During the 1940s and 50s, Phoenix was still developing an identity. Showing up for them and ensuring their well-being was his priority. Hundreds or even thousands of kids found a permanent home because of Kent Dana, Shumway said. 12 News KPNX's news director at the time found out Leonard was living in the Valley and asked Leonard if he wanted to "unretire" for one newscast a day. But Linda Alvarez, who filled the anchor chair at Channel 12 (coincidence?) 12 News+ is available on Roku and Fire TV. The problem, according to the judge's ruling, was not the familial DNA search but what Scottsdale investigators did with those results after finding a match. 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. 12News went out with a counting team in Phoenix and talked with people who spent the night in the bitter cold weather. 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. Then Dana worked at KPNX (12 News) and later Channel 5 (part of the Arizonas Family stations). Charles Barkley with Team 12, inlcuding Bruce Cooper, Bill Denney and Steve Pascente. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. When he dealt with the six of us, if we ever disappointed him or did something to stress him out, he was always calm, cool, and collected, said Susan Allen, one of Kents daughters. Renowned news anchor Kent Dana passed away on April 19 at the age of 80. The 26-year-old suspect allegedly stabbed his roommate to death. Its time to take back control! Kent had so many friends he would bring home. And that hasnt changed at all.. Kent Dana'sfather Joe was a radio and TV personality from the 1930s to the 1950s. Later, she flew solo, anchoring the station's two-hour 4:30 p.m. newscast with poise and uncommon good sense. Linda Alvarez in a show open for a KPNX newscast. We trust them. Police said his death appeared to be a suicide. Quite famously, Reasoner was not thrilled with the woman who shared the desk. TV runs in the Dana family. Example video title will go here for this video, Stay up to date on what's happening in your community with a 24/7 live stream and on demand content from 12 News. Here's where, 'It is evidence that the Hopi clans traveled through there': New documentary explores real history of the Grand Canyon, From selling mops to selling cars: The story of Sebastian Ibaez, Durant expected to make Suns debut on Wednesday vs. Hornets, Failing at polls, election deniers focus on state GOP posts, How credit scores are evolving to improve access to credit, Supreme Court student loan case: The arguments explained, Authorities identify man who died in custody of Phoenix police Saturday evening. Probably not, but it also illustrated how Ford accurately captured the emotions of viewers. Jineane Ford joined 12 News in 1991. You can watch all your newscasts, weather coverage, breaking news, originals and more live and on demand. Can you deliver it with sincerity and authority? It was our good fortune that Leonard accepted. Kents son, Joe Dana, followed his footsteps in broadcast journalism and has worked for 12 News as an anchor and reporter for 20 years. From Kent Dana to Bill Close and Patti Kirkpatrick, here's a look back at some of the best local newscasters to grace metro Phoenix screens since the 1970s. He then demanded to read a statement. What TV journalists learned working from home, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Cody has worked as an anchor on theNBC affiliate's morning show, Today in AZ, and as co-host of the stations Cardinals Locker Room show. The man is not listed as the owner of the companies he represents during projects, so he has never been disciplined by the Registrar of Contractors. 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. As an anchor,Kirkpatrick went through a lot. Always encouraging. Still, don't hate him because he's beautiful. That kind of charm is surely missed on the airwaves. Phoenix 'Breakfast Bitch' restaurant owner sentenced to 51 months in federal prison. Award-winning investigations and consumer reporting that helps Arizonans recover hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. Later Kents father bought him a 36 Plymouth for $75 dollars. Twitter.com/randy_cordova. The criteria: They were on air from the '70s onward, and they had to sit in the anchor chair (no weather or sports personalities, unless they made the move to anchor). "He was a mentor to me and many others here at 12," said Mark Curtis, 12 News anchor. As of 2023, she is around 34 years old. I took control of my future and ended the professional toxicity which was bleeding into every aspect of my life. There are many talented people that narrowly missed making the cut. "He will be missed.". Kristen Keogh Wikipedia Bio, Age Husband Wedding Married Height. Its either there or it isnt. Who else would make a tradition out of wearing a red plaid Sears sports coat every Christmas? 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. 12 News (KPNX-TV, NBC) Jan 2021 - Present2 years 2 months Phoenix, Arizona, United States Bilingual Multimedia Journalist NBCUniversal Media, LLC Apr 2018 - Jan 20212 years 10 months Greater. This channel is currently unavailable for viewing on our website. Close calmed him down and read the incoherentstatement himself. Kent's father Joe Dana was a radio and TV personality from the 1930s to 1950s and Kent Dana's son, also Joe Dana, currently is a reporter for 12 News. KPNX-TV, also known as 12 News and . Listen, folks, some very difficult decisions had to be made last week for our list of the 10 hottest TV news women in Phoenix. How to prevent them and what parents need to know. . 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. The man did not seem made for hugs or chatter. Theres a reason he was the most beloved anchor of his time, Lin Sue Flood, who worked with Dana at 12 News, said. "His influence of how to be a professional still resonates with me to this day," he said. If you ran into Dana in person, youd probably have the urge to run up, give him a hug and engage in small talk. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Keith Czeskleba. PHOENIX A helicopter accident over Central Phoenix 13 years ago Monday claimed the lives of four television journalists in Phoenix. Read More . Then his signs were stolen, I couldn't believe my eyes," Paulin said. Leonard was 92. Broadcasting runs in the Dana family. To the younger generation of the broadcast community, I want to tell you this. All rights reserved. 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. Hoover police received a call around 8a.m. of a person down, found Sign and pronounced him dead, according to Czeskleba. Andrea's legacy spanned more than three decades as an Emmy award-winning journalist with more than 20 years of that at NBC12 as anchor of 12 News Today and 12 News at Noon. The app is FREE and does not require any credit card information. He credits Dana with helping him find the confidence to pursue the network job. The cause of death was an infection that developed after hip surgery this past winter, according to Dana's family. And Im not that funny, said Jineane LEcuyer, who worked with Kent from 1986-to 1999. Dana, one of the most popular anchors in Phoenix news history, was 80. From crossing guards to educators and bus drivers, a look at the everyday heroes. People camping on the block were able to move their belongings to a staging area during the cleaning. It was at the prestigious institution that he met his wife, Laura. But wearing the jacket became a tradition that viewers looked forward to every holiday season. Download now! You can watch 12 News+ from anywhere! Before Bill Austin was on 99.9 KEZ in the "Beth & Bill" show, he was a weather forecaster for KPNX. Kevin Durant, Monty Williams speak about Durant's expected debut for Phoenix Suns vs. Hornets tonight, Body found by ADOT worker near I-10 in Buckeye, Winter storm updates: ADOT advises against traveling in 'extreme weather conditions', Nieve para el norte de Arizona y lluvia en el valle debido a la tormenta invernal. He died Tuesday, April 19. Arizona Republicans disavow wide-ranging bribery allegation Many Arizonans at risk of losing Medicaid coverage soon 20-year-old shot to death at Circle K in Peoria Pearl Harbor survivor,. AASK would tell us they would get hundreds of phone calls after a story aired and maybe it wouldnt work for that child, but it would develop a relationship for parents to adopt someone else.. Voices, experts and personalities on the right and the left. I think a lot of people view Kent as a figure kind of larger than life. She helped lead Channel 3 from last place to first at the time of her departure. He launched a weekly variety show on Channel 5, Arizona Caravan, where he delivered news bulletins, sang songs, and hosted musical guests. Kent Dana started working at KSAZ, now Fox 10, for Bill Close, the dean of broadcasters in those days, Dana said in a 2019 profile in The Arizona Republic. Something that I saw installed just a few hours prior just disappeared. One game I finally got a hit. No problem. We have lost a revered colleague who's indelible imprint will serve forever as a hallmark of decency, honesty and journalist integrity,ABC 33/40 Vice President & General Manager Eric Land said in a statement. In his hands, the questionings and yearnings of a boy of twelve seem altogether natural. . Reach Goodykoontz at bill.goodykoontz@arizonarepublic.com. Being a news anchor is a job that requires a certain set of skills combined with a whole other set of talents: Can you report the news? At the time, their meetingwas cast as a potential conflict of interest. During a 2018 Emmy Awards speech, he attributed his success to his co-anchors and a longtime producer, Julie Frisoni Shumway. As an adult, Kent frequently told the story as a lesson in parenting. She was named the Valleys most trusted anchor in a 1990Phoenix Gazettepoll, even beating out (gasp!) Facebook: facebook.com/GoodyOnFilm. ABC Has Canceled 'Mixed-ish' After Two Seasons, 'Sesame Street' Celebrates 50+ Years on Air in ABC Pandemic Special '50 Years of Sunny Days'. Independent Living for Seniors: Estrella Estates NEW LISTING! That dream was to work at a national network, a dream McLaughlin achieved when he became theweekday chief meteorologist for MSNBC and Sunday meteorologist on NBCs Weekend Today in 2004. After you check out these anchors who made an impact, vote for your favorite current TV news anchor in our poll at the bottom of the story. He was passionate about journalism and showed it each and every day as he pushed himself and his colleagues to be the best.". Kent Dana, thats who. Hes intelligent, yet relatable. The best guide in Arizona to getaways, concerts and the dining scene. Christopher Sign, 45, was found dead in his home in suburb of Birmingham He leaves behind a wife, Laura, and their three young sons Colleagues paid tribute to Sign on social media after hearing. Shumway told 12 News that Dana was both professional and fun. Channel 7 Eyewitness News Reporter Lisa Colagrossi Dies at 49 . Everyone who knew Kent recalls his loud, cackling laugh that could light up the newsroom. Reach breaking news reporter Miguel Torres atMiguel.Torres@arizonarepublic.comor on Twitter @MTorresTweet. In. Climate Change | What's up with this wild weather? Not so withFoglesong, who stepped away from the news desk in 1993 at her own accord. Free Zoom meeting about divorce lawyers in Glendale. But it was intellectual and hysterical and sarcastic without ever having a streak of superiority or meanness.. "He taught me so much about life in & out of the newsroom," ABC15 anchorDanielle Lerner wrote. "I was lucky to get on board," she. It was my divine nature, Kent Dana said. Kent wasnt particularly athletic and used to tell the story of the year he tried playing little league baseball. Subscribe to the weekly movies newsletter. Fact-checking and verifying claims about the first paramedics in the U.S., who invented VapoRub, Jackie Robinson in the MLB and more. "Chris was a tremendous leader in our newsroom. WATCH LIVE: 12 News (KPNX-TV) in Arizona. Judge excludes key DNA evidence in Allison Feldman murder case. Kevin Durant, Monty Williams speak about Durant's expected debut for Phoenix Suns vs. Hornets tonight, Body found by ADOT worker near I-10 in Buckeye, Winter storm updates: ADOT advises against traveling in 'extreme weather conditions', Nieve para el norte de Arizona y lluvia en el valle debido a la tormenta invernal, Mesa family who adopted 5 children honors Kent Dana, Grant Woods, close friend of Sen. John McCain and former Arizona attorney general, dies at 67, Arizona Sen. John McCain, 81, dies after battling brain tumor. How you can save more and waste less. "Always hopeful. Kent profiled children in the foster system and the stories drew attention to adoption efforts in general. 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. But he will likely best be known as a fixture on the anchor desk during an era that local television news dominated ratings. "For my dad it was just amusing that people saw him in that light," Joe Dana said. "He was an incredibly talented and dedicated journalist but more importantly, was a devoted husband, father and friend.". In 1976, Barbara Walters became the first female anchor of a national evening news program, teaming with Harry Reasoner. She's funny, whip-smart and bilingual to boot. The stories brought out Kents inner child as he would banter and laugh with kids. They also helped viewers see the humanity of foster children. The local TV news icon leaves behind his wife Janet of 42 years, their two children, and four children from his first marriage. Throughout his career, Dana covered stories on Phoenix airwaves from Oklahoma Citys terror explosion site, the Los Angeles riots, and Barry Goldwaters living room. 7:08. 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. AZ International Auto Show & New Car Buyer's Guide 2020 Model Year, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. You know when you see an actor and think, "Man, they'd be fun to grab a drink with?" He would do that for anyone.". Updated: 6:17 ET, Apr 20 2022 RENOWNED news anchor Kent Dana has died after battling an infection following a broken hip. Local and breaking news from around the Phoenix metro area, brought to you by FOX 10 News, serving the central, northwest, northern and eastern areas of Arizona. 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. This at a time when local anchors had a lot of power. On the topic of his father, Joe said, "I just think his. 'It's just brutal out here': Annual homeless count in Maricopa County underway. So it was constant banter. He moved back to Alabama in 2017 to work with ABC 33/40 to spend more time with his family, according to the stations obituary. Police and the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Officer are investigating the death of a man while in custody of police Saturday night. One time a fan wanted an autograph but had nothing for Dana to sign, so he wrote his name on the back of a piece of pizza. VERIFY looks into different claims surrounding cold weather from if it can make you sick to what's best for your car. If he lacked the crusty edge ofBillClose, he instead offered a kinder, gentler presence. Steve Pascente and Bill Denney led the 12 News sports department. Family and friends honor the legacy of former 12 News anchor Kent Dana during a Celebration of Life ceremony this morning. He was hilarious, he was warm and would give you the shirt off his back.". After returning home he eventually transferred to Brigham Young University where he studied broadcast journalism and worked at a Provo radio station. It got to the point where viewers would call us and ask, When is he going to wear the jacket? Kent said. Its a belief he says he learned from his father. 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. 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. Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy him down and read the incoherentstatement himself in Maricopa County Medical Examiner 's are... 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