The Telenoticias Última Edición news team

WZDC Washington Launches 11 PM Newscast

On July 16, WZDC Washington DC launched Telenoticias Washington Última Edición, the second edition of its evening newscast. WZDC now airs local news at 6 and 11 PM Monday – Friday. The later edition of Telenoticias will continue its coverage of the local issues that directly affect the Capital region’s Hispanic community, as well as national and international headlines, sports, weather, entertainment and health segments. Liliana Henao anchors Telenoticias Última Edición, Gustavo Cherquis presents the sports segment, and Janet Rodríguez is the primary reporter. The second edition news is produced by Jamillah Echeverria, and the News Director is Julio Aliaga.

A young WTMO viewer shows-off her Feria beach ball   Elvis Crespo performs for thousands of fans at WTMO’s Feria

Record Breaking Attendance at WTMO Orlando’s La Feria de la Familia

Over 20,000 people attended WTMO Orlando’s La Feria de la Familia on August 18, setting an attendance record for the event. WTMO’s Feria is now in its third year serving the Hispanic community of Central Florida. Over 150 vendors participated in the Back to School themed event.

Throughout the day, the community partnership of Amerigroup and the Osceola County Health Department doubled the number of back-to-school vaccinations from last year. The event also included giveaways of school supplies for students, as well as adult health evaluations and a job recruitment fair.

Penélope Menchaca, of Telemundo’s 12 Corazones was the mistress of ceremonies keeping the crowd entertained. Other Telemundo celebrities including Ana María Polo, from Caso Cerrado, Edward O of 12 Corazones, Candela Ferro, host of the highly anticipated Al Rojo Vivo Fin de Semana and Edgar Lopez from Titulares y Más spent the day signing autographs and taking pictures with adoring fans. The Telenoticas Orlando news team and Giorgina Pinedo, anchor of Entre Nos, reported live from La Feria de la Familia.

One of the highlights of this year’s Feria was the musical line-up. The dynamic show by Miguelito, the 8-year-old reggaeton sensation from Puerto Rico, impressed the crowd and Bachata group Optimo kept the audience dancing. Miguelito also helped the Osceola County Sheriff’s Department Community Affairs booth distribute toys that were donated by Radio Disney. The event concluded with a performance from award-winning singer and songwriter Elvis Crespo who opened with his hit song Suavemente.

Penélope Menchaca on-stage with a fan from El Paso

KTDO El Paso’s First Feria is a Huge Success

KTDO’s first annual La Feria de la Familia took place September 15 at Cielo Vista mall where over 12,000 turned out to enjoy the festivities. Local businesses and organizations were well represented and provided a plethora of information and resources.

Penélope Menchaca, host of Telemundo’s wildly popular show 12 Corazones served as mistress of ceremonies and kept the crowds amused with her crazy and hilarious antics. Other celebrity appearances included Natalia Streignard, Telemundo novela star and members of KTDO El Paso’s new local show Que No Ves Somos Tres.

One of the highlights of the day was the final round of La Boda de tus Sueños, a 6-week promotion with Speaking Rock Casino and BRE Wedding Planners in which a $20,000 wedding package was given away. Jacob Carrasco and Vanessa Ortega said they’d do just about anything to win this incredible prize – and boy did they prove it! The two braved their way through many hilarious challenges (and a little public humiliation) to claim their prize.

Feria attendees were given a healthy dose of quality entertainment including local singers and dance groups to major performances from La Escuela de Música Mexicana de Durango, and up and coming rock group Radio La Chusma. From the time the entertainment began until the very last note was hit on the main stage, crowds from El Paso, Juárez, and Las Cruces enjoyed their day immensely.

The crowd at WRMD/WDMR Hartford/Springfield’s Feria

WRDM/WDMR Hartford/Springfield’s Feria Rocks New England

WRDM/WDMR Hartford/Springfield hosted its third annual La Feria de La Famila at the Hartford Civic Center on September 15. The event drew an estimated 10,000 participants from New England’s Hispanic community and offered a day full of fun, entertainment and information.

A diverse group of exhibitors provided information, resources, samples and products to Feria participants. One of the most popular areas this year was the Kid’s Corner with several inflatable-jumping areas. WRDM/WDMR audience loved the roulette wheel where every contestant walked away with Telemundo prizes. Musical guests dominated the stage including Bachata group Optimo and Puerto Rican band Limit 21, both of whom kept the crowd dancing.

Telemundo celebrities Edgar López from Titulares y Más, Jorge Rivera Nieves from Telenoticias Puerto Rico, and the ever-engaging Dra. Ana María Polo from the hit court show Caso Cerrado, interacted with crowds signing autographs, taking pictures, and providing endless entertainment. Dra. Polo visited this year’s Feria with members of the Caso Cerrado production team and fans were delighted to hear that Caso Cerrado was looking for cases from Hartford for the popular show.

One of the most entertaining parts of the day was the mock version of Caso Cerrado, which took place on stage with Salu2 hosts Omar Morales and Brenda Guerrero pitted against each other. Jorge Rivera Nieves and Edgar López joined the fun each taking different sides with Dra. Polo and the audience acting as the judges. New England’s Hispanic community definitely enjoyed a full day of fun and activities.

Commissioner Robert McDowell, his staff and members of the ZGS team at WZDC

FCC Commissioner McDowell and Media Bureau Visit WZDC

In September, WZDC Washington, DC hosted two special visits by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). On September 18, Commissioner Robert McDowell and members of his staff visited the station to learn more about Class A television stations and to see for themselves how important WZDC is to the community it serves. On September 19, several members of the FCC’s Media Bureau including the Bureau Chief, Monica Desai traveled from FCC headquarters to WZDC. Both visits included a tour of the station, a video presentation, programming clips and examples of all the ways WZDC is involved locally. Both groups left extremely impressed with the quality of the operations. They enjoyed the opportunity to visit a Class A television station firsthand and to have station personnel available to answer specific questions.

Sandra Vera and Brenda Guerrero at the Fútbol Fiesta before the big game

El Tri Confronts Brazil in Boston

Telemundo, the official broadcast home of the Mexican National Team in the United States, featured the Mexico vs. Brazil soccer game on September 12 live from Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts and WNEU Boston was there in full force. Brazil beat Mexico 3-1 in front of 67,584 fans, the largest crowd to ever watch a soccer game at Gillette Stadium. WNEU hosted a booth at the pre-game Fútbol Fiesta where Telemundo Sports Anchors Andrés Cantor and Alejandro Blanco judged a gooool contest and signed autographs for excited fans. WNEU’s booth was a fan favorite and Salu2 co-hosts Omar Morales and Brenda Guerrero were there to cover the action for Telemundo New England. Clients of WNEU Boston also had the unique opportunity to visit the broadcast booth during halftime of the game.

Omar Morales and Jorge Hidalgo on the red carpet

Telemundo New England Celebrates Latin Pride National Awards

Telemundo New England took part in the celebration of the Latin Pride National Awards as a media sponsor on September 27 at the Back Bay Events Center in Boston. This award ceremony honors individuals who have made an impact in today’s culture, specifically with the Hispanic population. Salu2 co-hosts Omar Morales and Brenda Guerrero reported from the red carpet where many celebrities including Fanny Lu, Kat de Luna, Dayanara Torres, Amelia Vega, Amaury Gutierrez and Telemundo’s own Jorge Hidalgo, Senior Executive Vice President Sports and News were present. Hidalgo was recognized with an award for journalistic excellence.

Miss El Paso supports the local fundraising campaign

KTDO and Penske Raise $30,000

KTDO, Penske, and the Rescue Mission of El Paso celebrated a successful, third quarter fundraising campaign that provided the Rescue Mission of El Paso, a nonprofit charitable organization that helps the homeless, with much-needed funding and supplies. By knocking on doors, making phone calls, and setting up shop on major street corners in triple digit heat, “Team 48” was able to raise $30,000 during the three-week Muévete Con Penske campaign. The funding allows the Rescue Mission of El Paso to expand its educational and drug prevention programs. One of the most important aspects of the campaign was the incredible way that people from all walks of life came together to contribute to the cause. Mayor John Cook took time from a very busy schedule to shoot several public service announcements and Miss El Paso, Brittney Endlich, did the same, even visiting the Rescue Mission of El Paso to volunteer.

Essay contest finalists at the Award Reception

WZDC Honors Local Students

On September 26, WZDC Washington, DC and the local NBC television station hosted their annual Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest Awards Presentation and Reception at the NBC headquarters in Washington, DC. The essay contest is a longstanding partnership with NBC 4 that goes back 10 years to honor local students. Students are invited to write an essay about “Being Latino in the United States is the Best of Both Worlds.” Liliana Henao, Telenoticias Washington, DC’s news anchor and Veronica Johnson, NBC News 4 Meteorologist hosted the event where the 10 finalists of the essay contest were honored. The grand prizewinner of this year’s contest was Kathleen Ferraren, a 17-year-old student from Thomas Jefferson High School. Kathleen plans to pursue a career in biomedical engineering. She won $2,000 to use towards furthering her education, and a laptop.

Serio Urriola gives one of the lucky winners $100 on behalf of VIVA

VIVA 900 Celebrates 6 Years

In August, VIVA 900 celebrated their 6-year anniversary. To show their appreciation to loyal listeners, VIVA gave away $100 during each Thursday show for the whole month. To continue the celebration VIVA also hosted a great concert with local rock bands at the Marx Café in Washington, DC. More than 1,000 people attended the concert, which was hosted by on-air personality Luis Ayala.

Back to School

WRIW Providence joined The Back to School Celebration at McCoy Stadium home of the Paw Sox, the Triple A baseball team of the Boston Red Sox. Over 16,000 backpacks full of school supplies were provided to needy students in Rhode Island. Forty different agencies around the community were involved and WRIW was proud to be one of them.

Volunteers answer Linea de Ayuda hotline calls

WZDC Linea De Ayuda Career Hotline

WZDC Washington DC and partner Freddie Mac hosted the Buena Vida information hotline, Linea de Ayuda on August 21 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Viewers called the hotline to speak with Spanish-speaking professionals about career development, how to find the right job, interviewing skills and financial opportunities for students interested in pursuing higher education. "As a large local employer, Freddie Mac is proud to team up with WZDC to provide the Hispanic community with important guidance and coaching on career development. This event offers us a rare opportunity to connect live with people who have questions about their careers. We recognize that taking the right steps at the right time can make all the difference in a career path,” said Paul George, Executive Vice President of Human Resources at Freddie Mac. Linea de Ayuda is a program developed as part of WZDC Washington DC’s health and wellness campaign, La Buena Vida. Telenoticias Washington DC’s news anchor Liliana Henao produces weekly segments on the station’s local evening newscast and was on hand to host the hotline event.

Sergio Urriola and Mavi Baez accept the award on behalf of VIVA

VIVA 900 Honored by Local Police

The Montgomery County Police Department honored VIVA 900 with the Chief’s Appreciation certificate on August 21. “It is a great pleasure for us to receive this certificate for our effort of building a liaison between our community and the police department,” commented Sergio Urriola, on air personality of VIVA’s morning show. The certificate is in recognition of VIVA’s long-standing partnership with the Montgomery County Police Department. Moreover, it is also in honor of VIVA’s commitment and service to the Hispanic communities in Montgomery County. “We found in VIVA a great tool to communicate directly with people,” said Blanca Kling, speaking on behalf of the Montgomery County Police Department. Once a month, Kling participates in VIVA’s morning show answering listener’s questions and concerns about the law.

Rocio Madrid, host of KTDO’s local show greets viewers at the festival

Telemundo Revs-up El Paso

Thousands of people throughout the El Paso area had a whole lot of fun on August 14 and 15, as KTDO presented the 3rd Annual Custom Car and Chopper Festival. Downtown El Paso was where all the action was as hundreds of motorcycle and car enthusiasts converged on Texas Street for a weekend of incredible sounds, revved up engines, and delicious food at an event that is quickly becoming one of the area’s summer favorites. The incredible entertainment lineup included Blue Oyster Cult and Little Joe y la Familia. KTDO was at the center of it all, passing out fans, giving away premiums, and highlighting the new local show, Que No Ves Somos Tres.

Eduardo Zavala and Peter Housman with the rest of the group at dinner

ZGS National Tour

On October 1, WRDM/WDMR Hartford/Springfield welcomed representatives from ZGS’ corporate office in a visit to their facilities. Ronald Gordon, Eduardo Zavala, Peter Housman, Mike Gillespie, Wendy Thompson, Jennifer Dreistadt and Ericka Johnson visited the station. WRDM/WDMR hosted an all staff luncheon where employees were able to give the corporate office feedback and ideas. The visit to Hartford is a series of quarterly visits that ZGS is making to different markets. After the visit everybody enjoyed a dinner at VIVO Restaurant in Hartford.

The WTMO team with fans at the premiere of El Cantante

WTMO Hosts Advance Screening of El Cantante

WTMO gave viewers a sneak peak of El Cantante on August 1, two days before the film was officially released to theaters. Hundreds of viewers were in the audience to watch the biopic on Salsa legend Hector LaVoe, starring fan favorites Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez. Attendees entered the theatre to the live music of Orquesta Casablanca. Entre Nos’ Giorgina Pinedo particpated to lead the festivities and WTMO raffled off round-trip airfare certificates courtesy of American Airlines and Central Florida Honda Dealers.

Comments, suggestions or ideas for the newsletter? E-mail Tara Ballesteros tballesteros@zgsgroup.com

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