Governor Spotlight: Los Angeles Area

Conversations with the elected representatives for each Academy peer group

Los Angeles Area governors Stephanie Hampton and Greg Taylor talk about storytelling techniques, local news as a source of community pride and the best advice they've received over the years.

Get to Know Our Los Angeles Area Governors

Click a name below to learn more about our peer-group leaders

Stephanie Hampton

Briefly describe what you do.

I’m a content administrator, producer and talent manager for Spectrum Networks broadcast television stations: Spectrum News 1, Spectrum SportsNet LA, the exclusive network of Los Angeles Dodgers, and Spectrum SportsNet, the exclusive network of the Los Angeles Lakers.

What motivated you to become a governor? 

My motivation to become a governor stemmed from over eight years of collaboration with the L.A. Area Emmys, a lifelong passion for all award shows, especially the Emmys, and a strong desire to serve as a voice for our L.A. Area members. When the opportunity arose, I took it seriously — seeking guidance from past governors, studying the role and ultimately taking the chance to contribute to the Academy!

What are some of your proudest accomplishments or credits? 

I’m most proud of the incredible teams I’ve been part of and the lasting professional and personal relationships we’ve built. Since joining the network in 2012, I’ve contributed — as producer, or in another capacity — to every one of the 150 industry awards we’ve won. Through major transitions, including our evolution from Time Warner Cable Sports to our current Spectrum Networks of News 1 and two sports stations, we’ve maintained our commitment to quality, creativity and honest storytelling, always striving to engage and captivate our audiences.

How do you stay informed about emerging trends and developments within your field, and how has that helped support your peer group? 

Living in Los Angeles, we have the unique privilege of being in a city with so many sports teams. Our exclusive partnership with the Lakers and Dodgers specifically allows us to stay at the forefront of breaking news and provide in-depth, behind-the-scenes content. At Spectrum News 1, we are deeply rooted in the communities we serve, giving them the local insight to deliver accurate, timely coverage. We work closely with our digital and linear teams to maintain active engagement to stay informed.

What do you hope to accomplish for your peer group as a governor? 

I am always excited to encourage new members to join our L.A. Area peer group. Keeping our members engaged in the Academy offers many opportunities to network and collaborate with a diverse group of television professionals. My co-governor and I can gain insight from the Academy and share our PGEC updates, whether it be keeping our L.A. Area rules in alignment, engagement and volunteer opportunities by joining committees.

What do you like most about being a governor at the Television Academy?  

What I like most about being a governor is being in the room, first and foremost. Learning from other peer groups and contributing to the conversation through local news and sports broadcasting with our energy, innovation and community impact. It is so incredibly fun to be a part of the ceremony from the ground up! The production company, the host and the décor — that has been a dream come true!

Greg Taylor

Briefly describe what you do.

I manage a video team that produces in-game entertainment, marketing content and internal requests for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

What motivated you to become a governor? 

Beyond having "governor" on my resume? It's an honor to be part of an organization that recognizes the outstanding work being done in the Los Angeles area. From newscasts starting at the crack of dawn to coverage of live sports leading into the late news and so much more, there are so many hardworking professionals passionate about their work that deserve to be recognized and celebrated.

What are some of your proudest accomplishments or credits? 

I wrote and produced a Dodgers holiday story that was narrated by Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully and featured the voices of the Dodgers’ Tommy Lasorda, Justin Turner and Adrian Gonzalez. The story was inspired by years of watching Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus Is Coming to Town. Using bobbleheads of each of the characters, our director of production, Erick Vazquez, brought the bobbleheads to life. The project turned out great, and one of the most rewarding outcomes was a voicemail I received from Vin, who, after viewing the video, said, "You guys should get an Academy Award for this!” We didn't win an Oscar, but we did win an L.A. Area Emmy for Sports Feature. Thanks, Vin!

How do you stay informed about emerging trends and developments within your field, and how has that helped support your peer group? 

It's tough. I subscribe to many industry-related emails, watch a lot of TV and only hope that some of the information overload that all of us experience these days gives me something that could be beneficial to our peer group.

What do you hope to accomplish for your peer group as a governor? 

I hope that we can continue to see growth in our peer group and give people the opportunity to get involved with the Academy and all that it offers. But more importantly, I think it's critical that we recognize the efforts behind all the great work that is being done.

What do you like most about being a governor at the Television Academy? 

There are some amazing, creative, passionate people working and volunteering for the Television Academy. Getting to know these people and hearing stories of their own experiences are a big benefit of being a governor.