Anchor Mike Barajas off Fox 26 KRIV website
Many people connected with Fox 26 KRIV have contacted me to say that main anchor Mike Barajas is no longer with the station.
But hold your horses.
A FOX TV spokesperson tells me that Barajas is just on vacation. That's it. That's why you are not seeing him on the air.
Also, the spokesperson addressed other Fox 26 talent rumor departures. I was told these rumors are untrue. As a result, I will not even bring up the name I was told.
RELATED
Mike Barajas leaves Fox 26 KRIV?
his desk is empty". he is NOT on "vacation". Wait and see how long he is on "vacation". Besides why don't they say "mike barajas is off tonight". they don't. His desk is empty. you will c later.
ReplyDeleteFox is big into half-truths. Technically, he probably is on vacation, but I doubt you'll ever see him again on the 9pm news.
ReplyDeleteIf he were really on vacation, I am sure Fox would have called for a retraction on your first posting. Especially since this is or was their main anchor.
ReplyDeleteMike is gone, and another veteran reporter, who was recently an anchor has been told that they are soon to be gone. Thankfully they hired the unbelievably inexperienced Kristin Kane to replace the old (experienced) staffers.
ReplyDeletesounds like a bunch of bitter FOX veterans in here. weird... because you'd think they'd know what the TV biz was like after being in it for so long. (this just in: it sucks. it's a money making company. not a family where youre owed something. out with the old. in with the new. not saying its right..just how it works)
ReplyDeleteNah, it's more like a family. The only way to make any money is to get families to watch, and they like familiarity. Stations that purge the familiar for the inexperienced and ignorant don't attract many viewers. GM will prolly be booted before the year ends, the whole news operation might be next. 26 is far to different than market leader KTRK to improve. Mind you KTRK has quite a few people that know the area.
ReplyDeleteSo McGuff, how long did Fox PR say Mike was on vacation for? When can we expect to see him back on the 5 and 9pm shows?
ReplyDeleteYes, I get the message. I am simply reporting what FOX told me.
ReplyDeleteSorry to see Mike go. You can't just go and replace a Houston veteran, unless you have another seasoned Houston newsman in waiting. Thank God for Dave Wards.
ReplyDeleteTwo weeks and counting... IN January when the new year is just beginning.. and every major anchor in town is on the air...and there's still an empty desk. So, I ask is mike still on "vacation"? We'll see next week as week three of vacation continues.
ReplyDeleteToo bad so sad for the station. Mike is and has been a great voice in Houston. His professionalism, dedication and kind heartedness were conveyed in the 5 and 9 p.m newscast each time he was on the air.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure a credible news organization like Fox 26 wouldn't lie about something like this. Why would they? I'm glad your original post was incorrect and am also happy that Mike is still the 5 and 9pm anchor.
ReplyDeletei'm sorry to see mike go. i understand his bio is still up for contract reasons. it's unbelieveable that someone who has had a voice here for so long is not with the station any longer. i just hope he can find work elsewhere considering his age.
ReplyDeleteMike,
ReplyDeleteIf what Fox26 says is true, that Mike Barajas is on vacation, why would they let him go on vacation during a ratings period.
The first ratings period of the year, February 3 - March 2, 2011, is underway.
As you know, vacation is a no-no for key talent during a ratings period, no matter how bad they want to be on vacation.
How about this possibility. The station offered to renew his contract with a big pay cut and he walked, rather than accept it, with the station saying it would consider him to be on vacation to give him a chance to rethink his position.
That sounds very plausible.
ReplyDelete