KOVR’s Cecil Houston Celebrates 25 Years with CBS

Posted on June 8, 2025 by jimjakobs

KOVR's Cecil Houston Celebrates 25 Years with CBS

By Kevin Wing, Chair, Archives & Museum Committee, San Francisco | Northern California Chapter The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences

Director of News Operations at CBS News Sacramento Cecil Houston was serranated by his colleagues this week for a big silver annivesary.

The KOVR (CBS 13) newsroom cheered on Cecil Wednesday, June 4, with a special announcement by Vice President/Director of News Pete Saiers and a really tasty red velvet anniversary cake to mark the special occasion – 25 Years of service to CBS Television Stations.

Cecil has served in the operations role since 2020. From 2006 to 2020, he served as the station’s Director of News Photography. From 2000 to 2006, he was Chief Photographer at KPIX CBS Bay Area.

Prior to joining CBS in 2000, he was a photographer at KCRA 3 in Sacramento from 1992 to 2000.

Cecil is a graduate of San Jose State University.

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‘Extremely traumatic’: Fresno reporter Juanita Adame recounts being saved from Kings River

Posted on June 2, 2025 by jimjakobs

‘Extremely traumatic’: Fresno reporter Juanita Adame recounts being saved from Kings River

Courtesy: www.yourcentralvalley.com

What was supposed to be a fun day on the Kings River turned into a fight for survival for one of our station’s reporters.

YourCentralValley’s Juanita Adame was white water rafting above Pine Flat on Saturday with her fiancé and her cousin’s family. It was a trip planned two months in advance that ended just a few minutes after boarding.

“It was one of the scariest experiences I’ve ever had in my life,” Reporter Juanita Adame said.

Full story here.

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David Wurtzel named president and general manager of ABC7/KGO-TV San Francisco

Posted on June 2, 2025 by jimjakobs

David Wurtzel named president and general manager of ABC7/KGO-TV San Francisco

ABC Owned Television Press Release

David Wurtzel has been named president and general manager of ABC7/KGO-TV San Francisco – the Bay Area’s Emmy^® Award-winning source for breaking news; it was announced today by ABC Owned Television Stations President Chad Matthews, to whom he will report. In this new role, Wurtzel is responsible for the station’s operations and ancillary businesses.

Wurtzel has been with The Walt Disney Company for nearly 20 years, recently serving as the vice president of Operations and Business Planning for the ABC Owned Television Stations in Los Angeles and Fresno. He is an accomplished finance executive with extensive experience in strategic planning, contract negotiations, accounting, labor relations, financial reporting and analysis, and compliance. He also leads all contractual and rights fee negotiations for special programming, including the LA Pride Parade, Kingdom Day Parade, and LA Rams preseason football, among others.

“His strong analytical skills, proven track record of achieving ambitious goals, and commitment to operational excellence have enabled him to tackle critical business challenges and initiate transformational projects,” said Matthews. “I know he will leverage his expertise and vision to enhance the station’s continued success in providing the highest quality local news.”

“The KGO team is regularly singled out for overall excellence – most recently by the Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards – for very good reason,” said Wurtzel. “From in-depth stories about the impact of climate change and severe weather to hard-hitting investigations into government corruption and powerful documentary storytelling, they have distinguished themselves by reporting on complex issues of vital interest to Bay Area residents with the utmost care, thoroughness and professionalism. I look forward to working with them to further enhance and leverage the tremendous work they do across linear, streaming and social platforms.”

Throughout his career at Disney, Wurtzel has worked within the broadcast television, digital media, and distribution groups, gaining expertise in corporate financial planning and analysis (FP&A), process improvements, technical accounting, budgeting and forecasting, internal controls, and systems implementation.

Before joining The Walt Disney Company, Wurtzel served as a supervisor, Internal Audit at Sony Pictures Entertainment. In this role, he conducted a range of domestic and international financial audits across various divisions, including television, theatrical releases, motion picture production and home entertainment. He began his career as a senior auditor at Ernst and Young in Boston.

Wurtzel received his Master of Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University and his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts. He is a certified public accountant licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He is on the board of directors for the Media Financial Management Association, a not-for-profit association that provides media and entertainment industry financial professionals with unique networking and educational opportunities and media-specific information services to enhance their capabilities and contribute to their organizations’ success.

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Roberta Gonzales Joins KTVU Full-Time as Meteorologist

Posted on May 19, 2025 by jimjakobs

Roberta Gonzales Joins KTVU Full-Time as Meteorologist

After nearly four years of freelancing with KTVU while simultaneously leading her own media company, Roberta Gonzales Productions, veteran broadcaster Roberta Gonzales has officially joined the KTVU FOX 2 weather team full-time.

With her signature energy, deep-rooted passion for storytelling, and decades of experience forecasting California’s ever-changing climate, Roberta brings a unique blend of warmth, credibility, and community connection to KTVU’s already dynamic weather team.

“I’ve been fortunate to spend the past few years contributing to KTVU while also growing my own production company,” Roberta said. “Now, I’m beyond thrilled to fully commit to this next chapter—working alongside some of the most talented meteorologists in the business and serving the Bay Area viewers I love.”

Roberta’s career spans more than three decades across the Bay Area’s top stations, where she’s become a household name for her approachable style, breaking coverage of extreme weather, and tireless community involvement. From field reporting major wildfires and atmospheric river storms to engaging audiences through her signature segments and uplifting stories, Roberta is known for both her professionalism and heart.

Her full-time role at KTVU marks a homecoming of sorts—a continuation of her on-air legacy, now grounded in a newsroom known for trusted journalism and innovation in weather coverage.

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Mark Tamayo Named Chief Meteorologist at KTVU, Succeeding Legendary Bill Martin

Posted on May 19, 2025 by jimjakobs

Mark Tamayo Named Chief Meteorologist at KTVU, Succeeding Legendary Bill Martin

By Roberta Gonzales, Meteorologist KTVU FOX 2-KTVU PLUS

KTVU FOX 2 has officially named veteran meteorologist Mark Tamayo as its new Chief Meteorologist, stepping into the role following the retirement of the station’s longtime weather leader, Bill Martin.

Tamayo, a trusted and beloved figure in Bay Area broadcasting, joined KTVU in 2009. Over the nearly 16 years at KTVU, he has become known for his calm, clear, and science-based approach to weather forecasting—especially during critical events such as wildfires, earthquakes, and atmospheric river storms that have shaped California’s recent climate narrative.

A native Californian, Tamayo holds a journalism degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and a meteorology degree from San Francisco State University, blending storytelling with deep scientific understanding. He began his career at KVIQ in Eureka and moved through the ranks at KSBW in Salinas and KRON in San Francisco before making his mark at KTVU.

In addition to his on-air work, Tamayo has earned two Emmy Awards for Best Weather Reporting and has been praised for his ability to explain complex climate systems in ways that are both accurate and accessible to viewers. Off camera, he’s often invited to speak at schools, weather forums, and science education panels across the region—demonstrating his passion for public outreach and climate awareness.

In a statement shared on social media, Tamayo said:

“Some BIG news to share with you guys. I am honored and excited to continue my journey at KTVU… now as Chief Meteorologist. It’s been an amazing ride, and I look forward to this next chapter serving our Bay Area viewers.”

He replaces the legendary Bill Martin, who retired earlier this year after more than three decades at KTVU. Martin, known for his measured tone and deep respect within the weather community, covered everything from the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake to the 2018 Camp Fire, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and mentorship.

Tamayo’s promotion not only continues KTVU’s legacy of top-tier weather coverage but also ushers in a new era, blending experience with a forward-looking vision in a time when climate reporting has never been more essential.

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Ross Rowley named KIEM-KVIQ News Director in Eureka

Posted on May 19, 2025 by jimjakobs

Ross Rowley named KIEM-KVIQ News Director in Eureka

Ross Rowley will be the next news director for KIEM/KVIQ-TV (a CBS/NBC operation), according to Rick Gevers and Associates.

His promotion comes after the stations were taken over by Marquee Broadcasting.

Here’s Ross’s Linkedin page.

He replaces Dawn Dugle who left the station last fall after about a year as news director.

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Behind the Scenes, 2025 Emmy® Awards Nominations Watch Party

Posted on May 12, 2025 by jimjakobs

Behind the Scenes, 2025 Emmy® Awards Nominations Watch Party

About 25 people from the local Bay Area television community gathered at ABC7 KGO for this year’s Emmy® Awards Nominations Watch Party on Wednesday, May 7.

Congratulations Nominees! Here is a link to the press release with all of the nominations.

The event-packed Emmy® Awards Weekend is June 13, 14, 15, for the first time in Sacramento! Get your tickets to the event at this link.

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A KCRA Voice to Remember – Veteran Newsman Tip Kindel Dies

Posted on March 4, 2025 by jimjakobs

A KCRA Voice to Remember – Veteran Newsman Tip Kindel Dies

By Joyce Mitchell

Born with an innate talent for television, Tip Kindel asked the tough questions, banged out stories in record time and rarely – if ever – missed a deadline. He possessed that special “golden voice” just perfect for TV. He was a true pro.

Kindel died unexpectedly on February 28, 2025. He was 81-years-old. His TV career was launched at KCRA Channel 3 in 1970, the early years of broadcasting. He was a general assignment reporter who covered elections and also traveled the world, explaining to viewers major events happening around the globe.

Tip Kindel at Valley Broadcast Legends with Gary Gerould (Gold Circle and Governors’ Award recipient)

Kindel and a photographer flew to the Falkland Islands, reporting on a major conflict brewing between two British territories in the South Atlantic. He was embedded in a war zone and not afraid to get the story about this battle for sovereignty. He also traveled to Hong Kong and South Korea.

“Kindel was a solid reporter who could cover any story thrown his way,” said former KCRA Capitol Correspondent Steve Swatt (SC 2016). He’s also remembered for overseeing a consumer division of the station “Call 3.” With a team of volunteers, Kindel responded to viewer concerns and helped to solve consumer issues.

Channel 3 Videographer Mike Domalaog (SC 2023) recalls Kindel’s quick ability to absorb new technology. “Tip was always ahead technology wise,” said Domalaog. “He was always messing with something you plugged in.”

From 1970 until 1980, Kindel worked tirelessly covering news until he was tapped by Channel 40 to head up the News Department. He became News Director and hired legendary Pete Wilson and Pat McConahay to co-anchor an alternative newscast. It consisted of in-depth lede stories and “news you can use.”

Kindel returned to KCRA a year later where he remained until 1988. A top-notch reporter, Kindel was also a talented line show producer and for a couple of years, was assigned to hold down the 5 O’clock one-hour newscast. He was a mentor and teacher, helping up-and-coming journalists learning the craft.

He left KCRA in 1988 when he was hired by the State of California. He eventually went to the California Department of Corrections where he served as Assistant Director of Communications for years.

He is survived by his wife Clair Kindel, children, and grandchildren. Kindel left his mark on TV, promoting excellence in journalism. His voice in the industry will be missed.

“I’ll always remember Tip’s voice sounded just like the guy that voiced all the announcements at Disneyland,” said Domalaog. “He just laughed when I mentioned that to him. Rest in peace reporter.”

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CBS News Taps KGO General Manager Tom Cibrowksi As President and Executive Editor

Posted on March 3, 2025 by jimjakobs

CBS News Taps KGO General Manager Tom Cibrowksi As President and Executive Editor

By CBS News and Stations

Broadcast news veteran and award-winning journalist Tom Cibrowksi has been tapped to lead CBS News as president and executive editor, reporting to Wendy McMahon, president and CEO of CBS News and Television Stations and CBS Media Ventures.

In this role, announced today, Cibrowski will oversee CBS News, including newsgathering, all units and shows.

He brings more than 30 years of experience in every corner of journalism and broadcast television. Throughout his career, he has honed a deep understanding of the news landscape, ensuring that stories are told with fairness, integrity and impact. This also marks a return to CBS News for Cibrowski, who was a broadcast producer for CBS News’ “The Early Show.”

“Tom brings a clear vision, fresh perspective and competitive edge that will serve us well here at CBS News,” said McMahon. “From bringing GMA to #1 to his vast international experience, I have no doubt he will lead CBS News to new heights. He will be instrumental to our mission to elevate the quality of our news coverage and strengthen our commitment to excellence.”

“Journalism and storytelling are what CBS News does the best,” Cibrowski said. “There is simply no one better. I’m beyond thrilled to be returning to this iconic and unmatched organization and can’t wait to hit the ground running.”

Cibrowski spent 25 years at ABC News in multiple leadership roles. He served as senior vice president of ABC News Programs, News Gathering and Special Events where he was responsible for global newsgathering, breaking news and content across all ABC News programs and platforms, including “Good Morning America,” “World News Tonight,” “Nightline” and “20/20.”

At ABC, he rose through the “Good Morning America” ranks for over a decade. He served as senior executive producer of the broadcast when it took over the #1 morning show position from “Today” after 16 years, then described as a “once in a generation change.”

In those leadership positions, he oversaw coverage of the 2016 presidential election and election night, and worldwide breaking news events including the Royal weddings, the devastating earthquake in Haiti and the disappearance of Malaysian flight #17. He produced the historic interview with Robin Roberts and Barack Obama on gay marriage and President Donald Trump’s first interview as the 2016 Republican presidential nominee.

Earlier in his career, Cibrowski spent a decade covering war zones in Iraq and Kosovo and was on the scene for the downfall of dictators in Haiti and Indonesia. He had multiple tours in Baghdad before and during the Iraq war. He was with Diane Sawyer in Iraq immediately before the U.S.-Iraq war started in 2003 and returned with Robin Roberts to Fallujah six months after combat began. He also traveled to Bahrain and Kuwait with Charlie Gibson to produce a series about the generals leading the war effort.

Cibrowski is no stranger to CBS News. He was the broadcast producer for the “CBS Early Show” with Bryant Gumbel when the program transitioned to a dynamic street side studio. He was also responsible for the morning program’s coverage during the attacks on 9/11.

Cibrowski is currently president and general manager of KGO-TV, the Disney-owned television station in San Francisco. In his seven years there, he has maintained the station’s #1 position with all viewers and focused on modernizing and transforming the legacy linear brand to maximize relevancy and connection with multi-platform audiences.

He has received multiple Emmy and Edward R. Murrow awards for overall excellence for his work. He was also the Daytime Emmy Award winner for four years at “Good Morning America” and won the George Foster Peabody Award for “Robin’s Journey,” the story of the top morning anchor’s recovery from a bone marrow transplant.

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“He Said, She Said” Women’s History Month Broadcasting Event

Posted on February 14, 2025 by jimjakobs

"He Said, She Said" Women's History Month Broadcasting Event

By Roberta Gonzales, NATAS SF / NorCal

The Bay Area Radio Museum and Hall of Fame commemorate Women’s History Month with our second annual women’s program. This year’s event titled, “He Said, She Said: Reality Check,” will be held Saturday, March 15^th at 11am at Scott’s Seafood Restaurant at Jack London Square in Oakland.

Yes, this is an event about women. But men are welcome too!

How have women changed the face of broadcasting? How have they navigated a male dominated field in which they had little power and influence and few, if any, advocates. How have women elevated their own progress in radio and TV? Which visionary managers championed women in those early years? How are women broadcasters today leaning into their empowerment?

Our panel includes Marcia Brandwynne who has the distinction as the first woman to anchor a local TV prime time newscast at KTVU Channel 2 in 1972. Marcia will be joined by decades-long ABC President and General Manager of KGO Radio Newstalk 810, Mickey Luckoff,current top-rated broadcaster, martial artist and cancer survivor Freska (Griarte) of KOIT and KBLX, and KMEL morning show traffic reporter and Community Engagement Director, Lady Ray. Our host for the program is Roberta Gonzales, Meteorologist KTVU Fox 2 and formerly of KPIX TV 5 and KCBS Radio.

Join us Saturday, March 15^th for heavy hors d’oeuvres and no-host bar at Scott’s Seafood Restaurant at Jack London Square in Oakland. Mingling and food service begin at 11am. The 90-minute program starts at 12pm. Validated underground parking is available at Jack London Square.The ferry dock is nearby.

Make your reservation now at https://californiahistoricalradio.com/event/women-in-broadcasting-event-he-said-she-said-reality-check/

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KOVR’s Cecil Houston Celebrates 25 Years with CBS