Variety Act Miami #19: Meet Liane Morejon, Emmy-Winning Reporter for WPLG Local 10 News.
Headliner, storyteller, and au courant savant.
Buenas tardes! Welcome to issue number 19 of Variety Act Miami—the very last issue of 2021.
I’m your compère, Natalie Guevara, and if you’re as observant as I am, you’ll notice this is hitting your inbox late! (Substack has been experiencing publishing bugs all day today; sometimes all a Virgo can do is sit back and let Jesus take the wheel). It’s Friday evening, so hit play on your Going Out playlist and let’s stick this landing.
For our grand finale, I’m pleased to introduce you all to Liane Morejon, Emmy-winning reporter for WPLG Local 10 News, mom, and a native daughter of Coral Gables. Liane and I go way back, as most Miami Catholic school girls do, and I’ve always felt she had a special calling towards telling stories, communicating with audiences, and thinking on her feet while doing so. It’s no surprise she’s risen through the ranks of Local 10 to become one of their most remarkable on-air journalists, recently winning a Suncoast Emmy Award for her role in her team’s coverage of the Parkland tragedy. Liane is clear as a bell, curious and charismatic, nimble, and empathetic—all the qualities of a broadcast legend in the making.
Read on for Liane’s insights into building her broadcasting career, growing up a South Florida girl, and, por supuesto, her Miami favorites.
MEET LIANE MOREJON, EMMY-WINNING REPORTER FOR WPLG LOCAL 10 NEWS.
On her earliest memory of “turning it on” for the camera:
There are definitely some early home videos of me somewhere dancing or singing or reciting things. I also used to record a pretend radio show with my best friend on cassette when I was a kid. The radio station call letters were WLIL, because my nickname back then was “Lili.” I also remember “turning it on” for dance recitals and competitions.
On her career trajectory and early inclinations that she’d be doing exactly what she’s doing now:
I think I’ve always been keenly aware of my strengths and weaknesses. I never saw myself going into a math or science-related field, even though biology and chemistry have always fascinated me. I usually excelled at English and really anything requiring public speaking.
Getting lots of internships in the summers during my high school years helped me narrow down what communications field attracted me the most. Ultimately, my internship at Galavision/Univision the summer I started college led me to fall in love with television broadcasting and the news operation.
I should have known, though. I was a kid who loved watching 20/20 with Barbara Walters and Hugh Downs. I always marveled at the amount of information presented and how they were able to get it. Same goes for the nightly news and Dateline-type shows.
On broadcasters she grew up admiring:
As I mentioned before, I remember watching Barbara Walters on 20/20, Diane Sawyer, Joan Lunden, Katie Couric—those were the TV women who stood out to me growing up. Not to mention, Ann Bishop and Laurie Jennings, just to name a few locally. These were women I saw on TV and thought, Wow! The news just always had a sense of urgency and importance to me and those were just some of the women I saw telling those stories, which was inspiring.
As an adult, I’ve been a huge fan of Brooke Baldwin when she was on CNN. She’s gone on to pursue some personal projects, but I always admired the way she was able to connect with viewers through the lens. Strong, authentic, unafraid of her own vulnerability, and a wonderful storyteller—all qualities I wish to emulate. Clarissa Ward and really anyone who reports in war zones and other perilous places overseas… their bravery inspires awe in me.
On the classic “broadcaster voice” and how one obtains it:
I think it’s a combination of paying attention to enunciation and being a product of your environment. I personally never took any formal training to work on my voice, but some people do. Particularly when trying to remove any traces of a regional accent. I don’t think I have too strong of a “Miami accent,” but if I did and went to work elsewhere, that’s probably something I would work on. The goal is not to distract the viewer.
On what’s unique about covering South Florida, particularly when you’re a native:
You know how there are stories or headlines that you read and people think, That could only have happened in Florida…? Well, there’s a very special subset of those stories that makes you think, That could only have happened in Miami.
Covering the place I grew up in makes me realize how connected we are, and yet so many of us are stuck in our silos—so many communities never intermingle with others or understand the way others live. I’m blessed that my job takes me to every corner of my city—as well as my county, my region, even beyond—to explore and learn from all types of people firsthand.
My favorite stories to tell are feature stories that profile a particular person or group. Everyone has a story, and it both humbles and excites me to be the one to try and capture it.
On what it felt like to win an Emmy, and notably so early in her career:
I don’t care what anyone says—bringing home a nice statuette in recognition of hard work is always a nice thing. That being said, when I look back and think about what a “job well done” entails, it’s never quantified by which story won me an award.
On how she unwinds after a particularly heavy or tragic news day:
Sometimes it isn’t easy. I once covered three mass shootings—on the ground in each city—within six months (Las Vegas, Sutherland Springs, TX, and Parkland). After each, I would come home and sob. You can’t bottle up the energy and the feelings that you accumulate from stuff like that. It’s unnatural.
The fact that I’m able to come home and “disconnect” from news that is heavy is an immense privilege that I remind myself how lucky I am to have regularly. But it’s important to do that for your own sanity.
Having a partner that’s willing to actually listen to you when you want to vent is crucial. My daughter’s laughs and hugs help, too.
On a recent news story that she’s especially proud of:
Most recently, I profiled some local Latino musicians who lent their talents to the Encanto soundtrack, one of whom is an old friend high school. It was so cool to showcase someone who is living his dream, while also telling the story of Latino representation in a mainstream Disney movie. Any story that informs, creates change or raises awareness of an important issue is something I’m proud of.
On balancing the broadcast grind with raising a family and maintaining a personal life:
It’s pretty simple: Tomorrow is a new day and a fresh chance for a better one.
On a Coral Gables neighborhood staple she’s glad still exists:
Hillstone, for sure! I know it used to be Houston’s but, name change aside, it’s still so good.
The Youth Center brings back great childhood memories of summer camp (and it’s the site of my first real kiss!). It’s nice to see it’s still there.
On her cultural diet:
We just started watching Landscapers on HBO and we’re definitely in!
We’ve also been watching the new Dexter reboot on Showtime and hoping it helps wash away the stench of that terrible series finale.
Curb Your Enthusiasm, Bob’s Burgers, and Last Week Tonight (although now they’re on hiatus) are Sunday staples.
My guilty pleasures are YouTube drama channels and TikTok.
On what she’s up to at 8 am on a Monday:
I’m getting my daughter ready for school.
On where we find her at 7 pm on a Saturday:
I’m eating dinner at home with my daughter and my fiancé, hopefully drinking some wine while doing so.
On the five iconic Miamians, living or dead, she would invite to a dinner party:
This one’s hard!
Celia Cruz, because—do I really need to say?—what a life! And career!
Dan Le Batard, because I love his “a sports show that’s so much more than a sports show” approach. He made a living being unapologetically authentic. (Although parenthood has made listening to the show a little more difficult as of late.)
Billy Corben, because I would love to discuss storytelling and filmmaking. Plus, he’s extremely opinionated and an interesting person with such a clear view in the way he sees this city.
Zoo Miami’s Ron Magill, because he’s the nicest guy ever, and knows a ton about animals and the world! As discussed on a recent episode of Curb, I think he’d make a great “middle”—that is the person seated in the middle of the table that helps bridge conversation between all parties at the dinner party.
Lastly, I would invite Craig David. Did you know he owned a Miami penthouse up until recently? I would invite him just to tell him that Born To Do It was and still is one of my favorite albums.
LIANE’S MIAMI FAVORITES.
Miami anthem (current or classic!): Let’s face it, it’s “booty music,” right? Anything classified as “Miami bass”? Okay, okay… it’s “El Burrito Sabanero.” You know, the version they play on Power96 every Christmas. Is that better?
Miami movie: The Birdcage, for sure! I can watch that movie a million times and still crack up.
Restaurants & bars: Parenthood has made me tragically “out of touch,” but not too long ago—in another life—I was living in Brickell and going to Better Days for Trivia Night, Baby Jane for cocktails, or Sweet Caroline for karaoke.
Hillstone is a classic in the Gables for a good vibe and great food.
La Crepe Bistro in South Miami has the most delicious mushroom crêpe I’ve ever tried. I walked in on a whim last month and still think about it.
Chill-N Nitrogen ice cream for a silky-smooth, sweet treat and a science show that delights my two-year-old.
Cafés, diners, bakeries, & ventanitas: Pinecrest Bakery (open 24 hours!). La Boulangerie for quiche and croissants. Versailles for your cortadito with leche evaporada.
The Great Outdoors: Any beach north of 23rd Street is usually good, less crowded, and has more families (if that’s what you’re looking for).
My mom had a lovely cabana at Crandon Park a while back—it’s a great escape from over-crowded areas.
Cultural centers, art shops, performance spaces & bookstores: Books & Books is a local treasure.
The Arsht Center brings the best theater and stage performances from around the country—even the world—to our backyard.
Tower Theater for indie premieres and Miami Film Fest flicks.
Small businesses: Modern Image by Candy just did our Christmas portraits, and she is so talented with kids.
Goin’ Bananas decorated for my daughter’s birthday and transformed our backyard into a magical Halloween-themed Sesame Street… and they came to pick things up.
Children’s entertainment: Zoo Miami, hands down. Hand feeding lettuce to a giraffe is fun no matter how old you are!
Shopping: I love Aria Rose boutique in the Gables when I need a cute outfit or gift, and they have an online shop, too, which is super convenient.
Maruchi on Bird Road is one of my favorites, too, for clothes—huge selection. I feel like you’ll always find something there.
Grooming & beauty: @VeronicaInness in Miami Beach or Megan @theHairBarista in Pinecrest for hair. They’re both so sweet, and they are incredible at what they do! I would still go to Veronica, but I moved last year to the suburbs and we just couldn’t make things work with logistics and our schedules. Megan has been a wonderful find!
The recommendation you’ll always give to a first-time Miami visitor: Budget extra travel time for traffic; learn enough Spanish to be kind in an unexpected interaction (at least enough to communicate that you’re not fluent); and remember, there’s more to Miami than the Beach!
THANKS, LIANE!
Follow Liane’s meticulous coverage of South Florida people and happenings on @lianewplg.
Readers, we won’t see each other again until the New Year. Wishing you all happy, healthy and safe holidays with your families and loved ones. Thank you for spending part of your 2021 with Variety Act Miami. Until January… un abrazo!