AdminMario Kreutzberger, known worldwide as “Don Francisco,” has entered into a partnership with Telemundo to develop and produce original content and formats targeting Hispanic audiences in the United States and beyond, spanning various platforms.
With a career spanning over 53 years, Kreutzberger has conducted interviews with numerous world leaders, including Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Leveraging his expertise, he will join the Telemundo News team as a special news correspondent, conducting a series of high-profile interviews.
Kreutzberger, an international media icon, is best known as the creator and host of “Giant Saturday,” the longest-running television variety show recognized by the Guinness World Records. Originating in Chile in 1962 on Channel 13, the program became an instant success and remained on the air for an impressive 53 years, reaching audiences in over 42 countries across the Americas and Europe. In September of the previous year, “Giant Saturday” concluded its long and remarkable run.
Beyond his television achievements, Kreutzberger has made significant humanitarian contributions, particularly in support of children’s well-being. Since its establishment in 1978, he has led “TELETON Chile,” an annual telethon that has raised nearly $500 million and facilitated the construction of 13 hospitals, providing essential medical care to over 91,000 children with disabilities.
His dedication to children’s causes led to his appointment as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). In 1998, Kreutzberger founded ORITEL (International Telethon Organization), which coordinates telethons in multiple countries including Chile, Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador, Peru, Guatemala, Honduras, Uruguay, Paraguay, Nicaragua, and Puerto Rico. He currently serves as the Chairman of ORITEL. Moreover, in 2001, he became the vice president of the Muscular Dystrophy Association in the United States.
Mario Kreutzberger has received numerous accolades from both public and private institutions in the United States and Latin America for his contributions to the industry. He has been honored with induction into the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and recognition at the “Museum of Television and Radio.” Furthermore, he has been awarded a special Emmy as a “Leader of Television in Spanish.”