International broadcast journalist Federico “Rico” Hizon is returning to Philippine television after 25 years overseas delivering the news for global news corporations, BBC News and CNBC.
The Asian TV Awardee for Best News Programme and Highly Commended Award recipient for Best News Anchor/Presenter announced on March 27, 2020, that he is back home to join CNN Philippines, the free TV local channel of the international news network jointly run by Filipino company Nine Media Corp and the United States-based Turner Broadcasting System.
“So happy to be back home after 25 years and join the CNN Philippines family – News You Can Trust!” announced Rico Hizon on social media.
A day earlier, the Walk Of Fame Star recipient teased on Facebook his new work titles as Senior Anchor and Director for News Content Development, with the caption, “My next challenge and new mission! Back on-air soon! To God be the Glory!”
Rico Hizon returned to the Philippines in March after being based in Singapore and spent his birthday at home while under community quarantine together with the rest of Luzon island residents as the country tries to stop the spread of coronavirus disease.
“There’s a lot to learn from how the world is battling this coronavirus pandemic.
“We should get the best practices in every country and now, more than ever, help each other in overcoming this.
“We just need to get the truth from our news sources,” Hizon shared with Noel Ferrer of Level Up on Radyo Inquirer.
Hizon brings home his global news expertise which he himself summed up in a March 3 social media post:
“Some of the best and most rewarding, enriching, and enjoyable moments of my career happened in the last 17 years with BBC News. Presenting, reporting, writing, and producing with the wonderful team from Singapore to London gave me the opportunity to hone my skills as a story teller and an observer of human nature. But, more importantly, gave me the chance to grow as a person.
“As I start the next chapter of my life with my family and career, I wish only continued success and all the best to my beloved BBC World News family. I love you guys and all of you will always have a special place in my heart.
“A special mention to Mantej, thank you for believing in me way back in November 2002. To my Newsday co-presenters Kasia Madera and Babita Sharma, my long-time ABR partner Sharanjit Leyl, the Wake Up To Money family, to all the editors, directors and producers, cameramen and crew- thank you from the bottom of my heart. You will not be forgotten. Thank you for investing your time with me.
“Onwards and upwards as I signed up for the next challenge in my life and broadcasting career. See you back on the telly very soon!”
CNN Philippines shared Rico Hizon’s social media posts, affirming the news that the former BBC News anchor will be joining the Philippine team.
In an internal memo, CNN Philippines President Armie Jarin-Bennett welcomed Rico Hizon, saying, “While our brave front liners are protecting and saving lives, we in media also have a vital role in response to COVID-19. We face a different battle. We have to fight the rumors and misinformation. We have to keep spreading the facts, to empower people with information they need and trust.”
“And what better time to have a respected, award-winning news anchor join our team,” added the CNN Philippines leader.
Rico Hizon was born, raised, and educated in Manila. He completed a degree in broadcast journalism and business at De La Salle University where he lectured for two years before starting a journalism career at GMA Network as an anchor and business reporter and partnered with Atty. Dong Puno and Vicky Morales.
He was part of CNBC Asia for 8 years, in Hongkong and Singapore. The Filipino journalist joined BBC Singapore in 2002 and until recently was the BBC World News anchor for Newsday and Asia Business Report.
During his over 25 years in international broadcasting, Hizon interviewed major personalities in the financial, political, sporting, entertainment, and has been known as a champion of Filipino Pride stories such as Jollibee’s Tony Tan Caktiong, Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza of the AlDub tandem, and even teamed up with British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) wildlife reporter Mike Dilger in a journey to showcase the best of the Philippines.
Rico Hizon will be on air for his nightly English Newscast via a virtual newsroom on CNN Philippines Channel 9 on free TV, Facebook, and social media starting March 30, Monday, at 9 p.m., pitting the international broadcast journalist in the same timeslot with Jessica Soho of GMA Network, the local news organization where he started his career in 1988.
SEND WELCOME CHEERS in the comments below to Rico Hizon, the Filipino international broadcast journalist now finally back home on CNN Philippines television!
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