ESPN Deportes Announces Dream Job: El Reportero Finalists

NEW YORK, Jan. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Six finalists were selected during the six-city tour that drew almost a 1,000 contestants vying for their Dream Job; AT&T Wildcard contestant to be selected by fans for the opportunity participate in the finals

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ESPN Deportes announces the finalists for the second installation of the network's reality series, Dream Job: El Reportero.  Six contestants were selected as finalists during the six-city tour for the chance to win and serve as an ESPN Deportes soccer reporter covering the biggest sporting event in 2010, and to win a brand new 2010 Ford Fusion Sport.  The network will also soon announce details on the AT&T Wildcard that will give a second chance to the runner-ups from each market to compete for a spot on the finals. The wildcard winner will be selected by fans online at ESPNdeportes.com and via text for AT&T Mobile subscribers. 

Nearly 1,000 hopefuls turned out for the casting tour of Dream Job: El Reportero that over the past three months hit New York, Miami, Chicago, San Diego, Los Angeles and Dallas.  Throughout the journey, ESPN Deportes, their judging panel, along with the program's marketing partners Ford, AT&T, Infinity Auto Insurance and Burger King had the opportunity to interact with hundreds of fans many with extraordinary storylines and the dream of becoming the network's next reporter.  

The finalists for the 2009 Dream Job: El Reportero are: Ernesto Miranda (New York), Joseph van Wyk (Miami), Andres Arias (Chicago), Rafael Luna (San Diego), Dhaniel Sanchez (Los Angeles) and Daniela Rodriguez (Dallas).

The panel of judges that participated in the auditions included ESPN Deportes soccer analysts Mario "El Matador" Kempes, Daniel "El Ruso" Brailovsky, and Tato Noriega; Beisbol Esta Noche host Carolina Guillen, renowned sports journalist David Faitelson, former Mexican boxer and boxing analyst Marco Antonio Barrera, legendary soccer experts Jorge Ramos & Hernan Pereyra, recognized sports reporter Claudia Trejos, host of Futbol Picante and Cronometro Jose Ramon Fernandez, SportsCenter anchors Alejandro Blanco, Tony Cherchi, and Mauricio Pedroza, the 2006 Dream Job winner.

The six finalists, along with the seventh AT&T Wildcard winner, will compete in a series of challenges during three one-hour shows airing on ESPN Deportes in the Spring of 2010, demonstrating they have what it takes to become the next ESPN Deportes reporter.  More details on the Dream Job: El Reportero television series will be announced later this month.

Some interesting facts about the finalists and contestants:

• Hopefuls traveled from all over the U.S. and Latin America;  
• A contestant from North Carolina auditioned in five different cities. He first drove to New York auditions and flew to Chicago, San Diego, Los Angeles and Dallas;
• Los Angeles castings had the largest number of contestants with more than 270 hopefuls;
• The oldest contestant to participate in the auditions is a 77-year-old woman from Miami;  
• The first contestant to audition in New York was selected as the finalist to represent New York;
• Occupations of hopefuls included: servers, cooks, truck drivers, journalists, students, producers, and actors.

ESPN DEPORTES DREAM JOB: EL REPORTERO FINALISTS

About Dream Job: El Reportero

Dream Job: El Reportero is the nationwide search for the ultimate sports fan, ready to take their sports knowledge to the next level as an ESPN Deportes soccer reporter.  The second installation of the reality show allows participants to audition for the opportunity to become part of the network's team and a fixture in the world of sports.  During the six-city tour auditions, contestants were tested on their knowledge of soccer, on-camera presence and rated on their overall smooth reporting style.  The final shows will be hosted by renowned soccer expert Jorge Ramos along a judging panel of some of ESPN Deportes' most recognized sports experts.  The three episode program is slated to air on April 26, May 3, and May 10. For more information, visit dreamjob.espndeportes.com.

SOURCE ESPN Deportes