PHOENIX (STN) – The fourth season of ‘It Happens at STN’ premieres Thursday, September 4, with the addition of two celebrated voices in Arizona media: Vanessa Ruiz and Hailey Frances. Both veteran journalists bring decades of newsroom excellence and a deep-rooted passion for community storytelling to the show’s already dynamic team of hosts.
From their early days in Phoenix television to leadership roles in mission-driven organizations, Frances and Ruiz have consistently utilized their platforms to amplify voices, address community challenges, and share narratives that matter. Now, they’re helping shape the future of STN’s revolutionary live studio show—one that prioritizes solution-based storytelling and inspires local action.
“After years of working with STN behind the scenes, it’s a true honor to step into this new role alongside such a talented and purpose-driven team,” Frances said. “STN’s mission to amplify the leaders and organizations making a difference resonates deeply with me.”
Frances, who has also taken on the role of Director of Operations at STN, previously served as the content director at KASW and led the development of syndicated and local programming, including a lifestyle show, Positively Arizona. Dedicated to journalistic integrity and new ways to evolve local media, Hailey is a grant recipient of the Knight-Cronkite Alumni Innovation Grant and a Fellow of the Carole Kneeland Project for responsible journalism.
Ruiz, a three-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and former anchor for KPNX, also occasionally anchors PBS NewsHour West and has held influential roles at Arizona State University focused on enrollment, K-12 pipeline building, community engagement, and as a professor of journalism. In recent years, Ruiz has turned her passion for service into purpose-driven action through her leadership of BearFruit, a consulting firm that supports national and international nonprofits with fundraising strategy, grant writing, and community engagement.
“It just makes sense that at this juncture in my career, I can be a part of and support the incredible platform STN provides for our community leaders and changemakers,” Ruiz said. “My background in higher education, journalism, and now supporting non-profits reach their funding needs allows me the opportunity to connect with a variety of sectors and causes. It’s an honor to bring those elements and experience to the STN stage.”
“Both Hailey and Vanessa have spent their careers amplifying stories that matter to this community,” said STN founder and CEO Eric Sperling. “Bringing their talents to STN means we get to go deeper than headlines [and] into the solutions, ideas, and voices shaping Arizona’s future.”
The arrival of Frances and Ruiz follows the Season 3 addition of Monique Lopez, Erin Moran, and Veronica Aguilar. All part of a growing cohort of female leaders helping STN reimagine local media as a platform for hope, not division.
“I’ve always said STN is in the goosebumps business, and now we’ve just added two media pros who know how to deliver them,” Sperling added. “Hailey and Vanessa are going to make Season 4 hit harder and move people to act. Their presence will raise the bar for what conversations in Arizona could look like.”
The new season kicks off Thursday, Sept. 4, from STN’s downtown Phoenix studio, and will feature 10 monthly episodes running through June 2026.
