MARTINSVILLE, VA – Luis Romero, a versatile figure at BTW21, took center stage on Friday evening as he bid a heartfelt farewell to his "BTW21 News Weekend Review" audience after an illustrious tenure spanning nearly seven years.
Renowned for his journalistic ethos marked by a blend of respect, compassion, and versatility, Romero embarked on his journey with BTW21 in November 2017, initially serving as a behind-the-scenes multimedia journalist.
In 2018, Romero's talent and dedication propelled him to the role of weekday news anchor for the coveted "BTW21 News at 5 PM," while simultaneously contributing as a reporter.
Throughout his tenure, Romero demonstrated a willingness to immerse himself in all facets of television production, seamlessly transitioning between roles as needed, from photographer to production assistant, and even sports announcer.
Prior to his tenure at the news station, Romero co-founded WMHS8, a pioneering online news broadcast at Martinsville High School in 2015, setting the stage for his subsequent collaboration with our former weatherman Dustin Staples.
Undeterred by challenges, Romero's passion for broadcasting led him to expand the station's programming with the creation and production of original talk-show-style programs such as "The Romero Report" and "LIVE with Luis Romero," which quickly became flagship shows on the channel.
He facilitated the hosting of local area parades and covered Henry County high schools' prom red carpet events for several years, collaborating with various recognizable co-hosts.
During election seasons, Romero extended invitations to all political candidates to appear on his shows, skillfully moderating sometimes intense, yet consistently professional televised debates.
Additionally, he led comprehensive election night coverage, delivering the fastest and most accurate results among stations in the Martinsville-Henry County area.
In addition to his primary responsibilities, he initiated the launch of the station's latest website in 2018 and authored over 2,700 news articles, collectively garnering over 7 million reads.
Romero's outstanding contributions were recognized through prestigious accolades, including the Virginia School Board Association Media Honor Roll award presented by both Henry County Public Schools in 2018 and 2021, as well as Martinsville City Public Schools in 2022.
Furthermore, he was honored with the Adam & Alison Award for Media Excellence in 2022, underscoring his exceptional coverage and dedication to journalistic excellence.
Friday also marked the final broadcast of the "Weekend Review" news show, which was created by Romero and showcased the week’s most viewed news stories.
He plans to transition to a new role within a local school system.
As Romero embarks on a new chapter, his legacy of highlighting positive community initiatives and amplifying authentic stories will continue to resonate through "Your Neighborhood Network," leaving an indelible mark on the local broadcasting landscape.