THE SILVER CIRCLE Class of 2024
Delivers with Heart & Soul
By Joyce Mitchell
(Clockwise) JIM HUNTINGTON, LISA WHIE, JOHN BREEDLOVE, KRISTINE HANSON, MIKE LOURY, (VERN GLENN for MIKE KRUKOW & DUANE KUIPER)
Old meets new, or better yet, TV veterans show the way to several up-and-coming Journalism students. The Gold & Silver Circle ceremony held Saturday, November 23, 2024 in south San Francisco, inducted six people into the Silver Circle this year. They were recognized for 25+ years of service in broadcasting and for also using their skills to make a difference in the industry, community – or world.
Those six people, along with more than 100 event attendees, many professional broadcasters, mingled with seven students studying the craft. These young people were recipients of NATAS Collegiate Scholarships presented by NATAS Governor Kari Barber, Education Committee Chair and Associate Dean & Professor at the University of Nevada.
Gratitude and grace permeated the lobby and dining room. As professional journalists extended a hand to the exemplary students, bonds were forged, connections – made. In all, $25-thousand in scholarship money was awarded. And students had the opportunity to share experiences and goals with the Silver Circle Class of 2024.
Television veterans offer students a wealth of historical perspective, networking possibilities, mentorship and guidance, along with industry perspective and credibility. Students often are like sponges, soaking up perspective and context.
Gold & Silver Circle Inductees are revered for their willingness to suit up and show up. Former KGO Reporter David Louie attended this year, representing the Gold Circle, having spent more than 50 years at that one TV station. His warm ways greeted students and the Silver Circle inductees.
Sacramento’s KCRA News Anchor Edie Lambert, (SC 2018) graciously emceed the event, one of two annual events put on by NATAS. The other, of course, is the Emmy® Gala coming up in June 2025. And, for 2025, it is moving to Sacramento. Lambert was the first choice to host the 2024 induction ceremony – and an apropos one at that, given that the Emmy® Gala is moving to the Capital City next year.
Lambert introduced the inductee’s presenters. Presenters introduced memorable videos that set the tone for why these individuals are being included in the Honor Society of the Silver Circle. Inductees included: CBS 13 Meteorologist Kristine Hanson, KCRA News Photographer John Breedlove, KGO Assignment Manager Jim Huntington, NBC Sports Broadcast Announcers/San Francisco Giants Mike Krukow and Duane Kuiper, former CBS 13 Videographer Mike Lowry and CBS Bay Area KPIX Vice President/News Director Lisa White.
Videos, presenters, and inductees engendered laughter, in some cases a few tears, and always, heart and soul. Breedlove and Lowry both remarked about the beauty and good fortune of having the opportunity to document history.
Huntington’s KGO table donned a “Captain’s Hat” in solidarity, exclaiming that the assignment editor, perhaps in jest – or perhaps not – rings a bell and puts on a captain’s hat in the newsroom to announce – every time the station beats the competition.
Each year, the event takes on a different personality. But the one thing that never changes – is the heart & soul that permeates the room. It’s the old timers and the newcomers, working together, making magic.
A big thank you to the legendary Terry Lowry for her years of service and belief in growing and defining the Gold & Silver Circles. It’s been a job well-done.
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