It's like the Triple A Station for Phoenix

KMPH in Fresno seems to be losing a number of staffers to the Phoenix market. The station has become a feeder for the Valley of the Sun. 

The Fresno Bee writes that Nicole Garcia, an anchor/ reporter for the local FOX affiliate has accepted a job at KSAZ, the FOX television station in Phoenix. Sunday was Garcia's last day on the air here. She had worked in Fresno for more than eight years.

In May, KMPH reporter Erik Rosales announced he was leaving Fresno to take a job at KPNX, the NBC station in Phoenix, as a consumer reporter on the station's morning show. He had been at KMPH almost three years, first as the chief assignment editor and then as a reporter. But, Rosales changed his mind and stayed in Fresno.

Jack Peck, KMPH general manager, says a "nationwide search" has started to find a replacement for Garcia.

And speaking of the Fresno market, The Bee also reports that the 6 p.m. weekend newscasts on KSEE (Channel 24.1) and KGPE (Channel 47.1) have been dropped through the upcoming college and NFL football seasons. Both TV stations will continue to broadcast news at 11 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Matt Rosenfeld, president and general manager of both stations, says he will decide whether or not to bring back the newscasts after the football season is done.