Samantha Rivera Joins WMAQ Chicago As Sports Anchor And Reporter

NBCUniversal’s WMAQ Chicago has added bilingual journalist Samantha Rivera as sports anchor and reporter for NBC 5 News. Rivera, who is scheduled to debut on WMAQ in late September, will also collaborate on sports coverage for Telemundo Chicago and NBC Sports Chicago.

“As a Chicagoland native, Samantha is passionate and knowledgeable about our region’s sports, teams and athletes,” said John Schippman, VP of sports content at NBCUniversal Local Chicago. “Her dynamic coverage and unique perspective make her an excellent addition to our already talented team. We look forward for her to begin contributing to NBC 5, as well as Telemundo Chicago and NBC Sports Chicago.”

Before this, Rivera was the bilingual reporter for National Women’s Soccer League’s San Diego Wave FC. Prior to that, she worked at KSWB San Diego as the station’s first and only Latina sports anchor, reporter and producer.

Rivera also covered her hometown sports teams while working at WTVO-WQRF in Rockford, Ill. She also reported on local college sports during her time at WLUC Marquette, Mich.

She is an alumnus of DePaul University in Chicago.