Happy Friday and Happy New Year to everyone who celebrates such things. In this edition of stories that we didn’t write for one reason or another, we see Gray making changes at the general manager level and a longtime Portland anchor leaving after returning from leave the last year.
Let’s chop the celery:
Moving and grooving:
In Columbus, Ohio Stacia Naquin resigned from anchor desk at ABC 6 and FOX 28. Here’s more on history. Brianna Pérez leaves anchor position at KVIA ABC-7 El Paso to join KVUE Austin as reporter/MSJ in February 2025 mikemcguff.com has learned. Brian Calfanoexperienced journalist and political expert, will anchor FOX 43 News at 9 p.m. each weeknight. Calfano joins FOX 43 from the University of Cincinnati, where he served as professor of journalism and department head in the College of Arts and Sciences. He received his doctorate from the University of North Texas and contributed journalism to television stations in Cincinnati and St. Louis. Click here to find out more. Laura Porter at KGW in Portland, Oregon shared goodbye on social media: “Tonight marks my final episode with ‘Straight Talk.’ My journey through journalism – from @ksonsandiego has @kifi.news3 in Idaho Falls at KCOY in Santa Maria, California, @ktvb7 in Boise, @wesh2 to Orlando for @kgwnews in Portland- introduced me to extraordinary journalists who continue to inspire me every day. Your dedication to telling the truth fills me with admiration. As this chapter ends, my passion for journalism burns. I will continue to share stories and conversations as KGW’s special correspondent. So instead of saying goodbye, let’s say “see you soon”. I’m always here for your story ideas and interview suggestions. I wish you and your loved ones a happy holiday season and a happy and healthy 2025. My heart is full of gratitude.
Three GM moves for Gray:
Gray Media, Inc. (NYSE: GTN) today announced the promotion of Alison Davis as general manager of WTOK, Meridian, Mississippi-based ABC/CW/Telemundo affiliate Gray Media, Inc. (NYSE: GTN) has named Jacques Harms as the next general manager of KKTV, the CBS affiliate in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Gray Media (NYSE: GTN) today announced that longtime CEO of KTUU and KYES Nancy Johnson will retire on January 3, 2025. Nancy joined KTUU, Gray’s NBC affiliate in Anchorage, Alaska, in 1981. While at KTUU, she served in a variety of leadership positions, including director of marketing, director of programming and general sales director. During her tenure as CEO, she facilitated the expansion of local news to more than 22 hours of content each week, encouraged the development and production of original programming, and created one of the most influential media organizations in Alaska.
Tips:
For Tim Sakahara“family is so important” that he traces his roots back to Sweden. The former Hawaii News Now reporter appears in season 12 of the hit Swedish TV series “Allt for Sverige,” which translates to “Great Swedish Adventure.” Click here to read about it. In Beaumont, Texas, a former KFDM anchor was celebrating the start of the New Year on Bourbon Street and missed the attack by minutes. Click here to read about it. Seattle stations mourn death of 76-year-old man Aaron Brown. Brown began his career at KING 5 where he was the night editor. He later became a reporter and anchor for the station. He then moved to KIRO 7 where he anchored the 11 p.m. newscast. Here is the story. A man believed to be the last person to see a missing Iowa TV News anchor alive has died. A private detective says John Vansicea friend of a former KIMT-TV reporter Jodi Huisentruit died earlier this month in Arizona. Here is the story. From John Kieswetter to Cincinnati: Veteran anchors and reporters left their stations and new faces appeared on Cincinnatians’ television screens. Here’s a look at the journalists who have come and gone in 2024, as well as other major events.
