Lety Bazurto-Mathews, Photographer-Editor

Lety works on Conexion 12, where she’s brushing up on her Spanish, Rec 365 getting her sports fix, and Sonoran Style capturing the beauty of the region. When she's not at work she enjoys horseback riding and playing sports with her husband. And to think…Lety started at Channel 12 as a U of A intern in 1993! lety.bazurto@tucsonaz.gov

Martha Cantrell, Photographer-Editor

Martha Cantrell is one of the funniest people you will ever come across (insert blowing of own horn here). She is 5’4’’, and no, she will not say how much she weighs. She is a Taurus, who likes long walks, Arizona sunsets, and great Mexican food. Oh wait, it’s not that kind of ad. Martha has been a photographer/editor with Tucson 12 since 2004. She works on shows like REC 365, Sonoran Style, and Tucson NOW. She has met some great people along the way and some, she’s still questioning. She loves telling your stories, Tucson. martha.cantrell@tucsonaz.gov

Gene Einfrank, Television Production Manager

If you know Gene, you know he loves to cook. But when he is not in front of the stove, you’ll find him behind his computer. Gene is a career professional in the field of broadcast television production, starting out as a filmmaker (when film was film!), a news photographer/editor for KGUN-TV and then, in Los Angeles, as a freelance director of photography. Following his passion for teaching, Gene pursued a MA in Education and worked as a television instructor at L.A. City College. Since 1999, as a writer-producer for Tucson 12 and now, as production manager, Gene contributes to regular programs and special projects. He is most proud of his work on Why We Remember, a documentary about the holocaust as told through the experiences of holocaust survivors who live in Tucson. Gene says working for Tucson 12 is one of the most rewarding television jobs Tucson has to offer. As a Tucson native Gene is excited to put his experience to work in the town he knows and loves with the best TV production staff in the City, bar none! gene.einfrank@tucsonaz.gov

Gary Keckonen, Video Engineering Tech

Gary keeps us on the air …and looking good! He’s the “McGyver” of Tucson 12. You would not believe what he can do with smoke, mirrors, bubble-gum…and gaffing tape. Besides trouble shooting and fixing stuff…he backs up the master control operator…and serves as technical director for Mayor and Council meetings. Oh, he also builds our studio sets! Gary is a proud grandpa but his eldest daughter and grandkids live out of state. His wife and teenaged daughter are patiently waiting for him to fix things around the house. gary.keckonen@tucsonaz.gov

Dulce Mascareno, Writer-Producer

Dulce has been working in the TV ‘biz’ since she was 17 years old. Born in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, México, she graduated from Escuela de Comunicación Social in Culiacán, Sinaloa with a bachelor’s degree in Communications. She worked at Telemundo and the Mexican Consulate before she moved to Tucson 12 to produce and host the channel’s only Spanish language program Conexión 12. Dulce has won two Emmy awards and she received the Award Sinaloenses Ejemplares by the State Goverment of Sinaloa, Mexico. Dulce and husband, Alberto Araujo, enjoy visiting her family in México. But its Tucson she loves… because of the warm weather, warm people, the Hispanic community, and the Mexican culture. She doesn’t miss Mexican food…or Mariachi music. She say’s she’s had to listen to more Mariachi music in Tucson than in her whole life in México. dulce.mascareno@tucsonaz.gov

Cindy Samaniego, Master Control Operator

Cindy and her husband have a 9-year old son and a 17-year old daughter. When she’s not mediating the home front…she’s programming Channel 12. Don’t even think about going long on your show! She has a head for numbers and can multi-task like nobody’s business. Cindy takes care of the on-air “Community Calendar” graphics and she has the pleasure of spending every Tuesday with Mayor and Council running the crew…and the audio board. Cindy started as a secretary but soon moved to production assistant and then master control operator. cynthia.samaniego@tucsonaz.gov

TUCSON 12 SHOW HOSTS

Jed Dodds, Host - Zoo News

Jed Dodds is a born and raised Tucsonan, a native to this great desert. He can remember growing up at the Reid Park Zoo, dreaming of someday getting to work with exotic animals. Jed has a degree in Veterinary Science from the University of Arizona. He started his animal career when he was 14 years old at a Veterinary Clinic here in town and then five years ago he joined the great team at the Reid Park Zoo. Not shy about too many things, getting in front of the camera as the host of “Zoo News” seems almost too natural for this passionate animal enthusiast. Jed says, “People often ask me what my favorite animal is and my response of the Great White Shark usually is not what people are expecting.” He’s been to the Farallon Islands off the coast of San Francisco and just recently to South Africa to swim with these amazing animals. Along with traveling, Jed enjoys rock climbing, hiking, lifting, dancing, skiing and loves hanging out with his friends and family.

Jennie Grabel, Host - Studio C

Jennie is an Arizona native raised in Bisbee. She earned a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Humanites, English Literature, and Classics at the University of Arizona. She was drawn by fate to the Community Radio Station 91.3FM KXCI where she began her radio gig. She’s been at 92.9 The Mountain since 2004. Jennie still pinches herself to make sure it is true. Being a part of The Mountain has provided her with opportunity that she would never have even dreamed of. An interview with Sarah McLachlan, Studio C with The Indigo Girls, Ozomatli, Ani DiFranco, and the opportunity to provide Tucson with a positive, informative morning drive program that highlights the beauty within our community. She loves music first and foremost, but also enjoys yoga, boxing, running and spending time with friends and family.