MARIA HURTADO
Anaheim,California
Summary
Television News Reporter/Producer with more than ten years of experience in commercial news environments in top news market. Strong writing and editorial skills; able to successfully multi-task under extreme deadline pressure and quickly react to complex projects. Excellent news judgement; knowledge of national, state and local politics, weather patterns, world history, geography and continuing coverage of high-profile cases. Adept at managing large crews, production teams and celebrities. Documented record of driving ratings increases by revitalizing stale formats and developing successful ideas.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Network Reporter/Producer for El Gordo y La Flaca
Univision Network
06.2009 - Current
- Produce, write, interview and report on entertainment topics with high-profile celebrities and news makers for "El Gordo y La Flaca" the leading entertainment show in the Hispanic Market, reaching daily up to 1.5 MM TV viewers, 9.7 followers on Facebook, 5.6 MM on Instagram and 1.6 followers on TikTok.
- Cover Grammy's, Oscars, SAG awards and biggest red carpet events.
- Developed expertise in covering various beats, demonstrating versatility and adaptability as a reporter.
- Exceeded deadlines consistently, producing accurate and well-written news stories under tight time constraints.
- Investigated important community issues and put together well-received reports.
- Attended press conferences, court hearings and special events to stay conversant with current news.
- Covered breaking news events effectively, ensuring timely updates for audiences while maintaining factual accuracy and journalistic integrity.
- Addressed sensitive topics professionally while adhering to ethical standards.
- Established credibility with sources by building strong relationships, resulting in exclusive interviews and scoops.
- Built strong relationships with sources to gain access to exclusive information.
Senior Media Relations
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
01.2024 - 03.2025
- Managed media inquiries and provided strategic communication guidance to spokespeople.
- Pitched stories to media outlets, securing 5 monthly placements, which elevated organizational priorities and values.
- Collaborated with reporters and editors to secure positive coverage, reaching 5 + monthly placements on Spanish-Language broadcasters Telemundo, Univision, and English language NBC, ABC, CBS, Spectrum.
- Drafted press material in English and Spanish, including press releases, media advisories, and press kits.
- Prepared talking points and key messages for spokepeople, ensuring alignment with branding and stragegic goals.
- Proofread Spanish-language version of the Archishop of Los Angeles weekly column.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions..
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
Freelance Radio Reporter
W Radio 690-AM
03.2009 - 11.2013
- General assignment reporter with focus on entertainment and politics
Senior News Producer
KWHY-TV Channel 22/Telemundo
11.2001 - 03.2009
- Took ownership of the complete delivery of 30 minutes of live television every day
- Decide on news coverage and assign stories to reporters and anchors
- Structure newscast rundown and precisely time the program
- Approve and edit all scripts, write show promos, headlines and teases
Special Projects Producer
KVEA-TV Telemundo
02.1999 - 11.2001
- Field produce major breaking news coverage including the Democratic National Convention; the Mexico Presidential Election from Mexico City; and the visit of Pope John Paul II to Mexico City
- Field produce annual events including the Latin Grammys and the Oscars for both local and network newscasts
- Investigate in-depth news stories; arrange interviews with key sources
- Write and work side-by-side with reporters in the field, editors and the promotions department
Freelance Network Producer for Sin Fronteras
Telemundo Network
03.1998 - 02.1999
- Oversee pre-production, production and post-production for all field-produced elements of the highly-rated TV program
- Develop story ideas with fresh angles on breaking news, current events and enterprised features
- Conduct research and on-camera interviews for field shoots
Associate Producer
KVEA-TV Channel 52/Telemundo
01.1997 - 02.1998
- Responsible for producing pre-shows, cold opens, cut-ins, ordering and proofing graphics and working side-by-side with newscast producer
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications and Spanish Literature
California State University
Fullerton, CA01.1998
Skills
- Writing and editing
- Bilingual Content
- Live reporting
- Media Relations
- Content Strategy
- Creative writer
- Project management
- Breaking news expertise
Awards
- 2008, Golden Mic Award, Producer, Best News Special, Arizona: The Most Anti-Immigrant State in the Union
- 2006, Emmy Award Nomination, 30-Minute Newscast
- 2005, Emmy Award Nomination, 30-Minute Newscast
- 2003, Golden Mic Award, Producer, Best News Special, Earthquake in Colima, Mexico
- 2002, Emmy Award, Producer, Best Light Feature Story, Oxygen Bar
- 2002, Emmy Award, Producer, Best Live Breaking News Coverage, Echo Park Building Collapse
- 1998, Golden Mic Award, Best Entertainment Story
- 1997, Golden Mic Award, Best Entertainment Story
Training And Development
- Telemundo Producers Seminar, Miami, Florida, 2006
- National Association of Hispanic Journalists Writing and Producing Workshops, Miami, Florida, 2006
- National Association of Hispanic Journalists Writing and Producing Workshops, Los Angeles, California, 2004
- Poynter Institute for Journalists Persuasive Writing Seminar, Los Angeles, California, 2004
- Poynter Institute for Journalists Producer Seminar, Los Angeles, California, 2003
Timeline
Senior Media Relations
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
01.2024 - 03.2025
Network Reporter/Producer for El Gordo y La Flaca
Univision Network
06.2009 - Current
Freelance Radio Reporter
W Radio 690-AM
03.2009 - 11.2013
Senior News Producer
KWHY-TV Channel 22/Telemundo
11.2001 - 03.2009
Special Projects Producer
KVEA-TV Telemundo
02.1999 - 11.2001
Freelance Network Producer for Sin Fronteras
Telemundo Network
03.1998 - 02.1999
Associate Producer
KVEA-TV Channel 52/Telemundo
01.1997 - 02.1998
Bachelor of Arts - Communications and Spanish Literature
California State University
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