KTNV anchor joins elite group in Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame
Tricia Kean’s three-decade career and community advocacy recognized with September induction
A familiar face to Southern Nevada television viewers for more than two decades has earned one of the state’s highest broadcasting honors. KTNV Channel 13 anchor Tricia Kean will be inducted into the Nevada Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame, recognizing her extensive career in journalism and unwavering commitment to the Las Vegas community.
The announcement places Kean among an exclusive group of media professionals who have shaped Nevada’s broadcasting landscape over the past century. Her induction ceremony is scheduled for the association’s annual gala this September, continuing a tradition that has honored the state’s most influential broadcasters since 1996.
Three decades of journalistic excellence
Kean’s broadcasting journey spans more than 30 years, with over 20 of those years dedicated to serving Southern Nevada viewers. Her career trajectory exemplifies the dedication and perseverance required to succeed in the competitive world of television journalism.
Before becoming a mainstay in Las Vegas living rooms, Kean honed her skills across the country. The Arizona State University graduate began her professional journey in smaller markets, including Great Falls, Montana at KRTV, before moving through increasingly larger media markets. Her resume includes stops at WMAZ-TV in Macon, Georgia, WSPA-TV in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and WXIA-TV in Atlanta.
The Los Angeles native returned to her home state to work as a general assignment reporter at KCAL-TV before making the move that would define her career—joining KTNV in Las Vegas. Her experience also includes anchoring overnight national news for CBS News “Up to the Minute,” demonstrating her versatility across different broadcasting formats.
More than just breaking news
While Kean has covered countless breaking news stories during her tenure at Channel 13, her impact extends far beyond daily headlines. As a consumer advocate, she has become a trusted voice for Las Vegas residents facing fraud, scams, and unfair business practices. Her work warning viewers about product recalls and providing money-saving information has made her an integral part of the station’s public service mission.
This advocacy role has earned Kean multiple local Emmy awards, validating her commitment to journalism that makes a difference in people’s lives. Her ability to combine hard news coverage with practical consumer protection has created a unique niche that serves the diverse needs of Southern Nevada’s growing population.
Community involvement defines legacy
Perhaps what sets Kean apart from many broadcasters is her deep involvement in the Las Vegas community beyond the anchor desk. Her commitment to local causes has earned her numerous accolades, including being named “A Woman Of Valor” by Temple Ner Tamid in Henderson—a recognition that speaks to her character and community impact.
Kean’s leadership extends to several high-profile community initiatives. She spearheads United Way’s annual Day of Caring, bringing together volunteers to support local nonprofits. Her involvement with the Anti-Defamation League’s Walk Against Hate demonstrates her commitment to promoting tolerance and understanding in an increasingly diverse community.
Her role as emcee for Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada’s “Swimming with the Big Fish”—a Shark Tank-style competition for elementary school students—showcases her dedication to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders. This involvement illustrates how established media professionals can use their platforms to inspire and educate young people.
Access to influential voices
Throughout her career, Kean has demonstrated an ability to secure exclusive interviews with some of the most influential figures in Las Vegas and beyond. Her interview subjects have included major casino industry leaders such as Dr. Miriam Adelson, Steve and Elaine Wynn, Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta, and Tom Breitling—conversations that provided viewers with rare insights into the minds shaping Las Vegas’s economic landscape.
Her ability to land an interview with Jimmy Kimmel, host of ABC’s “Late Night with Jimmy Kimmel,” demonstrates her reach beyond local newsmakers. These high-profile interviews have helped KTNV maintain its competitive edge in the Las Vegas media market while providing viewers with content unavailable elsewhere.
Hall of Fame tradition
The Nevada Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame was established to honor broadcasting professionals who have dedicated at least 20 years to the industry. This requirement ensures that inductees have demonstrated long-term commitment and sustained excellence in their field.
Past inductees have included legendary figures from both radio and television, creating a distinguished alumni that represents the evolution of Nevada broadcasting. The Hall of Fame serves not just as recognition for individual achievement but as a historical record of the people who have informed, entertained, and served Nevada communities through the airwaves.
The association’s decision to honor employees with significant tenure reflects an understanding that broadcasting is more than a job—it’s a public trust that requires dedication, integrity, and genuine connection to the community served.
Impact on Southern Nevada journalism
Kean’s induction comes at a time when local journalism faces unprecedented challenges. The traditional model of television news continues to evolve with changing viewer habits and technological disruption. Yet her career demonstrates the enduring value of experienced, trusted local journalists who understand their communities deeply.
Her consumer advocacy work has likely saved Las Vegas residents millions of dollars over the years by exposing scams and alerting viewers to dangerous products. This practical impact, combined with her role in covering major news events, illustrates the multifaceted nature of modern broadcast journalism.
Looking forward
As Kean prepares for her September induction, her career serves as both a culmination of past achievements and a continuing commitment to Las Vegas viewers. In an era of rapid media change, her steady presence provides continuity and reliability that viewers have come to expect.
The Hall of Fame recognition acknowledges not just longevity but the quality of service provided over those years. For aspiring journalists, Kean’s career path offers lessons in persistence, community engagement, and the importance of evolving with changing audience needs while maintaining core journalistic values.
Her induction also highlights the strength of Las Vegas’s media market, which has grown from a small desert outpost to one of the nation’s most dynamic metropolitan areas. Local broadcasters like Kean have chronicled this transformation, serving as both witnesses to and participants in the city’s remarkable evolution.
Celebrating excellence
When Kean takes her place among Nevada’s broadcasting elite this September, she’ll join a fraternity of professionals who have dedicated their careers to keeping Nevadans informed. The gala celebration will not only honor her individual achievements but also recognize the collective impact of broadcasters who have shaped public discourse in the Silver State.
For KTNV viewers, the honor confirms what many have long known—that their trusted anchor represents the best of local journalism. Her combination of professional excellence, community involvement, and genuine care for viewers exemplifies the ideals that the Hall of Fame was created to celebrate.
As Southern Nevada continues to grow and change, having experienced journalists like Kean to guide viewers through complex issues becomes even more valuable. Her Hall of Fame induction serves as both a well-deserved recognition of past service and an affirmation of local broadcasting’s continued importance in connecting communities and holding power accountable.
Image Source: https://www.ktnv.com/news/channel-13s-tricia-kean-inducted-into-nevada-broadcasters-association-hall-of-fame
Category: State News
Subcategory: Broadcasting, Media
Date: 07/11/2025
