Longtime KMJ radio personality Ron McCary died Aug. 16 at the age of 80.

A radio lifer — he started his career in 1969 at KFIG — McCary joined KMJ in 2007 as a utility man, filling any role required. He handled anchoring news on Saturdays or whenever a regular host had a vacation day, traffic reports, farm reports, call screening, and more.

McCary, a U.S. Army veteran and Fresno native, also worked as a substitute high school teacher.

I worked at KMJ for a few years, and McCary was warm, inviting, always willing to teach, and had a sense of humor.

“Ron was a legit talent, super-smart man and key contributor to the success of KMJ over the years. … The stories! We will all remember Ron fondly,” KMJ Program Director Blake Taylor wrote to station employees.

“As you remember Ron, tune in to your favorite radio station in commemoration of his life,” his obituary said.

Yurong Receives Emmy Honor

Dale Yurong’s longevity and excellence in TV has been officially recognized by his peers.

In 2023, Yurong celebrated 40 years at ABC 30. Now, he has been voted into the exclusive Silver Circle by The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, San Francisco/Northern California Chapter.

The Silver Circle is not an award, the group better known as Emmys SF said. “It is a society of honor.”

The society is for broadcasters with more than 25 years of experience and significant contributions to local TV markets.

“At a loss for words, imagine that,” Yurong posted on Facebook.

Ostlund Finding Local Success

Local radio can be successful. Despite the trend in the last 25 years of mega-corporate ownership — iHeart, and Cumulus control several stations in the market — One Putt Broadcasting still has a place, according Radio Ink.

One Putt, owned by John Ostlund, operates 95.7 The Fox (rock), K-Jewel 99.3 (adult favorites), New Rock 104.1, The Legend 105.5 (country), and KYNO 940 (oldies).

Radio Ink said that 97% of One Putt’s revenue come from local advertisers.

Earlier this year, Ostlund upgraded his 50,000-watt KYNO transmitter. He calls it the “most technologically advanced AM radio station in California.”

Media Notes …

Alec Nolan left ABC 30 in June where he served as a sports reporter since 2022. He is now anchoring news at KTBC-TV, the Fox affiliate in Austin, Texas.

“To the people of the Central Valley, thank you for welcoming me back to Fresno with open arms. After my Dad passed away, I knew I had to return home to help my family. To get a chance to do just that and work at the station I grew up watching was truly special. Fresno will always be my home. Thank you ABC30 for giving the hometown kid a shot to cover local sports,” Nolan wrote on LinkedIn.

Tiffany Olin, regularly a news reporter, has been taking up sports assignments.

Soreath Hok started in July as news anchor for KVPR 89.3 during local segments during NPR’s “All Things Considered.” She had been a fill-in since 2024.

Hok, a Fresno State graduate, replaces the late Marv Allen. She worked at the campus radio station, and as a TV news producer for KMPH 26 and KSEE 24. This is her second stint at KVPR, working there from 2020 to 2023.

Guy Haberman is filling in for an ill Greg Papa on 49ers preseason telecasts. Haberman started his broadcast career in Fresno with the indoor football Central Valley Coyotes, and later with the Fresno Grizzlies for three seasons. He also hosted a radio show on 940 ESPN from 2007 until 2013.

Haberman has built his resume in the Bay Area, working in local radio, and calling games for NBC Sports Bay Area, Pac-12 Network and Big Ten Network.

This year, 49ers preseason games are not airing on any local Fresno affiliate. Only Rams and Chargers games air on ABC 30 and KSEE 24, respectively.

Liz Gonzalez has moved from the 10 O’Clock News shift to the morning “Great Day” show on KMPH Fox 26. She replaced recently retired Jim De La Vega. Sinclair is advertising for a new evening anchor.