WKMG, WJXT take home major awards from the Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists

Two of our Graham Media Group stations, WKMG in Orlando and WJXT in Jacksonville, took home Overall Excellence honors this past weekend, as the Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists announced the 2021 award winners.

WKMG won in the large-market category, and WJXT took home the same award as a medium-sized market.

This marks the second year in a row WKMG has been named station of the year. WKMG won more than any other local station in the Orlando market.

"I am incredibly proud of our team at WKMG," News Director Allison McGinley said. "They know what it takes to cover, celebrate and make an impact on our community, and they give it their all every day!"

The awards ceremony was held May 7, 2022, at Wyndham Orlando Resort.

More than 40 radio and television stations submitted more than 550 entries in the contest, which featured content produced in the year 2021.

WKMG won awards in the following categories:

• News 6 executive producer John Ambrogne and producers Ryan Burkett and Cathleigh Winningham won “Best Television Morning Newscast” for their coverage of “Launch of Crew-2 Mission: April 23, 2021 | 5:30 a.m.”
• WKMG-TV’s news team won best “Continuing Coverage” for their entry titled “Capitol Riot Arrests.”
• News 6 anchor Matt Austin and photographer Paul Giorgio won best “Series/Franchise | Light” for their “Getting Results Award” coverage.
• Investigative reporter Mike DeForest and photographer Darran Caudle won best “Political, Government, Election Reporting | Single” for their entry titled “Voter Fraud.”

WKMG was a finalist in the following categories:

Some of the News 6 team on awards night.

• Assistant news director Jason Olson, executive producer Victoria Lyons and producer Ken Pilcher were finalists in the “Best Television Evening Newscast” category for their “Othal Wallace Manhunt: June 24, 2021 | 7 p.m.” entry.
• WKMG-TV’s news team were finalists in the “Breaking News | Station” category for their “Othal Wallace Manhunt” coverage.
• News 6 investigative reporter Erik Sandoval and photographers Paul Giorgio and Jim Cavanaugh were finalists for the “Environmental Reporting | Series” category for “Forecasting Change.”
• Investigative reporter Merris Badcock and photographer Paul Giorgio were finalists in the “General Assignment” category for their “Traffic Angel” entry.
• News 6 investigative reporter Erik Sandoval and photographer Jim Cavanaugh were finalists in the “General Assignment | Long” category for their “Policing 2.0″ coverage.
• Investigative reporter Mike Holfeld and photographer Robert Breuer were finalists in the “Consumer, Financial, Economic Reporting” category for their work on “Make Ends Meet.”
• Investigative reporter Merris Badcock and photographer Anthony Murdock were finalists for the best “Series/Franchise | Hard” with their “One Giant, Big Failure” coverage.
• News 6 producers Tiffany Browne, Robert Brown and Ken Pilcher were finalists for the best “Feature Reporting | Cultural & Historical” category with their “Black History Month” coverage.
• News 6 photographer Paul Giorgio was a finalist for the best “Use of Sound” for his “Running 4 Heroes” entry.
• Investigative reporter Mike DeForest and photographer Darran Caudle were finalists for the best “Investigative Reporting | Single” category for their “Realtor Scheme” entry.
• News 6 anchor Kirstin O’Connor, photographer Paul Giorgio and traffic safety expert and anchor Steve Montiero were finalists for the best “Health Reporting | Series” for their “Trooper Steve: A Survival Story” entry.

WJXT won awards in the following categories:

• Community Service Station of the Year: “Positively Jax”
• Best Television Evening Newscast: “Condo Collapse” at 5 p.m.
• Breaking News, Station: “Buckman Bridge Damaged”
• Continuing Coverage: “Hunt For A Cop Killer”
• Climate/Environmental Reporting: “Forecasting Change: Sea Level and Infrastructure” - Scott Johnson and Joe Drumm
• Education Reporting: “Picture Day Gone Wrong” by Joe McLean and Curtis Bottoms
• Feature Reporting, Hard News: “A Second Shot” by Marilyn Parker and Ciara Earrey
• Weather Reporting: “Text Message Warns of Tornado” by Renee Beninate and Jud Hulon
• Traffic/Transportation Reporting: “Killer Crossroads” by Vic Micolucci, Chris O’Rourke and Eric Wallace
• Political, Election, Government Reporting, Series: “This Week in Jacksonville: Attack on the Capitol” by Kent Justice, Jodi Mohrmann and Eric Wallace
• Reporter: Vic Micolucci “Tragedy, Tactics, Training”

WJXT was a finalist in the following categories:

• Best Television Evening Newscast: “Ahmaud Arbery Verdict” at 6 p.m.
• Digital Programming: “Gators Breakdown” with David Waters and Will Miles
• Climate/Environmental Reporting: “Toxic Coal Ash Spill” by Tarik Minor and Eric Wallace
• General Assignment: Long – “Manhunters” by Vic Miccoluci, Chris O’Rourke and Jodi Mohrmann
• Consumer, Financial, Economic Reporting: “Air Ambulance” by Anne Maxwell and Ciara Earrey
• Weather Reporting: “Tornado Touchdown” by John Gaughan and Stacey Readout
• Traffic/Transportation Reporting: “Teen Killed by Hit-and-Run Driver” by Renee Beninate and LeeAnn Walker
• Investigative Reporting, Series: “I-Team, Rodent Residential” by Jennifer Waugh, Chris O’Rourke and Jodi Mohrmann
• Political, Election, Government Reporting, Series: “This Week in Jacksonville: Remembering Tommy Hazouri” by Kent Justice, Jodi Mohrmann and Eric Wallace
• Multimedia Journalist: Marilyn Parker

For links and to find a full list of winners, click or tap here.

KPRC wins first-place National Headliner Award for best newscast

KPRC 2 has been honored with a first-place National Headliner Award in the category "Best Newscast," recognizing the news team's 6 p.m. show on the day of the Astroworld Tragedy in Houston.

The judge’s comments are below:

“This Astroworld newscast brought out the exceptional chaos with an emphasis on concertgoers in this tragedy. This was quite an expansive edition of an investigation that went beyond the normal. (There was) excellent use of visuals, including strong social media graphics. The strong collection of first-hand accounts of what happened made the story stick.”

You can watch the award-winning newscast here.

As for the National Headliner Awards, this is one of the oldest and largest annual contests recognizing journalistic merit.

The list of winners across print, online, broadcast and radio is quite impressive. View the full list here.

KPRC was the only Houston news organization to be recognized.

WKMG News Director inducted into UCF's Nicholson School of Communication and Media Hall of Fame

WKMG News Director Allison McGinley has been inducted into the Nicholson School of Communication and Media Hall of Fame at the University of Central Florida.

McGinley graduated from UCF in 1996 and has been with WKMG/News 6 in Orlando since the mid ‘90s.

From her start as an intern in 1994 to her promotion to news director in 2015, McGinley has always had her focus on serving Central Florida.

She’s also been instrumental in supporting and letting her employees grow and learn, while getting actionable results that have a positive impact on our community.

“Fame is nothing Allison has sought. Her road to this moment has been paved with a 28-year record of tireless public service, and undaunting commitment to journalistic excellence and an unmatched dedication to team building that has created what I know for a fact is the happiest newsroom in Orlando,” said Rick Brunson, fellow NSCM alumni Hall of Fame member.

On Friday, faculty, staff and alumni of the school presented McGinley with the esteemed Hall of Fame honors.

“The journalistic burden remains heavy for our young journalists as they must understand the shifting requirements of today’s fast and multi-faceted industry are the same they’ve always been to get it done,” said McGinley as she received her honors. “But above speed and being first, make sure you get it right. Tonight, I can unequivocally confirm that despite these tests, we can and should find renewed a sense of purpose and passion because what we do matters. Period.”

Watch the video and read more on WKMG's website, ClickOrlando.com.

Former President and CEO of Graham Media Group, Emily Barr, inducted into Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame

Former GMG President and CEO Emily Barr is inducted into the Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame.

Emily Barr, Graham Media Group’s former president and CEO who retired earlier this year, has been inducted into the Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame.

Barr led Graham Media Group for more than 10 years.

She was among 12 members – including six women – celebrated Thursday night in New York City.

“This year’s class, announced in 2020 with the celebration delayed due to concerns over COVID-19, is a special one indeed,” wrote Bill McGorry, the chairman of the Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame, who oversees the nomination process and manages the annual awards event. “Its 12 members include six women, ranging from on-air journalists Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie, co-anchors of NBC’s 'Today,' to Emily Barr, the recently retired president and CEO of Graham Media Group. They are joined by Pearlena Igbowke, chairman of NBCUniversal Studio Group; and Susanne Daniels, former global head of original content at YouTube and a media consultant and lecturer. Also included is Nomi Bergman, president of Advance/Newhouse Investment Partnership and a director of Comcast Corp.”

The Graham Media Group team, including former president and CEO Emily Barr (fifth from left).

Here is the full list of honorees:

The 2022 ‘B+C’ Hall of Fame Class

• Emily Barr
• Nomi Bergman
• Steve Miron
• Brandon Burgess
• Susanne Daniels
• Savannah Guthrie
• Hoda Kotb
• Pearlena Igbokwe
• Leo MacCourtney
• Dan Mason
• Steven R. Swartz
• Curtis Symonds

Previous honorees from years past include Oprah.

"The career hallmark of (Barr), who just stepped back to serve as a consultant before she retires, is that she has kept her stations connected to their communities while encouraging journalism to thrive," this write-up calls out.

“She is truly motivated by the mission of broadcasting,” National Association of Broadcasters president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said in the piece. “That’s always been larger than her role at her specific company. She knows the importance of having a medium that unites and serves as a real local nexus to which people can turn to find the resources they need.”

He also noted Barr’s warmth and authenticity.

“The first thing that strikes you if you spend time with Emily is that she’s a very good listener,” LeGeyt said. “Her role at NAB [as chair of the Television Board] was to find common ground on advocacy solutions. She’s someone who can do that because she’s willing to put herself in others’ shoes.”

Emily Barr on stage at the New York City event.

Catherine Badalamente, Graham's former VP and chief innovation officer, just succeeded Barr as GMG's new president and CEO. Barr and Badalamente worked closely throughout the transition.

“She’s everything that you see and more,” Badalamente said of Barr. “I always tell the story about how I worked closely with Alan Frank [Graham’s CEO before Barr] and he told me that I was going to love working with her. I read every article I could find on her and I went to the comments, because that’s where you get the real story, and every story about her was how she was real and genuine and hard-working. All of that turned out to be true.”

Read more: Welcome to the 30th Anniversary of the ‘B+C’ Hall of Fame | B+C Hall of Fame 2022: Emily Barr

'KSAT Explains' honored as Best Local TV News Magazine by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation

Myra Arthur and Valerie Gomez

San Antonio's first in-depth local streaming program has been honored with a national award recognizing the work of KSAT's talented team of journalists.

The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation named "KSAT Explains: What you need to know about protective orders in Bexar County" a Gracie Award winner for best Local TV News Magazine.

Watch the award-winning episode here.

In the episode, the KSAT Explains team -- anchor/producer Myra Arthur and editor/visualizer Valerie Gomez, creator Lexi Salazar and executive producer Brina Monterroza -- explored the issue of domestic violence in Bexar County.

It happens over and over again in San Antonio: Women, and men, are abused or killed at the hands of someone who claimed to love them. Domestic violence is a pattern created to intimidate and control a victim while simultaneously rooting itself in a new generation as children grow up witnessing that abuse or becoming victims themselves. In 2020, 17 people died at the hands of an intimate partner. There are tools in place that are supposed to help save lives, get survivors away from their abusers, and help them build better lives.

"That's why we chose to do this episode on protective orders," said Myra Arthur, anchor/producer for KSAT Explains. "We know our county has incredibly high rates of domestic violence, but a lot of people see the stats and respond with, 'Well, she should just leave.' The survivors we talked to explain why it's never that simple. Their stories are chilling and full of incredibly close calls. To see their bravery and strength now -- that's what we wanted victims in our community to know is possible. And how."

The station launched KSAT Explains in mid-2020 as an experiment to offer more in-depth exploration of important issues in our community than traditional newscasts allow.

Almost every episode highlights inequities in our community – whether they are social, economic or cultural – and often, these episodes explore potential solutions that the community is using to address those inequities.

“It is not a surprise to me that our amazing team from KSAT would be honored with an AWM Gracie Award,” President and Chief Executive Officer of Graham Media Group, Catherine Badalamente, said. “This group of standout women embody everything that the Gracies represent -- creating exemplary and influential work that will inspire generations of women to come.”

“I am so proud of our KSAT Team and their unrelenting, innovative spirit,” said Phil Lane, vice president and general manager of KSAT12.

This spring, KSAT Explains enters a new phase. The show will transition from streaming-only platforms to a new time on-air at 6:30 p.m. on KSAT 12.

It marks an opportunity for more viewers to see this reporting style that gives deeper context and perspective to what’s making headlines or introducing local stories for the first time. From topics such as illegal street racing to a symphony on strike and more, catch KSAT Explains at its new time in its new home in the coming weeks.

About KSAT Explains

KSAT Explains is an episodic deep dive into the critical issues, events and opportunities impacting our local community of San Antonio. It launched in mid-2020, and is designed for viewers who want more context and insight into the complexity of our city. The KSAT Explains team produces original programming designed for our livestreaming app, so it's a digital product that lives on KSAT+, KSAT.com, includes a companion email newsletter, and has a social media and podcasting presence across multiple platforms.

About The Gracies

The Gracies are presented by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF). The award program was created to recognize individuals in media who reflect the changing roles, issues and concerns of women. The Gracies recognize individual achievement and exemplary programming created by, for, and about women in all facets of media and entertainment. AWMF is a charitable nonprofit that creates educational programs and scholarship initiatives to benefit the public and women in media.

WDIV named ‘Station of the Year’ by Michigan Association of Broadcasters for 8th year in a row

WDIV-TV Local 4, a Graham Media Group station, is honored to be named the Michigan Association of Broadcasters’ Station of the Year for the eighth year in a row.

The station won for broadcasting excellence in 16 categories from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters - 10 best and 9 merit awards for Market 1.

“Every employee at WDIV shares a piece of this tremendous honor,” Vice President and General Manager Bob Ellis said. “Every person here works together to serve our community, and that’s what makes this so gratifying.”

BEST AWARDS

Breaking News Story: Flooding Catastrophe

Feature/Use of Medium: I Have No Regrets

Investigative Story: Morgue Mistakes

Mini-Documentary or Series: Detroit’s Babygirl

News Reporter: Nick Monacelli

News Special: Secrets of Small Town

Photojournalist: Alex Atwell

Special Interest Programming: Summer Spectacular

Sports: Local 4 Sports Opening Day

Weathercast: Tracking Snow Threat

MERIT AWARDS

Breaking News: Tornadoes Touch Down

Community Involvement: WDIV Community Involvement

Continuing Coverage: Oxford Tragedy Continuing Coverage

Feature/Use of Medium: Finding a Fossil

Marketing Materials & Promos: We Are Stronger

News Anchor: Devin Scillian

Newscast: Local 4 News at 11

Photojournalist: Mike Tiseo

Use of New Media (Single Project): WDIV Vaccine Hunter

The Broadcast Excellence Awards recognize outstanding achievement in broadcasting by Michigan radio and television stations each year. The awards were announced online by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.

Graham Media Group stations reimagine local news beyond broadcast with new morning newscast livestreams

Starting Monday, April 4, 2022, Graham Media Group stations KPRC-TV (Houston) and WDIV-TV (Detroit) will launch an additional hour of their morning local newscast streaming, exclusively on digital platforms and OTT apps.

KPRC-TV’s morning newscast will stream from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. on KPRC2+, and will feature the morning news team of Owen Conflenti, Lisa Hernandez, meteorologist Anthony Yanez and Anavid Reyes following rush hour traffic. Amy Davis and Anavid Reyes will expand their consumer and transit stories to include angles not covered on broadcast, and the hour will feature live guests to give depth and perspective on the big stories of the day.

WDIV-TV’s morning newscast will stream from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Local4+, and will feature the morning news team of Rhonda Walker, Evrod Cassimy, meteorologist Brandon Roux, traffic reporter Kim DeGiulio and reporter Nick Monacelli, and will feature live guests, the day’s top stories, weather and traffic reports from across Metro Detroit. WDIV added a 10 p.m. weeknight newscast streaming exclusively on Local4+ earlier this year.

“We’ve reimagined our streaming news products to meet the needs of our viewers. They’ve clearly told us they want more local news from the brands they trust most, and we’re providing that with our original news programs on Local4+,” said Bob Ellis, WDIV Vice President and General Manger. “Unlocking the combined power of our local television news, our market-leading news website, and our trusted anchors and reporters means more quality content more often. The streaming numbers on our app continue to grow rapidly, and we’re committed to serving these new audiences now and in the weeks and months ahead, with much more quality content coming."

KPRC2+ and Local4+ television apps are available for free download in the Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Google TV app stores. The livestreams also can be viewed on the stations’ mobile apps and online at Click2Houston.com and ClickOnDetroit.com, respectively.

Additionally, Graham Media Group stations continue to innovate in streaming local news beyond broadcast. Earlier this year, KSAT-TV (San Antonio) launched a daily 11 a.m. digital stream exclusive newscast, “KSAT News Now”, and “KSAT Explains”, a weekly deep-dive news feature program available on KSAT Plus; and WSLS-TV (Roanoke) launched “The Sprint”, a daily digital-only news brief.

WKMG-TV (Orlando) has pioneered a “Choose Your View” director’s chair digital stream for coverage of space launches from Kennedy Space Center and with 25 live cameras covering the Orlando Fourth of July Fireworks in 2021. WJXT-TV (Jacksonville) debuted the “Choose Your View” stream in covering the implosion of a downtown skyscraper in March.

Other Graham Media Group digital-first productions currently streaming on each stations’ OTT apps include “Solutionaries," a monthly solutions journalism-focused program highlighting local people working to find solutions to challenging issues from affordable housing and inflation, to climate concerns and police reform; and “Something Good," an ongoing series of positive news and the good works of people living in the community.

Stephanie Slagle named Graham Media Group Chief Innovation Officer; Michael Newman named Director of Transformation

Stephanie Slagle, Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer

Graham Media Group has announced that it has named Stephanie Slagle as Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer.

Slagle joined Graham Media Group in 2019 as Director, Brand Agency and Sales Strategy, and held a pivotal role during the successful launch of OMNE, Graham Media Group’s multiplatform ad agency for data-driven results.

As Chief Innovation Officer, Slagle will be based in Detroit and will oversee the Graham Digital team.

“Stephanie excels at navigating the digital universe and helping sales, news and technology teams build and deliver imaginative solutions,” said Catherine Badalamente, GMG President and CEO. “Her passion for learning and teaching has helped her build enthusiastic, client and viewer-focused teams and we’re thrilled to have her take a leadership role in innovation.”

Previously, Slagle spent nine years at Dispatch Media Group, acquired by TEGNA in 2019, building and managing the digital departments for WBNS-TV, WBNS Radio and the Columbus Dispatch. In 2017, Slagle led the launch of Pixelent Digital, WBNS’s full-service digital agency.

Slagle and her husband will relocate to Metro Detroit in the coming weeks.

Additionally, Graham Media Group announced the promotion of Michael Newman to Director of Transformation.

Michael Newman, Director of Transformation

Since 2007, Newman has been the lead developer for Graham Media Group, and has been the chief visionary architect of successful projects and product launches ranging from video, streaming, mobile, ad-tech, UI/UX, apps and more.

“Michael’s keen eye for automation and process efficiencies puts Graham Media in the unique position to lead the industry in audience and sales transformation,” Badalamente said.

Newman is a graduate of Ohio University with a degree in journalism and resides in Grosse Pointe Park with his wife and two children.

WJXT/WCWJ VP and GM Terri Cope Walton talks mentors, value and career advice

As we make our way through Women’s History Month, Graham Media Group is highlighting many worthy stories that are women-related, but most importantly: We're talking to our own female leaders.

We picked the brain of Terri Cope Walton, VP and General Manager of WJXT/WCWJ in Jacksonville, Florida, to learn more about her journey to leadership, what makes someone an effective co-worker and what advice she has.

Q: Who was your mentor, and how did you grow that relationship?

A: My first mentor was my father. In the fourth grade, I had to make a sign. I grabbed a marker and wrote the message on a piece of whiteboard. My father said, “Let’s try this again.” He got another piece of whiteboard, measured it and cut it so it was even. Then, he used a ruler to draw equidistant lines, in pencil, across the board. We wrote the message in pencil until it was perfect, traced it with marker, then erased all the pencil lines. The finished product was a polished and professional looking piece of signage. I honor that relationship by putting in the extra effort, regardless of the assignment, which is a practice that has served me well professionally and personally.

Q: What are the three most important factors that make you an effective, valued co-worker?

A: The most important factors I believe make me an effective co-worker are (that) I’m consistent, transparent and fair. The most respectful thing I can do is to be the same person — most of the time. We all have challenging moments, but that should not affect how I present to others. Nor should I burden them with trying to predict what to expect from me. It is equally as respectful to let people know how you feel. The truth always surfaces, and even if you don’t like it, most of us appreciate not being surprised. Finally, I believe in being fair. The hard part is understanding equity does not mean everyone is treated the same, and that often initiates deeper conversations of transparency with consistency.

Q: What advice would you give yourself when you were just starting your career?

A: If present me could speak with my younger self, I would tell her, “It will be as it should be.” I remember spending a lot of time worrying about life’s destinations: In what field will I build a career? Will I be successful? Who will I choose to marry? Will I be a mother? Then, looking back, I realize all that worry was unnecessary and did not advance or alter the course of my life. And if anything, it took away from the joys of the journey! Sometimes you make intentional decisions. Other times decisions are made despite your best intentions. But it really is a sum total game, and when all is said and done, it will be as it should be.

The Alliance for Women in Media and its Foundation announces 2022 Board of Directors & Officers, including incoming Graham Media Group CEO

Graham Media Group’s next CEO, Catherine Badalamente

The Alliance for Women in Media and its Foundation (AWM/F) recently announced the 2022 National Board of Directors and Officers, which includes Catherine Badalamente, our current vice president and chief innovation officer, who is also Graham Media Group's incoming CEO.

Also new to the AWM board are: Monica Bloom, VP of Marketing, First Look Media; Thea Mitchem, Executive Vice President of Programming, iHeart Media; and Marie Tedesco, Chief Financial Officer, Beasley Media Group.

New to the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) Board are: Tim Clarke, Senior Vice President, Digital Audio Content, Audacy and Vicki Lins, President and CEO, CTAM.

Officers of the board have been announced as Heather Cohen, Executive Vice President, The Weiss Agency, serving as chair; Annie Howell, Chief Communications Officer, Crown Media Family Networks (Hallmark), serving as incoming chair; Keisha Sutton-James, CEO & Founder, Sutton Button Productions LLC, serving as immediate past chair; Brenda Hetrick, Chief Revenue Officer, Matrix Solutions, serving as treasurer, and Katina Arnold, Vice President, Corporate Communications, ESPN, serving as incoming treasurer.

“The role of the AWM and Foundation boards is to lead our organizations and industry as we recognize, connect and educate women in all facets of media.” stated Becky Brooks, president, AWM/F. “The past two years have proven that leadership of an organization is critical to navigate through uncertain times. It is as important as it’s ever been to have insightful, diverse leadership. This year’s directors are dedicated to donating time and resources to guide us to the next level. We are thrilled to have these talented, accomplished women and men guiding our strategic initiatives.”

The following leaders will continue to serve as Directors at Large of AWM: Marsha Cooke, Vice President & Executive Producer, ESPN Films and 30 for 30; Abby Greensfelder, Founder & CEO, Everywoman Studios; and, Katherine Wolfgang, Head of Public Relations, CBC. Svetlana Gans, Vice President and Associate General Counsel at NCTA – The Internet & Television Association (NCTA); Mike McVay, President, McVay Media; Deborah Parenti, Publisher, RadioInk, RBR and TVBR; Josie Thomas, former (retired) Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity & Inclusion

Officer, CBS and Christine Travaglini, President, Katz Radio Group; will continue to serve as a Director at Large of AWMF.

AWMF is also pleased to announce Heather Cohen, Annie Howell and Mike McVay will continue to serve as chairs for the Gracie Awards.

Emily L. Barr, president and CEO of Graham Media Group to retire; Catherine Badalamente named as successor

Emily L. Barr, president and chief executive officer of Graham Media Group, the local media division of Graham Holdings Company (NYSE: GHC), has announced that she will retire from that position later this year. Catherine Badalamente has been named her successor.

“Emily’s leadership has been critical to the company’s success. Graham Media Group has continued its tenure as a best-in-class operator, and Emily has led the organization to receive numerous awards and achieve record earnings," said Timothy J. O’Shaughnessy, chief executive officer of Graham Holdings Company. "(Emily's) deep commitment to the communities we serve has been unparalleled. But perhaps the greatest element of her legacy is the excellence of the team she has built, as evidenced by her successor, Catherine Badalamente. On behalf of everyone at Graham Holdings, I want to thank Emily for her decade of service to the company.”

Current Graham Media Group President and CEO Emily Barr

Badalamente joined Graham Media Group (formerly Post-Newsweek Stations) in 2000. She has served in a number of executive leadership roles, spearheading the organization’s digital efforts since 2009; most recently as vice president and chief innovation officer.

Graham Media Group and Graham Digital have received numerous awards under Badalamente’s management, recognizing the organization for excellence in digital, podcast and local news production. Under her direction, the company has been at the forefront of developing NextGen TV monetization strategies and models for both digital and broadcast.

An industry thought-leader and award-winning presenter, Badalamente is active in several industry forums, including serving as chair of the board of directors of the Local Media Association, treasurer of the board of directors of the Local Media Foundation, and immediate past chair of the National Association of Broadcasters Digital Officers Committee. She earned a BA in communications from John Carroll University.

The next GMG President and CEO, Catherine Badalamente

“I could not be more pleased to appoint Catherine the new CEO of Graham Media Group," O’Shaughnessy said. "Catherine has helped keep GMG ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing industry, including her leadership in growing each of our digital news sites to be Comscore-ranked No. 1 in their local markets. As the next generation of Graham Media Group unfolds, we have a next generation leader to help steer the ship.”

Barr joined Graham Media Group, then Post–Newsweek Stations, in 2012. Under her leadership, she has transformed the organization from a broadcast-based model to seven local media hubs — each in a top-71 market, representing just under 7% coverage in the U.S.

The television stations, web and mobile platforms are recognized as news leaders across the media spectrum. During Barr's tenure, Graham Media Group acquired Social News Desk, a leading provider of social media software utilized by thousands of newsrooms around the world. Barr is also responsible for the creation of Graham Digital, a digital media and technology development group based in Detroit.

Graham Media Group was awarded the 2021 Broadcaster of the Year honor by TV NewsCheck, the 2016 Station Group of the Year by Broadcasting and Cable Magazine, and has received numerous accolades during Barr’s tenure.

In 2020, Barr received the Broadcaster of the Year award from Broadcasting & Cable Magazine; and, later this spring, she will be inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame. Honored for her civic involvement, Barr is also the 2018 recipient of the Golden Mike Award from the Broadcasters Foundation of America, and was inducted into the 2016 Silver Circle of the Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. She was also awarded the 2014 Vincent T. Wasilewski Broadcaster of the Year by the Illinois Broadcasters Association. Most recently, Barr was elected to the 2021 class of the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation’s Giants of Broadcasting and Electronic Arts.

WKMG News 6's Allison McGinley named News Director of the Year

Graham Media Group is proud to announce that Allison McGinley, News Director of WKMG News 6, has been named News Director of the Year by Broadcasting and Cable.

Each December, Broadcasting and Cable selects the winners of its annual awards, saluting the top broadcasters in local television. This year, that honor goes to long-time WKMG employee Allison McGinley.

McGinley began working with WKMG News 6 as an intern in 1994. From intern to news director, she has served the Central Florida community through a variety of roles at the station.

Upon promotion to News Director in 2015, McGinley has also led the newsroom through some of its toughest challenges, beginning with the massacre of 49 people at Pulse Nightclub in June of 2016. Recently, she led her team through the COVID-19 pandemic, successfully innovating new ways of communicating with viewers on all platforms, 24/7. One of those innovations includes the launch of “Solutionaries” with Graham Media Group. “Solutionaires” is a new digital newscast that focuses on solutions-based journalism and highlights people who are making a difference for others.

McGinley’s commitment to Central Florida is best reflected in the many community causes that she has advanced through the power of the station, such as WKMG’s ”Make Ends Meet” segment. The segment, with investigative reporter Mike Holfeld, has recovered nearly $2 million in missing, misplaced or stolen benefits, due to viewers who suffered the most during the pandemic.

Beginning in 2016, the station, along with anchor Matt Austin, also led the charge to make texting and driving a primary offense in the state of Florida. In 2019, the bill to do just that was signed into law by the governor.

“Allison brings a remarkable understanding of our communities and uses it to tell stories in a way that both inform and inspire audiences on each of our platforms," said WKMG Vice President and General Manager Jeff Hoffman. “Her superior skill set allows her to be both advocate and supporter of the people she leads and the audience she serves in the best traditions of journalism.”

Honoring her commitment to journalism and the community, WKMG has been a finalist for the National Association of Broadcasters Community Service to America award each of the past four years, winning the award in 2019 and 2020. WKMG is also the current Florida “Station of the Year,” as recognized by the Florida Association of Broadcasters, and the newsroom has won a bevy of Murrow Emmy awards, as well as statewide honors.

In 2018, Allison was named to the Board of Directors of Radio Television Digital News Association and was recently appointed Chair of the Association for 2022.

“This honor is a testament to the team and culture we have here at WKMG,” McGinley said. “When we align around a singular vision and a common purpose -- to reflect and be of service to our community -- our work echoes that passion. This award demonstrates the success and effort of our entire team.”

Graham Media Group President and CEO Emily Barr honored among ‘Giants Of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts’ recipients

Graham Media Group President and CEO Emily Barr has been recognized and honored as one of 10 industry leaders celebrated for her lifetime achievements, at last week’s virtual Library of American Broadcasting Foundation (LABF) Giants Of Broadcasting and Electronic Arts awards ceremony.

The Giants of Broadcasting and Electronic Arts is LABF'S annual celebration of the distinguished individuals who have — for the past century — been the creators, innovators, journalists, leaders, performers, and producers who have brought the electronic arts to the prominence they occupy in the United States and the world today, and who have set the stage for the future.

In addition to Barr, the 2021 honorees include:

• Frank Boyle, President/CEO, Frank Boyle & Co
• Bob Costas, Hall of Fame sports broadcaster
• Russell Perry, Founder/President, Perry Publishing & Broadcasting Co
• Robin Roberts, co-anchor “Good Morning America” and President Rock’n Robin Productions
• Marion Ross, Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated film and TV actress and “Happy Days” cast member “Marion Cunningham”
• Neal Shapiro, President/CEO, The WNET Group
• Sen. Gordon H. Smith, President/CEO, National Association of Broadcasters
• Jordan Wertlieb, Senior VP, Hearst Communications and President, Hearst Television.

The event, which was held Nov. 9, included acceptance speeches from each of the winners. Hear Barr's full remarks here.

“I want to express a very humble and heartfelt thank you to the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation and IRTS for this amazing recognition,” Barr said. "At 5 foot 2, I have never described myself as a giant of any kind, but I know that today, I stand on the shoulders of so many courageous journalists, broadcasters, informers and local media peers who have helped educate, celebrate and uplift their communities.”

ABC News' "Nightline" co-anchor Juju Chang hosted.

Watch the entire virtual event by clicking or tapping here.

U.S. Postal Service announces new stamp honoring legacy of Katharine Graham

Katharine Graham. (Getty Images)

A legendary news pioneer will be honored on a new stamp next year.

Katharine Meyer Graham spent nearly two decades of her life as the chairman of the board and chief executive officer of what was formerly known as Post-Newsweek Inc., now known as Graham Holdings and Graham Media Group, respectively.

Well before the movie “The Post” hit movie theaters, which tells the story of her remarkable life, Katharine was cementing her history.

We already know the story well. The Graham family still has ownership of Graham Media Group, which proudly runs TV stations across the country, perhaps, most notably, in Orlando, where WKMG-TV got its call letters from Katharine Meyer Graham herself. Other markets owned by Graham Media Group include Detroit (WDIV-TV), Houston (KPRC-TV), San Antonio (KSAT-TV), Jacksonville (WJXT-TV/WCWJ-TV) and Roanoke (WSLS-TV).

Katharine Meyer Graham faced many challenges, but rose above them, created a name for herself and, as many might say, forever changed history so that her influence still impacts our mission of journalistic integrity to this day.

Graham, who, in the early 1960s took over as president of the Washington Post Company, most famously made the difficult and infamous decision to publish the Pentagon Papers, which delved into the history of the U.S. involvement in Vietnam.

It caused the Post to face a threat of legal action and it joined the New York Times as a co-defendant when the case went to the Supreme Court.

The decision was one that propelled the Post’s national profile after a court ruled in Graham’s favor, supporting the freedom of the press and stating that the publication of the Pentagon Papers posed no risk to government security.

Not only did Graham face and take head-on tough journalistic decisions -- ones that made a mark in the press world -- but she also taught some important lessons in doing so.

Read more about Graham’s life here.

The postage stamp -- which will feature an oil portrait of Katharine, based on a photograph taken in the 1970s -- will be released in 2022.

Graham Media Group stations win in multiple categories at national EPPY Awards

Graham Media Group stations took home several wins at this year’s national EPPY Awards.

In the company of winning websites like the Boston Globe, CNN and ESPN, GMG stations received top recognition, as well as taking the finalist spot in several categories.

This year, there were more than 400 entries across more than 40 categories in the EPPY Awards.

Those entries were from large and small world-wide media companies that include local news publishing, broadcast networks, cable news and sports networks, international pureplay websites, niche content publishers and numerous colleges and universities.

Graham Media Group won or made it to the finalists in the following categories:

Best Local TV News website (1 million or more unique visitors):

• Winner: KSAT.com
• Finalist: ClickOrlando.com

Best Local TV News website (Under 1 million unique visitors):

• Winner: WSLS.com (two years in a row)

Best cause marketing/corporate social responsibility campaign (1 million or more unique visitors):

• Winner: News4JAX for “Positively Jax”

Best website navigation design (1 million or more unique visitors):

• Winner: Click2Houston.com

Best home page design:

• Finalist: ClickOnDetroit.com

Best news or event feature video (1 million or more unique visitors):

• Finalist: Jeremy Allen, Graham Media Group: “What Lies Beneath: Frontline workers battle COVID-19″

Best incorporation of sponsored/branded content (fewer than 1 million unique visitors):

• Finalist: WSLS: “In A Day’s Drive”

Terri Cope-Walton named Vice President and General Manager of WJXT and WCWJ Jacksonville

Terri Cope-Walton has been named Vice President and General Manager of WJXT-TV and WCWJ, the CW affiliate, in Jacksonville.

Cope-Walton will replace Bob Ellis, who was named Vice President and General Manager of WDIV in Detroit earlier this year.

“Terri is fiercely committed to localism and deeply strategic in her approach to leading multi-platform community-focused media," said Emily Barr, President and Chief Executive Officer of Graham Media Group. "She brings a wealth of experience, intelligence and compassion to these two successful stations and will enthusiastically immerse herself in the Jacksonville community. We are thrilled to welcome Terri to Graham Media Group.”

“This is an outstanding opportunity to work with a great team, and at two legacy stations," Cope-Walton said. "I look forward to settling into the Jacksonville community and continuing the great work WJXT and WCWJ are known for in the market."

Cope-Walton arrives in Jacksonville after having served as News Director at WRTV in Indianapolis, Indiana since 2013. She worked in many roles after joining the staff in 1998, including Assistant News Director and the lead producer for “Good Morning Indiana.”

Before her time with WRTV, Cope-Walton worked as a producer for WHIO-TV in Dayton, Ohio, a producer/reporter for WHIO-AM in Dayton, Ohio, and was an English teacher for Dayton Public Schools.

Cope-Walton has served on the board of governors for the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Central Great Lakes Chapter, and is a lifetime member of the National Association of Black Journalists. she is a four-time Emmy winner and has earned a regional Edward R. Murrow Award.

Cope-Walton proudly graduated from Central State University with a B.A. in English Literature and has a Diversity and Inclusion certificate from Cornell University.

Terri and her husband, John, have two children. Her first day at WJXT and WCWJ will be Nov. 15.

Graham Media Group named Station Group of the Year

Graham Media Group has been named Station Group of the Year for 2021 by TVNewsCheck.

GMG, which is led by CEO Emily Barr, was recognized for its "early and aggressive strategy in content and platform experimentation with a view to longevity in a rapidly-changing industry."

TVNewsCheck recognized GMG as understanding the importance of emerging platforms in cultivating new and younger generations of viewers, where it has aggressively pursued audience data.

“Graham Media has long demonstrated a fearlessness in experimentation from the presentation of its news content to the platforms on which it iterates,” said TVNewsCheck Editor Michael Depp. “Emily Barr’s leadership embodies the recognition of tectonic changes in the industry, the embrace of innovation to meet those changes and the smart entrepreneur’s instinct to pivot quickly around both successes and failures. Graham’s pioneering work in streaming news content and its exploration of a viewer membership scheme are only the most recent proof of the company’s fundamental understanding that it must adapt to fundamentally changing audience habits and sensibilities. And the company’s independent streak amid the enormous pressures of a consolidating industry compels respect in its tenacity.”

Bob Ellis named Vice President and General Manager of WDIV Detroit

Bob Ellis has been named Vice President and General Manager for WDIV-Local 4 in Detroit.

Ellis, who has held the position of Vice President and General Manager at WJXT-TV in Jacksonville since 2009, as well as WCWJ after Graham Media Group acquired it in 2017, will replace Marla Drutz, who announced her retirement earlier this year.

Ellis is no stranger to WDIV — he spent 15 years of his career there, where he held various management roles, including News Director.

Emily Barr, President and Chief Executive Officer of Graham Media Group, said: “Bob is an innovative, creative leader who fully appreciates the role local media plays in informing, celebrating and uplifting the communities served. He is also keenly aware of the importance of embracing digital and OTT strategies to further connect with our audiences and users on every platform available. His Michigan roots and deep knowledge and respect for his WDIV colleagues make him ideal for this important role.”

“When I was growing up, WDIV was my station. When I was coming up in the industry, WDIV is where I learned what it meant to produce great TV every day and serve a community,” Ellis said. “Today, to come full circle and return to the place that’s meant so much to me throughout my life, is incredible. I’m eager to re-join the talented team in Detroit, excited to get involved again in the Detroit community, and I look forward to helping continue the legacy of this great, great station.”

In 2013, Ellis was named General Manager of the Year for markets 25-50 by Broadcasting Cable Magazine, the industry’s leading trade publication. Under his leadership, WJXT widened the gap as the most-watched television station in Jacksonville, and he helped the station to sharply focus its efforts to leverage their News4Jax news brand to its digital platforms.

In 2014, the station’s News4Jax.com earned the national Edward R. Murrow award as the best local television website in the United States.

On WCWJ, Ellis worked to strengthen its local brand in the market, developing and launching several local programs that include the Mark Brunell Show, a weekly Jacksonville Jaguars football show that features a former Jaguars quarterback, and JaxBest, a comprehensive local online guide to all the best places to see, eat and experience Jacksonville.

Ellis has led WJXT in launching several innovative projects to emphasize its popular station brand, The Local Station. WJXT turned Jacksonville’s annual July 4th fireworks show into a prime-time television event, celebrating the active and former military members at the two military bases located in the market. He also started PositivelyJax, a station-wide project that inspires viewers by telling stories about people and organizations leading positive efforts to make Jacksonville a better place to live. The station has turned the market’s regional Spelling Bee into a prime-time broadcast event, televised the first-ever local high school musical to a prime-time audience, and created the Bold City Showcase, a one-day high school football event that features six local teams in three games played on one field, all broadcast live on WJXT.

In 2014 Ellis won the Station Excellence Emmy Award from the Suncoast chapter of National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

In addition to serving as News Director at WDIV, he held many other management roles there, including Assistant News Director and Executive Producer of Special Projects. He began his TV career in sports -- his first job was producer of the football and basketball coach’s shows at Michigan State University.

Ellis is an 11-time Emmy winner and has earned several regional Edward R. Murrow Awards and state broadcast association honors throughout his career.

In 2020 Ellis participated in the 20th anniversary class of the National Association of Broadcasters Broadcast Leadership Training program. He also serves on the board of the Florida Association of Broadcasters.

Ellis is very active in the Jacksonville community. He is a Trustee with the Jacksonville Chamber, serves on the board of Goodwill Industries of North Florida, is a member of the advisory board of the Career Academies for the St. John’s County School District, is on the board of High School 9:12, a local organization helping to prepare students for college, and is a board member for Take it to Heart, a nonprofit program in Jacksonville that focuses on educating minority women about heart disease. He is also a Trustee of the Jacksonville Chamber and a member of the Chairman’s Club for the Jacksonville Sports Council, the organization dedicated to generating economic impact and growth through sports in Jacksonville, including running the annual Gator Bowl college football game that's played each January.

A Michigan native, Ellis is a proud graduate of Michigan State University and holds a BA in Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. He and his wife Melanie have a daughter Abbey who attends the University of South Carolina and a son Cameron who attends the University of Tampa. Ellis begins his new role later this fall.

KPRC-TV bids bittersweet farewell to beloved anchor after nearly 30 years

After nearly three decades as one of Houston’s most recognizable faces and voices, the beloved Dominique Sasche will sign off for the last time on Oct. 29 on KPRC 2 News at 6 p.m.

Sasche has called Houston home since 1975. She graduated from Spring Branch ISD’s Memorial High School and went on to the University of Houston, where she earned a radio/television journalism degree.

Though Sasche’s career began as a traffic reporter in radio, she seized an opportunity at KPRC in 1993 for a morning show traffic position.

After spending one week as a fill-in anchor, viewers got a glimpse of her own-to-earth demeanor, intensity and ease at the desk.

Some of Sasche’s highlights throughout the years include covering President George Bush's inauguration in January 2001, and Pope John Paul II's visit to Mexico City canonizing Juan Diego in 2002. In 2006, she presented a compelling series on inflammatory breast cancer, along with a phone bank to answer viewers' questions. She also traveled to London in 2012 and Rio de Janeiro in 2016 to cover the Olympics.

She’s been honored with awards that include, but are not limited to, spot news coverage from The Houston Press Club and the Texas Associated Press, “Best Television Personality” and Lone Star Emmy awards. However, Sasche will tell you her favorite recognitions have come from the community; she was chosen as Houston’s favorite when it comes to best newscaster or local personality.

“I have spent most of my adult life at KPRC, and the staff here is like family to me. It’s that daily one-on-one interaction that I’ll miss the most,” Sasche said. “It takes a team effort to produce a quality news product, and I’m so proud of this team’s character, integrity and accomplishments. But it’s mainly service to community, which is how I’ve always seen my role and will continue to do so in my new endeavors. I sincerely can’t thank the viewers enough for welcoming me into their homes for as long as they have and making me feel like their friend or neighbor. Truly blessed.”

Sasche is shifting her focus to a book she has been working on since 2018: “Life Makeover: Embrace the Bold, Beautiful, and Blessed You,” which will be released on April 5, 2022.

Sasche, who has a following of roughly 1.52 million subscribers on YouTube, will also focus on expanding her social media empire.

For the next month, as Sasche prepares for her bittersweet exit, viewers can expect to see a lot more of her, as the station will celebrate and shower her with well wishes.

“You always know that days like this will come in the television business,” KPRC Vice President and General Manager Jerry Martin said. “That doesn’t make it any easier to say goodbye to someone who feels like Houston’s sweetheart. We wish Dominique all the best; she will always be considered a Houston institution and a part of our KPRC 2 family."

Graham Media Group launches new solutions-based digital newscast, 'Solutionaries' to premiere June 18

Graham Media Group is excited to announce an innovative new digital newscast that will focus on solutions-based journalism and highlight people who are making a difference.

The pilot episode of "Solutionaries," which was created with the news team at WKMG, will launch Friday, June 18, and feature the stories of those who are evolving law enforcement practices in Central Florida to reduce the risk of violent encounters -- particularly when it comes to members of the community who suffer from mental illness and men and women of color.

Check out "Solutionaries" on YouTube.

You’ll hear from a local sheriff who is trying to “turn the system on its head” and a police officer who created a unique partnership aimed at providing resources to those in need. You’ll also hear from a young man whose life was forever changed when he says he was wrongfully arrested.

“Watching the Solutionaries team build this show from scratch has been fantastic. The stories they’re telling are sure to resonate with our audience and cause them to examine these issues from a new perspective,” News 6 News Director Allison McGinley said. “On top of that, we’re serving up these pieces in a cutting-edge digital format that will allow them to be shared and watched over and over again.”

We’ve also devised a number of ways to get our audience involved in our storytelling. For this first episode, we brought together a panel and invited them to give their feedback about the ideas presented. Their responses were both thought-provoking and candid.

Going forward, we’ll be asking members of our audience to submit their ideas for topics they’d like to see covered.

"What we’ve found thus far is that this approach has freed our journalists from the confines of traditional storytelling. We are speaking directly to the viewer and inviting them to observe, from the inside, how an issue is defined and reported. Producers, photographers and editors now can participate with the reporter in shaping more complete storytelling and advanced presentation," News 6 General Manager Jeff Hoffman said.

Learn more by going to SolutionariesNetwork.com.

The first episode is hosted by News 6 investigative reporter Louis Bolden, who has nearly 20 years of experience at News 6.

“Never in my career have my bosses come to me and said, ‘We want you to be part of a team that reimagines a newscast. You have no rules, do whatever you want, except we don't want it to look like a traditional newscast.’ And we were thrilled to be a part of it,” Bolden said.