Media Man: One Coming, One Going at ABC 30

Kate Nemarich started last week at ABC 30 as a news reporter, she announced on Twitter.

This will be Nemarich’s second on-air position. She arrives from WJHL-11, a CBS affiliate in Johnson City, Tennessee — part of the “Tri-Cities” market of Johnson City, Kingsport, Tennessee, and Bristol, Virginia. That market is ranked 100th by population; Fresno is No. 55.

Raised in Annapolis, Maryland, and schooled at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington, Nemarich also was a producer in New Orleans and Wilmington.

This week I started working at @ABC30. I’m excited to join this hard working team and tell the stories of Central California. pic.twitter.com/1g7U2TlyxS

— Kate Nemarich (@KateNemNews) January 18, 2023

Girardin Exits ABC 30 for Los Angeles

Leaving ABC 30 is weekend weather anchor and morning show reporter Shayla Girardin. She’s been with the station since 2019.

Girardin is headed to Los Angeles, the nation’s No. 2 media market. Like ABC 30, ABC 7 in Los Angeles is owned by the network.

Related Story: Channel 47 Anchor Megan Rupe Headed to DC; Where is Aaron Abeytia?

Her agent confirms she will work as a freelance reporter and meteorologist.

“This week marks my last week at ABC30 Action News. It’s been an honor calling this newsroom and Fresno home I’m going to miss the wonderful friends I’ve made over the past years. Thank you Central Valley for giving me the chance to share your stories and forecasts!” she wrote last week on her Facebook page.

ABC 7 entertainment reporter George Pennacchio spilled the beans in a Facebook post, welcoming Girardin back to where she started her career as an intern.

Prior to joining ABC 30, Girardin worked at KOAA in Colorado Springs.

More Middle Management for Bee

McClatchy, the parent of The Fresno Bee, says it is hiring a new manager to oversee its three Central Valley newspapers.

“We will hire a Central Valley executive editor to lead our Fresno, Modesto and Merced teams. The Central Valley executive editor will provide a strategic vision for the region that stretches from Modesto to Fresno,” an internal memo obtained by Media Man says.

This means that the local paper may have a manager stationed 100 miles away. The Central Valley executive editor will oversee the local Fresno editor, but report to McClatchy’s statewide senior manager.

One person the new editor won’t manage is Brianna Vaccari, who covered Fresno’s City Hall for The Bee. She announced that she was leaving the paper earlier this month.

Alan Autry Appears on Stallone’s ‘Tulsa Kings’

Former Fresno mayor Alan Autry landed another TV role.

He appeared in a recent episode on the Sylvester Stallone-led “Tulsa Kings” streaming on Paramount+.

According to Christopher Wesson of HITC, Autry “plays Brian Gillen, the ex-husband of Margaret, who Dwight encounters at the Fennario Ranch in the season finale.

Wow… watching @TulsaKing on @paramountplus and Fresno’s very own “Mayor Bubba” Alan Autry makes a cameo appearance… because? Everything has a @CityofFresno connection… @TheSlyStallone series is pretty good btw… pic.twitter.com/mC52FF7fzQ

— Kevin Mahan (@hurricanekev) January 18, 2023

Before and after serving at City Hall, Autry worked in Hollywood. He is most known for portraying “Bubba” in “In The Heat of the Night” television series.

Giants Broadcaster Praises Greenwald

Reaction in the baseball and radio world continues about Doug Greenwald, the now-former Fresno Grizzlies radio broadcaster.

Greenwald was let go on Monday, after 20 years behind the mic for Fresno. But, he still has plenty of fans.

“He’s outstanding. He is the heart of baseball. He understands the history of the game. He understands the essence of how the game was played back then and he understands how the game is being played today. And he brings a warmth to the broadcast,” said Marty Lurie, who hosts weekend pre- and post-game shows on KNBR, the San Francisco Giants flagship radio station.

Greenwald said he wants to remain broadcasting baseball. Lurie hopes for the same.

“I think he’s as good as any young broadcaster who we have in the Major Leagues today. It’s just a question of him getting the opportunity,” Lurie said.

Related Story: Grizzlies Part Ways With Longtime Voice Doug Greenwald. Hoggard Has New Job.

About the Author

GV Wire Senior Reporter David Taub writes the Media Man column, a regular look at local broadcast, digital, and print news.