About
Eight News
EIGHT/KAET-TV PROGRAMS
HONORED WITH PRESTIGIOUS 2008 TELLY AWARDS
Founded in 1978, the Telly is the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional and cable TV programs, video and film productions. Each year, the Telly Awards showcase the best work of the most respected production companies, television stations, cable operators and corporate video departments. Widely known and respected, the competition receives more than 14,000 entries from all 50 states and many foreign countries.
The Silver Telly is the organization’s highest honor, and this year Eight/KAET-TV received two of these prestigious awards. The first was for
Under Arizona, an original production that combines high-definition photography and computer animation for a compelling discovery of the natural riches found only in the Grand Canyon state. A second Silver Telly Award was presented for
Arizona Stories: World War II which chronicles the war experiences of Arizona soldiers and their families with first-hand accounts from the battlefield and life on the home front. The documentary was produced as a local adjunct to The War, A Ken Burns Film.
EIGHT, ARIZONA PBS,
HONORED WITH EMMY AWARDS
FOR “BUZZ” AND “VOTE 2006”
Eight/KAET-TV, a part of Arizona State University, received Emmys in five award categories of television excellence at the 30th Annual Rocky Mountain Emmy Awards held on Saturday, October 6, 2007.
The five categories ranged from program production to promotional campaigns to interactivity on the Web.
Buzz, a profile of Arizona’s vibrant and emerging arts scene, was awarded the Emmy in the Arts/Entertainment Program Special category (Beth Vershure, Suzanne Guery, Benjamin Pierce, Jen Burke).
Under Arizona, the newest addition to Eight’s acclaimed
Arizona Collection anthology, received an award for editing under the category Editor-Program Not News (Ben Avechuco, Jim Jacoby). The program’s sound design also received an Emmy in the category of Audio-Live or Post Production (Sam Esparza at Big U Music Sound Design).
The promotional trailer for “Under Arizona,” was given an Emmy in the Promotion Program Spot or Campaign category (Jen Burke, Jim Jacoby). A second Emmy was also awarded to Eight in that category for the “Viewers Like You” on-air campaign (Jen Burke, Jim Jacoby).
In fulfilling the station’s mission as a community resource and to encourage civic participation, Eight’s
Vote 2006 Web site (Susan Soto, Adam Draper) received an Emmy in the Advanced Media-Interactivity category.
The Emmys were presented at the Chapter’s Awards Banquet on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007 at the Renaissance Glendale Hotel & Spa.
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EIGHT/KAET-TV
WINS PRESTIGIOUS
CINE GOLDEN EAGLE AWARD
FOR ARTS PROGRAM, BUZZ
EIGHT/KAET-TV
— Eight production showcased Phoenix arts scene —
Eight/KAET-TV is pleased to announce that Buzz, the pilot for an innovative arts program, has won the prestigious CINE Golden Eagle Award. CINE is a national competition that celebrates excellence in film, video and media arts. The Golden Eagle awards are recognized internationally as symbols of the highest production standards in filmmaking and videography. Since its founding in 1957, CINE has been dedicated to discovering, rewarding, educating, and supporting established and emerging talent in film and video. Among great talents whose first major awards included the CINE Golden Eagle are Steven Spielberg and Ron Howard, and such great documentarians as Ken Burns, Charles Guggenheim, Stanley Nelson, Albert Maysles and Frederick Wiseman.
Buzz, an Eight production, premiered November 9, 2006 and featured three local artists—fashion and costume designer Galina Mihaleva, who creates for dancers, models and nanotechnologists; violist Mark Dix, who brings chamber music to new audiences in downtown art galleries; and architect and urban designer Wellington Reiter, whose drawings envision a Sky Harbor where planes, condos and swimming pools might one day co-exist.
“The half-hour program is a pilot for a series showcasing Arizona’s arts scene,” stated Beth Vershure Eight Station Manager and Executive Producer for Buzz. “Phoenix’s vibrant and emerging arts community is the focus of this initiative comprising television, an interactive Web site and teacher materials that meet Arizona arts standards with uniquely Arizona content.”
Buzz is an Eight production made possible in part by MPAC, the Maricopa Partnership for Arts and Culture.
In the Spring 2007 Competition, more than 300 judges viewed and evaluated hundreds of distinguished entries. Experienced professionals in the field of film and video production, as well as subject matter experts, serve in a volunteer capacity. They judge the entries using standards of overall excellence, evaluating such criteria as writing, sound, editing, creativity, visuals, insights, and the extend to which the film meets its stated goals and communicates with its intended audience.
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GARY McMAHAN
NAMED ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
FOR EIGHT/KAET-TV
Gary McMahan has been named Eight's new Associate Director of Development, according to General Manager Greg Giczi. McMahan will be responsible for securing philanthropic resources and support for the station, including major giving, planned giving, fund raising events, and grants.
“As an organization that relies heavily on community support, we have been very fortunate,” says Giczi. “Time and time again Arizonans let us know much they value Eight in their lives, whether it is a favorite TV show or an outreach program in their child’s classroom or in their community. Gary McMahan’s experience, and expertise, will help to ensure that much-needed support continues.”
McMahan most recently served as the Director of Development for Alzheimer’s Association in El Paso, Texas. Previously, he was COO of Angel Flight America in Memphis and Executive Director of the National Foundation for Transplants (formerly Organ Transplant Fund) in Memphis, Tenn.
McMahan is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and has an MPA and a BA from the University of Missouri, Kansas City.
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BENEFIT ROAST TO CELEBRATE
MICHAEL GRANT'S 25 YEARS ON HORIZON
APRIL 5
EIGHT/KAET-TV
March 12, 2007 ? In January, Michael Grant signed off as host for HORIZON, Eight/KAET-TV's public affairs program. It was the end of a remarkable partnership with the public broadcasting station that began in 1981. Eight will celebrate his contribution to Arizona public television ? and to Arizona's political history — with a benefit roast at the Phoenix Convention Center on Thursday, Apr. 5, 2007. The event will begin with a reception at 6 p.m., followed by the dinner and program . Proceeds will help support Eight's quality local programming, including HORIZON. Individual tickets and sponsorship tables are available exclusively from Eight at www.azpbs.org/events or by calling 480.965.9614.
“Grant's dedication to Eight and HORIZON has truly been legendary. During his 25-year tenure, the program has garnered more than 100 broadcasting and journalism awards and offered Arizonans a thoughtful, in-depth look at the issues that would shape their lives.” said Don Keuth, Chairman, Eight Community Advisory Board. “Now it's our chance to celebrate his accomplishments and what's next for HORIZON.”
As host of HORIZON, Grant chronicled Arizona's political history for a quarter of a century reporting on six governors, an impeachment, twenty-five legislative sessions, a multitude of primary and general elections and more than 10,000 stories. The program has welcomed new leaders, covered tragedy and scandal, celebrated victories, illuminated public policy and asked the tough questions of Arizona 's leaders. At the beginning, there was some question as to whether Arizona could produce enough news to fill a nightly broadcast. But as Grant is fond of saying, “ Arizona came through like a trooper.”
An Arizona State University College of Law alumnus, Grant's accomplishments reach far beyond the television studio. He received his undergraduate – summa cum laude – and law degrees from Arizona State University . He was an assistant Arizona attorney general for three years before going into private practice and is currently with Gallagher and Kennedy in Phoenix .
Before HORIZON, Grant worked as an investigative reporter for a local radio station while attending law school.
HORIZON is Eight 's award-winning public affairs program. Detailed program information, online video, RSS feeds and podcasts are available on the HORIZON Web site at http://www.azpbs.org/horizon
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TAKE ONE STEP
NEW COMMUNITY-BASED INITIATIVE
ENCOURAGES WORKPLACE HEALTH
FOR ASU EMPLOYEES
EIGHT/KAET-TV
— Kick-off scheduled for Monday, Feb. 12 at the Memorial Union —
Eight/KAET-TV has joined with PBS and health organizations across the state for Take One Step , a new community-based health initiative to encourage workplace health. The free program includes a companion Web site – www.azpbs.org/takeonestep -- that allows users to track their progress online and a series of PBS specials focusing on the importance of maintaining a higher level of wellness. At the program's end, employees and managers will gather to measure outcomes, discuss the program, and celebrate success!
Our community partners include: TruWest Credit Union, Active Living Network, American Heart Association of Arizona, Arizona Heart Institute, Area Agency on Aging, Region One, Arizona State University Employee Wellness Department, Arizona Department of Health Services: Division of Public Health Services: Physical Activity Program, National Weight Control Registry, National Institute of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute – Obesity Education Initiative
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CORKS & CANVAS 2006
Eight’s second annual Corks & Canvas event on Saturday, November 4th was a smashing success. Each of the participating galleries on Marshall Way in Old Town Scottsdale offered an assortment of culinary delights from select restaurants and caterers. Throughout the event, guests were entertained by a variety of musical artists as they visited the galleries, enjoying each exhibit as they sipped Gala Rouge and Little Black Dress wines.
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EIGHT/KAET-TV JOINS WITH CARRIER
FOR “OPERATION HEAT RESCUE”
TO DONATE UNITS TO LOCAL PHOENIX CHARITY
— More than 100 units contributed to elderly and families in need —
August 18, 2006 – Eight/KAET-TV has joined in partnership with Carrier, the world leader in air conditioning, heating and refrigeration solutions, to provide cool relief to those in need. Eight and Carrier are donating more than 100 air conditioning units to the Area Agency on Aging, a network of organizations established under the 1971 Older Americans Act (OAA) to respond to the needs of older adults. This contribution will help ensure those in need stay cool throughout the remainder of summer and in the coming years.
“We are pleased to join with Carrier and the Area Agency on Aging for this important outreach effort,” said Greg Giczi, Eight general manager. “It's gratifying to have the opportunity to help improve the lives of those in our community – a community that has been so generous to our station over the years.”
Carrier is donating its FCB Series window air conditioners that offer convenient through-the-wall or window installation and provide reliable comfort for rooms that are 100-400 square feet in size. The units are valued at $125 each.
“With the success of Operation Heat Rescue last year, we felt we should continue to support local communities with the resources we have to help keep them cool, comfortable and healthy as they ride out the oppressive heat waves this summer,” said Johnny Johnson, Carrier Brand Manager. “Our company has a long tradition of giving back to the community, and it makes us feel good to know that we've been able to help senior citizens, people with disabilities and low-income families with this project.”
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KAET/CHANNEL 8 UNVEILS
NEW STATION IDENTITY
-- EIGHT
-- Internationally recognized branding guru (and former station employee) offers expertise in redesign --
January 30, 2006 - KAET, Arizona's award-winning public television station, announces the launch of a new station identity today - Eight - providing a more flexible, all encompassing reference to the media outlet's content. "The new identity will allow us to better represent all the ways in which we serve the state: our television broadcasts, analog, digital and high-definition; the online components on azpbs.org; the KAET Magazine; and our education and community outreach initiatives," says General Manager Greg Giczi. "The timing was right, and we were fortunate to be able to utilize the talents of one of the best names in the media branding business, John Ridgway."
The new logo is comprised of the word eight spelled out with the number 8 replacing the letter "g." The word channel is eliminated, with the call letters KAET taking a less significant role. Different design variations will accommodate specific content areas, such as kids or public affairs programming. Viewers will see the on-air changes beginning February 1, along with accompanying online and print materials.
Historically, station call letters and channel numbers were used to direct audiences to a specific location on the TV dial. Both identifiers are becoming obsolete. Cable and satellite systems have made the references less of a recognizable factor. "Our audiences have many ways of accessing our content," said Giczi. "It is no longer limited to sitting in front of a TV screen."
Podcasts, RSS feeds (updated content sent to your computer via the Internet), and video online offer access to station content on demand. The station's education outreach initiatives reach tens of thousands of Arizona students in the classroom - and assist thousands of teachers with professional development on line.
After an initial meeting with Giczi, John Ridgway, former station employee, Arizona State University alumnus and now CEO of Via Worldwide, expressed an interest in helping with the rebranding.
"Coming back to the station, offering my talents and insights for their new direction, I've come full circle. KAET gave me my first opportunity to work in television," said Ridgway. "From that job came a position at the Los Angeles PBS station and opportunities to work with Entertainment Tonight CBS Evening News, NBC Nightly News, Dateline, CNBC, ESPN, and networks in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa."
It is exciting and gratifying to be part of the process of creating a new identity for KAET, he added.
"As Eight continues to adapt to new technologies and delivery systems, our audiences can continue to look to us for quality content as they have for the past 45 years," said Giczi.
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NANCY SOUTHGATE
NAMED PROGRAM MANAGER
KAET-TV/CHANNEL 8
January 23, 2006 - Nancy Southgate has joined KAET-TV/Channel 8 as program manager, according to Station Manager Beth Vershure. Southgate comes to the Phoenix public television station from WPBA in Atlanta, Georgia where she was vice president and station manager overseeing program scheduling, productions, promotion and traffic.
"Our program manager plays a key role in realizing our mission of providing quality content that enriches the lives of all Arizonans. Nancy's top priority will be not only to acquire and develop content of value to our community, but also to maximize its consumption on TV, online, and in person," Vershure says. "I have no doubt that her experience and understanding of today's rapidly changing communications environment will contribute greatly to our efforts."
"I look forward to joining the successful team at KAET," says Southgate. "The station's reputation in the PBS system and in Arizona is truly exceptional.
I am excited to be part of its future."
Southgate, a graduate of the University of Georgia, also worked for a national programming and management consulting firm and as manager of television services and operations manager.
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KAET-TV/CHANNEL 8
WINS PBS AWARDS
KAET was the recipient of several top awards at the PBS Development Conference held October 6-8, 2005 in San Diego, California. The successes, innovations and best practices of PBS member stations are recognized and celebrated at the annual meeting. Stations submit applications in early summer based on their activities during the previous fiscal year and a committee of peers from around the country selects the winners in each of 13 categories.
KAET received recognition in the following categories:
Special Achievement Award - Online Fundraising
PBS Development Award (500k+ household market size) - Major Giving
PBS Development Award (500k+ household market size) - Underwriting
PBS Development Award (500k+ household market size) - Overall Development
"The awards are gratifying, especially at a national level," says Greg Giczi, KAET General Manager. "More important is what they represent locally -- a tremendous show of support from Arizonans. Our members value KAET as a crucial investment in the future, for their families and the state."
"KAET is moving into an exciting future, a future that will be built on a solid foundation of community relationships," says Kelly McCullough, KAET Director of Marketing and Development. "And it is only with these relationships that the awards are possible."
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NANCY DUDENHOEFER NAMED
SMALL BUSINESS PARTNERS MANAGER
Nancy Dudenhoefer has joined KAET-TV/Channel 8 as Small Business Partners Manager, according to KAET General Manager Greg Giczi. Dudenhoefer will manage the station's newest program targeted to serve the largest segment of the business community: small businesses. She comes to the Phoenix public television station from The Media Mix Advertising and Public Relations company where she was president.
"Nancy's expertise makes her the right person to spearhead the station's new initiative," said Giczi. "We plan to offer Arizona's small business community a strong media partner."
Dudenhoefer has been involved in the marketing and promotion of numerous non-profit organizations in the Valley, such as The Festival of Lights, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, Junior Achievement and Homeward Bound. Her media experience includes community relations and sales development with bizAZ Magazine and Director of Marketing for ABC/Channel 15. Dudenhoefer also worked at ABC, CBS and FOX affiliates in Florida.
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KAET IS NUMBER 1
KAET was the number one most-watched PBS station in the country for the entire day on May 18, 19, 20 and 21, 2005 according to TRAC Media Services for PBS metered markets.
A trusted community resource, KAET enriches the lives of Arizonans through quality programs and educational services. Channel 8 began broadcasting from the campus of Arizona State University in 1961.
KAET specializes in the education of children, unbiased news and public affairs, lifelong learning, and the celebration of arts and culture -- through the power of noncommercial television, the Internet, educational outreach services, and community-based initiatives.
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NATIONAL PBS SERIES
HISTORY DETECTIVES
FILM STORY IN TOMBSTONE APRIL 23-26
-- Segment will air this summer on KAET-TV/Channel 8 --
Antiques Roadshow meets "CSI" in the PBS series, History Detectives. The program explores the true stories behind historic sites, artifacts and tall tales told in cities across the country, with the help of an inquisitive team of fact-finders with an uncanny talent for uncovering the truth: Wesley Cowan, independent appraiser and auctioneer; Gwendolyn Wright, professor of architecture, Columbia University; Elyse Luray, an independent appraiser and expert in art history; and Tukufu Zuberi, professor of sociology and the director of the Center for Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania.
Each week, the detectives track down the best in the fields of forensics, historical research, architecture and archaeology, taking old-fashioned sleuthing to a whole new realm. In three modern-day conundrums per hour, viewers take a roller coaster ride through history as our investigators combine hard evidence and good ol' intuition in the search for the truth about the historical records of the homes, towns and personal possessions of everyday Americans.
April 23 to 26, the History Detectives team traveled to Tombstone, Arizona to investigate the surprising facts behind the legendary gunfight at the OK Corral and the real relationship between Wyatt Earp and 'Doc' Holliday.
Four years ago, a pawn store clerk in Tulsa, Oklahoma, met a customer, claiming to be a descendant of John Henry 'Doc' Holliday. The customer's pawned antique watch had an interesting inscription on the back. In the world of Western antiques, forgeries are certainly common. But, could this watch have been a gift from the fearless, frontier lawman Wyatt Earp to the dentist, gambler and gunman 'Doc' Holliday, perhaps in gratitude for his help fighting the Clancy gang at the OK Corral?
The Tombstone segment is scheduled to air this summer on KAET-TV/Channel 8.
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JOHN BOOTH NAMED
SENIOR PRODUCER/PRODUCTION MANAGER
-- Arizona native to direct ambitious production schedule --
March, 2005 - John Booth has joined KAET-TV/Channel 8 as Senior Producer/Production Manager, according to KAET General Manager Greg Giczi. Booth comes to the Phoenix public television station from Oregon Public Broadcasting where he was Senior Director of National Production responsible for production, program management and educational production departments.
"Booth brings an exceptional body of work to KAET," said Giczi. "He has the proven skills and vision to expand our station's production of local programs, as well as programs with national significance. His initial directives include producing Arizona Collection specials, as well as developing Arizona Health and Arizona Education programs."
Booth was involved in the development, management or production of many PBS series. His national credits include: History Detectives, The Meaning of Food, West Point, And Thou Shalt Honor, The Sixties, Kingdom of David, Great Lodges of the National Parks, Back to the Floor, along with regular segments on The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer.
He served as producer/director/writer on Sinking the Lusitania, The Great Lodges of the National Parks-Grand Lodges, Unseen Life on Earth, The Rockies by Rail, America's Scenic Rail Journeys, and Occupied Japan: An Experiment in Democracy.
Booth was photographer/editor for Rain of Ruin: The Bombing of Nagasaki, Frontline: Secrets of a Bomb Factory, Nova: The Great Wildlife Heist, Trading Attitudes, Frontline: Monsters Among Us, All About You, and photographer for Triumph of the Nerds.
An Arizona native, he is a graduate of the University of Arizona and Marcos de Niza High School in Tempe.
Booth began his broadcasting career at KUAT-TV, the PBS station in Tucson, Arizona.
