Jack Rico

Jack Rico is a host, journalist, film critic and podcaster. Born and raised in Queens, New York, of Colombian parents, Jack made journalism history when he became part of the founding on-air anchors that launched Univision's Al Despertar in 1999, the first Spanish-language morning newscast in New York City. During this period, Jack appeared on the popular radio morning program 'The Luis Jimenez Show' on Univision Radio, wrote a monthly film column for People En Español magazine, hosted a film criticism segment on Telemundo NY, and founded ShowBizCafe, a Latinx pop culture website. In 2010, Jack broke into English-language television on 'VH1's Big Morning Buzz Live' as a film and tv contributor, then quickly became a familiar face on NBC's 'Today Show,' as a cultural pundit. Jack later embarked on hosting NBC and Telemundo's Emmy-nominated series, 'Consumer 101' in both English and Spanish. Jack also hosts two podcasts, 'Highly Relevant,' and 'Brown and Black'. Both explore the intersectionality of race and pop culture in America. Jack has received several awards including, the Associated Press, El Diario 'EL' Award and The Ace Award. He is a member of the Television Academy, Broadcast Film Critics Association, LEJA (The Latino Entertainment Journalists Association), and the New York Film Critics Online. Jack was the founder and Chairman of ¡Viva Broadway,! the Hispanic initiative of The Broadway League.