Silver Circle Members, L - Z - NATAS Rocky Mountain Southwest

SOCIETY MEMBERS

The Silver Circle is not an award; it’s a society of honor.
Television professionals are inducted to recognize significant contributions made by these individuals to our industry for 25 years or more.

L

LaCava, Jude
Lane, Homer
Leander, Tom
Lee, Bob
Leigh, Fredric
Leverton, Bill
Leverton, Bonnie
Lewis, Delbert
Lewis, Jewell
Lichvar, Vanessa
Lincoln, Stacy
Lindstrom, Richard
Loew, Morgan
Luera, Anita Favela
Luna, David
Lynde, Carol

V — Z

Vasquez, Mary Morse
Vasseur, John
Verdoia, Ken
Vershure, Beth
Wallace, George
Walsh, Todd
Warren, John
Watkiss, Mike
Weiss, Patty
Wenzlaff, Gary
West, Mary Jo
Williams, Linda
Williams, Richard
Wimmer, Nadine
Wong, Michael
Yetman, David
Zermeño, Gilbert

Jude LaCava

INDUCTED: 2015

For the past 22 years, Jude has been the sports anchor for FOX 10 in Phoenix and host of FOX 10 SportsNight on Sunday nights. Prior to coming to FOX 10, Jude hosted the 620 Sportsline for four years on KTAR radio in Phoenix. He has won numerous journalism awards, including two Rocky Mountain Emmy^® Awards and numerous Associated Press honors. Jude was the Phoenix Suns analyst during the ‘92-‘93 season and was also the original voice of the Arizona Rattlers in their initial season in 1992.

Jude is actively involved in Arizona charity work, including the Italian American Federation. He is a past president of the Heather Farr Foundation, the spokesman for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and a board member of the Dorothy Foundation. This small group is dedicated to finding a pre-stage-one cancer test (more here: Dorothy-Foundation.org). The foundation is named for Jude’s mother.

Homer Lane

INDUCTED: 1992

Homer was born in New York City in 1923. He graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1941, and served in the US Army during World War II. He joined the CBS radio station in New York in 1944. In 1946, he and his family moved to Marshall, Minnesota where he began working for KMHL as Program Director. In April 1951, Homer joined KOOL Radio in Phoenix, AZ as an Account Executive. He remained with the KOOL organization until 1986. During his more than 30 years with KOOL he served as Radio Program Director, Radio Station Manager, General Manager of both radio and television, Member of the Board of Directors, Treasurer of the Corporation, Executive Vice President, and was the station’s Chief Charter Pilot. For the last ten years of service he was one of the three stockholders of KOOL with Tom Chauncey and Gene Autry. Homer wrote and delivered the Station Editorials for 25 years. After leaving from management of KOOL-TV in 1982, he continued to manage KOOL radio stations until 1986. Following his services at KOOL, Homer helped in the restructuring of television stations in Tirana, Albania, and in Kiev and Kharkov, Ukraine until his retirement in 1994. Along with his military service, Homer served in the Broadcasting Industry for 50 years. Homer was an outstanding citizen as well as a pioneering influence in the Phoenix area. He was a charter member and president of the Board of Governors of the Arizona Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences where he served several terms. Homer was one of the first members to be inducted into the Silver Circle Society of the Academy in 1992 and later went on to become a Gold Circle Society Member in 2007.

Homer also served as a member of the Inspection Team for Radio Free Europe Installations in West Germany in 1963, and was an Honorary Blue Angels Member. In 1970, with his late wife Doris, Homer served as a member of a five-person delegation in Paris to speak with the North Vietnamese and the National Liberation Front (Viet Cong) regarding the treatment of POW’s held by both sides during the Vietnam War. Homer was personally thanked by the late Senator John McCain for this work. Homer was an officer and/or member of over 65 community organizations including: Arizona Broadcasters Association, League of United Latin American Citizens, The Rolls Royce Club, and Sigma Delta Chi. He was also a member and past president of the Arizona 100 Rotary Club. In his lifetime Homer received approximately 125 different awards including Volunteer of the Year, Distinguished Citizen of the Year and the Abe Lincoln Award for exceptional Achievement as Broadcasters and Citizens. In addition to these awards, Homer was inducted into the National Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1982. He also received special citations from the following: United States of America, State of Arizona, City of Phoenix, Maricopa County, US Navy, US Army and US Air Force. In recognition of his services in Washington D.C., the late Senator Barry Goldwater presented Homer with a US flag that was flown over the US Capital Building on our nation’s bicentennial. With a passion for life and love of community service, Homer left a real mark on society far beyond the Phoenix metropolitan area. During the 1970`s he was voted as “the most recognized person in the state of Arizona” in a survey conducted by one of KOOL TV station’s competitors. Homer passed away in 2008 at the age of 85.

Tom Leander

INDUCTED: 2021

Tom Leander is a two-time Rocky Mountain Emmy Awarded television and radio sports broadcaster with more than 38 years of on-air experience. While his background includes radio, television sportscasting, editing and sports production, the majority of his career has been as an on-air personality for the Phoenix Suns.

Leander first started as a Suns “ball boy” in the mid 1970’s. In 1993, he secured his dream job with the team as the host and producer of pre-game, half-time and post-game shows. He continues in that role, along with some play-by-play duties to this day.

Leander is a 1982 graduate of Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix where he played varsity basketball. He then attended Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and became the University’s Sports Director for KXLU Radio, calling play-by-play for the LMU men’s basketball team for three years. Following his college career, he moved into on-air television work when he joined the CBS affiliate KMST-TV in Monterey, California, as a sports anchor and reporter. He then moved on to Tucson’s CBS-affiliate KOLD-TV, also as a sports reporter and anchor.

Moving back to Phoenix in 1991, Leander joined the Suns organization as the host and producer of its pre-game, halftime and postgame shows. He spent many years working alongside former Suns players Tom Chambers and Eddie Johnson. Leander’s other play-by-play experience includes the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury with Hall-of-Famer Anne Meyers Drysdale, Arena Football League’s Arizona Rattlers, Pac-12 College Football’s ASU Sun Devils, Indoor Soccer’s Arizona Sandsharks and live-streaming high school basketball and football games for the Brophy Broncos.

In 2016, Leander wrapped up a project titled, “The Sunderella Suns,” a one-hour documentary which recaptured the magic of the 1975-76 Suns team that reached the NBA Finals. This earned Leander a Rocky Mountain Emmy Award for sports production.

Leander coaches 8th grade basketball at Saint Simon and Jude Catholic School, runs his Leander Hoop Academy for kids K-8, and teaches TV and radio broadcasting courses at Brophy College Preparatory where he mentors high school students in learning the beauty and complexity of sports broadcasting.

He and his wife Sandy have been married 30 years. They met and fell in love at KOLD-TV in Tucson while working as fellow reporter/anchors. The couple has three beautiful children: Lauren, Keaton and Bryson, and three dogs — two rescues and his favorite mountain biking partner, an Australian shepherd named Bindi.

Bob Lee

INDUCTED: 2010

Bob is an outstanding broadcaster dedicated to serving his community. Bob has served in all phases of broadcasting and has worked at stations from Lancaster Pennsylvania to Tucson (and back again). From 1969 to 1996, Bob worked at radio stations KTKT, KHOS, KCUB, KAIR, KGMX, KRQQ, KNST, WSBA, KNST and KCEE.

Bob’s television career began at WGAL-TV in 1958 to 1961 where he worked in all phases of production. He then turned up at KVOA-TV (co-owned by WGAL-TV at that time) in Tucson as a director from 1963 to 1965 when he became Operations and Program Manager from 1965 to 1973. Bob took a break from television to go back to radio and the United Way from 1973 to 1997. He then joined KMSB-TV/KTTU-TV in Tucson in 1997 and is currently the Community Relations Coordinator and Public Affairs Director for the stations.

Community service has always been part of Bob’s commitment. He has been involved in non-profits in Tucson for over 40 years, serving on the boards of Awareness House and Open Inn. He has been involved with the Tucson Rape Crisis Center, CODEC, 88-Crime, the Tucson-Pima Arts Council, the Tucson Fund-Raising Review Board and the Tucson Advertising Club.

In his current position at KMSB-TV/KTTU-TV, Bob helps numerous non-profits by producing and airing public service campaigns. He has one of the only weekly scheduled public affairs programs on Tucson Broadcast television and uses it benefit the entire community.

Fredric Leigh

INDUCTED: 2002

Frederic (“Fritz”) Leigh Professor Emeritus, Walter Cronkite School of Journalism & Mass Communication, Arizona State University.

While at the Cronkite School, he taught a variety of broadcasting courses and held several administrative positions. He retired from his position as Associate Dean for Student Affairs/Recruitment and Retention in 2010.

During his professional career, he put two radio stations on the air. He served as program director and general manager for KVNO Fine Arts Radio at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. At Arizona State, he initiated and advised KASC, the campus radio station. He has extensive experience as an on-air announcer and program host.

While at ASU, he co-authored two books, Electronic Media with John Craft and Don Godfrey and Historical Dictionary of American Radio with Don Godfrey. He also published a number of book chapters and professional articles.

He is a past member of BEA, the Broadcast Education Association.

During his retirement, Fritz and Helen, his wife of 49 years, have enjoyed spending time with their two children and four grandchildren. He continues to pursue his passion for music and still plays and records with his rock band, The Torres.

The group played throughout the midwest in the 1960s and 70s and was inducted into the South Dakota Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.

Bill Leverton

DECEASED

Bill was born in Dallas, Texas, and raised pretty much in Northern New Mexico. After his four years in the Air Force, he wound up in Albuquerque where he got a job at KGGM-TV as a photographer, which amazed him since when the man interviewing him handed him a camera to look at, Bill held it upside down and then had to convince the man, no, he was just joking! Of course, he knew how to operate a camera! He learned quickly, and moved over to KOB-TV, also in Albuquerque, as a reporter/photographer. In 1973 he got a job at KOOL-Television in Phoenix, a CBS affiliate at the time. A few years later his expertise at finding the small, interesting places to visit in the state and his profiles of fascinating “real” people impressed his bosses enough that they made him Feature Editor and gave him his own franchise, “On the Arizona Road with Bill Leverton.” Over his 26 years there he won numerous awards, including his induction into the NATAS Silver Circle Society.

Bill retired from the Channel 10 newsroom, then called Fox Ten News, in 1999. He freelanced video projects and photography for a while, eventually moving back to Northern New Mexico where he and his wife Bonnie lived for almost 20 years.

Bonnie Leverton

Bonnie was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and moved with her family to Phoenix when she was six years old. In her junior year at Arizona State University she had the opportunity to get a job at KOOL Radio-Television, Inc., in Phoenix. She worked her way through working at the radio station, then the station’s promotion department, and then got her dream job…working for Special Projects in the News Department. She wrote and produced about 100 documentaries and special programs over the next 30 years, winning several awards in the process including being inducted into the NATAS Silver Circle Society. The station changed hands several times, finally ending up as a FOX owned and operated station. The last two of the 32 years she was at the station were spent doing special programming and anchor packages for the news department. In 2001 she took early retirement to move to Northern New Mexico with her husband Bill to live in a round adobe house. Almost 20 years later, she now resides in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, with Bill and the cat.

Delbert Lewis

Delbert & Jewell Lewis met in Florence, Arizona when Del was eleven years old and Jewell McFarland was seven years old. The Lewis family later moved to Phoenix. In 1940, Jewell’s father, Ernest McFarland, who was an Arizona Superior Court Judge and a cotton farmer, was elected to the U.S. Senate. In 1944, Del joined the Navy and was sent to the Pacific during World War II.

Upon his return to Arizona, Del and Jewell met again just prior to enrolling at the University of Arizona. They dated through college and were married, in 1951, Afterwards, Del worked as a civil engineer for the Army Corps of Engineers in Virginia.

Del & Jewell were soon given the opportunity to move back to Arizona and assume responsibility for the McFarland family cotton farm in Florence. Del managed the farm operations and Jewell taught. In 1952, when Senator McFarland was defeated by Barry Goldwater, he returned to Arizona and, with a desire to continue to serve the community, was elected Governor of Arizona in 1954. Meanwhile, Ernest McFarland saw an opportunity to pioneer a new business – television stations. In 1955, with a group of three friends, Del and Jewell received the permit for Arizona Television Company, KTVK-TV.

The Lewis’s became partners in the company and, many years later, took over the station management with Del Lewis as president, CEO & general manager and Jewell Lewis as chairman of the board. The early years were lean but, with family spirit, persistence, and hard work, Channel 3 and ABC finally shot to the top of network ratings in 1976. It therefore came as a shock in 1995 when ABC was forced to pull the network from Channel 3 due to a series of acquisition repercussions.

Despite this obstacle, the Lewis family remained steadfast and rebuilt as an independent station. KTVK 3-TV became one of the top independent television stations in the country. Over the years, their media empire acquired KESZ-FM radio, KOAZ-FM radio, Desert Video Production Center, Phoenix magazine and a local marketing agreement with KSAW Channel 61.

The Lewis’s generously contributed time as well as funding to a number of local organizations. The Orpheum Theater restoration is one example. Del and Jewell received numerous honors from the community, many bestowed upon them as a couple.

Jewell Lewis

Jewell McFarland Lewis was born in Fairfield, Iowa, she came by train to live in Arizona at a mere 6 weeks old. She was heavily influenced by her father, the late Ernest W. McFarland, who served his state and country as a U.S. Senator, Senate Majority Leader, Governor and Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court. He was a founder of Arizona Television Company, KTVK Channel 3, in 1955 which began the family’s introduction to the communications industry. Jewell leaves behind a brilliant legacy of compassion, service and stewardship for the state she loved, and causes for which she truly believed. She was passionate about education. Jewell graduated cum laude from the University of Arizona, received her M.A. from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and earned a Ph.D. in secondary reading from Arizona State University. She taught for almost 20 years in Florence and Coolidge. Her commitment to education is further demonstrated by the generous gifts of $2 million to each of Arizona’s universities given by she and her husband Delbert. The “mom and pop” status she and Del earned as owners of KTVK Channel 3 became a trademark in the industry. In 1994, Jewell became the first Phoenix woman inducted into the Arizona Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame and is a member of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter’s Silver Circle Society. When the Lewis’ sold Channel 3 in 1999, it was the largest family-owned media company in the United States. That stature allowed her the resources to affect countless organizations and causes. And as she embraced those causes, she exuded a genuine, caring spirit that always made a difference. Her civic activities are numerous and varied. Jewell and Del served as co-chairs of the capital campaign for the restoration of the Orpheum Theatre, which re-opened in January, 1997. The auditorium was renamed the “Lewis Auditorium” in honor of Del and Jewell and their family. The Jewell McFarland Lewis Fresh Start Women’s Resource Center, the first self-help center for women in Arizona, opened in April 2002. Her support of the effort is a clear reflection of her passion to help others. Jewell passed away at the age of 73 in 2003.

Vanessa Lichvar

INDUCTED: 2023

Vanessa Lichvar has two loves in TV news: editing and capture. Her editing experience began the old-fashioned way — using a razor blade to physically cut tape. When technology advanced to ¾-inch tape, her first piece to edit was a POV Roller Coaster ride. From that point, she was hooked! She edits on much more advanced equipment now but does so with the same enthusiasm. She’s a master at capture as well — taking in live feeds from satellites, microwave signals, computers and cell phones locally and around the world.

While in high school, Vanessa began her career “behind the scenes” working as a lighting and sound tech in theatre in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She moved into broadcasting while in college at Eastern New Mexico University. She then served as a technician and weather reporter at Clovis radio station KTQM and worked at ENMU’s PBS station KENW-TV.

After graduation, she accepted her first job at KTVK -- 3TV in Phoenix, which was an ABC affiliate at the time. Vanessa was working as a video editor the day the iconic Good Morning Arizona newscast debuted in 1994. In 2003, she went to KPHO-CBS 5 as a video editor and eventually transitioned to capture, but she never stopped editing. In 2014, the Meredith Corporation brought Vanessa full circle with the purchase of KTVK-TV, bringing her back home to “Arizona’s Family”.

Always evolving, Vanessa worked on her first True Crime Arizona podcast and documentary, “Finding Robert Fisher”. She uses her time between newscasts and long-form projects to cross train with engineers on live trucks to better assist field crews as issues arise. She is known in the newsroom for her good-natured spirit, comedic relief and willingness to help. Vanessa is a voice of confidence, competence and kindness.

A mother of two and stepmother to three, Vanessa helped raise and counsel countless other kids in her years of service with Chandler Christian (now Compass Church) in the East Valley. For five years, she volunteered as a Sunday school teacher there and started a video ministry for the campus in 1998. She has also volunteered to assist with many station community service events from the annual Phoenix Pride Parade to most recently the Super Bowl Host Committee outreach effort on the Pima Maricopa Indian Reservation, bringing former NFL players together to teach kids how to stay active. In her free time, Vanessa loves to watch movies and explore Arizona with her wife Sara.

Vanessa is living a dream she didn’t even know she had and is very humbled to be included in the 2023 class of Silver Circle inductees.

Stacy Lincoln

INDUCTED: 2012

Stacy Lincoln graduated with honors from the University of Oklahoma with a BA in Journalism Radio/TV/Film. She’s a die-hard Oklahoma Sooners fan! Boomer!

Stacy has been producing, directing and creating advertising at Cox Media for nearly 14 years, where she is currently a Creative Consultant. Prior to joining Cox Media, she spent eight years at KTVK-TV in Phoenix in Creative Services and eight years before that in news and promotion at KSAZ-TV in Phoenix. Stacy started her career at KWTV-TV in Oklahoma City.

Stacy has earned 9 Emmy^® Awards, 14 Telly Awards, 2 Cable Advertising Bureau Grand Prizes and a National Cable Fax Award. She is also a member of the prestigious Silver Telly Council.

“I love weather, being from Oklahoma,” says Stacy. “I would have been a meteorologist if it hadn’t been for that darn math! I also wanted to work in sports. I suppose if the door opened today, I’d do it! It wasn’t my plan to work in news, creative services or advertising! You never know where life will take you. I started volunteering for the Fiesta Bowl, so at least I’m getting the sports in later in life!”

Richard Lindstrom

INDUCTED: 2011

Richard Lindstrom came to Arizona as a United States Air Force Vietnam Veteran in 1968. In his first year of service, he began teaching the new recruits electrician skills. He earned a degree in Secondary Education, with distinction (Kappa Delta Pi Honorary Society). His teaching major was in English, with a minor in Humanities (Art History). In January of 1972, he taught Communications, Mass Media & Film Study. He quickly became a Board Member of the Southwest Institute of Film Teachers to assist teachers and students throughout Arizona in developing film study and production skills. He bought a Super-8 film camera with his first pay check to add a film production unit to his Film Study class. The overwhelming student enthusiasm to make their own films ignited a spark of motivation in his students that defined his career.

When he learned that the Tempe Union High School District was forming a committee to consider the possibilities of the use of video to enhance instruction throughout the district, he joined that group and submitted a pilot proposal for a TV Production curriculum and production facility. It became the first state of the art color TV Production Facility in any school throughout Arizona! Our content focus started with augmenting curriculum throughout the district and producing public service programming to service the larger community. During the first year (1978-79), his students won 9 Arizona Media Awards in TV & Radio Production, with one winning a Best 5 Videos in a national competition.

In 1984-85, he taught Art Photography and English at Greenway High School. The Photography elective grew from three to five sections the first year.

In July of 1985 he was offered a position to design and implement a Television Production curriculum and facilities for a TV Production, Performing and Visual Arts Magnet school. The rapid success of the program led to the evolution of a separate Communication Arts Magnet that included two complete TV Production Studios, with the capability of using the full Auditorium for live and edited TV Production while interfacing with the Music, Performing & Visual Arts Students. A Radio Station that narrow cast to the community & state of the art Print facilities were also added. Much of our production provided a service to the larger community. We formed a partnership with KTVW, the Spanish TV station and crewed a daily, morning broadcast news and entertainment show every morning before school started. They were paid interns and we owned a small percentage of the show that went to scholarships for outstanding students throughout all our Magnet students at South Mountain High School. We also became the video sports crew that shot and edited the high school football games throughout the Valley and were aired on the Friday night News for Channel 10. We co-produced a program with KAET on violence reduction strategies being implemented in schools throughout the valley which won an Arizona Associated Press Broadcasters Association award for Best Enterprise News. Our final and largest single service to the community was a series of drug resistance strategy instructional videos that were incorporated into curriculum packets which taught students in elementary school how to avoid drug use. We partnered with the ASU Psychology Department to develop the curriculum and the videos for NIDA, the National Institute for Drug Abuse. This influenced programs to resist drugs at a national scale. It was called “Keeping it REAL”. He won a few Emmy^® Awards as well from that series.

He had the honor of working with the likes of Janet Reno, Edward James Olmos, Rosa Parks, Stevie Wonder, and cast of the award winning international musical from South Africa, called Ipi Tombi, to mention a few. Many of his student are now working in TV Stations, video departments and film companies throughout Arizona and the United States, for example Erik Yater, Ben Avechuco, Mary Lou Gonzales, Art Trujillo, Magali Rivera, Weldon & Weston Watson, and Gina Santiago, to mention a few.

Morgan Loew

INDUCTED: 2016

Morgan Loew is an investigative reporter at CBS 5 News in Phoenix, Arizona. Morgan’s reporting career has taken him to every corner of the state, lots of corners in the United States, and some far-flung corners of the globe.

His past assignments have included covering the invasion of Iraq, human smuggling in Mexico, vigilantes on the border and Sheriff Arpaio in Maricopa County. His reports have appeared or been featured on CBS News, CNN, NBC News, MSNBC and NPR.

Morgan’s peers have recognized his work with 10 Rocky Mountain Southwest Emmy Awards, two regional Edward R. Murrow Awards, an SPJ First Amendment Award, and a commendation from the Humane Society of the United States.

Morgan is graduate of the University of Arizona journalism school and Concord Law School. He is the president of the Arizona First Amendment Coalition and teaches media law and TV news reporting at ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Anita Favela Luera

INDUCTED: 2004

Anita Favela Luera, Director, High School Journalism InstituteAnita Luera, an award-winning journalist who has played a pivotal role in the advancement of Latinos in the news industry, currently directs the Cronkite High School Journalism Institute. She manages a range of programs and outreach efforts that expose students to journalism and support high school journalism programs at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. Luera was the first woman news director at a Phoenix television station, running the news department for the Spanish-language Univision affiliate KTVW. She worked in newsrooms at KPNX, the NBC affiliate in Phoenix and KOOL-TV, now Fox 10. She is a long-time officer and board member of the Arizona Latino Media Association and was inducted into the Cronkite Alumni Hall of Fame in 2018.

David Luna

INDUCTED: 2008

Dr. David Luna has been instrumental in creating and implementing change, especially for Mesa Hispanic residents. He’s the first Hispanic to serve on the Mesa City Council and has been recognized for his community involvement with numerous awards. Dr. Luna has also been a pioneer internally for City of Mesa employees. Mesa Hispanic Network is an internal group dedicated to attracting, developing, and retaining Latino employees through the promotion of professional excellence, leadership and cultural awareness while serving as a strategic partner in the community collaborations and the City's diversity initiative. He has been an integral part in representing the Mesa Hispanic community.

Luna spent more than 30 years working for Mesa Public Schools, including 27 years as the Director of Education Television for Mesa Public Schools, directing and managing channel 99 and edtv99.org. He retired from MPS in 2017. He also spent time as an Arizona State University and Mesa Community College adjunct professor. Councilmember Luna has dedicated nearly ten years of service to the Mesa City Council.

Carol Lynde

INDUCTED: 2003

Carol Lynde began her 40+ year career in TV as a news photographer at KTVK in Phoenix. After four years, this Arizona girl let her videography and editing skills take her across the country. She spent seven years at WAGA in Atlanta as a news photographer and editor, then moved to WGNX, also in Atlanta, where she was chief photographer for six years.

Then she did something odd. At the height of her television career, she packed up and moved to Great Falls, Montana to work for KRTV in their video production department. “Not everyone considers it a good career move to go from the 10th market to the 183rd, but it was the best thing I have ever done for myself personally. Montana was wonderful. I consider my time there a three-year working vacation.” But the vacation eventually ended when she moved to Denver and KWGN, where she was assignment manager for the news department. “My first and, I hope, last desk job. I can honestly say I tried it, and it confirmed what I already knew-I want to be in the field shooting video.”

The search for a new and challenging video position brought her back to Arizona and the PBS station KAET. Then in 2004, when a video producer position opened at the Arizona Game and Fish Department, she jumped at it. As part of a three person video department she produced Arizona Wildlife Views, a 13-week half hour series that aired on Arizona PBS and community stations across the state. “Throughout my career, I have always been drawn to stories that involve nature and the outdoors and this job took me all over Arizona, telling the stories of the fabulous array of wildlife who live here.”

She has earned 22 Regional Emmy^® Awards and dozens of other broadcasting and film festival awards during her career. She has served on the NATAS Board of Governors for three chapters; Southeast, Heartland and Rocky Mountain Southwest.

In 2016 Carol retired as Video Production Manager from Game and Fish, but continues to run her own production company, Tall Paul Productions, specializing in wildlife and outdoor videos.

Al Macias

INDUCTED: 2000

"Al Macias has built and managed news teams in four Phoenix newsrooms over the past 30 years. After earning a journalism degree from ASU, Macias was an assignment editor for KTVK-TV, before spending 13 years in news room management positions at KPNX-TV. In 1994, Macias moved over to KNXV-TV, where he oversaw the rapid growth of a newsroom from 20 to more than 60 people in less than a year after the station became an ABC affiliate.

Macias takes great pride in his public service work. He is a founding board member of the Arizona Latino Media Association and is part of the Raul H. Castro Institute Advisory Committee. He also served as Maricopa County’s communications director and spent time as a Partnership Specialist with the U.S. Census Bureau.

Today, Macias is the News Director of KJZZ-FM, the NPR station in Phoenix. Macias not only oversees the daily operations of KJZZ’s newsroom, but also the Fronteras: the Changing America Desk, which has bureaus in Hermosillo and Mexico City, and covers the giant swath of desert that ranges from southern Utah all the way to Sinaloa, Mexico, an area nearly 50,000 square miles that is home to more than 14 million people.

Lucia Madrid

INDUCTED: 2005

Lucia Madrid is a native Arizonan who grew up in Chandler. Her broadcasting career began in 1982 at KTAR radio as Community Service Director and later as a Certified Radio Marketing Consultant. During this time, Lucia became one of the first Hispanic women to produce and host a weekly television program in Arizona, which she continued for nine years. Lucia was General Manager of Madrid Communications and Director of Broadcast Promotion and Community Service for KAET-TV, the PBS station in Phoenix, before she joined KPNX-TV in 1990 as the Vice President of Community Relations.

During her more than two decades at KPNX, Lucia was responsible for Channel 12’s community involvement and community service projects. She earned many industry and community awards for the stations projects, including several Emmy^® and “Best of Gannett” awards, the Chicanos Por La Causa Community Involvement Award, Val del Sol’s Profiles of Success and the Martin Luther King “Living the Dream” award. Lucia was inducted into the Seton Catholic High School Hall of Fame in 2005 and selected for the Alumni Achievement Award from St. Mary’s College in 2007. In 2009, she was named as a Pioneer Woman of Distinction by the City of Chandler.

Lucia retired early from her broadcasting career to care for her elderly mother and work part-time as an artist and realtor.

Lisa Fuller Magee

INDUCTED: 2021

Lisa Fuller Magee started her broadcast career in radio when she was just 16 years old. Being a disc jockey helped put her through college at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. A few years after she graduated, a visit to Arizona would change her broadcasting path.

Magee took a part-time job at KTVK-TV as what was then known as a “liver-driver” -- driving a microwave truck to locations and engineering the equipment so reporters could do live shots throughout the Valley. It was a great experience as she moved into what she loved -- writing stories, telling stories and coordinating broadcasts. Now 34 years later she has been a writer, assistant producer, show producer, live program producer, booker, special project producer, movie critic and Senior Producer -- all at KTVK.

For nearly 15 years, Magee was the line and show producer for the Good Morning Arizona, a runaway hit and ratings grabber in the Phoenix market. Also during that time, Magee served as a movie critic for the show. After producing Good Morning Arizona during the weekdays, she would fly to Los Angeles or New York on weekends to see movies, interview the actors and then turn the interviews into stories for Good Morning Arizona. She also did live-shots and interviews from locations around the world, including Hawaii, Genoa, London, Toronto, Vancouver, Rio de Janeiro and Moscow. Magee also used her entertainment contacts to book and handle hundreds of movie stars, comedians and bands when they appeared on Good Morning Arizona. This included everyone from Jason Aldean to Damon Wayans to Liam Hemsworth.

“Viewers may not know that Lisa Fuller Magee is a Phoenix television institution,” says Phil Alvidrez, the former longtime News Director at KTVK and now a partner in MagicDust Television. “She would hate that description, but it’s true. And many of the stories viewers loved for years on Good Morning Arizona never would have happened without Lisa’s guiding hand.”

Her co-workers agree.

“Lisa has always been the consummate professional and the person you wanted in the booth producing live programming like Good Morning Arizona,” says Abbie Smith, the Executive Producer of The List and former KTVK co-worker. “She was always the calm in the storm when news was breaking, and it had to get on the air.”

“Lisa is the total package,” says Marty Hames, the Community Liaison of Circle the City and a former Good Morning Arizona anchor. “She is the definition of integrity, a class act, and a true friend.”

Joseph Manning

INDUCTED: 2001

Joe was served as the Manager of Engineering (Chief Engineer) during the formative years of KAET TV, Channel 8. The Public Broadcasting Service affiliate in Phoenix, Arizona. He is a member of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Rocky Mountain Southwest chapter’s Silver Circle Society.

Larry Martel

INDUCTED: 1997

Larry Martel began his career in the mid-fifties doing “The News of the Day” from the University of Arizona. When he finished school and his 1st position in the industry he moved back to his hometown in New York and landed a job working for a small radio station. From there he has worked for newspapers, magazines, wire services, a few networks and then returned to Arizona as part of the first All-News Station – KPHO in 1961. He eventually moved across the hall to the TV side and remained with KPHO for 38 years as one of Channel 5’s journalists.

In addition to his work at Channel 5, Larry taught a News Writing class at ASU for 22 years. Larry has retired a few times only to find himself drawn back to what he loves to do and that is work in the industry. Currently, he is writing, producing, directing, editing and narrating for Peoria 11.

Robert "Bob" Martin

INDUCTED: 2001

DECEASED

Robert “Bob” Martin was a reporter and helicopter pilot for KRQE News 13 in Albuquerque. A graduate of Eastern New Mexico University, Bob’s broadcasting career spanned some 40 years covering New Mexico and its people. A winner of two Rocky Mountain Emmys and several Albuquerque Press Club awards for reporting and documentary work, he shot, wrote and edited his own stories.

Well-known for his coverage from the air of wildfires around the state, Bob’s in-depth knowledge of the state’s terrain gave an added dimension to his reporting. Homeowners, firefighters and government officials would occasionally call on him for help in assessing fire and flood-related damage.

Bob also spent almost a year in combat zones overseas, reporting on New Mexico military troops and civilians deployed to places like Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, Panama, El Salvador and Nicaragua. Telling the stories of military men and women who are in harm’s way was one of his most rewarding duties. Bob also had a love of science, that led him to cover New Mexico researchers and their work at home and around the globe. He traveled with scientists to a volcano in Antarctica, traveled down the Nile with agricultural experts, and followed astronomers to mountaintop observatories.

On September 16, 2017, Bob was killed when Sky News 13, the KRQE helicopter, crashed 80 miles southwest of Albuquerque. A plaque in his honor hangs in the KRQE newsroom with the inscription: “Bob Martin: Pilot, Reporter, Mentor and Leader. Bob took us all on his great adventure, and together we went places we never imagined.”

Robert Martin

Bob Martin’s television career spanned 30-years in the Phoenix market. From 1952 to 1962 he was program director and operations manager of KPHO-TV (Channel 5). In 1954, after being “pestered” by Bill Thompson, a kid in the art department, Martin gave him the opportunity to host the kid’s show. Soon after, The Wallace & Ladmo show would begin a 35-year run as the longest running, locally produced kids program in the nation.

From 1962-1982, Martin was Vice-president and assistant manager of KOOL-TV(Channel10), the CBS Affiliate. He served as vice president of programming, promotions, operations and personnel. In 1976 he was instrumental in the hiring of MaryJo West, the first female to anchor a newscast in the Phoenix Market. In 1962-1963 he was also the assistant to the president of KOLO Radio and Television inTucson.

Born in Thayer, Missouri, Martin was a full time movie projectionist in the local movie theatre at the age of 13. In his early career, he made commercial and education films for various companies, and produced newsreels for Paramount Pictures Company.

Martin was in the US Army from 1943-1946 and was stationed in New York City. He was a Signal Corps motion picture cameraman, ending up as Chief Instructor at the Photographic Center on Long Island New York. During his service in the US Army, he met many famous people, including Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Dwight Eisenhower.

In 1946 there were only five television stations in the country -three in NY, one in Chicago and one in LA. There were 5000 television receivers but most were in the hands of engineers. Martin was hired as Director of Operations for CBS and served as assistant program director and production manager for WBBM, the CBS Chicago station. In 1952 Martin left the wind and snow of Chicago and moved to Phoenix , AZ. He was hired by KPHO-TV, Arizona’s only television station which went on the air in 1949.

Bob was an active member of many clubs and organizations including: National Academy of Arts and Sciences – NATAS – President 1975-1976 Arizona Broadcasting Association.

Todd Martin

INDUCTED: 2023

Todd is a graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and has worked at KTVK in Phoenix for over 30 years. He was hired right out of college as a videotape editor for KTVK in 1993. He then went on to staff the station's Flagstaff Bureau as a photographer from 1994 to 1998. In 1998 he returned to Phoenix as a general assignment photographer/editor and regularly flew in the station’s helicopter.

In the early 2000’s, he transitioned into the Special Projects unit, and now mainly focuses on the “On Your Side” unit. “On Your Side” has recovered over $1 million for viewers during the time Todd has been involved.

Over the years Todd has covered stories such as the Investigation into the Oklahoma City bombing, Rodeo-Chediski fire, Hurricane Katrina, World Series and multiple Super Bowls. He also worked on a cooking and lifestyle show called “Everyday Entertaining”.

Todd has expanded his skills to include being a Certified Fire Journalist from the Phoenix Fire Department, and received his Type-2 Wildland Firefighting certificate through the Prescott Fire Department. He is an FAA certified drone pilot for KTVK/KPHO and also engineers and edits podcasts. He has continued to acquire new skills throughout his career.

His main passion is inspiring and mentoring upcoming journalists. He guest lectures at schools throughout the Valley and at ASU.

Todd has over a dozen regional Emmy® nominations and 6 regional Emmy® wins. In 2023 he was inducted into the Rocky Mountain Southwest Silver Circle Society.

In his free time he loves to hike and has completed over 20 triathlons. He is married to his wife Michelle, who is a middle school principal.

Cory McCloskey

INDUCTED: 2024

Cory is a familiar face in Arizona as the energetic weather guy for FOX10 in Phoenix, where he crisscrosses the Valley in search of on-air adventures. He spent 20 years answering a 2:50 AM wakeup call on FOX10’s AZAM, but now perpetrates his on-air hijinks on the evening shift.

Prior to his Arizona arrival, Cory spent about a dozen years as the weather anchor at his first station, WGEM, in Quincy, IL. But before getting into the weather business in 1989, Cory made his living in the theater and on the small screen. He played Equity stages in New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., and has a few commercial jingles in his repertoire, too – perhaps you’ve sung along with him! “It’s a good time… for the great taste… of McDonald’s!” Cory appeared as young Michael Hudson on NBC’s Another World and spent nearly a decade as a model, wearing everything from Swatches to Tommy Hilfiger to Fruit of the Loom.

In addition to acting when he can, Cory is a busy stand-up and improv comic and is perhaps the Valley’s most sought-after master of ceremonies. He has made bearable hundreds of charity events through his quick wit and good humor. His wife, Mary Jane, is an accomplished singer and actor, and they occasionally have a chance to share the stage (their regular gig together is in their church choir).

The McCloskeys have three daughters, one son-in-law, and the world’s first two granddaughters.

Paul McComb

INDUCTED: 2001

When Paul McComb first came to the Valley as a teen, with his parents to visit family friends, he knew he would be coming back.

After graduating from high school, Paul worked at Chevrolet then at O’Hare Airport in Chicago while attending college. But his number came up and he was drafted into the Army, heading to Vietnam in 1968. That was where his interest in photography was piqued.

After a year of combat, he returned to the States, landing at Fort Lewis, WA but Paul never forgot the Valley of the Sun.

He made the move in 1969 and got his first job with Sperry Flight Systems in North Phoenix. He also attended Phoenix Community College, taking a class from renowned photographer Allen Dutton. It was Dutton who connected Paul with his first TV job, at KTVK.

He left KTVK in 1971 and after a brief foray into the construction business was hired by KPHO in Commercial Production as film processor, still photographer and sports film photographer.

When a position opened up in the News Department, Paul made the move, as a film editor and a part-time film photographer.

He then moved to full-time photography with the advent of video, covering everything from California earthquakes, Presidential visits, Arizona politics, the Dude fire, floods around the state, major league football and baseball arriving in the state. He’s just about seen it all at least once.

In 1995 Paul was made Chief Photographer over a staff of 15 Photojournalists when KPHO became a CBS affiliate.

With a change in management, Paul returned to the ranks and continued serving the Valley as a talented, hardworking Photojournalist.

He has adapted to the television news business through 37 years of growth and change, retiring in 2010

Paul McComb is a member of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Rocky Mountain Chapter’s Silver Circle Society, recognizing his contributions to the television news business for 25 years or more.

Keith McCord

INDUCTED: 2013

Keith McCord began working for KSL-TV in Salt Lake City as an anchor in February 1981. He is currently an anchor on the weekend and also works as a reporter for evening newscasts.

McCord has been involved in broadcasting since 1975 when he graduated from Long Beach City College in California with an Associate Degree in telecommunications. His career began as an announcer and news director at a small radio station in Loveland, Colorado. In 1978, he became a television news anchor, at the CBS affiliate KYCU-TV in Cheyenne, Wyoming. For his first broadcast there, he wore a lime green suit–no kidding! He also pulled down a huge salary of $800 a month (also, no kidding!). In 1980, he anchored at KRDO-TV, the ABC affiliate in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

In 2013, Keith became an Emmy^® Award winner as he was inducted into the Rocky Mountain Emmy^® Silver Circle Society, an award marking 25 years of outstanding service to the broadcasting industry. Keith loves golf, the L.A. Dodgers, and hopes the Olympics return to Utah someday. He lives in North Salt Lake.

Al McCoy

INDUCTED: 2000

Al McCoy has been called the dean of NBA play-by-play announcers and has been “The Voice of the Suns” for 40 memorable years, nearly the length of the franchise’s existence. He is the Sr. Vice President, Broadcasting for the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Phoenix Suns.

McCoy first hit the air during a preseason game on September 27, 1972, and has been synonymous with Suns basketball ever since. From “Shazam” to “Zing Go the Strings” to “Heartbreak Hotel,” McCoy has cultivated an unparalleled style.

McCoy will forever be remembered for his call in the 1976 Suns-Celtics NBA Finals at Boston Garden when he had to fling an inebriated fan off his lap as he was describing “The Shot Heard ‘Round The World” by Garfield Heard that sent the game into the third of three overtimes.

The 2012-13 season will mark his 41st season and he will call play-by-play action on KTAR Radio and the Suns radio network. McCoy’s term with the Suns is the longest consecutive run with one team among current NBA broadcasters. His many contributions to the sport were recognized when he received the 18th Annual Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame during Enshrinement Weekend in September 2007 in Springfield, Mass. The Suns honored him with the Al McCoy Media Center, dedicated in October 2007.

In 2012, Phoenix Magazine named McCoy the best play-by-play announcer in their annual “Best of the Valley” issue for the 14th consecutive year. He’s the only broadcaster to win the award since it debuted in 1999. McCoy was honored with induction into the Silver Circle Society by the Rocky Mountain Southwest chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the House of Broadcasting Museum. He also became the first play-by-play announcer to be inducted into the Arizona Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame on Oct. 19, 2004.

McCoy’s broadcasting career began in 1951 at KJFJ Radio in Webster City, Iowa when he was a freshman at Drake University. In 1958, he arrived in Arizona to do play-by-play for the Triple-A Phoenix Giants baseball club. He has also covered Phoenix Roadrunners hockey, Arizona State football and basketball and filled in as a backup for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

A native of Williams, Iowa, a tiny farming community, McCoy was a member of his high school basketball team and was influenced by legendary broadcasters Harry Caray, Bert Wilson and Jack Brickhouse. He received his degree in drama-speech from Drake University and performed graduate work at the University of Iowa. In 1994, McCoy received Drake’s Alumni Achievement Award.

He and wife Georgia, a Valley artist, have three sons: Mike, and twins Jay and Jerry. A culinary critic, he is the club’s expert on gourmet restaurants around the league. McCoy is an accomplished jazz pianist.

Richard McKee

INDUCTED: 2008

Richard McKee. The man behind the lens. He got his start as a medical photographer at Duke University Medical Center and spent the next 10 years as a production photographer and chief photographer at WTVD in Raleigh Durham. In 1981, Richard McKee moved to Phoenix as news photographer at KOOL TV and eight years later became the station’s assistant chief photographer and in 1991, Channel 10s chief photographer. He retired in 2005 to develop a small business in fine-arts photography in the Denver area but his imagery and story telling thru his camera will not be forgotten.

Sean McLaughlin

INDUCTED: 2020

Sean McLaughlin is much more than just the familiar face of a news organization. He is a consummate professional, a talented journalist, and newsroom leader for over 25 years as well as being a dedicated family man. On weekday mornings, you can find him hustling his four children to school, a bit bleary-eyed from lack of sleep. But at night, you can find the veteran broadcast journalist serving multiple news/weather anchor roles for 3TV & CBS 5, Arizona’s Family.

He comes in with multiple story ideas every day and contributes to the content on a consistent basis. One of the things Sean is known for is his "performance" at the twice yearly all station meetings with the corporate bosses. After the presentation from the big wigs is over and the floor is opened up for questions, every head twists and turns to seek out where Sean is sitting, knowing he has all of their backs and will ask the question everyone else wants but is afraid to ask.

Career highlights include his stint as MSNBC's main meteorologist and Sunday weather anchor on NBC's "Weekend TODAY Show.” He appeared on all NBC platforms during the record-breaking hurricane seasons of 2004 and 2005, including non-stop coverage of “Hurricane Katrina” as it made landfall. Sean also has the distinction of anchoring weather on two network, weekday morning broadcasts, filling in for Al Roker over 90 times on NBC’s “TODAY SHOW.” Sean served as a fill-in meteorologist on “The EARLY SHOW” on CBS and has covered multiple Olympic Games, Super Bowls and is now a ten-time Emmy^® Award Recipient for both news and weather. He also maintains his Broadcast Seal of Approval from the National Weather Association.

Sean represents the best of the best in our business. But, he is reminded daily that the real star of the family is his amazing wife Emily, who he met at the 1995 Phoenix Open. A true Arizona love story for a true Arizona treasure.

Jay McSpadden

INDUCTED: 2005

Jay McSpadden started his career in 1977 in Odessa, Texas as a television news photographer. He had a 4-year stint in Oklahoma City and eventually made his home in Phoenix working at KPNX-TV. Jay worked at NBC Affiliate, KPNX- TV Channel 12 until he retired in 2018. During his time at KPNX, Jay covered some pretty exciting stories including: Presidential Inauguration of George H.W. Bush, the Oklahoma City bombing, San Francisco Earthquake, and Johnny Carson’s last show.

Jay is a member of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Rocky Mountain Chapter’s Silver Circle Society, recognizing individuals who have served in the industry for a minimum of 25 years, with the majority being spent in the Rocky Mountain Southwest region. Individuals selected for induction have done more than work professionally for 25 years. They are the best and brightest in our business with extensive public service, mentoring, leadership and professional accolades.

Carole Mikita

INDUCTED: 2013

Carole grew up in Steubenville, Ohio and graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. She had planned to perform on Broadway, however, a friend from a local radio station introduced her to the world of broadcast journalism so she took classes in writing and reporting. She later landed had a job in the news department of a station in her home town and developed a love of telling other people’s stories. She got a job as a nighttime anchor in a small news department in Pittsburgh, which soon afforded her opportunities to work in bigger markets. After her brother, Steve, moved to Utah to attend law school, she followed him there and began working at KSL-TV in Salt Lake City, in 1979.

Mikita has won a regional Emmy^® Award for “Gideon’s Story” and is a member of the Rocky Mountain Emmy’s Silver Circle Society. She has also received awards from the Society for Professional Journalists and the Utah Broadcasters Association for both news stories and documentaries. She was honored in 1994 by the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation, in 1996 by the Assistance League of Utah as a “Woman of Distinction,” and in 2000 by the Utah-California Women’s Association, with its Legacy Award. Carole has hosted the Primary Children’s Medical Center Telethon for more than 20 years. Carole also speaks to and participates in a number of community and church organizations.

She is married to Neil York, an American history professor at Brigham Young University. They have two daughters, Jennifer and Caitlin, and grandchildren.

Jorj Marie Mills

INDUCTED: 2024

Jorj Marie Mills started her broadcast career as a reporter/producer for KTAR radio and then transitioned to television. From 1981 to 2015, she worked at KTVK-TV in the Engineering department, advancing her knowledge from physical manipulation of operations to digital operations. She moved through formats from 2-inch reel to reels, to 1-inch tape, to ¾ inch tape, to 1-inch cassettes, and finally to digital recording. Jorj Marie earned her First-Class FCC License and was a member of the Society of Broadcast Engineers.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Broadcasting from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University. Jorj Marie served as a Crew Chief closely collaborating with the news department, managing crews, and making assignments to ensure smooth operations. Ensuring the well-being of newscasters was a primary concern for her. She was involved with "Good Morning Arizona" from its inception and played a pivotal role in its growth. She also edited commercials, shows, and collaborated closely with the Sales department, vetting political ads and ensuring correct commercial input for the station.

Jorj Marie mentored new team members, teaching them how to read commercial ISCI codes, operate equipment, interface effectively with other departments, and maintain on-air quality. She collaborated with technical staff to deliver the high-quality news broadcasts expected by KTVK-TV. She authored a handbook for new hires introducing them to the technology and standards necessary to uphold.

Outside of work, Jorj Marie was a Girl Scout leader for many years, teaching camping skills and assisting with various badge programs. She organized a Field Day-International festival for the Cactus-Pine Group involving multiple troops. Jorj Marie has also been actively involved with the Daughters of the American Revolution and Job’s Daughters service groups. As a Union officer, she worked with members to promote quality work, safe working conditions, and high performance standards.

Bill Miller

Bill Miller began his career in broadcasting in 1962 at KOOL-TV in Phoenix, where he started as a member of the floor crew and earned the then-minimum wage of $368 a month. Bill worked newscasts and live commercials in the studio and on an outdoor set that was used for car commercials. Over the next 24 years at KOOL, Bill worked a variety of jobs before becoming News Director. In 1986, Bill joined KTVK-TV as station manager and two years later was named vice president and chief operating officer. Bill was named president and general manager of KTVK in 1999. During his time at KTVK, Miller also managed KASW-TV (WB), the Arizona NewsChannel, a cable news joint venture with Cox Cable, KESZ-FM radio and Phoenix Magazine. When KTVK lost its network affiliation in 1994, Miller led the effort to transform KTVK into one of the more successful independent stations in the country. This included the creation of Good Morning Arizona, which quickly became the model for local TV morning shows throughout the country, as well as several locally produced programs,

Bill helped found MagicDust Television in 2000. Today, MagicDust produces RightThisMinute, Arizona’s first daily, nationally syndicated television show, which currently airs in 141 markets.

Bill has served on the ABC Affiliates Board, the Board of Directors of Northern Trust Bank and has served as board chairman of the First Amendment Coalition of Arizona, the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, the Barrow Neurological Foundation and St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix.

David Miller

INDUCTED: 2007

David is one of those guys who has done just about everything in creative media. He’s been a director, producer editor, photographer, artist, animator, designer and developer and is the recipient of more than two dozen Rocky Mountain Southwest Emmy^® Awards. During his 18 years at KTVK-TV from 1986 to 2004, David worked as an editor, 3-D animator, photographer, graphic designer, composer and producer. Among David’s award-winning work at KTVK were the iconic “Arizona’s Family” and “The Place with More Stuff” campaigns. While at KTVK, David’s collaborative work won PROMAX’s award for “The best major-market, local TV promotional spot or campaign in the world” more than a half dozen times.

Since 2004, David has been a partner at MagicDust Television, where he is responsible for much of the digital technology used every day on the nationally syndicated show, RightThisMinute. He’s also the designer of RightThisMinute.com and the RTM apps for phones, tablets and TVs.

Neil Miller

INDUCTED: 1999

Neil A. Miller was born in 1945 and raised in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio. He first became interested in photography in high school. Early work experience was photography related and included summers as publicity photographer for a local racetrack. After completing a B.F.A. in Photography at Ohio University, the US Navy offered photographic experience well beyond his expectations. Assignments ranged from documenting NATO Exercises in the North Atlantic to earthquake assistance in Peruvian Andes. Following the Navy and a move to Arizona, his career took him into television news videography and into teaching photography at the college level. Art on the other hand became Neil’s mode of expressing life and resulted in an M.F.A. from Arizona State University. Participation in the Ansel Adams and Friends of Photography workshops as a student and assistant was most influential in Miller’s creative career. The opportunity to study with Wynn Bullock, Gary Winogrand, Jerry Uelsmann, Fredrick Sommer, W. Eugene Smith along with Ansel Adams and other masters opened a vision for his future. He has been drawing from these lessons to develop his personal body of work, ever since. Neil is a member of the prestigious, National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Rocky Mountain Southwest chapter’s Silver Circle Society.

Sean Mooney

INDUCTED: 2023

During a career that has spanned more than 40 years, Sean Mooney has traveled a path that included working as a producer and talent for Major League Baseball Productions, an announcer for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), an anchor and reporter for WWOR in New York and WBZ in Boston, a correspondent and producer for Fox Sports Arizona and a reporter and anchor for KVOA, NBC in Tucson. Along the way he has been recognized for his work in broadcasting by winning several awards, including a National Emmy® and two regional Emmy® awards.

Raised in Tucson, and eventually graduating from the University of Arizona, Sean began his career in New York by working in sports television. After working in the world of professional wrestling he entered the news business and worked in the top two markets in the country before returning home to his beloved Arizona. There he then spent the next decade working, once again, in sports television by covering professional and college sports across the state. During that span of time, he also started his own production company -- Moonrise Productions, which produces television shows for Fox Sports. In 2012 he had the opportunity to go to work for the TV station where he once interned – KVOA-TV in Tucson. There he has remained in the city that he loves.

When not anchoring four news programs each night, Sean spends his time with his large family and is active in the community. He commits his time to several charities including; the American Heart Association, Steele Children’s Research Center, Southern Arizona Community Food Bank, and his own non-profit -- DoDads.

Howard Morgan

INDUCTED: 1990

DECEASED

Howard Morgan spent 46 years in broadcasting as a weathercaster known for his heartwarming smile and creative weather icon for sunny weather. In a time before computer-generated graphics, Morgan drew a trademark smiley face on drawings of the sun and named that character “Thermo.”

Morgan started in broadcasting as a graphic artist and began forecasting the weather for KHOL-TV in Nebraska in 1953. From there, Morgan moved to Kansas and Utah before joining KOAT-TV as a weathercaster in Albuquerque in 1971.

Morgan was also an artist and a horticulturist. Many of Morgan’s paintings were used as Christmas cards for KOAT. Morgan’s fascination with planting and gardening led to an on-air series titled “Gardenlore.” Viewers would drop off their prize vegetables at the station, and Morgan would show them on air. The television series led to Morgan authoring three books on gardening, also using the “Gardenlore” title.

In addition to his induction in the Silver Circle, Morgan was inducted into the New Mexico Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame in 2005.

In November 1991, Morgan retired from KOAT after 46 years in broadcasting. Howard Morgan died July, 2021. He was 91.

Dave Munsey

INDUCTED: 2002

Dave Munsey has worked in the radio and television industry for over 50 years. In September, 2015 he celebrated 40 of those years at Chanel 10, which is a milestone, because no other anchor has remained at one station for that long. Dave started at KOOL FM radio as the morning drive DJ, and in a short time he added KOOL TV weather and reporting. The “live at five” newscast was basically built around Dave’s live weather segment. In another short time Dave left radio and devoted all of his time to TV.

In 1980, 36 years ago this summer, after the tragic drowning death of a family friend’s two-year-old son, Dave started his water safety program, “Watch Your Kids Around Water”. The program is still going strong due to Dave’s constant reminders on the evening news and the many mornings and weekends he spends attending water safety events throughout the Valley. Because of this program, Dave’s home city of Tempe has honored him with two, “Dave Munsey Days”, and a citizen of the year award. Munsey also has a “Dave Munsey Day” in Phoenix.

Dave’s major awards during his career include a National Emmy^® for “Summer of Supervision”, a regional Emmy^® for weather storm reporting and a regional Governor’s award Emmy^® for the “Watch Your Kids Around Water” program.

Dave was born and raised in Jamestown, North Dakota in a family of nine children. In high school and college Dave worked as a radio announcer and became popular for his quick wit and storytelling. After attending college at the University of North Dakota, Dave spent two years in the Army. During Dave’s tour in Viet Nam he maneuvered his way out of an infantry unit and into a spot-on American Forces Radio and Television after being asked to interpret a Christmas Eve Mass. His performance earned him an invitation to the Bob Hope Christmas show the very next day, where he met and had his picture taken with Mr. Hope. Several years later Dave reunited with Mr. Hope at the Phoenix Open and interviewed him on “live at 5” about their first meeting in Viet Nam.

Dave is a member of the NATAS Silver Circle and the Silver Key journalistic Societies. Dave was inducted into the Arizona Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2016. Dave and his wife Bunny have been married for 45 years and live in Tempe with their Golden-Doodle, dog child, Mya Merlot. Dave has written a book entitled “Munsey Business.”

Lupita Murillo

INDUCTED: 2017

Lupita Murillo may be the first Silver Circle member anywhere to live in a home made out of crime tape.

“Years ago I just began picking up crime scene tape at crime scenes I was covering for KVOA and after a while I thought what on earth am I going to do with all this crime scene tape?,” Murillo told the Arizona Daily Star in 2014. “And then, while I was working out at the gym, it came to me.” In 2009, Murillo began building her own home out of the yellow tape, and finished it five years later.

Murillo came to Tucson and joined KVOA-TV in 1978 after several years working with KRGV-TV in Weslaco, Texas. Upon her graduation from the University of Texas–Pan American, Murillo joined KRGV-TV where she became the first female Hispanic broadcaster in South Texas. “I remember one time walking into the break room and the guys were drinking their coffee and smoking their cigars,” told the Arizona Daily Star in 2008. “One of them said, ‘What is this world coming to when we are letting women into the business?’”

What the world was coming to, at least in Weslaco and then for the last 39 years in Tucson, was that it was getting not only a great reporter, but someone would become a fixture in Southern Arizona. As a general assignments reporter, specializing in crime reporting, Murillo has interviewed celebrities and death-row inmates and covered homicides and drug busts. Her efforts have earned her numerous awards, including several prestigious Edward R. Murrow and Associated Press honors. Murillo has also been active in the community, giving her time to numerous organizations and charities like Las Familias, the People With AIDS Coalition of Tucson, the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon and, the professional organization, Concerned Media Professionals. She also sits on the Governor’s Violence Against Women’s Commission.

“There is no harder worker than Lupita Murillo,” says her long-time co-worker, former KVOA anchor Kristi Tedesco. “Even on the toughest days, she digs deep and gets it done. She leads by example, she’s more connected than anyone I know, and she makes a rum cake you wouldn’t believe. If you get one, you know you’ve done something right. Lupita is the epitome of Southern Arizona finest and I absolutely love her.”

“I’m certain whomever coined that phrase, ‘The best things in life come in small packages,’ must have been talking about Lupita Murillo,” says KVOA news director Cathie Batbie. “At 4’10, she is the queen of crime fighting, a connoisseur of the high heel shoe, the best teacher of every Spanish word that you never learned in school and a force to be reckoned with when it comes to journalistic integrity. At the end of the day, she’s the person you want to go into battle with on a news story and we have been lucky enough to have had her on the KVOA team for over 35 years. The best of the best in the world of journalism — that’s Lupita Murillo.”

Murillo never expected to be at one station for almost 40 years. “My goal was to be here for two years at the max and then go back to Texas,” she said. “I guess the Catalinas kept me here.”

Murillo was inducted into the Silver Circle in 2017.

Richard Najar

Richard Najar is a member of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Silver Circle Society. He was a long time news cameraman at Channels 5 & 10 in Phoenix, Arizona. He also served on the staff at City of Phoenix’s Channel 11. Richard is retired and still lives in the Valley of the Sun.

Dave Nichols

Dave Nichols started his television news career in 1949 and worked for 29 years in the Valley of the Sun. He was an Anchor at CBS affiliate, KOOL-TV Channel 10 and later, KTVK TV, Channel 3, both in Phoenix. He also wrote a book, “A Nichols Worth of Ev” which chronicled the tumultuous political ride of Arizona Governor Evan Mecham’s journey into politics. Dave used to like to frequent Upton’s Diner on Thomas, when working evenings. He was in the studio when a gunman took over the set, holding fellow anchorman, Bill Close, hostage. Dave was married to Illean Faller Nichols and they had two children. He passed away in April of 1996.

Mary Nickles

INDUCTED: 2014

Mary grew up in Renton, Washington, with her telephone man dad, State Legislator mom, and eight brothers and sisters. She majored in English at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho, where she attended on a volleyball scholarship. At her first job, Mary reported, shot, edited, produced, and anchored at KNDO in Yakima, Washington before coming to Utah. ‘

She joined KUTV in 1991 as weekend anchor and reporter. She currently co-anchors the news weekdays on 2NEWS This Morning from 6:00 a.m. – 8 a.m. and 2NEWS at Noon. Mary was just inducted into the Utah Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame for her 23 years of journalism in the Utah market, and won an Emmy^® Award for Best News Series in 2012. That series started with Mary getting a mammogram to encourage more women to get screened, and it found an invasive, malignant tumor. Mary shared her surgery, chemo treatments, wig shopping, radiation, and long recovery to promote early detection and cancer education.

In the community, Mary chairs the Advisory Board for Head Start, and donates many hours to help the Ronald McDonald House and Guadalupe Schools. She is on the Board for the Intermountain Catholic Newspaper and the Police Athletic League, and is involved with many community organizations, including the Lupus Society, The Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Heart Walk.

In the Fall, Mary coaches the sophomore volleyball team at Juan Diego High School. She played professional volleyball for the Utah Predators and was inducted into the Hall of Honor for her participation in the Utah Summer Games. Mary and her husband, Kent, live in the Salt Lake Area and are the parents, tutors, coaches, and cheerleaders for 17 year-old twins, Zachary and MacKenzie.

Royal Norman

INDUCTED: 2010

Growing up in Illinois, the Norman family would gather their chairs and sit with the garage door open, looking out over the neighborhood as storms would roll in. A young Royal, who had the habit of clipping the weather report out of the newspaper, received a cardboard meteorology set as a gift from his aunt. It can be surprising how themes from childhood can grow, unwittingly, into lifelong pursuits.

Norman started his career in radio. He worked the soundboards and reported on local news. His wife, Nancy, also worked in radio. It was while they were working in Battle Creek, Michigan, Nancy received a job offer in Phoenix that would ultimately change the course for Norman’s career, too. As they drove into town that hot August afternoon in 1981, they were met by a huge dust storm. “It’s going to rain,” they said to each other. It did not. Thus, they were introduced to Arizona weather.

Once in Arizona, Norman decided to pursue his lifelong interest in meteorology. Enrolling at Arizona State University, Norman was finally able to delve deeper into the science of meteorology that always intrigued him. Norman graduated from ASU in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in geography with a focus of meteorology and climatology.

That summer, he started working at 3TV as the weekend meteorologist, earning his American Meteorological Society Seal of Approval for both television and radio broadcasting. During that first 12 years at 3TV, Royal logged thousands of miles traveling the Grand Canyon State, doing the weather and telling interesting stories about the people of our state.

In 1994, teamed with Jodi Applegate, Norman was part of the crew that launched Good Morning Arizona. Nobody knew at the time it would become one of the top-rated local morning shows in the country.

In 1996, Norman and his family moved to Atlanta, where he was the chief meteorologist at WXIA-TV, the NBC affiliate. His favorite part of that job was chasing hurricanes – something that never happened in Arizona.

Returning to 3TV in 2001, Royal is now Arizona’s Family’s chief meteorologist. He works weekday nights, appearing on Good Evening Arizona, 3TV News at Nine and 3TV News at 10. He is a member of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter’s Silver Circle Society.

Dick Nourse

DECEASED

Dick Nourse was the trusted voice of KSL 5 News for 43 years.

He began his broadcasting career in radio at KRAX Radio shifting to TV in 1964 through Salt Lake City.

His last day on air was Nov. 28, 2007.

Dick Nourse passed away at the age of 83.

Dennis O'Neill

INDUCTED: 2002

An Emmy^® and Peabody award-winning producer and news manager, Dennis O’Neill is currently the executive producer of RightThisMinute. He manages a staff that produces 624 original half-hour episodes a year—more than any show in national television syndication. At MagicDust, Dennis has created an innovative model to shorten production times, improve productivity and redefine the making of an unscripted daily show.

Dennis began his career in local news at KOOL-TV, later KSAZ-TV, where he produced newscasts, investigative series, documentaries and special projects, including a groundbreaking series of satellite remote newscasts, Celebrate Arizona. In 1986, Dennis moved to KTVK-TV, where, as assistant news director over the next 18 years, he helped to build the then-fourth-rated news broadcast in Phoenix into the most-watched news organization in Arizona.

Dennis helped create MagicDust’s first series, NASCAR Angels, and also served as the that show’s executive producer.

Luis Olivas

INDUCTED: 2005

Even before he graduated from ASU in 1978, Luis Olivas worked as a photographer for KTVK-TV in Phoenix. With the exception of a four year hiatus when he co-owned and operated a digital media company, Luis spent his broadcast career at KTVK-TV in a variety of capacities. For 18 years, Luis served as a photographer and then chief photographer for KTVK, travelling all over the country and world. From 2000 to 2004, he was the executive producer for MÁS Arizona, a 24-hour Spanish language cable news station owned and operated Cox Communication and Belo Corp, the then-owner of KTVK. After MÁS ceased operations in 2004, Luis spent the next 13 years as the News Operations Manager for KTVK, before retiring in 2017.

Carey Olson

INDUCTED: 2015

Carey has been described as “not just the chief photographer for KRQE, but really for all of Albuquerque.” Carey’s broadcast career started in 1980 as a production assistant at KPAX-TV Missoula, Montana. He later served as a production manager for KRTV-TV in Great Falls, Montana for three years before moving to Albuquerque in 1984 to be a photographer at KGGM-TV, which later became KRQE-TV. Carey stayed at KRQE for 31 years, where he eventually became chief photographer and was noted for the mentoring and fire training that he provided to all photographers in Albuquerque. Over the years, he was heavily involved in the planning and execution of all of KRQE’s special projects from the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival to elections to presidential visits. Carey retired in 2015 and today lives in Missoula, Montana with his wife, Mary.

Scot Olson

INDUCTED: 2012

Bio Coming Soon

Jaime Ontiveros

INDUCTED: 2001

Jaime Ontiveros is a Phoenix native who has been in love with all aspects of photography since he was very young. He landed his dream job in 1973, as one of a ten-member news staff at KTVK Channel 3. So, his career behind the camera began. Back then the news was covered using movie film and covering a live event was nonexistent. As technology changed, he found himself at the cutting edge of recording and reporting the news. During his 38 years at Channel 3, he covered some of the biggest stories in Arizona. These included the Bob Crane murder case, the impeachment of Governor Mecham, and the sad bombing of Arizona Republic Reporter Don Boles, just to name a few. He respectfully recorded the visits of Mother Theresa and Pope John II. Every day, his focus was to record the news for the people in Arizona. One of the highlights of his career was being inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter Silver Circle Society, because a committee of his peers that he worked with daily, gave it. Since retiring in 2009, he has continued to explore the world from behind the lens of his camera.

Joseph Ortiz

INDUCTED: 2024

Joseph Ortiz holds a Bachelor's degree in Broadcasting with an emphasis in Video Production and a minor in English from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. He has served on the Board of Governors for the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences continuously for 35 years, both as a voting member and an Ex Officio member. Joseph serves as a media spokesperson for the Tolleson Union High School District, managing media relations, social media, crisis communications, public relations, and marketing. He regularly interacts with television media in the Phoenix Metropolitan area, drafting press releases, pitching news stories, and responding to media inquiries. Previously, Joseph held the role of Public Information Officer for the Phoenix Union High School District, the City of Tempe, the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Roosevelt School District, and currently serves as the Director of Public Relations and Marketing for the Tolleson Union High School District.

Joseph previously served on the Educational Access Governing Board for the City of Phoenix Education Channel, formerly known as "Know 99". During his tenure with the City of Tempe, Ortiz oversaw the public information office, the graphic arts department, and the City of Tempe's public affairs TV station, Channel 11. He has also been actively involved as a panel leader and judge for regional Emmy® nominations, both in English and Spanish, throughout his entire tenure on the NATAS Board.

For many years, Joseph coordinated NATAS Scholarships for ASU broadcasting students and currently co-chairs the board’s Student Awards Committee. He has been a presenter at the Rocky Mountain Emmy® Awards Gala and has attended over 25 regional Emmy® Award events in his lifetime. Nationally, Joseph served on the Board of Directors of the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) in Rockville, MD, and is an alum of the Phoenix Business Journal’s '40 under 40.' He is also a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) and the Arizona Latino Media Association (ALMA).

Joseph has mentored numerous broadcasting students and has extensive experience as a producer, videographer, scriptwriter, and editor.

Bill Ottinger

INDUCTED: 2012

Bill serves as Creative Director for Cox Media in Phoenix, Arizona where he oversees the development of multi-platform advertising solutions for Cox clients. His career in media is broad with experience in advertising, broadcasting, local news and marketing and promotion.

Before arriving at Cox, Bill served as the Creative Services Manager for KTVK 3TV, KASW CW6 and azfamily.com in Phoenix. Bill spent 20 years marketing and promoting news and entertainment programming for one of the country’s top-rated independent television stations.

Prior to moving to Arizona, Bill began his career behind a radio microphone in Knoxville, Tennessee. When WTVK TV came calling, Bill jumped into his first role as a news photographer and later became a reporter and weekend weather anchor. He was chosen to be the host of a weekly human interest feature segment and relocated to WKXT (now WVLT), the CBS affiliate. As the “The Tennessee Traveler,” Bill traveled East Tennessee looking for interesting people doing interesting things.

Smaller markets mean everyone does more than one job and Bill took advantage of the opportunity by producing promos for his Traveler segments. With new skills under his belt and a promo reel in hand, Bill landed a writer/producer’s job at KTSP [now KSAZ] in Phoenix. It was there that Bill earned his first Emmy^® nomination.

Bill is active in his community, serving as the President for the East Valley Boys Service Club and as a member of the Tempe Diablos, a local charity/civic organization in Tempe, AZ. He has also coached youth baseball and basketball.

Bill positively bleeds orange for his University of Tennessee Volunteers where he graduated with a B.S. in Communcations. Go Vols!

Over the course of his career, Bill has received numerous Rocky Mountain Emmys, Promax awards for television promotion, a Phoenix Addy award and was recently inducted into the Silver Circle of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of NATAS.

Gilbert Parra

INDUCTED: 2022

A long time ago Gilbert “Gibby” Parra’s mother told him 'If you love what you do, then you'll never work a day in your life.' and after 34 years in broadcasting, Gibby still doesn’t feel like it’s work. Not that he hasn’t been busy.

From his first job, at the age of 17, at a Yuma television station, to over 25 years at KTVK in Phoenix, he has continued to be an asset to the television community. Gibby has shot and edited stories across Arizona, then above it, establishing himself as the go-to helicopter photographer. Then one day, after years behind the camera, he had the opportunity to move in front of it, and the truth be told, he was just a born storyteller.

Gibby is a serious reporter who can quickly turn a live report on a difficult situation with integrity and professionalism, but he is also a reporter who can take a human interest story and brighten the day for all who are watching. In fact he is at his best when he has the opportunity to interact with people in the story. His ability to elicit an emotional reaction from the person he is interviewing and translate that emotional feeling to the viewer is a unique connection not many journalists have been able to achieve.

John Warren wrote, “As an assignment editor at TV3 I had the opportunity to watch Gibby work daily and was impressed from the beginning with his work ethic and desire to experience all aspects of television news. As a photojournalist and video editor Gibby had a knack for storytelling and has always tried to push himself to do more.”

Now, as Good Morning Arizona’s Chief Photographer, Gibby supervises about 10 news photographers every morning, while still working in the field every day, on both sides of the camera. As technology has evolved over the years, so has Gibby’s knowledge, whether it’s cameras, editing, flying drones or new computer skills he loves being the first to master the latest thing, and then sharing it with his colleagues.

On the street, Gibby is recognized by many people in the community and has been an excellent ambassador for the television industry throughout his career. Even with his busy schedule, Gibby has never forgotten his roots, hometown or the people who helped him along the way. Every year he brings journalism students from his high school in Yuma to tour the AZfamily studios and encourages them to work hard and become the best version of themselves. He is the first to volunteer to speak at schools and every week he produces his church’s Sunday service so it can be viewed on TV and has done so for over a dozen years. Gibby also enjoys family time with his wife, Davina, their children and grandchildren.

While Gibby is truly living his dream job, the NATAS Silver Circle might have been beyond those dreams when he started out in Yuma all those years ago, so he is humbled and honored to be included in the 2022 class of Silver Circle inductees.

Jack Parris

INDUCTED: 2003

Jack Parris joined KUAT in 1988 as assistant general manager for the Video Services unit and became director and general manager in 1998.

Television and radio staff members won numerous local and regional awards under his leadership. Among many forward-thinking accomplishments, he oversaw the launch of the first digital television station in Southern Arizona, KUAS-DT.

Frank Peddie

A. Frank Peddie was a long time, weather anchor for KTAR-TV Channel 12 (Now NBC Affiliate KPNX-TV12). He married Martha Jean Peddie on September 1, 1942. His wife “Marti” also worked in radio and television. In 1959 their family moved to Scottsdale, Arizona.

Frank and Martha had three sons, many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Frank passed away in March of 1994.

Cary Pfeffer

INDUCTED: 2003

From top executives and political leaders to television personalities and sports legends, Cary Pfeffer has provided direction and advice to make sure each of them is better at telling their story. For 16 years Cary has run his Phoenix-based firm, ClearComm Consulting.

Before opening his consulting practice, he spent more than 20 years as a news reporter and anchor, listening to news makers and everyday people tell their stories. Story telling is so important to Cary that he wrote an award-winning book designed to help people tell their story. “There’s Not an App for That!”Chronicles strategies and approaches anyone can use to connect.

In Cary’s world, when we are at our best we connect.

Kris Pickel

INDUCTED: 2023

Kris Pickel never showed up at the station just to read a script. The honor of representing newsrooms as an anchor, and her belief in the importance of trusted journalism, motivated Pickel to do reports and investigations on her own time. She pursued information needed to protect people even when managers told her to move on.

Spending time in jail as an inmate, getting dropped into frozen lakes, covering wildfires, blizzards, riots, live sporting events, political rallies, and standing up to the medical industry, to the government, and to those in power when people were being harmed, and volunteering to help countless organizations and causes defined Pickel’s approach to journalism. Pickel valued daily stories as much as in-depth investigations, knowing she often shared the best or worst days of someone’s life. Her investigations have led to policy changes on local and national levels, including increased warnings on breast implants. Her work has been recognized with ten regional Emmy® awards, two Edward R. Murrow awards, as well as multiple other awards.

Pickel’s biggest joy is her family, including her husband Carl Lemon, their sons Clark and Bruce (think superheroes), her parents, sisters, and their incredible families.

Sterling Poulson

INDUCTED: 2020

Sterling Poulson is a weather icon in the Salt Lake City market. He gets the 2News forecast dead-on every day, and looks dapper and has fun doing it. A Vietnam Veteran, Sterling earned his meteorology degree while serving in the Air Force.

Sterling is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) with the American Meteorological Society and served as a member of the Board of Broadcast Meteorologists. He was a Severe Storms Forecaster assigned to the Air Force Global Weather Center and provided aviation forecasts in support of Air Force and Department of Defense missions worldwide. He served a tour in Vietnam from 1970-1971 and is currently a member of the Utah Air National Guard assigned to the State Headquarters Public Affairs staff where he is the "Voice of the Utah National Guard." Sterling's television career began in 1985 when he joined KSL television in Salt Lake City as a weather producer and meteorologist.

Sterling is involved as Music Director and Founder of The Choral Arts Society of Utah, conducting as many as six concerts each year with the 120 voice choir. He is Music Director of the Days of '47 Pops Concert and Executive Vice President of the Days of '47 Inc. He also serves on the board of the Clark Planetarium and chairs the board of the West Valley Symphony of Utah.

In the Salt Lake City market, Sterling is home, with family, long-time friends, and yes, a ‘sterling’ reputation for helping in the community through service and song. His volunteer time to help those in need is as immeasurable as his musical knowledge and talent. Utah is lucky to have Sterling Poulson.

Dr. Barry Ramo

INDUCTED: 2017

Dr. Ramo delivers medical breakthroughs and miracles in Albuquerque on KOAT Action 7 News – everything from the latest treatments for diabetes to the best ways to lose weight.

In addition to his Action 7 News duties, Ramo is a staff cardiologist for the New Mexico Heart Institute, and holds medical professorships at the University of New Mexico and Duke University. He earned degrees from the University of Colorado, the University of Chicago, and Duke University.

He also founded Project Heartstart, a Memorial Day effort to teach cardiopulmonary resuscitation to Albuquerque-area residents.

An Albuquerque resident since 1972, he devotes much of his spare time to the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra as a member of its board. He is also a member of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences – Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter’s Silver Circle Society. Dr. Ramo is married, with two adult children.

Mark Reda

INDUCTED: 2015

DECEASED

Mark Reda worked in live sports production for nearly 40 years. He received awards for his work with L.A. Dodgers, Oakland A’s and Colorado Rockies broadcasts. He produced Arizona Diamondbacks Broadcasts, which were awarded 7 Regional Emmy^® Awards from 2001 to 2005. Mark then moved to Fox Sports Arizona as the Coordinating Producer. He supervised the production of live game broadcasts and original programming. During his tenure, FSAZ staff was awarded more than 50 Emmy^® Awards (with an additional 160 nominations) and the network was honored with the 2010 Governor’s Award. Mark was the producer for the Arizona Cardinals Broadcasts team that received Emmy^® Awards for Live Sporting Event in 2018 and 2019.

Mark then joined the faculty at ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications, where he taught Live Sports Production and oversaw ASU Athletics student-run live stream program. He worked with Cronkite Students for 12 years and was honored with the Faculty Advisor of the Year in 2019.

Mark was an instrumental member of the NATAS Rocky Mountain SW Chapter Board from 2008 - 2023. He was First Vice-President/Awards Chair for 5 of those years. In 2015, Mark was inducted into the Silver Circle, honoring a quarter-century of work. He lived in Arizona from 1997 - 2023. His son Anthony, also a National Emmy recipient, lives in Portland. His daughter Brianna lives in Reno with her husband Alex. Mark passed away in May of 2023.

Ken Robinson

Ken Robinson was a long time News Director at KPHO TV5 in Phoenix.

He was born on September 18, 1929 and graduated from David Anderson Junior/Senior High School in 1947 in Lisbon, Ohio. He also graduated from Ohio State University in 1952.

Ken is a member of the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Silver Circle Society. After retirement Ken lived in Surprise, Arizona. He passed away in February of 2020.

Vique Rojas

INDUCTED: 2011

Vique’s life-long love affair with storytelling took root at the tender age of eight, when she penned her first book. Fast forward three years and that love collided with her new passion: theatre! The result was a play that teachers requested go ‘on tour’ to be shared with classes other than her own. The experience laid the groundwork for a life dedicated to showmanship!

Armed with degrees from ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Broadcasting and Phoenix Center for the Performing Arts, Vique landed her first full-time television job as a member of the studio crew at KPHO-TV5. As an Arizona native and a child literally ‘raised’ by Wallace and Ladmo, not only was it a dream job, it was a training ground that far surpassed her education.

Working on so many live-to-tape shows gave her a solid production background in everything from specialty lighting, running a boom mic and building sets with power tools to the basics of floor directing, running teleprompter and directing talent.

It was at KPHO-TV5, where Vique’s passion for showmanship started to shine. She gave the sets for the station’s popular movie programs hosted by Bill Rocz, a fresh look with customized props and set decor. After learning how to edit, she produced promos for the Saturday morning horror feature ‘The World Beyond.’ She even parlayed her movie expertise into subbing for a vacationing Bill Rocz and used her acting career to land a couple of appearances as a character on Wallace and Ladmo!

It was her ‘side job’ of producing promos for various shows from Dick Van Dyke to The Andy Griffith Show that led her out the door and across the city to KTVK-3TV. She would call Arizona’s Family home for the remainder of her broadcast career. While working in the promotion department, she participated and eventually wrote, directed and produced everything from public service announcements to full blown station-wide image campaigns.

Her talents for selling a product were not limited to television. Vique has produced award winning and revenue generating campaigns for Phoenix Magazine, KEZ Radio and Make-a-Wish Foundation amongst others.

One of her proudest accomplishments was a campaign for domestic violence awareness and prevention for the State of Arizona. The campaign featured key anchors from every television station in the valley as well as first responders and professional athletes. Utilizing a rap, written and produced by Vique and David Miller, the effort earned her special recognition from then Attorney General Janet Napolitano.

Eventually Vique’s talents turned to longer format productions when she became the Executive Producer for Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad. The community service outreach program quickly became the station’s most high profile and popular news franchises.

During her career, Vique has earned numerous Emmy^® nominations and seventeen Emmy^® Awards, all while remaining active in theatrical productions, local film festival challenges and the film reviewing community, as a member of the Phoenix Film Critics Society.

For Vique, the best part of being inducted into the Silver Circle is belonging to the exclusive club that counts her childhood heroes Wallace, Ladmo and Gerald. The baby sitting propped in front of the tube could have never imagined such a great honor was yet to come.

Mary Lynn Roper

INDUCTED: 2002

Mary Lynn Roper is a pioneer for women in broadcasting in New Mexico. She was the first female television anchor, first female television news director and first female general manager of a television station in New Mexico.

A New Mexico native, Roper started in broadcasting at KRTN radio in Raton, New Mexico in 1970. After moving to Albuquerque, Roper worked in all-news radio before joining KOAT-TV in 1977 as a photographer and reporter. After a brief stop at KOB-TV, Roper returned to KOAT where she became the first female co-anchor in New Mexico Television history.

In addition to her anchor role, Roper became the executive producer for the station’s weeknight newscasts. In 1985, Roper left the anchor desk to become the state’s first female television news director.

KOAT, which was owned by Pulitzer Broadcasting at the time, thrived under Roper’s guidance. During Roper’s tenure at KOAT, newscast ratings were often the highest in the nation among ABC affiliates. Roper also launched KOATs for Kids, an annual drive to collect winter coats for children across New Mexico and launched an annual school supply drive to collect much-needed resources for New Mexico’s classrooms.

After five years leading the newsroom in New Mexico, Roper was promoted to vice president of news at Pulitzer Broadcasting’s corporate offices in St. Louis. While there, Roper worked with nine newsrooms throughout the company.

In 1993, Roper returned to KOAT where she became the state’s first female general manager of a television station. Roper spent 48 years in broadcasting before retiring in 2018. An impressive 25 years of that career was spent as general manager at KOAT.

Among Roper’s accolades is an Investigative Reporters and Editor award for her reporting during the 1980 New Mexico State Penitentiary riot. Under her leadership, KOAT won a National Association of Broadcasters award for public service campaign for the coat and school supply drives, and a campaign to help boost child immunization rates. In addition to her induction into the Silver Circle, in 2005 and again in 2019, Roper was inducted into the New Mexico Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

David Ross

INDUCTED: 2009

David Ross of Tucson, was the Director of Engineering and Technical Services for Arizona Public Media for more than 30 years. He also worked at other radio and television stations, nationwide, over his career. David is married to Mary “Peggy” Ross and they had one son, Kenneth. David was inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter’s Silver Circle Society in 2009.

Donna Rossi

INDUCTED: 2015

Donna Rossi is a reporter’s reporter. After spending four years as a Phoenix police officer, she decided to change careers and become a journalist in 1987. After attending ASU and working as an intern at KOOL-TV in Phoenix, she moved to Flagstaff in 1989 where she became the assignment editor, reporter and news anchor for KNAZ-TV NBC 2. While working full-time at KNAZ, Rossi also graduated cum laude from Northern Arizona University with a degree in broadcast journalism. In 1992, Rossi moved to Tucson, where she worked as the weekend anchor and weekday reporter for KOLD-TV CBS 13, for two years.

Rossi joined KPHO-TV CBS 5 in 1994, and covered many of the highest profile stories in the state. She covered the 1999 sleepwalking murder trial of Scott Falater, the 2004 trial of Roman Catholic Bishop Thomas O’Brien for a fatal hit and run accident and the two Jodi Arias murder trials. She also spent two straight weeks in northeastern Arizona during the summer of 2011 covering the Wallow Fire, the largest wildfire in Arizona history. She was also instrumental in bringing to the forefront the issue of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in law enforcement with a series of first-hand accounts from officers who trusted her to tell their stories. That series was helpful in getting a new state law on the books to better protect law officers with PTSD.

A past president of the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter, Rossi is a member of IFP/Phoenix, a non-profit organization of local film and documentary makers. She has won more than a dozen Arizona Associated Press awards and earned five Rocky Mountain Emmy^® Awards. In 2015, Rossi was inducted into the Silver Circle.

After 29-years in broadcast journalism she retired in February 2018. Later that year, she was inducted into the Arizona Broadcaster’s Association Hall of Fame. Rossi currently works as Director of Communications for Phoenix Police Department. She is also an adjunct faculty member of ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism.

Before becoming a police officer, Rossi was an employee of Eastern Onion singing telegram service. One evening in January 1980, a customer asked that a “Gorilla-gram” be sent to someone attending a Phoenix Suns game at the Veterans’ Memorial Coliseum. She was not working that night, so her co-worker, Henry Rojas, went instead. Rojas’ appearance at the game, especially when he danced to music during a timeout, caused quite a sensation. Rojas was invited back to subsequent Suns’ games and eventually became “The Gorilla.” We will never know what would have happened had Donna Rossi been working at Eastern Onion that night in January 1980, but her broadcast colleagues and TV news viewers throughout Arizona are grateful for her career path.

Jon Ruby

INDUCTED: 2002

Jon F. Ruby changed the face of Tucson TV during his 28 years as general manager of KVOA. Ruby was born in Oak Park, IL. and graduated from Indiana University before serving in the Army. From there, he joined a Chicago advertising agency and ventured into television when he joined WLS-TV, the ABC-owned station in Chicago, as an account executive. He eventually worked his way up to general sales manager.

Ruby was hired as general manager for KVOA in 1974. The station was struggling financially and was the market’s lowest-rated news station when he arrived. Within two years both the 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. newscasts were rated No. 1. He’s also known for creating the first logo for the station. He drew it on a cocktail napkin.

Ruby retired from the station in August 2002. “Jon was known to be competitive and tough as nails on the outside while a big teddy bear on the inside,” said KVOA-TV News Director Cathie Batbie. “He appreciated hard work. Professionally, he served a term as president of the Tucson Broadcasters Association and was on the board of the Arizona Broadcasters Association. In 2002, Ruby was inducted into the Silver Circle Society of the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and in 2004 he was named to the Arizona Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame.

Jon died May 17, 2011, at the age of 73.

Lew Ruggiero

INDUCTED: 2001

A veteran of nearly 40 years of broadcasting, Lew Ruggiero spent 27 of those years at KPNX-TV in Phoenix as an assignment editor, field producer, and general assignment reporter for KPNX-TV. During that time, Lew was widely considered the best broadcast reporter in Arizona. Whatever the big story of the moment happened to be — whether it be the tumultuous, 15-month administration of Governor Evan Mecham in 1987-88, the 1997 criminal trial of Governor Fife Symington or the 1991 AZScam corruption sting that snared seven Arizona state legislators accepting bribes on videotape — Lew covered it, and was often the first reporter to break new developments concerning those stories.

In 1982, Lew helped produce KPNX’s Rocky Mountain Emmy^® Award-winning series “He Told Me Not to Tell,” one of the first in-depth television news explorations of child sexual abuse. Lew won several awards during his TV career from both the Arizona Press Club and the Arizona Associated Press for his coverage of various social, environmental, and political issues around the state. In 1996, the Valley of the Sun Society of Professional Journalists awarded Lew its Sunshine Award for his work on behalf of the First Amendment in trying to keep Arizona public records open and available to the public.

While continuing to work full time as a night-side reporter at KPNX-TV, Lew returned to graduate school in 1999, eventually earning a master’s degree in mass communications from Arizona State University in May 2004. A year later, Northern Arizona University’s School of Communications named Ruggiero its Robert Eunson Distinguished Journalism Lecturer. A graduate school paper on civic journalism that he co-authored with ASU professor John Craft, “An Objective Measure of the Influence of Public Journalism: Framing a Yardstick for Connections Sought by a New Journalistic Paradigm-A Pilot Study,” was published in the Southwestern Mass Communication Journal in 2001.

Lew retired from KPNX in June 2006 and has since served as a private investigator for R3 Investigations, where he has provided in-depth investigations in criminal and civil matters, including a complex, nationwide multi-million-dollar federal fraud case. Lew also has handled both defense and mitigation work in sexual assault, aggravated assault, and Arizona death penalty cases. He has also done civil plaintiff’s investigative work in lawsuits filed against the state prison system’s contract food provider, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and the Phoenix Police Department.

Gina Santiago

INDUCTED: 2019

Gina Santiago, Regional Commercial Production Manager for Tegna, joined the KPNX 12News team in December 2019. She started as a Marketing Producer and quickly moved into the Commercial Production Manager role, eventually advancing to the Tegna Corporation. Prior to joining Tegna and KPNX 12News, Gina worked for three decades with KTVW Univision Arizona. Her most recent role there was managing commercial and promotion production. Throughout the years at KTVW, she wore several hats, including directing and technical directing live and live-to-tape shows, producing/coordinating promos, news and commercial spots, reporting for Nat sound news packages, and editing and producing news and special station programs. During this time, Gina also worked as an evening freelance ‘graphics stat producer-operator’ for local live sports, including the Phoenix Suns, Mercury, Arizona Rattlers, and Phoenix Coyotes, for nearly 10 years.

Santiago got her career jumpstart in broadcasting while working as a teacher’s assistant and internship coordinator in the television program at South Mountain High School. She not only assisted with the TV classroom production but also coordinated students for their Univision internships while floor directing alongside them on a live two-hour show, which turned into a full-time producer position.

Santiago is originally from the Peach State, Atlanta, Georgia. Gina started her career in the television industry right out of high school. Since then, she has raised her five children and graduated from the University of Phoenix with a BS degree in Business Management. Some of her career highlights include producing a live and live-on-tape Spanish morning show for 20 years, winning a Telly Award for producing a Spanish morning show, receiving several regional Emmy® nominations for news stories she’s covered, and earning seven regional Emmy® Awards in her career. In 2019, she was inducted into the prestigious Silver Circle Society in the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter.

Santiago has been serving on the NATAS Board of Governors since 2014. Gina is passionate about the planet and animal welfare. She loves Latin music and dancing, yoga, volunteering, and traveling anywhere, anytime. A fun fact about Gina: she enjoys doing ghost tours in each city or town she visits for the “colorful” historical background they provide. She has yet to see a ghost.

Bert Sass

INDUCTED: 2003

Bert is from Grand Island, Nebraska and studied Broadcast Journalism and Film at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, graduating in 1975. He worked at both KGUN-TV, Channel 9 in Tucson and KPNX-TV, Channel 12 in Phoenix, before retiring.

Mr. Sass is a member of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter’s Silver Circle Society. Bert and his wife, Sharon, live in Phoenix, Arizona.

Rod Saubel

INDUCTED: 2000

Rodney “Rod” Saubel has been in the production industry for over four decades. He is from Detroit, Michigan and delved into the production world while in high school in New York. He has done work in both radio and television. He is a long time Media Production Specialist for the City of Phoenix. He works on productions for both Phoenix Channel 11 and KNOW 99 Television.

Rod has received multiple honors throughout his career, including being inducted into the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of The National Academy of Television Arts & Science’s Silver Circle Society. He lives in Peoria, Arizona with his wife and they have three children.

Mike Sauceda

INDUCTED: 2019

“Mike Sauceda has been on the front lines of all of the big stories in Arizona for more than 35 years,” says Allysa Adams, the Executive Producer of News and Public Affairs at Arizona PBS. “He knows all of the players, all of the nuances of the stories and how the history of the state plays into each story line. He always runs to the big stories. Dropping whatever is going on in his life and making sure the team he is working with has what they need to get the word out. He is a true journalist in both his instincts and his craft. He checks and double checks facts, maintains a laser focus on the topic at hand and he is as quick a writer as anyone I’ve ever seen. But more importantly Mike is the guy in the field who will give others advice, hold their microphones, give them background and share whatever resources and knowledge he can. He’s the guy you want next to you in the scrum, because you know he’s got your back no matter whom you work for.”

Mike grew up in Eloy, Arizona in a family of 10 children. After graduating from Santa Cruz Valley Union High School in 1979, Mike attended Central Arizona College, where he wound up as a staff reporter for school newspaper, “The CACtus.” While at Central Arizona College, Mike also worked at KPIN (now KFAS), a Casa Grande radio station. One of his duties at KPIN included writing the “CoffeeGram,” a one-sheet newsletter that he delivered in his 1973 Ford Maverick to local restaurants every morning.

In 1984, Mike was hired to work at KOOL-FM radio as a reporter. He later worked at KOY-AM radio as a reporter, and then went on to KTAR-AM, where he worked for 24 years as a full- and part-time news anchor. In 1990, Mike went to work at KAET-TV as a producer/reporter for Arizona Horizon, where he has been ever since.

“It is a testament to Mike Sauceda’s longevity in local broadcasting that he knows – and knows how to contact – so many movers and shakers in the Phoenix area,” says Arizona Horizon anchor Ted Simons. “Mike’s Rolodex is considerable and exemplifies his many years of reporting and producing newscasts in the Valley. Mike’s experience helps add context and institutional knowledge to the shows he has produced and the news stories he has helped put together. He knows where many of the bodies are buried in local politics, which especially benefits Arizona Horizon’s mission of covering key public policy issues, a mission that Mike understands and has long embraced.”

Mike has also worked at KJZZ radio, Skyview Satellite radio, done stories for PBS’s Nightly Business Report and taught at ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

“One thing I think everyone agrees with about Mike is that he is a genuinely nice guy,” says Arizona PBS’s Allysa Adams. “There is no hidden agenda underneath his warm and friendly demeanor. In a world where stress and deadline pressure can turn the best of us into crabs, Mike rarely has a bitter moment. He is as friendly at the press conference, asking about families and vacations, as he is in the office and the control room during shows when his smart barbs often breaks through the tension. He has a great sense of humor dropping current event jokes sprinkled with silly puns that often illicit groans. Somehow, the cynicism that usually seeps into journalists over the years has never made a home in Mike’s psyche. He’s a positive force in our news room and we feel lucky to have him on our staff.”

Gary Schafer

INDUCTED: 2005

Gary Schafer attended Arizona State University and was a longtime producer at the Arizona Game and Fish Department. He helped the department conserve and protect Arizona’s 800+ species of wildlife. Schafer retired from the department in 2012 and continues to freelance. Gary is a five-time National Academy of Television Sciences’ Rocky Mountain Emmy^® recipient as a producer, writer, videographer and lighting director and a member of their Silver Circle Society.

Mike Schmidt

INDUCTED: 2011

Telling stories is something that is in Mike Schmidt’s blood. He began his journalism career at his high school newspaper as a photographer where he spent two years capturing images Greenway High School.

In 1982 Channel 10 (KOOL) came calling and he worked there for 3 and ½ years as a video tape editor. That same job brought him to KTVK in May of 1986. He got his shot behind the camera when a photographer hurt his knee and they needed help.

Mike eventually took his skills up north to Flagstaff when KTVK opened the Northern Arizona Bureau. Five years later Mike came back home to Phoenix where he works to this day.

Some of Mike’s career high points were road trips taken across Arizona from the north rim of the Grand Canyon to the party barge at Lake Havasu. A memory seared in his mind was the manhunt for Danny Ray Horning that lasted 30 straight days. He walked the rim of the Grand Canyon with SWAT team to the final takedown in Sedona where Horning was taking into custody.

When asked what he loves most of all Mike said it is the people in this business. Regardless of the station you called home we all have one love – telling stories, meeting people and learning about them. To Mike, that is the best thing about what we do.

Larry Schnebly

INDUCTED: 2001

DECEASED

Larry retired in 1994 after a long career in television management and broadcasting including early work for KGPH & KWRZ Radio in Flagstaff and ultimately retired from KGUN TV9, Tucson's ABC affiliate in April 1994, after 34 years in varied areas from On-Air, to Sales Management, Production Manager and Program Director.

Larry also worked as the Assistant Director of Alumni Relations, the editor of PINE and the Director of Housing for Northern Arizona University early in his career. Larry received numerous honors and awards over the years including both Silver and Gold Society memberships of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, as well as induction into the Arizona Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame and the 1952 Gold Axe Award from NAU. He organized affiliations including Grand Canyon Trust, Southern Arizona Roadrunners, and Adlerian Society of Arizona. He was president of the board for the Beckner Foundation and co-hosted the Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon, beginning in 1969. Larry is the grandson of Sedona Schnebly, for who the town of Sedona is named. He and his wife Lee lived in Tucson and had four children and three grandchildren. He passed away in Tucson on Friday, October 28 , 2022 at the age of 94.

Chris Schueler

INDUCTED: 2021

Chris Schueler has created more than one hundred television programs over the past 25 years. These programs have garnered 26 Rocky Mountain Emmy® Awards and some have been broadcast throughout the world.

Focusing on educational and social issues, Schueler has experience in youth programming, cultural and social documentaries and video projects, and family series television. His clients have included the United Nations, the National Institute of Mental Health, the PBS Network, the CBS Network Foundation as well as networks and government entities worldwide.

Schueler’s program topics have ranged from global warming solutions to mental health stigma as well as domestic violence, teen pregnancy prevention, AIDS, alcohol, gambling addiction and opioid abuse.

His documentaries focusing on the environment, health and social issues, and Native American challenges have not only educated the viewing audience, but also have been used by lawmakers and community leaders to inform decision making.

Schueler includes social marketing and target audience outreach for all his projects, involving extensive use of electronic and internet platforms to address issues primarily focused on teenagers and their families. In addition to including a large group of teenagers in the programs production and outreach efforts, each of these projects include organizing partnerships with nonprofit stakeholders, government entities and private businesses. These documentaries and community outreach projects include not only the airing of the programs in prime time, but also curriculum guides, Town Hall meetings, specialized educational videos, and internet components including live web cam interaction and text messaging.

The National Broadcast Association for Community Affairs named Chris Schueler national “Innovator of the Year” for his nationally syndicated, News 101 Project that trained teenagers to produce television news stories for local network affiliates. Schueler has used his model to train journalists around the world in creating social issue documentaries.

Schueler is the Executive Director of “SafeTeen New Mexico” which was named one of the six best Community Outreach Programs in the United States.

And tonight, he can add member of the prestigious NATAS Silver Circle Society in the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter to that list.

Mike Serres

INDUCTED: 2008

Mike Serres worked his way up from the bottom during his 28 years at KUAT in Tucson. From a student, to on air announcer, independent producer, promotions assistant, creative service manager to becoming an Assistant General Manager of KUAT TV in Tucson.

Howard Shepherd

Howard Edward Shepherd Jr., was a television news and sports photographer for Channel 12 KPNX for over years. No one affectionately is Harry Shepherd’s work in television took him from the floor of America West Arena (Now Talking Stick Resort Arena) to the far reaches of Vietnam and the Amazon. Shepherd donated his time as a member of the Esperanca team, which brought medical aid to the poor living along the Amazon in Brazil. While there, he documented the efforts of U.S. doctors who brought hope and comfort to the disadvantaged. Shepherd covered the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Coyotes, Arizona Cardinals and spring training for the Arizona Diamondbacks, when they trained in Tucson.

Fran Sherlock

INDUCTED: 2006

There would be plenty of backslapping, handshaking and bear hugging if Fran Sherlock walked into a local commercial television station and many public stations across the nation. These stations all have staff members who started with Arizona Public Media /KUAT and worked with Sherlock.

His work on campus began in 1968, when he took a summer job wiring the first color-television transmitter for KUAT on Mount Bigelow. A native Tucsonan, Sherlock was just out of the U.S. Navy, where he specialized in electronics. The station had just moved into the Modern Languages Building and was using a transmitter behind Herring Hall.

The equipment was big and bulky, and Sherlock’s understanding of electronics helped him land a student job at the station. After receiving his degree from the UA in 1972 in speech communications. there was no Radio-TV major at the time. He continued along a path that in nearly 42 years has taken him through almost every production position at KUAT, working with hundreds of students.

Sherlock directed coverage of football games, City Council meetings and a variety of public affairs shows. He was executive director for 16 years of the award-winning “The Desert Speaks,” which presents stories of the people, plants, animals, geology and archaeology of the Americas’ arid regions. He’s been on the air, too.

An Emmy^® Award, for “The Desert Speaks,” he acknowledges humbly, is tucked on a bookcase shelf in an office strewn with books, papers and electronic gizmos, including a 10,000-watt incandescent light bulb.

He’s eager to talk about the students who have passed through the studios and to show off his favorite mementos: several framed mounting boards crowded with overlapping, fading and color-shifted snapshots of his proteges. He can point out students and tell you their names and where they are today.

“I was able to build successful teams,” said Sherlock, who found great satisfaction when others received awards and landed jobs. “I enjoy seeing a student or a producer really blossom.”

“I respect artistic skills,” he said. He considered the people he worked with, such as editors and photographers, as artists. When ideas and products were discussed and critiqued, Sherlock encouraged viewing the work as art.

He likes to tell people stories and said he appreciates the experiences with “The Desert Speaks,” such as visiting the Galapagos Islands and Argentina, which allowed him the privilege of seeing how others manage to live in deserts.

As director of production services, Sherlock had the overarching responsibility for television production for Arizona Public Media’s five broadcast streams, including online. That’s meant he was on call 24/7 and could easily get a 3 a.m. heads-up that CNN needed to get into the studio by 6 a.m.

Tools and technology have seen the most change in Sherlock’s four decades in broadcasting.

“Tools are smaller, easier to use and cheaper,” Sherlock said. At one point, only a television station could afford a videotape editor; now there’s one on almost every laptop.

While the once-expensive tools are accessible and easy to use, “the challenge is to have skills to create a product that is art.”

Sherlock and his wife of 40 years are family-oriented and active in social service programs such as Habitat for Humanity, Casa Maria, and the youth group at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, where Sherlock is a deacon.

“I enjoy helping people communicate their stories,” Sherlock said, “and whatever I can do to help.”

Fran retired as the “grandfather” of KUAT in 2013. He is a member of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter’s Silver Circle Society.

Ted Simons

INDUCTED: 2017

Ted Simons has worked in television, radio and print journalism for more than 30 years. Since 2007, he has been the host and Managing Editor of Arizona Horizon, a nightly news and public affairs program on KAET-TV, the PBS affiliate in Phoenix. During the past decade on Arizona Horizon, Simons has interviewed a wide range of state and national leaders, including almost every significant political and business leader in the state, former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, and other interesting folks that include former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and filmmaker Ken Burns. Prior to joining Arizona PBS, Simons hosted the afternoon drive news/talk show on KTAR radio, worked as news director/morning show host for KZON-FM and news/sports anchor/reporter at KPHO-TV. Simons was also sports director/anchor at KOFY-TV in San Francisco, during which he experienced the 1989 San Francisco earthquake from the upper-deck press section at Candlestick Park just before the start of the third game of the World Series.

A graduate of Chaparral High School in Scottsdale and Arizona State University, where he earned a degree in political science, Simons was the music critic for the Phoenix New Times in the 1980s, where he went by the name “Theo” and covered the club venues around the Valley. He continued to serve as the New Times music critic while doing weekend sports at KPHO-TV.

Nancy Southgate, the Associate General Manager of KAET says “Ted is a voice of reason. He is quiet. He is reserved. He is respectful towards his guests. He is respectful to the audience. The audience loves him. We love him. He is just the voice of reason with all this chaotic media environment that is going on. He is perfect.”

Simons has been a regular host of political debates during election years in Arizona. Arizona Horizon’s current executive producer, Allysa Adams, remembers that in 2016 “Senator John McCain’s campaign specifically asked that Ted moderate the debate. Earlier I recall an on-set interview with Sen. McCain and Ted where McCain jokingly referred to Ted as “Comrade” a number of times. The implication being Ted was left leaning. Still, the Senator asked that Ted moderate his debate, I can only presume the Senator trusted that Ted would be fair and prepared. Just a month later Ted did a satellite interview with Rep. Raul Grijalva. Once the interview was over and Grijalva was getting off set but still on mic we heard someone ask: ‘How did that go?’ and Rep. Grijalva replied: ‘Oh you know those Phoenix reporters they’re all conservative.'”

“Whether a comrade or a conservative, Ted is exceedingly balanced and fair,” Adams says. “Always trying to ask the questions that get lawmakers to answer honestly.”

An avid golfer and a modest man, Simons would never want you to know that on November 5, 1997 he had a hole-in-one at the 8th hole at the Mesquite Course the Westin Kierland Golf Club. It was a 9-iron from 142 yards away. And it was on a Wednesday. But remember, he would never want you to know that.

Ted Simons was inducted into the Silver Circle in 2017.

Abbie Smith

INDUCTED: 2015

"After starting her career at KARE-TV in Minneapolis, Abbie was convinced in 1986 to move to Phoenix and KTVK-TV by then-KTVK News Director Phil Alvidrez. During her 16 years at KTVK, Abbie served as a field producer, the executive producer for news, the executive producer for special projects and the director for local programming. Abbie was one of the main people responsible for transforming a perennial last place newscast into the top-rated news show in Phoenix during the late 1980s and early 1990s. When KTVK became an independent station in 1994, Abbie developed and produced Brainstorm, a science show for kids, and KJ & Kids, a show hosted by then-Phoenix Suns star Kevin Johnson. Abbie also developed and oversaw Cooking with Beth and Bill, Under the Hood with Mark Salem, Southwest Style with Jan D’Atri, Home with Terri O and The Garden Guy. When KTVK carried the Arizona Diamondbacks’ games, Abbie developed programming for the team, from before their inaugural game through the 2001 World Series.

After spending five years with Cox/Channel 4 in San Diego, where she produced a number of successful local programs, Abbie returned to Phoenix to be an original member of the start-up team for The List, a daily half-hour news/entertainment show produced by Scripps Broadcasting. Today, Abbie is the Managing Editor of The List, which airs throughout the U.S. and has bureaus in five other cities in addition to Phoenix."

John Smith

INDUCTED: 2001

DECEASED

John Smith got his start in radio in 1967 at KXIV in Phoenix as a summer relief newscaster and audio producer. He moved onto KTAR TV as a camera operator and later as director. John managed Levitz Furniture’s television production department for some time, then joined Meredith Corporation in 1974 as a director/producer. In 1975 he became Executive Producer and in 1976 Production Manager. He was promoted to Director of Operations of KPHO-TV in 1996, holding that position until his retirement in 2001. John Smith passed away November 2014 after a long battle with cancer.

Larry Smith

INDUCTED: 2010

Larry was part of the Utah broadcast community since joining KUED-TV in 1977 as the station’s Business Manager. In the early 1990s the growth of KUED-TV, its affiliated services, and Larry’s exemplary performance led to his selection as Chief Financial Officer. In 1998 he was selected to serve as KUED’s General Manager.

Larry made a substantial difference in KUED’s capacities for public service and excellence. He was been a stalwart advocate of maintaining robust local production and programming. He represented the unique characteristics of public broadcasting in his local broadcast community, as well as through regional and national organizations. His dedication to service was recognized in 2009 by the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter - NATAS when KUED was presented the first Overall Station Achievement Award.

Larry Smith retired in 2010.

Gary Stafford

INDUCTED: 2006

Gary Stafford is currently the creative force behind Midnight Sun Films. He spent many years as a news photographer, most of that at KPNX-TV in Phoenix. The last several years at KPNX, he served as chief photographer and part of the news management team. Gary was, and still is known for his attention to detail, especially with the lighting of a scene or shot.

His career transcended film (even running a film processor at the beginning of his career) through the 3/4 inch tape era and those heavy TK-76 cameras and recorders. He continues to excel with whatever format comes down the pike, including M-II. Even though most of his work is commercial production these days, his news "genes" still show up. In 2005 he went to the Gulf Coast to cover the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina as part of a documentary. He occasionally still shoots for news organizations.

Gary's career is an example of what a photographer/producer should be, a dedicated professional who has spent his career telling great stories and teaching others how to do the same.

Pam Stevenson

INDUCTED: 2003

Pam Stevenson possesses 30 years of experience in television documentary, public affairs and news writing, reporting and producing. She is founder and president of Agave Productions and Pam Stevenson Communications. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of California, Los Angeles. Her career has included four years as managing editor of the KTSP (now KSAZ) news department, and eight years as a special projects producer and six years as a public affairs director. She worked briefly as audiovisual coordinator for Salt River Project in Phoenix. Pam was also the manager of production for KAET-TV in Phoenix, for seven years. . She also served two years as editor of the Arizona First Amendment Coalition newsletter and is author of the book, Grand Endeavors.

Steve Stucker

INDUCTED: 2021

Steve Stucker is a weatherman for KOB 4’s “Eyewitness News Today” show in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This morning program airs weekdays from 4:30 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. With over 30 years with KOB television, Stucker has been continuously forecasting weather in New Mexico longer than any other TV personality.

Stucker has received dozens of honors in his years on KOB 4, including being voted Best of the City awards for “Best TV Personality” and/or “Best Meteorologist” the past 16 years in a row, by readers of a local lifestyle publication, “Albuquerque, The Magazine.”

Stucker is well known throughout New Mexico for his community involvement, which includes working with dozens of nonprofit groups, churches and schools. He has spoken to thousands of students about the importance of staying in school, and making their dreams come true. He is sought after as a motivational speaker for civic organizations, graduations and corporate events. He has served as the master of ceremonies host for more events than any other person in the history of New Mexico.

Stucker brings his "Celebrity Weather Dogs" on air with him every Friday morning for his popular Parade of Pets feature, which promotes adoption through local animal shelters.

He is a fixture at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, and he has not missed a single broadcast in more than 30 years. Stucker goes live from the field all nine mornings of the event and has developed a worldwide following through his colorful comments and his outrageous Balloon Fiesta costume and pin collection. Stucker jokes that he is the probably the most photographed human at Balloon Fiesta every year.

Stucker is the Founder and Director of Beds4kidz, a branch of UpB4 the Son Charities & Ministries. Beds4kidz gives beds to families who are sleeping on the floor. To date, they have placed more than 11,000 people in clean, comfortable beds, free of charge.

He has been married to his wife Rose for 28 years and they have four adult children and three grandchildren. Stucker is an Ordained Chaplain (International Fellowship of Chaplains), and the Men's Ministry Pastor at New Covenant Church of Albuquerque.

In addition to his professional accolades and personal accomplishments Stucker is also a rookie beekeeper. Tonight we toast his sweet success on all fronts.

Bill Still

Bill was born in Los Angeles, California, November 18, 1933, as William Stull III. He was a 31-year veteran of the television news industry, serving at Phoenix NBC Affiliate, KPNX TV, Channel 12, formerly KTAR TV, until 1979. He served there for over 20 years, as a reporter and anchor. Stull is a member of the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Silver Circle Society and a regional Emmy^® recipient. Bill is also a past Chapter President of the organization. Bill passed away in Phoenix, Arizona on December 29, 2000 at the age of 67.

Van Tate

INDUCTED: 2023

Van Tate has been covering New Mexico sports for the last 20 years. The Hobbs High School and University of New Mexico graduate says he was destined for a journalism career at an early age. While still a child, Van would tape record his own version of the news. He called it, “the creepy scary news.” “I really forgot all about that,” said Van, “my mother played a recording for me after I got my first job in the business.”

Van was a business major when he first arrived at UNM. He said he doesn’t know why he switched to journalism. He said it was just a natural move. That move has given him a chance to cover the Indy 500, NFL games, Bowl games, NCAA tournaments, as well as a long list of other exciting events.

You can catch Van doing sports Monday through Friday on KRQE -- News 13 and Fox -- New Mexico. He also has an online sports discussion called, “The Sports Office” . His guest list includes a variety of people from the world of sports from NFL stars, College players, coaches, and even to an occasional movie star. Some of Van’s achievements include: National Sportswriter and Sportscaster of the Year New Mexico (11 time winner), Albuquerque the Magazine “Best of the City Sports Reporter” (5 times winner), Associated Press Best Sports (5 time winner), and NMBA Best Sports (3 time winner).

Jose Teposte

INDUCTED: 2022

Jose “Big Joe” Teposte is a fixture in the Yuma television scene. A native of that southern Arizona city, Jose began his broadcasting journey at the local NBC affiliate right after high school. In his 25 + years at KYMA, Jose has held a dozen different jobs from Floor Director to Photographer to News Operations Manager, but his biggest contribution to broadcasting may be the people he has helped along the way.

Jose’s nomination was filled with accolades about his mentoring, both seeking the right mentor and being one to others. His success as a newsroom leader has positioned him as one of the most sought-after mentors for journalists. Many careers were launched and flourished because he took the time and interest to guide young broadcasters along the right path, but Jose’s desire to give back extends beyond his journalistic ethos. Because of his strong roots in the community he created the Dezert Syndicate Car and Bike Club in 2018. The club brings together members with an interest in philanthropic work to help those who need a helping hand. As a founder of this organization, he has facilitated the development of food pantries in neighborhoods that face food insecurity and coordinated efforts to raise funds, gather supplies, and bring awareness to social issues within Yuma County. Jose is always willing to pitch in for the good of the community regardless of the mission.

His philosophy has remained the same since the day he first looked through a viewfinder, community is everything. He is a trailblazer, both as a journalist and as a role model for young professionals. His passion for leadership, commitment to the professional development of others and focus on providing high-quality talent make him a perfect addition to the Silver Circle.

Ray Thompson

INDUCTED: 2007

Ray was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota, November 1, 1921, to Harald and Bertha Thompson. He was the first anchorman at KTVK, Channel 3 and the first news director/anchorman at KTAR, now KPNX, Channel 12, both of Phoenix. Later, Ray was promoted to Vice President of News at Channel 12. A member of the Arizona Broadcaster’s Association, “Hall of fame”, he was awarded six Emmy^® Awards for achievement in news and documentaries while at KPNX, Channel 12. He was a member of both the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ “Silver and Gold Circles” in recognition of both, 25 and 50 years of service to the local industry and community. A founder and charter member of the Valley of the Sun Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists…Sigma Delta Chi Foundation, Ray also served a term as a president. He also served as a founding member of the Minnesota Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. He was awarded the Arizona Press Club “Distinguished Service Award” in 1981. Ray also authored two books, “And Finally” dealing with his broadcast recollections and humorous stories used at the end of his newscasts, and “Cactus Corners, Arizona” a humorous journey through a fictional Arizona town as a young radio newsman, in which he relates his experiences with colorful townsfolk and fellow broadcasters. He served several years as a member of the editorial advisory board of Phoenix Magazine and was a contributor of articles to that magazine. In 1976, he served on the City of Phoenix Bicentennial Committee. Later, he served as a member of the Board of “Friends of Arizona State University Libraries.” Ray started his career in Minnesota as a newspaper reporter. His first job was for a chain of weekly papers. After serving in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, Ray sought a job in radio. Ray discovered the only opening was in engineering so he took a correspondence course and gained a first-class broadcast engineer’s license. He, then, found employment at KROC in Rochester as an engineer. Before long the station, recognizing his journalistic ability, named him KROC’s sportscaster and later news director. When KROC-TV went on the air in 1963 he became News Director and Anchorman. He also served as a stringer correspondent for the United Press and Newsweek Magazine and served as a president of the Northwest Radio News Association, with headquarters at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. After retirement from TV, Ray served as Executive Producer of Samcor Video, a unit of the then…Good Samaritan Hospital Association. He also did freelance work as a writer-producer of monthly videos for Arizona Bank, Security Pacific and First Interstate Bank. In 1986, he produced a video magazine for Arizona Bank which was awarded, “Best National Corporate Video” in Public Relations Society of America competition. During the same period, he broadcast a daily program “This Day in Arizona History” on Radio Station KTAR. Ray passed away in 2012 at the age of 90.

Ken Thorpe

INDUCTED: 2004

Ken Thorpe has been covering local news in the Phoenix market since 1972, all with Channel 10. Prior to that he was the Photo Chief at WRAU in Peoria Ill. His career started in Peoria in 1968, where he helped WRAU transition from black and white to color film for news coverage. Ken has seen Channel 10 go through three call letter changes, and survived numerous ownership transitions.

Ken has covered big news assignments including the Tyson Prison Break, and the impeachment of Governor George Mecham during his long tenure at Channel 10. Ken is known as one of the steady players among local photojournalists, and has helped out many an inexperienced photographer with problems in the field.

John Thorwaldson

INDUCTED: 2010

Jon Thorwaldson has seen KPHO-TV go from a small independent station to a full fledged CBS affiliate, now with over 28 hours of live news programming a week. Jon is required to be involved in everything from repairing live trucks seconds before airtime to planning major projects, such as the entire conversion of KPHO-TV from analog to High Definition.

As KPHO was converting its entire operations to digital, Jon led the main effort on the new building addition that currently houses the Digital Television Operating Center. He was instrumental in implementing the project at several points, navigating governmental regulations, tight budgets and strict timelines. This ongoing work will soon allow KPHO to run the master control rooms of not only their sister TV station in Las Vegas but also their two stations in Portland.

Jon is at the center of KPHO’s emergency preparedness efforts with regard to generators and UPS systems. He has recently spearheaded the transition of their generator and power monitoring systems to new computerized applications, which has dramatically improved KPHO’s general awareness of their backup power systems. He almost solely manages the testing and maintenance program for this highly critical aspect of KPHO’s facility, which allows them to stay on the air in the event of a catastrophic power failure.

Jon has been with the station for over 30 years and has earned the respect from his colleagues for his commitment to quality which is crucial to the success of KPHO-TV.

Sue Thorwaldson

INDUCTED: 2006

DECEASED

Sue Thorwaldson enjoyed a long career in both radio and television. She started in Palm Springs, California, where she worked starting at the age of 17 for KDES AM/FM before moving to KMIR-TV, working as an operating engineer. This is where Sue met and married her husband of 46 years, Jon. They moved to Phoenix, where she was employed at KOOL TV Engineering, now KSAZ 10. Then Sue joined the City of Phoenix police video production unit and that led to working at PHXTV cable television channel 11 Engineering. She was given the Silver Circle Award by the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Sue retired in 2013 and enjoyed time with her husband Jon, an engineer at KPHO/KTVK TV in Phoenix. Both were members of the Society of Broadcast Engineers. Sue passed away in August of 2023 and is remembered by those who knew her as a smart and wonderful person with a great sense of humor. She is missed.

Ray Track

INDUCTED: 2005

Biography coming soon.

Stu Tracy

Stuart “Stu” Tracy was born in 1943. He joined KPHO TV-5 in 1970 after a stint on KPHO radio, which then was at 910 AM. The station was sold, and Tracy moved over to the TV side as a weatherman. He was joined seven years later by radio colleague Roger Downey. When he retired in 2001, Tracy was one of only a few on-air people left from the days when Channel 5 was an independent. Downey and Bud Gindhart were the others. Stu is a member of the Rocky Mountain Emmy^® Sliver Circle Society. In retirement he enjoys flying and motorcycles.

Ruben Trujillo

INDUCTED: 2003

Ruben was born in 1950. He served as a cameraman at KPHO- TV5 in Phoenix, Arizona in the 1980’s & 90’s. One of the projects he worked regularly on, was the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon. He was inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter’s Silver Circle Society, in 2003. Ruben is retired and still lives in the Valley of the Sun.

Mary Morse Vasquez

INDUCTED: 2019

Mary Morse Vasquez grew up in the Midwest but moved to Arizona at the age of 18. During her senior year at NAU she heard about an internship and job opportunity at Channel 10, the then CBS affiliate – now FOX 10. Little did she know walking through the doors on that first day that this TV station would be a major part of her life for the next 33 years. Morse Vasquez spent a few years producing evening newscasts, but soon realized that morning television was her true calling. As Executive Producer of the morning show from 1994 to 2019, she worked with what she calls some of the most talented, hard-working people in the industry. “This amazing career provided me the opportunity to write and produce stories about events that have shaped our lives and for that, I will always be grateful,” said Morse Vasquez

Recently retired, she no longer sets the alarm for 2:30 a.m. (Woohoo!) She now watches the news and morning show from her home in Payson where she lives with her husband.

John Vasseur

INDUCTED: 2008

John Vasseur has worked in the television business as a Producer/Director for over 30 years. A University of Arizona alumni and huge fan, John's first job after U of A was in New York City with Major League Baseball Productions. After more than 10 years in the NYC market, Vasseur moved back to Arizona, this time to the Valley. He worked for Fox Sports Arizona, Arizona Diamondbacks, local ad agencies and many years of freelance, producing shows including "We've Got Your Game", Golf'n Arizona, TapOut VTC and others. John is proud to have covered many of the biggest sports events in the country, including Super Bowls, World Series, Final Fours, NCAA Bowl games, NBA Finals, Stanley Cups, US Opens in both golf and tennis, and others.

He has worked mostly in sports, but has done corporate, charity and entertainment production as well.

John has been nominated for six Emmy^® Awards and won 13 Telly Awards. Recently John has produced videos for former Attorney General Grant Woods and 2019 "Arizona Spring Training Live" for Stadium Sports network.

John lives in Scottsdale with wife Sandy and have two successful children, Katie and Johnny.

Check out his website at johnvasseur.com.

Ken Verdoia

INDUCTED: 2003

An honors graduate of San Jose State University in California, Ken Verdoia also studied at The University of Utah, the University of North Carolina, and Cambridge University in England. He has been the recipient of more than 100 regional, national, and international awards for journalistic and broadcast excellence. His dozens of public television documentaries have explored historic, social and political themes. Ken served in several capacities at Utah’s PBS affiliate KUED, during his career.

He has twice been named recipient of the National Sigma Delta Chi Award from the Society of Professional Journalists for outstanding achievement in documentary production. During his term of service with KUED, he was selected a Fellow of the American Political Science Association, serving for a year as a legislative analyst in the U.S. Congress.

In 1997, his record of exceptional service to the people of Utah was recognized with the Governor’s Award for outstanding career achievement by the Utah Humanities Council. In 2003, he was inducted into the Silver Circle by the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for lifetime broadcast achievement. In 2007, he received the American Library Association’s Gordon Conable Award for the defense of freedom of information. His groundbreaking approach to political coverage was honored with the Governor’s Award for Public Service from the National Academy of Television Arts and Science, and has been used as a demonstration project by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to train other public broadcasters in exceptional public service.

His legacy includes regional Emmy^® Awards for excellence in documentary production, writing, public affairs, and investigative reporting. He has twice been honored by the National Society of Professional Journalists for producing the nation’s best television news documentaries. Among his many awards, he received the Governor’s Award for exceptional public service from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and was inducted into the academy’s prestigious Silver Circle for career achievement and service in broadcasting.

Verdoia’s contributions to KUED have helped make it a trusted and valued public television station, and have made him a prominent and respected figure in the community and public broadcasting. The former Director of Production leaves a body of long-form documentary and public affairs work, including the landmark series, Utah: The Struggle for Statehood, Shadow of Hope, Skull Valley, Joe Hill, and dozens of others, as well as the statewide election collaboration with public broadcasters, VoteUtah. After 35 years at KUED, 25 documentaries, and 29 regional Emmy^® Awards, Ken retired in 2017.

Beth Vershure

INDUCTED: 2003

Beth served as station manager at PBS’ KAET-TV Channel 8 in Arizona. Beth was inducted into the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Silver Circle Society in 2003. She was also a Public Television Programming Association’s Golden Grid Award Recipient in 2006.

George Wallace

INDUCTED: 2004

DECEASED

George Wallace was born on September 25, 1925 in Long Beach, California to Thomas Jay Wallace and Angela M. Phillips Wallace. He graduated from New Trier High School, Winnetka, Illinois in 1943. He attended the University of South Carolina in the U.S. Navy College Program and received his Navy Commission at the Notre Dame University Midshipman School as Ensign, USNR in 1945. He completed an overseas assignment as Executive Officer on a District Minesweeper in the South Pacific. His passion for athletics and his talent for the game of basketball earned him an athletic scholarship to the University of Idaho, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1949.

He met his wife, Lois Tiller, while attending the University of Idaho. They married on December 21, 1947. In 1952, he moved his family to Tucson to join KTKT Radio as an early morning DJ and radio time salesman. The position sparked a successful and fulfilling 33-year career in radio and television broadcasting, during which he served as station manager for KTKT and KCUB Radio. In 1962, he joined KGUN TV as local sales manager, and later became General Manager. His leadership afforded him the opportunity to serve on the National ABC Affiliate Board for a number of years. From 1978-1983, he was responsible for fundraising to support the University of Arizona athletic programs. Prior to his retirement in 1990, he served as Sales Manager at KAIR/KJOY Radio and a national sales consultant for KIIM/KCUB Radio.

His significant contributions to the broadcast industry were recognized by the Tucson Ad Club where he received the Silver Medal Award in 1987. In 2003, he was honored by the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences as a member of the Silver Circle Society. During his career, he served as President of the Tucson Ad Club, the Tucson YMCA, and the Tucson Conquistadores. George passed away peacefully at the age of 80 in 2006, after a brief battle with brain cancer.

Todd Walsh

INDUCTED: 2016

Todd Walsh has worked with FOX Sports Arizona since 2001 and fills many roles at the network, including its pre-game/post-game host and in-game reporter for Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona Coyotes telecasts. One of the most versatile and respected television personalities in the state of Arizona, he also hosts the Emmy^® Award winning “D-backs 10th Inning” as well as “the Local 9” and “Urban Coyotes. He also contributes content to FOXSportsArizona.com.

A 13-time Emmy^® Award winner, he has been honored as the best sports anchor three times. He was also named “Favorite Sportscaster” in Arizona Foothills Magazine “Best of Our Valley Poll” in November of 2010. The Arizona Republic named him the top sports reporter in Phoenix in 2001 and again in 2002.

In what was one of the top highlights of his career, he emceed the 35th reunion of the famed 1980 gold medal-winning USA Men’s Hockey team in Lake Placid, NY back in 2015. D-backs pitcher Randy Johnson allowed him to become the first reporter to ever be invited inside his home to profile his baseball and rock and roll memorabilia collection. The visit was for the critically acclaimed “In My Own Words – Randy Johnson” episode Walsh hosted. The show was awarded with an Emmy^® in 2008. Todd was also the only local television reporter to go to Cooperstown, NY for Johnson’s Hall of Fame induction and was given exclusive access with Johnson for that historic weekend.

A fixture as well in Phoenix and Tucson sports radio, he has been the host for the Phoenix Coyotes radio pre-game broadcasts since 1996. He has also done weekday sports updates for KSLX radio (100.7 FM) in Phoenix and was the sports director for KDKB radio (93.3 FM).

Walsh worked for KTAR radio in Phoenix from 1988-93 as a sports reporter, talk show anchor and co-host of the pre and post-game radio broadcasts for the Arizona Cardinals and Phoenix Suns. From 1991-93, he was the color commentator for Cardinals games.

From 1988-91, Walsh served as the play-by-play announcer for the Phoenix Firebirds of the Pacific Coast League (Triple-A minor league baseball) and in 1987, he did the play-by-play duties in Tucson for the Triple-A Tucson Toros and the University of Arizona Ice Cats hockey team.

A native of Rochester, NY, Walsh graduated from the University of Arizona in 1986 with a degree in radio and television. He got his start in the business while at the UA, hosting a nightly sports talk show and serving as the pre and post-game host for Arizona Wildcats football and basketball games on KNST radio. Also during his time at Arizona, he served as a basketball manager for Lute Olson and had a role as a sports reporter in the 1987 movie “Can’t Buy Me Love.”

John Warren

INDUCTED: 2005

For more than 40 years, John Warren has worked in both radio and television in order to tell stories. After graduating with a degree in broadcast journalism from Northern Arizona University in 1976, John started his television reporting career in Flagstaff, before moving to Tucson, and finally to Phoenix, where he was hired to be a reporter at KOOL-TV (now KSAZ-TV). John eventually moved to KTVK-TV, where he was the News Assignment Manager for 20 years and managed the day-to-day operation of the news desk and directed a staff of 60 or more people. John became an assignment editor “because I had a desire to do more than just tell one story. I wanted to tell them all. The assignment editor is involved in every story that is presented; how the story is told and what message we are telling our audience. We help shape the message and as a trained journalist we make certain that every story is not only truthful but also accurate.”

John is currently the Content Manager at KPNX-TV in Phoenix, where he continues to make daily news assignments and manage the logistics of reporting the news.

“I have been a part of some of the most logistically demanding story telling opportunities over my career and those were some of the most rewarding times of my life,” says Warren. “From the Super Bowl coverage to the Presidential debates and the Phoenix Open to the marches on the State Capitol. Through it all, the logistics planning was important because the purpose is to be able to tell the story, without letting the effort it took to bring the story to the audience get in the way of the message. In the end, I can say that I am a storyteller who endeavors to live up to the career and profession I have chosen.”

John credits Bill Miller, Phil Alvidrez and Dennis O’Neil for helping to shape and guide his career.

Mike Watkiss

INDUCTED: 2018

Mike Watkiss is a veteran reporter who has been on the frontline of some of the biggest stories of the last four decades. Watkiss has interviewed serial killers and super stars. He was one of the first reporters on the scene the morning the bodies of Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson were discovered. Watkiss then covered the so-called “Trial of the Century” — the criminal prosecution of O.J. Simpson. During an eight year run with the show “A Current Affair” Watkiss first worked as a New York-based correspondent and then was transferred to Los Angeles to serve as both the L.A. Bureau Chief and West Coast Correspondent.

While with “A Current Affair” Watkiss covered the L.A. Riots, the Northridge Earthquake, the Oklahoma City Bombing, “Night Stalker” Serial Killer Richard Ramirez, Hollywood Madam Heidi Fleiss, and Figure Skater Tonya Harding. Watkiss also traveled the world from Singapore to Switzerland covering Super-Star Michael Jackson. For the last eighteen years, Watkiss has worked as the Senior Reporter at Phoenix TV Station KTVK.

During this time, Watkiss covered the 9-11 attack from New York City, Hurricane Katrina from Biloxi Mississippi, the Death of Princess Diana from London, the trial of American Terrorist Timothy McVeigh from Denver and countless wildfires all over the Western United States. Watkiss has received many of journalism’s major awards. In 2009 Watkiss was also presented the FBI’s Community Leadership Award by then FBI Director Robert Mueller.

Because of his extensive work covering the practice of polygamy in America, Watkiss, who comes from polygamist ancestors, is recognized as one of the leading experts on American polygamy, the FLDS Church and Polygamous Prophet Warren Jeffs.

In 2005, Watkiss produced the Emmy^® and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning Documentary “Colorado City and the Underground Railroad.”

The documentary chronicles the stories and struggles of a handful of brave women who stood up against the abusive Prophet and power structure of the FLDS community and, ended up, changing the course of history.

Watkiss has a B.A. in Anthropology from Stanford University and a Masters’ Degree in Journalism from Columbia University.

Watkiss has appeared in several movies including “Dumb and Dumber,” “The Positively True Adventure of the Texas Cheerleading Murdering Mom,” and “Outlaw Prophet Warren Jeffs.”

Watkiss was inducted into the Silver Circle in 2018. He is a native of Salt Lake City and now lives with his family in Phoenix.

Patty Weiss

INDUCTED: 2002

Patty grew up in Tucson and attended Palo Verde High School. After only three years, she graduated cum laude from the University of Arizona with a degree in Journalism. Weiss began her television career reporting and anchoring for KOLD-TV in Tucson. Two years later she moved to San Diego, where she wound up ducking a typewriter thrown by anchorman Harold Greene, the model for Will Ferrell’s Ron Burgundy in “Anchorman.” After a couple of years in Southern California, Weiss accepted a position at KVOA in Tucson in 1975. She has the distinction of being the first woman to anchor an evening newscast at a commercial television station in Arizona. She served as one of the station’s main news anchors until her retirement in 2005. After leaving KVOA, she hosted television segments for the Tucson Unified School District, then set her sights on political office. She ran for Congress in 2006 against Gabrielle Giffords. After the election, Weiss joined Western Progress, a nonpartisan think tank, where she served as the group’s communications director. In 2007 she moved to Wisconsin with her husband, Dr. Alan Gelenberg. They have five grown children. Over the years, she has been honored with numerous awards, including being inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter’s prestigious Silver Circle, which recognizes broadcasters for twenty-five years of outstanding service in the same television market. She was also one of a handful of UA graduates who led the charge to save the University Of Arizona Department of Journalism when the administration wanted to eliminate it during the 1990’s. Patty has served on many of the university’s advisory boards, including those for the College of Behavioral Sciences; the Departments of Journalism and Psychology; the Institute For Children, Youth and Families; and UA Presents. She has also been involved with many civic and charitable organizations, serving on the Boards of the Tucson Botanical Gardens, Green Fields Country Day School and the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona.

Gary Wenzlaff

Bio Coming Soon

Mary Jo West

INDUCTED: 2002

Mary Jo West has been called “The First Lady of TV news” in Phoenix. In 1976, she became the city’s first prime-time anchorwoman when she debuted with co-anchor Bill Close on CBS’s KOOL-TV. In her broadcast career, she has anchored over 5000 newscasts in Florida, Arizona, and with the CBS News network in New York. She has won her industry’s most prestigious awards including the Peabody, 2 regional Emmy^® Awards, 13 Arizona Press Club awards and the national Gracie Allen Award from American Women in Radio and TV. Mary Jo was the first anchorwoman to be inducted into the Arizona Broadcasters Hall of Fame and is a member of the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Silver Circle Society.

Volunteering in the community has been a passion of hers and the City of Phoenix presented her with the Martin Luther King Living the Dream Award for her advocacy on behalf of the mentally ill. The American Bar Association and Paralyzed Veterans of America honored her for her reporting on the rights of the physically challenged.

In her personal life, Mary Jo is the proud mother of daughter, Molly, and has two grandchildren.

Linda Williams

INDUCTED: 2007

Linda Williams joined the FOX 10 News team in 1981. Linda co-anchors the weekend editions of FOX 10 News broadcasts – Saturdays and Sundays from 5pm to 6pm and 9pm to 10:30pm.

Williams began her broadcast career in 1979 at the PBS station here in Phoenix. In 1981, she joined FOX 10 News. She worked her way up from tape editor to general assignment reporter to news anchor.

A native of Boston, Massachusetts, Williams moved to Phoenix in 1973. Linda graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism in 1981.

Linda enjoys watching her two children grow, tracking the stock market and traveling. Linda is involved in various contests events, from reading to classes at Valley schools and encouraging young people to seek a career in Broadcast Journalism. She is a member of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter’s Silver Circle Society.

Richard Williams

INDUCTED: 2024

Richard “Dick” Williams is widely recognized as one of the most accomplished producers of medical media in the United States.

Williams' career in media began when he attended the United States Navy School of Photography during his stint in the US Marine Corps. His experience in medical communications started at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas in 1965, where he produced a variety of surgical films. It was in Texas that Williams first met renowned heart surgeon and biomedical educator Dr. Edward B. Diethrich of Houston. Many of the treatments still employed by surgeons today were being developed by Diethrich and documented by Williams.

In 1971, Dr. Diethrich moved his practice to Phoenix and founded the Arizona Heart Institute. One of Diethrich’s initial actions was establishing an audio-visual department, which would later become VAS Communications (VAS). Dick Williams was hired as Diethrich’s cinematographer and film editor. Under Williams' leadership, VAS revolutionized the training of surgeons worldwide and informed the public about heart disease, America’s leading cause of death.

The Diethrich/Williams collaboration led to the development of a mechanical camera boom that allowed Williams to mount his 16mm film camera above the surgical field, documenting pioneering procedures like coronary artery bypass and aortic repair. In 1983, Diethrich and Williams partnered with PBS in the US and the BBC in the UK for the first international public broadcast of live open-heart surgery, resulting in the regional Emmy® Award-winning program titled "The Operation," broadcast from St. Joseph’s Hospital Phoenix and KAET Channel 8 studios in Tempe.

In 1983, VAS also collaborated with the ABC network program "20/20" for a special called "The Great American Heart Test," which spurred the largest write-in campaign in broadcast television history. In 1992, VAS produced the documentary "A Woman’s Heart" with Joanne Woodward, aired on PBS, exploring unique cardiovascular risks for women and medical biases in heart care.

In 1994, VAS partnered with the Phoenix Suns for an educational clay-animated series for children titled "The Adventures of Mr. Heart," featuring NBA superstar Charles Barkley. In 2000, Williams was part of an educational team that traveled to China to teach physicians about new aortic disease treatments, documented in the PBS documentary "In the Heart of China" narrated by Korva Coleman.

Williams retired in 2005 but remains a consultant for VAS Communications, contributing to the regional Emmy® Award-winning series "The Procedure," aired nationally on PBS and locally on AZTV. As a volunteer, Williams produced/directed/camera-operated 20 "Arizona Historical League Arizona Historymaker" biographies. He also mentored over 35 Northern Arizona University communication students as part of the Dick Williams Communications Internship program at VAS, which now bears his name. During his tenure at VAS, Williams also hosted 20 medical illustrators and 6 medical photographers.

Nadine Wimmer

INDUCTED: 2014

Nadine Wimmer currently co-anchors KSL News at 5, 6, 6:30 and 10pm. She is also an Emmy^® Award-winning reporter who produces a series of reports called “Staying Safe,” to help parents protect their families from danger, injuries and other preventable problems.

Wimmer moved up the ranks in the KSL 5 newsroom as weekend anchor, political reporter, education reporter, and producer. She was born and raised in Salt Lake City and began her broadcasting career at KSL Television as a University of Utah intern.

Education has always been important to Nadine. She earned her Master’s degree in political communication and bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Utah. She attended a fellows program on education and journalism through the University of Washington.

Because of her commitment to education, she is most excited about her involvement in the Read Today, KSL’s reading initiative. Read Today aims to boost reading scores by encouraging families to read together and by recruiting tutors for struggling readers. Through stories and recruitment efforts, we will have close to 7,000 volunteer tutors this school year helping Utah students.

Nadine and the Read Today team received the Service to America Award from the National Assocation of Broadcaster’s Education Foundation. Read Today was selected as the Governor of Utah’s reading program when the state applied for and received a 1.3 million dollar “Read, Graduate, Succeed” grant.

In her free time, she loves the outdoors and outdoor recreating in Utah’s mountains and red rock country. She is often trail running, mountain biking, skiing, water skiing and has recently taken up skate skiing. She’s an avid reader and studies Spanish.

Her favorite thing is to spend time with family. She’s married to Phil Kirk, who works in law enforcement. They live with their two boys in Park City.

Michael Wong

INDUCTED: 2011

Michael Wong is the Director of Career Services at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University in Phoenix. In this role, he helps connect students to nearly 500 internships each year and his team assists students and alumni with job leads and research.

In addition, Wong directs the digital training center for the Dow Jones News Fund, and has placed top students from across the country in full-time, paid digital summer internships for such companies as The Wall Street Journal, NPR The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Austin American-Statesman, The Arizona Republic, Storyful and others.

Upon his graduation from Arizona State University, Wong started his career in Phoenix at KPNX-TV (NBC/TEGNA) as an associate producer/editor. He spent four years at KPNX-TV, two years as producer of the morning show. The next twelve years were dedicated to heading the news and public affairs department at KAET-TV (PBS). As the manager of news and public affairs and the executive producer of the award-winning prime-time nightly public affairs show Horizon, Wong helped plan and lead coverage of the Mecham Impeachment Trial and several elections, most of which won regional Emmy^® Awards.

While he worked in television news, he taught a few classes at the Cronkite School. His teaching endeavors began in 1985— and he taught television production, writing, reporting and newscast production classes.

His 15+ years of international consulting experience includes coordinating training workshops for professional journalists from Bosnia, Macedonia, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Montenegro and Serbia.

David Yetman

INDUCTED: 2024

David Yetman is a distinguished outreach faculty and research social scientist at the Southwest Center of the University of Arizona, where he has worked since 1992, specializing in the peoples and ecology of northwest Mexico and the southwestern United States. He is nearly a native of the Sonoran Desert.

Yetman holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Arizona and is the author of numerous books and articles, including 'Sonora, an Intimate Geography' (University of New Mexico Press), 'Colonial Conflict: Indians, Priests and Settlers in Colonial Sonora' (University of New Mexico Press), 'The Great Cacti: Ethnobotany and Biogeography of Columnar Cacti' (University of Arizona Press), 'Natural Landmarks of Arizona' (University of Arizona Press), and 'The Saguaro Cactus: a Natural History' (University of Arizona Press), of which he is the first author.

Yetman hosted the PBS series "The Desert Speaks" for ten years and currently serves as the host and co-producer of the PBS travel/adventure series "In the Americas with David Yetman." He is a frequent lecturer on the history and ecology of northwest Mexico, as well as on the geography and cultures of the Americas.

Gilbert Zermeño

INDUCTED: 2008

Gilbert Zermeño is the youngest of five children, the son of migrant farm workers, who finally settled down in the plains of West Texas. He grew up a farmer, rising before the sun to move sprinkler systems after they watered cotton all night. He would finish up his homework and ride the bus 17 miles to school. His dad became a United States citizen when he was in his 80’s, and his Mom in her 70’s.

When he was in the sixth grade, he attended a Career Day event at Lorenzo Elementary School in Texas. The main anchor from the ABC station in nearby Lubbock spoke to his class. He spoke highly of the work photojournalists did for his station. Gilbert was hooked! After graduation, he attended West Texas State University, served an internship at KFDA in Amarillo, Texas, then moved over to KAMR-TV. Thanks to a new station accountant, he was fired from that station. It was the best thing that ever happened to him. With the help of Phoenix radio & TV personality, Bill Austin, he ended up in Phoenix. Bill was a friend of Gilbert’s main anchor and made a few calls on his behalf. He landed a phone interview with then KTSP-TV, now FOX10. They hired him and he loaded up his car with a TV, some clothes and moved to Arizona in 1986. Since his arrival, he has covered stories like Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia, former Arizona Gov. Evan Mecham when he traveled to Central America, the Los Angeles Riots, and traveled the Arizona backroads with fellow Silver Circle Society member, Bill Leverton. Gilbert was also assigned to the helicopter and flew all over the state.

In 1994, a big market shake-up landed the CBS affiliation at KPHO TV-5. Zermeño was hired as a general assignment photographer. One year later, KPHO News started up an Investigative Unit and he became a producer/photographer for the unit. Over the years they have received several regional Emmy^® Awards and an Edward R. Murrow Award. Gilbert is also a member of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Rocky Mountain Chapter’s Silver Circle Society.

Gilbert was named Best TV Journalist by New Timesin 2012. Along with the accolade, they wrote: “The true stars of the TV news biz often are those whose faces we rarely see on-screen — the camera people, editors, and, yes, folks who produce what passes locally for “investigative” journalism. Our winner, who universally is known in media circles as “Z,” is outstanding at what he does, which is to identify, organize, and execute some pretty in-depth yarns for local public consumption. He has been over at Channel 5 for well more than a decade, which in that line of work equates to about a century. Zermeño knows this Valley and this state like few other journalists, and is as comfortable working with “talent” (on-camera reporters, especially the usually excellent Morgan Loew) in a desert outpost on the border as he is on Phoenix’s often-mean streets. Z’s stories stand tall in a TV market not known for producing many riveting exposés, and for this we applaud him.”

SOCIETY MEMBERS

The Silver Circle is not an award; it’s a society of honor.
Television professionals are inducted to recognize significant contributions made by these individuals to our industry for 25 years or more.

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N — R

S — T

V — Z

SOCIETY MEMBERS

The Silver Circle is not an award; it’s a society of honor.Television professionals are inducted to recognize significant contributions made by these individuals to our industry for 25 years or more.

L

M

N — R

S — T

V — Z

The Silver Circle is not an award; it’s a society of honor.
Television professionals are inducted to recognize significant contributions made by these individuals to our industry for 25 years or more.