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Draft:Steve Hunsicker

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Stephen Hunsicker (born December 28, 1959), better known as Steve Hunsicker is an American television producer, author, and former Peace Corps volunteer known for his work in broadcast journalism and international media production. He has had a diverse career spanning television news, international volunteering, and film production.

Early Life and Education

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Steve Hunsicker grew up moving around frequently[1]. He attended high school in Lexington, Virginia and later graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism[1][2].He also holds a Certificate in Broadcast Management from Northwestern University and a green belt in Lean Six Sigma. [3][4] He is also a licensed drone pilot.[4]

Television News Career

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Hunsicker began his television career in 1984 at WTXL-TV in Tallahassee, Florida. Over the next 23 years, he worked his way up through various newsrooms across the United States. [1] [2]

Some of his key positions included:

- News Director at WTVC (ABC) in Chattanooga, Tennessee [3][2] During his tenure at WTVC, Hunsicker won the Edward R. Murrow Award for Spot News.[5] On February 14, 1996, Hunsicker created and launched newschannel9.com, one of the first websites for a TV Station in the USA.

Steve Hunsicker
Steve Hunsicker, Executive Producer at the premiere of "The Gringa & the Musician" in Pucallpa, Peru

- Executive News Director at WPEC (CBS) in West Palm Beach, Florida[3][2] As Executive News Director at WPEC, Hunsicker was responsible for overseeing more than 8 hours of live news programming daily across two TV stations. While at WPEC, the station received the Service to America Award from the National Association of Broadcasters [6]

His career in television news allowed him to cover major events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, papal visits, presidential activities, the Super Bowl, the World Series, Space Shuttle launches, political conventions, and numerous hurricanes[1]

Peace Corps Service

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In a significant career shift, Hunsicker left his position in television news to volunteer with the Peace Corps in 2007. He served as a business development volunteer in the Kingdom of Tonga for over two years. [7][2] During his service, Hunsicker:

- Assisted over 500 small business owners in starting or expanding their businesses

- Created websites for four Tongan businesses

- Tutored students on business topics at the University of the South Pacific

- Produced several videos, including one for Peace Corps to explain Tonga to incoming volunteers

After completing his volunteer service, Hunsicker became the South Florida recruiter for the Peace Corps, a position he held for 8 years[1] In 2016, the University of Miami named Hunsicker its Recruiter of the Year. In 2018 the University presented the Patricia Toppel Award to Hunsicker.[8]

"Peruanos en el Mundo"

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Since 2015, Hunsicker has been involved with "Peruanos en el Mundo," a weekly travel show that airs nationwide in the USA, Canada, and Peru. [9][2] As the Executive Producer of the show, Hunsicker has traveled to more than 60 countries, showcasing Peruvians living abroad and introducing their adopted countries[1][2].

Film Production

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Hunsicker has expanded his career into film production. He serves as the Executive Producer for "The Gringa and the Musician," a feature film directed by Roberto Pazos.[4] Hunsicker not only served as Executive Producer but also shot interviews and drone footage for the film. This marks Hunsicker's debut in feature film production.

Film Festival Involvement

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Hunsicker has been actively involved in various film festivals: -Since 2023, Executive Producer of "Filmed in Peru," a showcase of Peruvian films with editions in Miami and New York.[3]

- Co-manager of the April 2024 OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival in Miami[10]

- Since 2024, Peru Programmer for the Miami Film Festival[11]

Writing

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Hunsicker has authored three books: 1. "Steve's Adventure with the Peace Corps: Stories from the Kingdom of Tonga" (2011) - A chronological account of his Peace Corps experience.[2]

2. "Tonga (Other Places Travel Guide)" (2011) - Co-authored with Jason Schneider[12]

3. "One Photo - One Story: From More Than 60 Countries Around the World" - A collection of stories based on photographs from his travels[12]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Miami, Global Ties (2021-03-04). "Global Ties Miami is proud to feature member, and veteran Peace Corps volunteer, Steve Hunsicker…". Medium. Retrieved 2024-12-15.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "Barnes & Noble: Steve's Adventure with the Peace Corps".
  3. ^ a b c d Peru, Filmed in. "Filmed in Peru". Filmed in Peru. Retrieved 2024-12-15.
  4. ^ a b c "FILMMAKERS". The Gringa Movie. Retrieved 2024-12-15.
  5. ^ "RTDNA Murrow Winner Search". murrow.rtdna.org. 2001. Retrieved 2024-12-15.
  6. ^ Foundation, NAB Leadership. "NAB Leadership Foundation - Celebration of Service to America Awards". NAB Leadership Foundation. Retrieved 2024-12-15.
  7. ^ Holsman, Melissa (05/03/2007). "WPEC news director quits job to join Peace Corps". {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  8. ^ "Toppel Awards | Toppel Career Center | University of Miami". hireacane.miami.edu. Retrieved 2024-12-15.
  9. ^ "Contacto". Pazos TV. Retrieved 2024-12-15.
  10. ^ Magazine, Hotspots (2024-10-09). "OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival Announces New Combined Fall Edition | Hotspots! Magazine". Retrieved 2024-12-15.
  11. ^ "The Festivals". Miami Film Festival. Retrieved 2024-12-15.
  12. ^ a b "Steve Hunsicker". www.goodreads.com. Retrieved 2024-12-15.