Gold & Silver Circle - Suncoast Emmys®

Gold Circle

The Gold Circle honors media professionals who began their careers in television at least 50 years ago, either in a performing, creative, technical or administrative role within the industry or in an area related to television such as TV journalism education, advertising, promotion, and public relations.

Over the course of their 50-year career, they must also have made a significant contribution to the Suncoast Chapter.

Gold Circle Honorees

2025 Gold Circle Honoree

Eric Paulsen

Eric Paulsen's career in New Orleans television made him one of the country's longest-tenured broadcasters, with 40+ years as the top-rated, beloved morning news anchor for WWL-TV. A New Orleans fixture, he brought humor, warmth, and journalistic excellence to his broadcasts, earning the trust of viewers and shaping morning news into a dynamic mix of hard-hitting reporting, engaging interviews, and lively features on the city's culture.

Paulsen's versatility defined his career. He delivered serious reports on major events like Hurricane Katrina while also showcasing New Orleans' rich culture, interviewing music icons, profiling chefs, and highlighting rising talent. His exclusive interviews included politicians, celebrities, and even rare sit-downs with Fats Domino.

Beginning at WWL in 1977 after brief stints in smaller markets, Paulsen co-hosted PM Magazine before returning to mornings, where his partnerships with Andre Trevigne and Sally-Ann Roberts became legendary. His efforts helped WWL's morning show dominate ratings for decades.

Paulsen's impact extended beyond television. He was a champion of local music, food, and charitable causes, earning numerous awards, including a Press Club of New Orleans Lifetime Achievement Award and an EMMY^®. Paulsen's legacy is one of dedication to his craft and his city. He once said, "I have been one of the luckiest people in the world... This is my hometown. I'll never leave New Orleans."

Silver Circle

The Silver Circle recognizes individuals who have worked with distinction in the television industry within the Suncoast Region of the State of Florida, the State of Louisiana, the Mobile, Alabama-Pensacola, Florida television market as well as Puerto Rico for a quarter of a century or more, a significant part of which was done in the Suncoast Region. Silver Circle members are honored for more than their longevity — they are honored for making an enduring contribution to the vitality of the television industry and for setting standards of achievement we can all hope to emulate. These honorees also give back to the community as mentors, educators, and volunteers.

Silver Circle Honorees

Silver Circle Honoree

Louis Aguirre

In September 2017, WPLG-Local 10 welcomed multiple EMMY^® Award-winning journalist Louis Aguirre back home to South Florida. Louis co-anchors several early evening newscasts as well as the 10 p.m. Local 10 newscast on WSFL.

On Earth Day 2021, Louis became Local 10's Environmental Advocate and the face of a new, station-wide campaign called Don’t Trash Our Treasure. A staunch defender of the planet, Louis brings awareness of environmental issues in South Florida with the purpose of seeking solutions. Louis has received numerous accolades for Don't Trash Our Treasure, including six of his eight EMMY^® awards, the prestigious Porter Prize, an Esserman-Knight Foundation Journalism award and several commendations from Miami-Dade County.

Louis previously worked at Local 10 from 1989 to 1992, during which time he became one of the few American journalists allowed into Cuba to cover the 30th anniversary of the Cuban missile crisis and interview Fidel Castro.

Nationally, Louis co-hosted "Fox and Friends" and later co-anchored the CBS syndicated program "The Insider." He also reported for "Extra" and served as lead correspondent for "A Current Affair."

In addition, Louis has guest starred on "Sex and the City," "JAG," "Burn Notice," "Guiding Light" and "All My Children."

Silver Circle Honoree

Felipe Gómez Martínez

Felipe Gómez Martínez, born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, moved to Puerto Rico in 1971, where he completed his education at local schools. His journalism journey began as a newspaper carrier, leading to his first published article in El Mundo in 1976. Known as "Felipe el Periodista" in high school, he earned a degree in communications from the University of Puerto Rico.

Felipe's career took off at El Mundo in 1984, where he worked as a news editor and writer. He later held positions at El Nuevo Día, the Associated Press, and various radio stations. His transition to television journalism began in 1992 with Las Noticias de TeleOnce, eventually anchoring the pioneering program Tu Mañana. After Univision's acquisition of the network, he served as weekend news anchor until 2014.

In 2018, Felipe joined NotiCentro at WAPA TV, becoming the anchor for weekend newscasts and host of the weekly recap show, En una semana. He also anchors NotiCentro América, focusing on news for Hispanic communities in the U.S. mainland, and the late-night NotiCentro Edición Nocturna.

With over 40 years in journalism, Felipe is a passionate advocate for the Spanish language and has received numerous awards, including from the ASPPRO and the EMMY^® Awards. As a mentor, he guides aspiring journalists, exemplifying integrity and excellence in the field.

Silver Circle Honoree

Linda Hernández Rosado

Linda Hernández began her television career in 1980 at Telemundo in Puerto Rico, where she produced the successful news and cultural program "En Vivo a las Cinco." Her innovative approach caught the attention of TeleOnce, where she spent over two decades, eventually becoming the director of the news department and vice president. Linda was instrumental in building the Las Noticias team and advocated for press freedom during her tenure.

From 2001 to 2004, she served as president of the Puerto Rico Corporation for Public Broadcasting, overseeing operations that earned over ten EMMY^® Awards. She also initiated educational programs to improve media literacy through PROCOM. In 2009, Linda took on the role of COO and Co-Director of the Ready To Learn Project at HITN-TV, significantly boosting viewership and expanding the network's reach to 40 million homes.

Returning to San Juan in 2011, she directed Primera Hora under GFR Media and later became the Executive Director of the Luis Muñoz Marín Foundation, a role she held until 2021. Actively engaged in her community, Linda serves on various boards, including Hispanic Information Television Network (HITN), the United Way of Puerto Rico and Latino Justice PRLDEF. She holds a Master's in Library Science and has completed advanced management training at Northwestern University.

Silver Circle Honoree

Sean Hickey

Award-winning editor and videographer Sean Hickey swapped snow skis for scuba fins when he moved to Miami from New Hampshire in 1990. After earning a Bachelor's degree in Sports Management from Barry University, he began his broadcasting career in 1997 at South Florida PBS. Rising from production assistant to Senior Videographer/Editor, he has contributed to acclaimed documentaries and series such as Vizcaya, Anatomy of a Hurricane, Miami: Reflections on the River, and Parallel Lives.

Sean is also the Director of Photography/Editor for Changing Seas, a marine science series airing on 95% of PBS stations and in over 39 countries. He has filmed and edited more than 55 of its 64 episodes, often serving as the sole videographer capturing both topside and underwater footage of sharks, coral reefs, and marine ecosystems. As a former dive instructor, he has the expertise to film safely in challenging underwater conditions while maintaining the show’s high visual standards.

Through his work, he remains dedicated to capturing the world's beauty to inspire audiences for generations. With 18 Suncoast EMMY^® Awards and a passion for mentoring, Sean continues to elevate visual storytelling. He lives in Fort Lauderdale with his wife, Debbie, and their five dogs.

Silver Circle Honoree

Michael W. Holfeld

Mike Holfeld, retired EMMY^® Award-winning investigative reporter with WKMG-TV, made central Florida history over his 25 year career in the Suncoast region.

His efforts have not only led to new state laws but have also been the foundation for national legislation. Holfeld's investigations gained national attention, with appearances on shows like Dr. Phil, Inside Edition, CNN and CBS.

When families moving to Florida were being victimized by a high stakes moving scam, Holfeld took action. His reporting led to the shutdown of an International crime syndicate operating from New York to Miami. That investigation led to new Florida legislation to protect consumers and recognitionby the U.S. Transportation Committee.

Holfeld's proudest moment was reporting that inspired new legislation to provide insurance coverage for first responders impacted by PTSD. The NAB honored Mike for that work with The Service to America Award. His "Make Ends Meet" franchise was a vital resource for Central Floridians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Holfeld worked closely with the U.S. Secret Service to recover millions of dollars in benefits stolen by identity imposters.

Mike's passion for journalism and commitment to being a voice for the community have made him a respected figure in investigative journalism. Mike and his wife Lisa reside in Orlando. They have two daughters, Madison and Emily.

Silver Circle Honoree

James E. Knight

Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico in 1958, Jimmy started at WLTV-23 in 1979 straight out of Loyola University N.O., a job that lasted until 2020. An amazing lifetime working with great people in a great market.

His career path began as "audioman" which led him to bring audio as a serious position at WLTV, S.I.N./Univisión. This led him into many productions and news coverage that were important to the growth of Hispanic media in Miami and nationally.

Of the productions he is most proud of during his career include the "Show de Rolando Barral", "Reporter 23", "Los Presos Olvidados", "Latin Music Awards", Liga Contra El Cáncer telethons, the Clinton presidential town hall from Buenos Aires, and the first NHL regular season game in Puerto Rico.

Engineering skills gained during this time have helped him provide services to the NHC, and Miami-Dade EOC among other facilities. He was part of the production team that brought major productions to Puerto Rico, among these the first network New Years Eve, Boxing (Univisión and HBO) and NHL hockey. Since his retirement in 2020, Jimmy tries to stay active doing consulting work for the Tampa Bay Rays and the Rowdies.

He is married and has a son and 2 wonderful grandchildren.

Silver Circle Honoree

Patricio Muñoz

Patricio Muñoz has exemplified dedication, creativity, and excellence in journalism for over three decades. As editor-in-chief of WSCV-Telemundo 51, he has played a key role in the network’s success, earning 44 EMMY^® Awards from more than 80 nominations—a testament to his commitment to storytelling.

Born in Chile, Patricio began his television career in 1990, studying TV directing and production in Miami. His professor recognized his strong grasp of technology and secured him an internship at Channel 51, where he started as a film librarian. Within months, he became an editor and soon produced El Vuelo del Amor, winning his first EMMY^®. A year later, he was named head of the department. His influence extends beyond the Hispanic market, shaping English-language journalism as well. Journalists and reporters have sought his expertise, elevating Telemundo 51 and setting new standards in the industry.

For his contributions, he has been inducted into the prestigious Silver Circle, an honor reserved for those who have left a lasting impact on journalism. His legacy continues to inspire those who have had the privilege of working with him.

Silver Circle Honoree

Ralph Rayburn

EMMY^® Award-winning helicopter photojournalist Ralph Rayburn has become a fixture in South Florida news as "The Eye in The Sky".

Before he established himself as the voice behind WSVN's Skyforce, Rayburn worked as a production assistant, studio cameraman and ground photographer. Over his 47-year career, Rayburn contributed to countless stories that shaped South Florida's history and culture.

This includes covering The Pope's Mass in 1987, the exclusive coverage of Manuel Noriega arriving at Homestead Air Reserve Base in 1990, the Value Jet crash in the Everglades in 1996, the Miami Beach SWAT standoff with Gianni Versace's assassin Andrew Cunanan in 1997, the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018, and the aftermaths of hurricanes from Andrew to Helene.

Rayburn has spent more than 15,000 hours in the air to cover violent crimes, search and rescue missions, law enforcement pursuits on both land and sea, riots and parades. He has been recognized by and is respected among public safety officials and news colleagues alike for his commitment to his craft as a pioneer in P.O.V. reporting. The South Florida community has trusted Rayburn to deliver the news accurately and timely and he has done so every time.

Silver Circle Honoree

Ivonne Solla Cabrera

Ivonne was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico on November 27, 1959. She earned a Bacherlor's Degree in Arts and then a Master's Degree in Communications from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus.

In her youth she was an outstanding volleyball player for Corozal Team, Las Pinkin, achieving 7 championships in the Superior Women's Volleyball. Former member of the National Volleyball Team, representing Puerto Rico for 10 years in NORCECA, Central American Games, Pan American Games and world games. She was recently inducted into the Volleyball Hall of Fame in Puerto Rico for her achievements as an athlete.

With a long career as a journalist, first in sports and then in research, since 1993 she has stood out as Telenoticias Anchor. She has covered events of great relevance in the country. She has been awarded by multiple journalistic organizations for her investigative reporting, such as Overseas Press Club and ASPPRO. Recently, she was awarded an EMMY^® for her investigative series "Albizu and the Secret of the Vatican". Other highly relevant events that were covered by Solla Cabrera are: Hurricane Katrina (New Orleans, 2005), Hurricane Mitch (Honduras, 1998), Attack on the Twin Towers (New York, 2001) and has been moderator of several political debates. Ivonne Solla Cabrera enjoys great credibility in the Puerto Rican media due to her verticality and responsibility, among other attributes.