Why award-winning broadcast journalist Rico Hizon cringes at celebrities interviewing celebrities

Award-winning broadcast journalist Rico Hizon candidly expressed his reservations about celebrities interviewing fellow celebrities, stating that he isn’t convinced by the concept.

Over lunch in Taguig City, Rico emphasized that genuine journalists—not celebrities—should be the ones interviewing celebrities and politicians.

"Celebrities and politicians should be interviewed by genuine journalists—the real deal—not by fellow celebrities. That’s what I firmly believe. Today, there are many who call themselves journalists, but the distinction remains important."

"Whenever I see celebrities interviewing other celebrities, I can’t help but be critical. I cringe, especially when the questions are irrelevant, stray off topic, or simply feel inappropriate.

"As a journalist, you must remain objective, fair, and balanced. You shouldn’t show excessive admiration or lose your composure," Rico added.

Broadcast journalist Rico Hizon

Reflecting on the future of journalism, Rico admitted his concerns about the rise of fake news and the growing number of citizen journalists.

"We must fight against fake news platforms. We need to persevere and keep doing what we do best. Matira ang matibay. As traditional journalists, we must adapt to the times, continue writing our stories, and report with genuine storytelling—then tailor that approach for various platforms.

"We have to keep fighting—we can’t quit now. Otherwise, citizen journalists without proper training will surpass us. We studied journalism ethics for a reason. So what if others get a million views and I only get 100,000 or 200,000? What matters is that I know I did my job as a journalist," he added.

Rico reminisced about being content as an international broadcast journalist until his father encouraged him to return home.

"When my father turned 90, he asked me, 'Rico, when are you coming back? Your mom is gone.' He was all alone. Initially, I decided not to return because another opportunity came up. I wanted to remain an international news anchor.

"But eventually, I came home for him. That’s when I joined CNN Philippines in 2020. His birthday is on March 19. We planned to surprise him, but instead, we were caught off guard by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). We couldn’t celebrate because of the lockdown.

"Before coming home, I had already secured a contract with CNN Philippines. I wanted everything in place—I didn’t want to return without a job lined up. Everything was set.

"My father is now 98 and remains sharp and lucid—he even remembers how much I owe him! He recalls countless details. Our family is in the real estate business in Pampanga, and I’ve served as a consultant for our family business," Rico shared.

Rico is married to Melanie Syquia. In September 2023, they renewed their vows after 25 years of marriage. Their son, Migo, is now 21. Rico says he supports his son in whatever path he chooses.

"He’s studying Psychology and Marketing at Santa Clara University. He’s a junior now, but he also sings, raps, and dreams of joining showbiz—maybe after graduation. Last year, while on vacation, he visited ABS-CBN with me and met the Pinoy Big Brother winners, including his cousin Ralph De Leon. I think he’s attracted to the limelight too," he shared.

Rico Hizon (left) and actor Coco Martin

Now at 60, Rico says he has no plans to retire from broadcasting, drawing inspiration from his father to keep going.

"I’m officially a senior citizen, but I still interview people and ask tough questions. People say you should retire at 60 or 65, travel, and enjoy life,

"Maybe I take after my dad—he’s still working at 98. I’ll keep working and pursuing my passion for journalism. I don’t see myself retiring anytime soon," he said.

Currently, Rico hosts two shows: the weekly business talk show "Beyond Exchange" and "Rated R: The Rico Hizon Podcast." He also serves as a consultant for SM Investments.

Given the opportunity, Rico said he’d love to teach again. "I taught at DLSU during my early years with GMA News and would welcome the chance to return, even if just for one class. Recently, I spoke at La Salle Greenhills’ commencement exercises, and I’ve also spoken at La Salle Taft and UP Visayas. We’ll see what the future holds."