Gold & Silver Circle Biographies L-Z
Silver Circle Honoree
Carole Lambert
Since 1982, Carole Lambert has been the co-Anchor of the 6 and 10 PM newscasts for KTUL, making a name for herself not only as a consummate journalist and professional but also as one of the Tulsa community's most treasured assets. Her longstanding efforts on behalf of numerous charitable organizations illustrate the commitment of this newswoman to using her time and talents for the benefit of many.
With a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Music (yes, she sings!) and a Master's degree in Mass Communication, Carole left the entertainment world for her first TV job in Wichita Falls, Texas, in 1979. She then moved to Pittsburg, Kansas, and later to KFOR in Oklahoma City before landing at KTUL. Her warmth, sincerity, and compassion are the qualities that inspire love and trust in her viewers, and her coworkers admire her strength, integrity, and impeccable character.
Carole's involvement in a long list of projects and organizations comes from her own desire to help, and she leads fundraising drives for non-profit organizations, gives a voice to victim advocacy groups, hosts telethons, and inspires kids in the classroom. She is also a huge advocate of the Tulsa Arts Community, having performed with the Tulsa Symphony. But she may be best known for her advocacy of the "Waiting Child" program, a weekly profile of kids in state custody awaiting adoption. Since Carole began hosting and producing these segments in 1990, over 2,500 children have been featured and placed in adoptive homes. But she is quick to point out that the real heroes are the moms and dads who give these kids a loving home.
Her list of awards is impressive: The Oklahoma Association of Broadcaster's "Hall of Fame," the "Congressional Angel Adoption" award, the Southside Tulsa Sertoma Club's "Service to Mankind" award, the state volunteerism award from the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, and even "Carole Lambert Day" proclaimed by Governor Frank Keating on November 23, 2000. These are but a few of her recognitions.
So, what does this high-powered woman do to wind down? Just ask Angie, her schnauzer, and Coco, her schnoodle, to describe the pampering they get! Even their wardrobe is impressive: Coco with her red silk kimono, and Angie sporting a denim motorcycle jacket!
Silver Circle Honoree
Mike Landess
Mike Landess won a speech contest in ninth grade, which led to a job at a local radio station and launched his love for broadcasting and a 40+-year career in television. Now the primary evening news anchor at KMGH in Denver, Mike has worked all over the country, from Dallas to Cleveland to Atlanta and Washington, DC. His first landing in Denver brought him to KUSA from 1977-1993, as the co-anchor of the #1-rated evening newscast. Upon moving to Atlanta, he was recognized for his live coverage of the bombing at Centennial Olympic Park. That experience served him well when later, in Washington, DC, he anchored 16 hours of live coverage after the September 11, 2001 attacks. He received Emmy® awards for News Anchor for both of those bodies of work.
Mike's winning combination of quality reporting, caring for his audience, and being a real person is exemplified in his sharing his personal battle with prostate cancer with viewers, from diagnosis to treatment. Working with the physicians and researchers at CU Denver, and with the Prostate Cancer Education Council, Mike put together a CD to create a one-of-a-kind tool for patient awareness, chronicling his journey through this process. He is relentless in answering questions and emails from viewers, to give them as much information as possible to make their own best decisions.
In Denver, the annual Coats for Colorado campaign distributes thousands of coats to Coloradans in need, and Mike is an integral part of this effort. He attends every event and is the last to leave. He is enthusiastic about spreading the goodwill of strong civic journalism to his community. He believes in a relationship of trust with his viewers and works every day to make that happen.
Silver Circle Honoree
Karen Larsen
Karen Larsen retired as an anchor from KJRH 2 News Oklahoma in Tulsa in 2024 after more than 30 years. She started her career in broadcast television in 1982 at KESQ in Palm Springs, California. Karen’s work not only reflects her skills as a journalist but also the integrity and compassion that make her truly one of a kind. Her career serves as a testament to the importance of integrity, empathy, and professionalism in the world of journalism and in life.
Karen has shown time and time again that she doesn’t just report on issues affecting the community; she actively participates in making a difference. She frequently volunteers her time for local events or initiatives, and her commitment to supporting those in need goes beyond her role as a journalist or anchor. And while Karen has sacrificed a lot to make sure is always there for her community, she has always found a way to be a wife and mother too, serving as a role model for many women in this industry.
Silver Circle Honoree
Mike LeClaire
Mike LeClaire is a former Gunnery Sergeant in the US Marine Corps with decorated combat service in Vietnam. In 1971, he was fresh out of the hospital after contracting malaria while serving as a forward observer for the artillery and got himself a job as a janitor with a local TV station known then as KLZ. Today, he is the Assistant Chief Photographer at Channel 7 in Denver. In forty-three years, Mike has – as he says – 'worked at many different television stations but they've all been in this building.' Through tenacity, hard work, overwhelming odds, and a commitment to service, Mike has made a profound and lasting impression in journalism.
He has done so much: floor director, studio camera, producer/director, programs, newscasts, PSAs, telethons, community affairs. Then, after almost 20 years, he was laid off with a number of other employees – only to return three months later as a news editor. On his own time, he learned the ins and outs of videography, arranging a trip back to Vietnam (on his own time and his own dime) to create an Emmy® award-winning documentary that also got him a spot as a staff photographer. He's traveled a lot since then, and always with a camera: following surgeons from Children's Hospital to the Ukraine; taking WWII vets back to Iwo Jima 50 years after the battle; a humanitarian mission to Afghanistan for a food drop from 35,000 feet; accompanying other WWII vets to Okinawa. This, plus the major news stories of the last twenty years. He believes in the power of the images he creates, adapting to new realities and striving to become a proficient conduit for the stories that put life in perspective. Along the way, he's been recognized by the NPPA, the CBA, and NATAS with numerous industry awards.
It's when Mike puts down the camera that his determination and true character emerge. For many years, he and his wife, Andrea, have been actively involved at St. Luke's Episcopal Church where he teaches children's classes and gives his time. He spent 14 years in the Marine Corps Reserve. He volunteers with his son's Boy Scout Troop. He has donated his professional and personal time to the Heroes Forever organization, which provides support to pediatric cancer patients and their families. He is the proud father of twins, Ben and Amy, and a devoted husband. He is authentic, compassionate, dedicated, and the embodiment of integrity and commitment.
Silver Circle Honoree
Ward Lucas
In 1973, KIRO-TV in Seattle took a chance and put Ward Lucas on the air as an investigative reporter and weekend anchor. He held that job for two and a half years, eventually winning several reporting awards including an Emmy® for an investigative story on industrial arson called "Fire for Hire." This got the attention of KBTV (now KUSA) in Denver, and Ward quickly distinguished himself as the top weekend anchor and the only investigative reporter at the station. His strong presentation both on and off the air helped him to get to the information necessary to produce award-winning stories and helped mold the local television market into one of the most competitive relative to tough journalism.
For the past 32 years, Ward has been a well-known and respected face in the Denver market. Today, his video essays are examples of top-notch storytelling and writing. Ward is the recipient of numerous awards for his work in news, investigative journalism, and writing, including 29 Heartland Emmy® nominations and 11 statues.
Ward was born in Kyoto, Japan, the son of a West Point graduate. His younger brother is also a West Pointer, while his older brother was a Marine Corps officer. In fact, the Lucas family has a long tradition of military service, which is why Ward has focused so much attention during his career on those who serve their country in uniform.
Active in the community, Ward served on the board of the Alzheimer's Association from 1996-2002 and was among the first to bring this disease into the light of public awareness, helping to raise the levels of community education and programs. He has also supported the Denver Dumb Friends League for many years by hosting their Furry Scurry event, and he is a passionate advocate for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Silver Circle Honoree
Vic Lombardi
"And that's how we DO IT on the west side!" That was just one of Vic Lombardi's signature calls as he delivered the highlights and other sports news and insights on the CBS4 5, 6 and 10PM newscasts every weeknight for years. He grew up on the west side of Denver, was a fan of all Denver sports and became a ball boy for the Denver Nuggets, tossing the ball to NBA greats such as Bill Hanzlik, Alex English, and to a coach named Doug Moe.
It was that passion for sports at an early age that pushed him to a career in broadcasting and he got his first sports broadcasting job in Elkhart, Indiana in 1991, leading to jobs in Austin, Texas, and Phoenix, Arizona, before going back home to the sports world and community he knew best at KCNC-TV in 1998, where he took home 28 regional Emmy® awards. In 2015, he moved on to Altitude Sports & Entertainment, hosting Nuggets pre-game and post-game shows. In late 2017, Vic turned to another form of media – the radio waves. He was part of the launch of Altitude Sports Radio, and in 2019 the morning show “Moser, Lombardi & Kane” was formed and four years later, that morning show became the #1 morning sports show in Denver.
He also understands his standing in the community and emcees 40-50 charity events around Colorado. Denver has seen multiple championships by the Denver Broncos, Colorado Avalanche and Denver Nuggets, and Vic has been there the entire way, reporting on every championship. The term “legend” is not a term used for many, but when all is said and done, Vic Lombardi will be remembered for being a sports broadcasting legend in Denver.
Silver Circle Honoree
Bertha Lynn
Bertha Lynn, news anchor for KMGH in Denver at 5, 6, and 11 am, began her career in 1976. She spent 8 years as an anchor/reporter for KBTV (KUSA) before joining the 7News team in 1984. Her journalistic achievements and her service to the community have been honored with many awards, including the Emmy®, RTNDA, and CABJ awards. In the newsroom, Bertha is known for her determination to get the story right and keeping the coverage balanced. Throughout the years, she has worked with a myriad of news directors, managers, and shift changes and has remained successful as a dedicated reporter and anchor; she always performs her job with a determination to make a significant contribution in that position. In a business where community connection is vital, Bertha has spent 30 years making sure she is connected to the Colorado community. She currently serves as a trustee for Regis University and is a member of the Denver Art Museum's African American task force. Other community support includes the Denver Botanic Gardens, the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), the Catholic Foundation of the Archdiocese of Denver, the Mayor's Commission on Art, Culture and Film, and the Women's Foundation of Colorado, among many others. Bertha is married to Larry Naves, a Denver district judge, and together they have three children.
Silver Circle Honoree
Brian Maass
Brian Maass is the kind of guy who brings his kids to an IRE meeting. Investigative reporting is not just a job for Maass. It is who he is. "Maass never stops working," says Kristine Strain, CBS Assistant News Director. "He works on vacations and holidays, in the middle of the night and at the crack of dawn. I have wondered all these years if the man ever sleeps. Why does he do this? It is not for fame or notoriety. He is driven by the desire to get everything right and to serve our community."
"Brian brings notable talent to the Heartland's Silver Circle," wrote Governor John W. Hickenlooper. "As he has honored the values of journalism for more than 30 years. Denver and Colorado are better because of his commitment to share our city and state's story. Brian has been reporting on Colorado's top issues in government for as long as I have been in the state - first as a brewer, and then as mayor and governor. In business and in government, we always kept an eye on the investigators because you never wanted to hear 'It's Brian Maass' on the other end of the phone. If you received that call, you knew one thing: Brian was checking into a tip that someone was being treated unfairly, or that a government employee was mismanaging their office, and an investigation was underway."
"I'm a strong defender of the media," John Hickenlooper continues, "and believe deeply in its purpose in our society. Brian and his stories have contributed greatly to improving city accountability - in Denver as well as the surrounding suburbs. He knows the power of sources and his medium and he never seeks to use them inappropriately. He maintains an integrity that is sometimes hard to find in investigative reporting these days."
Brian "is among the rare breed of journalist who is both doggedly determined and remarkably compassionate," writes Tim Wieland, News Director, CBS4 Denver. "Investigative reporters are known to be smart and aggressive, but not particularly warm or empathetic. I am impressed by Brian's ability to put himself into another person's position when investigating a story. He first looks for the logical, innocent explanation - before digging deeper and investigating more sinister motives. Upon gathering all the facts, Brian insists that we give those involved in his reporting appropriate time to respond. He always asks for a face-to-face interview or conversation - often asking multiple times - to get all sides of a story. The 'ambush interview' used by so many investigative reporters is only used as a last resort."
For more than twenty years, Brian has been a leading investigative reporter in Colorado and the country. Over the course of his distinguished career, Brian has won many prestigious awards, including multiple Edward R. Murrow Awards, Colorado Broadcaster Association Awards, and Emmy Awards®. While the awards are a nice affirmation of a job well done, what matters most to Brian is giving a voice to the voiceless, holding the powerful accountable - and making a difference in the lives of people living in Colorado and the agencies and systems that are supposed to protect them.
"Brian Maass is a champion in the large arena of television journalism due to his exceptionalism and work ethic," writes Todd Bertolet. "Brian Maass emerged as the sole reporter that possessed those extraordinary investigative journalistic qualities to transform the story of the murder of my sister, Toni Bertolet Henthorn, from a mere 'accidental fall' in Rocky Mountain National Park to the reality of the sinister plot of murder at the hands of her husband."
"Some of my best years in television news were spent supporting Brian and his investigations at News 4 in Denver while I was managing editor," writes Jacque Montgomery. "Brian's compassion in storytelling is matched by his dogged pursuit of the truth. He recognizes a story and goes after it. When breaking news like Columbine takes over the entire news day, Brian knows exactly how to use his skills to complement coverage. His completeness in fact-gathering sets the bar for investigative journalists."
Brian is not only a smart, responsible journalist - but also a leader and teacher. Other journalists in the newsroom turn to Brian for guidance. Brian can often be found offering story guidance, interview advice, script feedback, or contact suggestions to CBS4 reporters. He has earned that trust through his commitment to excellence and fairness.
Silver Circle Honoree
Ken Miller
Many years ago, a starting shortstop with Fort Hays State University decided to maximize his Communications degree with an internship running tape in a truck, and a potential MLB career gave way to one in televised sports; Ken Miller hit that one out of the park. Currently the Executive Producer at ROOT Sports Rocky Mountain, Ken began working in the Heartland region 29 years ago and, in the last quarter-century, has directed more than 3,000 live sports and entertainment events around the globe. In the process, he has earned 16 Regional Emmy® Awards for Producing and Directing, a Cable Ace Award, and the respect and admiration of his peers.
There is hardly a sport Ken doesn't know: college football, basketball, hockey, and baseball; boxing and rodeo; Sunday night football, Monday night football, the SuperBowl, the Masters, and the Olympics – to name a few. And let's not forget his extensive work with the Colorado Rockies and Avalanche, the Denver Nuggets and Broncos. Ken spent many years as a freelance camera operator covering games nationally before moving into the director's chair and finally the producer's. Nowadays he manages a schedule, a budget, and a staff for roughly 200 events a year. He is regarded as a gifted director and a thoughtful, experienced leader who always has the viewer's best interest in mind.
Ken is known for having a keen eye for talent. He searches out and mentors both experienced and up-and-coming announcers, producers, and directors, many of whom have gone on to national networks. He guides and encourages this next generation with passion, kindness, and a shared love of the game. He builds trust, not only with his co-workers but also with the network's team partners. These constructive relationships, along with Ken's advocacy of technological advancement, have resulted in enhanced production and more exclusive content, to give each and every fan the best seat in the house.
On or off the field, Ken exemplifies 'Team' to everyone with whom he works: he is involved, dedicated, and caring; innovative and intelligent. An MVP, first and last.
Silver Circle Honoree
Suzanne McCarroll
Suzanne McCarroll is a reporter with KCNC CBS4 in Denver, a role she has held for 26 years. But ask anyone, and word comes back that she's not just any reporter: "She has the unique ability to combine assertive, get-the-story focus with sincere respect and compassion for vulnerable individuals who are caught up in a tragedy." "...Believes that journalism is a higher calling and a public service." "...Can go from a murder scene to a children's hospital wing and never miss a beat." "...Always puts the story first." "...Any newscast is better if Suzanne is in it." "...Her talent for listening gets the important interviews." "...No ego."
Starting out as a speechwriter at IBM after college, Suzanne ditched the cushy corporate job for the life of a reporter at KIDK in Idaho Falls in 1979. She says it was the best career decision she ever made. From there, she moved to KCGR in Cedar Rapids in 1980, serving as a reporter and weekend anchor. In 1982, she took a job as an entry-level reporter at KCNC. Co-workers and competitors agree that Suzanne is a journalist whose integrity and thoughtfulness engender respect. In fact, she's taught reporting seminars and ethics seminars at the Poynter Institute.
Through it all, she's just as dependable as a mom as she is as a reporter. While she takes her work seriously, everyone agrees that she'd say her most important job is being a mother – to three wonderful children. She's been able to balance the crazy life of a television reporter with family life and make it look easy — no matter how challenging either became. She's a role model and an example to anyone who wants to "have it all."
Silver Circle Honoree
Greg Moody
No one can argue that Greg Moody’s name is synonymous with arts and entertainment coverage in Denver. Since 1986, he's been the Critic at Large, first with KUSA beginning in 1986, then at KCNC from 1988 to 2014. And since his broadcasting career originated in Milwaukee in 1981, he’s been ‘in the business’ for over thirty years. Greg is the one with an encyclopedic knowledge of plays, movies, musicals, and music, and a vast understanding of things behind the scenes as well as an appreciation of a patron’s unique perspective in the audience. His ability to combine these is his talent: Greg makes art and entertainment compelling for everyone else by using his self-deprecating sense of humor and his gift of storytelling to translate theater, ballet, and opera into a language that viewers understand and appreciate. How many small productions or children’s programs or gallery openings might have gone overlooked if not for his attention? How many zoo events, film festival premieres, concerts, and local hidden gems might we have missed if not for Greg’s notice? As the arts community in the Denver metro area expanded (exploded) over the last decades, Greg Moody has been here to raise awareness and enjoyment of all the things there are to do and see.
From 1999 to 2004, Greg produced a weekly arts and entertainment roundup called 'SHOW,' which shot on location in places such as the Art Museum or the DCPA, the Circus, Ocean Journey, or Wings over the Rockies. Greg put his heart – and his theater background – into every story with passion and enthusiasm. His flexibility and renowned deft turn of word enabled a fluid segue between a review of the Colorado Symphony and a description of the opening act for a heavy metal band at the Pepsi Center. And well before the term 'backpack journalist' was being tossed around as the latest new thing, Greg has been an experienced editor for over 15 years – writing and editing his daily features plus multiple segments for SHOW. An avid cyclist, Greg covered Ride the Rockies for years using his personal cycling knowledge to provide viewers with an insider’s perspective.
Greg is known for enthusiastically jumping into the station’s community service activities, for his sense of humor and incredible work ethic, and for his thoughtful commentaries even when reviewing a 'clunker.' He knows everyone who’s anyone in the local arts scene, and they know and respect him. Greg exemplifies the best in broadcasting: a journalist who is not only a participating member of the community but also a beloved friend and esteemed co-worker.
Now, get out there and have some fun!
Silver Circle Honoree
James Morgese
James Morgese is the President and General Manager of Rocky Mountain PBS in Denver and Grand Junction, Pueblo/Colorado Springs, Durango, and Steamboat Springs. He has been instrumental in growing a local station, KRMA Channel Six (Knowledge for the Rocky Mountain Area), into a network reaching almost 2 million people a week in Colorado. James is a visionary, a community leader, and committed to embracing technology that will enhance the TV:Viewer experience.
His career in public television spans more than 25 years at stations in Florida, Idaho, and Kentucky. Prior to that, he worked in commercial television at both the affiliate (KOA-TV in Denver) and network (NBC New York) level. In 1990, he became the Station Manager for KRMA, then located in the Emily Griffith Opportunity School, and became GM in 1993. Last year, the station celebrated its 50th year of broadcasting. They've been shooting and editing in HD since 2000, have allocated a digital channel exclusively to V-me, a Spanish-language service, and their locally-produced programming regularly wins awards.
James currently serves on the boards of the Mile High Chapter of the American Red Cross; Digital Directions, Inc.; the Denver Convention and Visitor's Bureau Foundation; the WELLS Center at the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment; National Datacast, Inc.; and the Public Television Major Markets Group; as well as the honorary board of the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame. James taught for 2 years at the Art Institute of Colorado and is a graduate of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Denver class of 2000-01. He earned both his BA and MA from the University of Denver. With his wife Annette, James donates his talent for Italian cooking and his "world-famous marinara" in various recipes to local food banks.
Silver Circle Honoree
Scott Murray
Scott Murray has been the Sports Director/Anchor at NBC 5 (KXAS-TV) in Dallas/Ft. Worth since 1980. He has received several accolades for his work in sports broadcasting. Scott was the recipient of the 2000 Heartland Regional Emmy® Award for Best Sports Anchor. He has also been named Associated Press and UPI Sportscaster of the Year eight times and voted Best Sportscaster in Texas seven times by both AP and UPI.
Apart from his sportscasting career, Scott is actively involved in various children's civic and charitable organizations. He serves on the Board of Directors for multiple organizations, including the American Cancer Society, MDA, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and Special Olympics. He hosts "NBC 5," a weekly segment of "Scott's Kids," a show that has received national recognition from Big Brothers and Sisters of America.
Scott began his broadcasting career as a teenager in Rochester, New York, where he hosted a nightly radio show while attending the University of Rochester as a pre-med major. However, he decided to pursue broadcasting after college and landed his first television job in Albany, New York, as the Sports Director/Anchor at WAST-TV (now WNYT). He then worked at WHEC-TV in Rochester for a short period before moving to the NBC O & O in Washington, DC. Eventually, he settled in Texas, where he has built his career and raised his family. Both his son and daughter have graduated from Baylor University.
Scott Murray is not only an award-winning journalist but also a caring, generous, and compassionate individual who exemplifies the best of broadcasting.
Silver Circle Honoree
Reynelda Muse
No bio available at this time.
Silver Circle Honoree
Rob Namnoum
Rob Namnoum is not just your average sports enthusiast; he’s a one-man cheer squad for local athletes, his community, his career, and most of all, his family. Rob began his broadcast television career in 1996 as a sports producer at WVIT in Hartford, Connecticut. As Colorado Springs' longest-tenured Sports Anchor at KRDO 13 for the past 25 years, Rob has distinguished himself by covering local sports in a way that transcends mere scores and highlights. He possesses a unique ability to humanize stories, making them resonate even with those who aren't sports fans.
Whether he’s raising money for pediatric diabetes research, supporting his wife or kids in pursuing their dreams, or putting his heart and soul into his work, In 2020, Rob shared his deeply personal story about surviving a heart attack that happened without warning as he was playing basketball in 2019. Following his recovery, Rob really valued being able to educate his friends, family, and the community about the signs of heart disease and the importance of proactive health checks, despite being young and healthy. Rob and his family graciously shared their story from that day to spread awareness. Rob cares deeply. He’s never forgotten how lucky we all are to be working in an industry that still deeply matters.
Silver Circle Honoree
Mike Nelson
Mike Nelson's 40-year career in the meteorology industry is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has spent 25 of those years as Colorado's most trusted meteorologist, establishing himself as a pillar of the community. Mike's interest in weather began at a young age in Madison, Wisconsin, and he started his professional journey with Weather Central and WKOW TV in 1976. In 1981, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in Meteorology and married his wife, Cindy, shortly after. During his time at Weather Central, Mike worked closely with Terry Kelly, a visionary who developed one of the first weather computer systems for television. Mike played an active role in the development of early weather computers, delivering systems and training meteorologists across the nation. Notable meteorologists like Al Roker, Harry Volkman, Stormy Rottman, and Gary England are among the many individuals Mike Nelson trained on their first weather computers.
From 1979 to 1985, Mike served as an on-air meteorologist at WKOW. In mid-1985, he became the Chief Meteorologist at KMOX TV and Radio in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 27. When KMOX was later sold and became KMOV TV, Mike continued his work there until 1991 when he was hired by KUSA in Denver.
Mike spent 13 years as the Chief Meteorologist at KUSA until he received an opportunity from KMGH to transform the Denver weather landscape. In 2004, he accepted the job at Denver7 and has since been dedicated to innovating and improving on-air weather coverage.
In addition to his on-air responsibilities, Mike is actively involved in community engagement. He delivers at least one school presentation per week and participates in numerous weekend charity events throughout the year. One of his passions is educating children about severe storms, climate change, and alleviating the fears of students afraid of tornadoes. Over the course of his career, Mike has visited nearly 4,000 schools, inspiring almost 1.2 million children to develop an interest in math, science, and potentially pursue careers in meteorology or journalism.
As a mentor, Mike has played a crucial role in educating his interns, co-workers, and visitors, providing daily guidance and sharing his wealth of knowledge. He has also hosted over 500 station tours over the past four decades. Mike is a strong supporter of the college weather internship program and has trained more than 30 meteorologists who are now working at TV stations across the nation.
After his remarkable 40-year career, Mike Nelson has been recognized with numerous awards. He has received 18 Emmy® awards for his outstanding contributions in the field of meteorology and was honored with the "Colorado Broadcaster of the Year" award by the Colorado Broadcasters Association. One of his most cherished achievements is being named the "Broadcast Meteorologist of the Year" by the National Weather Association (NWA) in 2010.
Mike Nelson's impact on the meteorology industry, his commitment to community engagement, and his dedication to mentoring aspiring meteorologists have solidified his reputation as a trusted and respected figure in Colorado and beyond.
Silver Circle Honoree
Marcia Neville
Marcia Neville, the Prep Sports Specialist, began her career as the weekend sports anchor at WNYT in Albany in 1980. Three years later, she came to KCNC in Denver to become the first female television sportscaster in Colorado. Her specialty was high school sports, and her hallmark "Skylights" reports give parents and teens reason to be home by 10 pm on Fridays to watch highlights of the fall's big high school football games.
Schools, coaches, and associations recognize the positive impact that Marcia has had on high school sports through her genuine interest and unqualified support. Along the way, Marcia became an advocate for female athletes, and in 1993, she co-produced and hosted Colorado Sportswomen, a quarterly series of Emmy® award-winning sports specials devoted exclusively to women and girls. Currently, Marcia serves on the advisory board for Sportswomen of Colorado, an organization she has been supporting for 20 years. She is also active with the Girl Scouts, serving as the honorary chair of the 5K & 1K Walk/Run for nine years now. She has been named a Woman of Distinction by the Mile Hi Council for the positive example she sets for today's girls. Marcia is the recipient of many awards, including multiple Emmy® awards, American Women in Radio & TV Gracie Awards, and Women's Sports Foundation awards.
Silver Circle Honoree
Roger Ogden
Possessing a shrewd business sense and a keen eye for talent, both on and off camera, Roger Ogden is arguably the icon in Denver television news. Recently named President and CEO of the Gannett Broadcasting Division, Roger's talent for leadership, journalistic excellence, visionary management, and community relations is legendary. A Colorado native, Roger's first television experience came at KBTV (now KUSA) in 1968, working as a reporter, part-time anchor, assignment editor, and managing news director. In 1977, he took a job as a news director at WLKY in Louisville, KY – moving back to Denver the following year as the news director at KUSA. From 1981-95, he was the President and GM of KOA-TV (then affiliated with NBC) and focused so intently on news that he had the call letters changed to KCNC – Colorado's News Channel. It was during this time that Roger's commitment to local news and serving the community began to set the standard in local television: coverage of the Bolder Boulder 10K race, adding morning news, afternoon news, expanding newscasts, telecasts of local high school and college sports.
For two years, he was President and GM of NBC Europe in London, returning to Denver and KUSA in 1997 as President and GM of Gannett-owned 9News. His belief in hard competition and good sportsmanship set the tone for the market. His focus on innovation and technology has resulted in KUSA being one of three stations in the country broadcasting local news in HDTV. His legacy of leadership includes innovative new community-oriented programs, dedication to news, and team building. In addition, he is one of the founding GMs of the Heartland Chapter and a strong supporter of the Colorado Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame and the Colorado Broadcasters Association. He resides in Denver with his wife, Anne, and family.
Board of Governors Award Recipient: 1996
Silver Circle Honoree
Don Perez
Don Perez started his career at KUSA in Denver back in March of 1971. Over the years, he has been involved in a number of significant engineering and operational projects. He is known as a leader, a pioneer, and a catalyst for change.
In 1979, he was on the team that installed the station’s first computerized editing system. In the early nineties, he won Gannett’s Herb Schubarth Award for Engineering Achievement for his work in integrating television components into the design and construction of the then-new 9News building at Speer and Logan. When Pope John Paul II visited Denver in 1993 for World Youth Day, Don coordinated the technical operations for the station and was part of the team that created an international pool feed of the four-day event.
The twenty-first century has brought big changes to television, merging I.T., broadcast, and other technologies. During this transition, Don worked closely with various major manufacturers in the development of new products for the TV industry. In fact, one of his largest achievements was making KUSA the third station in the country to switch to high definition television newscasts and helping to design the first HDTV news helicopter. As the Director of Operations and Technology for the station, Don oversaw the entire process, including the station’s digital conversion, the move to non-linear editing, and eventually the first HDTV newscast in Denver. "It was a little like changing the engine of a car while it’s still moving," he says.
In 2006, Don successfully led the technology conversion to operate two stations, KUSA and KTVD, from one building.
Now retired, Don and his wife Carol enjoy traveling, sports cars, and golf.
Gold & Silver Circle Honoree
Bill Perry
Our profession is peppered coast to coast with quality people tutored and touched by Bill Perry, but his heart is in Heartland Television. Some even say they owe their careers, if not their very lives, to Bill Perry.
If the numbers of awards, including Emmys®, are the measure of success, then Bill is more than successful. If passion in producing a quality product is the measure to use, then Bill’s success is immeasurable. If loyalty, dedication, care, and consistency are ingredients in true success, then Bill is the recipe.
Bill Perry grew up in the Heartland, was schooled in Oklahoma, and began his television career even before he had a diploma in hand. That professional path began at KTEN in Ada, Oklahoma. He is rightfully proud of the fact he operated the station's first color camera for the first locally originated color program there in 1969. Bill launched quickly to the "big time" at KOCO-TV, where he delighted the Heartland with a feature called "NEWSREEL" for newscasts (and the tapes exist to prove he had hair). In the mid-1970s, Perry worked on both sides of the camera at KDFW in Dallas.
Bill Perry moved from the Heartland in 1977 but represented his home region admirably in many ways. He supervised field coverage for the launch of the first NASA Space Shuttle for WBBH (NBC) in Ft. Myers, Florida. During his service at WATE in Tennessee, he was one of nine news directors to form the ABC News Directors Advisory Board to foster affiliate news services for the network... And the list goes on.
Back home to Oklahoma television in 1986, he taught broadcast news at East Central University in addition to his commercial work as an Account Executive at KTEN (ABC/NBC). He moved his family home to Oklahoma City in 1987 and continued his television career with KAUT (Fox).
In January of 1990, Bill joined OETA – The Oklahoma Network (PBS) as Field Bureau Manager and has since contributed greatly to News and Public Affairs. Promotions and programming opportunities were given to him, not only because they were "part of the job", but because everyone knew Bill Perry would get the job done and done well.
As Executive Producer of the highly acclaimed Documentary Department at OETA, Bill initiated the production of two monthly series. "Stateline" is focused on the issues and people and politics of Oklahoma. "Gallery" showcases the myriad artists, arts, and culture in the state. In less than five months, Perry was promoted to the position, found and equipped office and production space, hired three people, and had "Stateline: Beyond Black and Gold" on the air. That first documentary won Bill and the "Stateline" staff an award from the Independent Producers Association and made the cover of TV Week magazine.
Since the first "Perry Production," Bill and his department have garnered Emmys®, Clarions, Auroras, NETAs, and countless other regional and state awards from broadcast, journalism, and other professional organizations.
Bill Perry doesn't limit himself to his profession. He consistently involves himself in helping the community in many ways. He and fellow members of the 1997 class of the Oklahoma City Citizens Police Academy adopted the motto "Ready to Help." He has a special place in his heart for the nonprofit Christian Retirement Community and has volunteered countless hours helping raise funds and assisting with promotional materials.
Bill has mentored and aided the careers of scores of people with whom he has worked. Additionally, for the past decade, he has involved himself, recruited, produced, and even swept stages and schlepped props for the annual Oklahoma City Gridiron Club political parody show, in the effort to raise money for Oklahoma Journalism student scholarships.
And please know for a fact that Bill Perry continues a dedication and commitment to bring the best, award-winning documentary productions to viewers in the heart of the Heartland.
— William C. "Bill" Thrash (1939-2013)
"I have worked with Bill Perry for only a short time, but I can tell you he is one of the most talented content producers with whom I've ever had the pleasure to work. His instincts are consummate, and his attention to detail and nuance are unparalleled. The way in which he guides the creative process is a master class in content production. He knows and loves the television industry, and over his decades of service to it, has touched so many lives. Both those whom he has mentored, and the Oklahomans who have learned and benefited from the wonderful content he has stewarded." — Polly Anderson, OETA Executive Director
Bill Perry is OETA's Vice President of Content Production. If you are going to the Oklahoma City show, thank Bill Perry; his contributions to Heartland are enormous.
Bill Perry is Deputy Director, Network Public Affairs at Oklahoma Educational Television (OETA), the public television network serving Oklahoma. In that capacity, he oversees the production of two monthly documentary programs: Stateline (focusing on the issues, people, and politics of Oklahoma) and Gallery (showcasing the arts and culture of the state), Oklahoma News Report programs, and other in-house productions of public affairs programs and specials.
An Oklahoma native, Bill began his television career at KTEN in Ada – operating the station’s first color camera for the first locally-originated color program there in 1969. Moving to KOCO’s news team as an anchor, producer, reporter, and photographer, he then went on to Dallas, working on both sides of the camera at KDFW. As the News Director for WBBH in Ft. Meyers, he supervised field coverage for the launch of the first NASA Space Shuttle. During his time with WATE in Tennessee, he was one of 9 news directors to form the ABC News Directors Advisory Board to foster affiliate news services for the network. AP and UPI news awards followed.
Back in Oklahoma in 1986, Bill taught broadcast news at East Central University in addition to his television work at first KTEN and then KAUT. In 1990, he joined OETA as the Field Bureau Manager and quickly took over the reins of the documentary department, garnering Emmys®, Clarions, Auroras, NETAs, and countless other regional and state awards. Bill consistently involves himself in helping the community in many ways: he and fellow members of the 1997 class of the Oklahoma City Police Academy adopted the motto “Ready to Help.” He works with the Christian Retirement Community raising funds and helping with promotional materials. For the past 10 years, he has been an integral part of the Oklahoma City Gridiron Club political parody show, which helps raise money for Oklahoma Journalism student scholarships. Bill serves as a Regional Vice President of the Heartland Chapter Board of Governors and is the president of the Oklahoma Associated Press Broadcasters group.
Bill and his wife, Sue, reside in Edmond; his two children live in Texas.
Silver Circle Honoree
Susan Peters
Susan Peters has been a news anchor at KAKE-TV in Wichita for almost thirty years and a news broadcaster for almost forty. More than a journalist, Susan sees local television as a way to help people, specifically children and seniors, and uses her considerable talent and reach to speak for those who cannot. She engages viewers by talking with them as if she were in their living room; night after night, her captivating smile and personable manner convey a kinship with her viewers. She connects with her community.
From her Susan’s Kids franchise to her monthly reports on Kids Needing Adoption, Susan has been a strong advocate for Kansas children in foster care, educating tens of thousands of viewers about the pressing needs of this vulnerable population, planting the seed that they, too, might consider adopting a child. For many years, she has laid the foundation for numerous 'forever families,' and the results have led to life-changing matches for the children.
Susan is the face of KAKE’s Reading Caravan campaign; every month, she travels to a school in the area to spend time with students – even reading them a story, often in costume. Her volunteer work extends to the Children’s Hospital, Salvation Army, Futures for Adolescents, March of Dimes, Leukemia Society, and the Center for Children. She regularly offers a home-cooked Italian meal at various silent auctions.
For the past five or six years, the local chapters of the Alzheimer’s Association and Senior Services, Inc. have welcomed Susan’s enthusiastic support. She's interviewed caregivers, served as a Celebrity Walk Chair, and helped organize the annual fundraising roast – including the creation of entertaining videos and skits for the event.
Susan has bowled, been roasted, interviewed children in need of a family, hosted telethons, comforted parents of sick children, and caroled-for-a-cause in single-digit temperatures. She uses her talent on-air to introduce individuals needing a little help from their neighbors. Thanks to her leadership, the community responds.
Silver Circle Honoree
Rob Quirk
When he began his career in 1980 as a daily newscast researcher at KAET in Tempe, Arizona, Rob Quirk could not have predicted how the broadcast industry would change. But what never changed was his professionalism, reliability, integrity and desire to serve the viewers.
He was an anchor, producer, writer, editor and producer (KAET), a one-man band journalist (KUSK), executive producer, news anchor and reporter (KPTX), weeknight news reporter (KCNC). But it was at KOAA, where he began in 1989 as weekend anchor and weekday reporter, then on to weekday evening news anchor, where he covered some of Colorado’s and the nation’s biggest stories, including United Flight 585 Crash, the Tim McVeigh trial, New Life Church shooting, Columbine, the Democratic National Convention, Waldo Canyon Fire, Black Forest Fire and many more. Working with crews in the field and back at the station, Rob clearly was a journalist who cared deeply about covering these unforgettable events - at the same time, helping, teaching and mentoring young reporters, producers and photographers who had never been this close to what would ultimately be monumental and historic times.
Dedicating 35 years to KOAA, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation and a steadfast commitment to excellence. And his work took him outside of the newsroom, where he emceed and hosted hundreds of nonprofit occasions, including the Air Force Academy Graduation, the MDA Telethon, the MS Walk, the State Fair, the Charity Cancer Ball and the D-11 Crystal Apple Awards, honoring outstanding teachers, as well as moderating multiple widely broadcast debates among Mayoral, Senate, and Gubernatorial candidates. We welcome Rob Quirk to the Heartland Silver Circle!
Silver Circle Honoree
Tim Ryan
Tim Ryan began his broadcasting career in 1985. As a newly-minted graduate of the famed Missouri School of Journalism, his first job was KFSM-TV in Fort Smith, Arkansas, as a reporter, photographer, editor, producer and weekend news anchor. Moving to KAKE-TV in Wichita, Kansas, he served as assignment editor, then moved to KUSA-TV in Denver in 1991, where he began as assignment editor, then promoted to assistant news director. Stories under his leadership included the Salt Lake City Olympics, the visit of Pope John Paul II to Colorado, and the mass shootings of Columbine and the Aurora theater. He helped guide reporter mentoring, editorial content and approval, to create the thorough in-depth news coverage that is a hallmark of the station. He even managed to complete a Master’s degree in history from the University of Colorado Denver in 1997, and is famously known for is his ability to cite the Presidents of the United States of America in order along with their years in office. In 2017, he took on the responsibilities of news director at KVUE Media Group in Austin, where he directed newsgathering staff as well as their social and digital platforms. But in 2020, KUSA recruited him back to Denver as director of content for 9NEWS, where he is responsible for recruiting journalists and leading the team producing content on all 9 NEWS platforms. KUSA President and General Manager Mark Cornetta believes, “he is as much an engaged student of the industry as he has been a leader in it.”
Silver Circle Honoree
Rick Sallinger
Rick Sallinger, a true TV legend, has worked in Denver television news for more than 34 years and in broadcast news across the country and world for more than 50 years.
Rick’s career in broadcast news began at the University of Illinois where, from 1967 – 1971, he was an announcer, newscaster, reporter and program director at WPGU Radio and his first full-time radio news reporting job was at WERE Radio, Cleveland. He moved to NBC radio news at WMAQ and WNIS-FM, Chicago., transitioning to television news as a reporter for WRTV, Indianapolis. He moved to KUSA-TV Denver (then known as KBTV), with positions at WMAQ-TV Chicago, and CNN London. While Rick was a foreign correspondent for CNN, he covered international stories throughout Europe and the Mideast, that included the Gulf War, the civil war in Yugoslavia, the reunification of Germany, among others.
Now at KCNC-TV Denver for over 28 years., he is best known for his hard news coverage and investigative journalism honored in 2005 with a Peabody award, and for telling the stories of his community with a heartfelt passion that shows in each of his reports. His son, Marc Sallinger, a reporter with KUSA-TV in Denver, credits him with teaching him what it means to be a journalist and telling the stories of people who don’t feel like they have a voice, saying “The name Rick Sallinger seems to have become synonymous with Denver news and that’s because he’s covered nearly every major story in Colorado since 1993.” The Heartland Chapter welcomes Rick Sallinger to its distinguished roster of Silver Circle Honorees.
Silver Circle Honoree
Donna Sanford
Before there was Sesame Street on PBS, there was Donna Sanford. From 1969 onward, Donna has devoted her entire career to public television on both the local and national levels. As a college grad in Richmond, Virginia, she got her first job at WCVE, working in production, then in programming. She moved to Denver in 1989 and currently serves as Director of Programming and Production for Rocky Mountain PBS, a state-wide network. She has been instrumental in the transformation from the early days of educational television to today's high-definition, digital, multi-channel broadcasts.
Donna understands the importance of networking, mentoring, and leadership and serves as a model for other women in Colorado broadcasting who manage positions of increased challenge and responsibility. She is a past-president of the Public Television Programmers Association and a recipient of their Programmer of the Year award and Golden Grid award. As a member of numerous PBS advisory councils and committees, Donna is a respected voice offering concise evaluation and recommendations that have led to stronger programming and streamlined procedures.
Colleagues around the country enjoy her wicked sense of humor, her wealth of experience, her willingness to try new things, and her selfless leadership; she avoids podiums and pedestals but is quick to share her time and expertise for the good of the PBS system. She believes in the PBS mission and is motivated by the strong PBS community.
Locally she is responsible for the programming choices on 5 stations around Colorado, for new productions, and she oversees the award-winning RMPBS production team. In her moments of spare time, Donna enjoys kicking up her heels with the Rocky Mountain Square Dancing Club and volunteering with the Crochet Club for the Denver Health Baby Blanket Initiative.
Silver Circle Honoree
Ed Sardella
Ed Sardella has enjoyed a career in broadcasting spanning more than 30 years, the past 25 as a primary anchor at KUSA in Denver. He grew up in California, attended Occidental College in Los Angeles, and graduated with a B.A. in 1962. After college, Ed spent four years in the Marine Corps as a communications officer. He left the service with the rank of Captain. Upon completion of his tour of duty, Ed worked at radio stations in Ashland, Tillamook, and Eugene, Oregon, before going into television at KVAL in 1969. In 1970, he moved to KOIN in Portland, where he worked in both news and sports.
Ed moved to Colorado in 1972 as a news and sports reporter and anchor at KMGH. Ed joined KBTV (now KUSA) in 1974 and over the years became one of the top news anchors in the Denver market. He co-anchored 9News at 10 when the broadcast had achieved some of the highest audience levels of any late newscast in the United States. Beyond his popularity as a news anchor, those who know Ed also know he is a first-rate journalist, with a particular skill in the craft of broadcast news writing. Ed has written a guide for broadcast news writing and co-written a book about producing television newscasts. He travels the country giving seminars on writing and has taught the subject as a visiting professor at the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Ed's numerous honors through the years include several Emmys from the Heartland Chapter. He was also named Broadcaster of the Year by the Colorado Broadcasters Association in 1997.
Silver Circle Honoree
Andy Schaeffer
Skilled professional in all forms of photography, both still and video, and non-linear video editing. Director of Photography, writer, editor, producer, dog handler, talent wrangler, friend to Governors, Hawaiian shirt wearer, professional braggart, and aspiring lottery winner.
These lines from Andy’s resume are unique, funny, wry, accurate … and just as comprehensively incomplete. For almost 40 years, he worked in the TV business in the Heartland region, and while his work garnered recognition and awards almost past counting, it’s his amazing attitude that leaves the largest legacy.
Since 1989, he was a fixture at KUSA Denver’s creative services department, with a talent that touched 85% of that station’s promotional advertising and produced hundreds of television spots. Instantly recognizable by his attire – shorts and Hawaiian shirts every day of the year – he said ‘hi’ to everyone and could often be found sharing technology, taking a novice photographer under his wing, or making a mid-afternoon coffee run. He embraced his work with curiosity and cleverness, frequently building by hand the specific prop he needed for a shoot. During his career, he worked with a Who’s Who of athletes, politicians, and movie stars.
Andy exuded positivity, creativity, and enthusiasm. The people he worked with, whether in front of or behind the camera, whether a fellow professional or a member of the community, came away with a smile and a sense that great things were possible. He took the mystery and anxiety out of the process, laughed and made friends, and had fun. He had a way with talent: making them feel as if this moment right now was the most delightful place to work – it was his signature modus operandi. He was the consummate ambassador for our industry.
His love for Colorado is well-known, and not just by the two Governors who have officially recognized him; Andy gave his time and resources generously to Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, promoting the care of natural resources. His spare time and energy were taken up with his beloved family, his two dogs, and his backcountry escape, Chez Fir.
Silver Circle Honoree
Ed Scott
Anyone living in Denver in the 1950s and early 1960s – especially the youngsters – will remember Sheriff Scotty. The Sheriff, a grizzled 70-year-old lawman, appeared on their black and white television sets emphasizing good old-fashioned American values: he wanted his "posse" members to do their chores, obey their folks, and treat their friends with honesty and respect. Ed Scott was a 20-something broadcasting entrepreneur when he first donned the Sheriff's badge; today he is the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Broadcast Pioneers of Colorado – and in between is a lifetime of service to the broadcast community.
Ed Scott started his television career in Chicago in 1949 as a freelance actor, host, and announcer. He moved to Denver in 1953 and has, in the ensuing 45 years, worked on various shows as a producer, host, announcer, analyst, narrator, and even puppeteer – at KMGH, KUSA, KCNC, KWGN, and Rocky Mountain PBS. He was awarded a first-place Telly in national competition for his work on the documentary, "There Was a Time." His "day jobs" (in freelance lingo) show that Ed had a flair for the business of broadcasting as well as community service: ownership of radio stations in Denver and Kansas City, serving as the Mayor of Englewood, and election to the Colorado State Senate – just to name a few!
Ed is also known as a nationally syndicated newspaper columnist, participates in numerous leadership activities within his church, and has been inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Colorado Hall of Fame.
Silver Circle Honoree
Russell Scott
Thousands of Colorado Natives, now in their thirties, forties, and even fifties, celebrated their most memorable childhood birthday parties on television with Blinky the Clown. For over 30 years, these children heard a kind and caring voice singing "Happy Berfday To You." The voice came from the always smiling, painted face of Russell Scott.
Born in Enid, Oklahoma, Russell landed a job hosting a live daily television show on KKTV in Colorado Springs in 1960. Six years later, he was lured away to Denver where Blinky's Fun Club continued to teach and entertain children at KWGN-TV. Blinky always stressed safety to his viewers: don't play with matches, stay out of the streets, and mind mom and dad – were familiar themes. Russell's love of performing is matched with his love and compassion for the children. Co-workers admit that they seldom saw Russell at the TV station, but Blinky was always there. Blinky the Clown was created by Russell for the sole purpose of entertaining children; for many of these children, appearing on Blinky's Fun Club was so memorable that they returned as adults, bringing their own children on the show.
Russell's television career spans four decades, and he has produced and hosted nearly 10,000 shows. He has devoted countless hours of his time to the community: Salvation Army Bells, Hospital Visitations, and Honorary Ringmaster at the Ringling Brother's Circus. These days he spends time at his antique store on Broadway in Denver. He came to work one day to find that there had been a break-in, but nothing was missing. Instead, he found a note of apology from the would-be burglar; it said, "I sat on your lap when I was five years old, I just couldn't rob Blinky."
Silver Circle Honoree
Gary Shapiro
No bio available at this time.
Silver Circle Honoree
Fred Shook
Fred Shook is a television news advisor and trainer for US and international clients, working with reporters, photojournalists, producers, editors, management, corporations, and government agencies to implement more effective storytelling approaches and communication practices. He established the broadcast journalism program at Colorado State University and has been a member of the faculty for the annual National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) Television News Video Workshop from 1984 through 1997, and the NPPA Advanced Team Television News Workshop from 1998 to the present. He has written five books on electronic news gathering, field reporting, news writing, and the process of news broadcasting. Before joining the faculty at Colorado State, Fred worked as a news writer, reporter, photographer, editor, and producer for over 22 years.
During his tenure with the University of Oklahoma, Fred helped to expand and refine the broadcast journalism curriculum for the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication and contributed to the design of the school's new wing.
News professionals from around the Heartland region and, in fact, from across the country have learned the finer points of excellence in journalism from Fred Shook; he is indefatigable in his ability to instill in his students a respect for this powerful medium, a delight in storytelling, and the motivation to preserve the integrity of journalism.
Fred is the recipient of numerous professional awards, including the NPPA's "Outstanding National Educator" award.
Silver Circle Honoree
Ken Siemek
Nebraska is a state whose residents depend on the weather for their livelihood, and Ken is the guy who has been there for them at all hours of the day and night for over 30 years. He's the guy who never tires of shaking hands with countless viewers and perfect strangers, who mentors the new kids in the newsroom, and who can talk about meteorology to a class of elementary school children. Ken can't get out in the community without being mobbed, yet he uses his celebrity status on behalf of charitable events and causes to the extent that legends grow up around him. Stories circulate about how they had to conclude a holiday coat drive a week early because they'd already doubled the goal, how Ken grabbed the mic at a charity auction to make it their most successful in over 100 years, and how he started a tradition with an ad-libbed Husker poem full of funny and cheesy one-liners. His blend of humility, friendliness, wit, and hard work has earned a level of trust most can only imagine. From the Governor's office to the most remote town in the state, Nebraskans describe Ken: He's one of us!
Ken Siemek began his illustrious career as a college intern at KOLN/KGIN in Lincoln, known as 10/11, back in 1980. He describes his duties then as taking out the trash and sweeping the studio after the 10 PM newscast. A year later, he was hired as a videographer and jack-of-all-trades, eventually moving into the weekend weather announcer position. Although his hopes of becoming a Sports Guy were dashed, Ken had found his calling. In 1986, he was named Chief Meteorologist and has since earned his seal from the American Meteorological Society. What may be most remarkable about his career is that he has never gone looking for greener pastures. Instead, he has dedicated himself to making his station, his community, and his state better places to work and live. During a surprise 30th anniversary newscast, Ken had this to say, "A day never goes by that I don't think about how lucky I am to be able to do what I've done for 30 years. It has been an honor, a pleasure, and a privilege."
In addition to his work as a meteorologist, Ken is a member of the Lancaster County Emergency Planning Commission and has served on numerous community-based boards. He has volunteered at Nebraska schools as an athletics coach, and has dedicated countless hours to charity events and fundraisers, including People's City Mission, Can-Care-a-Van, Regional Food Banks, Salvation Army, Nebraska Sports Council, Juvenile Diabetes Association, Goodwill, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Lincoln Children's Zoo, Lincoln Children's Museum, and many more. In 1992, Ken married Deb Collins, the station's first female evening news anchor, and they have a son named Parker.
Silver Circle Honoree
Mike Silva
Mike is an Emmy® award-winning news helicopter pilot, with over 25,000 incident-and-accident-free flight hours, recipient of the Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam, veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, law enforcement professional, Colorado native, devoted husband, and proud father of three. He currently serves with the Colorado Army National Guard in the Homeland Security division, training first-responders. He is being honored here for a 26-year "mission" with KCNC Channel 4 as their Chief Pilot, working for most of that time with David Gregg and Luann Akin – affectionately known as the A-Team.
Mike started flying for TV back in 1978, working for KUSA, KMGH, and KCNC, then exclusively with KCNC in 1983. He earned his second degree at Metro State College in 1989, in Meteorology and Broadcasting, and has covered some of the most memorable news events in recent history. Lots of spectacular tornado footage has come from his 'copter, along with technological achievement in covering many Bolder Boulder events, forest fires, floods, crashes, and chases. A truly excellent media helicopter pilot is more than the guy in the cockpit; he understands news and makes it easy and safe for his crew to see the story, get the story, and show the story to their viewers; Mike knew how to position his "camera platform" to allow for that compelling shot.
Mike was a key contributor in writing the helicopter safety standards that are still followed to this day by NBC/Universal, for all ENG pilots; Mike's work in the field of helicopter news has made it a safer, more professional industry. He remains steadfast in his desire to continue to help, learn, and be the best in his profession. He is the recipient of myriad awards, both civilian and military, for the integrity and honor that he displays in all areas of his life. Commendations from the American Red Cross, President Ronald Reagan, Boy Scouts of America, the Federal Aviation Administration, Catholic Charities of Denver, and the U.S. Army describe Mike as a mentor, a teacher, a hero, and a caring friend.
Silver Circle Honoree
Manny Sotelo
Photojournalist Manny Sotelo has been in the middle of Colorado and national news for 40 years at KUSA-TV, leading a team of photojournalists, recruiting, hiring, training, and guiding them to extraordinary performance as one of the best teams of news photographers in America, as evidenced by being named the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) Large Market Station of the Year for what is now a record 14 times. An expert at lighting, composition, audio and editing, his projects have influenced generations of Colorado news viewers. His friends and co-workers describe him as a photographer, journalist, lighting expert, teacher, mentor, and leader. When the community is mourning, Manny offers support. He’s shown that so many times, through so many heart-breaking stories: fires and floods, the Columbine and Aurora Theater shootings, and the explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger, as well as national events such as the Pope’s visit, Super Bowls, Presidential elections, and the Olympics.
In 1986, 9News sent a team to Cape Canaveral, Florida to do features on the Challenger Mission, one that had several Colorado ties including a CU Boulder satellite on board. A group of teachers and students from elementary schools in Boulder County were also there to watch “history in the making” and on the morning of the launch, Manny focused on them. When the Shuttle exploded, Manny recorded the most emotional, yet professional story, working in silence, from a short distance away from people so he wouldn’t upset them or affect the scene. Manny was not only a journalist covering those kids, but he was also their friend.
Manny befriends many of the people in his stories, including Randle Loeb, a man living on the streets and working for the Denver Voice – a newspaper that empowers people experiencing homelessness. He still keeps in touch with him. He interviewed a historian about the Greeley Grays, a Latino semi-professional baseball team in the 1940’s in northern Colorado, a story that only he could have told with his characteristic empathy and became his friend. Over the past 40 years, Manny has covered big stories important to the fabric of Colorado. His care for each story is unmatched and even after four decades of work, his love for his craft has never wavered.
Silver Circle Honoree
Bill Stuart
Bill has been an integral part of Denver broadcasting for more than 25 years. Throughout these past decades, he has been a calm and reassuring presence, guiding Colorado viewers through coverage of the state's worst tragedies and greatest triumphs. He provided hours of live coverage on the crash of United flight 232, the Columbine shootings, the Hayman Fire, and the Pope's visit to Denver in 1993. His work on these stories—and hundreds of others in his career at News4—has earned him regional and national recognition.
Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Bill spent the early part of his life in the South. It was during his senior year in high school that he realized he might want to go into broadcasting. After attending classes at the University of Southern Mississippi and the University of Tennessee, Bill went on to serve as an anchor at several stations: WTVF-TV in Nashville, KSDK-TV in St. Louis, and WALA-TV in Mobile, Alabama. He soon moved west to work at KMGH-TV in Denver. In December 1981, he joined News4 as a weeknight anchor. His successful career has resulted in numerous local and national awards, including 15 Emmys® from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for his "journalistic enterprise" reporting. He has earned two national Headliner Awards and a Peabody Award for his series, "Yellowstone: Four Seasons After Fire." He received a duPont Award for "Erin's Life," a series on the life of a woman who survived a serious accident. And, in 2001, Bill was honored with a national Edward R. Murrow Award for "Erin's Life: Ten Years Later."
The best part of his job, according to Bill, is the opportunity to meet interesting people. But one hardship of the business is the emotional impact of some stories. The one that stands out in his mind occurred in 1991 when he traveled to Romania to do stories on young orphans. He says he could not have imagined the horrific conditions he found there.
Bill has been actively involved in many community service campaigns. Most notably, Bill took the lead in a News4 effort to help find homes for Colorado kids awaiting adoption. As a spokesman for the Adoption Exchange for nearly 20 years, Bill has profiled kids looking for families. His efforts have helped almost 3,500 kids find new families.
In December 2001, Denver Mayor Wellington Webb honored Bill with a proclamation recognizing his decades of service to Denver television. Bill is married and has two children. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family.
Silver Circle Honoree
Deborah Takahara
Deborah Takahara spent 28 years in television news, creating an impact on countless lives and used her journalism skills to right wrongs and improve lives. After graduating from the University of California at Irvine, she began working at KHBS-TV, in Fort Smith, Arkansas as a reporter, then worked at KATV-TV in Little Rock, Arkansas, working her way up to weekday morning anchor. She returned to California to work for KNSD-TV in San Diego as an anchor and reporter, with stints for NBC News, covering major news stories on the West Coast as well as reporting for KTVT-TV in Dallas.
In 2006, she began working at KDVR-TV and KWGN-TV as an anchor and reporter. Her stories range from fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, and the Super Bowl, with wide-ranging interviews of both celebrities, everyday people and families who have lost everything. She never lost sight of the power of media and her impact on making people’s lives better. Just one example among her many achievements: She helped raised $1.5 million dollars as part of a station initiative to purchase rifle ready tactical gear for police and first responders whose departments couldn't afford the live-saving equipment.
In 2022, she transitioned from her journalism career into another form of public service. She's the public affairs specialist for the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Colorado. And she hopes to utilize her unique skill set to communicate what's being done at the federal level to make our community safer. The Heartland Chapter is honored to have her among our Silver Circle Honorees in 2023.
Silver Circle Honoree
Dave Tamez
Silver Circle Honoree Dave Tamez creates programs that move hearts and minds through his photography, the programs he produces, and the documentaries he directs. Winner of numerous regional Emmy® Awards, he combines his love of photography, lighting, and editing in his work. He's also a brilliant teacher, helping to make OETA in Oklahoma City a learning center for young photographers through his high standards for program and segment content development, photography, and editing. In his 20 years at OETA, he has developed and launched award-winning series that include "Stateline," "Gallery America," and "Back in Time," as well as numerous OETA special programs.
He has performed illustrious work at other stations as well. He served as Chief News Photographer and Special Project Producer at KWTV-9 in Oklahoma City from 1987-2000. The station staff received both a RTNDA Edward R. Murrow Award and George Foster Peabody Award in 1996 for their program, "Murrah Bombing."
The words of his peers say it best. Bill Perry, who was VP of Content at OETA, said, "I knew instantly he could turn any vision into a reality. With a handshake, the creative standards of video at OETA were on the road to becoming standard." Video producer Christi McGahan noted, "His storytelling ability is unmatched. There are few media professionals that can do it all from shooting, writing, editing, and producing, but Dave can. He takes documentary storytelling to a new art and performs his art with magic."
Silver Circle Honoree
LeAnne Taylor
From the beginning of LeAnne Taylor’s 37-year (and counting) career in journalism, her passion for people and desire to seek and report the truth has defined her career. She has the ability to relate to Oklahomans while at the same time keeping them safe, informed, and entertained. She is a friend you can trust, who brings you the news on the most-watched morning show in town.
Two years out of college, in a very competitive television market, she earned her spot as KTUL’s weekend anchor. She worked her way up to a health-beat reporter assignment a year later and was promoted to 5 pm co-anchor the next year. She continued her success after moving to KOTV’s morning show, Six in the Morning, in 1998. She helped catapult that show to #1 in the Tulsa market.
Her humility and bravery came into focus in early 2004. From the anchor desk, LeAnne announced she was undergoing treatment for breast cancer. She became a fearless advocate for survivors, answering calls and questions from viewers and helping them navigate through diagnosis and treatment. She has spent countless hours working as a volunteer in the Susan G. Komen office, delivering care-packages to newly diagnosed patients, registering runners for the Race for the Cure, and giving input on organizational direction in her current role as President of Susan G. Komen Oklahoma.
Whether she is in the newsroom or out in the field reporting on a story, her tenacity is unmatched. This comes from decades of covering Oklahoma’s most important stories. When LeAnne was assigned to cover an explosion at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building on April 19, 1995, she had no idea what a life- and career-changing moment that would be, reporting on one of the worst terrorist attacks in U.S. history from ground zero for ten days straight. Viewers later sent LeAnne numerous letters, amazed that she was able to hold it together and deliver the news to them.
LeAnne Taylor is a Tulsa institution and immediately recognizable to just about any Oklahoman on the eastern side of the state. Viewers love LeAnne and feel like she’s a friend. But, perhaps more importantly for a local television journalist, Oklahomans trust her. She seeks and reports the truth, asks the tough questions to those in positions of power, and holds up the figurative mirror to reflect what’s happening in our communities. She believes in reporting the news to Oklahomans, not inserting her opinion to bend the coverage to her worldview. LeAnne Taylor is a consummate professional, effortless communicator, and fierce advocate.
Silver Circle Honoree
Merril Teller
For nearly four decades, Merril Teller has played an important role, not just in the newsroom but also in the homes of the many Kansans who trust him with their lives. Generations of Kansans know Merril as the composed voice informing them when it's time to head for shelter - a source they can trust day in and day out.
Merril's career as a broadcaster started when he was a student, doing weather reports and forecasts for radio stations at Rutgers University and the University of Oklahoma. During his meteorology career, Merril has forecasted for private industries, radio stations, government bodies, and television.
After several years of broadcasting in Texas and Oklahoma, Merril moved to Kansas in 1981 and has served KWCH 12 in Wichita ever since. His work and dedication to the people of Kansas earned him an induction into the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2008.
"I have enjoyed the distinct opportunity to partner with Mr. Teller since May of 1995," writes Chance Hayes of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. "During his time, Mr. Teller confronted all the challenges associated with inclement weather and delivered flawlessly in ensuring the people of Kansas were safe during some of the most dangerous weather scenarios in history. Likely the most prominent was the EF-5 tornado that struck the community of Greensburg, KS, in which a tornado 1 ¾ miles wide moved across the community, producing catastrophic damage."
"One other outbreak was on May 3rd, 1999, in which an F4 tornado moved across portions of the Wichita metropolitan area endangering thousands of lives. Each of these national significant outbreaks had the potential to produce a considerable number of fatalities and injuries. However, the knowledge and respect that Mr. Teller has within the community due to his calm and empathetic demeanor during traumatic times no doubt elicited people to act and seek shelter so that no harm would come to them or their families."
Merril is a teacher, mentor, and friend to many in the newsroom. "I've worked with Merril for almost 20 years now and to this day, turn to him for advice. He's always been a mentor to me in the business. He's a meteorologist first, but Merril has always had a voice in our news coverage as well," KWCH 12 Anchor Michael Schwanke.
Merril has always been dedicated to keeping Kansans informed and safe during severe weather. "Merril served as a calming voice for thousands of Kansans," KDVR Executive Producer Christina Karaoli Taylor said. "I remember when I first moved to Kansas, I was terrified of tornadoes. Watching Merril during severe weather made me feel safe. When I worked with him on shows at KWCH, I got an even greater appreciation for what he did for our viewers."
During his nearly 40 years at KWCH, Merril has broadcasted during some of Kansas' most legendary tornadoes and was often credited with saving the lives of those in their paths. Whether Merril's forecasting directed you to safety or simply helped you decide how to dress for the day ahead, viewers agree he's more than just the weatherman, he's a part of the community.
Humble and friendly, Merril greets every viewer he meets with a smile. "Merril's goofy attitude sets him apart from most. He can always find a fun and unique way to relate the forecast to the viewers. He's relatable and reliable, two qualities most meteorologists strive for. If you call him by the wrong name.
Silver Circle Honoree
Scott Thompson
Scott Thompson had his first foray into "broadcast news" as a first-grader at Webster School in his hometown of Collinsville, Illinois. On the playground, he would mount his Batman lunch box on his shoulder, grip a pretend microphone in his left hand, and roam around during lunch recess, asking his fellow seven-year-olds questions like, "What are you doing?" and "How long have you been doing it?"
For those living in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the three other states reached by the signal of KOTV, it’s fortunate that Scott not only continued his TV career on the school playground but grew his skills and passion into a remarkable body of work and commitment to the Tulsa community.
Scott is an artist with words. The pictures he paints are an unforgettable tableau of the human condition and a reminder of the hope, joy, and beauty that surround us, if only we take the time to look.
Gold Circle Honoree
Bill Thrash
For more than 50 years Bill Thrash has stood for quality programming in Oklahoma commercial and educational television. Currently the Station Manager at OETA The Oklahoma Network, and with no apparent plans to retire soon, he is widely recognized for his dedication to, and enduring love for, his community, his state and his profession. Bill is described as a manager, producer, director, cameraman, writer, teacher and friend – all rolled into one person. His creativity and innovation have helped to advance the television industry to the benefit of many, on both sides of the screen. In 1955 he began his career at KTEN in Ada, then on to KOCO and KFOR (formerly WKY-TV), and to OETA in 1988. During his 16 years with KFOR he directed “The Stars and Stripes Show” and supervised the “Dannysday” talk show with Danny Williams and Mary Hart. He also worked with Bob Dotson on Oklahoma’s only National Emmy® award winning news documentary, “Through the Looking Glass, Darkly.” While at OETA he directs the wraparounds for the weekly “Lawrence Welk Show” and, more recently, was instrumental in the complex and sometimes tedious transition to the digital world – working with neighboring stations to serve the viewing public. Throughout his years of hard work, Bill has been recognized by civic and arts organization for his community service, and by his peers with Emmy® awards, a National Iris nomination, two Western Heritage awards, an AWRT Lifetime Achievement award, a Golden Grid Programmer of the Year award – and he is also a member of our own Silver Circle. He encourages students interested in a career in broadcasting to pursue a variety of subjects, rather than to focus exclusively on media-related courses, believing that real professionals understand everything from politics to the arts, to pop culture and local history. This is a man who has devoted his life to delivering the very best in television programming to all the audiences he serves.
For nearly fifty years, Bill Thrash has been associated with quality television programming in Oklahoma. He is a community leader who constantly leverages his media and arts community network to improve the quality of life for Oklahomans through a variety of public events. Bill began his career in the production department of a small Oklahoma town's only TV station. He moved up in market size as he advanced through the ranks, eventually landing at the ABC and NBC affiliates in Oklahoma City. For the last twelve years, Bill has been a creative force behind a statewide public TV network that frequently provides programming to the national PBS audience.
In the 1970s, Bill directed "The Stars and Stripes Show starring Bob Hope," one of the first programs created and produced in Oklahoma City and seen nationally on NBC. He also produced several country music specials for national broadcast, launched the innovative "PM Magazine" in Oklahoma, and produced and directed numerous other television programs. These days, Bill creates new programs for OETA and produces the new "Lawrence Welk" specials as well as repackages the original Welk programs. Along the way, Bill has been nominated for several Emmys® and has picked up a few for some great programs.
Through the years, Bill has been a mentor for those searching for excellence in broadcasting. Bill was the first to hire Mary Hart when he brought her to Oklahoma City for a talk show. He also worked with Bob Dotson on a project in Oklahoma City that earned Bob his first Emmy®. Other names are less well-known outside of Oklahoma, but collectively, they have earned many Emmys® and other awards. They all remember the time they were privileged to work with Bill Thrash.
Gold Circle Inductee: 2010
Silver Circle Honoree
Clarice Tinsley
Clarice Tinsley, or CT as we call her in the newsroom, has been in the television industry for 27 years. Clarice grew up in Detroit, the Motor City, and since her 5th-grade English class, knew that she wanted to motor out of there and become a reporter.
She began her career as a reporter in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in July 1975 at WITI-TV. In just three years, she had become a noon and weekend anchor. Then it was time to move to KDFW in Dallas, as the main anchor. 24 years later, she's still the main anchor. Her pride and joy is "Clarice's Hometown Heroes," which each week honors an outstanding North Texas volunteer. Not only does she report on special people, but she also volunteers as a reader at Reading and Radio Resource in Dallas. Clarice reads books that are put on tape and distributed to over 50,000 blind or visually impaired children in the state of Texas.
On the anniversary of her twentieth year in television, the Dallas-Fort Worth community held an event honoring her years of service to North Texas viewers. It was a huge party and gave the community a chance to say thanks to a person who gives so much back every day.
Silver Circle Honoree
Anne Trujillo
This year marks Anne’s thirtieth anniversary with KMGH Channel 7 in Denver, and with earlier stints at KSTF in Scottsbluff and KMTV in Omaha, it's her thirty-second year in the Heartland region. She started out as a general assignment reporter and worked her way to the anchor desk, where her unassuming confidence and breadth of experience touch viewers and coworkers with equal impact. She is at home in the studio or field, anchoring from a wildfire, a flash flood, or from the Freedom Tower. She’s the type of news anchor who will readily write a simple VO for the nightly newscast or do ‘the big interview’ as a special project, leading by example. Anne is a Coloradan ‘by choice,’ a graduate of Littleton High School and CU Boulder, whose love for this state and its residents is evident on and off the camera.
Children’s and women’s issues are important to Anne. She has served as a board member for numerous organizations, including the Mi Casa Resource Center for Women and Girls, the Board of Hispanic Heroes, the Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation, and the Latin American Education Foundation. She supports Centro San Juan Diego, Escuela De Guadalupe, and the American Diabetes Association and St. Vincent Home with her time and energy. In addition, she has been honored with awards and recognition from not only a variety of press and media associations (including NATAS), but also from a plethora of non-profit associations who recognize her ability – and willingness – to make a profound difference. Anne is a community leader, devoting hours of service to organizations that lift up the less fortunate, invest in the underprivileged, and work to ensure equality for those whose voices aren’t represented. Throughout the state, Anne shines.
Anne lives in the town in which she grew up and lights the city’s Christmas tree on Main Street every year during the annual holiday lighting ceremony. She met her husband, Mike, while the two worked together at 7News; they are the proud parents of two grown children.
Silver Circle Honoree
Bob Turner
Bob Turner is recognized around the world as one of the foremost experts in broadcasting technology. After leaving the seminary in the early 1950s, Bob Turner joined WFAA-TV in May of 1953 as a camera operator and floorman. Four years later, he became a director. In 1963, Turner directed the first "live" cut-ins on Dallas television of the John F. Kennedy assassination, staying on duty for 56 straight hours and feeding the entire ABC television network. At WFAA, Bob researched, and in some cases, participated in the initial design of some of the most advanced forms of broadcast technology within a television facility in the Southwest. In 1970, Turner became the manager of WFAA. In 1981, he served as the station's systems engineer for capital planning, and he continued in that capacity for fifteen years. In 1995, Turner became the director of Capital Planning for all Belo television properties. That same year, he was honored by his peers as the Employee of the Year at WFAA-TV. In 2000, he received the William H. Seay award, a Belo award for integrity, loyalty, journalistic standards, and community commitment. In 1998, Turner led the charge as WFAA-DT signed-on as the nation's first station to broadcast high-definition television on a VHF signal. It was his technical leadership that provided the vision for this moment in broadcast history. Bob once said he had lived through "everything from black and white to color, film to videotape and beyond." After 47 years of broadcast innovation and excellence, Bob Turner continues to push the envelope technically and creatively, but he is also well-known and respected for his willingness to help and encourage others. His mentoring skills have helped launch many a career, and a list of his protégés reads like a "Who's Who" in Texas broadcasting and across the nation.
Silver Circle Honoree
Terri Watkins
There is no question that Terri Watkins has made a significant contribution to broadcasting in Oklahoma. As an investigative journalist, she was always known for professionalism, accuracy, and integrity. She could be trusted. She was tough but fair. She wasn't afraid of anyone. She put in the effort to get the stories right, not just first. She had the reputation of being knowledgeable, conscientious, and dedicated.
Raised in Norman, it all started back in the 70s when Terri first started in journalism as a radio reporter, then she made the jump to television in 1981, joining KOCO in Oklahoma City.
Through the years, Terri has been on two Peabody Award-winning teams, has earned the Edward R. Murrow, Houston, and New York International Film Festival awards for investigative reporting, six Emmy® award nominations, and numerous AP and Oklahoma Broadcaster Association awards. She has been a member or officer of IRE, the investigative reporter organization, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, Sigma Delta Chi, and two-term president of FOI Oklahoma.
She has covered and investigated many major stories, including the Murrah Building Bombing, the subsequent Timothy McVeigh trial and his execution, and has even hosted "Nightline" for ABC.
In 2006, Terri left KOCO to work at the state capitol, finally getting to use – in a different way – her degree in political science and her many years of personal experience and contacts. She's now gone from the airwaves as an unmatched investigative reporter, but the standard she set for that kind of work will remain for many years to come.
Silver Circle Honoree
Ken Wilmot
Ken Wilmot's legacy to broadcasting started in 1947 with his World War II tour of duty in the 20th Special Services, 7th Army, where he served in the European Theater as an Infantry Heavy Weapons replacement. His creativity found a home in the Soldier Shows, a group of technicians that created plays and concerts for the troops stationed in Europe, which combined with the USO in 1946.
Returning home, Ken landed a job at Agfa-Ansco using color film to do movie dailies for the motion picture industry. Later, he attended New York's Pratt Institute. Graduating in 1951, Ken took a full-time position as Art Director for Eastern Corporation and married Marie Self of Englewood, Colorado.
Once in Denver, Ken did freelance Art Direction while he waited for KLZ radio to get their TV license. KLZ or Channel 7 was just starting up, and Ken helped with the graphic side of the local broadcasts. From 1953 to 1975, Ken worked at KLZ-TV in many capacities, and it was a great time for innovations.
In 1965, Ken was elected President of the Denver Art Directors Club.
In 1976, Ken joined KRMA (now Rocky Mountain PBS) as the Manager of Film and Graphics and was the mastermind behind the shift from KRMA-TV to the introduction of the new logo "SIX."
When Ken retired in the mid-1990s, he began to experiment more with digital painting and still combines this with oil paint and watercolor. Ken is still enjoying painting and creating and has built several computers to get the tools that he wants.
Ken was inducted into the Broadcast Professionals of Colorado's Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame in 2004.
Silver Circle Honoree
Clayton Vaughn
The first television image Clayton Vaughn ever saw came flickering onto a set that sat in his father's appliance store in Cushing, Oklahoma in 1949. The grainy pictures were being beamed across the plains from Tulsa's KOTV, northeastern Oklahoma's first television station. No one could have known then how the fates would conspire to bring Clayton and KOTV together for a 35-year run of solid journalism, community service, and the power of television to make the state a better place to live.
After stints at radio stations in Cushing and Tulsa, Clayton made the jump to television in 1964. Broadcast news in Tulsa was just coming into its own, and Clayton's reporting and anchoring soon made him a household name in northeastern Oklahoma. News executives in larger cities took note, and Clayton left for anchoring stints at KABC (Los Angeles) and WNEY (New York Public Television). But he always found his way back to Tulsa.
Clayton Vaughn was, first and foremost, a journalist from the old school. As KOTV's news director in the 1970s, he put together Tulsa's first hour-long evening news program. Over the course of 35 years, he grew to be known as "The Dean of Tulsa Television," and he used that influence to not only further the craft of television but to better the community he loves. He maintained a mentoring program in the KOTV newsroom, coaching young producers and reporters in the skills he felt were important.
Clayton took his lessons to Tulsa's Booker T. Washington High School, where he taught lessons on broadcasting. He seemed to figure he ought to be catching the mistakes and encouraging the dreams a little earlier. He quietly worked on preserving Tulsa's history with his tireless efforts for the county's historical society. He was instrumental in preserving hours of old KOTV film footage and seeing to it that it was handed over to the society for safekeeping. With the public trust and confidence he built over the years, Clayton also served the Tulsa Metropolitan Ministries Racism Task Force, Hospice of Green County, and Leadership Tulsa, which grooms young people for leadership roles in the region's businesses and industries.
Silver Circle Honoree
Kathy Walsh
Katherine Mary Frances Walsh Flynn grew up in Plainfield, New Jersey, in an environment where hard work, honesty, and personal integrity were a way of life – and it is these characteristics that define Kathy's approach to every story she covers. She earns the respect of the news photographer staff by always doing her research before heading to the site. Her interview style is to put people at ease and let them talk. She isn't intimidated easily, but she is kind. Her communication skills are the stuff of legend – from her insistence on perfect grammar and punctuation to her ability to change the inflection and tone of her voice to bring out the nuances of a story. She is a master at distilling complicated subject matter into an easily understandable form.
Kathy has been in the broadcasting business since graduating from the University of Delaware, with her first job in Bangor, Maine, as a reporter/anchor. Reporter gigs in Nashville and Detroit followed before she landed at KCNC in 1984, where she currently co-anchors the weekend newscast and is a general assignment reporter. Kathy is "old school" journalism, representing the business with class both on and off-camera; she cares about her profession and keeps her eye on the details. She serves as a mentor to the younger reporters and has earned the respect of her peers. Kathy is adept at covering stories related to health and medical issues, and doctors love working with her; they know she'll represent the truth, and always with compassion. She tries, in all her stories, to find the best in people and provide hope, to leave her viewers with something worth learning.
For almost 30 years, Kathy has volunteered her talents with and for Craig Hospital, specializing in the rehabilitation of adults with catastrophic injuries. She is an advocate for the Muscular Dystrophy and Cystic Fibrosis organizations, and for the United Way and Children's Hospital among others. Kathy is an award-winning, hard-working journalist who has also managed to raise two beautiful daughters. And recently, at a time when most parents are dealing with empty-nest issues, Kathy and her husband, Bob, took on the full-time care of their young nephew, whose parents had just passed away.
Genuine. Authentic. Real. Handles challenges with grace. Trustworthy. Good friend. Wise woman. Caring mom. Consummate professional. And Kathy has a weak spot for animals; when it comes to injured or rescued animals needing help, she gets the call … even if it's just a pudgy pet needing exercise!
Silver Circle Honoree
Pat Woodard
From his first job in Hastings, Nebraska, back in 1973 to the last 25 years here in Denver, Pat Woodard’s career in broadcasting is extensive.
Pat tells stories, lots of them, and he’s really, really good at it. From his many years as a reporter, first at KOMO in Seattle and then at KMGH in Denver, he perfected what was then a new way of filing reports: logging every bit of audio and video and writing a script which allowed natural sound and pictures to convey more information – and more eloquently – than the standard interview had ever done. He earned a reputation in the newsroom with the photography staff, who would jockey with the assignment desk to work with Pat; he made them look good, too. He brings that style to his documentary production as well; his scripts are an exercise in minimalism, with less speaking and more of the other stuff – the people that have stories to tell, and the places and history that are their backdrops.
His career has taken him all over the world, as a local news reporter, with HDNet, the National Geographic Channel, and now in his freelance efforts. In over 40 years in broadcasting, he’s seen and done it all and worked with photographers and crew who respect and admire his passion. Pat’s gift for storytelling, combined with this passion, has never known the boundaries of a job description. Many of his projects over the years have been completed on his own time, pro bono: commemorating the 29th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War; highlighting the work of Colorado orthopedic surgeons in Ukraine; humanitarian work in Chile, Haiti, and with the Susan G. Komen foundation. Recently he contributed his talents for other not-for-profit ventures: V-Day 11.11.11 to honor military veterans, and Droughtland, which spotlights the struggle of farmers and ranchers in Southeastern Colorado.
Where, then, does he also find the time to teach and mentor? Pat’s well-known at the NPPA for his work with the Advanced Team Storytelling Workshop and for his seminars in conjunction with the RTNDA, individual television stations, international news networks, and university journalism students. He’s been honored with over 100 awards over the years, including Edward R. Murrow and Emmy® recognition. In the words of his peers, Pat is a Master Storyteller.
Silver Circle Honoree
Paula Woodward
Paula Woodward, Investigative Reporter for 9Wants to Know, joined KUSA in Denver in 1977. During her career, she has contributed to investigations that have touched on workers' compensation statutes, city employee performance, the dismissal of fire and police chiefs, and inspired a multi-jurisdictional internet predator sting. Tough, relentless, strategic, and motivated are words often used to describe her, and after nearly 30 years on the air in Denver, her name has a mental image that often evokes a bit of fear from anyone she calls for an interview. Paula's motivation is to make a difference in the community, not only as a "champion for the little guy," but also as a champion of all citizens by going after government waste in the metro area and the State. She really cares, and viewers trust her.
In her ongoing commitment to community service, Paula also presents a weekly segment offering legal referrals and advice in conjunction with the Denver Bar Association. She is the recipient of more than 22 regional Emmy® awards and a national Edward R. Murrow award for Investigative Journalism, among numerous other awards. Paula is a native of Montana and received her Bachelor's degree from Montana State University. Before starting her career as a reporter for KDEN radio in Denver, Paula taught school.
Silver Circle Honoree
Ron Zappolo
Ron Zappolo is the co-anchor of the 9 O'clock news at KDVR Fox31 in Denver, having helped in its launch 5 years ago. Ron got his start back in 1970 at WTTG in Washington, DC, as a copy boy, working his way up to the weekend sportscaster position. Seven years later, he made the jump to KOA (now KCNC) and moved to Denver – knowing only that it was part of one of those "square states" out west. He worked as the main sports anchor, did play-by-play for KOA radio, and made a name for himself in the sports world by earning the respect of players, coaches, and viewers for his integrity, reporting, and love of sports. In 1990, he moved to KUSA as a sports anchor and also as the host of the "Denver Huddle," a sports interview show. He became known for his sports commentary segments during the nightly newscast.
Making the change from a sports guy to a credible news anchor has been a challenge Ron welcomed with his trademark professionalism and humility. At KDVR, he also hosts a show, "Zappolo's People," during which he interviews celebrities, politicians, and local heroes. Ron is now firmly entrenched in Colorado and active in the community. He is passionate about his work with the Adoption Exchange, for over 15 years helping to make the public aware of children in the foster care system waiting for parents. Ron is also active with the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer event and the Colorado Aids Project.
Ron enjoys spending time on the golf course or watching a good game – especially the Red Sox! – but most of all, he loves spending time with his wife and five children.