We had the pleasure of sitting down with Tanya Rivero, an award-winning journalist and anchor currently co-anchoring channel 7 WABC's Eyewitness News. With a distinguished career at CBS News and ABC News, Tanya has interviewed some of the most influential figures in politics, business, and entertainment, including Jimmy Carter, Pete Buttigieg, and Jane Goodall. A graduate of Columbia Journalism School and Yale University, she speaks fluent Spanish and has a rich background in ballet with the New York City Ballet. Tanya's dedication to the arts and community service, along with her proud Cuban heritage, further enriches her remarkable career.
Your career has taken you through various esteemed roles in journalism both in the studio and out in the field. How has your sense of style evolved throughout these pivotal moments? Why?
My on-air anchor style has evolved with the industry standard for women. When I started out we all wore a lot of blazers and pantsuits. The look now is more toward fitted "work cocktail" dresses, mostly in solid jewel tones, with minimal jewelry. Solid black, prints, and flowy, drapey clothes just don't look as good on the air. Out in the field, the look is a little more relaxed but still professional. I always wear flats so I can run around easily when chasing a story, but I carry a pair of heels in the news van.
You've had the privilege of interviewing many influential figures across different fields. Could you share a memorable moment in your career where you felt particularly proud of your accomplishments, confident, and empowered?
I was the first broadcast journalist to interview Alexandria-Ocasio Cortez when she was still an unknown first-time candidate running against Joe Crowley for a congressional seat in New York's 14th district. No one thought she could beat the powerful incumbent Democrat in the primary, so she was largely ignored by the media. I saw her campaigning, however, and could tell this was going to be a much tighter race than people thought.
From Ballet to Broadcasting: You transitioned from being a professional dancer with the New York City Ballet to a prominent news anchor. How did your experience in the arts influence your approach to journalism? And your work ethic to your craft?
As a former professional ballet dancer, I've already worked the crazy schedules broadcast journalism demands. Dancers perform every weekend and only have Mondays off. We also perform on many holidays. So there is a lot of crossover in the unorthodox schedule department. Both jobs are also performative, you have to be comfortable with putting yourself out there in front of a lot of people, every day.
And as a former ballet star, how has your background in the performing arts influenced your fashion choices, particularly when selecting dresses for on-air appearances?
Well, I am partial to short dresses that show a little leg, ha. But no one can see our legs on the anchor desk, only when we do standing shots on the set.
As a proud half-Cuban woman who speaks fluent Spanish, do you have particular cultural influences that shape your style choices, especially when selecting dresses for important occasions?
I can't wear them on air, but I love a flirty dress with some ruffles when going out. I have a vintage Flamenco dress from Spain that I treasure. My style when I'm off-duty runs more bohemian than what I wear to work. I love long skirts, batik prints, and flowing silhouettes.
Balancing Comfort and Professionalism: News broadcasting often requires long hours. How do you balance comfort with the need to maintain a professional appearance? Are there specific fabrics or styles you prefer for those long days?
I also like stretchier, body con fabrics. You have to be able to move and breathe. You can often be on the anchor desk for a straight three or more hours of live news. I also keep a pair of heels in a drawer at my desk and run around the newsroom in a cute pair of flats. Most of the women are wearing sneakers or flats under the anchor desk.
Looking Ahead: Tell us about your new anchor role on W-ABC Channel 7 Eyewitness News and your goals on the horizon? What are your aspirations for the future, both personally and professionally?
We are incredibly thrilled and inspired to see a remarkable woman like you choosing ONE33 Social for your on-air appearances. Could you share what draws you to our brand?
While presenting the news I need to portray authenticity and authority while keeping it current. ONE33 Social has a knack for taking a classic look and making it fresher and more fun. That's exactly what I need for my job.