Houston-area DJs honored in Country Radio Hall Of Fame class of 2025

The Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2025 was announced today during CRS Honors at CRS 2025, and we have some Houston-area inductees on the list!

Rowdy Yates (Houston), Mary McCoy (Huntsville), and Big D & Bubba are in the On-Air Personality category. 

ROWDY YATES

Joshua C. Holstead, known to radio listeners as Rowdy Yates, is an award-winning country radio personality who spent nearly two decades as the afternoon host on Houston’s 100.3 KILT-FM.

Holstead currently hosts "The Original Country Gold with Rowdy Yates," a syndicated show airing in over 120 U.S. markets. He also oversees the country programming for RFC Media’s Suite Radio, a 24/7 format service based in Houston, with duties including "The Rowdy Ride Home."

Throughout his career, Holstead has served as a personality, promotions director, and program director in various markets, including Dallas/Ft. Worth, Bryan/College Station, and small Texas towns like Brady and Bridgeport. His start in radio at age 15 at 1440 AM KDNT Denton led to a career at stations such as 95.7 KIKK Houston, 98.5 KVOO Tulsa, and 101.9 The Twister KTST. 

His industry accolades include the Best Personality/Show award from the Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) and Country Aircheck Readers in 2014. In 2013, he was named Personality of the Year by the Academy of Country Music. 

A longtime leader in the Texas Radio Hall of Fame, Holstead was its Executive Director from 2014 onward before being named Director Emeritus in 2021. Previously, he served as Operations Manager of the Hall.

Inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame in 2008 at age 38, he remains the youngest-ever inductee. A true “radio baby,” he is the youngest son of Joe Holstead, known as the “dean of Texas radio news.”

 MARY MCCOY

Mary McCoy has been on the air for over 73 years, many of them at K-Star Country 99.7 FM KVST Huntsville, where she co-hosts with Larry Galla from 10 a.m. to noon.

A 2010 inductee of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame, McCoy was recently honored as part of the 2024 Radio Hall of Fame induction class.

In 2023, Guinness World Records recognized her for having the longest career as a female radio presenter.

McCoy began her radio journey in 1951 at KMCO-AM, later working at KIKR before joining KVST.

Beyond radio, she was also a singer and guitarist who shared the stage with legends like Elvis Presley and Jim Reeves. In 1960, she released her first record, Deep Elem Blues.

Ginny “Rogers” Brophey, Clay Hunnicutt, and Gregg Swedberg are in the Radio category.

The Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction and Dinner will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025, at the Virgin Hotel Nashville. 

RELATED
- Texas Radio Hall of Fame 2024 induction ceremony recap
- Rowdy Yates launches podcast talking to Houston radio greats

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Chauncy Glover's cause of death released by LA County

The cause of death of former ABC13 Houston KTRK anchor and CBS Los Angeles stations KCBS 2 and KCAL 9 co-anchor Chauncy Glover, 39, has been determined.

In a press release issued today, the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner determined the cause of death for 39-year-old journalist and news anchor Chauncy Cortez Glover as acute intoxication by the combined effects of chloroethane and methamphetamine. 

The manner of death is an accident.

Deadline reports that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chloroethane is a colorless gas used to numb the skin before medical procedures such as ear piercing and skin biopsies and as a treatment for sports injuries.

Glover was found unresponsive in his home on November 5, 2024, and death was pronounced by fire department personnel.

A deputy medical examiner completed an examination on November 6, 2024, and after the return of relevant tests and studies, the cause and manner of death were certified on February 19, 2025.

The Medical Examiner’s report is expected to be ready by the end of March. 

- Chauncy Glover has died

- Chauncy Glover video tributes from across the US

- Chauncy Glover funeral service had ABC13 memories

- Chauncy Glover's Houston celebration of life

Hearst to buy Austin American-Statesman, now covering Austin, Houston and San Antonio

Hearst's announcement that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the Austin American-Statesman from Gannett Co., Inc. gives the newspaper coverage of three of Texas's biggest cities.

The company already owns the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News, as well as the Beaumont Enterprise, Midland Reporter-Telegram, and Laredo Morning Times.  

“This acquisition complements Hearst's set of newspapers and reinforces our commitment to delivering high-quality journalism,” said Jeff Johnson, president of Hearst Newspapers. “It aligns with our strategy to invest in thriving communities with strong potential. We look forward to welcoming the Austin American-Statesman team to Hearst, joining 2,300 committed Hearst Newspapers professionals across the country.”

Hearst has no presence in the Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex.

The announcement, made by Hearst President and CEO Steven R. Swartz and Gannett Chairman and CEO Mike Reed did not include terms of the deal.

The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter.

Founded in 1871, the Austin American-Statesman has been named Texas Newspaper of the Year three times by the Texas Associated Press Managing Editors and was recently recognized as a 2023 Pulitzer Prize finalist for Public Service and a 2024 Edward R. Murrow Award winner.

The Statesman is currently part of Gannett’s USA TODAY Network, which includes more than 200 local publications nationwide.

Hearst Newspapers, the division overseeing Hearst’s newspaper operations, local digital marketing services, and directories, publishes 26 daily and 52 weekly newspapers across the U.S.

“Hearst has a stellar reputation in the publishing industry and their values are uniquely aligned with ours,” said Michael Reed, Gannett Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “The sale of the Austin American-Statesman from our portfolio is a strategic decision that will complement the Hearst brand while positioning Gannett and the USA TODAY Network of more than 200 local publications for future growth. We are confident Hearst will be a great home for our Statesman colleagues.”

Brianda Villegas joins WFAA 8 DFW

Brianda Villegas is the new morning traffic anchor for WFAA 8 Dallas - Fort Worth's Daybreak.

"Someone pinch me, what a dream," Villegas posted. "That’s a wrap for my first day as @wfaa ‘s new traffic anchor." 

She takes over for Tashara Parker who left channel 8 in July 2024. Villegas has big shoes to fill as Parker's departure was my blog's number one most popular post for 2024!

Villegas joins WFAA from a feature reporter position with WFLA News Channel 8 / WTTA The CW Tampa Bay where she has been since January 2021. She hosted  “Gems of Tampa Bay”, a franchise that highlighted unique places and small businesses within the community. She also expanded the segment into Spanish as “Joyas de la Bahía de Tampa” for Noticias Tampa Hoy. 

In addition to her feature reporting, Villegas served as a fill-in traffic anchor during WFLA’s morning broadcasts and as a fill-in anchor for both English and Spanish newscasts.

Before joining WFLA, Villegas worked at WCJB TV20 News Gainesville, Florida, where she spent over three years honing her skills as a multimedia journalist (MMJ) and later as a weekend anchor. 

A graduate of the University of Florida, Villegas was a former UF mascot.

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WFAA flashback freezing temperatures - February 4, 1996

Jessica Coombs to leave KENS 5 San Antonio

Jessica Coombs, the KENS 5 San Antonio 4:30 a.m. anchor and morning traffic anchor, announced she will leave the TEGNA station on March 7, 2025.

"San Antonio is a special place," Coombs said.  "I want to thank the wonderful people who make this city what it is. Early hours are always made easier when you know your 'why,' and for me, it has always been each of you."

She recently was honored with a Lone Star EMMY Award for Best Hard News Report.

"Jessica has been great to work with and has made a positive impact in this community," added KENS 5 news director Jack Acosta.  "I hate to see her go but wish her all the best."  

Coombs joined KENS 5 in November 2022, stepping in for Holly Stouffer, who relocated to Florida.

Before San Antonio, Coombs worked as an anchor, producer, and multimedia journalist (MMJ) at WSAV News 3 in Savannah, Georgia.

A Summa Cum Laude graduate of Brigham Young University, Coombs interned with NY1 News in Manhattan and ABC4 Utah KTVX, where she later worked as a freelance associate producer. During her time at BYU, she served as an anchor, reporter, and producer for Utah PBS station BYUtv KBYU, earning a Mark of Excellence Award and receiving three student production Emmy nominations.

Beyond journalism, Coombs has performed worldwide as a professional pianist, including at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. She also represented her home state nationally as Miss Utah's Outstanding Teen.

"Thank you for trusting me with your stories and for sharing your mornings with me," Coombs said.  "Words fall short expressing my gratitude to our phenomenal team at KENS. We care about this community, and it shows," she said. "It's not very often you get to work with people whose work comes from the heart. I am profoundly grateful I've had the chance to do just that here at KENS."

ANOTHER SAN ANTONIO TV DEPARTURE
Mia Montgomery to leave KSAT San Antonio

Mia Montgomery to leave KSAT San Antonio

Mia Montgomery announced that she is leaving the KSAT 12 San Antonio weather team and the TV biz as of March 2, 2025.

OTHER SAN ANTONIO TELEVISION DEPARTURE
Jessica Coombs to leave KENS 5 San Antonio

RECENT HIRE
Shelby Ebertowski joins KSAT 12 San Antonio

Here is what the broadcast meteorologist posted on social:

"After two and a half amazing years at KSAT 12 & five years in the news biz, I’m hanging up my broadcast meteorology hat. My last day on-air will be Sunday, March 2nd. 

For those that will ask, this decision was all mine, and frankly was one of the hardest I’ve made. I have absolutely loved my time in broadcast television, but I now get to take on an incredible opportunity outside of the news industry that I just couldn’t pass up. Not only will this new adventure allow me to spend more time with my family, but I will still get to forecast our crazy weather every single day, just now on a statewide scale. I’m so excited! 

Becoming a broadcast meteorologist was never the original plan for me, but it was something I quickly fell in love with the second I stepped in front of a greenscreen in college. Fast forward to several years later when I got to work alongside anchors I grew up watching and forecast for my hometown. The ultimate ‘pinch me’ moment. 

I’ll miss Adam, Justin, Sarah, Shelby and the whole KSAT crew so much, but know that you are in the best of hands. Thank you all for trusting me and allowing me to be a small part of your day. Keeping you informed on triple digit days, to severe storms, to winter cold snaps, and everything in between has been the greatest honor!

The Alamo City is, and always will be, home. I’ll see ya around!"

Montgomery joined the KSAT Weather Authority Team in September 2022 from KBTX 3 Bryan-College Station.

She married her Floresville High School sweetheart, Dalton Schroller, in December 2023.

The fourth-generation Texas A&M University Aggie interned with KBTX and the weather channel. 

KPRC 2 Houston cuts off SNL 50 special

I watched a lot of the SNL 50 anniversary show Sunday night but was called away for personal stuff.  It turns out I would have missed it anyway.

Social media chatter from angry Houston NBC affiliate KPRC 2 viewers says that the station cut off the special early and went to its 10 p.m. newscast.

Right around midnight Monday morning, KPRC made no comment on the incident.

The Saturday Night Live YouTube channel posted the show's closing segment. UPDATE: Below is the Paul McCartney performance.

It also happened to Graham Media Group-owned KPRC sister station WDIV Detroit since they are both NBC affiliates with a shared master control.

UPDATE KPRC 2 ISSUES APOLOGY TO VIEWERS:

We sincerely apologize for cutting the SNL special short. This was not an intentional programming decision; it was simply human error, and we understand your disappointment. – I know the best way to address the error last night with the ending of the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special is with you directly.

We sincerely apologize for cutting the SNL special short. This was not an intentional programming decision; it was simply human error, and we understand your disappointment. NBC had communicated to us Friday afternoon that the live show would run long – with a scheduled end time of 10:15 p.m. We had our technical teams ready for this planned 15-minute overrun. When the show ran even later, we didn’t make the real-time adjustments, and that’s why the final 13 minutes were missed.

What you didn’t see included a performance by Sir Paul McCartney who sang a medley of three songs from The Beatles Abbey Road album. We also missed the on-stage goodbye led by Martin Short, which included former cast members holding up a photo of Gilda Radner.

Please know we are working with NBC this morning to present an encore presentation of these moments as soon as possible. We’ll communicate that to you as soon as we know more.

We value these special moments in television history as much as you do and are taking immediate steps to prevent similar technical issues from occurring in the future. We know this information will not fix last night’s viewing experience, but we are doing everything in our power to prevent this from happening again.

Again, please accept my sincerest apology.

Phil Lane

KPRC VP & General Manager

RELATED
- Inside SNL's Iconic Studio 8H
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Hey @KPRC2, y’all really suck for cutting away from the Saturday Night Live 50th for local news.@nbcsnl #SNL50

— Houstorian (@Houstorian) February 17, 2025

Houston NBC affiliate KPRC totally sh*t the bed with #SNL50. Left the show cold ar 10:15p CT for news. Missed Paul McCartney and cast goodbyes. Wow. @awfulannouncing

— Michael Garfield 🤘 (@garf) February 17, 2025

Super pissed that #snl50 was cut off early by KPRC. One chance in a lifetime to see it live on TV, ruined by the good folks at Graham Media for “breaking” local news. #thanks #not

— Tony Salinas (@tsalinas1976) February 17, 2025

Texas Radio Hall of Fame reveals 2025 voting and event dates

HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 15, 2025)-- The Texas Radio Hall of Fame (TRHOF) kicked off its annual membership drive today with the announcement of its 2025 nomination and voting schedule, as well as the date of the organization’s annual Induction Ceremony and Radio Reunion weekend.

TRHOF Advisory Board Member Chris Alan, who serves as the organization’s Membership Coordinator, notes that through March 31st,  friends, fans, and followers of Texas radio, anywhere in the US, may become voting members of the TRHOF for the reduced fee of $25 for the first year and $20 each year thereafter.  

Beginning June 1, 2025, any voting member of the TRHOF in good standing may nominate a worthy broadcaster for this annual recognition. Following the vetting of those nominations by an internal committee of TRHOF inductees, final voting by the voting membership will take place from July 23rd to August 6th.   The 2025 Induction Class will be announced on August 11th, in advance of their induction on Saturday, November 1st at the Texas Broadcast Museum in Kilgore, TX.

“The Texas Radio Hall of Fame enjoyed another year of impressive growth in 2024,” observes Executive Director Doug Harris. “We credit this progress to the revitalization of our Executive and Advisory boards, a robust calendar of programs and events, the return of our scholarship program, and our expanded outreach to every corner of the Texas radio landscape. We welcome the involvement of all who recognize the impact that radio makes on the lives of Texans and invite all who respect our mission and guidelines to participate in our selection process.”

Complete information on voting requirements and inductee eligibility is available at www.TRHOF.net.

(Post taken from press release sent to me by TRHOF)

KENS 5 San Antonio celebrates 75 years

KENS 5 San Antonio is celebrating 75 years on the air in 2025.

The station signed on the air on February 15, 1950 as KEYL.  The call letters then changed to KGBS. 

In 1954, the San Antonio Express-News bought channel 5 and changed the call letters to KENS, which stands for "K-Express-News-Station."

Harte-Hanks Communications bought both media properties in 1962. 

In 1997, Belo Corp. bought KENS, which was then spun off to Gannett Corp. in 2013, followed by TEGNA in 2015. 

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