Univision Noticias revealed today its plans for the network's flagship news program following the departure of veteran journalist Jorge Ramos, who has served as the show's lead anchor for decades. Ramos is set to exit the network at the beginning of December, marking the end of an era for the widely watched Spanish-language broadcaster.
The announcement came just before the airing of Monday's newscast on November 28, with the network confirming that the program will move forward with a single anchor. Colombian journalist Ilia Calderón, who has co-anchored with Ramos in recent years, will take over as the sole host.
This decision underscores Univision's confidence in Calderón's leadership as she steps into a role long defined by Ramos' influential career in journalism and advocacy.
"I humbly take on this opportunity and immense challenge. I am fully aware of the responsibility I assume in representing our audience as the voice of Univision News' remarkable journalistic team," expressed Calderón, a two-time Emmy Award winner and current co-anchor of the newscast through the statement. "Together, we will work to earn the trust that the Hispanic community—the largest minority in the United States and the demographic that will shape the future of this country—has placed in us every day."
"I have witnessed Ilia's impeccable career, and I want to wish her the best of luck in this new chapter," said Ramos about his colleage. "For me, it has always been a pleasure and an honor to work with her."
Who is Ilia Calderón?
Calderón's rise to becoming the first Afro-Latina solo anchor of Noticiero Univision represents a significant milestone in American and Latin American media. Calderón, who was born in Chocó, Colombia, a predominantly Afro-Colombian region, has broken multiple barriers throughout her career.
She was the first Black woman to host a national news program in Colombia before transitioning to the U.S. Spanish-language network Telemundo, and then Univision. Her role as the sole anchor followingRamos' departure marks a historical moment not only for Univision but also in American broadcasting, as she becomes the first Black Latina to lead a major evening news show alone in the United States.
Calderón's career at Univision began in 2007, and she quickly moved from co-hosting the weekend edition of Primer Impacto to the network's prime-time news shows, such as Aquí y Ahora and Noticiero Univision: Edición Nocturna
Her interviewing skills and commitment to social issues have also led her to cover challenging topics. A prominent example is her Emmy-winning interview with a Ku Klux Klan leader, which underscored her courage in confronting racism and elevating underrepresented voices.
Calderón's role is especially impactful as she brings Afro-Latino representation to mainstream media, shedding light on issues relevant to both Black and Latino communities, which often face unique challenges within the larger Latin American demographic. Her dedication to covering topics like environmental justice, immigrant rights, and racial inequality has earned her admiration and trust across diverse audiences. Her visibility encourages a more inclusive media landscape and emphasizes the importance of diversity in journalism
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