Candidate for Council, Broadcast/Cable/Streaming News Sector
Journalism has changed a lot since I first walked into a newsroom. The way we gather news has changed. The way we tell stories has changed. The way our audiences find us has changed. But what makes journalism matter hasn’t changed: the stories we tell and the people who shape them.
I’ve had the privilege of working through some of the biggest transformations in our industry—from the rise of digital and social media to streaming. Now, with artificial intelligence, we’re entering another era. And while change can bring uncertainty, I also believe it brings opportunity.
That’s why I decided to run for the WGA East Council.
Today, I’m a producer at FOX 5 New York, working alongside talented journalists to put live newscasts on the air in one of the most demanding news markets in the country. But I’ve also had the opportunity to see our profession through another lens. For seven years, I served as Executive Director of News, Content & Development, where I built and led teams, mentored journalists, established editorial standards and helped guide a news organization through periods of growth and change—and along the way, we earned regional Emmy Awards.
Having experienced this business from both sides has shaped the way I look at leadership. I know the roles and workflows. I’ve experienced the challenges facing the people doing the work, and I’ve also been responsible for building teams and making decisions that affect them.
There are understandable concerns about what AI will mean for our jobs. New technology isn’t going away, and I believe our strongest position is to help shape how it’s used. The more important question is: How do we make it work for us while protecting the people who make this industry possible?
I believe the Guild has an important role in helping to answer that question.
Rather than waiting for technology to reshape our workplaces, we should be part of the conversation. We can embrace tools that improve the way we work while advocating for responsible standards, appropriate protections and a meaningful role for the people whose judgment, experience, creativity and humanity are at the heart of what we do.
Technology isn’t the only change we face. As broadcast, cable and streaming continue to converge, traditional roles and workflows are increasingly blurred. Those changes create opportunities, but they can also create uncertainty about responsibilities, expectations and protections. I believe the Guild needs to listen closely to members, understand how their jobs are changing and be prepared to evolve along with them.
So, if elected, one of my first priorities will be to listen. I want to hear from members about the changes they’re seeing in their own workplaces, the challenges they’re facing and where they see opportunities ahead.
I would be honored to bring my experience, perspective and enthusiasm to the Council—and even more honored to earn your support.
Thank you for your consideration.
Vito Formica
Endorsements
Katherine Barner, Ellen Cohen, Kristina Johnson, Donna Sweeney, William Weiskopf
Endorse Vito Formica for Council, Broadcast/Cable/Streaming News Sector
Note: WGAW members who wish to endorse a candidate may follow the process outlined in section G.1.B of the 2026 Election Policy.
