KTVK, the independent station in Phoenix, has hired Dennis Welch as political editor, TVNewsCheck reports. He will begin June 1.

Welch will oversee the station’s political coverage and co-host “Politics Unplugged,” the station’s political affairs show. He joins KTVK from the Arizona Guardian, where he was owner and editor. He has been a frequent guest on “Politics Unplugged” for the past several years.

“Dennis gives us a first-rate political reporter who really knows Arizona’s political landscape,” executive news director Brad Remington said.  “3TV has made a huge commitment to covering politics and government these past three years with the launch of ‘Politics Unplugged,’ the staging of political debates, and improved day-to-day coverage. We believe the hiring of Dennis shows just how seriously we take this commitment.”