#MediaMonday – Arizona’s NATAS Honorees
Working in public relations, we spend much of our time helping our clients share important stories. This also means we get a closer look at the care that Arizona media professionals bring to telling them. This #MediaMonday, we are putting them in the spotlight. We know how much work goes into a story, usually before it even hits the air, so it is always meaningful to see local media members and stations recognized for their outstanding work.
The Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences recently announced its 2026 Gold & Silver Circle inductees. The Gold Circle honors media professionals with at least 50 years in the television industry, while the Silver Circle recognizes those with at least 25 years. Both of these recognitions also celebrate the individuals who have made a lasting impact to their communities in their role.
Here are the Arizona media professionals joining the 2026 Gold & Silver Circles:
- Lupita Murillo, a retired investigative reporter who spent 46 years at KVOA News 4 Tucson, will be inducted into the Gold Circle for her career dedicated to journalism and the Southern Arizona community.
- Ben Avechuco of the Arizona Game and Fish Department will join the Silver Circle after a career spanning live television, sports production and work on Arizona Wildlife Views.
- Chris Holden, executive producer at Arizona’s Family, will be inducted into the Silver Circle after more than 25 years working in nearly every area of a television newsroom.
- April Warnecke, Good Morning Arizona meteorologist and Arizona native, will also join the Silver Circle after more than two decades of forecasting weather for Arizona audiences.
It is nice to see the people behind Arizona’s news celebrated. Congratulations to this year’s Gold & Silver Circle inductees!
Read the full list of inductees here!
