If you’ve spent any time watching news in South Florida, the name Nespral is basically royalty. You know Jackie. She’s been a fixture on NBC 6 for decades, a trailblazer who was the first Hispanic woman to anchor a network news show. But lately, people have been seeing another Nespral on their screens and social feeds.
Briana Nespral isn't just a coincidence of a last name.
The connection between Briana Nespral and Jackie Nespral is a classic case of the apple not falling far from the tree—or, in this case, the newsroom. Briana is Jackie’s daughter. Specifically, she is one of the four children Jackie shares with her husband, Dr. Armando Hassun Jr. While Jackie has three daughters—Frances, Carolina, and Isabella—and a son, Armando Jr., the name "Briana" often pops up in public searches because she followed her mother’s footsteps directly into the chaotic, fast-paced world of broadcast journalism.
Growing Up in a Media Powerhouse
Honestly, it makes sense. Imagine growing up in a house where your mom is literally the face of Miami news. Most kids might run the other direction to avoid the pressure, but for Briana, it seems the curiosity for storytelling was contagious.
Jackie has always been vocal about her roots in Little Havana and her pride in her Cuban heritage. That same drive was clearly passed down. Briana didn't just get a job because of her name; she put in the work at the same institution that shaped her mother: the University of Miami.
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She was a standout student at UM, diving into the broadcast journalism program. She wasn't just sitting in the back of the class, either. She was active in UMTV, the student-run station, where she started honing the skills of shooting, editing, and reporting. It’s a grueling grind. You’re lugging around heavy cameras in the Florida humidity, trying to meet a deadline for a segment only your classmates might see. But that’s where the "Nespral grit" comes in.
From Student to Professional Reporter
After graduating, Briana didn't just stay in the Miami bubble. She branched out to gain her own experience. She worked as a reporter for CBS4 in Gainesville and later joined WPTV (NBC 5) in West Palm Beach.
Watching her on-air, you can see the similarities. It’s in the poise. There’s a certain way she handles a live shot—calm, clear, and direct—that feels very "Jackie." However, Briana has developed her own style. She’s known for her work on segments like "Food for Families" and her reporting on local community issues that affect everyday Floridians.
Why the Connection Matters
People are naturally curious about "legacy" in any industry. In South Florida, where the community is tight-knit and loyalty to local anchors is fierce, seeing Briana emerge feels like a continuation of a story that started in the 90s when Jackie first took the desk.
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- The UM Connection: Both women are proud Hurricanes.
- The Career Path: They both transitioned from student media to professional newsrooms within the same network affiliates (NBC/Univision circles).
- The Mentorship: Jackie hasn't just been a mom; she’s been a blueprint for how to navigate a career that is notoriously tough on women and even tougher on those trying to balance family life.
The Reality of Being a "Nespral" in the Newsroom
It’s not all glamour. Kinda the opposite. Being the daughter of a legend means people have high expectations the moment you open your mouth on camera. Briana has spoken about the journey—emphasizing the need to be confident, work fast, and pitch stories every single day.
There’s no "coasting" in news. If you can’t write a script on a 20-minute deadline or handle a technical glitch during a live hit, your last name won't save you. Briana has proven she belongs in the chair because of her own "journey to TV," a phrase she’s used to describe her path from being a curious kid asking too many questions to a professional telling the stories of her community.
Beyond the News Desk
When they aren't under the studio lights, the family remains remarkably tight. Jackie often shares glimpses of her "fur babies" and her large family on social media. It’s a very "Miami" life—lots of family gatherings, a deep connection to their Cuban roots, and a lot of support for one another’s careers.
While Briana’s siblings—Frances, Carolina, and Isabella—have pursued their own paths (with some heading into medicine and other fields), Briana remains the one most visible to the public eye because of her media presence.
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Actionable Insights for Aspiring Journalists
If you're looking at the Nespral family as inspiration for your own career in media, here is the real-world takeaway from their trajectory:
- Start Local and Small: Don't wait for a big market. Briana worked in Gainesville and West Palm before making bigger moves. Those smaller markets are where you learn to do everything yourself.
- Master the Tech: In the current era of news, you aren't just a "talking head." You need to know how to edit and shoot. Briana’s time at UMTV was spent learning the "back end," which is what makes a reporter indispensable today.
- Build a Personal Brand: Notice how both Jackie and Briana lean into their heritage and community. People don't just want the facts; they want to hear from someone they feel they know. Authenticity wins over a "news voice" every time.
The legacy of the Nespral name in South Florida journalism isn't just about fame. It’s about a specific type of work ethic that Briana continues to carry forward. Whether she's reporting on traffic or a major community event, she's proving that while her mom might have opened the door, she’s the one doing the walking.
To see the legacy in action, keep an eye on the local NBC affiliates in South Florida. You'll likely see the Nespral influence in almost every broadcast, whether it's Jackie anchoring the evening news or the next generation of reporters she inspired.