Equal Employment Opportunity Report

KFSN-TV FRESNO ANNUAL EEO PUBLIC FILE REPORT
August 1, 2023

Click/tap here to read this report on FCC.gov.

I. GENERAL POLICY

This report covers the period from July 16, 2022 through July 15, 2023.

KFSN-TV (the "Station") has a longstanding commitment to a policy of equal employment and advancement opportunities for all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state or federal law.

In the Station's commitment to fair employment practices, we strive to ensure that equal consideration is extended to all employees and applicants in recruitment, selection procedures, employee development, performance evaluation, promotions, transfers, benefits and other aspects of employment.

It is the Station's policy to promote the realization of equal employment opportunity through a positive, continuing program of specific recruitment, outreach, hiring, promotion and other practices.

In compliance with the EEO record keeping requirements, the Station creates a file for each position to be filled. The file generally includes, but is not limited to, the following items: copies of advertisements, emails, and distributions to the Station's mailing lists used to notify sources of openings, and a summary of interviewees who applied for vacancies as well as their referral sources.

In addition, the Station documents and retains information about its long-term recruitment initiatives. These files generally include, but are not limited to: the nature and date of each activity, the scope of the Station's participation, and the names and titles of the Station personnel involved.

II. RESPONSIBILITY

Michael Carr, KFSN-TV's President & General Manager, is responsible for supervising EEO compliance.

III. POSITIONS FILLED AND RECRUITMENT METHODS

KFSN-TV has publicized job vacancies in the following ways (except for positions filled through internal promotion) and as indicated below:

Sending or emailing the KFSN job listing to the 52 organizations and schools detailed in Attachment A. We periodically broadcast on-air announcements publicizing the fact that qualified organizations may request to be added to our mailing list in addition to posting a similar message on jobs page of the station's website (abc30.com).
Posting open positions on the station's website (abc30.com/jobs).
Posting open positions via DirectEmployers Association Job Syndication Alliances detailed in Attachment B.
Posting open positions in the Company online job listing (jobs.disneycareers.com).

Following are the positions filled during the period of July 16, 2022 to July 15, 2023:

Anchor/Reporter (Filled - Jason Oliveira 07/31/22)

This position was filled through internal promotion.

Producer, News (Posted 08/19/22, Filled - Georgette Garcia 10/16/22)

In addition to this job vacancy being publicized as described above, this position was advertised in the following publications: TVJobs.com, Fresno Bee, NAHJcareers.org, NABJcareers.org, AAJA.org, Allwomeninmedia.org, JournalismJobs.com.

Three people were interviewed. Referral sources of the candidates interviewed were as follows: internal station candidate - 1; Twitter - 1; company online job listing -1. The referral source of the candidate hired was Twitter.

News Editor (Posted 08/17/22, Filled - James Gilliland 10/10/22)

Two people were interviewed. Referral sources of the candidates interviewed were as follows: employee referral - 1; internal station candidate - 1. The candidate hired was an employee referral.

Promotion Producer (Filled - Philip Torres 12/04/22)

This position was filled through internal promotion.

Digital News Producer (2) (Posted 09/20/22, Filled - Marc Lopez 10/16/22, Kellie Helton 11/21/22)

Seven people were interviewed. Referral sources of the candidates interviewed were as follows: internal station candidate - 2; company online job listing - 5. One candidate hired was an internal station candidate. The referral source of the other candidate hired was the company online job listing.

News Photographer (Posted 10/20/22, Filled - Robert Lopez 12/05/22)

Three people were interviewed. Referral sources of the candidates interviewed were as follows: company online job listing - 2; internal station candidate - 1. The candidate hired was an internal station candidate.

Multi-Skilled Journalist (2) (Posted 10/3/22 - Vincent Ybarra 1/3/23, Catherine Nemarich 1/17/23)

Five people were interviewed. Referral sources of the candidates interviewed were as follows: employee referral - 2; company online job listing - 3. The referral source of one candidate hired was the company online job listing. The other candidate hired was an employee referral.

News Photographer (Posted 4/17/23, Filled - Joseph Whittington 5/22/23)

Three people were interviewed. Referral sources of the candidates interviewed were as follows: company online job listing - 2; LinkedIn - 1. The referral source of the candidate hired was the company online job listing.

General Assignment Reporter (2) (Posted 04/17/23, Filled - Brianna Willis 6/26/23, Tiffany Olin 07/10/23)

Assistant Director, Technology (Posted 05/08/23, Filled - Andrew Vu 07/03/23)

Three people were interviewed. Referral sources of the candidates interviewed were as follows: company online job listing - 2; employee referral - 1. The referral source of the candidate hired was the company online job listing.

Broadcast Operations Technician (Posted 04/17/23, Filled - Jackson Raney 07/10/23)

Five people were interviewed. Referral source of the candidates interviewed was as follows: company online job listing - 5. The referral source of the candidate hired was the company online job listing.

IV. LONG TERM RECRUITMENT INITIATIVES

KFSN-TV is committed to performing ongoing non-vacancy specific recruitment efforts that bring attention to the variety of job and career opportunities at the station. Outreach efforts are designed to provide easy access for candidates to apply for job opportunities, as well as provide information and training to develop a diverse pool of prospective candidates for the future.

A. Participation in Job Fairs

10/06/2022: KFSN Executive Producer Tiffany Lundberg attended the California State University Business, Media and Creative Careers and Internship Fair. She spoke with students and alumnae about career opportunities and ABC30's internship program.

10/19/2022: KFSN is inspiring the next generation of storytellers. Anchor Jessica Harrington and Executive Producer Aurora Gomez participated in Career Tech Expo in Fresno. 2,500 students attended the event. They visited the KFSN booth and practiced their reporting skills.

03/01/2023: Action News Anchor Graciela Moreno and Digital Producer Marc Lopez had a booth and spoke to students and alumni at the Fresno State Career and Internship Fair.

B. Internship Program

KFSN-TV's internship program offers paid internships for college students interested in careers in television broadcasting. The internship program is designed to provide students with an onsite educational experience that complements their academic studies. During the reporting period, KFSN-TV hired three interns.

KFSN-TV's internship program has launched the careers of dozens of students with aspirations to work in broadcasting. Currently there are eight former KFSN-TV interns working at the Station, including one on-air talent, two Producers, one Executive Producer, one Assignment Editor, one Digital News Producer, the News Director and the General Manager.

Recruitment outreach for interns is accomplished by working with the Disney Talent Acquisition team, and by informing the Journalism Department at local colleges and universities about openings.

C. Scholarship Programs

KFSN-TV's scholarship program, the ABC30 Building a Better Community Scholarship, provides at least five scholarships each year to under privileged and/or "at-risk" students to attend a State Center Community College District campus. KFSN-TV's Journalism Scholarship, provides three scholarships each year to underserved students majoring in Mass Communications/Journalism at California State University, Fresno. Three students were awarded scholarships during the reporting period. KFSN donated a scholarship to the Fresno/Madera Chapter of the Association of Mexican American Educators in May 2023.

KFSN donated to the San Joaquin Valley Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. which hosted the African American High School Recognition Ceremony on June 4, 2023.

KFSN established a new scholarship for Central California Asian Pacific Women.

KFSN awarded one student with a $1,500 scholarship at the annual African American High School Recognition Ceremony on June 4, 2023.

D. Listing each upper-level opening in a job bank or newsletter of a media trade group with a broad-based membership that includes women and minorities

The Station posts its job listings to the websites of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, National Association of Black Journalists, Asian American Journalists Association, and Alliance for Women in Media.

E. Provision of training to management level personnel as to methods of ensuring equal employment opportunity and preventing discrimination

KFSN-TV management employees are required to complete the Walt Disney Company's "Preventing Harassment" and "Standards of Business Conduct" training courses every two years. These courses cover discrimination prevention and the importance of offering equal employment opportunities to all employees.

F. Training programs designed to enable station personnel to acquire skills that could qualify them for a higher level position

KFSN-TV employees have access to a wide range of professional, leadership, and management training through the Walt Disney Company's D-Learn training program.

G. Mentoring Programs

KFSN President & General Manager Michael Carr served as a mentor in the National Association of Black Journalists Leadership Academy Mentoring Program. Michael was one of more than 20 African American General Managers who served as mentors to 10 journalists who participated in the program. Michael met with the mentees monthly via zoom.

H. Other Activities

KFSN's EP Content Development Tim Sarquis and former Community Journalist Brandon Johansen received recognition from the Fresno County Board of Supervisors for the station's work on its two documentaries, "Mountain Strong: Surviving the Creek Fire" and "Killer High: The Silent Crisis." A resolution was made in honor of their work and contribution to the community to help heal, inform and educate.

KFSN VoluntEARS stepped up to help feed the hungry. They jumped on the produce line at Central California Food Bank in Fresno, sorting and packing 4,200 pounds of bell peppers. The VoluntEAR work helped unlock a $10k grant from Disney and Feeding America that will pump 100,000 pounds of produce to Central California Food Bank and the community it serves.

ABC30 Advisory Council Meeting on July 13, 2022, with members of the community to discuss issues of importance to them and their community.

KFSN helped kids in need get a good start to the new school year. ABC30 VoluntEARS stuffed 300 backpacks with school supplies donated by employees. The backpacks, provided by Disney, were then donated to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Fresno County.

10/01/2022: 50th Anniversary Gala

KFSN is honoring Centro La Familia on its 50 years of service! The agency connects marginalized communities with resources and celebrated with a special gala. ABC30 Anchor Graciela Moreno emceed the festivities. KFSN is also saluting the agency on Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month. https://abc30.com/hispanic-latino-latina-latin-american/12241274/

10/08/2022: Pride Visalia

KFSN was a first-time sponsor of Pride Visalia. A record 2,500 people attended. Proceeds of the festival benefited the Source LGBT+ Center. Photojournalist Tom Amico, Reporter Elisa Navarro, and Executive Producer Aurora Diaz handed out Mickey Mouse rainbow stickers, ABC30 pens, and fans featuring on-air talent.

10/12/2022: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

KFSN partnered with Marjaree Mason Center to promote the Top Ten Professional Women and Leading Business Awards. Anchor Graciela Moreno was the emcee. Proceeds will help the Center provide a safe space for survivors of domestic violence.

11/05/2022: KFSN anchor Warren Armstrong paid tribute to veterans as he emceed the Star Spangled Ball and Casino Night. Proceeds benefited Central Valley Veterans, a nonprofit providing services to veterans and local members of the military.

11/09/2022: ABC30 Advisory Council

ABC30 Management Team met with Ross Gentry, Tulare County, Julie Herd, Governor's Office of Business & Economic Development to discuss issues important to their organization and the Valley.

11/10/2022: ABC30 Youth Advisory Council/RTNDA Members from the ABC30 Youth Advisory council along with member of RTNDA, met with ABC30 leaders to discuss issues important to them and toured the station.

11/16/2022: SEFCEDA Trailblazers for Prosperity Award Luncheon

Action News report Nic Garcia emceed. Southeast Fresno Community Economic Development Association (SEFCEDA) held its annual Trailblazers for Prosperity Awards Luncheon at the Fresno Fairgrounds. SEFCEDA connects Southeast Fresno residents with job training and educational opportunities. SEFCEDA is also on a mission to create a new park and soccer complex in Southeast Fresno.

11/30/2022: KFSN Anchor Dale Yurong was the guest speaker at Clovis Unified School District's Asian Student Success Conference at Clovis East High School. Dale spoke about the Filipino Bayanihan spirit, a topic close to his heart. Bayanihan refers to a spirit of communal unity and cooperation, helping family and friends in times of need without expecting anything in return.

12/03/2022: Fiesta Navideña Benefit Brunch

KFSN sponsored the Fiesta Navideña Brunch, benefitting The League of Mexican American Women, including the Betty Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser. This year's event was hosted on Sunday December 4, 2022.

January 2023: Action News Anchor Warren Armstrong gave a speech to the Sons in Retirement Civic Group.

1/11/2023: ABC30 Advisory Council Meetings consisting of members from several valley agencies who came together to talk about important issues in their community.

1/12/2023: Action News Anchor Amanda Venegas led a station tour and viewed the newscast for Fresno Christian students in the school's journalism program.

1/16/2023: KFSN sponsored the City of Fresno's MLK Commemoration program. Hundreds attended the event in Downtown Fresno Monday, which featured gospel music and dancing. Inspiring speakers also spoke on the importance of equity, diversity, and the sacrifices made by Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Anchor/Reporter Brittany Jacob emceed the event.

February 2023: KFSN kicked off Black History Month by inviting the director of Fresno USD Black History Month Program to our new set. The sit-down interview between anchor Margot Kim and Lisa Mitchell gave viewers a preview of the district's program showcasing talented children and teens from sixteen different schools. (Link)

February 2023: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California is expanding, and KFSN's President and General Manager Michael Carr was there for the special ribbon-cutting event in Fresno. Carr is a board member. KFSN has partnered with BBBSCC for over 30 years. The nonprofit matches mentors with students who need a role model.

February 2023: Action News Anchor Warren Armstrong emceed the "Reading and Beyond" Fundraising event.

February 2023: ABC30 is Taking Action Together with Down Syndrome Association of Central California. Employee VoluntEARS are holding a suits and dresses drive. Donations will help students with Down syndrome attend the upcoming Fairytale Ball. After airing this story, donations came pouring in from the public. (Link)

2/10/2023: Action News Report Amanda Aguilar was a panel speaker for the Rise to It production "Lead the Way" conference at Burton Middle School.

2/18-2/19/2023: Action News Reporter Amanda Aguilar was a panel speaker for the Galentine's Day Self-Love Women Empowerment Conference.

2/22/2023: Youth Advisory Council Meeting: ABC30 meet with young adult members of the community to discuss important issues to them and their community. ABC30 also conducted a tour of the ABC30 Studios for council members.

3/03/2023: Action News Reporter Amanda Aguilar was a guest reader for "Read Across America Day" at Fairmont Elementary School.

3/13/2023: ABC30 staff led a station tour for the Public Information Officers from several agencies throughout the valley. The PIO's also attended the Midday Newscast.

3/15/2023: Program Manager Charlene Ciavaglia led a station tour for the Clovis Senior Activities Center. They were excited to see the new news set and visit with Action News Meteorologist Madeline Evans to talk about recent weather events.

3/16/2023: Program Manager Charlene Ciavaglia let a station tour for students from Visalia Unified School District. The students met with Meteorologist Madeline Evans and were shown the newsroom and the set.

3/17/2023: ABC30 celebrated the Magic of Storytelling with students at Lincoln Elementary School in Fresno. Kids picked out new books, and reporter Kassandra Gutierrez read to them during story-time. Lincoln is among six Fresno Unified schools receiving a total of 4,728 books donated through the partnership with Disney, ABC30, First Book and EECU. (Link)

3/18/2023: COWGIRL UP! The Clovis Rodeo Association kicked off festivities leading up to rodeo weekend with a fundraiser catered to the ladies! The Cowgirl Up BBQ raised close to $60,000 for the Central Valley Honor Flight, an organization committed to honoring local WWII veterans, Korean War Veterans, and Vietnam Veterans by sending them to see their memorials in Washington, D.C. The event was covered by ABC30 Anchor & Reporter Vanessa Vasconcelos.

3/21/2023: Program Manager Charlene Ciavaglia led a station tour for the Air Quality Control District members from throughout the state of California. Members also attended the Midday newscast.

3/23/2023: Action News Anchor Warren Armstrong had a speaking engagement with the East Fresno Rotary Club.

3/27/2023: ABC30 Staff led a station tour for Public Information Officers from several agencies throughout the valley. They also attended the Midday newscast.

3/27/2023: Program Manager Charlene Ciavaglia led a station tour for students from JFK Jr. High School in Hanford. Students viewed the news studio and newsroom during their visit.

3/31/2023: Action News Reporter Jessica Harrington participated in "Career Day" at Sequoia Elementary School.

4/12/2023: ABC30 Advisory Council Meeting held a meeting with leaders from various organizations who come together to discuss important issues to their community.

4/14/2023: Action News reporter Brittany Jacob had a speaking engagement during the Change Makers event at Bartlett Middle School.

4/15/2023: Action News staff volunteered in a cleanup event at the African American Historical & Cultural Museum of the San Joaquin Valley.

4/18/2023: ABC30 Station Tour: Madera High School 4H class took a tour of the ABC30 Studios and newsroom.

4/19/2023: A Clovis Unified elementary school teacher is among the 100 selected for Disney's Imagination Campus event. Aidé Madrigal has been a teacher at Pinedale Elementary for 25 years, and she is being recognized as one of Disney's 100 teachers who share the magic and imagination of Walt Disney. For over two decades, this magical teacher has brought dance, culture, and diversity to her campus. She's been teaching students "Baile Folklórico" for nearly that entire time. The group's accomplishments and Aidé's dedication has earned her a four-day trip to Disneyland Resort in California. (Link)

4/19/2023: ABC30 Station Tour: ABC30 collaborated with Fresno State for a new tour of ABC30 introducing the new Youth Advisory Council. They were able to see some of the technology used in our abc30 newscasts plus how to pitch a story for news coverage.

4/25/2023: ABC30 Station Tour: Tulare Unified School District Media class took a tour of the ABC30 Studios and newsroom.

4/22/2023: Action News reporter Vince Ybarra participated in the Fresno Rainbow Pride Pageant.

4/26/2023: ABC30 Anchor Graciela Moreno was one of 13 recipients honored at the California Capitol Monday night as part of the 21st Annual California Latino Spirit Awards. The awards honored 11 prominent Latinos for their contributions to different careers, including education, business, technology, arts, literature, and more. Graciela was among this year's recipients for her work in journalism.

5/1/2023: ABC30 Sports Anchor, Stephen Hicks Emcee'd the 60th annual Cinco De Mayo Charity Tournament at Copper River to benefit the First Tee Fresno. The Cinco De Mayo Charity Golf Tournament has dedicated 100% of all the profits from their event to the First Tee of Fresno chapter since 2009, enabling kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges.

5/6/2023: Action News report Amanda Aguilar emceed for Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health "Experiencing Hope" event.

5/12/2023: KFSN reporter Nic Garcia emceed Día del Maestro Scholarship Awards. 29 students received scholarships including one provided by KFSN. The event was hosted by Association of Mexican American Educators.

5/13/2023: KFSN reporter Elisa Navarro announced the winner of Best Newscast at the Slick Rock Student Film Festival. The competition included 24 categories and drew over 400 entries from the next generation of storytellers. KFSN is a proud sponsor of the festival held every year in Visalia.

6/3/2023: ABC30 employees and their friends and family members joined thousands of others who took part in Fresno's Pride Parade and festival in central Fresno.

6/17/2023: KFSN provided extensive coverage of the Fresno Juneteenth Festival. The station sponsored the five-day celebration and supported with a PSA, social media posts, live hits, and stories about the importance of recognizing the sacrifices and contributions of Black Americans. Employees also volunteered their time at the festival.

6/20/2023: ABC30 Station Tour: ACCESS social services of Fresno. Access Specialized Treatment Program is a licensed Adult Day Program in Fresno, CA. Adult Day Program(s) are licensed individually by state or local governments and surveys are typically completed by local entities, such as the Department of Aging or Veteran's Services.

6/25/2023: Action News Anchor, Graciela Moreno emceed the Fresno Alzheimer's association benefit.

7/12/2023: ABC30 Advisory Council meeting.

Attachment A

Attachment B

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