Ozzie Martinez has been promoted to assistant news director for NBC 4 New York. As assistant news director, Martinez will fulfill various roles, including continuing to oversee news content, the planning of news gathering and future events such as the Olympics.
During his time at NBC 4 New York, which began in 2008, Martinez had worked as senior daypart manager. In the past year alone, he managed a number of breaking news stories, including Hurricane Irene and the Time Square bomb plot, among others.
Martinez told HispanicBusiness.com that the coverage of Hurricane Irene has been one of his proudest moment so far.
"There have been so many moments, but I have been especially proud of the way we came together as a news organization to cover Hurricane Irene," he said. "Everyone worked so many hours in less than favorable conditions to inform our viewers. We were rewarded in the ratings, but it only proved how passionate we all are for this community."
A typical day for Martinez starts at about 5 a.m. to watch what the morning shows have done overnight.
"I try and go for a run to get my day going and then read the morning papers, see what's on Twitter and on blogs," he told HispanicBusiness.com. "I am in (to work) by 8:30 a.m. and next thing you know it is 7 p.m.
"It is very exciting to come in each day and not know what is in store. It could be a normal day; you have your coffee and next thing you know you are covering breaking news and a plane has just landed in the Hudson River. Anything can happen in a minute," he continued.
Prior to joining NBC, Martinez worked as nighttime executive producer for WFOR, a CBS-affiliate in Miami where he received four Murrow Awards. He also served a key role on the team that broke the news that Fidel Castro was transferring power.
To date, Martinez said his greatest challenge has been to continue to evolve with technology and the "variety of platforms that are ever changing," he said, and figuring out "how to stay ahead no matter how up to date I am (because) I always feel like there is always something new to learn, just like anything else in life."
A native of South Florida, Martinez studied journalism at the University of Miami. He currently lives in New York City with his partner.
