The Mayor’s Press Secretary – Alumnus Anthony Vega

When we are young, we take our first steps into the professional world full of ambition. Over time, the dreams we have for ourselves change or we are changed by them.

Alumnus Anthony Vega ’16 graduated from Rhode Island College with a bachelor’s degree in mass media communication and the dream of becoming a Hollywood reporter. In pursuit of that dream, he spent over 10 years working in the local news industry, mastering his craft.

Last year, Providence’s Director of Communications Josh Estrella ’16 recognized Vega’s expertise as a major asset to the city and hired him as press secretary for Mayor Brett Smiley and the City of Providence.  

In this Q&A, 32-year-old Vega talks about his journey from the newsroom to City Hall.

Let’s talk about beginnings.

I grew up in Hartford, Connecticut. I’m the first in my immediate family to go to college. My dad was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and my mom was born in Philly. Spanish is my first language.

Every kid has a dream. What was yours?

I wanted to become a lawyer because my mom was a paralegal, and I was fascinated with high-profile criminal cases. My mom used to tell me, “You’re going to be either a lawyer or a reporter because you can’t stop talking and you always have to win an argument.”

By the time I enrolled at RIC, my goal had switched from law to Hollywood reporting. I enjoyed watching TV shows like “E-News!” and “Access Hollywood,” and I was intrigued by the lives of celebrities. I wanted to be a red carpet reporter.

However, I quickly realized, once I graduated from RIC, that I should probably get some experience before moving out to California. So, I applied to all the local news outlets.

You were first hired by Channel 6 as assignment editor.

Yes. My job was to stay on top of breaking news. I’d feed stories to the reporters and photographers and I’d pitch story ideas. I closely monitored news feeds; worked with producers to set editorial priorities; and ensured timely, accurate coverage. Basically, I was the point person between the newsroom and the field. I wasn’t going out interviewing people, but I figured if I went this route, I could eventually work my way up and become a reporter.

Why did you move to Channel 10?

They’re the number one station in the market. At both stations, I started out as assignment editor. But Channel 10 was the first to give me the opportunity to do digital reporting on the weekends. That’s when I realized that this form of reporting is what I enjoy most. I eventually transitioned to doing strictly digital content. I did that for Channel 10 and Channel 6.

What happened to your dream of becoming a reporter here and then moving to Hollywood?

Being a local reporter is a tough job. I’ve gone out with them. Reporters have to work a story in rain or snow. They shoot, interview, write, edit, produce the TV script and submit it to the newsroom, and they have all these top people telling them how to spin their story. I much prefer producing digital content.

When I entered the professional world, everything was changing to digital. Prior to that, when you thought of a reporter, you thought of TV reporter. When you thought of red carpet reporting, you thought of TV. But by the time I entered the professional world, everyone was on their phone. They didn’t care about television anymore. This is an evolving industry. My dream has had to evolve with it. 

Spanish is your first language. How have you used that skill in the news industry?

During the COVID pandemic, I pitched the idea of creating a Spanish section on Channel 10’s website. At the time, all the press conferences from the governor, the commissioner and the director of the Rhode Island Department of Health regarding COVID were in English. I felt that my community – the Hispanic community – was not being served. 

I pitched the idea to create a website where the transcripts of the press conferences were in Spanish. I translated them and the stories written by reporters working out of Central Falls and Pawtucket and posted them on the website. I loved the work. When I moved to NBC Boston, I translated their digital news for Telemundo, an NBCUniversal Spanish-language TV network.

And now you’re press secretary for the City of Providence. You’re no longer the reporter asking the questions but answering them. 

I took on this job because I saw it as a challenge and an opportunity. The mayor is very passionate. He cares about the residents. And Providence has a huge Hispanic/Latino population. I want to be of help. The job is challenging because it’s political, and I’m still trying to learn the political language. But I’m slowly building confidence in this arena.

What are your responsibilities?

I answer inquiries from the media. I also need to be with the mayor wherever the media is. Basically, I’m making sure that he’s prepared for whatever they want to ask.

I’m in charge of writing press releases, media advisories, quotes, statements and for turning policy documents into one-pagers for our residents.

The mayor makes three Spanish radio appearances giving an update on what’s happening in the city. I interpret for him on a radio station called Latina.

He is also interviewed on WPRO, NBC10 and WPRI once a month. I record the interviews to make sure they’re not misquoting him or misinterpreting what he’s saying.

I’m also interim public information officer for the Providence Police Department, along with the deputy secretary and communication director. We answer public safety inquiries.

How has your 10+ years of experience in the newsroom helped you in your current role?

Most of the reporters in the city are my friends. Being in the industry for so long, I know their approaches. Some are easy and some are hard-hitting. Before a press conference, I’ll ask the reporters what topics they want to cover with the mayor. Regardless if a reporter is hard-hitting and asks tough questions or not, I always want to make sure that the mayor is prepared.

How have the years changed you?

You have all these dreams when you’re young. Something inside of me changed from being drawn to the world of Hollywood glamor to telling the more human story and having a positive impact on people. When I was younger, I was mesmerized by Hollywood. I think being in the news industry has made me more understanding of people. Listening to people’s stories and struggles, particularly during COVID, I think you become more human. I care more about making a difference. 

This interview has been edited and condensed.

Learn more about RIC’s B.A. in communication.

Also see Q&A with Mayor's Communication Director Josh Estrella ’16.