As part of our ongoing internship program and development of future broadcasters, and in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, our intern, Ricky Hubert (Hofstra University, Class of 2026), spent some time with Pedro Rivera, Emmy Award-winning journalist and morning anchor on WABC7 Eyewitness News in New York City. Pedro and Ricky discussed early influences, career challenges and triumphs, and the impact of the BFOA.

Ricky Hubert (RH): Thank you for taking the time to chat with me today, Pedro! You are at the pinnacle of your career while managing the demands of being an early morning anchor on WABC7 Eyewitness News, a devoted husband, and father. You have a lot going on! As it’s Hispanic Heritage Month, we want to pay tribute to the incredible Hispanic broadcasters throughout the industry. Was there a Hispanic role model in broadcasting who influenced you along the way?

Pedro Rivera (PR): I grew up watching the incredible Don Francisco on “Sabado Gigante” with my mom and grandma. It was wonderful to see such a talented speaker and communicator on TV. I now have the privilege of working with and learning from Joe Torres and David Novarro – both have been with ABC a long time and do great work. However, I didn’t grow up seeing a lot of people that looked like me, Afro-Latinos, so I recognize how important it is to have my representation on the anchor desk every morning.

RH: What career advice would you give your younger self?
PR: Continue to keep working hard and be patient. I used to think that everyone in this profession shared my goals of being in the biggest market, but I’ve learned that not everyone wants what you want. Stay focused on your own goals and stick to your values.

RH: You report in the biggest market in the country, New York City. With so many tragedies that occur in just one day, does it take a toll on you?
PR: Sometimes it does, and there are always stories that stick with you forever. I try to give each story the emotion and respect it deserves. I’m reading news that can be monumental to hundreds of people, news that changes people's lives. The BFOA knows something about changing lives; you guys do it every day. 

RH: What is one change you would like to see in the broadcasting industry?
PR: Reporters and journalists should give back to our communities. It’s important to engage with people, listen to their experiences, and share their stories. Journalists should start reading newspapers again, connecting with their communities, and finding unique stories to tell. 

RH: What would you say to your peers about why they should support the BFOA?
PR: We’ve all experienced tough times, and we may face them again. Life can throw unexpected challenges our way - an unexpected hospital stay or a major catastrophe - on top of everything else we deal with each day. It’s important for us to give back to others who need our support during these difficult times, particularly colleagues in our business, many of whom don’t have the resources to manage through the bumps in the road. I am grateful the BFOA exists to give those in need a “hand up”.

RH: Thank you, Pedro! The BFOA is fortunate to have you as an ambassador!

About our intern, Ricky Hubert: Ricky is a senior at the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication at Hofstra University. He aspires to work in New York City radio and is honored to be interning with the BFOA this fall. Follow Ricky on LinkedIn.

The BFOA Intern program is generously sponsored by the New York State Broadcasters Association. 

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

More than 300,000 people work in our radio and television broadcast community. As we all know, this if often times a job driven by passion not financial gain. Many in our industry make sacrifices to ensure our stations are able service their local communities. When one of our own is then hit by a life-changing illness or impacted by a natural disaster, the BFOA steps in to provide critical financial support. Here are just a few messages from grant recipients across the country about the impact the BFOA assistance on their lives.

"I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude for approving my grant this year. Your generosity and continued support mean more than words can express. The assistance provided by the Broadcasters Foundation of America has made a real difference in my life, and I am deeply appreciative of your dedication to helping those in the broadcasting community during times of need. Knowing that the foundation is there to provide stability and relief offers both comfort and encouragement. Please know that your kindness does not go unnoticed and is profoundly valued. Thank you once again for your compassion and commitment. I am truly grateful."  

- Monthly Grant Recipient, Florida

"Words aren’t enough to express the gratitude I have on me and my brother’s behalf. I’ve got a hard long road ahead, and this helps in all of the situation TREMENDOUSLY. I truly hope that each and every one of you get some blessed in return! Thank you, so very very very much."

-Emergency Grant Recipient, Kentucky

"Your kindness and responsiveness have truly made a difference in my life. The monthly support from BFOA has been the only stable foundation I’ve had during this incredibly difficult treatment period, and I can’t even express how much it’s meant."

-Monthly Grant Recipient, Illinois

Thank you to all who continue to support our mission to help our broadcast colleagues in need. If you or someone you know is in need of financial assistance through the BFOA, please visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org/how-we-help.

With another summer come and gone, the BFOA would like to take this opportunity to celebrate the return of fall TV and champion the efforts of our local broadcasting partners. Radio and television stations are vital parts of our community - reporting on breaking news, relaying critical information during times of uncertainty, and providing entertainment to keep us going. Here are some highlights of the exciting programming our local broadcast partners will be airing this season.    

School is back in session as the award-winning Abbott Elementary returns to ABC on October 1. The Golden Bachelor and the sharks of Shark Tank return on September 24. ABC’s only new series of the season, 9-1-1: Nashville, makes its small screen debut on Thursday, October 9.  Fan favorite Dancing with the Stars airs Tuesday nights at 8pm, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune airs Friday nights at 8pm, and America’s Funniest Home Videos air Sunday nights at 7pm. 

Be sure to have your game face on when watching CBS on Wednesday nights as Survivor and The Amazing Race return on September 24. Thursday, October 16 brings the return of Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage and Ghosts. And Sunday night on CBS kicks off on October 12, with special premiere episodes of both Matlock and Elsbeth.

FOX will have you put your knowledge to the test this fall as Celebrity Name That Tune and the Celebrity Weakest Link on Monday nights. Ken Jeong and Erin Andrews' new game show, 99 to Beat, debuts on September 24. Sunday night laughs kick off on September 28, with classics newbies like The Simpsons, Universal Basic Guys, Krapopolis and Bob’s Burgers. 

Funnyman Jimmy Fallon's new NBC series, On Brand with Jimmy Fallon, premieres on September 30, and airing Tuesday and Fridays nights. Fallon described the show as “Shark Tank meets Project Runway”. Wednesday nights in October bring NBC viewers back to Chicago as Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago P.D. all return October 1.

Set a reminder for your favorite shows and take a chance on some new premieres. Welcome back to network television!