Graham Media Group announces new Deputy General Counsel

DETROIT (August 22, 2024) – Graham Media Group, the local media division of Graham Holdings Company (NYSE: GHC), today announced the appointment of Sathab Abbo as Deputy General Counsel. Reporting to Jane Marshall, Vice President and General Counsel, Sathab brings a wealth of experience in handling complex legal matters, negotiations, commercial transactions, legal compliance, data privacy, and more.

"We are thrilled to welcome Sathab to our legal team. Her extensive legal expertise and deep understanding of commercial and compliance issues will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the evolving media landscape," said Jane Marshall, Vice President and General Counsel of Graham Media Group.

Before joining Graham Media Group, Sathab served as Head of Legal/General Counsel for VIIZR, a FordPro + Salesforce JV Start-Up. Prior to her role at VIIZR, she was a Commercial Transactions Attorney within the Office of General Counsel at Ford Motor Company.

“I'm thrilled to be joining Graham Media Group as Deputy General Counsel, and look forward to exciting, new challenges with a great company and a remarkable leadership team! I believe in the company’s mission and values and am eager to be a part of a team that is making a positive impact in media and our communities,” said Sathab.

Sathab holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from Wayne State University's School of Business Administration and a Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Sathab is an active mentor, volunteer, and board member for various community organizations.

Sathab will officially assume her new role on Monday, August 26, 2024.

Graham Media Group Announces New Vice President of Human Resources

DETROIT, MI (August 22, 2024) -- Graham Media Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Michelle R. Zackay, PHR, as its new Vice President of Human Resources, effective September 2, 2024. Zackay will succeed Julie Dreixler, who is set to retire at the end of the year after a distinguished career with the company.

In her new role, Zackay will lead Graham Media Group's human resources initiatives, focusing on talent acquisition, employee development, and fostering a positive workplace culture across the organization.

"We are thrilled to welcome Michelle Zackay to our leadership team," said Catherine Badalamente, President & CEO of Graham Media Group. "Her extensive experience in media and her innovative approach to human resources will be invaluable as we continue to grow and nurture our talented workforce."

Zackay brings over 20 years of HR experience to Graham Media Group, most recently serving as Sr. Director, Functional HRBP – Local Media Operations & Local News at E.W. Scripps. Her expertise in organizational design, change management, leadership development, and strategic planning aligns perfectly with our company's strategic goals and values.

Throughout her career, Zackay has demonstrated a strong track record in developing and motivating teams, reducing turnover, improving employee engagement, and leading organizations through cultural and operational transformations. Her experience in the media industry, particularly in broadcast and digital news operations, will be a significant asset to Graham Media Group.

"I am excited to join Graham Media Group and build upon the strong foundation laid by Julie Dreixler," said Zackay. "I look forward to working with the team to enhance our HR practices, support our employees in delivering excellence in local journalism, and drive our strategic initiatives forward."

Zackay holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and Human Resources from Grand Valley State University's Seidman School of Business. She is certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and holds a SHRM-CP certification from the Society for Human Resource Management.

Graham Media Group extends its gratitude to Julie Dreixler for her years of dedicated service and wishes her well in her upcoming retirement. Dreixler will work closely with Zackay to ensure a smooth transition in the coming months.

Graham Media Group Stations Earn Prestigious 2024 Edward R. Murrow Awards for Excellence in Journalism

Graham Media Group's stations KSAT-San Antonio, WDIV-Detroit, WKMG-Orlando, and WSLS-Roanoke have been honored in their regions with the prestigious 2024 Edward R. Murrow Awards by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA). 

Since 1971, the RTDNA has celebrated excellence in electronic journalism with the Edward R. Murrow Awards, reflecting the high standards of journalism exemplified by Edward R. Murrow. These awards honor his legacy of integrity and dedication to the truth. 

KSAT-TV in San Antonio, Texas, received recognition for its comprehensive digital coverage of the tragic events in Uvalde. The RTDNA revealed the Region 6 honorees, highlighting outstanding achievements in electronic journalism from Oklahoma and Texas. This honor propels KSAT-TV into the national competition, with winners to be announced in August.  

"Our Uvalde coverage, titled 'One Year In: Uvalde,' was driven by a commitment to honor the 19 students and 2 teachers whose lives were taken too soon,” stated Ashlee Parker, Vice President, and General Manager at KSAT-TV. “Our work is dedicated to their memory, and we remain steadfast in our mission to support and uplift the victims, their families, and the entire Uvalde community.” 

WDIV-TV in Detroit, Michigan, was honored in the News Documentary category for its coverage titled “Does Line 5 Threaten Great Lakes?” This documentary explores the potential risks posed by Enbridge Energy’s Line 5 pipeline, which runs under the Straits of Mackinac. Concerns focus on the possibility of a catastrophic oil spill in the Great Lakes, with severe environmental and economic impacts. The 70-year-old pipeline has sparked controversy, legal battles, and public outcry, highlighting the ongoing debate over its safety and the measures needed to protect the Great Lakes.

“Congratulations to Karen Drew, Marianne Krist, Justin DePrekel, Ben Bell, and Hans Ihlenfeldt for their outstanding work on a critical topic in our state,” stated Jennifer Wallace, News Director at WDIV. “Winning the Murrow Award is an extraordinary honor, as it represents the pinnacle of journalistic achievement. This award underscores the importance of journalism as a service, and we strive to be the genuine local voice that passionately informs and celebrates our communities. A huge congratulations to this team for their dedication, hard work, and innovative ideas that made this impactful body of work truly stand out.”

WKMG-TV in Orlando earned two Murrow Awards in Region 13. The first, for Excellence in Innovation, recognizes the transformation of its streaming service, News 6+, particularly the morning-time period with three new livestream shows. "Trooper Steve on Patrol," hosted by traffic safety expert Steven Montiero, addresses problem areas submitted by viewers and answers questions about road safety. Montiero also participates in community events. "Breakfast with Bridgett," hosted by morning anchor Bridgett Ellison, provides a lively take on daily headlines, sitting down with local leaders and guests to discuss significant community topics. "Weather Wise," with meteorologist Jonathan Kegges, offers in-depth discussions on weather phenomena and real-time, hyper-local weather information.  

"We strive every day to transform and innovate in the way we produce and present news to our community," said Jeff Hoffman, Vice President, and General Manager of WKMG-TV. WKMG also received the Best Podcast award for “Your Florida Daily,” hosted by Katrina Scales. 

WSLS-TV in Roanoke, VA, won four awards in Region 12. These include Feature Reporting for an episode of John Carlin’s Outdoors titled “Kinzie Dickman Takes Adaptive Skiing to a New Level,” which highlights a woman regaining her ability to ski after a car accident. The station also received the Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion award for the 2023 Black History Month special, Hidden History, narrated by former and current WSLS 10 anchors. In the Hard News category, WSLS-TV was recognized for a piece on Blaine Sirry, a Roanoke woman who survived a violent attack and shared her story as a warning to others. 

Additionally, WSLS won the Excellence in Innovation award for the Solutionaries segments by 10 News Anchor Jenna Zibton and Photojournalist Jeff Perzan, featuring stories on a body farm at George Mason University, initiatives to keep children safe online, and improvements to infrastructure on Interstate 81. 

The Edward R. Murrow Awards are presented by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA), the world’s largest professional organization devoted exclusively to broadcast and digital journalism excellence.  

For links and a complete list of winners, click or tap here.   

KSAT-TV Honored with Four Telly Awards

KSAT-TV was honored with four prestigious Telly Awards, showcasing the best work in television and video for all screens. KSAT received silver and bronze honors in the categories of News & Features, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, eSports, and Digital News Features. With over 12,000 entries from across the globe, these awards highlight KSAT's exceptional storytelling and commitment to diverse and impactful journalism.

"This round of awards is especially meaningful due to the diversity of topics covered," said Mario Orellana, KSAT-TV News Director. "From our commitment to the Uvalde community and celebrating San Antonio's unique traditions to exploring eSports, our team's dedication is clear."

Telly Award Highlights includes:

Silver Honors:

• General-News & Feature: One Year In: Uvalde Special

• Andrew Wilson, Leigh Waldman, Gavin Nesbitt, William Caldera, Valerie Gomez, Steve Spriester, Stephania Jimenez, Henry Keller, and Rebecca Salinas

• General-DEI: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Let's Talk Lengua

• Azian Bermea, Jessie Degollado, Priscilla Carraman, and William Caldera

Bronze Honors:

• Digital-News & News Feature: One Year In: Uvalde

• Rebecca Salinas, Andrew Wilson, Kolten Parker, Steve Spriester, Stephania Jimenez, Leigh Waldman, Valerie Gomez, William Caldera, Gavin Nesbitt and Henry Keller

• General-Video Games & eSports: KSAT Explains: What is the state of eSports in San Antonio?

• Valerie Gomez, Myra Arthur, Brina Morales, Lexi Salazar, Andrew Cely, Andrew Wilson, William Caldera, Adam Higgins, Steven Chavez, and Gavin Nesbitt

The Telly Awards, established in 1979, recognize outstanding achievements in video and television across all platforms. Originally honoring local and regional TV commercials, the Telly Awards now encompass non-broadcast video, digital content, branded content, documentaries, and social media. Today, they celebrate excellence in the video medium, marking a dynamic era for moving images.

WJXT-TV Recognized for Excellence in Journalism by the Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists

WJXT-TV News 6 at 2024 FABJ Awards

The Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists (FABJ) held its annual Florida News Awards ceremony on Saturday, April 20, at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, FL.  Graham Media Group station WJXT-TV in Jacksonville, FL was honored as recipient.

This prestigious event brought together journalism students, professionals, and educators from across the state to celebrate excellence in broadcast and digital journalism. Throughout the evening, WJXT-TV received numerous awards and accolades, recognizing the station's exceptional work in a variety of categories, including:

• Community Service Station of the Year: Positively Jax

• Breaking News Station: Parking Garage Collapse

• General Assignment (Long): "A Safer Return" by Marilyn Parker and Ciara Earrey

• Investigative Series Finalist: "I-TEAM, Outrageous Water Bills" by Tarik Minor, Anne Maxwell, and Tommy Garcia

• Series Franchise (Hard): "Solutionaries" by Vic Micolucci, Chris O'Rourke, and Jodi Mohrmann

• Feature: Cultural/Historical: "The Ripple Effect" by Amanda DeVoe and Foad Zabaneh

• Continuing Coverage: "A Tragic Encounter and a Journey for Justice" by Marilyn Parker and Frank Powers

• Education Reporting: "Solutionaries: Music Therapy" by Vic Micolucci, Josh Morgan, and Jodi Mohrmann

• Digital Reporting: "Going Ringside" by Scott Johnson

• Best Website: News4JAX.com

Additionally, former WJXT-TV anchor and I-TEAM reporter Vic Micolucci was honored for his 16-year career at Channel 4. Vic serves as the Vice-President of FABJ, and his contributions to the field of journalism were celebrated throughout the evening.

Amid the celebration, the FABJ took a moment to honor the late Jason Mealey, a beloved assignment editor, producer, and member of the WJXT-TV team, who passed away on April 10 due to a heart attack. He was 48 years old and spent 13 years working at WJXT-TV. The entire room observed a moment of silence to pay tribute to Jason and his contributions to the broadcast journalism community.

The FABJ is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organization operated by a volunteer board of broadcast journalism professionals based throughout Florida. The organization's annual awards ceremony continues to be a significant event, recognizing the dedication and talent of journalists who strive to inform and engage their communities.

WKMG-TV Awarded 'Large Market Overall Station of the Year' by Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists

WKMG-TV News 6 at 2024 FABJ Awards

WKMG-TV News 6 the Graham Media Group owned CBS affiliate in Orlando, Florida has been named the Large Market Overall Station of the Year by the Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists (FABJ). The FABJ held its annual Florida News Awards ceremony on Saturday, April 20, at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, FL. This prestigious recognition marks the third time since 2018 that WKMG has earned this honor, reinforcing its commitment to quality journalism and community service.

"Our team of multi-platform journalists understands the importance of community, the power of information, and the requirement that our audience be able to access that information anytime and anywhere," said WKMG News Director Allison McGinley. "Our mission is clear: to be of service and to Get Results for Central Florida."

The FABJ award ceremony celebrated excellence in broadcast journalism across the state, and WKMG stood out for its outstanding coverage and impactful storytelling. The station and its reporters took home awards in the following categories:

• Breaking News

• Digital Reporting

• Investigations

• Political Reporting

• Team Coverage

In addition to these wins, the WKMG team was recognized as a finalist in seven additional categories, including Environmental, Transportation, and Educational Reporting, among others. This breadth of recognition highlights the station's commitment to diverse and comprehensive news coverage.

"We are incredibly proud of our team's achievements," said McGinley. "These awards reflect the hard work, dedication, and passion that our journalists bring to their work every day. We are honored to serve Central Florida and will continue to strive for excellence in everything we do."

For more information about WKMG-TV, and its award-winning coverage, please visit www.clickorlando.com or follow them on social media for the latest updates.

The FABJ is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organization operated by a volunteer board of broadcast journalism professionals based throughout Florida. The organization's annual awards ceremony continues to be a significant event, recognizing the dedication and talent of journalists who strive to inform and engage their communities.

Veteran News Executive Sean McLaughlin Joins Graham Media Group

Graham Media Group, the local media division of Graham Holdings Company (NYSE: GHC), announced today that Sean McLaughlin has been named Vice President of News for the company's local media hubs. McLaughlin brings over two decades of experience leading innovative news strategies across multiple platforms. 

Most recently, McLaughlin served as Senior Vice President of Local News at The E.W. Scripps Company where he oversaw news operations in 41 markets. He worked closely with stations to develop customized content utilizing research and data to better engage audiences on broadcast, streaming, digital and social media. Under his leadership, Scripps made major commitments to diversity and localized community journalism. 

"We are thrilled to welcome Sean and his wealth of expertise in local news," said Catherine Badalamente, President and CEO of Graham Media Group. "His forward-thinking approach and track record of success will be invaluable as we continue evolving to meet the changing needs of our audiences, employees, and communities." 

Prior to Scripps, McLaughlin spent over 6 years as Executive News Director and Creative Services Director at KMOV-TV in St. Louis. He also served as News Director for stations in Tulsa earlier in his career. 

In his new role at Graham Media Group, McLaughlin will be responsible for developing and implementing an innovative, forward-looking news strategy that engages audiences across all platforms. He will guide the transformation of news gathering, storytelling and distribution models to stay ahead of disruption.  

"I'm excited to join the exceptional team at Graham Media Group at such a transformative time in our industry," said McLaughlin. "I look forward to working alongside the talented journalists and facilitating innovative reporting and storytelling to best serve our local communities." 

McLaughlin will start on Monday, April 22, 2024. 

KSAT 12 wins Texas Broadcast News Award for Best Multimedia/Digital Storytelling for ‘One Year In: Uvalde’

KSAT 12 is honored to be recognized by the Texas Association of Broadcasters for our continued reporting on Uvalde.

KSAT was awarded Best Multimedia/Digital Storytelling at the Texas Association of Broadcasters’ Texas Broadcast News Awards on Saturday, April 13, in Austin.

The award celebrates a station’s innovative, valuable, and informational work in the digital space. KSAT12 was honored to win this award for the digital project, “One Year In: Uvalde.”

This project was dedicated to telling the story of the Uvalde community one year after a tragedy changed its identity forever. KSAT 12 interviewed survivors and families of victims from the Robb Elementary School shooting as well as policymakers and residents.

“Reporting on the tragedy in Uvalde has been some of the most difficult and important work we’ve done as a station,” said Mario Orellana, KSAT 12 news director. “This project marks a year of teamwork and innovation, and it showcases the multi-platform, community-focused reporting that KSAT prides itself on.”

KSAT 12′s mission every day is to be entrenched in our community, from citywide events and listening to residents’ voices and concerns through our “Know My Neighborhood” reporting to being in the community and working to bring innovative and impactful content to our viewers.

WDIV-TV Honored Across Multiple Categories at Michigan Association of Broadcasters Awards

WDIV-TV in Detroit, MI, a part of Graham Media Group, received recognition in various categories at the Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB) Awards, showcasing the station's excellence in broadcasting.

Bob Ellis, Vice President and General Manager of WDIV-TV expressed immense pride in the station's talented team and their dedication to delivering exceptional content. "These awards are a testament to our unwavering commitment to high-quality journalism and meaningful community engagement," Ellis remarked. "We are honored to be recognized by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters and remain steadfast in our pursuit of excellence."

WDIV-TV's achievements include:

• Best Feature/Use of Medium: "Drawing Dad" by Sarah Mayberry, Justin DePrekel, and Ben Bell.

• Best Photojournalist: Justin DePrekel

• Best Special Interest Programming: "Empowering Girls" by Olive Hathikhanavala.

• Best Use of New Media (All Encompassing): "Building for the Future of Streaming" by Ro Coppola, Erin Fleming, Christy McDonald, and Ian Rhodes.

• Best Breaking News Story: Recognized for reporting at Michigan State University.

• Best Weathercast: "Science of Weather and Baseball" by Ashlee Baracy,

In addition to these honors, WDIV-TV also received Merit Awards for outstanding achievements in various categories, including Continuing Coverage, Investigative Story, News Reporting, Use of New Media, Community Involvement, Newscast, and Weathercast.

The Michigan Association of Broadcasters promotes the well-being, cooperation, and prosperity of the owners, managers, employees, and specialists engaged in the business of broadcasting by helping members better serve their community, audience, advertisers, and staff through providing solutions to their problems and satisfying their needs.

KPRC Producer, Reporter, Honored With 2024 Gracie Awards

KPRC-TV , the Graham Media Group owned NBC affiliate in Houston, Texas, is honored to announce that their producer Erica Young has been honored with a prestigious 2024 Gracie Award from the Alliance for Women in Media.

The Gracie Awards recognize exemplary programming created by women, for women and about women in all facets of media and entertainment. These awards focus on women who are making positive change and who further the discussion of what a fulfilling career in media looks like. As such, they also acknowledge individuals who have made inspirational contributions to the industry.

Young was honored for her story about the woman who answered a calling to teach children with special needs. She established The Journey School in Spring, and Erica told her story beautifully! 

In addition, KPRC Consumer Investigative reporter Amy Davis also earned an Honorable Mention from the Gracies for her On-Air Talent work!

"Amy and Erica are both such tremendous journalists and newsroom leaders,” said Bernice Kearney, News Director of KPRC. “It's an honor to have them on our team, and I am thrilled they are being honored through this national organization that celebrates women and the contributions of women in media.."

KPRC-TV Team Honored with Lone Star Emmy Awards, HABJ Media Powerhouse Award

Two of KPRC-TV’s team members, producer Erica Young and video editor Bill Carruthers, have been honored with prestigious Lone Star Emmy Awards.

On November 11, Erica Young received the esteemed award for Outstanding Achievement as a Live News Producer, a testament to her exceptional contributions to the dynamic field of live news production. Bill Carruthers, a skilled video editor, was bestowed with the Lone Star Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement as a News Editor for his specialty edits for KPRC Investigates and KPRC Originals.

The Lone Star Emmy Award, recognized as the pinnacle of achievement in the television industry, symbolizes the celebration of excellence and professional accomplishments. The award is conferred through a rigorous and confidential peer review of broadcast work and related media, highlighting the exceptional talent and dedication of individuals within the industry.

In addition to the Lone Star Emmy Awards, Raybin Dockery, Morning Streaming Manager at KPRC+, was honored with the Media Powerhouse award at the 2023 Sneaker Ball Scholarship Gala, presented by the Houston Association of Black Journalists (HABJ) on December 2. This annual gala diverges from tradition, encouraging participants to highlight their most unique sneakers and other footwear while celebrating community and media pioneers in Houston, TX.

"We are immensely proud of Erica Young, Bill Carruthers and Raybin Dockery for their well-deserved recognition with Lone Star Emmy Awards and the HABJ," said Bernice Kearney, News Director at KPRC-TV. "Their commitment to excellence and innovation has significantly contributed to the success of our programming, and we congratulate them on this outstanding achievement."

WJXT & WKMG Honored with Emmy Awards by Suncoast Chapter of National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences

The Suncoast Regional Emmy Awards celebrate excellence in television broadcasting, and Graham Media Group’s Florida stations, WJXT-TV in Jacksonville and WKMG-TV in Orlando, were honored as recipients of the distinguished awards.

WJXT earned a total of seven Emmy Awards, including honors in the Health/Medical News category, where contributors Jodi Mohrmann, Kenna Rodgers Bear, Melanie Lawson, Ashley Harding, Ciara Earrey, and John McCormick earned Emmys for their impactful report titled "Ending Overdose." Additionally in this category, Jodi Mohrmann and Joy Purdy were honored for "Ready for Rescue," while Anne Maxwell and Leeann Walker claimed victory for "Surgery Scandal."

In the Diversity/Equity/Inclusion-News category, Tarik Minor's work on "Gang Unit Sgt. Under Investigation" earned him an Emmy. The collaborative efforts of Amanda DeVoe, Foad Zabaneh, Hunter Vaughn, and Alfonso Campbell were recognized with Emmys for their compelling story, "The Ripple Effect."

The Historical/Cultural-News category saw Scott Johnson, Kathryn Bonfield, and Michael Jones obtaining Emmys for their impactful report on "Emmett Till: Back to Mississippi."

WJXT contributors Kaitlyn Shemenski, Sasha Garcia, Kent Justice, Tarik Minor, Isaac Levitan, and Renee Beninate further added to the station's success by acquiring Emmys in the Evening Newscast – Medium Markets category for their coverage of "Hurricane Nicole: The 10 O’clock News."

WKMG was honored with two Emmy Awards. Erik Sandoval-Rinderle, James Cavanaugh, and Jeremy Allen earned an Emmy in the Societal Concerns-News category for their Solutionaries story, "Book Bans: Are They the Solution?" Erik Sandoval-Rinderle, James Cavanaugh, and Paul Giorgio were recognized in the Health/Medical – News category for their impactful work on the Solutionaries feature "Battling Brain – Eating Amoeba."

The 47th Annual Suncoast Regional Emmy Awards ceremony was held on Dec. 2, 2023.

WDIV's Investigative Report Reveals Concerns Over Aging Oil Pipeline Threatening Michigan's Water Supply

In a groundbreaking investigative report, WDIV, Graham Media Group's NBC affiliate in Detroit, revealed alarming details about the aging Line 5 oil pipeline, raising significant concerns about its potential threat to Michigan's water supply.

Led by Karen Drew, WDIV's investigative reporter and anchor, the in-depth examination brought to light the risks associated with the 645-mile pipeline that carries 22 million gallons of oil daily, 4.5 miles of which lie underwater in the volatile currents where Lake Huron and Lake Michigan converge.

The investigation sheds light on the pipeline's critical condition, surpassing its intended 45-year lifespan by more than 25 years. The company that owns Line 5 had a previous pipeline spill in 2010, involving over a million gallons of oil, stands as one of the largest inland oil spills in U.S. history. Drew uncovered that many viewers were unaware of the pipeline's existence, emphasizing the broader impact on the community.

"The way the currents shift, you could have an oil problem in many ways," says WDIV's VP and general manager Bob Ellis. "You're talking about the most precious resource we have in the state of Michigan, which is water."

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, WDIV took an unprecedented step by dedicating a 15-minute investigative package to Line 5 during its 5:30 evening newscast, airing without commercials as reported by TV NewsCheck. Karen Drew employed innovative storytelling techniques, incorporating 3D animation and dynamic visuals to maintain viewer engagement throughout the extended report. The station also utilized its digital streaming platform, Local 4+, to broadcast a half-hour special, reaching audiences on multiple platforms.

To further engage the community, WDIV has scheduled a town hall meeting for later this month. The meeting will feature the oil pipeline company, environmental groups, elected officials, and community experts, with the Line 5 investigation taking center stage to kick off the program.

The Line 5 investigation by WDIV underscores the importance of investigative reporting in bringing critical issues to the forefront and mobilizing communities for positive change.

KSAT-TV wins Lone Star Emmy Award for “One Year In: Uvalde”

KSAT-TV, Graham Media Group’s ABC affiliate in San Antonio, Texas, won a Lone Star Emmy Award for their coverage of the Uvalde elementary school massacre and its year-long aftermath.

Reporter Leigh Waldman, Photojournalist Gavin Nesbitt, Editor Valerie Gomez, and Digital Journalist Andrew Wilson accepted the award on November 11 on behalf of a larger team from the KSAT newsroom that created the special, "One Year In: Uvalde."

"This was a labor of love for a community who went through the unimaginable. Everyone in this team wanted to make sure people heard the stories and remembered the names of the 21 lost in Uvalde," stated editor Valerie Gomez while accepting the award on behalf of the team.

"One Year In: Uvalde" was a look back at the year following the tragedy at Robb Elementary in 2022. In the one-hour broadcast and digital special, KSAT examines the past 12 months, the victims and survivors, and how their legacy spreads outside their local community. In the one-hour broadcast and digital streaming special, KSAT examined the past 12 months, the victims and survivors, and how their legacy continues to spread outside their local community.

KSAT sat with the families of the victims to see how they have been coping for the last year. Most have turned to activism to ensure their children are not forgotten. Many shared how they chose to honor their children and create lasting memories of the 21 victims. Expanded coverage of these tributes was featured on KSAT.com, and also included an updated investigation into what happened.

"We are incredibly honored and humbled for this recognition, but this has never been about us,” reporter Leigh Waldman clarified. “This is for our 21+1."

The Emmy Award-winning "One Year In: Uvalde" special is available to view on KSAT.com, KSAT’s app on Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV and Google TV and on KSAT’s YouTube channel.

WDIV VP and GM Bob Ellis Named Top Local TV Leader By Radio + Television Business Report

Bob Ellis

Bob Ellis, Vice President and General Manager of WDIV-TV, has been named the #1 Top Local TV Leader in the Fall 2023 edition of Radio + Television Business Report (RBR+TVBR).   

Ellis began his tenure as VP & GM at the Graham Media Group NBC affiliate in Detroit, Michigan, in October 2021, following his 12 year run as VP & GM at WJXT-TV/WCWJ-TV, GMG’s duopoly in Jacksonville, Florida.  

“When I was growing up, WDIV was my station," Ellis commented, having started his career at the Detroit station as a young producer soon after he graduated from Michigan State University. "When I was coming up in the industry, WDIV is where I learned what it meant to produce great TV every day and serve a community.”   

Radio + Television Business Report highlighted Ellis’ recognition of the significance of local news and its impact on the community. He told RBR+TVBR that he believes that live coverage provided by the local TV station is more reliable and trustworthy than any other medium, including apps or social media. According to him, they can deliver real-time news from a reliable source the community trusts. He emphasizes that it is crucial to embrace this concept and focus on providing live coverage since people still prefer it. In times of natural disasters or unfolding tragedies, the local TV station still serves as the lifeline for the community, and this role is just as crucial today as ever. 

“There’s never been a better time for our industry to serve the desires of our consumers by producing great content,” Ellis said. “Learning about how each platform can be used most effectively is what excites me about our future. It should excite all of us who work in local broadcast. The local television station with a great local website and now a great local streaming channel has an enormous role to play in the future. It has the opportunity to become more relevant than ever if we use each platform effectively to inform and educate in our communities.” 

The RBR+TVBR introduced its inaugural Top Local TV Leaders list in 2019. This honor roll recognized the tireless efforts and unwavering dedication of local television station leaders during a time when the United States faces unprecedented challenges. 

KSAT Launches New Community-Oriented News Campaign, 'Know My Neighborhood'

KSAT-TV is continuing its long-serving promise of dedication to the San Antonio and South Texas communities by introducing a new, inside perspective and guided tour of area neighborhoods, conducted by people who know it best, the residents.

Each month, Know My Neighborhood takes viewers on a walk through a different South Texas community, showcasing the history and public safety concerns including food insecurity, police presence, and crime rates, and revealing neighborhood mysteries that many are unaware of.

KSAT launched the first Know My Neighborhood on Oct. 18, giving viewers a deeper look into the Westwood Square community of north San Antonio. This segment alone heard the voices of dozens of residents, sparking cries of food insecurity, school, and crime issues.

Conducted by residents, for residents – Know My Neighborhood’s mission is to bring a voice into each community that makes up our home here in South Texas, spotlighting what needs to be changed, and bringing awareness to the problems many have left forgotten.

The campaign was recently featured on TVNewsCheck, as seen here.

"'Know My Neighborhood' is San Antonio's story. Grassroots, local journalism that will serve as our newsroom blueprint for future coverage. As a lifelong San Antonian, I know the pride people have for their neighborhoods. I love that our team is highlighting the history, listening to the people, and getting the answers they demand,” said KSAT News Director Mario Orellana.

Know My Neighborhood segments are set to run every month on Wednesdays during KSAT's 6 p.m. newscast. In addition to on-air segments, an interactive web page takes viewers through an even more detailed breakdown of neighborhood challenges, with breakout and story links to each struggle many neighbors face.

“We are getting out in our local communities and covering the things that really make a difference in people’s daily lives. We are 100% committed to our audience and the well-being of their families. Bottom line we want to make a real difference,” said KSAT Vice President and General Manager, Ashley Parker.

WKMG-TV News Director Allison McGinley Honored with RTDNA Distinguished Service Award

Allison McGinley, news director at WKMG-TV News 6, the Graham Media Group CBS affiliate in Orlando, Florida, has been honored with a prestigious Barney Oldfield Distinguished Service Award by the Radio Television Digital News Association. 

The Barney Oldfield Distinguished Service Award was created in honor of RTDNA founder Barney Oldfeld, formerly known as RTDNF at the time it was founded. The Distinguished Service Award is awarded annually to an individual who, through their own efforts, has contributed to the growth and success of RTDNA.

“I’m thankful to RTDNA for this incredible honor,” said McGinley. “I continue to be deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve working journalists and aspiring journalists and to work in earnest to preserve the integrity and the freedom of the press.”

Since starting as an intern at the station in 1994 to becoming news director in 2015, McGinley has always focused on serving the community, from changing Florida’s state law on texting and driving to helping Floridians in need get back money with "Make Ends Meet" during the pandemic. Through Allison's leadership, News 6 has produced award-winning local news - including Regional Murrow Awards - while sharing stories that celebrate and highlight our diverse communities, local businesses, and those who innovate and generate solutions. 

“Allison’s recognition on a national level is a reflection of the talent, effort and leadership she brings to her team at WKMG each day.” said Jeff Hoffman, VP & General Manager of WKMG.  “Over the past 27 years at WKMG, Alison has managed not only to “make good” but to “do good.””

KPRC-TV wins 2 Lone Star Sports Emmy Awards

KPRC-TV sports reporter Ari Alexander was awarded 2 Lone Star Sports Emmy awards from the Lone Star Chapter of the National Association of Television Arts & Sciences.

Alexander has been a reporter for KPRC since 2019, and is a 2013 graduate from the Missouri School of Journalism.

The Emmy Award is regarded as the most prestigious peer-judged award recognizing excellence in professional achievement with annual awards of merit in the television industry through extensive, confidential peer review of broadcast work and related media.

WKMG-TV wins big at Florida Association of Broadcast Journalist Awards

WKMG-TV is the winner of seventeen Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists (FAB) Awards, and WKMG-TV anchor Erik Von Ancken is the winner of an individual achievement award. More than 55 radio and television stations submitted more than 650 entries in this contest, featuring content produced in 2022.

WKMG-TV won nine awards in the following categories of the Television I/Large Market competition: Television Newscast - Evening, Television Newscast - Morning/Midday, Breaking News - Individual, Politics/Government -Single, Politics/Government -Series/Program, Feature - Hard, Consumer/Economic, Transportation Reporting, and Health Reporting - Single. WKMG-TV anchor Erik Von Ancken won an individual achievement award for Anchor.

WKMG-TV also won eight awards in the Television II/Medium Market competition in the following categories: Television Newscast - Evening, Television Newscast - Morning/Midday, Investigative: Series, Politics/Government: Series Program, Politics/Government: Station, Series/Franchise: Hard, Feature: Hard, and Education Reporting. WKMG-TV also was a finalist in eleven other categories.

The Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists is a not-for-profit organization supported by broadcast journalism professionals employed by commercial and public television and radio stations and those employed by and enrolled in college-level broadcast journalism operations. The mission of the Board of the Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists is to advocate the advancement of broadcast journalism through various means.