Linda Giannecchini, committee co-chair of the Media Museum of Northern California,
passed away at her home on Tuesday, June 11, 2019, of natural causes. She was 70.

Linda was a dedicated founder of our museum, which exists today because of her
perseverance. Committee member and former San Francisco Bay Guardian Publisher
Bruce Brugmann said “Linda was a joy to work with on the museum committee. She
was a great representative and diplomat inside and outside the broadcast industry.” He
added she will be remembered for “her pioneering work with the committee to preserve
the best of broadcast journalism for our website and cause.”

Linda’s passion for television brought her to the San Francisco/Northern California
Chapter of NATAS (National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences) where she held
nearly every elective office. In her five decades with NATAS she served as chapter
president, governor, vice chair and secretary of the Executive Committee. She recently
began her eighth term as a National Trustee and also chaired several committees
including the academy’s Awards Committee which sets the standards of the Emmy
competitions.

Despite battling a longtime illness, Linda worked tirelessly until the day she died. Her
sudden death brought shock and sadness to those who knew her.

Steve Shlisky, San Francisco/Northern California Chapter President said “This is a
crushing loss to me and our local chapter. Her invaluable expert advice guided me
through the Awards Committee, as Education Chair and in my present position as
Chapter President.”

“Linda was the heart and very soul of this Chapter.”

In a statement Terry O’Reilly, NATAS National Chairman said “Linda brought a personal
passion to every day and to every project. The Academy is better for her service, and
we are all blessed to have known her.”

Longtime San Francisco Chapter member and National Trustee, Alison Gibson said: “I
have known and worked with Linda on the NATAS board for over 30 years. Never has
any volunteer put so much time, energy and smarts into our awards organization as she
had done. Very few, since NATAS’ founding president John Cannon, had the
institutional knowledge that she carried.  She was respected by all.  We are deeply
saddened, and I personally will feel this loss for the rest of my life.”

National Trustee Joyce Mitchell said: “Linda was a wealth of knowledge, guidance, and
direction. Her internalized experience with NATAS provided others with great insight.”

Mitchell added: “She generously shared her expertise — but most importantly, Linda was a
kind and lovely person. She is dearly missed.”

Linda was also the Senior Vice President for Franklin Mieuli & Associates (a consulting
company specializing in sports remotes), and Assistant Director for KQED Public Media.

Her long television career included work as a producer, director, line producer
assistant director, production coordinator, electronic graphics, closed captioner, and
events planner. As an independent producer her productions included cooking shows,
public affairs programs, sporting events, concerts, telethons, conventions, award shows,
and corporate productions.

Linda received a B.A. in Broadcast Communication Arts and completed post-graduate
studies at San Francisco State University. She was proud to have shared her television
experience as an educator, teaching courses at State and the College of San Mateo.

Linda was honored with two regional Emmy Awards and numerous nominations, the
Governors’ Award, a NATAS Service Medallion for distinguished service, and induction
to the Silver Circle.

She was also a member of RTNDA, Broadcast Legends and the Association of Moving Image Archivists.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to the Linda Giannecchini
Professional Development Scholarship Fund at the San Francisco/ Northern CA
Chapter of NATAS, 4317 Camden Ave., San Mateo, CA 94403-5007.

— John Catchings