News Summary
Veteran assignment manager Mario Escovedo has joined ESPN after over 30 years in journalism, including two decades at KFMB-TV in San Diego. Escovedo holds the position of international assignment desk editor, bringing vast experience and insight into sports narrative and media technology. His career has been marked by award-winning work and personal challenges, including emotional notifications to families and technical failures during live events. As he starts this new chapter, Escovedo aims to highlight resilience in sports stories while balancing family life in Connecticut.
San Diego – Veteran assignment manager Mario Escovedo, a prominent figure in San Diego news, has transitioned to a new role at ESPN after dedicating over 30 years to the journalism industry. Escovedo spent two decades at KFMB-TV/Channel 8, where he was responsible for determining which news stories to cover and ensuring appropriate personnel was available to report them.
During his tenure, Escovedo faced numerous challenges, including the emotional toll of notifying families about tragic news events. He underscores that one of the most difficult aspects of his job was connecting with grieving families who had just lost loved ones. Moreover, he encountered significant industry setbacks, including a notable incident where technical failures caused him to miss live coverage of a presidential arrival.
Escovedo’s career began at San Diego City College, where he produced the student-run television newscast, Newscene. His work on immigration topics earned him a scholarship to San Diego State University (SDSU) along with an internship at KFMB. Initially hired as a writer at KFMB, he collaborated with influential figures such as news director Jim Holtzman and high-profile news anchors, shaping his future in the industry.
His impressive career at KFMB garnered him seven Emmy awards and one Golden Mic award, highlighting his dedication and professionalism throughout the years. In January, he and his family moved to West Hartford, Connecticut, seeking greater access to extended family in Germany, which reduced their international travel time.
At ESPN, Escovedo holds the position of international assignment desk editor, where his primary responsibilities include coordinating live feeds and overseeing equipment for various international bureaus around the world, including in the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Australia. He has noted the significant technological learning curve associated with sports media and the fast-paced environment of sports news coverage.
The transition to ESPN has revived Escovedo’s interest in sports, as he aims to highlight stories of athletes who have overcome difficulties, using their narratives to showcase perseverance and resilience. He acknowledges that sports can serve as both an inspiration and a welcome distraction for individuals facing global challenges.
In recent recognition of contributions within the San Diego media landscape, the local chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators presented awards to notable individuals including Julie Wright and Navy Lt. Grace Kording. Additionally, El Latino San Diego, a Spanish-language newspaper founded by Fanny Miller in 1988, celebrated its 38th anniversary. This publication emphasizes community concerns such as immigration and education, with an estimated weekly circulation of approximately 77,000, continuing its commitment to serving the predominantly Spanish-speaking population in San Diego.
As Mario Escovedo embarks on his new journey at ESPN, he brings with him a wealth of experience and a unique perspective forged through years of navigating the complex landscape of news reporting in San Diego. His dedication to journalism and his commitment to telling impactful stories mark a significant chapter in his professional life while continuing to influence the broader narrative of sports and human resilience.
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