Adapted from materials provided by Cox Media Group
JACKSONVILLE, FL — Sagrado alumna Karen Taffanelli has been named Anchor and Executive Producer of Noticias Jacksonville, the first and only local Spanish-language news service serving Northeast Florida. In her new role, she will lead the newsroom’s editorial direction and oversee the production of the newscast for the region’s Hispanic community.
Originally from Bayamón, Puerto Rico, Taffanelli brings more than 17 years of experience in the U.S. media industry. Throughout her career, she has led the development and launch of several news operations for major television companies.
Before joining Noticias Jacksonville, she created and produced Noticias Tampa Hoy for Nexstar Broadcasting, the company’s first Spanish-language newscast in Tampa. The program received an Edward R. Murrow Award during its first year on the air. More recently, she led the transformation of Telemundo Abilene, a project that earned two Telly Awards (Gold and Bronze) for production excellence.
Taffanelli is a graduate of Universidad del Sagrado Corazón, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Journalism. She officially assumed her new position in March 2026.
Her appointment comes as Spanish-language local news continues to expand in Northeast Florida, reflecting the region’s growing Hispanic population. Through this new role, Taffanelli continues to contribute her experience in developing news operations that serve Spanish-speaking communities across the United States.
About the Newscast
Noticias Jacksonville premiered on May 4. Taffanelli will work alongside News Producer and alumni José Colón Rodríguez, to ensure that the Hispanic population of Northeast Florida receives high-quality information in their language, once again demonstrating that Puerto Rican talent knows no borders when paired with education and determination.