Susan Soto dies; longtime KAET-TV employee in Phoenix

Susan Soto, a former staffer of KAET-TV in Phoenix for nearly 21 years, died Dec. 11. She first worked as an advertising specialist, according to the station, now called Eight, Arizona PBS. Her role grew to include public relations and special events. "One memorable “Are You Being Served?” event required her to 'mind' the notorious [actor] John Inman, find a tiara and wrangle a Mrs. Slocombe look-alike contest," the station said in a statement.

Soto also "was one of the first people at Eight to recognize the potential of the Internet," the station said. On her own time, she learned the early technology and went on to earn a master’s degree in educational technology. She oversaw development and management of the station’s Emmy award-winning website and launched Eight early into social media via Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

"As the station grew and the media environment changed, so did Susan," the station said. "She was a significant contributor to the station’s success and held firm to her belief in the importance of public television."

Donations in her memory may be made to Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix; cards may be sent to her brother, Ralph Soto, 1915 Corliss Court, McLean, Va., 22101-5504.