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Javier Soto to leave KTVK/KPHO

I am in total shock! Javier was an integral part of the GMAZ team. Since he is being tight-lipped, I am assuming he will turn up at another Phoenix station. Who needs a new morning anchor (or a new anchor in general)? The most obvious would be Fox 10, AZ AM, but I wasn't aware of any openings. 12 News just hired a new morning anchor. ABC 15 doesn't really have any openings and I don't think Javier would be a replacement for Steve Irvin. Any thoguths?
 
Just a thought...is Ron Hoon retiring soon? I did a google search which indicated he is 64 years old, so it might be retirement time for Ron. Javier might be a good replacement.
 
KP said:
People online think he's going to Ch 15 to fill in some gaps that will be left by Irvin retiring soon...
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So, what exactly are the rumors? He would certainly be a good fit with Kaley in the mornings, which would free up Nick and/or Justin to fill Irvin's shoes in the evenings. I just don't know if Nick or Justin has the "it" factor to be an evening anchor.

As an aside, I really like Zach Crenshaw on the weekends. He does a solid job. I could see him replacing Irvin, if he had a few more years of experience...
 
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After getting over the shock of this, I can finally comment...

I thought Good Morning Arizona was finally in a right place with their on-air team. The chemistry has struggled, in my opinion, since they fired Dan Davis and Brad Perry. Javier leaving blows that up. I'd argue he was the most popular person on GMAZ.

I've watched Javier grow as a reporter and anchor. For several years, he couldn't get through a news read without making one mistake. Now he interviews government and local leaders and is credible.

Replacing Steve Irwin on ABC15 is intriguing. Partnering Soto with Kaley O'Kelley again is interesting. With his personality and laugh, Javier seems to be a better fit as a morning anchor. Primetime/nightly anchors are a lot most serious. Maybe gets some jokes in when throwing to weather or sports?

Javier Soto's new job might be the biggest move of 2022, and probably biggest direct channel-to-channel move since Kent Dana left 12News and joined CBS5.
 
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brian4 said:
Javier Soto's new job might be the biggest move of 2022, and probably biggest direct channel-to-channel move since Kent Dana left 12News and joined CBS5.
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Dana was a local legend with a family history and pedigree in the news business. Soto is good, but if he moves to another station, the world will say "OK, fine." Will viewers/fans follow?
 
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Agreed, KeithE4, even Kent Data couldn't really attract a huge audience to CBS5.

ABC15 tried this before by hiring Dan Spindle from Fox 10, to be the morning anchor, but it obviously didn't help much (and, while Dan seemed to be a nice guy, he was no Kent Dana).

I like Javier Soto. I guess we shall see what happens... I always assumed he would take the main role at GMAZ when Scott retired.
 
He's got about 35K followers each on the socials, so he'll bring some...but who knows what he's doing? The timing is interesting since Steve Irvin signs off tomorrow.
 
formeraa said:
So, what exactly are the rumors? He would certainly be a good fit with Kaley in the mornings, which would free up Nick and/or Justin to fill Irvin's shoes in the evenings. I just don't know if Nick or Justin has the "it" factor to be an evening anchor.

As an aside, I really like Zach Crenshaw on the weekends. He does a solid job. I could see him replacing Irvin, if he had a few more years of experience...
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I haven't heard rumors other than people online convinced he's going to KNXV...who knows.

IMHO, Javy has a lot going for him. Just like Brian said, he's put the work in during 18 years on GMAZ. He's handsome, personable, and he and Katie are about the same age. He's also Latino, in Phoenix, and that's big...it would make me very happy to see him in that role. I'll wish him luck & success wherever he ends up!
 
formeraa said:
So, what exactly are the rumors? He would certainly be a good fit with Kaley in the mornings, which would free up Nick and/or Justin to fill Irvin's shoes in the evenings. I just don't know if Nick or Justin has the "it" factor to be an evening anchor.

As an aside, I really like Zach Crenshaw on the weekends. He does a solid job. I could see him replacing Irvin, if he had a few more years of experience...
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Of the two, I think Ciletti would be better for the evening newscast(s) than Pazera. The latter is a little too pretentious in my view.

Likewise, I agree that O'Kelley and Soto would be a good fit for the ABC15 mornings, now that you mention it. :unsure:
 
The Media Observer said:
Considering his lengthy tenure and popularity with 3TV viewers, was Soto given a "farewell" send-off on-air? If not, the split was likely not amicable (in my opinion). :unsure:
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I believe right as Javier started his vacation, they showed a picture of him at a valley resort. Maybe the first week there was "I'm Gina Maravilla in for Javier Soto" but I don't remember.

Plus, the terse reply of the VP/GM, makes me think Javier wasn't mentioned on TV again.
 
formeraa said:
And Kaley O'Kelley responded with "hand clap" emoji. Is that a hint???
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That he's going over to KNXV/KASW? Yes. Don't be surprised if an announcement comes any day now.
 
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