Biggest changes in Phoenix media in 2023: Al McCoy's retirement to mysterious TV departures

Like most years, 2023 brought about a lot of movement in local media.

Whether it’s a longtime TV anchor retiring, a radio station parting ways with a popular host or a play-by-play legend stepping away from the microphone, the only constant is change.

Maybe it’s a function of the Phoenix market having a lot of stations. Maybe it’s the ever-shifting media landscape. Or maybe it’s some people just deciding it was time for something else. Whatever the case, there was no shortage of goodbyes this year.

Audiences know and care about the people they watch and listen to. What else explains everybody wondering where Fox 10’s Ron Hoon is when he goes on vacation?

These were the biggest departures (and one arrival) in local Arizona media in 2023.

Al McCoy retires as voice of the Phoenix Suns

McCoy called his last game for the Suns, a job he had for over five decades being the longest stint for any announcer with a team, when Phoenix lost to the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs. "I just want to say thank you for 51 wonderful years, and allowing me to bring the stories of the Suns and the NBA to you," McCoy said as the game ended. At the end of the post-game show, he delivered a gut punch: "We'll just say so long … for now."

Linda Williams retires from Fox 10

Williams is stepping down on Jan. 1, 2024 after 42 years at Fox 10. "It's been a phenomenal party, but it's just time to go," Williams said. She plans to remain active in the community and visit her children in New York more often.

Olivia Fierro leaves 'Good Morning Arizona'

Fierro had left Arizona's Family stations before, in 2009. Obviously she returned, but she left again. This time is different; she's leaving to, among other things, serve as the executive vice president of governance and communications for Tequila Corrido, a locally owned company. Her husband, Tony Boyle, is the company’s chief operating officer. “I’m not really old enough to retire, people,” Fierro said. “I’m just making a career evolution. Let’s not get crazy.”

Tequila, books and 'new territories': Olivia Fierro talks life after 'Good Morning Arizona'

KNIX parts ways with Ben Campbell

When Campbell disappeared from KNIX earlier in 2023, neither he nor the station offered any explanation. Months later, Campbell did. Sort of. “I mean, I don't think it was anything I did,” Campbell said recently. “It wasn't like I went out and put a sack of puppies in a bag and threw them over a bridge," he said. "I didn't do anything like that." There is a reason for his lack of specifics. “I've gotten kind of a deal where I can't really say anything negative toward iHeartMedia (the company that owns KNIX)," he said. "But you know, I'll preface the whole conversation by saying I don't have anything negative to say, anyway."

Renee Nelson leaves Fox 10 'Arizona Morning'

Nelson's last day at Fox 10 was Aug. 2. That's what we know. What we still don't know is why. Nelson, a co-anchor of "Arizona Morning," hasn't said publicly why she's no longer at the station. She posted this on her Instagram account in November: "Thank you for all of your messages. Hoping to be able to answer questions and share my experience soon." Other than that, silence.

Allison Rodriguez leaves ABC 15, goes to 12 News

Rodriguez left ABC 15 and CW 61 in April. She didn't say why, but we learned soon enough: In April she announced she'd gone to 12 News, starting in May. She's now a co-anchor of "Today in AZ." The move made sense. “Arizona’s my home," she said. "I’ve been telling stories here for 12 years.”

Scott McDonnell out at 12 News

McDonnell started with 12 News in November of 2021. By May of 2023 he was out. Originally he was a co-anchor of "Today in AZ," the station's morning show. But he was reassigned to “12 News at 1.” The move came after the hiring of Allison Rodriguez, who became co-host with Emily Pritchard. He left the station soon after.

Zach Crenshaw leaves ABC 15

Crenshaw, a reporter and anchor at ABC 15, left the station in early August. He and his family moved to northern Virginia, where he now works in crisis communication and media training. It was a decision he did not take lightly. “It was tough to look my bosses in the eye, who have supported me, they've promoted me at ABC 15, and been really supportive in the work I've done, and are good people,” Crenshaw said. “So yeah, it was difficult to actually walk away. And it was kind of a weird feeling.”

Justin Pazera leaves ABC 15

Pazera, former co-anchor of "ABC 15 Mornings" in Phoenix, left the station at the end of June. His reason for leaving was simple: "I just think that it was time," he said. "I guess I've always heard that thing before. And this was the first time that I'm like, ‘Oh my gosh, I get it.’”

Stephanie Olmo leaves Fox 10

Olmo, a weather anchor and reporter for Fox 10, left the station in June. “I am forever grateful to the Arizonians who trusted me to tell their stories, and the viewers who welcomed me," she said on Instagram. "I’ve had the privilege to meet some of the most extraordinary and resilient people during my time here. You’ve all touched me in so many ways.” She has since joined KNBC in Los Angeles.

Joe Ducey leaves ABC 15

Joe Ducey, of "Let Joe Know" on ABC 15, announced that he is leaving the station at the end of January 2024. "After 40 years in broadcast journalism, I find no better place to conclude my career than at ABC 15, my home for the last 18 years," Ducey said in a statement to The Arizona Republic. "As the head of the 'Let Joe Know' consumer advocacy team for the past decade, I've had the privilege of helping thousands of Arizonans save millions of dollars."

Phoenix Suns hire sideline reporter

It wasn't all goodbyes. Amanda Pflugard began working as a sideline reporter for the Suns in October, joining play-by-play announcer Kevin Ray and analysts Eddie Johnson and Ann Meyers Drysdale on Suns’ broadcasts on Arizona's Family 3TV, Arizona's Family Sports and streaming on Kiswe. The team hasn’t had a sideline reporter since the 2019-20 season, and then only for home games. Pflugrad will work home and away games.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Biggest changes in Phoenix TV news, radio and broadcast in 2023