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Remembering a Bay Area News Legend, Ginger Casey

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Remembering a Bay Area News Legend, Ginger Casey

Ginger Casey anchored “This Week in Northern California” on San Francisco’s KQED TV in the early 1990’s

By Joyce Mitchell with Contribution from Hank Plante (The San Francisco/Northern California Chapter of The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Silver Circle 2006 recipient)

Remembrances flow-in following the death of seasoned, Emmy award-winning news journalist Ginger Casey. She pioneered and advocated for accurate HIV/AIDS reporting, women in television, and ethics in broadcasting.

Her background vast, former KPIX anchor/reporter Hank Plante, writes, “The world lost a bright star, and I lost a lifelong friend, with the recent passing of my former TV news co-anchor Ginger Casey.” In the early 1990s, while working at Bay Area PBS station KQED, Casey threw herself into helping the
LGBTQ community deal with the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic.“Even though I was at a competing station, KPIX-TV, I was thrilled to work with her as we emceed countless AIDS fundraisers and LGBTQ events like our televised broadcast of the 1991 San Francisco Pride Parade,” said Plante. He continued that she was much more than “straight ally.”

She grieved, he said, over the toll the pandemic was taking on her gay friends. “But she turned that grief into action in her volunteer work,” said Plante. Casey served as a board member of The Names Project, creators of the AIDS Memorial Quilt.

Casey died September 20, 2023 in Houston after battling lymphoma. She was 68 years old.

Plante said that the TV world has lost a legend. On her Linkedin page, Casey said that her goal was bringing “Truth to Light.” And for decades, that’s what she did. She was an anchor, reporter, producer, magazine columnist, talk show host and US Air Force veteran. In the military, she became an intelligence specialist and brought the skill of discipline to her job as a journalist.

Casey worked nearly 40 years in her field at a variety of stations including KQED, KTLA, and KRIV-TV in Houston. She and Plante went together to that Texas station as an anchor team and they became known for their on-air chemistry. Plante said that chemistry evolved from genuinely caring for one another. “It also helped that we had the same sarcastic sense of humor,” Plante said.

In 1993, Casey joined WJAR 10 in Providence, Rhode Island. Today, the station is running NBC 10 Flashbacks, featuring Casey. Clips show Casey reporting from her home state of California in the aftermath of the 1994 Northridge earthquake and moderating a 10 Town Meeting with President Bill
Clinton at the WJAR Studios.

In a written tribute to Casey, Plante, a member of the SF/NorCal Silver Circle, said, “Ginger was an Emmy Award-winning journalist who had the most important quality in a reporter and in a human being: she fought daily in life and on-the-air for what she thought was right.”

Ginger Casey and Hank Plante anchoring the live broadcast of the 1991 S.F. Pride Parade. (Hank Plante)
Ginger Casey and her husband Don McGrath in 2019 at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. (Hank Plante)

Hawaii Film Director Isaac Halasima’s ‘Waterman’ Nominated for Outstanding Historical Documentary

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Hawaii Film Director Isaac Halasima’s ‘Waterman’ Nominated for Outstanding Historical Documentary

Hawaii film director Isaac Halasima is headed to New York’s Palladium for the News and Documentary Emmy® Awards, along with the producers and cast of “Waterman”.

The program has received a nomination for Outstanding Historical Documentary.

The film explores the journey of Duke Kahanamoku as an Olympic swimmer, trailblazer, and father of modern-day surfing. Cast member and 11-time World Surf League champion Kelly Slater says “This movie brings everyone up to speed with the importance Duke played not only for surfing, but in the community at large in a time when people of color were rarely celebrated. His kindness and humility shone through some tough times in history, and he inspired people with his character, kindness and larger than life persona.”

“Waterman” is a film that explores the journey of Duke Kahanamoku as an Olympic swimmer, trailblazer, and father of modern-day surfing.
Hawaii film director Isaac Halasima is headed to New York’s Palladium for the News and Documentary Emmy® Awards, along with the producers and cast of “Waterman”. (Courtesy/https://watermanthemovie.com/filmmakers/)

KHON-TV Helps Raise 10’s of Thousands of Dollars To Support Maui After Devastating Wildfire

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KHON-TV Khon-Tv Helps Raise 10’s of Thousands of Dollars To Help Support Maui After Devastating Wildfire

The call for community action has galvanized fundraising efforts to provide food, clothing and financial aid to residents who lost loved ones, homes and businesses to the Lahaina and Upcountry Maui wildfires. 

Television stations across the islands have encouraged donations, including KHON, whose recent telethon raised more than a million dollars for the American Red Cross and other charitable organizations providing much-needed aid. 

Below, telethon workers and staff accept a $20,000 check from the station’s parent company Nexstar.

Nexstar donates $20,000 for the American Red Cross and other charitable organizations providing much-needed aid after the Maui wildfires

From Storyteller to Spokesperson: Bay Area’s Kevin Wing Embarks on New Career at Saint Mary’s College

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All New Gallery

The San Francisco/Northern California Chapter of The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences is congratulating one of its own, San Francisco Bay Area Vice President Kevin Wing. Wing shared a professional update that’s taking him to a new chapter in his career.

After doing what he’s loved as a storyteller for several years, Wing has made a move from television news into the exciting field of media relations.

“I’ve been very blessed to be able to do what I love all of these years, and that love is being a television storyteller. Now, I’m about to begin a new chapter in my own life story,” Wing said.

Wing has done it all in TV news–from being a news reporter, news writer, assignment editor, assignment manager, feature reporter, photographer, news producer, special projects producer, executive producer and, early in his career, a news anchor.

The Bay Area native has served his community as a broadcast journalist at most of the TV stations he grew up watching. He spent several years at KNTV NBC Bay Area, preceded by KGO-TV ABC7 and KTVU Channel 2–the latter of which is where Wing said he learned everything he knows about being a TV journalist. For more than a decade he also worked for ABC News as a producer and correspondent for Good Morning America.

“I grew up watching the show. Never did I imagine when I was a kid that I’d get to work for them,” Wing said. “I’ve been extremely lucky.”

But now, Wing said he’s pivoting and starting a new career doing something that will allow him to be more versatile than ever. “Every TV career hat I’ve ever worn has prepared me well for this next adventure in my professional life,” Wing said.

The media professional started his new role as the Director of Media Relations and News at Saint Mary’s College of California on Tuesday. The beautiful, sprawling campus is in the picturesque Bay Area town of Moraga. Wing will be fully engaged in promoting the college and sharing its success stories as its primary spokesperson. “I thank the college very much for offering me and entrusting me with this wonderful opportunity,” Wing said.

While this new chapter will now be Wing’s main career focus, he said he’ll also be continuing with NBC Bay Area by contributing occasionally on weekends. “I’m very grateful to them for everything they’ve done for me and everything I’ve done there and will continue to do.” Wing said he is also going to be continuing with client film projects for his production company. “Life is about to get a little busier, I know, but my family and friends will always be right
up there, too. I appreciate everyone’s support and encouragement, and I thank you as well. After all, to me, this is about personal relationships and the importance of it all. I’ve worked for, and with, the very best. I’ve learned so much from each and every one of them,” Wing added “Thank you very much to my family, my friends and my colleagues for your love, support and friendship. It means a lot to me.”

Wing said when he was growing up, his dear mom once told him to always work hard, and to work an honest day. She told him to never give up, and to never say ‘never’ to his goals and dreams. “Life hasn’t always been easy, I know. But I’ve always tried to aim high, overcome obstacles and be positive. Mom, I’m so glad I listened to you,” Wing said. “This is my life’s work. It continues to be an honor to be a storyteller in so many ways. And the newest way is about to begin.”

The NATAS SF/Norcal Chapter would like to congratulate Wing on his next adventure.

Click here to follow Kevin Wing on Facebook.

Click here to follow EmmySF-TV.

Tribute to Long Time Bay Area Videographer and Editor George Griswold

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Tribute to Long Time Bay Area Videographer and Editor George Griswold

By Joyce Mitchell, Governor and Gold & Silver Committee Chair

One-of-a-kind, creative, talented, it is true the word unique only applies to individuals. For Videographer George Griswold – it’s a statement of fact. His vast career as a photographer and editor spanned nearly 45 years. After working two decades at San Francisco station KRON, he peeled off, relocated to New Orleans and launched an independent production company.


August 12, 2023, at the age of 66 years old, Griswold died at home in Metairie, Louisiana. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Tracy Tooker Griswold.
He left KRON in 2000, starting his own business. He collaborated with national clients from NBC, CBS, and Sundance Channel, to name only a few. In all, Griswold was devoted to the craft he loved.

“What a sobering loss of such a wonderful soul,” said Wayne Freedman, who worked with Griswold at KRON before becoming a reporter at KGO. Freedman said that Griswold was known as a free thinker. Those who knew Griswold maintain he was “art and life” – combined. “George was the most spontaneous person,” said Freedman. “He made sculptures on whims. He loved pyrotechnics. Loved his wine, his wife, his food, his Dalmatians, his photography, TV, and always saw that work with clear eyes.”

On his LinkedIn page, Griswold referred to his work as no fail broadcast quality. He said that was the only way he knew how to work. He wrote, “I have a solid technical background that ensures that your HD or SD project will be delivered to predetermined specs—every time. Camera matching, custom profiles and tailored shoot specs ensure that your project won’t need “CPR” in post-production.”

A line from Griswold stands out – it’s where Art and Science come together. “He was a best friend, a brother…the working partner and free thinker who taught me to ask ‘Why not?’ and then to act on it,” said Freedman.

Griswold’s passion for photography began when he was 8 years old. He built a makeshift darkroom in his basement while earning some extra cash from neighborhood odd jobs to buy his first camera.

As his eye for photography grew, his artistic senses sharpened. He was always tinkering as a young adult, rebuilding, and restoring turntables, gathering broken miscellaneous electronic pieces and taking them to new levels. He adored his family. And while Griswold might have been perceived as a little quirky with a sharp wit and great sense of humor, his kind and gentle side always emerged when talking about his family, especially his wife Tracy. “I love George with my whole heart, my whole soul, and my whole being,” said his wife Tracy Tooker Griswold. “He was my everything.”

As for his friends, this distinctive person is dearly missed. Freedman said he was like a brother. He continued, “George Griswold’s bright, burning, life energy has left his realm. God bless our friend.”

August 12, 2023, at the age of 66 years old, George Griswold died at home in Metairie, Louisiana. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Tracy Tooker Griswold. After working two decades at San Francisco station KRON, he left, relocated to New Orleans and launched an independent production company.
August 12, 2023, at the age of 66 years old, George Griswold died at home in Metairie, Louisiana. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Tracy Tooker Griswold. After working two decades at San Francisco station KRON, he left, relocated to New Orleans and launched an independent production company.

NATAS/SF Norcal Mentor Match Program Unites Students and Early Career Journalists With Industry Experts

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NATAS/SF Norcal Mentor Match Program Unites Students and Early Career Journalists With Industry Experts

Do you need a little extra feedback, or a little nudge that might lead your stories to the next level?

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences San Francisco/Northern California Chapter ‘Mentor Match’ program pairs up and coming journalists with experts in the industry. 

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. 

Austin Castro was able to land his first reporting job in Eureka after getting some great tips from his mentor. 

“It wasn’t too long ago that I was a soon to be graduating college student,” said Castro. “Thanks to the Mentor Match program I was able to get paired up with my now mentor Devin Fehely at KPIX and he’s been such a tremendous help.”

Through the program students can receive one on one mentoring, tips and tricks to make it in the business, and thoughts on possible Emmy® Awards submissions with feedback.

Family Announces Passing of Ann Fraser, Longtime Presence on Bay Area Television From the 1970s

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Family Announces Passing of Ann Fraser, Longtime Presence on Bay Area Television From the 1970s

By Kevin Wing
Chair, Archive & Museum Committee

Ann Fraser, a popular, longtime presence on Bay Area television from the 1970s to the early ’90s when she co-hosted “People Are Talking” on KPIX, has died. Fraser was 83 when she died peacefully in late December in Milwaukie, Oregon. Her family did not announce her passing until now.

Fraser was born in Evanston, Illinois, in 1939. She attended Northwestern University and traveled to Korea with the USO to entertain American troops. In 1977, she was hired by KPIX with the launch of the station’s “The Morning Show”. The following year, in 1978, Ross McGowan joined Fraser as co-host and the late-morning talk show, with a live studio audience, was renamed “People Are Talking”. The show became so popular that an afternoon companion show, “People Are Talking in the Afternoon”, was launched. Fraser and McGowan entertained Bay Area viewers for 14 years until 1991, when the shows ended their long run.

Fraser is survived by her daughter, Jennifer, and her two nieces.

Ann Fraser (1939-2022). Ann co-hosted KPIX’s “People Are Talking” with Ross McGowan. The popular morning show aired from 1977 to 1991.
Ann Fraser (1939-2022). Ann was 83 when she died peacefully in late December in Milwaukie, Oregon.

KHON-TV Announces Several Anchor Changes

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KHON-Television Announces Several Anchor Changes

KHON weekend anchor Sam Sandler will be caffeine-loading next month (September) when he joins Kristine Uyeno 4:30 to 9am as the co-anchor of Wake UP2day and Take 2.

Taking Sam’s spot on the Saturday 6pm, 9pm and 10pm anchor seat will be Kristy Tamashiro. Tamashiro will continue to report the rest of the week.

On Sundays, Gina Mangieri will be on set, while continuing to anchor the 4pm and 7pm newscasts Monday through Thursday.

Sam Sandler, KHON Anchor
Kristy Tamashiro, KHON Anchor
Gina Mangieri, KHON Anchor

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, San Francisco/Northern California Chapter Offers up to $28,000 in Media Scholarships

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The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, San Francisco/Northern California Chapter Offers up to $28,000 in Media Scholarships

The deadline is quickly approaching for college students to apply for a variety of scholarships. 

The San Francisco/Northern California Chapter of The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has scholarships available for graduate and undergraduate students. 

Students must apply by Friday, September 15th, 2023. 

More information can be found at this link.

A link to the application and instructions to apply can be found here.

2022 Collegiate Scholarship recipients

KCRA Reporter That Puts Fear Into Lawmakers, Makes Top 100 List

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KCRA Reporter That Puts Fear Into Lawmakers, Makes Top 100 List

KCRA Reporter Ashley Zavala named among the Top 100 influencers around the California State Capitol

KCRA Reporter Ashley Zavala is one of only three reporters to make the Capitol Weekly Top 100 influencers around the California State Capitol this year. 

It’s the 15th list put out by the Nonpartisan, nonprofit news outfit targeting California government and politics. 

With their 91st pick, Capitol Weekly describes Zavala with one colorful metaphor. 

“Ashley Zavala of KCRA has rapidly built a reputation as what some of us call an “oh sh*t” reporter. Because as one staffer told me, if you see her in the hallways of the Capitol heading toward your door, your first thought is “oh sh*t.” Zavala has become that reporter, the one who doesn’t soft-pedal questions or shy away from tough subjects. She regularly breaks stories that put lawmakers on the spot, and it’s fair to say a lot of folks in the building don’t like her.”