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.