Another ABC30 reporter has left the station to pursue life on the other side of the journalist-source spectrum.

Alyssa Flores announced she accepted a position with the UC Merced communications team.

“This job has been my childhood dream come true and has touched my heart in ways I never imagined,” Flores wrote on social media. She thanked her family and colleagues.

Flores started at ABC30 in 2020. She had prior stops in Helena, Montana, and Bakersfield.

The Disney/ABC-owned station has multiple reporter/anchor positions listed on its jobs website. Both pay between $60,461 to $74,654 per year. By comparison, a reporter position listed on Nexstar-owned KSEE-24/CBS 47 pays $43,000.

Flores is the second in her household to leave ABC30 for a communications gig. Her husband, Brandon Johansen, works for Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer.

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Former Valley Figure Could Sue Over First Amendment Problem

A familiar face to Central Valley politicians was tangentially related to a First Amendment lawsuit in Arizona.

Several reporters were denied credentials to cover events in Maricopa County last year.

A lawsuit against the county forced a settlement, where the county paid $175,000 to the Gateway Pundit. Denying a credential because of the viewpoint of the media organization is a First Amendment no-no, a federal judge said prior to the settlement.

Ben Bergquam, formerly of Sanger, developed a reputation for hounding left-wing politicians at public events. A one-time staffer for Assemblyman Jim Patterson, R-Fresno, Bergquam was persona non grata at several events.

That included covering elections in Maricopa County.

“We weren’t a part of the lawsuit but yes, in the sense that they violated both of our First Amendment rights. We haven’t ruled out filing separate litigation but, hopefully, at least it teaches them they can’t do it in the future,” Bergquam told Media Man.

He left the Central Valley, taking his online show to conservative news outlet Real America’s Voice, where he has covered campaign events and border immigration.

Like the Gateway Pundit reporter, Bergquam was denied covering Maricopa County election events. When deputies kicked him out of the certification of the election, he posted the video.

Fresno State Student Paper Ceases Regular Print Edition

After 101 years, The Collegian — Fresno State’s student-run newspaper —will no longer regularly print a newspaper. They will still publish online.

“Change does not mean the end of local, student journalism. We will still be your university’s independent and student-run news publication,” The Collegian said on Twitter.

The Collegian said that it plans to use its savings to hike pay for its staff. However, it says it will still print two special editions per semester.

“They will be highlights of that year instead of our usual weekly content,” the paper said.

Thank you, Fresno State, for allowing us to provide hard-hitting news for 101 years.

Look out for updates on our new app and make sure to follow us on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook to keep up with the latest stories. pic.twitter.com/jKpyVQGNeY

— The Fresno State Collegian (@TheCollegian) May 1, 2023

ABC 30’s Moreno Honored

The Latino Caucus of the California state legislature honored ABC30 anchor Graciela Moreno with the Latino Spirit Award. The ceremony took place on the Assembly floor in Sacramento on Monday.

Several members of the Central Valley delegation tweeted out congratulations.

Congratulations to Fresno native and Emmy Award-winning journalist Graciela Moreno, for her Latino Spirit Award: Achievement in Journalism & Media! Graciela has spent the last 26 years at ABC 30 Fresno, covering major stories in both English and Spanish!#AD27 #CaLeg pic.twitter.com/Wqttd6bnWN

— Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria (@AsmSoria) May 2, 2023

Congratulations to ABC 30’s Graciela Moreno on her recognition by the Legislature today with the Latino Spirit Award. To be able to help honor a true hometown professional was a wonderful privilege.@ABC30 @GracielaABC pic.twitter.com/oaxWRLGEfA

— Jim Patterson (@JimPatterson559) May 1, 2023

Film Contest Seeking Entrants

Calling all filmmakers!

CMAC is seeking entrants for The Big Tell — short films that tell the story of the Central Valley. Ten grants of $5,000 are available for pros or amateurs.

The deadline is June 20. An online informational session takes place on May 16 at 5 p.m. More info can be found at TheBigTell.org.