Take Five with Pedro Rivera
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.
This article was originally featured in our September 2025 Newsletter.