Undoubtedly, broadcasters have played a fundamental role in our society, transmitting not only information and entertainment but also emotions and deep connections with the public.
That’s why today we will explore the careers of some of the most influential broadcasters in the country, highlighting their lasting impact on the communications industry.
Bernardo Hoyos Pérez was a prominent Colombian journalist and broadcaster, recognized for his deep knowledge of culture, literature, music, and cinema. Despite having graduated in law, his career flourished in the media, especially at the BBC in London and Caracol Radio in Colombia. He was the host of the program ‘Cine Arte’ on Caracol Television, where he shared his passion for cinema.
In addition to his work in the media, Bernardo Hoyos Pérez was awarded five Simón Bolívar prizes, including recognition for his activism in cultural radio and television, as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award. He passed away on October 11, 2012, leaving a lasting impact on the country’s cultural scene.
Meanwhile, Carlos Pinzón Moncaleano left a significant legacy in the country’s radio and entertainment industry. Born on October 24, 1927, in Choachí, Cundinamarca, he displayed an inclination towards entertainment from a young age. His career began in provincial radio stations such as Ecos del Combeima, but he started to stand out at Emisoras Nuevo Mundo in the fifties.
Founder of iconic events like Teletón and creator of the Colombian Association of Announcers, Pinzón was a pioneer in promoting rock n’ roll in Colombia and was consistently known for his commitment to social causes. Carlos Pinzón passed away in 2020 at the age of 92; the announcer who on July 20, 1969, narrated the arrival of man on the moon for all of Colombia.
We mightn’t help but mention Gloria Valencia de Castaño, known as the ‘First Lady’ of Colombian television. She was a great promoter of culture in our country. In 1950, she started the radio station HJCK: El Mundo en Bogotá, the first private cultural radio station, alongside her husband (Álvaro Castaño Castillo) and other prominent figures. For many years she was a radio host on over 25 cultural programs.
Judith Sarmiento, a pioneer in radio and television, was characterized and remembered for her striking glasses and a firm voice when presenting live. In addition to being a journalist, Judith graduated as a lawyer and was also a professor at universities such as Externado, Politécnico, and Universidad Militar, to name a few. Judith, an intellectual, embodies the spirit of information.
Judith began her radio career on the Todelar network. She worked for Caracol, RCN, and the program “Colombia Responsable” on the National Radio of Colombia. During her career, she has received numerous awards, including the Simón Bolívar Prize. Her voice continues to impress, though not as a radio announcer, but as a choir singer.
The thrill of a goal is transmitted and amplified by prodigious voices that take it to another level, as is the case with Javier Fernández Franco, better known as “The goal singer.” Colombians recognize his iconic voice chanting a goal by the Colombian team at least once.
Javier Fernandez Franco has stood out for his passion and skill in broadcasting sporting events. In 1999, he joined RCN Television to narrate matches of Colombian Professional Football, the 1999 Copa Libertadores, and the 1999 Copa América alongside Carlos Antonio Vélez and Ricardo Henao on the program Nuestro Fútbol RCN. In 2002, he debuted as the main narrator of Colombian Professional Football matches on Sky.
His television career solidified in 2002 when he joined Caracol Televisión to report on the World Cup in Korea-Japan, followed by the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany and numerous international events such as the Euro Cup and the Copa América. He has also broadcast matches from the Copa Libertadores de América, the UEFA Champions League, and the UEFA Europa League.
Undoubtedly, he has had a brilliant career in sports media, working for different channels and narrating for different events and competitions. He also brought joy to the hearts of Colombians when they heard some of his iconic phrases and sayings such as “tú, calma” and “como le pagaste a esa pelota” (How did you pay for that ball?).
Another giant in this profession is Julio Sánchez Cristo, who began his radio career at a very young age and has become a leading voice of information in Colombia. Among his many awards, the 2012 King of Spain Award for the best radio station in Latin America and the Simón Bolívar Award for his journalistic career stand out.
Since Julio is a lover of microphones and cannot imagine his life without them, he is also on the air on Saturdays on the program “Julio Sánchez DJ”, where he showcases his passion for music and shares his extensive musical knowledge with the listeners of W Radio.
These are just a few of the many broadcasters who have left their mark on the country’s history, a testament to pure journalism. They are masters and pioneers, dedicating their lives to informing and entertaining listeners and viewers.
From iconic sports commentators to promoters of charitable and social events, Colombian broadcasters have had a profound influence on culture and communication, leaving a vibrant legacy that will continue to inspire generations.
Colombian Broadcasters: Shaping Culture and Communication
Undoubtedly, broadcasters have played a fundamental role in our society, transmitting not only information and entertainment but also emotions and deep connections with the public. They are the voices that guide, inform, and entertain, shaping our understanding of the world around us.
This article delves into the careers of some of the most influential broadcasters in Colombia, highlighting their lasting impact on the communications industry. Through their dedication and talent, these individuals have left an indelible mark on Colombian culture.
Pioneering Voices: Shaping the Colombian Media Landscape
The Colombian broadcasting landscape was shaped by pioneers who broke new ground and established the foundations for a thriving media industry. These visionary individuals, driven by their passion for communication and their commitment to serving the public, paved the way for future generations.
Bernardo Hoyos Perez: A Cultural Icon
Bernardo Hoyos Perez was a prominent Colombian journalist and broadcaster, renowned for his deep knowledge of culture, literature, music, and cinema. Despite graduating with a law degree, his career flourished in the media, particularly at the BBC in London and Caracol Radio in Colombia. He was the captivating host of the program ‘Cine Arte’ on Caracol Television, where he shared his passion for cinema with viewers.
Beyond his work in media, Bernardo Hoyos Pérez was honored with five Simón Bolívar prizes, recognizing his activism in cultural radio and television. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his significant contributions. Bernardo passed away on October 11, 2012, leaving a legacy that continues to shape the country’s cultural scene.
Carlos Pinzon Moncaleano: A Radio Legend
Carlos Pinzon Moncaleano left an enduring legacy in Colombia’s radio and entertainment industry. Born on October 24, 1927, in Choachí, Cundinamarca, he displayed an early inclination towards the world of entertainment. His career began on provincial radio stations like Ecos del Combeima, but it was at Emisoras Nuevo Mundo in the 1950s that he rose to prominence.
As the founder of iconic events like Teletón and founder of the Colombian Association of Announcers, Pinzón was a pioneer in promoting rock n’ roll in Colombia. He was always distinguished by his commitment to social causes. Carlos Pinzón passed away in 2020 at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy as the announcer who narrated to the entire nation the momentous arrival of man on the moon on July 20, 1969.
Gloria Valencia de Castaño: A Cultural Ambassador
Gloria Valencia de Castaño, known as the ‘First Lady’ of Colombian television, was a fervent promoter of culture in Colombia. In 1950, alongside her husband, Álvaro Castaño Castillo, and other prominent figures, she established the radio station HJCK: El Mundo en Bogotá, the first private cultural radio station in Colombia. She remained a beloved radio host for many years, gracing over 25 cultural programs with her presence.
Masters of Storytelling: Shaping the Narrative
From legendary sports commentators to insightful news anchors, these broadcasters have not only informed but also entertained, leaving a lasting impact on Colombian storytelling. Their passion for their craft and their unwavering commitment to excellence have made them icons in their fields.
Judith Sarmiento: A Trailblazer in Broadcasting
Judith Sarmiento, a pioneer in radio and television, was recognized for her flashy glasses and her authoritative voice when presenting live. Beyond journalism, Judith graduated as a lawyer and also served as a professor at esteemed universities such as Externado, Politécnico, and Universidad Militar. Her intellectual prowess earned her wide respect.
Judith began her radio career on the Todelar network and worked for prominent stations like Caracol, RCN, and the program “Colombia Responsable” on the National Radio of Colombia. Her exceptional career was marked by numerous awards, including the Simón Bolívar Prize. While her voice no longer graces the airwaves as a radio announcer, it continues to enchant as a chorus girl.
Javier Fernandez Franco: The Voice of Colombian Football
The excitement of a goal is amplified to new heights by the remarkable voice of Javier Fernández Franco, better known as “The goal singer.” His iconic voice is instantly recognizable to all Colombians who have heard his signature chants of victory for the Colombian national team.
Javier Fernández Franco is renowned for his passionate narration of sporting events. In 1999, he joined RCN Television to narrate Colombian Professional Football matches, the 1999 Copa Libertadores, and the 1999 Copa América on the program “Nuestro Fútbol RCN”, alongside Carlos Antonio Vélez and Ricardo Henao. In 2002, he took on the role of the main narrator of Colombian Professional Football matches on Sky.
His television career was solidified in 2002 when he joined Caracol Televisión to report on the World Cup in Korea-Japan followed by the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. He has also reported on numerous international events, including the Euro Cup and the Copa América. His impressive track record also includes broadcasting matches from the Copa Libertadores de América, the UEFA Champions League, and the UEFA Europa League.
Javier Fernández Franco’s outstanding career in sports media spans across various channels and diverse events and competitions. Moreover, his iconic songs and sayings, such as “tú, calma” and “como le pagaste a esa pelota” (How did you pay for that ball?), have brought joy to the hearts of Colombians for decades.
Julio Sanchez Cristo: A Leading Voice of Information
Julio Sánchez Cristo is another titan in the broadcasting world, embarking on his radio career at a young age. He has become one of the most influential voices of information in Colombia. Among his numerous awards are the 2012 King of Spain Award for the best radio station in Latin America and the Simón Bolívar Award for his exceptional journalistic career.
Julio’s love for microphones is undeniable, and he continues to grace the airwaves. On Saturdays, he hosts the program “Julio Sánchez DJ,” where he indulges in his passion for music, sharing his vast musical knowledge with listeners of W Radio.
A Legacy of Influence: Shaping Colombian Culture
These are just a few of the numerous broadcasters who have profoundly impacted Colombian history. They are pioneers and masters, dedicated to informing and entertaining audiences. They have served as a beacon of pure journalism, setting the standard for excellence in the field.
These Colombian broadcasters, from iconic sports commentators to promoters of charitable and social events, have profoundly influenced culture and communication. Their vibrant legacy continues to resonate through generations.
