First on TVNewser: Fusion, the upcoming cable news channel from ABC News and Univision, is adding HuffPost Live host Alicia Menendez to its lineup, TVNewser has learned.
Menendez is joining Fusion as an anchor based in Miami, and will host her own show on the channel when it launches later this year.
Menendez, the daughter of U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), has long been a regular commentator on cable news, and is the former co-host of “Power Play” on SiriusXM’s Cristina Radio, which targets “Modern Latina” listeners. She is also a former contributor to NBCLatino.com.
She joined HuffPost Live before it launched in the Summer of 2012, and has become one of the faces of the burgeoning video channel, which recently secured a TV foothold on Mark Cuban’s AXS TV. She drew particular acclaim for her live coverage of the Boston bombings last month.
Update: internal memo from Fusion’s Beau Ferrari, after the jump.
Menendez joins Fusion as it begins to staff up in earnest. Billy Kimball is joining Fusion as senior VP and chief programming officer. Kimball is a comedy and TV veteran, having written for “The Simpsons” and helping to launch the “Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn.”
Fusion has also named Elise Roedenbeck as an on-air contributor. Roedenbeck also has a comedy background, in addition to serving as the New York bureau chief for Pocho.com. She is moving to Miami to work for Fusion.
Ferrari memo:
Dear Colleagues,
I am delighted to tell you that the very talented Alicia Menendez is joining Fusion as an anchor. She’ll deliver the top stories of the day with her signature brand of insightful analysis and commentary, leading a smart conversation about political news, social issues and world events.
Fast Company recently called Alicia “thoughtful, smart and seemingly unflusterable” on camera, and she has been a frequent guest on CNN, Fox News and MSNBC.
For the last year Alicia has been a host on Internet-based video streaming network HuffPost Live. She interviewed a wide-range of celebrities and newsmakers, from Eliot Spitzer and John Leguizamo to Alex Jones, Dr. Oz and Jazz, a 12-year-old transgender activist.
She co-anchored 5 hours of breaking news coverage during the hunt for the alleged Boston bombers and 6 hours of live coverage on Election Night.
Alicia also produced and co-hosted a one-hour political talk show for SiriusXM/National Latino Broadcasting. “Power Play” was an in-depth look at politics and policy, offering perspectives from both sides of the aisle.
Before starting her career in media, Alicia worked on increasing political participation among women, minority communities and young Americans for many years. She truly understands the power and influence of Latinos in every part of American life.A skilled interviewer and gifted broadcaster, Alicia will be an important voice on Fusion. She will be based in Miami, starting June 17. Please join me in welcoming her to the team.
Beau