KTRK 13 meteorologist Casey Curry back on Good Morning America

KTRK 13 morning meteorologist Casey Curry must have impressed the ABC big-wigs because she was back on Good Morning America this weekend doing the rotating weather slot. Curry got a great reaction last April the first time she hit the GMA airwaves. You can watch some of that right here.

And she must have dazzled again this weekend because lots of folks are hitting my blog looking up info about her and finding the posts from the last trip to New York.

Although this trip to the Big Apple did come with some pre-departure drama for Curry. She tweeted on Friday that she got a flat tire on the way to the airport after leaving the KTRK 13 studios! Don't worry, she weathered that storm.

UPDATE
Here is a photo that Casey tweeted today from GMA. It is with the show's weather producer Gerard (click to enlarge):

KHOU 11's Sherry Williams leaves 4:30am for 4pm; to anchor Saturday mornings too

Some more anchor changes at KHOU 11 are on the way. First Ron Trevino returned to mornings, an anchor slot opened on the weekends, and then Lucy Noland went to anchor the 6pm show at KNBC 4.

Now I have more anchor moves for you, some that relate to what I've already mentioned.

On this morning's KHOU 11 4:30am newscast, anchor Sherry Williams said goodbye. But don't worry, she'll still be on KHOU 11. Williams will move her on air appearance 12 hours or so to the new KHOU 11 News at 4 newscast as a reporter (the new show starts this coming Monday by the way replacing Oprah). That newscast, as you might remember, will be anchored by Len Cannon and meteorologist Chita Johnson will do the weather.

But that's not all! Williams will also anchor the KHOU 11 Saturday morning newscast starting in September. That means the before mentioned Ron Trevino and co-anchor Christine Haas will jump in the anchor chairs at 4:30am to replace Williams' current position.

She said she will miss her "early risers" but is excited to be on the new show.

Williams is of course well known in the Houston TV market. Before KHOU 11, she was one of the original main anchors at KIAH 39, back when the station had decent ratings and NewsFix was not on the radar. Previous to that she worked as a reporter at Fox 26 KRIV.

How to Watch TV News: The best book on the TV news biz

I used to actually review all the books I read. I'm not sure how many out there really care about what I read, but I did get through one you might like if you are into TV news. How to Watch TV News: Revised Edition by Neil Postman and Steve Powers was a book that came out a while ago and was recently updated. If you are interested in a TV news career...read this book. If you are new to the TV business...read this book. If you are just a media geek...read this book. After working in TV news since 1995, I found this book to be the most accurate depiction of how and why the business runs the way it does. Also, watch this movie.

Currently I am reading I'm Feeling Lucky: The Confessions of Google Employee Number 59 by Douglas Edwards. I will review this book when I finish. (In full disclosure, the publisher sent me a free copy to review on my blog).

Here are some other titles I read and recommend. Obviously a lot are rock music books, so keep in mind, you probably should be a fan of the band to read them. The Vince Neil book was the worst of the group, Sammy Hagar's was the best of the bunch. If you click on any of the titles, you will be taken to Amazon.com where you can buy them. As an affiliate member, I get a small percentage of the sale. Thanks in advance.

Bossypants by Tina Fey

Red: My Uncensored Life in Rock by Sammy Hagar

Eddie Trunk's Essential Hard Rock and Heavy Metal by Eddie Trunk

Tattoos & Tequila: To Hell and Back with One of Rock's Most Notorious Frontmen by Vince Neil

Mustaine: A Heavy Metal Memoir by Dave Mustaine

The Rolling Stone Interviews

Still in the queue:

Life by Keith Richards

Michael Garfield "The High Tech Texan" shows talk show host skills

Every broadcaster should learn the skill of filling time. Turns out Michael Garfield "The High Tech Texan" is very good at this skill. He learned it while working as a QVC host fresh out of college.

The above video was produced by Garf's radio home The 950 KPRC Radio Mojo. Station program director Ramon Robles challenged Garf to talk about a roll of tape for 60 seconds without stopping. Watch and learn...

RELATED
VIDEO: The view of a radio talk show host from 950 KPRC Houston

Planking taking over Houston TV?

Thanks to TVSpy for linking to my KPRC 2 anchor Owen Conflenti planks on live TV post. The post also clued me into more planking activities at Houston TV stations (you know I only report on the serious issues that matter to you and your family).

As you see above, Mason Lankford of @folkfamily planked at the Fox 26 KRIV studios. Thanks to @GunsandTacos for that tip.

Apparently the first person to plank on Houston TV (on tape) was the Houston Press' Craig Hlavaty. It was on KIAH 39's Between the Lines segment for NewsFix.

Fox 26 KRIV reporter Pattie Shieh exits station

I received word that Fox 26 KRIV reporter (and former anchor) Pattie Shieh has left the station.

Her last day was Friday July 15th.

“Pattie’s contract has not been renewed," A FOX 26 spokesperson told mikemcguff.com. "An extensive search for her replacement is underway.”

According to her bio, Shieh is a graduate of the University of Houston. She is also Emmy nominated.

KDFW's Grubs, Flores to WOAI plus 10 qualities of a good News Director

KTRK 13 (ABC) Ident / Timeline 1954 - 2004

Fox4 reporter Matt Grubs ending his tenure at Fox4
Matt Grubs, a low-key, oft-stylistic general assignment reporter for Dallas-based Fox4 KDFW, has decided to leave the station later this summer after a three-year stay.

Ex-KENS vet Albert Flores to do TV weather again. . .on WOAI
One of KENS’ old ‘Power 3’ is returning to local TV!

Top ten qualities of a good News Director
What makes them the person you want to work for or a possible stand-in for those creepy characters standing behind Lord Voldemort in a Harry Potter film.
- Life isn't fair. Broadcasting REALLY isn't fair.

‘Colbert Report’ features Gov. Perry news clip from KXAN
KXAN morning and midday anchor Sally Hernandez got some national exposure Tuesday night on Comedy Central’s “Colbert Report.”
- Time Warner Cable adding KBVO to Channel 7 this week

Attorney For Heidi Jones Files Motion to Dismiss Trial of Former WABC Weathercaster
An attorney for former WABC weathercaster Heidi Jones has filed a motion with the state of New York asking for a dismissal of her trial on a technicality — that too much time has elapsed since her arraignment.

TV news summer sweeps: Subtle changes for the local channels
Sharp-eyed, savvy viewers may already notice the changes at KXAN TV (NBC).
- Broadcast news, what news?: An Austin newscast analysis

Rivera lands job in Austin
Sarykarmen Rivera has joined the Telemundo/KEYE affiliate in Austin. She is anchoring Telemundo’s 5 and 10 pm newscast and will also work for the CBS affiliate.

Cable complaints about poorly-installed lines on the rise
Hundreds of residents each year complain to the City of Houston about their cable TV, and one of the most common complaints may surprise you.

KFOX's new faces
Viewers of Channel 14-KFOX may have recently noticed three new faces reporting the area's news and weather.
- KTSM's new morning anchor

Longhorn Network's plans put on hold
High school telecasts, Big 12 game off for now
- Longhorn Network content has Ags seeing red
- Fox Sports Net to kick off six-hour surge of high school football

UH radio station to focus on environment, energy
KUHF Houston and KUT Austin have been awarded participation in NPR’s latest project, StateImpact, which encourages participating stations to focus on the ways in which “governmental decisions affect citizens in such areas as education, healthcare, business, the environment and jobs,” KUHF said in a press release.

Why Don’t Locals Dare to Be Different?
While national news finally seems to be at least attempting to deal seriously with the differentiation issue, local news appears to be having a harder time with it and for them the stakes are even higher.

KVUE anchor Terri Gruca honored for report on child's brain surgery
The Texas Medical Association presented KVUE anchor Terri Gruca with the Anson Jones Award for in-depth television

NATIONAL MEDIA
- Tabloid Insiders Share Scandalous Details Of Life At Murdoch Papers
- WLS Wields A Powerful New Tool For ENG
- The Hasselhoffs of Hollywood and small town Texas work out an agreeable merger in CBS' Same Name
- Diane Sawyer, Nixonian Drama Queen
- ‘ABC World News’ Moves to Automated Control Room
- Branding: Should journalists build a personal brand?
- Getting a journalism degree, getting a journalism job
- Paris Hilton Walks out on ABC Interview
- Cenk Uyger Talks MSNBC Departure with Keith Olbermann
- Major Advertisers to TV Ad Agencies: You are a Fossil
- "Beavis and Butthead" returning to MTV this fall (video)

DIGITAL
- Time Warner launches deals site
- Google+ business accounts delayed
- Is Hulu Boxed In?
- FoxNews.com First, HuffPost Last in Satisfaction Survey

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- KHOU 11's TV promo for News at 4 with Len Cannon and Chita Johnson
- Did KPRC 2 anchor desk drive male viewers crazy last weekend?
- New KPRC 2 reporter Irika Sargent knows the law
- KPRC 2 anchor Bill Balleza celebrates 40 TV years
- KPRC 2's new weekend anchor?

KPRC 2's new weekend anchor?

Yesterday I blogged about new KPRC 2 hire Irika Sargent. You know, the reporter who starts soon in Houston with a legal degree. Well, a commenter brought to my attention that Sargent's agent, Mort Meisner Associates, posts on his site that Sargent is not just a future reporter, but also a weekend evening anchor too:

IRIKA SARGENT makes the move as WEEKEND EVENING ANCHOR/WEEKDAY REPORTER to POST NEWSWEEK AND NBC AFFILIATE KPRC IN HOUSTON. IRIKA comes to Houston by way of NBC Affiliate WPMI in MOBILE. IRIKA is a graduate of the University of Missouri and the Cornell Law School.

That was not on the info I first saw, but since Meisner handled the deal, I'm sure he would know. So looks like Sargent will be joining current anchor Daniella Guzmán at the news desk.

KPRC 2 anchor Bill Balleza celebrates 40 TV years

KPRC 2 anchor Bill Balleza got cake and balloons from his co-workers Tuesday on the 6pm newscast (WATCH VIDEO). He's been in the TV biz for 40 years. For nearly 31 years, he's been at KPRC 2 (he started there Aug. 18, 1980).

Heck I remember when Bill was the young, new guy on the KPRC anchor desk! The only anchor that has been in Houston that long that I can think of his KTRK 13's Dave Ward (if you count sports, Bob Allen has also been on Houston TV longer).

Turns out Balleza started his television news career in San Antonio at KSAT which is now KPRC's Post-Newsweek sister station. Before that, Balleza's bio says he was in the Marine Corps, "including 13 months in Vietnam where he was positioned as a scout/sniper."


Watch Balliez anchoring with Linda Lorelle from 1/7/94:





And for you longtime KPRC fans, here is Balleza's image in the classic Ernest P. Worrell (RIP Jim Varney) KPRC campaign.

New KPRC 2 reporter Irika Sargent knows the law

UPDATE FEBRUARY 13, 2014
Irika Sargent to leave KPRC for WFOR Miami

I can already see which KPRC 2 reporter will be assigned the Harris County court beat. It's new hire Irika Sargent from WPMI 15 in Mobile, Alabama. Why? She has a law degree from Cornell.

According to her station bio, "Irika spent the next four years practicing law in New York City at the international law firm of Greenberg Traurig LLP. She represented clients in New York federal and state courts, as well as the the New York Division of Human Rights and National Labor Relations Board. However, Irika never planned to stay away from broadcast journalism too long!"

Sargent started in TV at KOMU in Columbia, Missouri. Then she went to the law and returned to television back at KOMU. The legal eagle earned her Bachelors Degree in Broadcast Journalism at the University of Missouri too.

Sargent is represented by Mort Meisner Associates. She starts in Houston at the beginning of August.

So which big name in Houston TV also as a law degree? KTRK 13 anchor Melanie Lawson earned her degree from Columbia University and also practiced in New York afterwards before changing to TV.

UPDATE FEBRUARY 13, 2014
Irika Sargent to leave KPRC for WFOR Miami

RELATED
KPRC 2 grabs Mark Boyle from WFTV 9 Orlando

Did KPRC 2 anchor desk drive male viewers crazy last weekend?

This past weekend the stars aligned, the sky was bluer and life was more vibrant for many KPRC 2 male viewers. Why was it such a perfect two days? You got Jennifer Reyna anchoring in the morning and Nefertiti Jaquez in the evening.

"But McGuff, why would you make this claim," you ask.

Both Reyna and Jaquez are in the top 10 mikemcguff.com reader searches for 2011 so far. Reyna comes in at number 6, Jaquez at number 8. The only people who came in ahead of them were talk show host Chris Baker and former Fox 26 KRIV anchor Mike Barajas (and both of these guys had job changes to make them such popular searches). Former KHOU 11 anchor Lisa Foronda shows up in between Reyna and Jaquez. Other spots are filled up with 106.9 The Zone and various versions "Mike McGuff" and "blog". As you might guess, a certain crime dog shows up and hijacks my last name in the number 10 spot.

Get this, if I am writing a blog post at 10pm on a normal week night, and I check my live blog reader stats at that moment, I can tell you if Jaquez is working. How? She will immediately be the top keyword search after she hits the channel 2 airwaves. I don't even have to turn on the TV to check. As for Ms. Reyna, she is not only the number 6 keyword, she comes in at number 11 with user search query "jennifer reyna married," and 20 with "jennifer reyna hawaiian tropic." Yes, that means web surfers are searching those phrases on Google and finding this blog even though I've never written about either topic.

Here is video of Jaquez behind the anchor desk with Joel Eisenbaum from last weekend. Speaking of Eisenbaum, I found video of him from the previous weekend co-anchoring with his own wife, Amy Davis. If I were a better blogger, I would have caught that and written about it already. The post could have been a clever Ken Hoffman like interview with the TV news couple.  Well, that's why he gets paid the big bucks and I don't I guess.

The reason for the game of KPRC musical anchors is because of the well publicized baby train many KPRC staffers have been riding lately. Courtney Zavala and Daniella Guzmán are still out on maternity leave so someone has to fill in for them.

And another note, our time to watch KPRC 2 and future WSB reporter Carl Willis is winding down as he leaves for Atlanta. So enjoy him while you can. In fact, I hear next weekend is his last on Houston TV. Good luck Carl.

KHOU 11's TV promo for News at 4 with Len Cannon and Chita Johnson

KHOU 11 News at 4 starts August 1st and the station has already rolled out a big promo campaign that involves chalk drawings and a visit to the Houston Museum of Natural Science and River Oaks Theater (also an unnamed grocery store - maybe the new Whole Foods Montrose right by the KHOU studios?). We also get a chance to see Len Cannon and new meteorologist Chita Johnson together (if only briefly).

From the quick glance we get of Chita on video, I gotta say, she will probably make a splash in Houston. She seems pretty comfortable on camera (and I'm going to make sure my wife doesn't see the blog today) and looks really good on camera too. Readers of this blog already have been talking about the latter aspect in the comments section.

RELATED
- KHOU 11's Chita Johnson from KRCR can dance and rap
- KHOU 11 announces 4pm newscast

WFAA's Gary Reaves leaves, KTRK ad from '71, vain TV reporter and more

Gary Vosot and his Vain TV News Reporter Reel. More standup cliches than you can shake a microphone at.

WFAA8's Gary Reaves decides it's time to retire
Reporter Gary Reaves, a stalwart at WFAA8 in two tenures totaling 24 years, is retiring from the Dallas-based station. His last day will be on August 1st.

KTRK Ad From 1971: Typewriters! Reel-to-Reel Tape! Bullfights! Who Wouldn't Tune In?
This is an advertisement for Channel 13's Eyewitness News circa 1971 and it uses the Mission: Impossible theme.

KPRC Shuffle: Fill-in Fun
KPRC 2's Jennifer Reyna offers a glimpse into her anchor fill-in duties.

Fox4's new Good Day Sunday gives Adrian Arambulo an anchor shot amid surrounding shot clocks
Fronted by Fox4's cutest male news personality but hijacked by a quartet of opinion-spewing "4 Minutes" segments, the Dallas-based station's new Sunday morning Good Day edition is off to a rather odd start.

Former KHOU 11 reporter makes New York Times marriage page
Former KHOU 11 reporter Lee McGuire made the New York Times marriage page. Ceremony was led by Lisa Foronda. (Thanks Chris)

Veteran journalist Mike Cronin joins the Texas Watchdog news team
Texas Watchdog is pleased to announce that veteran journalist Mike Cronin will be joining its award-winning team of reporters.

Changes afoot for San Antonio TV personalities
How about playing a little catch-up with some longtime San Antonio TV faces?

Are Beat Reporters Key To Better TV News?
The beat system, under which reporters cover their beats — and only their beats — hasn’t existed in many TV newsrooms for years. And some believe that it's contributed to a decline in the quality of local TV news.

Culture Map Austin launch set for Monday
Inside Culture Map’s central Austin office, life is busy. On Monday the staff will launch Austin's first Daily digital Magazine centered on Austin's Culture.

Exclusive June PPM Analysis: Dallas
Dallas-Fort Worth June 2011: KISS Still On Top; KBOC, KVIL Big Demo Gainers.

CC Houston director of sales move
Dan Endom is named Market Manager for Clear Channel Radio-Nashville. Endom previously served as Director of Sales for all eight CCR-Houston stations since 2006.

WFAA: Hansen Style
These spots were produced back in the '90s with WFAA 8 sports dude Dale Hansen.

Ex-Fox News personality Glenn Beck heading to North Texas
Former Fox News Channel personality Glenn Beck is bound for Texas.

Radio Sales Exec Wins Retaliation Claim
A former Radio One employee will take another stab at her sex discrimination claims after securing one win against the radio broadcasting company for retaliation. Corina Allen said she was a commended employee at Radio One of Texas where she spent five years as the general sales manager for its Houston radio station, KBXX.

How many households in Houston would you say actually watch dtv channels?
Let’s look at the numbers. There are 2,177,220 households with TV in the Houston market.

KRLD Restaurant Week
KRLD Restaurant Week runs August 15 - August 21. More than 125 area restaurants will be offering 3-course meals at $35 per person, with proceeds benefiting the North Texas Food Bank in Dallas and the Lena Pope Home in Fort Worth.

Tribune’s ‘Dr. Steve’ Picks Up 13 Markets
Dr. Steve, Tribune Broadcasting’s health, wellness and lifestyle program, that is now playing in four markets will jump to 13 more this fall including KDAF Dallas and KIAH Houston.

Bounce TV announces September debut date
The network announced that it will be seen on Belo Corp.'s KHOU-TV in Houston, the country's eighth-largest African-American market.

Meteorologist Julie Bologna to leave WPXI-TV
Remember Julie Bologna from KTVT/KTXA-TV in Dallas/Fort Worth?

WATCH OUT FOR
Baylor College of Medicine neuroscientist and NYT bestselling author David Eagleman will be on The Colbert Report July 21st. (Thanks PR Fairy Susan Farb Morris)

NATIONAL MEDIA
- Hacking Scandal: Brooks Arrested, Hinton Resigns
- Weather Porn: 5 Examples of When Meteorologists Go Bad
- In Defense of Sleazy Journalism
- Barack Obama Is Totally Biased Against Fox News
- Let’s Ban Books, or at Least Stop Writing Them
- Rural Newspapers Doing Better Than Their City Counterparts
- CNBC Names New Anchors to ‘Squawk on the Street’
- Oprah to Take Top Post at Her Network
- 2011 Emmy Award Nominees
- Numerous radio stations about to add local TV news
- ‘Today’ Looks Back at 60 Years of Breaking News

DIGITAL
- HuffPo Suspends Writer for Doing ‘What We Were Taught and Told to Do’
- Why Google+ Is Poised To Fail
- Spotify launches in the US (I just got an invite, seems pretty cool)
- Pseudonyms in comments: Reasons to allow them
- Best practices for engaging users on Facebook

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- 89.3 KSBJ’s Susan O'Donnell leaving morning show
- KPRC 2 grabs Mark Boyle from WFTV 9 Orlando
- Texas Radio Hall of Fame inductees for 2011
- 102.1 The Edge KDGE gets Josh Venable as dude in charge
- KHOU 11 announces 4pm newscast
- KHOU 11's Chita Johnson from KRCR can dance and rap
- KPRC 2 anchor Owen Conflenti planks on live TV
- Ken Hoffman returns to 1560 The Game KGOW

Ken Hoffman returns to 1560 The Game KGOW

I was happy to see that Houston Chronicle columnist Ken Hoffman is returning to 1560 The Game KGOW. He announced the big news in his column:

Proving that I never learn, I am returning to radio station KGOW-AM (1560 "The Game"). Starting next week, I will co-host a show every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon with fellow Houston Chronicle columnist Richard Justice. He thinks the name of the show should be The Richard Justice Show. We'll let him keep thinking that.

I've already scheduled an appointment with a chiropractor. I know my back is going to hurt carrying him.
I was on KGOW for almost three years, between 2008 and 2010. Obviously it ended badly, but the dream of one day joining Russ "The Weird Beard" Knight, Ken "Hub Cap" Carter and the Light Crust Doughboys in the Texas Radio Hall of Fame is bringing me back.

How will I explain my absence this past year? I'm going to say I committed a crime in Florida, and I was sitting in jail, when all of a sudden a jury found me not guilty …

If I ever got a chance to host a talk radio show, Hoffman is one of the people I would want to co-host with.

KPRC 2 anchor Owen Conflenti planks on live TV

I haven't talked about planking here, but I have a reason to now. KPRC 2 morning anchor Owen Conflenti said he was talked into planking live on TV Thursday morning! I'm sure there are those out there more educated in this area than I, but is Conflenti the first anchor to plank on a news desk on live TV?

I guess Local 2 Mornings is Houston's closest version to Good Day LA?

RELATED
KPRC 2's male staffers have a problem

KHOU 11's Chita Johnson from KRCR can dance and rap

You'd think most of this blog's readers are journalists or something the way they find information on new TV hires in Houston...oh, wait a minute. Many of the folks who do stop by here are journalists.

Chita Johnson courtesy of KRCR

Within hours of posting Wednesday about the new KHOU 11 News at 4 with Len Cannon and meteorologist Chita Johnson, readers were already finding videos on YouTube of Ms. Johnson. Above is a video of her dancing to It's Raining Men conveniently by the group The Weather Girls (Factoid: The song was written in 1979 by Paul Shaffer of the Late Show with David Letterman).

However, we have also learned that Chita can rap. WATCH HERE.

And just where does the name Chita come from? According to Johnson's personal site bio:

You may think Chita, pronounced Cheetah, is an unusual name. Actually, it’s a family name. In fact there are five generations of mother-daughter Chita’s in her family..

You can read more about Johnson's work experience here. She has a lot of radio experience which will help with those anchor crosstalk segments (plus she can do the splitz as we learned in her dance video...good if the weather computer breaks and she needs to fill time).

Below are some videos of Johnson's actual on air TV news work (no dancing or rapping). My first assessment of watching her work, is that she is not a typical KHOU hire, more a KPRC or KRIV hire based on look and personality. Is this the dawn of a new era at KHOU?:











Johnson leaves KRCR and the airwaves of Redding, CA July 15th (tomorrow). She starts at the new KHOU 11 News at 4 August 1. KRCR appears to be having a Redding version of the Katie Couric Today send off for Chita that day.

KHOU 11 announces 4pm newscast

Finally, the news we've all been expecting...:

Beginning August 1, KHOU 11, Houston’s CBS station, will add a half-hour of news to its weekday lineup with KHOU 11 News at 4. The newscast will fill the timeslot previously occupied by Oprah. Viewer-favorite Jeopardy will air at 4:30 pm.

“We are thrilled to be able to repurpose this time period with two moves that will serve viewers local news and information, followed by Jeopardy, a show that Houstonians have watched on KHOU for 25 years,” said KHOU President and General Manager Susan McEldoon.

The program will be anchored by Len Cannon, who will continue his current role as co-anchor of KHOU’s 6 pm newscast. An award-winning anchor and reporter, Len came to KHOU in 2006 from WNYW-TV in New York. While in New York, he was also a correspondent for Dateline NBC and a back-up anchor for NBC Nightly News and Weekend Today.

“Len was the perfect choice for this newscast because he is both a solid journalist and has a warm personality,” said Executive News Director Philip Bruce. “This newscast will show both strengths.”

“KHOU 11 News at 4 gives us a chance to bring viewers the big news of the day, while the stories are still developing. It’ll be immediate, fast-paced and plugged-in to what’s happening at the moment. Plus, we’ll spend some time each day looking at fun, interesting things happening across Houston and all the surrounding communities,” Bruce continued.

Joining Len to cover weather, KHOU welcomes a new face to Houston, Chita Johnson. Chita comes to Houston from KRCR-TV in Redding, CA where she was the morning meteorologist for the past four years.She is a member of the National Weather Association and the American Meteorological Society and has received the seal of approval from both organizations.

102.1 The Edge KDGE gets Josh Venable as dude in charge

Hot of the press...er...email from 102.1 The Edge KDGE in Dallas...longtime on air guy Josh Venable takes control of the station and still is a DJ in Los Angeles. Take that Seacrest (OK oh mighty Seacrest, you still are the hardest working man in showbiz)!:

Clear Channel Radio’s 102.1 KDGE FM The Edge announced today that Josh Venable has been named Program Director, effective immediately. Venable is a Clear Channel Radio veteran and will continue his roles as radio show host.

“A new chapter begins today in The Edge’s 20 year history and I’m happy to name Josh Venable as its leader,” said Kelly Kibler, President and Market Manager, Clear Channel Radio Dallas. “He has an ease in working with clients as well as record labels that will lend to new business and opportunities."

Venable, who calls Dallas home, started his radio career in 1993 at The Edge as a high school intern. For the past 18 years Venable has taken on many roles from on-air host to music director. Today, Venable’s creativity, respect and a take charge attitude is leading the station.

“The combo of a great on-air jock and someone that has a vast knowledge of music in general, let alone The Edge audience, is a killer combo we couldn’t pass up,” said Patrick Davis, Operation Manager, Clear Channel Radio Dallas.

“I’m thrilled to finally be at the helm of the station that made me want to work in radio to begin with,” said Venable. “I know what The Edge brand means to the listeners of Dallas/Fort Worth. As one of the first alternative stations in the country, we’ve always been at the musical forefront. I look forward to continuing KDGE’s longstanding tradition of strong ratings and great music.”

In addition to his role in Dallas, Venable has also been a radio show host in Los Angeles for the past three years. Venable will remain the mid-day host weekdays on The Edge from 10a – 2p CT and on air with 97.7 KYSR FM weekdays.

“We're excited and proud that Josh has an opportunity to be the Program Director in his hometown,” said Julie Pilat, Program Director, Clear Channel Radio Los Angeles. “Josh has been a core member of the 98.7 FM crew since we first flipped the station alternative and we're looking forward to continuing to work with him, he’s a great music director, on-air talent and social media expert."

“I’ve seen the industry change dramatically in the past twenty years. Nowadays with iHeartRadio, The Edge can be heard worldwide,” said Venable. “I can’t think of anything more exciting than to be in the middle of it all.”

Fans can listen to 102.1 KDGE FM The Edge and 98.7 KYSR on the stations’ websites, kdge.com and 987fm.com, as well as on iHeartRadio.com and the iHeartRadio mobile app, Clear Channel’s industry-leading digital radio service that delivers more than 750 of America's favorite radio stations from 150 cities as well as commercial-free digital only stations; specialized artist stations; non-music radio programming and national programming, including 24/7 Comedy Radio, White House Brief, The Elvis Duran Channel, Fox Sports Radio, AT40 with Ryan Seacrest; and more.

Houston offers magical Foursquare location checkin opportunities

Foursquare is a phone app that lets you checkin places so your friends can see where you are and read tips/recommendations about the place. It also lets you collect points and even become a 'mayor' of a location if you check in the place the most.

I noticed some strange locations featured in Foursquare while checking in southwest Houston's Meyerland area. In the 9009 West Loop South building (home of Saudi Aramco) I noticed two odd listings:

- Tubbytronic Superdome
- Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Hogwarts is obviously the magical school featured in the Harry Potter franchise. Upon further investigation, I learned Tubbytronic Superdome is where the characters from the children's show Teletubbies live.

At least the folks at 9009 West Loop South know how to have fun. If you care, you can follow me on Foursquare here.

RELATED
Foursquare rolls out revamped notification system

Texas Radio Hall of Fame inductees for 2011

The names of the 2011 Texas Radio Hall of Fame inductees are listed below along with the radio stations and cities they've been most associated with during their careers.
With their inductions, they will be listed among those who are the greatest of the greats of Texas radio. The induction celebration will be held in Houston later this year. Congrats to all!

Below is the list of all the inductees listed in alphabetical order -- eight from the Houston area, seven from the San Antonio-Austin area, four from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, one from Liberty and one from Tyler.

Ken Barnett
(KVIL - Dallas-Fort Worth)

Bill Buchanan
(KSHN - Liberty)

Mitch Carr
(KVIL/KLUV/KRLD - Dallas-Fort Worth)

Errol Coker
(KHCB - Houston)

"Cuzzin Linnie" Leonard Henderson (Deceased - Died Thursday June 30, 2011)
(KLIF/KNON/KKDA-AM - Dallas-Fort Worth)

Bruce Miller Earle
(KVIL/KNOW/KLAR - San Antonio)

Howard Edwards
(KONO - San Antonio)

Pat Fant
(KLOL/KTXQ/KRBE - Houston)

John Furr
(KONO/KTSA/KITE)

Larry Galla
(KIKK/KVST - Houston)

Lanny Griffith
(KLOL/KTRH - Houston)

Doug Harris
(KLOL - Houston)

Lanny "Hoss" Huggins
(KZAK/KROZ - Tyler)

Pam Ivey
(KKBQ/KIKK - Houston)

Dave Jarrott
(KXOL/KTBC/K98 - Austin-San Antonio)

Larry Don Johnson
(KTSU/KCOH/KULF - Houston)

Ira "Eye" Lipson
(KZEW/WFAA/KTCK - Dallas-Fort Worth)

Richard Mock
(KLIF/KILT - Houston)

Elizabeth Ruiz
(KTSA - San Antonio)

Johnny Shannon
(KTSA/KILT/KONO - San Antonio)

Lee Woods
(KONO/KKPS/KRIO - San Antonio)

The Council of Advisors members are: Al Caldwell, Ann Arnold, Bob Ray Sanders, Bud Buschardt, Chuck Blore, Eddie Barker, Dr. Jerry Hudson, Jo Interrante, Jody Dean, Josh Holstead, Paul Berlin, Sonny Melendrez and Tom Glade and Larry Shannon.

http://www.texasradiohalloffame.com/

KPRC 2 grabs Mark Boyle from WFTV 9 Orlando

UPDATE DECEMBER 04, 2015
KPRC 2's Mark Boyle and KTRK abc13's John Fenoglio say goodbye

KPRC 2 reporter Carl Willis is heading to Atlanta's WSB and now reinforcements are starting to show up at the Houston NBC affiliate.

Fresh off the Casey Anthony trial, Mark Boyle, 26, will be the latest reporter to hold a KPRC 2 mic flag. Boyle is still wrapping up his gig at Orlando's WFTV 9.

According to his WFTV bio, Boyle started with the station in August of 2008. Before that he was a reporter for WWSB in Sarasota. He is also a graduate of the the University of Florida's College of Journalism and Communications. In addition he interned at Good Morning America and the Today Show.

Boyle told the Orlando Sentinel's Hal Boedeker that he is leaving WFTV on July 22 and will start in Houston on August 1.

UPDATE DECEMBER 04, 2015
KPRC 2's Mark Boyle and KTRK abc13's John Fenoglio say goodbye

89.3 KSBJ’s Susan O'Donnell leaving morning show

UPDATE 2/28/2013
Susan O’Donnell leaves 89.3 KSBJ


89.3 KSBJ, Houston's Christian music radio outlet, has a big change coming. Turns out Susan O'Donnell of the “Morning Show with Mike and Susan” is leaving the show after 18 years of being on air at the station.

O'Donnell is stepping away from the microphone because of the other station gig she took last September...program director.

"While it is my joy to spend that time on air, I am realizing that the better spot for me now is to step fully into my role as the leader of the programming staff for KSBJ," O'Donnell said in an email announcement. "It’s a lot like when a teacher gets promoted to Principal to lead all classes instead of just one. I’m excited about what this new place of leadership will mean. And with this transition, I have made a decision that I believe will be the best for the future of the ministry."

According to her personal site, O'Donnell is also a stand up comic. She has performed at The Improv and also opened for secular entertainers like Johnny Rivers and Christian artists like Kathy Troccoli, Avalon, Bob Carlisle, Phillips Craig and Dean and Jackie Velasquez.

No word on when O'Donnell is actually leaving the mic to morning co-host Mike Kankelfritz.

Rapping reporter, WFAA 8 photog attacked and more

A rap song about being a reporter - Mattafact - Camera Tricks

Channel 8 videographer becomes target of southeast Dallas fireworks fight
WFAA 8 photographer finds large, chaotic fireworks fight -- and as he filmed, some of the combatants turned on him.

Texas names in the news
Alicia Dean joins KXAN-TV in Austin, TX, as the Assistant News Director. She’s been working for KNSD-TV in San Diego as a reporter, though she began there as an Executive Producer. Plus Shannon Hammel is going to stay at KXAS-TV in Dallas/Ft. Worth as Managing Editor.

Jennifer Reyna is the parade marshal
KPRC 2's Jennifer Reyna had the honor this Fourth of July to act as Parade Marshal for The City of Meadows Place.

Longhorn Network fills in the blanks
Galindo, Dunn, Steele hired as on-air talent

Jedi Mind Tricks: Most of you forget your reporting skills in the News Director's office
You walk into the office, wondering why you've been stuck with a bad shift, bad stories, whatever. You are all set to unload your frustrations and then the ND lets the air out of your balloon with the magical phrase. You think, "Oh, well I'd better not complain. They have big plans for me."

KTBU sale approved by FCC
The sale of KTBU, channel 55, to Spanish Broadcasting Systems has been approved by the FCC.

106.9 The Zone boss leaves
106.9 The Zone KHPT program director Kevin Vargas leaves Cox Radio after station simulcasts 107.5 The Eagle KGLK.
- 106.9 The Zone gets zapped, will simulcast 107.5 The Eagle KGLK

Halff ran WOAI and several other businesses
San Antonio businessman Hugh Halff Jr., whose family owned and operated WOAI Radio and TV and who led several firms, among them one listed on the American Stock Exchange, died Monday at age 76.

Dallas Radio Icon Linwood 'Cuzzin Linnie' Henderson Passes
DALLAS radio icon LINWOOD HENDERSON, better known as CUZZIN' LINNIE or COUSIN LINNIE, passed away in his sleep.

Reporter LIZ McKERNAN to KOAT, Albuquerque (from KBMT, Beaumont).
Liz is represented by Steve Swienckowski of DCA (The David Crane Agency). http://www.davidcrane.com.

NATIONAL MEDIA
- The Best Of Nancy Grace’s Casey Anthony Coverage
- So how much did ABC News pay this time?
- CNN Cancels ‘In the Arena’ With Eliot Spitzer
- "All My Children" and "One Life to Live" will live on — on the Web
- Times curbs Pogue’s P.R. appearances
- War of the iRoses: David Pogue’s Wife Hits Back in the Press
- TNT will re-do Dallas -- in Dallas
- James Spader Gets a Full-Time Job at ‘The Office’
- Harry Smith to Leave CBS for NBC News
- Tribune Company ‘Deal From Hell’: A Tale of Greed and Hypocrisy

DIGITAL
- Google+ Brand Pages Coming in Two Weeks
- Mixed Signals: Majority Not Ready For Internet-Connected TV
- ‘Page One’ Excerpt: How The New York Times learned to stop worrying and love the blog
- News organizations on Google+
- The team that made ‘The Voice’ a social TV hit

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- KPRC 2's male staffers have a problem
- Hey Fox 26, I've got your main anchor right here
- Matt Patrick's first day on NewsTalk 740 KTRH
- Former Talk 650 KIKK host Brent Clanton lands at 700 KSEV

Former Talk 650 KIKK host Brent Clanton lands at 700 KSEV

Big changes came to Talk 650 KIKK and former morning man Brent Clanton has already landed a new radio home.

"I am pleased to announce that beginning Monday, July 11, I will be joining the team at AM700/KSEV, 'The Voice of Texas,' in the capacity of Account Executive and real live Radio talk show host," Clanton said in an email statement. "I am excited about this move, only 50-kilocycles to the right of my former dial position."

I am not exactly sure what time slot Clanton will appear on State Senator Dan Patrick's radio station, but we'll obviously find out soon enough. Clanton adds he is working on reviving the Breakfast Broadcast Series.

Now we'll be expecting to hear from Clanton's co-host Steven Kay on his future plans.

RELATED
- Talk 650 KIKK announces new programming lineup
- Chris Baker heading to 700 KSEV afternoons
- Sam Malone is back on KSEV 700
- Pat Gray leaving Houston's 700 KSEV for Glenn Beck

PBS host to help you get free BBQ from Rudy's

Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q in Houston (290 location) will be giving away a quarter pound of brisket to guests who bring any number of canned goods that will benefit the Houston Food Bank. PBS Daytripper Host Chet Garner will be on location to meet, greet and collect the cans. Daytripper’s new season will premiere that evening and will be show on-screen. Guests will have a chance to win gift items and additional prizes from Rudy’s and the Daytripper.

Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q
14620 Northwest Fwy
Houston, TX
Friday, July 8 - 7–9pm

I interviewed Brian Greene, the Houston Food Bank president, for a report on KIAH 39 last December. WATCH IT

KPRC 2's male staffers have a problem

KPRC 2 anchor Owen Conflenti posted a photo on Twitter that might make you go "ewww."

Some fellas in my office apparently don't know basic bathroom etiquette.

Maybe they are too busy dashing off to breaking news? Does this mean they don't wash their hands either?

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL SIZED PHOTO

Hey Fox 26, I've got your main anchor right here

A month ago I posted how a stream of high powered TV anchor types have paraded through the Fox 26 KRIV newsroom looking to fill the empty main anchor chair (and I hear a former Houston talent might have been in that line too).

Anyway, I keep tuning in and seeing Bob Martin aka "The Accountant to the Stars" on the Fox 26 anchor desk. He's there doing his "Wake Up Money" financial reports. But you have to wonder? Could Martin be the gem KRIV has been looking for to replace Mike Barajas as main Fox 26 anchor? After all, his shirt and tie were color coordinated with anchor Natalie Bomke's attire the day the above image was captured.

My guess is that Martin wouldn't give up that high CPA salary or River Oaks office of his to work in TV news. Plus, he's missing the five years of TV anchor experience the job calls for. And somehow I don't see Bob attempting a move to a small market to start a new career. I mean most small cities don't have an Armani or Ermenegildo Zegna suit store...do they?

Matt Patrick's first day on NewsTalk 740 KTRH

Matt Patrick and Lois Melkonian finished their first day on the new NewsTalk 740 KTRH “Houston’s Morning News with Matt Patrick.” The two gave video recaps on the KTRH YouTube account with an old NewsRadio 740 KTRH banner behind them (see video embed below).

I'm getting lots of reader complaints today concerning the dismissal of Lana Hughes and J.P. Pritchard from the newscast.

So did you listen to the new morning radio show? I did not.  I'm still having trouble getting Matt Patrick's name correct because of Matt Thomas on 790 KBME and Dan Patrick on 700 KSEV.









More interesting is the talk Matt Patrick had with the other KTRH (and 950 KPRC) big dog Michael Berry the other day. Berry told Patrick that Houston has hot TV weather women, but then singled out KPRC 2 traffic reporter Jennifer Reyna as the hottest. The former city councilman then told Patrick the story of how KTRH traffic guy Darby Douglas was let go from KHOU 11 and replaced with 'hottie' Katherine Whaley (Berry did not mention Whaley by name).

WFAA anchor troubles, Lana Hughes and J.P. Pritchard, SA TV shake-up and more

Former radio reporter Michelle Merhar shot this video of former 740 KTRH anchors Lana Hughes and J.P. Pritchard being inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame. Today the duo was replaced by talker Matt Patrick.
- Roger Gray's comments
- blogHOUSTON comments on change
- Local listeners will miss Lana and J.P. on KTRH

WFAA8 anchor/reporter facing escalating legal difficulties
Uncle Barky has an update.

Stephen Colbert messes with Texas, questions our patriotism after KTRK report
Stephen Colbert found a new reason to mess with Texas on The Colbert Report after KTRK 13 report.

Glenn Beck ready for Dallas move
Beck is planning to move to a much larger 7-bedroom home in the suburbs of Dallas where he'll pay $20,000 monthly for a mansion, complete with a pool in a state with less taxes to pay.
- VIDEO OF HOUSE FROM GAWKER

Marc Vandermeer of SportsRadio 610 or Baghdad Bob?
Why is Houston Media Watch comparing Vandermeer to Baghdad Bob?

Stations plan big changes in daytime lineup
The landscape of morning and afternoon television is changing dramatically in San Antonio, with the most stunning alterations happening on ABC affiliate KSAT.

New Austin HD radio station plays nothing but metal
Chuck Loesch's No Control Radio launched Friday on 107.1 FM HD2. Owner Emmis Austin Radio claims the new signal, which is an expansion of the 11-year-old "No Control" program on 101X, is the nation's only round-the-clock commercial metal station.

Jedi Mind Tricks: Bait 'N' Switch and the Hidden One-Man-Band Clause
Reporter candidates are told about the parameters of the job only to find out those parameters had mysteriously changed when they arrived for an interview.

Weather gal's sunny outlook
Weather reporter Heidi Jones is hoping a technicality will free her from charges that she lied to cops by making up an account of being attacked by a mysterious pervert.

Sharathon Success!
KPRC 2's Jennifer Reyna says 89.3 KSBJ Sharathon a great success.

Old TV news footage saves local history
KTBC-TV photographer hoarded film for decades.

Spurned DJ finds new home
Former KUT record spinner Larry Monroe spins new web.

NATIONAL MEDIA
- CBS Changing Its Morning Routine
- Fox News to Replace Beck With ‘The Five’
- Glenn Beck's Last Fox News Show: Recap Of The Finale (VIDEO)
- Mark Halperin Suspended Indefinitely from MSNBC
- 'All My Children' to Air Final Episode on Sept. 23
- Broadcast Morning Shows Add 1.2 Million Viewers in Past Year
- Undercover Cameras Allegedly Bust Chris Hansen for Affair with local reporter
- Oops: MSNBC Airs Multiple F-Bombs In Casey Anthony Coverage
- Stephen Colbert super PAC gets FEC blessing

DIGITAL
- The seven steps to a successful aggregation strategy for your news organization
- Journalists, take another look at Tumblr
- Mike McGuff on Tumblr
- Hyperloco
- @FoxNewsPolitics Twitter Account Hacked
- Apple posts Final Cut FAQ, says features to return
- Adobe Offers Final Cut Users 50% Discount on Premiere Pro CS5.5

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- 740 KTRH replaces Lana Hughes and J.P. Pritchard; KTRH is now NewsTalk 740
- VIDEO: KHOU 11 anchor Lucy Noland says goodbye to Houston
- Talk 650 KIKK announces new programming lineup
- KTRK 13 launches Katishia Cosley's 'Deals' on Live Well HD Network
- Ed Brandon returns to KTRK 13 newscasts
- PHOTOS: Star Wars exhibit at Houston Health Museum

Ed Brandon returns to KTRK 13 newscasts

This weekend means fireworks, picnics...and Ed Brandon's return to the KTRK 13 weather department. Well, at least while the normal staff goes on vacation.

Brandon has to be one of the most popular weather guys in Houston (even though he retired from the station in 2007). Luckily KTRK keeps Ed in reserves. Catch him in the evenings this weekend.

RELATED
- VIDEO: KTRK 13 weather in 1979 with Ed Brandon
- AUDIO: Ed Brandon talks about TV with Mike McGuff
- Ed Brandon announces retirement on the mikemcguff blog
- VIDEO: TV weather celebrity stunt
- VIDEO: KTRK 13 Eyewitness News promo 1995

KTRK 13 launches Katishia Cosley's 'Deals' on Live Well HD Network

Just when you thought it would be a quiet, uneventful, 4th of July, think again. The Live Well HD Network is launching Deals this Monday. This is the second show produced by KTRK 13 out of Houston for the .2 digital channel network owned by ABC.

Deals has a familiar host. Remember how I blogged about former KIAH 39 anchor Katishia Cosley going back to KTRK 13? Well, Deals is the show Cosley returned for. It is a consumer oriented show, that like the name suggests, helps viewers save money. With the current economy, probably a good time to launch a show like this. Former KTRK 13 Eyewitness News 6pm producer Andrea Slaydon is the show/field producer.

And have I got a deal for you! Just because I like you, embedded above is your first look at Deals before it hits the Live Well HD Network (in Houston on Comcast 685 or 13.2 over the air). The show will air throughout the day on the digital network, so check the schedule.

To my surprise, I saw golden boy Mark Klein in the above Deals segment. I interviewed him for a cash for gold story I did at KIAH 39 last November. No doubt, he is good TV.

http://livewellnetwork.com/Deals/8194764

Talk 650 KIKK announces new programming lineup

Here you thought the birth of NewsTalk 740 KTRH with Matt Patrick replacing Lana Hughes and J.P. Pritchard would be the only big Houston AM radio news this week. Turns out CBS radio is changing up Talk 650 KIKK too...actually even more so than Clear Channel is modifying KTRH.

I told you that the Talk 650 morning show was gone from the schedule. Now for the rest of the story as Paul Harvey would say. Here is the press release from CBS Houston on the changes:

Beginning on Tuesday, July 5, the Michael Smerconish Show and The Schnitt Show, hosted by Todd Schnitt, will be added to the programming lineup of The Talk Station, Talk 650 available on-air and online at houston.cbslocal.com.

Additionally, CBS News headlines will be featured at the top of every hour to bring Houstonians the important news of the day and information they need.

Michael Smerconish, one of America’s top morning show hosts according to Talker’s magazine, debuts on Tuesday from 11:00am-2:00pm. The nationally syndicated radio host, best-selling author and television personality is well-known for his political commentary and current events driven discussions. He will be followed by The Schnitt Show weekday afternoons from 2:00–5:00pm. The conservative Schnitt presents news, political commentary, lifestyle and pop-culture with a cynical and comedic skew.

From 5:00-8:00pm, The Clark Howard Show will entertain Houstonians while helping them save money through this extraordinary time of financial upheaval. As America’s Money Coach, he simplifies complex issues, allays fears, and offers
sound advice to help families thrive during financial crisis.

Leading off the station’s lineup 6:00-7:00AM is America in the Morning with Jim Bohannon. The program features top news of the day, weather, business news, sports headlines, Jim Bohannon’s signature humorous daily feature “The Offbeat,” and interviews with newsmakers on topics that people are talking about. John McCaslin and Dana Mills will serve as anchors for the 7:00-11:00AM edition of America’s Morning, representing a full spectrum of subjects ranging from breaking investigative reports to entertainment, and financial news, along with interviews, commentary and point vs.
counterpoint.

“This lineup exudes energy and the hosts that we have brought on bring a fresh perspective,” says Gavin Spittle, Talk 650 Program Director. “I love the sound of our lineup. It’s aggressive, fast paced and brings Houstonians information from a new generation of hosts that dive into issues that are affecting us every day.”

Before the launch of the new line up Talk 650 will celebrate America on July 4th, by saving listeners money with the first ever Clark-A-Thon. From 7:00am-8:00pm, America’s #1 consumer advocate Clark Howard will be giving out tips on how you can spend less to put more money back in your pocket.