ABC30 celebrates 70 years with special look back at stories, people and station legacy

FRESNO, Calif. -- ABC30 is marking a major milestone this month, celebrating 70 years of serving Central California with a special look back at the stories, people and moments that defined the station.

The half-hour 70th Anniversary Special will air Sunday, May 10 at 6:30 p.m. on ABC30, taking viewers on a journey from the station's earliest days to its role today as the region's longtime news leader.

The broadcast traces ABC30's roots back to May 10, 1956, when its predecessor first signed on, operating out of a small, cramped facility in downtown Fresno with limited staff and resources. Journalists who were there remember a fast-paced, high-pressure newsroom, where stories were shot on film, edited by hand and rushed to air each night.

Everything changed in the early 1970s when new ownership invested in equipment, staffing and a new facility, helping launch the Action News format, focused on more visuals, more stories and a faster pace. Within a year, the station rose to the top in the ratings, a position it has maintained for decades.

The special also highlights the people who became synonymous with ABC30, including longtime anchors John Wallace and Nancy Osborne, whose work helped build trust and connection with viewers. Colleagues describe them not just as journalists, but as leaders who set the tone for the newsroom and inspired generations to follow.

Beyond the newsroom, the program reflects on major stories that shaped the Valley, from the 1976 Chowchilla kidnapping to the Coalinga earthquake, the aftermath of 9/11 and the Creek Fire. Through each moment, journalists say the mission has remained consistent: to show up for the community and tell the stories that matter.

The special also explores how ABC30 became part of everyday life for viewers, with familiar faces, iconic music and memorable promotions that made the station feel like family. Over time, that connection deepened, with many who grew up watching the station eventually joining its newsroom.

While technology and the way people consume news have changed, those who work at ABC30 say the core purpose has not.

"Journalism is still journalism," Action News anchor Graciela Moreno says in the special. "Our mission is to go out there to answer the questions that our community needs answers to."

As the station looks ahead, the focus remains on continuing that legacy of trust, storytelling and service to Central California.

The ABC30 70th Anniversary Special airs Sunday, May 10 at 6:30 p.m. on ABC30.