María Elena Salinas Leaving Univision: Network Sets Week-Long Goodbye

Earlier this year María Elena Salinas shocked Noticiero Univision viewers when she announced she was leaving the network. Now it's time to say goodbye to the journalist that became part of our extended family and delivered the nightly news every day of the week. To bid farewell to the veteran presenter, Univision planned a week-long celebration of her career that will kick off on Sunday, December 3 leading up to her final day on December 8. Take a look at the schedule below and tell us what you think!

Sunday, December 3 with a special edition of “Aquí y Ahora” titled “María Elena, Siempre” (María Elena, Always), Salinas ’ last week at Univision will be filled with memories of her extraordinary achievements over the past three decades, both as a multiple award-winning journalist and as a tireless advocate for the U.S. Hispanic community. Every evening from December 4 through December 7, “Noticiero Univision” will air a different story honoring Salinas , presented by her closest co-anchors and colleagues.

Monday, December 4 – Most Memorable Interviews and Exclusives: Jorge Ramos remembers Salinas ’ best interviews with heads of state and other political leaders from the U.S. and Latin America. He also shows clips from some of her most unforgettable exclusives.

Tuesday, December 5 – Empathy and Compassion: Ilia Calderón shows the humane side of the journalist as Salinas covers natural disasters, wars, and humanitarian crises. From a post-earthquake El Salvador in 1986 to the devastation caused by hurricane Mitch in 1998; from the worst flooding ever recorded in Peru to destitute children impacted by war in Iraq. In every disaster or tragic event, anywhere in the world, Salinas ’ compassion and deep respect for the victims are always evident.

Wednesday, December 6 – Salinas , the Philanthropist: Teresa Rodríguez highlights the charitable causes that Salinas has supported throughout her life, with special focus on one that she feels especially proud of – the “NAHJ María Elena Salinas Scholarship Program,” which helps Hispanic journalism students achieve their dreams. Viewers will meet a young man who, despite being an undocumented immigrant, was able to earn a degree in journalism with help from the scholarship program and is now a successful reporter for Univision’s affiliate station in Las Vegas.

Thursday, December 7 – The Early Years: María Antonieta Collins takes viewers back in time to follow Salinas during the early years of her broadcast journalism career and learn about her personal history. The segment includes moving testimonials by her first producers, her sister, and the producer of the news specials that earned her numerous awards.

Friday, December 8, her last day at the “Noticiero Univision” anchor desk, Salinas will say goodbye to her loyal Univision audience.

“While this tribute is minimal compared to María Elena’s invaluable contributions to Univision News and to journalism in general, it’s offered with great affection and respect,” said Daniel Coronell, president of Univision News. “María Elena is inimitable and will continue to be an example of journalistic excellence and integrity for generations to come. She will be sorely missed, but we wish her lots of happiness and success in her new life.”

María Elena Salinas has won the nation’s most prestigious journalism awards, including seven Emmys plus the Peabody, Walter Cronkite, and Gracie awards, among others. She also received the Broadcasting & Cable/Multichannel News Outstanding Achievement Award in Hispanic Television, and was the first Latina to be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. She was inducted into National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Hall of Fame, the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame, and The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) Hall of Fame. She is a founding member of NAHJ, through which she has awarded scholarships in her name to Latino journalism students. Salinas also is a member of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund board.