Francisco ‘Fran’ Saldaña, a celebrated television engineer and integral member of the Good Morning America (GMA) team, has passed away at the age of 70. His death occurred on August 29, with the popular morning show paying tribute to him during its broadcast on September 3. Saldaña’s storied career in television spanned over five decades and included a variety of roles, from covering significant historical events to mentoring the next generation of broadcasters.
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Born on January 23, 1956, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Saldaña’s journey in the television industry began in the early 1970s. He first worked at Tele-Inde, Channel 13, in his home country, where he honed his skills as a technician and storyteller. A pivotal moment came when, still in his twenties, he ventured to Nicaragua as a cameraman to cover the revolution. This assignment was fraught with tension, as he and his colleague lost contact with their newsroom, transforming them into an unfolding news story themselves.
Following his early achievements, Saldaña relocated to the United States and continued to forge his path in television. His multifaceted career included serving as an assistant professor of media production and technology at Essex County College. He played a significant role in transitioning WOR-TV Channel 9’s operations from New York to New Jersey, showcasing his adaptability and proficiency in the industry.
His tenure in Newark’s cable television landscape was particularly notable. Saldaña worked with various organisations, including Connection Cable, which evolved into Gateway Cable, Cablevision, and eventually Altice USA. In each of these roles, he not only excelled as an engineer but also took on the responsibility of mentoring young talents eager to enter the television field. His position as programming manager for Cablevision of Newark and South Orange saw him producing and directing public affairs programming that garnered numerous accolades, including five ACE Award nominations and multiple Emmy nominations.
In addition to these achievements, Saldaña introduced innovative practices in television production, notably through his role as director of NJ Local Programming. He was instrumental in creating Cablevision’s first tapeless workflow system, which set a standard across the New York metropolitan area and contributed to the evolution of television broadcast technology.
In 2017, after nearly 50 years in the industry, Saldaña joined Disney and ABC News as a maintenance engineer, providing valuable technical support to Good Morning America. His colleagues remembered him fondly for his dedication and curiosity, as well as his sense of humour and passion for life.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, those closest to Saldaña cherished his lively personality and wide-ranging interests. He was an enthusiastic gardener and cyclist, deeply interested in politics and global affairs. His love of travel and different cultures was evident, particularly in his fondness for Brazilian music and cuisine, earning him the affectionate nickname “Caipirinha King” for his rendition of Brazil’s famous cocktail.
Saldaña’s obituary beautifully encapsulated his essence, describing him as someone who cherished every encounter with others. Neighbours could often find him tending to his garden, stopping only to engage in long, meaningful conversations with passersby.
He is survived by his wife, Soraida Peres, with whom he shared 22 years of marriage, as well as his two sons, Charles Frank and Lucas Francisco Saldaña, and his grandchildren, Anthony and Noah. Saldaña’s legacy extends beyond his immediate family, touching the lives of a large extended family and friends who will remember him for his warmth, wisdom, and zest for life.
As the world of broadcast journalism mourns his loss, Francisco ‘Fran’ Saldaña’s contributions to television will be felt for years to come. His story is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the impact one individual can have in shaping the industry and inspiring future generations.