In the ever- changing world of media, Anne Trujillo has shown she has staying power and has been called the “mainstay of Channel 7’s evening news.” Notably, Anne seems to have it “all good” in every area of her life - career, marriage and children. She’s also there and present for many non-profits in the community; and when asked to help give a voice to an important cause or emcee an event, Anne says: “There are so many great non-profits in this community, you just can’t say no.”
Anne started her broadcasting career at a Denver radio station in 1978. From there, Anne moved up to television stations in Scottsbluff and Omaha, Nebraska, and came back to us in 1984 at KMGH 7News. Anne is happy to say: “It's a privilege to live and work in the state where I grew up."
Always so warm, poised and consistent, Anne’s fans have commented: “Anne Trujillo has a comforting way of bringing the news to us.” Along with her striking beauty – Anne Trujillo has won a place in the hearts of many evening news viewers with her upbeat personality and her professional, straight-forward news reporting.
Anne Trujillo has proven to be a vibrant force in the world of the Denver media. Anne represents the best there is in Colorado broadcasting. As heard said by Anne last week after she reported a positive news event – “That’s pretty impressive...” It’s also a good way to describe the charming Anne Trujillo!
Anne, you emcee at many non-profit fundraising events. How many do you emcee a year, and what are some of the organizations you have worked with year after year? I’ve never taken the time to count! Sometimes it’s 2 or 3 a week, sometimes none. I am particular about which events & organizations I choose to support based on the value they provide to the community. I work with Kempe because of its programs that can change and improve the lives of children and families. I support Escuela de Guadalupe, a dual language K-5 Catholic school in Denver. It has an impressive track record of success. Plus, you walk into that school and you fall in love with the children! I also support Community Ministry, a food and clothing bank in Southwest Denver. It’s an organization that makes sense to me: 22 churches in the area decided to pull their resources together, and they provide to their neighbors. They’ve been doing this for 40 years. I support Clinica Tepeyac, a clinic that provides healthcare on a sliding scale to people who have no insurance. There are so many more great organizations like The Nathan Yip Foundation, Centro San Juan Diego... The Denver Rescue Mission… I could go on.
When you are out and about, can you tell that people recognize you? Sometimes people will say hi Anne… as though we are old friends. I like that. Sometimes people will look at me a little funny and I know they can’t place my face; or they say where do I know you?
Describe your dynamics with your on-screen team? Seems like you have great chemistry – and a lot of fun…. Let’s just say I have to reign in the boys every once in a while—especially Lionel! He loves to tell outrageous stories and quote crazy movie lines during the commercial breaks which keeps us laughing!
Who is the wisest person you know, and what advice did they give you? My parents, Ralph & Erlinda Trujillo, were always my guides. They provided a strong moral compass and pushed education and a strong work ethic.
How do you deal with a news story that is really heartbreaking? I am asked this question quite frequently. Sometimes I will watch the story before it airs on 7News so I can “process” the story. That is the advantage of working in a newsroom with compassionate people - you can talk about a story before it airs to help understand the impact it may have on viewers.
Anne, your warmth seems to come through in every one of your broadcasts; are you ever in a bad mood when you go on the air?
Like anyone, I have good days and not so good days. Truthfully, I try to see the good in everything and everyone. If something is bothering me, I can put it aside when I am on the air because I choose to not let anything interfere with my job.
What is something no one knows about you?
I have a brown belt in karate.
Do you still experience any “butterflies” right before you go on the air?
Absolutely! Our broadcasts are live, and that means anything can happen and I have to be prepared and on my toes. I have great respect for 7News viewers and want everything to be right.
What do you do to stay so fit?
I work out frequently and keep it varied—I do karate, some boxing, use kettle bells, run the stairs at Red Rocks on occasion. I have a great group of exercise friends, including my husband, and we try to keep each other motivated.
Okay, Anne, you have the most gorgeous hair on tv; can you share the name of your hair stylist with us?
Just last week, I was in a shopping mall parking lot getting out of my car and a woman came running at me across the parking lot, and she said, I saw your hair and it is so shiny, what do you use?? I alternate using different shampoos. I use one for a couple of days and then switch to another, and so on. I always use conditioner. I also get a great haircut from Ric Watson who I went to in Cherry Creek for years.. and now he works out of his home.
You always look fabulous; what make-up line do you usually wear?
I use a hodgepodge of cosmetics. You know how you find a variety of products over the years and mix and match? That’s’ what I do! I use Gerda Spillman as a base, Bare Minerals eye shadow, Lancome eyeliner, Merle Norman lipstick, MAC lipstick, Bobbi Brown face powder. I also use some Arbonne and MaryKay products.
What’s changing in your industry these days?
Everything! The technology is constantly changing and that is a challenge. However, the basics of reporting have stayed the same: people tell us they want to know what’s happening in their communities, they want a straightforward approach, and they want the truth. That’s what we strive to do every day.
Would you like to do reporting that involves more commentary?
No, I have no interest in commentary. I strongly believe in laying out the facts for viewers so they can form their own opinions.
What would you like to be doing 10 years from now?
That depends on my 401k!
What’s a magazine you couldn’t live without?
I glance through a lot of magazines, but right now, I really like MORE Magazine. It’s for women in the 40+ range.
What is your favorite book of all time?
That’s not a fair question! I love books and am usually reading 3 or 4 at a time. Right now I am reading Team of Rivals, Hot, Flat and Crowded, and Blink. I love The Alchemist, East of Eden, anything by Isabel Allende, Jane Austen.
What is your best childhood memory?
I was born in Santa Fe New Mexico and moved to Colorado when I was 10. I have great memories of spending time with my grandparents in their adobe homes in Santa Fe during the hot, dry summers. It was such a small town then and we’d walk to the plaza and take in the smells of roasting green chile and fresh tortillas!
When not working, how do like to spend your time?
With my family. I easily work 50+hours a week and so my time off is precious. My husband Mike and I are recent empty nesters and we’ve really enjoyed getting to know one another again after years of chasing our kids to school events and hockey and soccer games. Both of our kids are at CSU so we also like to meet up with them for dinner.
What “uncharted waters” would you like to explore?
My own personal uncharted waters—which means seeing the world. There are so many places I need to see—this year I’ll be traveling to Spain & China.
What gives you hope for the future?
Just today I read to some third graders at Schmitt Elementary and they were just beaming with excitement for life and learning. This is just a small example of what gives me hope.
