At University of Miami Television (UMTV), students gain valuable experience by producing and anchoring the Spanish-language show “UniMiami,” where they craft compelling narratives, manage production logistics, and engage with the community—all while honing their skills for future careers in media.
A typical “UniMiami” show day is a bustling affair, starting at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays when one of the executive producers, Julianna Sondon, arrives to stack the rundown and set the order for the day’s broadcast. This includes adding graphics, Instagram handles, and ensuring the teleprompter is updated with the necessary credits. While one producer manages the upstairs operations, another focuses on the talent, ensuring that microphones are on, and each student is positioned correctly on camera.
The show’s format includes a mix of regular news broadcasts, entertainment segments covering celebrity gossip and awards, sports updates, and newly introduced weather segments, which haven’t been featured in four years. As students transition into roles like news anchors at “UniMiami,” they develop effective preparation strategies to excel in their positions. This includes submitting scripts for review on Thursdays and Fridays and recording on Mondays. With Spanish as their first or second language, they pay close attention to every word in their scripts, ensuring clarity and accuracy.
Zachary Levy, a senior studying political science, explains how “UniMiami” has had a huge impact on his Spanish language skills.
“My proficiency in Spanish has improved a lot since joining the team,” he shared. “I’ve strengthened my writing and speaking abilities in a broadcast setting, which has helped me connect better with Spanish-speaking communities.”
Outside of the studio, Levy’s interactions with these communities have grown more meaningful, and he’s gained a deeper understanding of Spanish sports media.
“The skills I’ve developed with ‘UniMiami’ are going to stick with me long after I leave the U,” he said.
Sondon reflects on the significant growth “UniMiami” has experienced, particularly in its support of the University's Latino community.
“In the last year, we've had more Latino students, both grad and undergrad, step forward and get involved,” she explained. Many of these students have not only gained valuable experience at “UniMiami” but have also transitioned to bigger roles on other UMTV shows.
“As an executive producer, it’s bittersweet to see them move on, but I couldn’t be prouder of their success,” Sondon shared. Her primary goal is to ensure that each student feels both prepared and confident as they take on larger opportunities. “I want them to work hard and grow, but more importantly, I want them to feel sure of their abilities,” she added, emphasizing her dedication to fostering their development both on and off the screen as a producer.
“The resources and opportunities provided to me by the University of Miami have played an essential role in shaping me and my peers into capable journalists. From anchoring live broadcasts as a freshman to taking on executive producer roles, I have accumulated experience both on and off camera, learning about script editing, B-roll selection, and production management,” said Jeyra Rivero, a senior studying journalism.
Rivero emphasizes that the journey to becoming a news anchor is rarely straightforward. Initially contemplating a major in broadcast or even pursuing law school, Rivero ultimately decided to switch gears and focus on journalism after taking several broadcast classes. “Antonio Mora is the best professor,” said Rivero, attributing much of her growth to his guidance. When Rivero learned that UMTV offered the best opportunities to gain practical experience and secure a job in the field, she eagerly joined the station, contributing to shows like “News Break,” “News Vision,” and the sports desk, as well as “UniMiami.”
Antonio Mora, “UniMiami” faculty advisor and associate professor of professional practice, said his primary goal is to help students become the best they can be in storytelling and on-camera presentation. He guides them on how to assemble shows, develop compelling story ideas, and continually enhance the quality of their work.
“I review all scripts and discuss them with the main producers of the show,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of mentorship in the ever-evolving media landscape. Every year, as new students join, he provides training and specific feedback on their scripts, focusing particularly on improving their Spanish writing skills since native Spanish speakers are a minority in the program. “I’ve even become a Spanish teacher in that sense,” he added.
Mora hopes his students take away not just skills, but also a sense of enjoyment from their time at “UniMiami.”
“I want them to see how awesome a career in broadcasting can be,” he said, reflecting on his own path from law to broadcasting. One of the most rewarding aspects of his role is witnessing students land jobs in Spanish television networks, which he finds particularly gratifying. “The most fun is seeing students get jobs in broadcasting that they love,” he shared, highlighting the impact of their success on his own teaching experience.
