida legislation to protect consumers and recognitionby the U.S. Transportation Committee.
Holfeld's proudest moment was reporting that inspired new legislation to provide insurance coverage for first responders impacted by PTSD. The NAB honored Mike for that work with The Service to America Award. His "Make Ends Meet" franchise was a vital resource for Central Floridians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Holfeld worked closely with the U.S. Secret Service to recover millions of dollars in benefits stolen by identity imposters.
Mike's passion for journalism and commitment to being a voice for the community have made him a respected figure in investigative journalism. Mike and his wife Lisa reside in Orlando. They have two daughters, Madison and Emily.
Silver Circle Honoree
James E. Knight
Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico in 1958, Jimmy started at WLTV-23 in 1979 straight out of Loyola University N.O., a job that lasted until 2020. An amazing lifetime working with great people in a great market.
His career path began as "audioman" which led him to bring audio as a serious position at WLTV, S.I.N./Univisión. This led him into many productions and news coverage that were important to the growth of Hispanic media in Miami and nationally.
Of the productions he is most proud of during his career include the "Show de Rolando Barral", "Reporter 23", "Los Presos Olvidados", "Latin Music Awards", Liga Contra El Cáncer telethons, the Clinton presidential town hall from Buenos Aires, and the first NHL regular season game in Puerto Rico.
Engineering skills gained during this time have helped him provide services to the NHC, and Miami-Dade EOC among other facilities. He was part of the production team that brought major productions to Puerto Rico, among these the first network New Years Eve, Boxing (Univisión and HBO) and NHL hockey. Since his retirement in 2020, Jimmy tries to stay active doing consulting work for the Tampa Bay Rays and the Rowdies.
He is married and has a son and 2 wonderful grandchildren.
Silver Circle Honoree
Patricio Muñoz
Patricio Muñoz has exemplified dedication, creativity, and excellence in journalism for over three decades. As editor-in-chief of WSCV-Telemundo 51, he has played a key role in the network’s success, earning 44 EMMY® Awards from more than 80 nominations—a testament to his commitment to storytelling.
Born in Chile, Patricio began his television career in 1990, studying TV directing and production in Miami. His professor recognized his strong grasp of technology and secured him an internship at Channel 51, where he started as a film librarian. Within months, he became an editor and soon produced El Vuelo del Amor, winning his first EMMY®. A year later, he was named head of the department. His influence extends beyond the Hispanic market, shaping English-language journalism as well. Journalists and reporters have sought his expertise, elevating Telemundo 51 and setting new standards in the industry.
For his contributions, he has been inducted into the prestigious Silver Circle, an honor reserved for those who have left a lasting impact on journalism. His legacy continues to inspire those who have had the privilege of working with him.
Silver Circle Honoree
Ralph Rayburn
EMMY® Award-winning helicopter photojournalist Ralph Rayburn has become a fixture in South Florida news as "The Eye in The Sky".
Before he established himself as the voice behind WSVN's Skyforce, Rayburn worked as a production assistant, studio cameraman and ground photographer. Over his 47-year career, Rayburn contributed to countless stories that shaped South Florida's history and culture.
This includes covering The Pope's Mass in 1987, the exclusive coverage of Manuel Noriega arriving at Homestead Air Reserve Base in 1990, the Value Jet crash in the Everglades in 1996, the Miami Beach SWAT standoff with Gianni Versace's assassin Andrew Cunanan in 1997, the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018, and the aftermaths of hurricanes from Andrew to Helene.
Rayburn has spent more than 15,000 hours in the air to cover violent crimes, search and rescue missions, law enforcement pursuits on both land and sea, riots and parades. He has been recognized by and is respected among public safety officials and news colleagues alike for his commitment to his craft as a pioneer in P.O.V. reporting. The South Florida community has trusted Rayburn to deliver the news accurately and timely and he has done so every time.
Silver Circle Honoree
Ivonne Solla Cabrera
Ivonne was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico on November 27, 1959. She earned a Bacherlor's Degree in Arts and then a Master's Degree in Communications from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus.
In her youth she was an outstanding volleyball player for Corozal Team, Las Pinkin, achieving 7 championships in the Superior Women's Volleyball. Former member of the National Volleyball Team, representing Puerto Rico for 10 years in NORCECA, Central American Games, Pan American Games and world games. She was recently inducted into the Volleyball Hall of Fame in Puerto Rico for her achievements as an athlete.
With a long career as a journalist, first in sports and then in research, since 1993 she has stood out as Telenoticias Anchor. She has covered events of great relevance in the country. She has been awarded by multiple journalistic organizations for her investigative reporting, such as Overseas Press Club and ASPPRO. Recently, she was awarded an EMMY® for her investigative series "Albizu and the Secret of the Vatican". Other highly relevant events that were covered by Solla Cabrera are: Hurricane Katrina (New Orleans, 2005), Hurricane Mitch (Honduras, 1998), Attack on the Twin Towers (New York, 2001) and has been moderator of several political debates. Ivonne Solla Cabrera enjoys great credibility in the Puerto Rican media due to her verticality and responsibility, among other attributes.
Silver Circle Honoree
Celimar Adames Casalduc
Celimar Adames Casalduc is a reporter with over 30 years of experience in television media in Puerto Rico. A Magna Cum Laude graduate from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. Recently earned a Juris Doctor degree, Summa Cum Laude, from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico School of Law. Her first experience as a reporter was at the news agency Associated Press (AP). From there she joined Channel 4 where she took her first steps in the world of telecommunications. Those first years were a great learning experience in the area of news production, eventually landing a position as a producer on “Prime Time” news edition. However, her passion for journalism and reporting led her to become a reporter once again. She has covered news sources from the Governor’s office at La Fortaleza, the Legislature, the day-to-day government and economic affairs, as well as community issues.
In 2001 she became the female news anchor for “Noticentro” on Channel 4, a position she held for 18 years. As a reporter and news anchor, she has witnessed the country’s history. Disasters and tragedies like hurricanes; the great economic crisis and the country’s unprecedented bankruptcy. Primaries and elections as well as events that have brought happiness and pride to the country. She has interviewed governors, dignitaries, and figures of world transcendence like President Barack Obama and the Supreme Court Justice of the United States, Sonia Sotomayor.
Celimar is currently the news anchor for three editions at “Las Noticias de TeleOnce”, a news project that embraces investigative, social, and community journalism.
She has been married for 29 years and is a mother to three daughters whom she describes as the most important project in her life. Family has been a fundamental foundation in her career and decisions that have led the way to reaching professional success.
For her investigative work, Celimar has been awarded on multiple occasions, local awards like the “National Journalism Award” from the “Asociación de Periodistas de Puerto Rico” (Puerto Rico Journalists Association) and the Award for Journalism Excellence from the Overseas Press Club. She is also a multi Emmy® Award winner from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences; as well as recognition from the “IRIS Awards” from the “Alianza Informativa Latinoamericana” (Latin-American Information Alliance).
In the past few years, she has also proudly become the voice for women’s equality in the media communications industry.
Silver Circle Honoree
José E. Esteves Montesinos
José was born on May 6, 1950, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the son of Antolino Esteves and Carmen Montesinos. He studied at Colegio Espíritu Santo in Hato Rey and the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus.
In his youth, he was an outstanding volleyball and basketball athlete in different categories.
He worked at several radio stations across the Island. He has an extensive 44-year career as a journalist, having worked at all television stations. For 32 years he has worked as one of the most prominent reporters at Telenoticias, Telemundo of Puerto Rico.
In his extensive career, he has carried out international coverage in Africa, Cuba, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, several Caribbean islands, the United States, Nicaragua (Sandinista Revolution Triumph), El Salvador Civil War, Dessert Storm, Brazil-Colombia (Street Children), Central American and Pan American Games (PR, Cuba, Venezuela, Dominican Republic), Haití Earthquake (which claimed 200,000 lives) and Earthquakes in México.
Over the years, he has received dozens of awards and recognitions from various journalism organizations, such as Overseas Press Club, ASPPRO, and the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Suncoast Chapter.
He is married to Migdalia Pérez and has a daughter, Cristina Esteves Wolff who is a lawyer and currently pursuing doctoral studies.
Silver Circle Honoree
Rebeca Torres
With a career exceeding 34 years, Rebeca has held pivotal roles. Though Rebeca started in the advertising industry, she soon transitioned into broadcast news, which seems to be what runs through her veins. She was an assignment editor and producer for Teleonce (WLII) from 1993-2000. Following her work at Teleonce, her passion for the public sector directed her towards WIPR-TV, where she became Special Assistant to the President, managing all aspects of production and research for special events and new programming. This included all production aspects and the development of two new daily magazines. She was also the Executive TV Producer for the EMMY® award-winning Puerto Rico Jazz Fest 2003 and 2004 music specials.
At WIPR-TV, Rebeca later became News Director, leading an award-winning newsroom with a staff of 52 communications professionals, overseeing two daily newscasts and a weekend analysis show. From 2006-2009, she was the Operations & Production Vice President, responsible for the daily operations of two television and two radio stations. Her responsibilities included broadcasting and programming operations, content development, local and national production, education and outreach, and special projects efforts.
In the private sector, Rebeca was the Executive Producer for Las Noticias Univision, where she supervised all news productions and personnel, as well as content supervisors and News Desk directors. Most importantly, she was in charge of special projects (such as the interview with U.S. President, Barack Obama) and the creation, development, and production of investigative content.
Being ahead of her time, in 2012, she joined GFR, the largest news conglomerate on the island, as General Producer for GFR Media Productions, providing audiovisual content creation for GFR’s brands and private clients. GFR Media Productions later became Rendija Fija, LLC where Rebeca became the Director of Production producing audiovisual content for clients such as Claro, GFR Media, Grupo Ferré Rangel, AT&T, HITN, Pepe Abad, Fundación Tribunal Supremo, RSM, and others.
As a member of the Suncoast Chapter, ever since Puerto Rico became a part of the Chapter, Rebeca has been invaluable in the judging process, an active member in Puerto Rico, and a former regional VP.
Silver Circle Honoree
Kellie Burns
Kellie Burns has been keeping viewers informed at the anchor desk for WBBH-NBC2 News in the Fort Myers- Naples television market for more than 30 years. Her journey of journalistic excellence began in 1994 at WBBH, climbing the ranks from reporter to weekend anchor, to become one of the primary news anchors within two years.
Kellie holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and political science from SUNY Geneseo. Her passion for broadcasting ignited at 9 when she was chosen for the acclaimed children’s program “Action News for Kids”.
Kellie’s commitment to excellence has garnered her many accolades, including over a dozen Regional Edward R. Murrow awards, Florida Associated Press awards, and Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists Awards, alongside two Emmy nominations. From covering international events like the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, and changes in Cuba and several Democratic and Republican National Conventions, her dedication to asking questions and informing the audience knows no bounds.
Beyond the newsroom, Kellie is a tireless advocate for the community, devoting countless hours to charitable endeavors including Golisano Children’s Hospital, Kids Minds Matter, The Heights Foundation, Community Cooperative Ministries, and The Neighborhood Health Clinic. She serves on the boards of Canterbury School and the Uncommon Friends Foundation.
Kellie splits her time between Fort Myers and Chicago with her husband Ed and their blended family, including son Jack, daughter Elle, and bonus daughter Kara.
In recognition of her contributions, Kellie has been honored as one of the “2010 Power Women in Lee County” by Florida Weekly Newspaper and named one of “Southwest Florida’s 47 Power Players for 2010” by Gulfshore Business Magazine. Her legacy as a “Woman of Initiative” and “Gulfshore Life Woman of the Year” in 2000 continues to inspire future generations of leaders.
Silver Circle Honoree
Alexa Elliott
Alexa Elliott is the Creator and Series Producer of Changing Seas, a marine science series produced at South Florida PBS. Now in production of its 16th Season, episodes have featured a large variety of topics and locations, ranging from research during the high Arctic’s polar night to American Samoa’s resilient coral reefs. The series has aired on 95 percent of PBS stations and in more than 39 countries.
Alexa began her broadcasting career in 1996, at public radio station WMKY, in Morehead, Kentucky. Upon moving to Florida in 2000, she spent time working at public media stations WUFT and WGCU Public Media before joining the staff of South Florida PBS in 2006.
Alexa has received numerous awards for her work, including the prestigious Communication Award presented by the National Academy of Sciences, twelve Suncoast Emmy awards, a regional Edward R. Murrow Award, the 2011 Miami Today Gold Medal Award, multiple Florida AP and SPJ awards, and others. Her work has also been shown at 23 film festivals around the world.
In addition to her day job, Alexa serves on the Board of Directors for the Ocean Media Institute, which creates and distributes media that promotes public understanding of ocean science and conservation. She also served two terms on the NATAS Suncoast Chapter’s Board of Governors.
Alexa has two degrees in Broadcast Journalism – a B.A. from Morehead State University and an M.A. from the University of Florida.
Silver Circle Honoree
Maria Kapetanakis
Maria Kapetanakis is an eight-time Emmy® award-winning journalist and Assistant News Director for WSCV Telemundo 51. Maria holds a pivotal role in the success of Telemundo 51, the #1 South Florida station regardless of language. Her strong editorial direction, leadership, and motivational skills have proven key to the team’s daily success throughout the years. She is a true leader and trailblazer at Telemundo 51. She joined Telemundo 51 in 1991 and has more than thirty years of television news experience.
Maria started her journalism career in radio. She was a news anchor at WINZ and also worked at the Miami Herald before joining WSCV Telemundo.
Throughout her time at WSCV, Maria has covered local, national, and international stories for the station and while there are many highlights in her storied career, some of her more memorable accomplishments are in her role as a special projects producer. She produced the stations’ coverage of Pope Francis’ 2015 visit to the US, the United Nations’ 50th Anniversary two-hour live special, the UNESCO Conference in Paris, and a humanitarian station drive “Niños del Basurero”, for the children of Nicaragua living in the city’s trash dump, just to name a few.
Maria is a graduate of the University of Miami earning a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism and Political Science. She has extensive leadership, coaching skills, and team management training from organizations like the Poynter Institute and NBC Universal.
Maria’s extensive knowledge of South Florida’s Hispanic community, leadership skills, and ability to motivate and engage others has contributed to Telemundo 51’s continued success in the market, as well as to her successful broadcast television career.
Silver Circle Honoree
Homan Machuca
Homan Machuca began his career in broadcasting at Nuevo Continente of Bogota. He also worked at various networks in Colombia.
Homan received his degree in Journalism and Communications at Colegio Superior of Telecommunications and the University of América in Bogotá.
Homan relocated to the United States in 1984, where he was employed with different networks including radio and television. Homan was the first Latino to transmit via satellite for the NASA space shuttle launches with United Latin Television to stations in Latin America and Europe.
Homan retired from Telemundo 31 NBC, as a Senior Reporter and producer of Enfoque.
In 2019, Homan was recognized in Congress, by the House of Representatives as a distinguished journalist in Florida. In 2014, Homan won an Emmy® Award. He was awarded six Paoli Awards.
In 2008, he was awarded the Don Quijote Award for Professional of the Year.
For the transmission of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster on January 28, 1986, he was awarded the “Reportaje del Año” with United Press International (UPI).
Homan is working as the CEO of HMAC Productions. He continues to report and perform voice-overs for different organizations.
He volunteers by covering stories for COAMED, a group of doctors who travel to different countries assisting communities with their medical needs. He is also a board member of Whipping Childhood Cancer.
He currently resides in Florida with his wife Dawn Machuca. They have three children, daughter Elaine, son Timothy, and daughter Nathalie.
Silver Circle Honoree
Belkys Nerey
Eight-time Emmy® award-winning journalist Belkys Nerey has been a TV junkie her whole life. It’s no wonder she grew up to be a main anchor, and host of her own cooking show, at one of the country’s most dynamic television stations.
Infinitely watchable, Belkys is one of those few personalities who genuinely project. Whatever ‘It’ is that propels a TV personality and draws audiences to them, Belkys clearly possesses.
Born in Havana and raised in Long Island and Hialeah, she’s an FIU graduate, who started her television career as a reporter for South Florida cable station Dynamic Cablevision. She was a “one-man band” for two years (shooting her own video and editing her own stories), before heading for Connecticut to take a job as a general assignment reporter for WTNH-8, the ABC affiliate in New Haven. From there it was home to Miami’s WSVN-7 where she’s been since 1994.
During her tenure at the Miami Fox affiliate, Belkys has covered major national and international news stories and co-anchored the pop-culture-driven Deco Drive. Now you can catch her anchoring the 5,6,10 and 11 pm newscasts, alongside Craig Stevens. When she’s not on the set she’s in the kitchen, hosting her popular “Bite With Belkys” cooking segments and her Emmy® nominated 30-minute “Bite” specials.
In her spare time, she loves to travel which is how she met her husband, Demetri Mouratis. He sat in the seat next to hers on a trip back from Greece. Together they enjoy spending time with friends and family and they support several local charities.
Silver Circle Honoree
Trina Robinson
Trina Robinson is an Emmy® award-winning journalist. She currently anchors the NBC6 News at 7 pm, co-anchors the NBC6 News at 11 pm, and hosts “Money Chat” on the station’s streaming platforms.
She joined NBC6 in 1999 and has become one of the station’s most visible and versatile journalists, proving her talents to South Florida viewers as an experienced anchor, reporter, meteorologist, talk show host, and breaking news specialist.
Robinson also hails as the first African American to ever hold a TV weather position in South Florida and has garnered three Emmy® awards for reporting and one Green Eye Shade Award for Investigative Journalism.
As part of the award-winning NBC6 Investigators team, Robinson demonstrated her commitment to excellence in journalism when she uncovered an underground network of women illegally giving and receiving silicone injections. The investigation led to a number of arrests of unlicensed medical practitioners, garnering national and international attention.
Robinson received a liberal arts degree from the College of Notre Dame in Baltimore, a graduate degree in Journalism and Public Affairs from the American University in Washington, D.C., and did her coursework in Meteorology at Mississippi State University. Most recently, she received an MBA from Western Governors University in Utah.
Robinson, who comes from a family of six children, says one of their favorite pastimes was to gather together to tell elaborate and colorful stories. Little did she know that concocting tall tales would later help her relate the stories of real people with compassion and caring.
Silver Circle Honoree
Mikel Schaefer
WVUE-TV’s Mikel Schaefer is a 40-year New Orleans television veteran earning multiple Suncoast Emmy® awards, including Station, News, and Overall Excellence.
Schaefer’s journalism career began writing for newspapers at Chalmette High and the University of New Orleans. He started his broadcast career in May 1984 as an overnight assistant at WWL-TV, before spending 11 years as a sports producer. In the mid-nineties, he jumped to news as weekend assignment editor then assignment manager, executive producer, and assistant news director.
While covering numerous hurricanes throughout the decades, nothing compared to Hurricane Katrina. Schaefer played a critical role, helping guide weeks of non-stop coverage, all while trying to rebuild a newsroom and his own home. The team was honored with a duPont, Peabody, and National Murrow for their coverage. During that time, Mikel also authored “Lost in Katrina,” which chronicled the destruction of St. Bernard Parish.
In 2008, Mikel left WWL to become the WVUE News Director. For the next 13 years, Mikel led WVUE from third to first place, and the station was honored with two duPonts, a Peabody, 16 National Murrow’s – including one for Overall Excellence – and dozens of Suncoast Emmy® awards. Broadcasting & Cable named him News Director of the Year in 2013. Schaefer’s 37-year news career ended in 2021 after becoming WVUE’s Vice President and General Manager. In 2023 WVUE was honored with a Suncoast Emmy® for Overall Excellence.
Mikel has been happily married to Jaye for the past 30 years and has two sons, Connor, and Aidan.
Silver Circle Honoree
Gene Yagle
Gene has been viewing life through a lens since he first picked up a camera in high school in Miami. Before pursuing a career as a television photojournalist, he was a radio disc jockey in Brunswick, Ga. Two years later, Gene returned to Miami and worked as a news anchor and producer at a news/talk radio station.
With that news background and his passion for photography, Gene transitioned to television photojournalism. He started as a soundperson for the NBC affiliate in Miami before moving to Fort Myers, Fl., as a photojournalist at WBBH/NBC. Two years later, he settled in Tampa Bay. Gene spent 37 years at WTSP/CBS as a photojournalist and chief photojournalist. He traveled the world shooting and editing stories from across the United States to Central America, Europe, and the Middle East. Gene has also worked on two independent documentaries.
During his career, he was named Florida Photographer of the Year, received over 30 regional Emmy® awards, and numerous Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists, and Edward R. Murrow awards.
Gene has a radio/television broadcast degree from the University of Miami. He lives in St. Petersburg with his wife and son. At times, they trade the beaches for the mountains of North Carolina to enjoy cooler weather and beautiful hikes.