PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – On Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, The Suncoast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) announced that WPLG-TV President and CEO Bert Medina has been named recipient of “The Board of Governors” Award.
Medina came to WPLG in 2013 after more than two decades in executive management positions that led him from the Sunshine State to Illinois and back again.
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His career started with Sunbeam Television Corporation/WSVN-TV as research analyst, which blossomed into a 14-year relationship with the company that included holding several key positions, including vice president, programming and operations and corporate director of programming.
From there, Medina began a 13-year tenure with Univision, serving as senior vice president and operating manager of the TeleFutura Television Network where he propelled it to the number two Spanish-language broadcast network behind its sister network, Univision.
Along with his past service on the Suncoast Chapter of NATAS and Board of Governors for the ABC Television Affiliates Association, Medina currently serves in several capacities, including the Board of Directors for the Emma Bowen Foundation, the Florida Association of Broadcasters, the Kopenhaver Center for the Advancement of Women in Communications and, an organization literally near to “his heart,” the Board of Directors for the Marfan Foundation which funds research for a genetic heart condition that Medina was diagnosed with in his 20s.
Medina devotes his personal time to many more organizations, but he has been dedicated in his professional life as President and CEO of WPLG-TV to being a leader who helps drive a difference in both his staff, and the community.
Medina has spearheaded locally produced programs and ongoing reports, including the Emmy award winning special “Juneteenth: Freedom Day,” the Emmy award winning series “Don’t Trash Our Treasure,” WPLG’s annual “Day Of Giving,” which supports nonprofits throughout the community, and the WPLG “Big Bus Toy Express” and “Big Bus Book Drive,” which both benefit children in need.
A graduate of Florida International University, Medina was recently inducted into FIU’s Alumni Hall of Fame, the highest honor given to recognize merit, dedication and leadership in the field of communications.
Medina was born in Cuba and was 7 years old when his family emigrated to South Florida, a place he calls home and now gratefully enjoys life with his longtime partner.
The award, which is not given every year, recognizes excellence in people, cable, media and/or television entities who are worthy of recognition for the quality of their contributions to the Suncoast region of the State of Florida, the State of Louisiana, the Mobile, Alabama – Pensacola, Florida television industry market and/or Puerto Rico.
Medina will receive the award at the Suncoast Chapter’s annual Emmy Awards ceremony in December.