Nerio Fuenmayor is a Venezuelan journalist and television professional with more than a decade of experience in U.S. and international media. He has won multiple Emmy Awards and has received nominations across multiple Emmy editions for his work in television news. His career includes Noticias Telemundo, EVTV, Globovisión, Chilevisión, Telesur, and other international media organizations.
How many years have you been a judge?
1-3
What are your responsibilities in your current role and what do you love most about your job?
As a News Writer at Noticias Telemundo, I turn breaking news and complex issues into clear, compelling stories that inform, engage, and connect with audiences. I work closely with producers and editorial teams to shape narratives that are accurate, timely, and meaningful. What I love most is the storytelling—finding the human element behind the headlines and giving every story a voice and a purpose.
What inspired you to pursue your career path?
I was inspired to pursue journalism because I have always believed that a powerful story can inform, move, and create meaningful connections. Growing up in Venezuela, I saw firsthand how important it is to give people a voice and bring stories that matter to the forefront. That passion has continued throughout my career, driving me to tell stories with purpose, creativity, and a strong sense of humanity.
What was your first job in the industry? What did it teach you?
My first job in the industry was as a journalist at Coquivacoa Televisión in Venezuela. It was there that I learned the fundamentals of reporting, the discipline of working under pressure, and the power of television to bring stories to life. More than anything, that first experience taught me to listen, stay curious, and always look for the human story behind the headline.
What do you look for to determine excellence in video?
For me, excellence in video is where strong storytelling, purposeful visuals, and emotional connection come together. I look for a clear narrative, thoughtful visual choices, strong pacing, and authenticity—elements that make an audience feel something while keeping them engaged. The best videos don’t just look great; they leave an impression and make the story impossible to forget.
What initiatives or projects are you working on now that excite you?
I’m excited about continuing to evolve how news stories are told across television and digital platforms. In my current role at Noticias Telemundo, I’m focused on developing compelling narratives that combine strong writing, visual storytelling, and the immediacy of live news. I’m especially inspired by projects that find new ways to make important stories more accessible, engaging, and human for today’s audiences.
Tell us about a moment of recognition that had an effect on you – whether personal or official? What does recognition mean to you and why is it important in our industry?
One of the most meaningful moments of recognition in my career has been receiving multiple Emmy Awards for my work in television news. As a Venezuelan journalist building my career in the United States, those moments represented more than an award—they were a reminder that the stories we tell can have a lasting impact. To me, recognition is meaningful because it celebrates not only the person behind the work, but also the collaboration, creativity, and commitment that make great storytelling possible. In our industry, it inspires us to keep raising the bar and to continue telling stories that matter.
Do you have any specific practices you lean on to spark creativity?
I stay curious and constantly look for inspiration beyond the newsroom—through music, visual storytelling, conversations, and the world around me. I like to ask, “What is the story behind the story?” and explore different ways to make an idea feel fresh and meaningful. I also believe that creativity comes from collaboration, so I value bouncing ideas off others and being open to perspectives that challenge my first instinct.
In your experience, what is a significant change you are seeing happen in the video, television, and/or film industry, and what insight can you share about how to navigate it?
One of the biggest changes I see is the convergence of television and digital storytelling, as audiences increasingly expect news and video to be immediate, visual, and accessible across platforms. The challenge is to adapt to shorter attention spans without sacrificing accuracy, context, or the human element of a story. My approach is to stay curious, understand how audiences consume content, and use new tools and formats without losing the fundamentals of great storytelling.
What excites you about judging for the Telly Awards?
What excites me most about judging the Telly Awards is the opportunity to discover bold ideas and exceptional storytelling from creators around the world. As a journalist and storyteller, I know the creativity, collaboration, and countless hours that go into bringing a story to life. I’m excited to learn from the work of others, share my perspective, and celebrate the ideas that push our industry forward.
