María Escario, a prominent sports presenter for TVE, reflects on her unexpected departure from teh Telediario in 2014, marking a critically important moment in her 39-year career. In a recent interview, Escario recounted receiving a phone call from Julio somoano, the then-director of Informative Services, while on vacation, informing her that she would no longer present the sports segment.She expressed her disappointment at the lack of personal dialog, stating, “After 20 years, the director didn’t even have the decency to tell me face-to-face.” Escario attributes her removal to internal pressures and her outspoken nature, emphasizing the challenges faced by women in the industry. Following her exit from the main presenting role, she continued contributing to the sports team until 2018 and later served as RTVE’s Director of Communication and institutional Relations.
A Conversation with María Escario: Navigating Change in Sports Journalism
Editor: María Escario, your departure from presenting the sports segment on Telediario in 2014 was both surprising and disappointing for many. Can you share what was going thru your mind when you received that unexpected phone call from Julio Somoano?
Escario: It was a surreal moment. I was on vacation when I received the news, and to hear it over the phone felt incredibly impersonal. After dedicating 20 years to presenting the sports segment, I expected a more respectful dialogue. It was a challenging realization that I would no longer be the face of sports news after so many years.
Editor: You mentioned the absence of a face-to-face conversation. How important do you think personal dialogue is in the workplace, especially in media roles?
Escario: Personal communication is vital, notably in an industry like ours that relies on trust and connection. It’s essential for leaders to communicate changes openly and respectfully. Not doing so can leave lasting impressions and erode loyalty within the team.My experience illustrates that when internal pressures weigh heavily, it impacts the culture of communication.
Editor: You attribute your removal to internal pressures and your outspoken nature.Can you elaborate on the challenges women face in the industry?
Escario: Absolutely. Women in journalism often navigate a landscape filled with biases and unspoken rules. Speaking out can be seen as a threat, even when it’s done constructively. I believe that fostering a genuinely inclusive habitat means allowing women, and anyone in a vulnerable position, to express their views without fear of reprisal.
Editor: After your departure, you continued to contribute to RTVE until 2018 before taking on the role of Director of Communication and Institutional Relations. How did that transition feel?
Escario: It was bittersweet. While I loved presenting, I also found a new passion in shaping communication within the organization. It allowed me to impact the broader narrative and support my colleagues, which was incredibly fulfilling. It reaffirmed my belief that every experience, even challenging ones, can lead to growth.
editor: What advice would you give to upcoming female journalists about dealing with unexpected career changes or challenges?
Escario: Resilience is key. Embrace the changes and look for ways to adapt and grow.Build a strong network of support; don’t be afraid to lean on your colleagues and mentors. always stay true to your voice and values, even when the pressure to conform is strong.
Editor: Thank you, María. Your insights are invaluable, particularly in a landscape that continues to evolve. as we look ahead, what do you hope to see for future generations of journalists?
Escario: I hope for an industry that values diversity and encourages open dialogue. Future generations should feel empowered to speak up and make their mark. It is crucial for media to reflect the society we live in, and that requires diverse voices and perspectives being heard and celebrated.
María Escario’s journey highlights moving beyond traditional roles and advocating for a more inclusive workplace, resonating with journalists and media professionals navigating their paths today.