Bill Goodykoontz
Verified- Media Columnist, AZCentral | The Arizona Republic
- Adjunct Instructor, Arizona State University News
- Writer, Aol
Arizona
"Embarrassingly ubiquitous." Arizona Republic and @azcentral media critic for a living - how meta - bring up four kids for fun. Or maybe vice versa.
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Articles by Bill Goodykoontz
Katie Zacharia is out. She never stood a chance | Opinion
Anthony Scaramucci can relax. In a head-spinning move, Katie Zacharia is out as the White House press secretary after only five days on the job. The New York Times first reported the firing on Friday, Oct. 16. The whole episode is just another example of the funhouse-mirror aspect of Donald Trump's relationship with the media. (Scaramucci, the butt of jokes for his short-lived term, lasted 11 days, or more than twice as long as Zacharia.) Zacharia never stood a chance. Trump appointed her on Oct. 9.
'You Can See Everything' is the most intriguing movie of 2026
Usually, when the buzz around a film involves words like love, lies, reality and the very nature of truth, it’s a crock, just self-important gobbledygook. As it turns out, “You Can See Everything,” about disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, is a film about love, lies, reality and the very nature of truth. Seriously. And not so seriously.
Zacharia debut proves Trump doesn't need a press secretary | Opinion
"I don't really know what to say." You don't typically hear a TV reporter utter those words, but CNN's Kaitlan Collins did after new White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia's first briefing on Tuesday, Oct. 13. And Collins pretty much nailed the vibe. It was weird. Really weird. Trump announced Zacharia's appointment on Oct. 9, so this was a quick turnaround, with little time to get up to speed on the issues. It showed.
Zacharia debut proves Trump doesn't need a press secretary | Opinion
"I don't really know what to say." You don't typically hear a TV reporter utter those words, but CNN's Kaitlan Collins did after new White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia's first briefing on Tuesday, Oct. 13. And Collins pretty much nailed the vibe. It was weird. Really weird. Trump announced Zacharia's appointment on Oct. 9, so this was a quick turnaround, with little time to get up to speed on the issues. It showed.
Zacharia debut proves Trump doesn't need a press secretary | Opinion
"I don't really know what to say." You don't typically hear a TV reporter utter those words, but CNN's Kaitlan Collins did after new White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia's first briefing on Tuesday, Oct. 13. And Collins pretty much nailed the vibe. It was weird. Really weird. Trump announced Zacharia's appointment on Oct. 9, so this was a quick turnaround, with little time to get up to speed on the issues. It showed.
Zacharia debut proves Trump doesn't need a press secretary | Opinion
"I don't really know what to say." You don't typically hear a TV reporter utter those words, but CNN's Kaitlan Collins did after new White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia's first briefing on Tuesday, Oct. 13. And Collins pretty much nailed the vibe. It was weird. Really weird. Trump announced Zacharia's appointment on Oct. 9, so this was a quick turnaround, with little time to get up to speed on the issues. It showed.
Longtime meteorologist is out at ABC 15 in Phoenix. 'That's a wrap'
Ashlee DeMartino, a meteorologist with ABC 15, is no longer with the Phoenix station. DeMartino announced her departure in an Instagram video post on Monday, Oct. 12. "I have not made this announcement yet, but it only seems fitting, since I am on location and it's raining, that today is my last day at ABC 15," DeMartino said, as she stood in front of Halloween decorations as rain fell in the background. As for what's next, DeMartino was unclear. "I don't know what is next," she said in the post.
After 2 decades Ted Simons leaves Arizona PBS. Why he says 'it's time'
Ted Simons, who has hosted "Horizon" on Arizona PBS for two decades is leaving the show. He shares exclusive details about why "it's time." Ted Simons, the longtime host and managing editor of "Horizon" on Arizona PBS, is retiring at the end of 2026. Simons has hosted the show since 2008, when he took over for original host Michael Grant. That's a good run by any measure, and Simons will be missed.
After 2 decades Ted Simons leaves Arizona PBS. Why he says 'it's time' | Exclusive
Updated Oct. 12, 2026, 1:09 p.m. MT Ted Simons, the longtime host and managing editor of "Horizon" on Arizona PBS, is retiring at the end of 2026. "It's time," Simons told The Arizona Republic. Simons has hosted the show since 2008, when he took over for original host Michael Grant. That's a good run by any measure, and Simons will be missed.
What can you learn in dive bars on Route 66? A lot, actually
The Sportsman's Club in Kingman, Arizona, along Route 66. You wouldn't think I'd like dive bars so much, having almost gotten beaten to death in one. An exaggeration? Not really. My first job at The Arizona Republic (no azcentral.com then), as I've mentioned a time or 2,000, was on the newspaper's state desk, living in Kingman and covering the northwestern part of the state.
'East of Eden' takes a classic novel in a powerful new direction
"East of Eden" on Netflix is a showcase for Florence Pugh. Zoe Kazan adapted the John Steinbeck novel for TV and she took some liberties. They work. “East of Eden,” John Steinbeck’s self-described magnum opus, is a big, beautiful, sprawling book, an updating of the Cain and Abel story told through the lens of a growing America.
'The Social Reckoning' is no 'The Social Network.' Why it fell short
I believe “The Social Network” is one of the three best movies of the 21 st century. David Fincher’s masterpiece is about so much more than who founded Facebook. It’s the story of how Mark Zuckerberg gained the internet and lost his soul, and thanks to career-best performances by Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield, along with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’ Oscar-winning soundtrack, it holds up magnificently. So, of course, has Facebook. At least on the influence and financial fronts.
Rob Schneider fake AZ governor debate was unfunny, on-brand | Opinion
Actor Rob Schnieder says he's putting his career and life on the line to speak out against Republican leadership in Texas." alt="<a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="link" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2026/03/30/rob-schneider-draft-military-comments/89386885007/">Actor Rob Schnieder</a> says he's putting his career and life on the line to speak out against Republican leadership in Texas." /> <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"...
Rob Schneider fake AZ governor debate was unfunny, on-brand | Opinion
Actor Rob Schnieder says he's putting his career and life on the line to speak out against Republican leadership in Texas." alt="<a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="link" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2026/03/30/rob-schneider-draft-military-comments/89386885007/">Actor Rob Schnieder</a> says he's putting his career and life on the line to speak out against Republican leadership in Texas." /> <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"...
Rob Schneider fake AZ governor debate was unfunny, on-brand | Opinion
Actor Rob Schnieder says he's putting his career and life on the line to speak out against Republican leadership in Texas." alt="<a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="link" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2026/03/30/rob-schneider-draft-military-comments/89386885007/">Actor Rob Schnieder</a> says he's putting his career and life on the line to speak out against Republican leadership in Texas." /> <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"...
Rob Schneider fake AZ governor debate was unfunny, on-brand | Opinion
A common complaint about "Saturday Night Live" is that the show will take a funny idea and beat it to death in skits that quickly wear out their welcome. You could say the same about "SNL" alum Rob Schneider's campaign ad-in-disguise for Andy Biggs, the Republican nominee for governor in Arizona. It's set up as a debate between Biggs and Gov. Katie Hobbs, who is running for reelection. But Hobbs famously, or infamously, doesn't debate, and has won statewide office twice by not doing so.
Rob Schneider fake AZ governor debate was unfunny, on-brand | Opinion
A common complaint about "Saturday Night Live" is that the show will take a funny idea and beat it to death in skits that quickly wear out their welcome.
Karoline Leavitt and Fox News are match made in MAGA heaven | Opinion
In the least surprising news since Donald Trump groused about Kaitlan Collins again, Fox News announced that former White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was joining the network as a contributor. A cheery Dana Perino made the announcement on "America's Newsroom" on Monday, Oct. 5. "We are excited to have her," Perino said. (Perino was herself a press secretary to George W. Bush.) "She's a woman with an exceedingly bright future. She also ran for Congress.
Former Arizona TV anchor returns to Phoenix in new role 'I'm pumped' Original
Oct. 5, 2026, 7:46 a.m. MT Christine Stanwood has returned to Phoenix television news at Arizona's Family stations. She will serve as the consumer investigative reporter for the station. Stanwood was previously an anchor and reporter at ABC 15 before a brief stint in Tulsa. Christine Stanwood, who left ABC 15 in Phoenix in March of 2025, is back on Valley TV news, albeit at a different station. Stanwood, who started on Thursday, Oct.
What's it like to be famous and Hispanic in Arizona?
Owners Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin pose for a portrait at Aruma Coffee on May 31, 2024, in Tempe, Ariz. As holidays go, National Hispanic Heritage Month is somewhat unusual. Its timing, at least. It runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. That's because several Central American countries celebrate their independence beginning on Sept. 15. Besides, the dates aren't as important as the celebration.
What's it like to be famous and Hispanic in Arizona?
Owners Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin pose for a portrait at Aruma Coffee on May 31, 2024, in Tempe, Ariz. As holidays go, National Hispanic Heritage Month is somewhat unusual. Its timing, at least. It runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. That's because several Central American countries celebrate their independence beginning on Sept. 15. Besides, the dates aren't as important as the celebration.
I assure you, Tom Cruise's ‘Digger' is not the movie you think it is
Digger Rockwell (Tom Cruise) comes from long line of oil men in "Digger." When the invitation arrived for the screening of "Digger," the new film directed by Alejandro Iñárritu and starring Tom Cruise, it contained a request that anyone writing about the film, "in order to give audiences the opportunity to enjoy the film to its fullest and allow them to discover the story as it unfolds," refrain from revealing spoilers. Pretty boilerplate stuff, really, if weirdly detailed.
I assure you, Tom Cruise’s ‘Digger’ is not the movie you think it is
When the invitation arrived for the screening of “Digger,” the new film directed by Alejandro Iñárritu and starring Tom Cruise, it contained a request that anyone writing about the film, “in order to give audiences the opportunity to enjoy the film to its fullest and allow them to discover the story as it unfolds,” refrain from revealing spoilers. Pretty boilerplate stuff, really, if weirdly detailed. But a lot of films and TV shows make a similar request.
I assure you, Tom Cruise’s ‘Digger’ is not the movie you think it is
When the invitation arrived for the screening of “Digger,” the new film directed by Alejandro Iñárritu and starring Tom Cruise, it contained a request that anyone writing about the film, “in order to give audiences the opportunity to enjoy the film to its fullest and allow them to discover the story as it unfolds,” refrain from revealing spoilers.
I assure you, Tom Cruise's ‘Digger' is not the movie you think it is
Digger Rockwell (Tom Cruise) comes from long line of oil men in "Digger." When the invitation arrived for the screening of "Digger," the new film directed by Alejandro Iñárritu and starring Tom Cruise, it contained a request that anyone writing about the film, "in order to give audiences the opportunity to enjoy the film to its fullest and allow them to discover the story as it unfolds," refrain from revealing spoilers. Pretty boilerplate stuff, really, if weirdly detailed.
Trump crashed the Cardinals' game. And you paid for it | Opinion Original
Sept. 28, 2026, 2:18 p.m. ET A political ad featuring Donald Trump aired during the Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers game. The ad, which is nearly identical to one from his 2024 campaign, is paid for by the U.S. Government. Federal law prohibits using public money for political advertising, but the White House claims the ad is educational. The ad's appearance comes as some Republican candidates distance themselves from Trump ahead of midterm elections.
Trump crashed the Cardinals' game. And you paid for it | Opinion
Donald Trump's "final battle" ad his campaign used in the 2024 election made an unwelcome return during NFL games. This time taxpayers paid for it. The Arizona Cardinals had an away game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Sept. 27, so it’s a fair bet most fans watched on TV. Things got ugly, and that is not a reference to the Cardinals’ 36-30 loss.
Scottsdale finally has a reality TV show. What took so long?
Parents take in the action in "Team Moms: Baseball." Scottsdale, Arizona, is many things, but it seems like one of them would be the perfect setting for a reality show. There's money, there's partying, there's the results of what happens when money and partying mix. There's also a certain, shall we say, attitude that this is where all the beautiful people belong. Everyone else is just a tourist on the look-at-me tour. Locals don't call it "Snotsdale" for nothing. Kidding, kidding. Mostly.
Cardinals regained some TV dignity in their loss to 49ers | Opinion
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) drops back to pass against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in San Francisco on Sept. 27, 2026. People in sports often say there is no such thing as a moral victory. You win, or you lose, simple as that. There's some truth to that, but dang, after watching the Arizona Cardinals keep fighting back against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Sept. 27, only to lose 36-30, you kind of wonder.
Cardinals regained some TV dignity in their loss to 49ers | Opinion
People in sports often say there is no such thing as a moral victory.
Opinion: What is Trump TV? It's mostly a sad bow to vanity
It sounds like the culmination of Donald Trump’s lifelong dream, and a nightmare for all but the most ardent MAGA enthusiasts: Trump TV. It’s neither. Instead, it’s a slapdash accumulation of various clips and events that show Trump only in a good light, a great light, some are saying the best light ever. Mostly it’s old speeches and ceremonies and such. It will also carry live events, as it did the president’s address to the United Nations on Tuesday. It’s equal parts funny and pathetic.
Arizona TV news saw mass exodus with 5 farewells this month
The comings and goings of local TV news journalists in Phoenix tend to wax and wane. Things will be steady for a while, and then all of a sudden there will be a wave of changes. And the last month or so has seen a virtual tsunami.
Arizona TV news saw mass exodus with 5 farewells this month
"Good Morning Arizona" anchor Simone Cuccurullo announced that her last day on the show is Sept. 8, 2026. The comings and goings of local TV news journalists in Phoenix tend to wax and wane. Things will be steady for a while, and then all of a sudden there will be a wave of changes. And the last month or so has seen a virtual tsunami. The longest-tenured of the bunch saying goodbye is John Hook, who left Fox 10 after 33 years at the Phoenix station.
Arizona TV news saw mass exodus with 5 farewells this month
The comings and goings of local TV news journalists in Phoenix tend to wax and wane. Things will be steady for a while, and then all of a sudden there will be a wave of changes. And the last month or so has seen a virtual tsunami. The longest-tenured of the bunch saying goodbye is John Hook, who left Fox 10 after 33 years at the Phoenix station. Fox 10 wasted no time in naming his replacement, Marc Martinez, who has been with the station since 2002.
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