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Saturday, December 13, 2025
Friday, December 12, 2025
Vanessa Pacheco joins CW39 Houston
Vanessa Pacheco joined CW39 Houston as a reporter in November 2025.
Here is what Pacheco posted on social:
"HOUSTON, I’M HOME!!! So thrilled to officially join the team at CW39 — right here in the 4th largest city and #6 TV market in the U.S.! This is a dream come true! I can’t wait to share stories from the community I’ve always called home. As the Queen of Tejano once said… “Me siento muy excited!"
Pacheco returns to her hometown from FOX10 WALA in Mobile, Alabama, where she served as the breaking news and morning traffic anchor.
Before that, she anchored the morning newscast at WDAM 7 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She began her broadcasting career at WDAM in 2012, earning multiple Associated Press Broadcasters and Mississippi Association of Broadcasters awards, including honors for Best Investigative Reporting, Best Documentary, and Best Franchise Reporting.
Pacheco is a graduate of Grambling State University, where she earned a master’s degree in mass communications. Scouted while in high school, she received a scholarship to play on the women’s soccer team, winning two SWAC Championship rings during her four-year collegiate career.
RECENT CW39 HOUSTON CHANGES
- Idolina Peralez returns to CW39 Houston KIAH as chief meteorologist
- Kara Willis leaves CW39 Houston
- Seth Kovar leaves CW39 Houston
- Jonathan Novack leaves CW39, Daryl Matthews hired
- Allison Gutleber joins CW39 Houston
Tawny Davis leaves News 4 San Antonio
Tawny Davis announced she has left her multimedia journalist (MMJ) position News 4 San Antonio WOAI and FOX San Antonio as of November 28, 2025.
Davis joined the San Antonio Sinclair-owned stations in 2023.
Davis began her career at KTSM 9 in her hometown of El Paso, where she reported on issues shaping the Borderland.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in communication studies with a minor in Visual Communication Design from St. Mary’s University in 2020. She went on to receive her master’s degree in Broadcast and Digital Journalism — with a sports media emphasis — from the prestigious S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University in 2021.
In addition to her newsroom work, Davis has experience as a play-by-play announcer for UTEP Athletics.
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Caroline Vandergriff joins North Central Texas Council of Governments as Spokesperson
Caroline Vandergriff has been selected as the North Central Texas Council of Governments' new Public Affairs and Communications Officer.
Vandergriff will oversee all media relations, public outreach, and strategic communications for NCTCOG.
Vandergriff brings nearly 15 years of experience in television news, most recently as a reporter at CBS News Texas.
Joining the NCTCOG team is particularly meaningful to Vandergriff because her grandfather, Tom Vandergriff, helped create the agency in 1966 and served as its first president. As mayor of Arlington for 26 years and Tarrant County Judge for 16 years, he was known as a champion for regional cooperation.
Tom Vandergriff died in 2010 at the age of 84.
“My grandfather firmly believed that everyone in North Texas would succeed if they worked together, and that spirit of regionalism was instilled in me from an early age,” Vandergriff said. “I’m both excited and humbled for the opportunity to carry on that legacy through NCTCOG.”
Prior to returning home to North Texas in 2019, she served as a reporter in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Lansing, Michigan. During her journalism career, Vandergriff led coverage of major regional events and national issues, earning recognition for excellence in storytelling and community engagement. She also developed expertise in government reporting.
“We are excited to welcome Caroline to the team,” said Todd Little, executive director of the North Central Texas Council of Governments. “Her background in journalism and media provides an understanding of how information reaches the public, and it will strengthen the agency’s ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and strategically. Caroline is a trusted voice in DFW, and she will be a critical asset in shaping how our region understands and connects with NCTCOG.”
Vandergriff will serve as the primary contact for news media, in collaboration with existing department liaisons. She will also coordinate public messaging across departments and lead agency-wide communication efforts.
“I’ve spent my career helping people understand what’s happening in their local communities, and I’m honored to continue that mission at the North Central Texas Council of Governments,” Vandergriff said. “As a fifth-generation North Texan, I’m deeply committed to the continued success of this region, and I hope to amplify the incredible work NCTCOG is doing to shape a better future for the metroplex, from workforce solutions and economic development to transportation infrastructure and public safety.”
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Laurie Ramirez Named Station Manager at Houston Public Media
December 10, 2025 — Following a national search, Houston Public Media today announced the appointment of longtime media executive Laurie Ramirez to station manager, effective immediately.
In this role, Ramirez will oversee day-to-day operations and provide strategic leadership across the newsroom, programming, technology, and broadcast operations for KUHT TV 8 (PBS), KUHF News 88.7 (NPR) and the organization’s digital platforms.
“A talented and respected journalist and content strategist, Laurie is the leader who helped to develop one of Houston Public Media’s greatest strengths — our hyperlocal content,” said Josh Adams, associate vice president and general manager of Houston Public Media. “Our commitment to high-quality local news and programming is why more Houstonians than ever rely on us to stay informed about the people and events shaping our community. Laurie’s dedicated leadership has been integral to that success.”
A veteran executive with more than 23 years at Houston Public Media, Ramirez most recently served as interim station manager and executive director of content. She joined the organization as a reporter and steadily rose through the ranks, holding roles including executive producer, news director and, ultimately, executive director of content.
Throughout her career, Ramirez has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s direction. She helped develop and implement Houston Public Media’s five-year strategic plan, positioning the station for growth through 2030. She led the transition of all talk shows to multi-platform productions, launched the organization’s first daily YouTube unit, and guided major restructuring initiatives to better align operations with goals related to audience growth, community engagement and technological innovation. Most recently, she oversaw the creation of AI-driven, video-focused, multi-platform broadcast studios, modernizing the production infrastructure.
“It’s a privilege to step into this role at such an exciting time for Houston Public Media,” said Ramirez. “Our teams are doing exceptional work across radio, television and digital, and I’m eager to help accelerate our progress. Together, we will continue to grow our services, invest in emerging technologies and deepen our connection with Houstonians as we work to inspire and enrich this community.”
Ramirez succeeds Adams, who vacated the station manager role when he was promoted to associate vice president and general manager.
A graduate of the University of Houston with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, Ramirez also completed the PBS Executive Leadership Program at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business and the Editorial Integrity & Leadership Initiative at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism.
(This post was taken from a press release sent to me by Houston Public Media)
James Muñoz leaves 25 News Now KAVU Victoria
James Muñoz is leaving his position as news director and anchor at 25 News Now KAVU in Victoria on December 17, 2025, and will relocate to Houston.
"I've enjoyed my time at KAVU-TV, and I'm excited about what awaits me in Houston," Muñoz told mikemcguff.com. "I've always wanted to live in Houston and look forward to connecting with family and friends there more often. My partner and I will make a few important family trips, and I'll be looking for that job with my name on it."
Muñoz has been with KAVU since 2017, first as a morning anchor, then as a news director in 2020.
Before Victoria, Muñoz served as a news director for NewsWest9 KWES Midland-Odessa.
San Antonio viewers will recognize Muñoz from his reporting days with KENS 5 from 2003 to 2014.
He previously served in roles ranging from news director to anchor/reporter at KSAN San Angelo, KTRE 9 Lufkin, 3News KIII Corpus Christi, and ABC7 KVII Amarillo.
A continuous learner and newsroom leadership advocate, Muñoz completed the Master Class for Media Managers at Loyola University Chicago in 2025 and is a 2024 Carole Kneeland Project Fellow. His additional training includes executive communications at the Annette Strauss Institute, newsroom leadership at the Poynter Institute, and a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism from Texas Tech University.
Muñoz previously served on the Rape Crisis Center in San Antonio's board and is an active member of the Society of Professional Journalists, the San Antonio Hispanic Journalists Association, and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
Tuesday, December 09, 2025
Texas TV, radio and media gifts 2025
The holidays are almost upon us, so what are some quick gifts you can buy on Amazon related to Texas TV, radio, or media in general?
Now, this idea didn't occur to me just because my 101 KLOL documentary "Runaway Radio" is now on DVD and would make a perfect Christmas gift. It is available on Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy and Barnes & Noble websites.
No, I thought about the Texas television anchors, reporters, meteorologists, and other journalists who have worked hard on a labor of love like your favorite lowly Texas media blogger did with his 14 year in the making film.
This list is drawn from books I have received releases for over the years, with a few bonus titles from before my blog existed. To illustrate how difficult it is to be an author, some of the books I have featured over the years are no longer available to make this list!
Here are some Texas media gift options from Houston to Dallas, Austin, and El Paso, plus surrounding areas in the Lone Star State!
Runaway Radio on DVD
Director Mike McGuff
https://amzn.to/4fXE5nX (also available in Houston at Cactus Music)
Desperate Times (Prepper Aftermath Book 2) - November 11, 2025
by Tom Abrahams
https://amzn.to/4pwsDo6New to News: Navigating your Journalism Journey - December 16, 2024
by Senora Scott
101 Ways to Rock Networking: It’s not what you know. It’s who you know! - December 5, 2023
by Dayna Steele
A Place to Anchor: Journalism, Cancer, and Rewriting Mi Vida as a Latina on the Border Hardcover – February 7, 2023
by Estela Casas
Life Makeover: Embrace the Bold, Beautiful, and Blessed You Hardcover – April 5, 2022
by Dominique Sachse
When America Fell Silent - August 20, 2019
by Freddy Cruz
Good Evening, Friends: A Broadcaster Shares His Life - July 1, 2019
by Dave Ward
Always and Never: 20 Truths for a Happy Heart Paperback – April 11, 2019
by Lisa Shumate
Swabbed & Found: An Adopted Man's DNA Journey to Discover his Family Tree Hardcover – October 1, 2017
by Frank Billingsley
"It's News to Me" - April 11, 2017
by Olga Campos Benz
Houston's Morning Show: The True Story of Hudson & Harrigan - November 6, 2015
by Randy Hames
"I Gotta Story" My 30 Years in TV News Paperback – January 26, 2015
by Minerva Pérez
A Wild Ride on the Water Cycle (Jake & Alice) Hardcover – November 1, 2014
by Anthony Yanez
Anybody Seen Dan Lovett?: Memoirs of a Media Nomad Paperback – April 17, 2014
by Dan Lovett
Texans Behind the News: Texas Journalists of the Twentieth Century Hardcover – January 1, 2000
by Dede W. Casad
Texas Country Reporter: Stories from the Backroads Hardcover – January 1, 2000
by Bob Phillips
Moments: The Life and Career of a Texas Newsman Hardcover – October 1, 1995
by Chip Moody
*I am getting affiliate fees from these links
Victoria Balderrama replaces Salina Madrid at KFOX14 El Paso
Victoria Balderrama is joining the KFOX14 El Paso morning newscast, stepping into the anchor seat previously held by Salina Madrid, who is leaving the television news industry.
- KTSM 9 El Paso brings in radio hosts for morning newscast
Balderrama made her on-air debut on December 5, 2025, and will co-anchor alongside Stephanie Muñiz.
The New Mexico State University graduate returns to her hometown after nearly five years with KRIS 6 News Corpus Christi, where she worked as a multimedia journalist (MMJ).
As noted, Madrid is departing the TV business after nearly a decade, with her final day set for December 10. She shared the following message with viewers:
"While I am stepping away from KFOX14, I am not stepping away from serving this community. In January, I will be joining the Las Cruces Police Department as their Public Information Officer. It is a role that will allow me to continue connecting with you in a new way. I am especially looking forward to working alongside Chief Jeremy Story, whose commitment to transparency and community engagement is something I greatly admire. I am excited to help amplify that message and highlight the work happening within LCPD.
Many of you also know how personal this next chapter is for me. I recently opened Every Kidz Corner, an inclusive play space in Las Cruces inspired by my son and built for all children in our community. Being able to pour more time into that mission, while still serving my hometown, is something I am deeply grateful for."
On a related note, Madris launched a KFOX14 series called 'Beyond the Diagnosis' earlier this year.
Madrid joined KFOX14’s morning team in January 2023 after previously anchoring CBS4 Mornings on sister station KDBC. She helped launch that newscast, noting on air that it was the first female anchor team in El Paso.
A longtime member of CBS4/KFOX14, Madrid began with the stations in 2018 as a production assistant, later advancing to reporter and then anchor.
The NMSU alum previously anchored and reported for the student-run News22 on KRWG and completed an internship with WCIV ABC News 4 in Charleston, South Carolina.
Monday, December 08, 2025
Elliot Wilson joins KSAT 12 San Antonio
Elliot Wilson is joining KSAT 12 San Antonio as the station’s newest meteorologist.
“It’s official,” Wilson announced. “I’m honored to be the newest meteorologist at KSAT 12 in San Antonio! I’m extremely excited for this new adventure and very glad to be back in the Lone Star State.”
Wilson most recently served as the morning meteorologist for Good Day OK on FOX 25 KOKH in Oklahoma City.
Before that, he spent four years forecasting for Central Texas viewers at KWTX 10 in the Waco–Temple–Killeen market. His broadcast career began straight out of college in Rockford, Illinois, where he worked as the weekend meteorologist at WTVO/WQRF.
A graduate of Ball State University, Wilson earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Atmospheric Science in 2016 and completed an internship at WISH Indianapolis during his studies.
Sunday, December 07, 2025
97.5 KWTX-FM Waco turns 55
BY MICHAEL BRAUN
guest blogger
Once the home of the “Golden Sound of Beautiful Music,” KWTX-FM has entertained Central Texas listeners in one form or another for 55 years.
The station’s inaugural broadcast was Dec. 7, 1970.
The new Waco FM station at 97.5 MHz was owned and operated by KWTX Broadcasting Co., the licensee of KWTX-TV (Channel 10) and KWTX-AM (1230 kHz).
Throughout the 1970s, the station aired easy-listening music in stereo with limited interruptions. Instrumental selections by Percy Faith, Mantovani , Ray Conniff, Ferrante and Teicher, Andre Kostelanetz, 101 Strings, plus many other similar musical artists entertained listeners from 6 a.m. to midnight.
The station also carried national news on the hour from the Mutual Broadcasting System. Local announcers gave the time and temperature on the quarter-hour, a short headline news report, and a weather forecast every half-hour.
Announcers had to cope with working inside a confined space, sometimes for up to six hours. The FM control room wasn’t much larger than a small walk-in closet and crowded with equipment and storage shelves.
Many KWTX-FM hosts brought “Beautiful Stereo Music” to Central Texas listeners for over a decade until the format changed in the early ’80s to personality DJs playing contemporary hits 24 hours a day.
Today, KWTX-FM “97.5 FM #1 Hit Music” and KWTX-AM “NewsTalk 1230” are owned by IHeartMedia. KWTX-TV is part of the Gray Television Group.
Contributed by Michael Braun
The author worked at KWTX AM and FM during 1975-1979 as an announcer, DJ and board operator. He is a personal collector and preservationist of Central Texas broadcasting memorabilia.
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