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NAHJ member Virginia Matos has been promoted to executive producer of ABC 7 Chicago’s 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekday newscasts. She is the first Latina to hold that position at the station.

Matos, who was most recently the producer of the 4:30 p.m. newscast, started her career at the station as an intern for Janet Davies

“I’ve spent half of my life in this newsroom. And this new role isn’t just a new chapter in my work life, but in my personal life too. These two things go hand in hand for me, because I consider everyone here family,” said Matos.

Born and raised on Chicago’s Northwest Side, Matos graduated from Columbia College and worked two years as a producer at WTVO in Rockford, before returning to WLS.

“I joke around and tell people I was raised here but it’s true, WLS-TV has given me the tools and the support I needed to get to this point since day one,” Matos said.

“Now as a manager, I get to see the process in a whole new light and lend my voice to how we cover stories and what stories we cover together,” Matos said.


Matos has been a longtime supporter of the Chicago NAHJ chapter, having mentored several students and young journalists.

“You bring something special to the table, no matter what your background is, no matter where you come from. Your voice is valuable. Your opinion counts. The diversity you bring to a newsroom is what your audience is looking for because they see themselves in you and the stories you share,” Matos said.

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