A
azcowpoke
Guest
New Channel 8 news-show host is on the horizon
Amanda J. Crawford and Mary Jo Pitzl
The Arizona Republic
Nov. 18, 2007 12:00 AM
Replacing Michael Grant . . . After 25 years, Horizon - KAET Channel 8's political news program - has a new face. Ted Simons, a former KTAR talk show host, was named Friday to take over the program that Michael Grant hosted from its inception until his retirement in January.
Simons was one of about 10 candidates who have been rotating through the host's chair since Grant left, as the station's managers struggled to find someone with the right resume . . . and hair . . . for the job.
Susan Soto of KAET said Simons' two decades of experience in Arizona media and his understanding of state politics and history made him the ideal candidate. Plus, the station got fantastic feedback about Simons from viewers, she said.
advertisement
Simons, 49, of Tempe, said he's excited about the job. (And with guests on Friday nights who write for this column, how couldn't he be?)
The show fills a vital niche in Arizona's political news scene, he says.
"I think so much of broadcast journalism is held up with blood and guts and shootings and things, it makes less time for public policy," he said.
Amanda J. Crawford and Mary Jo Pitzl
The Arizona Republic
Nov. 18, 2007 12:00 AM
Replacing Michael Grant . . . After 25 years, Horizon - KAET Channel 8's political news program - has a new face. Ted Simons, a former KTAR talk show host, was named Friday to take over the program that Michael Grant hosted from its inception until his retirement in January.
Simons was one of about 10 candidates who have been rotating through the host's chair since Grant left, as the station's managers struggled to find someone with the right resume . . . and hair . . . for the job.
Susan Soto of KAET said Simons' two decades of experience in Arizona media and his understanding of state politics and history made him the ideal candidate. Plus, the station got fantastic feedback about Simons from viewers, she said.
advertisement
Simons, 49, of Tempe, said he's excited about the job. (And with guests on Friday nights who write for this column, how couldn't he be?)
The show fills a vital niche in Arizona's political news scene, he says.
"I think so much of broadcast journalism is held up with blood and guts and shootings and things, it makes less time for public policy," he said.
