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KTVK ends contract with "Chopperguy" Bruce Haffner

ihEARDtHAT

ihEARDtHAT

I just read an article by Randy Cordove of the Arizona Republic that said that today is the end of the contract between KTVK and "Chopperguy" Bruce Haffner. Haffner was a photographer that learned to fly and became the main pilot/reporter for 3TV. After the incident in 2007 over Phoenix where helicopters from 3TV and ABC-15 collided, killing the four occupants, Bruce was grounded. The station got a replacement helicopter but shortly after that decided to enter into a shared agreement with Channel 5 and 12 for a single helicopter and reporter. Haffner obtained a helicopter of his own and with backing from Ft. McDowell Casino entered into a contract with 3TV to provide additional coverage (if the shared helicopter was covering a story and another story broke, Bruce could cover the second story.)

In the article, Bruce states he would love to rejoin KTVK. Maybe KTVK is sending him a subtle message (since he is only a contractor) that they don't want him anymore. (Can't fire him like they did with Brad and Dan)
 
It's probably just a cost issue at this point. Perhaps Ft McDowell Casino declined to renew the contract with 3TV. OTOH, perhaps KTVK is cutting costs for its new owners (whoever they may end up being). There really isn't a huge need for two different helicopters on 3TV -- we really don't need to see multiple car accidents at the same time.
 
To all the wonderful folks in Phoenix this was posted on facebook by Yetta Gibson from KTVK....Sounds like lots is going on at the station.

It is true. I've decided to take some time and hang with my family and new baby. I didn't get fired, it was MY decision. I will for sure miss my gang, Kaley O'Kelley , Gina Maravilla, April Warnecke, Javier Soto TV, Scott Pasmore 3TV, Bruce Haffner but change is sometimes necessary and always good:) #gmaz #stayclassy
So sorry to say that in addition to Bruce Haffner leaving 3TV, Yetta Gibson has decided not to come back to Good Morning Arizona. Both are really good friends and extremely talented. They will be missed so much. Yetta has decided to spend time with her children...Bruce will still be in the air doing what he loves...flying that bird!
 
Wondering where Yetta will pop up at next? When she left Fox 10, she did news on KTAR then joined 3TV.
 
brian4 said:
Wondering where Yetta will pop up at next? When she left Fox 10, she did news on KTAR then joined 3TV.
Click to expand...

Perhaps the new 4pm show on ABC15??? She wouldn't have to get up at 2am to go to work and she could be home to her kids by dinner time. Just a thought...
 
Scott Pasmore posted on Facebook today: "So happy to report that Bruce Haffner aka The chopper guy is coming back to 3tv! Looking forward to his reports from the sky! starting October first...."
 
Nice to hear this news! Welcome back, Bruce!!

It sounds like Meredith realizes the value of longtime Phoenix news people. The "transition" may be a bit more positive than the bloodbath that some have been predicting. Clearly, some redundant positions will be cut, but hopefully they will do this carefully and thoughtfully. 3TV and CBS5 combined will have more hours of news than anyone else and need a large news team to make it successfully happen.
 
Resurrecting this old post...

I've noticed that on CBS5 Bruce Haffner is promoted as their "eye in the sky" but don't mention Penguin Air, who 'owns' Bruce's helicopter. I've seen only a few on-air reports from Bruce and he never mentions Penguin Air. However anytime his name comes up on 3TV, Penguin Air is prominent. So P.A. is exclusive to KTVK but not KPHO?
 
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