Elena LaQuatra, who lost 100% of her hearing to bacterial meningitis when she was four, has been promoted to morning traffic reporter and noon anchor at WTAE, Hearst’s ABC in Pittsburgh.
Elena LaQuatra, who lost 100% of her hearing to bacterial meningitis when she was 4, has been promoted to morning traffic reporter and noon anchor at WTAE, Hearst’s ABC affiliate in Pittsburgh.
LaQuatra credits cochlear implant technology and enrollment in the DePaul School for Hearing and Speech for her ability to listen and speak.
“I am 100% deaf in both ears and I have never let that stop me from pursuing my goal of becoming a journalist,” LaQuatra says. “I am a firm believer if the brain can conceive it, you can achieve it — and this is my dream come true.”
LaQuatra, who grew up in Mt. Lebanon, a suburb of Pittsburgh, was crowned Miss Pennsylvania USA in 2016. LaQuatra has spent the last three years as a general assignment reporter, and filling in as a traffic reporter for the last few months.
LaQuatra’s new position with Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 This Morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. and Pittsburgh’s Action News at Noon with meteorologist Jeff Verszyla starts Dec. 13.
“Elena’s engaging personality and energy in the morning is infectious,” says Jim Parson, WTAE’s news director. “Traffic and weather are two of the most important reasons viewers count on us in the morning. Elena and meteorologist Ashley Dougherty are a dynamic team, one Pittsburghers can enjoy watching and depend on every morning.”
“I am thrilled with my new role at Pittsburgh’s Action News 4! WTAE Channel 4 has been my station since I was a little girl,” LaQuatra says. “I am truly honored to carry on the station’s long-standing tradition of serving the people of southwestern Pennsylvania.”
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