KUAT celebrates Bill Buckmaster’s 20th anniversary

Special to the Green Valley News

TUCSON — With more than 4,000 interviews with political, business, community and social leaders under his belt, on Jan. 3, Bill Buckmaster celebrates 20 years on KUAT Channel 6.

The anchor and managing editor for Arizona Illustrated has been a welcome evening guest in our living rooms for two decades and has introduced viewers to some of Southern Arizona’s most interesting individuals.

With an easy-going on-air demeanor that belies his aggressive news instincts, it is no surprise that Buckmaster is a driving force behind Arizona Illustrated’s success. Founded in 1980 on an idea that is still novel in these days of headline news and 10-second sound bites, the program has thrived by providing in-depth reports and thoughtful analysis. “We don’t just tell you what happened today,” said Buckmaster. “We provide perspective by giving you the whole history of the subject.”

Arizona Illustrated covers a wide variety of topics from border issues to health, science and culture to news about the UA. It is the only television program that provides comprehensive coverage of all the local political races. The “Friday Roundtable” has become the area’s premier forum for discussion of political issues, with local newsmakers and reporters participating.

Buckmaster, as managing editor and hands-on anchor, does most of his own research and writing and generates many of the story ideas for the program. “Our mission here is simple: provide an alternative for Tucson news viewers and never talk down to the audience,” he said.

Buckmaster has filled a display case over the years with awards, plaques and trophies. In 2006, Tucson Lifestyle Magazine named him a “Best of City” award winner.

In 2004 Buckmaster was presented with the Alzheimer’s Disease Public Awareness Award in recognition of his ongoing contributions toward increasing public awareness of the disease.

Later in 2004 Buckmaster was flabbergasted by the naming of an asteroid in his honor. Astronomer and Parade magazine science editor David Levy, a regular guest on Arizona Illustrated, surprised him on the air with the announcement.

In 2003, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Rocky Mt. Southwest Chapter inducted Buckmaster into its prestigious Silver Circle Society in honor of his lifetime achievements in the television industry.

To be selected, individuals must have served in broadcasting for more than 25 years and must have made major contributions to the industry. He has received five Emmy nominations.

Buckmaster’s news career spans nearly four decades. It includes positions as broadcast editor for The Associated Press in Phoenix; radio news director positions in Sierra Vista, Visalia, Calif. and Las Vegas; plus news anchor posts at KTZO-TV, San Francisco and KICU-TV, San Jose/San Francisco.

Jack Gibson, KUAT general manager, said, “No newscaster is more dedicated to broadcast journalism than Bill, as demonstrated by the meticulous research that shows so clearly in his interviews and by his longevity.

To many in our community, he represents the face of KUAT. He is truly a Southern Arizona icon.”

Buckmaster earned a bachelor of arts degree in speech from The University of Arizona and received a master’s degree in education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Avid art and book collectors, Buckmaster and his wife, Ann, love to travel. They have visited more than 70 countries and 48 states (still to come: Wyoming and Delaware). Buckmaster is also an award-winning amateur photographer.

Arizona Illustrated airs weeknights at 6:30 p.m. and repeats at 12:30 a.m. on KUAT Channel 6.