Diego Castellanos is definitely a broadcast pioneer. He started in broadcasting in 1954 when he hosted a Spanish language radio program over WCAM, 1310 in Camden, New Jersey.

However, he is probably best known for being the producer and star (Diego likes the word host) of "Puerto Rican Panorama." The program, carried all these years over Channel 6 in Philadelphia, started when the station was using the call letters of WFIL-TV (owned by Triangle Publications). Shortly thereafter, Capital Cities purchased the TV outlet and the program remained in the schedule and has done so under later owners of ABC and now Disney. Although broadcast in English, this weekly show deals exclusively with Hispanic issues and Latin culture. This uninterrupted presence makes it the world's longest-running television show of its type. No small feat.

It normally airs three times per week and thus exposing the show to three different types of audiences and demographics. Castellanos is also co-anchor (usually paired with Wally Kennedy) of the live telecast of Philadelphia's annual Puerto Rican Parade on WPVI. He has also co-anchored the Comcast telecast of the Trenton Puerto Rican Parade.

Castellanos, a member of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia, is a native of Puerto Rico who has lived in the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area most of his life. He is a graduate of the New Jersey Military Academy, holds a M.A. from Montclair State University, and a doctorate in education at Fairleigh Dickinson University. He received his journalism training at Marquette University in Milwaukee.

He has worked as a print reporter, columnist, and editor in both Spanish and English publications including the Camden Courier-Post. In fact, he served as president of the Burlington County Press Association. Dr. Castellanos is a published author. One of his books, "The Best of Two Worlds," has been used as a required text at several colleges. He has taught at three New Jersey universities. Dr. Castellanos has also worked in the field of public education in both administrative and regulatory capacities.

Diego served in the New Jersey National Guard for ten years and was honorably discharged as a commissioned officer. He is a licensed pilot and plays the guitar. He is married to Pamela Leggio and they have three children. Diego also has children from a previous marriage.

On Friday, November 22, 2002, Diego Castellanos was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia's "Hall of Fame" at a ceremony at the Bala Golf Club in the Wynnefield section of Philadelphia, just a couple of blocks from Channel 6.