We share our condolences with the Leonard family. He had a great sense of humor. Ryan Cody has left 12 News in Phoenix, announcing his exit in a tweet that mentions "professional toxicity" and mental healing. How you can save more and waste less. It was our good fortune that Leonard accepted. "In TV you have a tendency to be a distraction in the way you tell a story. "All of us who had the pleasure of working with him, and calling him our friend, are shocked and devastated by the news of his passing. Dana, 80, worked at three. ABC 15 pilot Craig Smith, and photographer Rick Krolak as well. Always honest. One game I finally got a hit. At the time, their meetingwas cast as a potential conflict of interest. The app is FREE so come check it out! Salerno worked his way up the television news ladder by reporting in Rockford, Peoria and Albany, New York before . Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Tips on how to avoid wasting money from minimizing food waste to buying multivitamins. In some cases, we grow up with them. Ty has been thrilled to call the valley home for nearly a decade. Family and friends honor the legacy of former 12 News anchor Kent Dana during a Celebration of Life ceremony this morning. Yes! Discussing the day's top sports stories from roster moves in the NFL for the Bengals to a big trade for the Rangers in the NHL. If you ran into Dana in person, youd probably have the urge to run up, give him a hug and engage in small talk. Her exit from the station was shrouded in mystery; the station initially said she was on an "extended leave" until it became obvious she wasn't returning. After college, Kent worked stints managing gas stations, filling in as a radio announcer, and working for KOOL-TV as a weekend anchor. "But when you knew Kent Dana he was absolutely the opposite of that. Think of it this way: IfClose reported it, you knew it had to be true. A report by the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Justice detailed what took place at that meeting. 12 News' call letters were KTAR from 1959 to 1979. What are you waiting for? Jineane Ford in a tease clip for 12 News. 12 News+ offers a wide variety of content from breaking news, daily newscasts, weather, sports news from LockedOn, fact-checking from VERIFY, originals and much more. Who else would make a tradition out of wearing a red plaid Sears sports coat every Christmas? Kent had so many friends he would bring home. Brandon is a 5x Emmy Award Winning News Anchor and best-selling author of "Mascara Boy: Bullied, Assaulted & Near Death,. A sense of humor was typical with Dana, Flood said. They don't ever intrude on you. Subscribe to the weekly movies newsletter. Throughout his career, Dana won several Emmy awards, was inducted into the Arizona Broadcasters Hall of Fame, and received the Rocky Mountain Emmy Governors Award in 2018. A collection of stories highlighting those who are changing the lives of students. Its a belief he says he learned from his father. 3 days after opening, first Black-owned wine bar in Arizona closes after alleged drunk driver hits building. "I just think his story is a fascinating Arizona story," said Joe Dana, a reporter for 12 News. 12 News+ is a FREE streaming app that offers live breaking news, weather, sports talk, investigations and more, keeping you up to date on whats happening in Phoenix. And so was Kent. Hoover police received a call around 8a.m. of a person down, found Sign and pronounced him dead, according to Czeskleba. I took control of my future and ended the professional toxicity which was bleeding into every aspect of my life. February 13, 2017. It was at the prestigious institution that he met his wife, Laura. It's free and confidential for those in distress who need prevention or crisis resources for themselves or loved ones. This totally subjective list contains 10 of the most memorable anchors in Phoenix TV history. She's funny, whip-smart and bilingual to boot. Distractify is a registered trademark. Before joining ABC 33/40, Christopher worked as a news anchor at KNXV-TV, the ABC-affiliated station licensed to Phoenix, Ariz., and as a reporter at E. W. Scripps Company, a daily news company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, as per LinkedIn. AZ International Auto Show & New Car Buyer's Guide 2020 Model Year, report by the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Justice, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Voices, experts and personalities on the right and the left. In 1976, Barbara Walters became the first female anchor of a national evening news program, teaming with Harry Reasoner. Our hearts go out to his friends and family in Arizona, and Alabama," ABC15 anchorSteve Irvin said on Facebook. ET Emmy Award-winning reporter and news anchor Christopher Sign died on Saturday, June 12, 2021. in the '70s and '80s, received similar criticism during her run. Granted, she didnt take it as far as Ruiz (Alvarez said Mesa like an Arizonan, even though shes from Los Angeles). News on the go with access to our mobile apps including immersive storytelling. Judge Roslyn Silver outlined the changes she plans to impose on the Arizona Department of Corrections to remedy its constitutional violations of prisoners rights. Just three days after the first Black-owned wine bar in Arizona opened, it was forced to close after being hit by an alleged drunk driver. But she is also intelligent and a hard worker, and when she decided to focus on TV news, she proved to be a natural. Kristen Keogh Wikipedia Bio, Age Husband Wedding Married Height. The Bronx Brooklyn Connecticut Hudson Valley Long Island New Jersey Westchester. Despite his public persona, Kent was his childrens biggest fan. The man did not seem made for hugs or chatter. "He was a mentor to me and many others here at 12," said Mark Curtis, 12 News anchor. Read More . Fact-checking and verifying claims about the first paramedics in the U.S., who invented VapoRub, Jackie Robinson in the MLB and more. Eventually, he wound up collecting 12 Emmys for a sterlingcareer in broadcast journalism. Little Arizona Pageant at the historic Orpheum Theatre. Dana spent 30 years on local television, beginning his career at KHOOL-TV in 1974, spending 25 years at 12 News (KPNX) and then moving to KPHO-TV. "Kent remained humble in spite of being put on a pedestal by so many," she said. Linda Alvarez in a show open for a KPNX newscast. Courts preparing to absorb Arizona's Guilty Except Insane cases in 2023. "I was lucky to get on board," she. AZ International Auto Show & New Car Buyer's Guide 2020 Model Year, Stephen Colbert called it out during an episode of "The Colbert Report, Channel 12 anchor Vanessa Ruiz created a stir on social media a couple of years ago, Somehow, Close simultaneously reassured viewers at home and the gunman that everything would be OK, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. We often see them every night. Maureen Kyle spoke with an expert on how to help teens. That was Kent. I waited at home expecting to get in big trouble from my dad, Kent would say. Longtime Sky 12 pilot Jerry Foster with a child. Climate Change | What's up with this wild weather? How to prevent them and what parents need to know. He was just an equal partner.. The latest Arizona headlines, breaking news, in-depth investigations, politics, and local community stories that matter to you. The ability to find a good story and to tell a good story. Mar 12. That 12-year-old boy would grow up to be the most recognizable face in Phoenix television news history. Residents Resigning At High Rates + New Playground Combats Inequity, Elementary Students Fall Ill + PHX Man Dies Hours Before Release, Arizona Public Schools Earn Prestigious Award + 'Zero-Waste' Goal. 2 Phoenix anchor Kent Dana has died at age of 80 Credit: COURTESY OF DANA FAMILY 2 Hes intelligent, yet relatable. The stories brought out Kents inner child as he would banter and laugh with kids. 'I ought to get fired more often':Kris Pickel stays positive after leaving Arizona's Family. Kents motto was, Take your work seriously but dont take yourself too seriously. That ideal was reflected in his annual Christmas tradition of wearing a bright red plaid jacket on-air. That transcended his personal life and went into the way he did his job. "I think he always felt like local TV news was a very unique way to connect the community, to bring people together. Fact-checking from VERIFY, sports news from LockedOn and original exclusive content are also available to stream live and on demand on 12 News+. It got to the point where viewers would call us and ask, When is he going to wear the jacket? Kent said. A closer look at some of the extreme weather events over the years and the connection to climate change. His belief in me meant the world and gave me the confidence to accomplish my goals. I-Team: Family seeking justice 2 years after Chandler woman murdered. Mary Jo West became the first female TV anchor in Arizona. Most importantly, Dana has the kind of warm personality that makesviewers feel like he is a friend, even if they've never met him face to face. He always felt like local TV news provided a connection to the community that was unlike anything else, said Joe Dana. The National Suicide Prevention Line is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 in English and 1-888-628-9454 in Spanish. At 14 years old, Kent took his fathers car for a joy ride and crashed it. (Shutterstock) PHOENIX, AZ Longtime Phoenix news anchor Kent Dana died Tuesday at the age of 80. We had an incredible fit. The Phoenix journalist, 80, passed away on April 19, his son and News12 reporter Joe revealed. Channel 12: 1960-1977; Channel 3: 1977-1982 The first news director for Channel 12 (back in the days when it was KTAR-TV), Thompson is an unquestioned pioneer in the Phoenix TV industry. The cause of death was an infection that developed after hip surgery this past winter, according to Dana's family. He was the best audience in the world. Brandon Lee | Phoenix AZ But West persevered, becoming the kind of media celebrity you dont see much anymore in the local-TV world. No problem. And when she privately joked that she wanted to make $1 more a year thanLindaAlvarez, that wound up in the papers, too. Updated: 6:17 ET, Apr 20 2022 RENOWNED news anchor Kent Dana has died after battling an infection following a broken hip. I don't mind it. Channel 12:1960-1977; Channel 3:1977-1982. TV runs in the Dana family. Elliot, who has been a CBS daytime anchor for about a year, had first shocked . He often slipped away from the newsroom between evening newscasts to catch his children in ball games, dance recitals and school performances, even if he could only stay for a few minutes. Stream 12 News original storytelling, local investigations and reporting on the biggest issues affecting Phoenix and the nation. The latest in the NBA from the Wizards getting the win in Atlanta to Bucks beating the Nets in Jersey. Tolleson group home stabbing raises questions. He wrote a book, Secret on the Tarmac, on the topic. To the younger generation of the broadcast community, I want to tell you this. ", RELATED: Mesa family who adopted 5 children honors Kent Dana. They also helped viewers see the humanity of foster children. "Chris was a tremendous leader in our newsroom. VERIFY looks into different claims surrounding cold weather from if it can make you sick to what's best for your car. WouldClose have approved? ", A lottery ticket worth more than $350K was sold in Arizona. He was hilarious, he was warm and would give you the shirt off his back, Shumway said. Bill Denney died in 2000, following a cancer surgery. "It happens a lot," Dana said about being recognized. He then demanded to read a statement. This channel is currently unavailable for viewing on our website. It was like he almost couldnt believe he was anchoring the news. He worked with our reporting staff on a daily basis, but also worked behind the scenes with the I-Team and with news managers on coverage of major events," his colleagues at ABC 33/40 wrote. That humor is another Foglesong trademark. She helped lead Channel 3 from last place to first at the time of her departure. In a 2019 profile of Kent Dana, the Arizona Republic called him "one of the most popular local news anchors in Phoenix TV history," and noted that he still was recognized regularly around town. Chris Burrous, a popular Los Angeles television news reporter and anchor, died after being found unresponsive in a hotel room, Glendale police said. Reach the reporter at randy.cordova@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-8849. Dana is a member of the Arizona Broadcasters Hall of Fame, won several Emmy awards and received the Rocky Mountain Emmy Governor's Award in 2018. KTHV's movie reviewers discuss the actor who never ages: Paul Rudd. 2023 www.azcentral.com. The end of her marriage was reported in the press. Hundreds or even thousands of kids found a permanent home because of Kent Dana, Shumway said. Live streaming and on-demand. Thats all that needed to be said.. He never laughed at my dreams, said Sean McLaughlin, who worked with Dana at 12 Newsand is now a meteorologist at Arizonas Family, where he has also been a news anchor. You can watch all your newscasts, weather coverage, breaking news, originals and more live and on demand. When he was 5 years old, Kent won the Mr. Our streaming content is also available on the web by visiting. In a statement Wednesday, George Davilas,the station's news director, said, "Over the past five years, Ryans contributed across shows, including 'Cardinals Locker Room' and 'Today in AZ.' Now think about that he had taken over Bill Closes reign as the top news anchor in the Valley, and heres this Iowa kid that came over from Palm Springs, a tiny market, and he believed in me from day one, McLaughlin said. Then his signs were stolen, I couldn't believe my eyes," Paulin said. Kents Father, Joe Dana, laid the groundwork for Kents interest in broadcasting. Sign moved from Alabama to Arizona in 2005 and spent 13 years working in the Valley of the Sun where he won numerous awards including an Edward R. Murrow Award for spot news and an Emmy for breaking news coverage onthe search for the 'Baseline Killer' and 'Serial Shooter,' according to a bio from ABC 33/40. 00:26 - Source: HLN Stories worth. For more stories that matter,subscribe to azcentral.com. Steve was killed in 1994 when his car was broadsided in Washington D.C., covering an AZ Cardinals game. All Inclusive! Dial 2-1-1 at any time to reach the free 2-1-1 Arizona information and referral service and connect with free resources available locally throughout the state. . According to the eulogy published by ABC 33/40, Christopher also worked as a reporter at ABC 33/40 in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He did take truth and honesty very seriously, but he never took himself very seriously, she said. Probably not, but it also illustrated how Ford accurately captured the emotions of viewers. Keith Czeskleba. Perhaps most mortifying: She was one of the "chicks at 6," along with Heidi Foglesong at Channel 3 in the early '90s, when the two served as co-anchors. 12 News+ is available on Roku and Fire TV. And just how famous is the Curtis 'stache? In a tweet posted Monday Cody said, "I've worn this microphone for the last time!". Channel 12:1985-1991; Channel 3:1991 to 2013. The Wednesdays Child series was a partnership with Aid to Adoption of Special Kids (AASK). Otherwise it wouldnt have worked, she said. "His infectious laugh, his ability to put everyone he met at ease, and his sincere interest in others made him special and irresistible. The news about the 45-year-old reporter's sudden death left his colleagues and fans devastated. Award-winning investigations and consumer reporting that helps Arizonans recover hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. His book is available on amazon.com,. MORE AZCENTRAL ON SOCIAL:Facebook|Twitter|Instagram|Pinterest. In the News: National headlines for March 1, 2023, Healing and Hope: Navigating Life After School Tragedy, In the News: National headlines for February 28, 2023, Locked On Sports Today: February 28, 2023, HeartThreads | Changing the lives of students.