By Lexi Sisk, NATAS-SF/NorCal Chapter
Ever wonder how an Emmy® Award is made? Each individual statuette is hand made.
The process starts with melted metal poured into a mold, once removed the metal is polished. The statuette is then coated with zinc, copper, nickel, and pure silver–before it is dipped in 24-karat gold. The statuettes are then individually assembled before placed in their custom boxes.
Pilar Niño, a distinguished reporter for Telemundo 48, was presented with the annual Latino Spirit Award by the California Latino Legislative Caucus at a ceremony held yesterday at the California State Capitol. Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside), Chair of the Latino Caucus, Senate Majority Leader Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach), Vice Chair, and other Caucus members recognized Niño alongside 15 other notable Latinos during the 22nd Annual Latino Spirit Awards.
The awards ceremony highlighted the achievements of prominent Latinos across various fields, including technology, journalism, media, literature, health and science, advocacy, business, education, human rights, arts, public service, and entertainment. Each honoree has made significant contributions in their respective domains, serving as role models and leaders within their communities and reflecting the diversity and talent within the Latino community.
Stacy Owen, President and General Manager of Telemundo 48 and NBC Bay Area, stated, “We’re proud to witness Pilar Niño being honored with the prestigious Latino Spirit Award. Pilar’s dedication to journalistic excellence and tireless efforts for our community have made a lasting impact. Her work exemplifies the power of storytelling to evoke change, reflecting our commitment to community advancement. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Pilar for this well-deserved recognition and look forward to her ongoing contributions in the Bay Area.”
Harry J. Pappas, 78, of Reno, Nevada, passed away on April 24, 2024. He was born on March 14, 1946, in Modesto, California.
Harry was the Chief Executive Officer of Pappas Telecasting Companies, based in Visalia. Prior to his retirement, the Pappas Telecasting Companies group of affiliated stations was the largest privately-held, commercial television broadcast group in the United States in terms of U.S. household coverage. The company consisted of over 30 television stations across the United States.
Harry Pappas founded Pappas Telecasting in 1971 in Visalia with his brothers, which is why the TV station is KMPH, named after Mike, Pete, and Harry Pappas.
KMPH anchors Kim Stephens and Kopi Sotiropulos made the announcement during the morning broadcast of ‘Great Day’ on April 15th after the station learned of Harry’s passing.
Emmeline Tomimbang Burns, affectionately known as “Emme,” a prominent figure in Hawaii’s media landscape and a dedicated community leader, passed away on Feb. 19 at the age of 73.
A special Celebration of Life ceremony was held on Saturday, April 27 in Emme’s honor at the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu.
Emme’s family posted on her Facebook page, “On behalf of the Tomimbang ʻohana, we would like to express our gratitude for the generous outpouring of love and prayers in honor of our beloved Emme. Emme’s profound aloha for the local community was evident in the many causes she championed, the heartfelt stories she shared, and the multitude of cultural and civic causes she supported. Her values and identity were deeply rooted in her Filipino heritage and Kakaʻako upbringing, both of which were central to her illustrious career in media and television. Emme’s news reports and Island Moments show brought local stories to the hearts and homes of countless viewers, and the impact of those efforts continues to flourish today. From our family, we express our deepest mahalo nui and maraming salamat for the many years of love and support you have shared with Emme and invite you to join us April 26-27 in celebrating her extraordinary life and legacy.”
Island News streamed the Celebration of Life ceremony to their YouTube page.
The Laney Photography Dual Enrollment program that partners with the Fremont High Media Academy was recognized as a “Distinguished California Partnership Academy” by the California Department of Education.
Fremont High Media Academy is one of the four OUSD high schools that participate in the college Dual Enrollment photography program that is offered at Laney College and taught by Laney Photography instructor Michael Moya. Michael has been teaching Professional Photography for 16 years. In 2015 he was an active NATAS governor and created the NATAS HeadShot service that is offered to NATAS members. Michael continues his service contributing photography services for the Emmy and Gold and Silver events annually.
Laney College offers an extensive program in both Media and Photography offering a vocational curriculum for students to pursue a professional career or continue with their higher education. This program has been expanded to local high schools offering the college credit courses through the Laney Dual Enrollment program.
If you have a story you’d like to see in ‘Off Camera‘ please send us an email at offcamera@emmysf.tv
By Gurajpal Sangha, Sacramento News Reporter
The NATAS Mentorship Program has been an instrumental part of my success as it has helped me become a better storyteller! I was lucky to be paired with the Legendary KGO Journalist Wayne Freedman! Originally, I wanted to improve my live shot presence and delivery, but Wayne was able to help with that and so much more like, script structure and writing more conversationally. We mostly communicated via email. I sent a few news stories his way and Wayne sent back the feedback. We still communicate to this day.
The signup process for the mentorship program was simple. A quick questionnaire and the process was set in motion. I absolutely believe in this program because it helped accelerate my growth and easily provided knowledge influential for my career! Thank you for this wonderful opportunity!
For a $15 annual student membership, you can participate in our Mentor Match program.
Henry Jerkins, KRON4 photographer and a beloved member of the team, passed away over the weekend of April 6th. He leaves behind his wife and two kids. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.
By Sarath Minverva, special to ‘Off Camera’
My mentor match experience with Jim Stimson has been going very well! We meet every other week.
JAMES STIMSON
Retired Assistant News Director, KCRA 3, Sacramento
(Silver Circle Class of 2008, Governors’ Citation 2021)
Jim has been giving me constant constructive feedback on my shows. I’ve been strengthening my writing and leadership skills.
I’m also finishing my contract at my current station, so my mentor has been helping me apply for jobs and make connections. Joining this program has helped me so much these past few months, it’s great to get advice from someone who has decades of experience.
All NATAS members are eligible as it’s a perk of your annual dues.
For a $15 annual student membership, you can participate in our Mentor Match program.
By NATAS SF Board of Governor Jose Munoz
March saw the return of News Director Stefany Garces at Univision Fresno after a 3 month maternity leave to a much different news team.
Stefany Garces Univision Fresno
In November prior to her leaving MMJ Cristian Gomez left the news field altogether.
Cristian Gomez
MMJ Karla Gonzalez left for a job closer to home joining Noticias Univision San Diego.
Karla Gonzalez
Joining the team would be Candy Duran as the executive producer and filling in for Stefany.
Candy Duran
In December MMJ Jacqueline Magaña departed to Univision Colorado as a weekend anchor/MMJ.
Jacqueline Magaña
Come January, joining the team as an MMJ, Sebastian Noriega ready to start in first job in news relocating from Miami.
Sebastian Noriega
Also joining the team as an MMJ, Carlos Trestini, from Univision Chicago.
Carlos Trestini
The end of January saw the departure of regional president and general manager Steve Stuck. Chris Morris would fill the role.
MMJ Maria Cortez departed in February, leaving the news field but recently announcing her new role as Communication & PR Officer for the Central Unified School District in Fresno.
Maria Cortez
In March, Candy Duran, EP for about the last 4 months also announced her departure as she takes the role of News Director from Telemundo Sacramento/Fresno.
Engineer Dave Ramos is retiring after a 50-year career in broadcast journalism. He spent more than 40 years at KCRA 3.
KCRA aired a beautiful send-off tribute to Dave this week as he finished his last shift at the station.
Dave has covered countless stories in his tenure. From wildfires and hurricanes to football games and the Olympics.
If you have a story you’d like to see in ‘Off Camera‘ please send us an email at offcamera@emmysf.tv
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