NBC News has named Antoine Sanfuentes Washington DC bureau chief. Sanfuentes is replacing Mark Whitaker, who is leaving NBC News to join CNN.
Sanfuentes started out as an intern at NBC’s DC O&O WRC, and became a desk assistant at NBC News in 1990. He rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the senior White House producer.
“Antoine’s inclusive management style combined with his expert knowledge and experience make him the ideal leader to guide the Washington Bureau into the next phase,” said NBC News President Steve Capus in a statement. “He is a true news producer through and through, with an outstanding dedication to integrity and professionalism in the field. He started his career in our DC newsroom and knows both the team and the political beat better than anyone.”
NBC’s announcement is after the jump.
ANTOINE SANFUENTES NAMED NBC NEWS WASHINGTON BUREAU CHIEF
NEW YORK, NY— January 28, 2011— NBC News President Steve Capus announced today that Antoine Sanfuentes will be the next NBC News Washington Bureau Chief, effective February 7, 2011. Sanfuentes replaces Mark Whitaker, who held the position since July 2008. Most recently, Sanfuentes served as the Deputy Washington Bureau Chief for NBC News and NBC News Vice President.
In his new position, Sanfuentes will report to NBC News President Steve Capus, and his daily responsibilities will include the oversight of all bureau management, administration and editorial affairs, working closely with NBC News Political Director Chuck Todd and NBC News executives including Alexandra Wallace and David Verdi. In addition, Sanfuentes will have executive oversight of “Meet the Press.”
“Antoine’s inclusive management style combined with his expert knowledge and experience make him the ideal leader to guide the Washington Bureau into the next phase,” said NBC News President Steve Capus. “He is a true news producer through and through, with an outstanding dedication to integrity and professionalism in the field. He started his career in our DC newsroom and knows both the team and the political beat better than anyone.”
Sanfuentes built his career at NBC News, starting out as an intern for NBC News station WRC while at American University. Sanfuentes graduated in 1989, and in 1990 he became a desk assistant at the NBC News Washington Bureau. In 1995, he became a White House producer, then Senior White House producer— covering the White House for thirteen years. Over his time at NBC News, Sanfuentes has also produced notable coverage from across Africa alongside Ann Curry, including reports from Darfur, the eastern Congo and an historic interview with Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir.
An Emmy-winning producer and talented documentary photographer, Sanfuentes also works closely with People Encouraging People— an organization that supports disabled and disadvantaged people in the Baltimore area.
Sanfuentes received his Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from American University. He currently resides in Maryland with his wife Lisa and two daughters.