Phoenix

KPNX, Tegna’s NBC affiliate in Phoenix, and KECI, Sinclair’s NBC affiliate in Missoula, Mont., received Walter Cronkite Awards for their reporting in 2020.

KNXV, the Scripps ABC affiliate in Phoenix, exposed widespread and systemic problems with Arizona’s so-called “Brady” lists, which are supposed to track police officers in the state with documented histories of dishonesty, false arrests, crimes and integrity concerns.

Meredith’s decision to create two marketing hubs to handle the day-to-day marketing of all its TV stations across the country is underway. “It’s a juggling act,” concedes Danielle Ray, who leads the Phoenix group.

“The global pandemic, the focus on racial justice and the intense partisanship of 2020 called on us to work harder and smarter than ever, and today we celebrate a few of the many Scripps employees across the country who rose to the occasion,” says Adam Symson, Scripps’ president.

KNXV in Phoenix, needed the talents of someone who has a powerful presence for its holiday message. So for its holiday promo, Pastor John makes a return.

Mark Lodato, the new dean of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, brings a deep background of local TV news and university teaching and administration experience to the position.

Meredith Broadcasting announced a new initiative called the Meredith Creative Group that will take over the marketing and creative services of its 17 TV stations across the country.

The Scripps Phoenix ABC affiliate won in the Outstanding Regional News Story: Investigative Report category for its Abuse of Force investigative series, which has prompted an FBI investigation into a local police department’s use of force.

Perry Sook, Nexstar Media Group’s chairman and president, says the company is dedicating the equivalent of $120 million this year to promote its national newscast, News Nation. How will that money be spent? What media is being used? And what will the creative be?

Local TV promos that move you, enchant you and convince you of the value of local news are on display here in part 4. It’s a historic moment, and local TV news and its marketing are giving voice to viewers, whether they’re marching in the streets, or searching for answers about COVID-19.