KPNX: Fredricks moving to mornings; Mai gets new show

By Len Gutman on November 3rd, 2009 In Media

KPNX announced today that news anchor Fay Fredricks will be making the move to 12 News Today beginning in mid-December, where she will co-anchor from 5-7 a.m. with Scott Light. Additionally, the station announced 12 News Today anchor Tram Mai has been named to host a new local lifestyle news program that will air weekdays at 4:30 pm. The yet-to-be-named show will launch in January 2010 and spotlight the best of Arizona people, places and pets.

From the press release:

Fredricks joined 12 News in 2001 and currently co-anchors the station’s evening newscasts with Lin Sue Cooney and Mark Curtis.

“Our viewers tell us morning news is becoming an increasingly important part of their lives,” said John Misner, president and general manager of 12 News. “Adding someone with the level of experience and popularity as Fay is one way we’re showing our commitment to morning news. We couldn’t be more thrilled to promote her to this new position.”

For Fay, the flexibility in her new schedule is a plus for her family. She and her husband, Tim, have twin boys, age 2. “My boys trained me well the past two years on what it means to start my day early,” said Fredricks. “I can’t wait to join Scott and add my own little kick to the Perfect Morning Blend.”

Mai joined 12 News in 2003 as a weekend anchor before being named co-anchor of 12 News Today. The cornerstone of her new show will revolve around Mai exploring her passion for food, cooking up simple, creative dishes viewers can easily make at home with some of the Valley’s most in-demand chefs, local celebrities, and newsmakers.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of this new show and hope viewers will find it interesting, entertaining, and useful in their everyday lives,” said Mai. “From engaging in hot topics and relationships, to cooking everyday meals, to caring for our children and pets, I hope to bring a little something for everyone, so they can live their best. I can’t wait to get started!”

KPNX: Fredricks moving to mornings; Mai gets new show

Comments

Marketing $ociologist Says:
November 3rd, 2009 at 6:35 pm

I miss Ron Burgundy. It is hard keeping up with all the local news people. Which one was arrested for drunk at Dos Gringos? Which one was shop lifting in Paradise Valley Mall? After 25 years following Phoenix media, it is hard to keep track. Is Peter Aleshire still health reporter at the Republic, editor of Arizona Highways, an instructor at ASU or on some paper like in Winslow or Prescott?

Next thing you’ll tell me is Frank Fairbanks isn’t city manager for Phoenix! That’d be three in 26 years!

Dan Wool Says:
November 4th, 2009 at 10:26 am

So is Tram off the morning show?

Len Gutman Says:
November 4th, 2009 at 3:22 pm

yes, Tram is off the morning show. She gets to sleep in!

Dan Wool Says:
November 5th, 2009 at 2:04 pm

Big mistake.

Mike Says:
November 8th, 2009 at 9:46 pm

So why is it a big mistake? Aside from the fact that no one cares about television 4:30 in the afternoon, I’m sure Tram will like not having to get up at 3:00 in the morning.

sharon Says:
December 25th, 2009 at 8:30 am

I for one, will miss Tram. I am sure Fay Fredericks(?) is very experienced, but can never replace Tram. I will probably switch to channel 15.

Emerson Says:
December 26th, 2009 at 9:04 am

So Faye “get’s promoted” and Tram “starts a show with no name”. Interesting play on words here. Faye brings “serious news reporting”; so what did Tram bring?

Anette Says:
December 30th, 2009 at 9:38 am

Sorry to hear Tram is leaving. Scott and Tram made a very good team and it was a nice way to wake up to a team having fun plus the listening to the news. I do not watch the 4:30 pm show as I don’t get off work until 5:00 pm. which is probably the same for 80% of the Phoenix population. Your statment “Our viewers tell us morning news is becoming an increasingly important part of their lives,” must say it all.

Marci Says:
December 31st, 2009 at 7:59 am

I am happy to hear that Faye’s “serious news reporting” will be replacing Tram Mai’s annoying Twitter references every morning. Hopefully Faye will focus on the news in the valley and not the self promoting, adolescent jabber Mai contributes each morning.

Valley PR Blog » Blog Archive » Get the dish on “12 News Valley Dish” Says:
January 7th, 2010 at 6:02 pm

[...] case you didn’t know there have been changes at Channel 12. A new lifestyle show will be debuting soon. It is called 12 News Valley Dish and [...]

Angela Says:
January 10th, 2010 at 5:31 pm

I just recently switched from Fox 10 to 12 because I really liked Tram. I’ll be switching back to 10.

Miranda Says:
January 11th, 2010 at 4:24 pm

I switched from 3 to 12 because I really like the chemistry betwix Tram and Scott. Scott, at first was a too tight and Tram brings out the goofy in him. I’ve been watching now that Fay has been added and I must say it’s going to take some getting used to. I like to watch my “serious news reporting” right after the morning blend on the Today show. I liked drinking my coffee with Tram and Scott in preparation for the serious stuff.

Time will tell….

Rebeccah Says:
February 16th, 2010 at 1:34 pm

Fay is promoted…does this mean Tram is demoted? I will miss Tram and Scott in the morning. Morning news shouldn’t be serious. I like starting my day on a lighter note. That’s why Good Morning America and the Today Show are successful. Hopefully Fay won’t be all news.

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