WLS Chicago News Ups Virginia Matos To Daypart Executive Producer

At ABC O&O WLS Chicago, Virginia Matos was promoted to daypart executive producer, overseeing its linear newscasts at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

“Virginia Matos is an ABC 7 success story,” said Jennifer Graves, WLS vice president of news. “It’s gratifying that someone who started here as an intern, worked hard and rose through the ranks is now leading the way in such an important role for our newsroom. Her energy and keen understanding of Chicago will continue to be wonderful assets for us.”

Matos started at WLS in 2000 as an intern and was quickly hired as a desk assistant while still studying at Columbia College. In 2002, she left Chicago for WTVO Rockford, Ill., to produce the 5 p.m. news there. Just two years later, in 2004, Matos returned to WLS as a news writer/fill-in producer. In 2019, she took the reins of the 4:30 p.m. newscast.

As part of her new role as daypart executive producer, Matos will work to connect ABC 7’s digital team with the station’s newsgathering efforts.