The Governors’ Award recognizes excellence among individuals or entities in the fields of cable, media, and/or television. It is not awarded every year. A candidate must receive a favorable vote of no less than four-fifths of the Board. The award honors those who would not otherwise be eligible to win a Suncoast Regional EMMY® Award but are deemed worthy of recognition for the quality of their contributions to the Suncoast region.
Dolores Fernandez Alonso, President and CEO of South Florida PBS, has transformed public broadcasting through visionary leadership. She successfully merged WPBT and WXEL stations, creating a unified organization serving one of America's largest television markets.
Under her strategic vision, South Florida PBS has undergone transformative modernization of infrastructure and technological capabilities. She championed the Bailey Cultural Arts Center at Boynton Beach studios and invested in cutting-edge immersive technologies. Her prioritization of NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0) technology demonstrates her dedication to advancing public safety and civic engagement through enhanced broadcasting.
Her passion for community education shines through initiatives like "Da Vinci - An Immersive Experience," the first in a series of immersive experiences opening new doors and spaces for cultural engagement. Dolores's dedication to advancing women in leadership is reflected in her executive team composition, while her service on multiple PBS committees demonstrates her influence in shaping public broadcasting's future nationally.
This award will be presented at the 2025 Suncoast EMMY® Awards ceremony on Saturday, December 6th, at the DIPLOMAT Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida.
Raymond Arrieta (born March 26, 1965, in San Juan, Puerto Rico) is a beloved comedian, television host, actor, and philanthropist. With a career spanning decades, he has become a household name in Puerto Rico, known for his humor, charisma, and deep commitment to charitable causes.
Arrieta’s journey into entertainment began at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, where he studied broadcasting. He honed his comedic skills in theater and comedy clubs, eventually catching the attention of television executives. In the early 1990s, he rose to fame as the host of Que Vacilón, a hit variety show that showcased his comedic talent. Over the years, he continued to win audiences as the host of Día a Día, daily morning show where his humor and warmth resonated with viewers.
Beyond television, Arrieta has built a successful career in stand-up comedy, drawing on relatable humor inspired by Puerto Rican culture and daily life. His performances are marked by energy and a strong connection with his audience.
Arrieta’s influence extends beyond entertainment through his dedication to philanthropy. Since 2009, he has led to Da Vida Caminando con Raymond, an annual walk across Puerto Rico to raise funds and awareness for cancer patients. His efforts have significantly supported healthcare initiatives, including the San Jorge Children’s Foundation.
A symbol of generosity and joy, Raymond Arrieta’s legacy is defined not only by laughter but also by his unwavering dedication to helping others, making him a cherished figure in Puerto Rican society.
This award was presented at the 2025 Silver Circle ceremony on Saturday, June 7th, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
• E.R. Bert Medina
• John Mays
• Steve Kroft
• Don Browne
• Ray Rodriguez
• Dwight Lauderdale
• Tony Segreto
• Al Tomkins
• Frank Gatto
• Victor Montilla
• Neighbors 4 Neighbors
• Max Mayfield
• University of Miami
School of Communication
• KidsVision
• Sherwin Grossman
• Bob Sheets
• Judy Wallace
• John Felton
• Bill Ryan
• Joaquin Blaya
• Don Travis
• Edmund N. Ansin
• WPBT Nightly Business Report
• Talbot “Sandy” D’Alemberte
• Ann Bishop
• Chuck Zink
• Michael Mann
• John Nicolella
• Bob & Betsy Behrens
• Ralph Renick
• Kenneth F. Small
• Vital Industries
• Mal Malgiere
• Jackie Gleason
• Michael Wolfson