Category Archives: Off Camera

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

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"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 15th 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 15th 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/

If you have a story you’d like to see in ‘Off Camera‘ please send us an email to offcamera@emmysf.tv

Good Day” Feature Reporter “Big Al” Sams Dies

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Good Day” Feature Reporter “Big Al” Sams Dies

Alvin “Big Al” Sams, feature reporter for “Good Day” at KMAX 31 in Sacramento

By Kevin Wing, NATAS SF / NorCal

Alvin “Big Al” Sams, feature reporter for “Good Day” at KMAX 31 in Sacramento, has died. 

Sams passed away at home, it was announced this morning. No cause of death was given. 

He had been a feature reporter for the long running “Good Day” since joining in 2021. Prior to that, he was a feature reporter at KTXL Fox 40 in Sacramento. Sams also spent many years on Sacramento radio airwaves. He had been a part of the Northern California television and radio community for more than 25 years. 

KOVR CBS13, KMAX 31’s sister station, remembered Sams on its website today. 

“Good Day” will air a remembrance of Sams in a special tribute on Sunday. 

Legendary KTVU Anchor Dennis Richmond Passes Away at 81

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Legendary KTVU Anchor Dennis Richmond Passes Away at 81

KTVU Legendary Anchor Dennis Richmond

By Kevin Wing, Governor NATAS/SF

Dennis Richmond, the legendary longtime news anchor at KTVU in Oakland, died today, according to the station. He was 81. 

Dennis worked at KTVU from 1968 until his retirement in 2008. He began anchoring the station’s 10 PM newscast — the No. 1 prime time newscast in the country for many years — in 1976, remaining at the anchor desk until his retirement. He was one of the first Black anchors in the nation. Through the years, he was paired on the anchor desk with Barbara Simpson, Elaine Corral, Leslie Griffith (who died in 2022), and Julie Haener. 

He died today in Grass Valley with his wife, Deborah, by his side. 

NATAS SF/NorCal Members Get Behind The Scenes Tour of Pixar in Emeryville

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NATAS SF/NorCal members Get Behind The Scenes Tour of Pixar in Emeryville

NATAS Pixar Tour, January 24th 2025 (Photo/Susan A. Bradley)

By Liz Gonzalez, Governor NATAS/SF

Think a NATAS SF/NorCal membership doesn’t have its perks?

Just ask those who got the opportunity to visit Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville on January 24th.

From the legendary lamp and Luxo ball, to the Town Square and Lower East Side (those who know, know!) a group of nearly 20 people toured the campus where creativity thrives—thanks to NATAS SF/NorCal Governor Amanda Jones, who works at Pixar!

The tour began and ended at the Steve Jobs building named after the legendary innovator and leader in the early years of Pixar.

Jobs had two credos:

“Always be influenced by the outside world.”

And

“Always be influenced by the people you work with.”

The group learned Jobs used these two credos in the design of the campus specifically the massive, 220,000 square-foot building that’s named after him.

The atrium, known as the Town Square, consists of tables, couches, a mail station, a gift shop, a coffee bar and commissary. It has wide windows, exposed beams, and two arching, interior walkway bridges.

The open design is meant to intentionally make people interact and exchange ideas (the buildings’ only restrooms are in this area too, as Jobs figured people could even interact as they washed their hands!).

Artwork lines the walls in the form of murals and stills inspired by its feature films (fun fact: did you know it’s animators work at a speed of 24 frames a second?).  

But creativity at Pixar goes beyond paper and computer screens.

Some of Pixar’s artists also customize their workspaces. One workspace was designed like a submarine, complete with hardware designed by using cake pop molds! Another workspace resembled a haunted house in the woods – and another a she-shed– although pictures were not allowed in these areas. Gotta keep some work under wraps, right? 

In the neighboring building, known as “Brooklyn”, members got to screen two episodes of Pixar’s first all-new original series, “Win or Lose”, a project on which Jones worked as Art and Assets Manager.

The eight-episode series follows the adventures, wins and losses experienced by members of the Pickles—a middle school softball team.

The show premiers on Disney+ February 19th, making the NATAS SF/NorCal groups one of the first to see episodes (with the exception of Pixar staff, of course).

A Q&A session followed with the show’s creator Carrie Hobson and Producer David Lally, who shared the intricacies of creating a show with mass appeal— and how voice actors helped craft the characters’ personalities.

And, heads up Pixar fanatics— there’s a Pizza Planet truck “easter egg” in every episode!

Speaking of easter eggs, a trip to Pixar requires you to keep your eyes peeled as some of the animation studio’s most beloved characters are on display around corners (Mike & Sully, The Incredibles, Buzz Lightyear and Rainbow Unicorn) and under staircases (Jack-Jack). 

The group left feeling grateful, inspired and in awe at seeing all that goes into making the movies that have provided “core memories” for so many!  

Keep an eye out, as more adventures are being planned for NATAS SF/NorCal members.

If you have a story you’d like to see in ‘Off Camera‘ please send us an email to offcamera@emmysf.tv

All Pixar Tour, January 24th 2025

The Long Valley, A Poetic Documentary Created by Sacramento Director Rodrigo Ojeda-Beck, Officially Selected for the 2025 Sundance Film Festival out of 11,153 Submissions

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The Long Valley, A Poetic Documentary Created by Sacramento Director Rodrigo Ojeda-Beck, Officially Selected for the 2025 Sundance Film Festival out of 11,153 Submissions

The Long Valley, a 13-minute documentary co-directed and produced by Rodrigo Ojeda-Beck and Robert Machoian, has been officially selected for the prestigious 2025 Sundance Film Festival

433 Pictures proudly announces that The Long Valley, a 13-minute documentary co-directed and produced by Rodrigo Ojeda-Beck and Robert Machoian, has been officially selected for the prestigious 2025 Sundance Film Festival. The film, which showcases the landscapes and people of the Salinas Valley, will have its world premiere during the festival’s celebrated Short Film Program.

Rodrigo Ojeda-Beck, a local resident of Davis and faculty member at Sacramento State, brings a unique regional perspective to this visually compelling documentary. Shot using the Alexa Mini Pro and blending Spanish dialogue with English subtitles, The Long Valley offers a poignant meditation on human resilience, the passage of time, and the power of dreaming. Through a series of visually striking tableaus, it documents the daily lives of Central and South American immigrants who form the backbone of one of California’s most vital agricultural regions.

“The Salinas Valley, often referred to as “The Salad Bowl of the World,” is not only a major agricultural hub but also a vibrant community with stories that resonate far beyond its fields.” remarked Co-Director Rodrigo Ojeda-Beck, who has deep roots in the Salinas Valley, “This project is a love letter to the resilience and dreams of the people who make this region so extraordinary.”

“We wanted to document the Salinas Valley and its people because we both have personal connections to the area,” said co-director Robert Machoian, who grew up in King City. Ojeda-Beck added, “This film continues our ongoing exploration of rural communities in the U.S. using a photobook aesthetic, bridging the space between still photography and film.”

Out of 11,153 submissions to the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, only 57 short films were selected. These include 4,909 submissions from the U.S. and 6,244 international entries, representing work from 28 countries and territories. The Long Valley is proud to be part of this esteemed selection.

About the Film – The Long Valley was completed in November 2024 and features a unique narrative structure that reappropriates the talking-head format to provoke questions rather than provide answers. The film encourages viewers to reflect on their own interpretations of time, reality, and the role of dreams.

World Premiere Details – The Long Valley will premiere as part of the Sundance Film Festival, held in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, from January 23–February 2, 2025. The short will also be available for online viewing from January 30–February 2, allowing audiences nationwide to experience its stunning visuals and thought-provoking narrative.

Contact Information –  For press inquiries, interviews, or additional details, please contact: Chris Carpenter, 831.915.3421 ccarpenter@honestenginefilms.com

The Long Valley is a 433 Pictures production co-directed by Rodrigo Ojeda-Beck and Robert Machoian, with associate producers Chris Carpenter, Ana Sanchez, and Saul Cardenas. Edited and sound-designed by Rodrigo Ojeda-Beck, with LiliArlen Gomez as Assistant Camera, the film is a testament to the beauty and resilience of the Salinas Valley’s agricultural communities.

If you have a story you’d like to see in ‘Off Camera‘ please send us an email to offcamera@emmysf

Rodrigo Ojeda-Beck, a local resident of Davis and faculty member at Sacramento State

Longtime KTVU Meteorologist Bill Martin Announces Retirement After 33 Years!

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Longtime KTVU Meteorologist Bill Martin Announces Retirement After 33 Years!

KTVU Meteorologist Bill Martin

By Roberta Gonzales, Governor NATAS/SF

Longtime KTVU Meteorologist Bill Martin Announces Retirement After 33 Years!

After more than three decades as one of the Bay Area’s most familiar faces, Bill Martin, KTVU’s chief meteorologist, is stepping away from the Spotlight.

Martin revealed his upcoming retirement during Thursday’s broadcast before delivering his trademark weather forecast.

“When I started here, I was just a kid, and I think we’ve all grown up together,” Martin said, addressing viewers while standing in front of the weather map. “You out in the audience, and me.”

Martin’s journey at KTVU began in 1992 when he joined as a weekend meteorologist after working at KRON-TV and KFTY-TV (now KEMO-TV) in Santa Rosa. Over the years, he became a trusted figure in households across the Bay Area, guiding viewers through critical weather events with poise and empathy.

“From his early coverage of the Oakland Hills fires to the San Bruno gas explosion, the Oroville Dam evacuations, and the devastating Camp Fire in Paradise—where he heartbreakingly lost his childhood home—Bill has been a steady, compassionate voice during some of Northern California’s most challenging times,” KTVU Vice President and News Director Simone Aponte said in a memo to staff.

Martin said he’s “stoked” to retire and is looking forward to the next chapter in his life.

His retirement marks another significant change for KTVU, which has seen several prominent departures recently. In June 2024, longtime anchor Julie Haener retired after 27 years at the station, with former anchor Dennis Richmond making a surprise appearance on her farewell broadcast.

Martin, however, is embracing his final weeks with enthusiasm. “I have a whole month to retire and say goodbye,” he joked with anchor Mike Mibach. “So it’s going to be like Bill-a-palooza.”

If you have a story you’d like to see in ‘Off Camera‘ please send us an email to offcamera@emmysf

Kurtis Ming Departs Sacramento’s CBS13 After 22 Year Investigative Legacy

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Kurtis Ming Departs Sacramento's CBS13 After 22 Year Investigative Legacy

Kurtis Ming, former CBS13 (Sacramento) Investigative Reporter and Anchor
By Kevin Wing, Governor SF/NATAS Board 
 
My friend and KOVR CBS13 colleague, Kurtis Ming, has departed the station after 22 years there.
 
The station made the announcement to CBS13 viewers today on its 4 and 5:30 PM newscasts, the broadcasts of which Kurtis anchored Monday through Friday. For nearly 20 years, the 11-time Emmy Award-winning Kurtis was also the station’s consumer investigative reporter with his very popular “Call Kurtis” consumer segments. 
 
Kurtis joined CBS13 in 2003. 
 
For the last eight months since I joined the station as its Special Projects Producer last May, I’ve had the distinct honor and pleasure of being Kurtis’ producer, working side by side with him every day on our consumer investigative stories. 
 
Below is a link to our announcement on our website today along with our on-air tribute to Kurtis. 
 
Kurtis will be sorely missed by all of us at the station. 
On a personal note, I will miss working with my friend. 
 
Kevin 

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If you have a story you’d like to see in ‘Off Camera‘ please send us an email to offcamera@emmysf.

Beloved Evening Anchor Bids a Heartfelt “Aloha” to the Islands for New Adventure on the Mainland

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Beloved Evening Anchor Bids a Heartfelt “Aloha” to the Islands for New Adventure on the Mainland

Mika Miyashima, long time evening anchor for KITV4 Island News

After eight memorable years at KITV4 Island News, our beloved evening anchor, Mika Miyashima, is bidding a heartfelt “aloha” to the islands and embarking on an exciting new adventure back on the mainland.

Mika will soon grace the weekend anchor desk at KUTV CBS in Salt Lake City, bringing her signature warmth and professionalism to viewers in Utah.

Born in Los Angeles and raised in Sandy, Utah, Mika’s journey has come full circle.

After earning her Communications degree from the University of Hawaii, she honed her skills as a news assistant at ABC7 LA, producing traffic reports before making her mark in Hawaii.

As we say “a hui hou” to Mika, we celebrate her incredible contributions to the Hawaiian community and look forward to watching her continued success in Salt Lake City.

Mahalo, Mika, for your dedication and aloha spirit!

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Dr. Todd Felts, a Longtime Professor at UNR Unexpectedly Passes Away

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Dr. Todd Felts, a Longtime Professor at UNR Unexpectedly Passes Away

Dr. Todd Felts, a longtime professor in the Donald W. Reynolds School of Journalism. Passed away 11/28/24

First Published in www.unr.edu

November 29, 2024

Dear Wolf Pack Family,

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Dr. Todd Felts, a longtime professor in the Donald W. Reynolds School of Journalism, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday. We wish to express our sincere condolences to Todd’s family and friends, which includes his many students as well as colleagues past and present from his time teaching at RSJ.

From the moment Todd joined our faculty in 2008, our University knew it had added a faculty member who brought something more than two decades of experience as an award-winning public relations and communications professional. Todd’s infectious joy for the work that he did was immediately apparent. His love, care and compassion for everyone he knew was felt throughout our campus and in our community. He was, simply, a bundle of energy who could also be an incredibly thoughtful and steadying force for anyone he ever knew.

Todd’s professional accomplishments were many, and speak to the many successes he had in furthering our institutional mission as well as building strong and productive relationships with our community. He received the 2019 Distinguished Outreach Faculty award and in 2014, he was named the recipient of the Honors Program Distinguished Faculty Award. He also directed the graduate program in interactive journalism at RSJ, and for many years he has been involved in several international visitor programs to Nevada, including serving as the academic director for the Algerian Youth Leadership Program since 2009.

A hallmark of Todd’s career at the University is that his students always knew he was preparing them to become successful professionals while also wholeheartedly and unabashedly caring for them as people. He lived this wonderful, energetic and optimistic example throughout his life.

University Counseling Services, as well as the Downing Counseling Clinic is available to help students during this difficult time. Faculty and staff can find assistance through the Employee Assistance Program. The University’s LiveWell Program is also available to help prioritize your well-being and navigate campus resources.

We will share information about a memorial service for Todd as details become available.

Sincere regards,

Brian Sandoval
President

Jeffrey Thompson
Provost

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Tegna’s ABC10 in Sacramento Lays off Several in News and Marketing Departments

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Tegna’s ABC10 in Sacramento Lays off Several in News and Marketing Departments

KXTV Sacramento (https://www.facebook.com/ABC10tv)

Tegna’s ABC10 in Sacramento was reportedly hit very hard with layoffs this week.

Sources tell the National Academy of Arts and Sciences SF/NorCal Chapter the station had all its marketing and creative team members cut. Additionally, a meteorologist, special projects photographer and all the directors at the station were let go.

Newscast Studio reports that Tegna is restructuring its television station marketing operations, establishing seven regional marketing hubs while eliminating 100s of local marketing positions across its stations.

The broadcast group, which operates 64 television stations in 51 markets, announced the reorganization through an internal memo from Chief Operating Officer Lynn Beall. The new structure will consolidate marketing operations previously managed at individual stations.

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