Reno ABC-affiliate KOLO has apologized after a promo on Monday evening’s newscast implied that gay marriage is a “sin.”

“Historically, Nevada has made a living off of sin — quickie divorces, prostitution, gambling,” anchor Sarah Johns said as footage of same-sex weddings aired (video above). “What’s one more sin added to the list if it will improve our economy?”

The promotional spot sparked discussion on the KOLO Facebook page. Read more

President Obama did another round of local interviews yesterday, speaking to reporters from stations in Columbus, Cedar Rapids, St. Louis and Reno.

The interviews, which lasted about nine minutes each, were held in the Diplomatic Room at the White House. Topics ranged from the Buffett Plan to Hilary Rosen‘s comments on Ann Romney (“It was the wrong thing to say,” Obama told WCMH).

The President was interviewed by Colleen Marshall of WCMH in Columbus, Bruce Aune of KCRG in Cedar Rapids, Larry Connors of KMOV in St. Louis and Pat Hambright of KOLO in Reno. Video of the interviews inside… Read more

Dave Beech has departed KOLO after three years as the station’s news director.

KOLO vice president and general manager Matt Eldredge confirmed Beech’s exit to TVSpy this week but did not share details about what led to the move.  KOLO has not named an interim news director and there is no word yet on who may replace Beech.

Beech joined the Reno ABC-affiliate in 2008 after serving as ND at KKCO in Grand Junction, CO.

KTVN sports director JK Metzker died on Sunday afternoon from injuries suffered in a hit-and-run accident.

Metzker, 41, was crossing the street following a University of Nevada football game Saturday night when he was struck by a vehicle that then fled the scene, according to KTVN.  Going on witness descriptions of the vehicle, police later arrested a 23-year-old man.  Alcohol does appear to be a factor in the accident and police are awaiting results of blood tests.

“We are grief struck,” KTVN general manager Lawson Fox said.  “JK’s commitment to his family was an example to every father and husband.  His family is a delight.  And JK’s humor and storytelling ability were extraordinary.  He is deeply missed.” Read more

KOLO reporter John Tyson, a 25-year station veteran who shoots and reports his own stories, claims he was fired Wednesday after the Reno ABC affiliate found out he was involved in a traffic accident.

The Reno-Gazette Journal reports that Tyson was driving in Reno on Wednesday when he hit a bicyclist with his car. Tyson was talking on his cell phone at the time. Nevada has passed legislation banning talking on a cell phone while driving, but the state will not enforce it until October 1.

“When I did report it, Channel 8 dinged me for being on my cell phone,” Tyson told The Gazette-Journal. “My feeling is we’re always on our cell phone. The newsroom calls us or someone else calls us.”

KOLO refused to comment on the claims made by Tyson, who would have completed 25 years working at the station this fall. Tyson, who said he was planning to contact an attorney, has driven more than two million miles while reporting in Nevada. His bio on the station website, which is still up, says, “John Tyson covers rural Nevada like no one else can.”