Former KPRC 2 reporter for Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector?

The Tribune is reporting that Mike Sullivan, Houston City Council Member-District E, could be a likely candidate for Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector.

Here is why I'm blogging about that on a media blog...here is more of The Tribune story:

If Sullivan runs and wins, he will follow in the path of legendary Jack Cato, who worked for 20 years as the police reporter and television photographer for KPRC-TV Channel 2 before being elected Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector in 1999.

“I started as the night police beat reporter for Channel 2 after school,” Sullivan said. “For two years, I reported to Phil Archer and Jack Cato. Then Cato left and became the tax assessor.” READ THE REST

UPDATE
As pointed out in the comments, Cato was the County Treasurer, not Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector. Kevin Whited of blogHOUSTON commented that The Tribune deleted the original story I linked to. On Nov. 5, the paper republished the story online with the corrected information.

KHOU 11's Alex Sanz to WPTV 5

KHOU 11's Alex Sanz is heading east.

The Houston City Hall and Harris County government reporter is joining WPTV NewsChannel 5 in West Palm Beach. Guess what he will be covering there? That's right, government and politics.

 According to the KHOU memo that went out today, Sanz will also contribute to FLDemocracy2012.com, a joint venture of The E. W. Scripps Company, its Florida television stations, the Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers and the Naples Daily News.

This new gig gets Sanz back to where he grew up. I'm assuming that means he can get help from his family with the young twins he and his wife brought into this world last year.

Sanz has been with the Belo Houston station since 2007. He starts at top rated WPTV in January.

RELATED
- Texas TV jobs

Lyle Lovett sings for KHOU 11

Earlier this year, KHOU 11 dropped "The Spirit of Texas" slogan for "KHOU Stands for Houston." There was a video with a choir singing the song that accompanied the new slogan.

Now the station is going to Julia Robert's ex Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Lyle Lovett (and Klein native) for a new take on the song (see video above).

RELATED
- Lovett records 'KHOU Stands for Houston'
- Photos: Lyle Lovett on '11 News This Morning'

KPRC 2 and Houston Fire Department team up for toys

The Houston Fire Department and KPRC Local 2 Kick-Off Toy Drive

WHAT: The Houston Fire Department and KPRC Local 2 will kick off the annual “Operation: Stocking Stuffer” Toy Drive.
WHEN: Friday, December 2, 2011, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
WHERE: Fire Station 2, 5880 Woodway, 77057

DETAILS: The HFD in conjunction with KPRC Local 2, Outreach Program Inc. and several other non-profit organizations will be collecting toys (no clothes) for the holiday season. During the kick-off event at Fire Station 2, Los Cucos Restaurants will be providing free breakfast tacos (while supplies last) and Blue Bell will be providing free ice cream (while supplies last), to citizens who drop off a toy.

Citizens may help bring the joy of the holidays to children by dropping off a new or gently used toy at any HFD Station, December 2 – 20. A complete list of stations and addresses may be found by visiting the HFD website www.houstonfire.org. Toys may also be dropped off at all Firehouse Sub locations and Los Cucos Restaurants.

Last year, more than 15 thousand toys were collected and given to several thousand families during the Outreach, Inc. Give-away.
This year, the give-away will be held on December 22, 2011, from 8:30 a.m. until all toys have been distributed. The giveaway will take place at the New Light Christian Center located at 7317 E. Houston Road, 77028 near Ley Road in northeast Houston.

Citizens should be aware that toys will be distributed on a first come-first serve basis so there is not a waiting list. Citizens may call 832.394.6632 for this information in English and Spanish.

Mike McGuff on 'Blogging, Here and Now in Houston' panel

Come join me Thursday December 1st at 6:30pm at the Houston Public Library in downtown for Blogging, Here and Now in Houston. I will be on the The Houston Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists panel with some big time folks. Will I be able to hold my own? You'll have to show up and find out.

Blogging, Here and Now in Houston

What: The Houston Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists invites you to join us for an evening discussion of blogging.
When: Thursday, December 1, 6:30-7:30 p.m. CST
Where: Houston Public Library — Central Library downtown*, 500 McKinney St., Houston, 77002. Parking available for a modest fee in the parking garage underneath the library building.
Who:
• Tom Fowler, business reporter and blogger for the Houston Chronicle and FuelFix.com, soon to be with the Wall Street Journal

• Ruth Nasrullah, SPJ Houston chapter vice president, freelance journalist and the Straight Path blogger on the Houston Chronicle website, which reflects on the experience of being an American Muslim

• Mike McGuff: Veteran Houston TV newsman and blogger on all things media-related at McGuff Blog

• Starr Spencer, prolific blogger and senior writer for Platts, the energy news and information division of The McGraw-Hill Companies

How: How has blogging progressed from its early days outside the journalism mainstream to a yet another medium in digital delivery for all journalists? How do pros use blogging to break news, run analysis, engage readers/sources, or express a personal point of view? We’ll hear from the panelists and then ask them questions, including how do you handle writer’s block, what to do with hostile comments or even spam, and what leads to inspiration?

*This program is not sponsored or endorsed by Houston Public Library. Also, if you have a special physical or communications need that could impact your participation in this event, please contact the event organizer, Katharine Fraser of the Houston SPJ at 713-828-0569 or hikatharine@gmail.com, at least 72 hours ahead of the program to discuss how to best accommodate your needs.

Weather Dog returns to KPRC, DFW ratings and more

VIDEO
- Don't call out your co-anchor's beauty secrets on air (Thanks Trent)
- Watch WNYW’s Greg Kelly Rap During a Newscast
- News 8 Daybreak - "Rondezvous"
- Howard Stern Fan Ruins WNYW Live Shot
- Carolyn Hopkins, Voice Of 200 Airports & NYC Subway, Speaks To CBS News (Thanks Will-E)
- Bird Takes Down KSAZ Helicopter
- 1930s newsreel predicts fashion in the year 2000
- Boy-Men at NBC's "The Office"

WFAA beats KTVT in 10 p.m. news slot
WFAA/Channel 8 edged out KTVT/Channel 11 for a win in the 10 p.m. news race during the November sweeps period, which began Oct. 27 and ended Wednesday.

Radar the Weather Dog returns to KPRC 2
- Weather dog returns to newscast that made him famous
- Anchors answer viewer questions about Radar

Top Ten Signs You've Been Shooting News Too Long
Lenslinger does it again with the list to tell if you've been photogging way to long.

Anchor Lily Jang leaving KCPQ for Houston
Lily Jang, an anchor at Seattle Fox-affiliate KCPQ, is leaving the station after seven years. She's moving to Houston to take care of her parents but could we see her on Houston TV? Inquiring minds want to know.

Arbitrator decides against WFAA8 anchor/reporter Debbie Denmon in discrimination suit against station
An arbitrator has ruled against WFAA 8 anchor/reporter Debbie Denmon in her weight and race discrimination suit against the Dallas-based station.

Quanell X claims KHOU is part of plot to kill him
A community activist known for helping needy individuals fired back at an ongoing KHOU 11 News investigation.

Willis to lead KXAN investigative team
Award-winning news anchor Chris Willis has been named lead investigator for the KXAN investigative team.

Ursula Pari Shifting to Earlier Newscasts on KSAT
Ursula Pari, an evening anchor on San Antonio ABC-affiliate KSAT, is making the move from anchoring the 10 p.m. newscast to anchoring the 4, 5 and 6 p.m. newscasts in order to spend more time with her kids.

Crane's era begins as Hamilton's winds down
David Barron reports Milo Hamilton's 28th season with the Astros and 57th behind an MLB microphone conceivably will be his last.

BBB's Dan Parsons and his curious collection
Isiah Carey AKA The Insite tells us what Better Business Bureau Director Dan Parsons really likes.

'Luck' led journalist to exclusive on JFK assassination film
WFAA also played a role in the world seeing the Zapruder film. It was a Channel 8 employee who contacted the local Kodak film processing center to get the film developed in the hours following the assassination.

Music Editor Chris Gray Had Luck on His Side When He Had His Heart Attack
John P. Zepeda of the Metro PD's canine squad had performed a routine bomb search at the Ensemble light-rail station October 28. Finding nothing, he tried to head back.

Occupy Houston: Where Everything Is an Emergency That Local Media (Including Us) Fall for
Hair Balls now has something in common with the local Fox and CBS affiliates. We're all suckers.

Former TV Reporter, Author Under Attack from Cyberspace
Reshonda Tate-Billingsley is a best-selling author with more than 20 books under her belt.

For just 4 stations, Cumulus files a "pre-packaged bankruptcy"
Radio-Info.com believes the Chapter 11 (reorganization) filing affects only four stations: two in Houston-Beaumont and two Kansas City.

KXXV's Seth Kovar joining WDBJ
Seth Kovar debuted as WDBJ‘s new morning anchor on Monday. Kovar comes to WDBJ from KXXV in Waco, where he also worked as a morning anchor.

KJKK Names Jeff McMurray PD
CBS RADIO Adult Hits KJKK (100.3 JACK FM)/DALLAS has named JEFF MCMURRAY PD.

Former KIAH 39 producer gets CNN love
Former KIAH 39 producer and current CNN staffer Travis Sattiewhite featured in iReport promo.

KVIA's Garcia named afternoon anchor
KVIA reporter Maria Garcia will succeed Celina Avila as the station's 4 p.m. anchor.

KTSM/KDBC names new news director
Lauren Macias-Cervantes has been named the news director of KTSM/KDBC in El Paso.

EVENTS
- Join Houston SPJ Dec. 1 for program on blogging in Houston with Mike McGuff [more]
- Come celebrate Texas Watchdog with Mike McGuff Dec. 3 [more]

NATIONAL
- Plan to Revive Two ABC Soap Operas Collapses
- Chelsea Clinton to Report for NBC
- CNN/U.S. cuts jobs in Atlanta, other cities
- Couric preparing for her own show
- ‘Ricki Lake’ Lands NYC, LA, Chicago, Dallas
- Oprah Winfrey's Primetime Series to Launch on New Year's Day
- Outsourced Master Control Drives NBC O&Os
- Naked Truth: New Sitcoms Are Reruns

DIGITAL
- Media's Twitter use is mostly one-way, study says
- Social Media Is Stations’ Sales Trump Card
- Social Media is NOT Just For Interns! (Says a Disgruntled NPR Social Media Manager)
- As NYC Metros Cut Back,
- Why Can’t Newspapers Make Money Online?

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- PHOTOS: KTRK 13 morning show promo shoot
- KPRC 2 missed big opportunity with 'Mr. Standup'
- Lana Hughes and J.P. Pritchard talk News 92 KROI with Mike McGuff
- KTRK 13's Ed Brandon on 24 hour news radio in Houston
- 740 KTRH issues statement on its heritage and News 92FM KROI
- News 92 FM KROI is on the air (1st hour local audio included)
- 740 KTRH remarks on News 92 FM KROI's first day
- Shara Fryer returns to Houston TV on Fox 26 KRIV
- KUHT 8 makes some changes

Buying Christmas trees, even allergy free + Pearland light show

 
Here is an oldie but a goodie from my KIAH 39 reporting days. Great for this time of year because it's all about buying Christmas trees. Heck, even I learned stuff on this story and I couldn't believe Santa was so stingy with information at the end.

Also fun is the amazing Pearland, TX Christmas light show. Shadow Creek Ranch homeowner Joey Corbello is at it again this year too. If you are in the area, tune into his low power radio station and catch the synced light show. WATCH THE VIDEO

KUHT 8 makes some changes

I told you how former KHOU 11 director of programming and marketing Lisa Trapani Shumate was taking over at KUHT 8 Houston PBS and 88.7 KUHF NPR. Well she's started the new leadership role and we are already seeing some changes to KUHT:

The station is exploring new opportunities for its upcoming on-air Membership Campaign. Rather than seeing just specials designed to support membership appeals during the drive, when viewers tune in they’ll see more of the regular HoustonPBS schedule.

“We’ve heard from our members, and they’ve told us they miss their favorite shows when they’re pre-empted by our membership drives, so we are making changes,” said Lisa Trapani Shumate, the new Executive Director/General Manager of Houston Public Media.

Viewers can watch Masterpiece, Antiques Roadshow, NOVA and NATURE during the drive in their regular time slots. Since the station still needs to raise funds, people will be encouraged to support their favorite shows as well as the work HoustonPBS does beyond broadcast.

“Many viewers are not aware of the incredible work the station does in the community, so we’ll use this opportunity to talk about some of those activities like our childcare provider workshops, the Spelling Bee, Community Cinema and the PBS Kids Go! Writers Contest,” said Trapani Shumate.

The drive will kick off at noon on Thanksgiving Day with six viewer-selected episodes of the hit British show, Doc Martin, leading to the season three series premiere later that evening. PBS favorites Andrea Bocelli, Celtic Woman and the My Music series will return with brand new performances.

HoustonPBS is dedicating two nights, December 7 and 8, to showcasing a number of local individuals and organizations during live studio broadcasts under the banner, Celebrate Houston. The goal is to spotlight the work being done in the areas of science, technology and the arts and to reinforce the station’s commitment to serving the community. Scheduled guests include representatives from the Society for the Performing Arts, the Houston Endowment, the University of Houston and Project Grad.

“Houston is a remarkable city. There is so much going on, and so many people are doing amazing work in the fields of science, technology and the arts, but not everyone has a chance to hear from the people who contribute to the fabric of our community,” said Trapani Shumate. “As public broadcasters we can go deeper and tell these stories in a unique way.”

The HoustonPBS Winter Membership Drive begins on Thursday, November 24 and runs through Sunday, December 11. To become a member of HoustonPBS call 713-743-8483 or visit www.houstonpbs.org

This has been something I've wondered about and have heard complaints on. Why would KUHT run different programming during membership drives? If you want to financially support the station, you must like its shows. So why during the pledge drives, would it run a ton of musical performances and preempt normal programming? Maybe those musical shows give natural breaks for pledge time. Maybe it was a PBS thing. I don't know. But these changes make sense to me.

Shara Fryer returns to Houston TV on Fox 26 KRIV

Shara Fryer Guest Anchor on FOX 26 Morning News: MyFoxHOUSTON.com

Former KTRK 13 anchor Shara Fryer made a return to Houston television this morning on Fox 26 KRIV. She anchored throughout the entire six hours from what I understand and did segments ranging from world affairs, politics to cooking:

Fryer interviewed Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia, served as a moderator as political expert Mustafa and body language/handwriting expert Alice Weiser analyzed the GOP Presidential debate, learned about both white and red wines made in southeast Texas, and joined Danny Trace, executive chef at Brennan's of Houston, as he prepared some receipes with wine. WATCH ALL OF HER VIDEO SEGMENTS

Wow, I'm sure lots of Houston TV viewers were happy to have her back. The fact Fryer's former KTRK news director Tom Doerr is now at KRIV probably helped coax her back in front of the camera.

Before you get too excited though, I'm told this is only a one time appearance.

In no way am I equating a longtime news pro like Fryer with a dog, but I should note that KPRC 2 is also bringing back a familiar face tonight at 10pm. That's right, Radar The Weather Dog will be back on channel 2's news. The station is even accepting questions about him on its Facebook page. I recently posted that KPRC's Rick McFarland is actually Radar's owner.

WATCH SHARA FRYER TALK ABOUT MARVIN ZINDLER
- Could there be another KTRK 13 Eyewitness News Marvin Zindler on TV news?
- What KTRK 13 staffers learned from Eyewitness News Action 13's Marvin Zindler
- What was the appeal of Marvin Zindler of KTRK 13 Eyewitness News?
- Former KTRK 13 staffers talk Marvin Zindler's legacy (PHOTOS)
- Remembering Houston's Marvin Zindler

740 KTRH remarks on News 92 FM KROI's first day

As I blogged earlier, I woke up at 4:30am to catch the first local broadcasts of News 92 FM KROI - listen here.

Clearly News 92 FM is challenging longtime Houston station NewsRadio 740 KTRH in its promos. AM Operations Manager and KTRH Program Director Bryan Erickson sent mikemcguff.com these comments about News 92's inaugural broadcast:

"From what I heard (it was tough to pick up north of the Loop), I was surprised to hear so little local news content. They do have slick promos; I actually heard more of those than I did local news coverage. I got a kick out of several of their promos, especially the “we cover more local news than other stations” promos. In one hour this morning I counted 8 local stories in their newscasts while in that same hour we did more than 20. I guess their “No Spin” phrase doesn’t apply to everything they’re doing.

I was also surprised to hear a talk show in the 9a hour after weeks of hearing this was going to be an all news station.

There’s obviously a clear difference between our two stations – We have a strong commitment to local news coverage and compelling talk and they’re still trying to figure out what they want to be."

RELATED
- News 92 FM KROI is on the air (1st hour local audio included)
- 740 KTRH issues statement on its heritage and News 92FM KROI
- KTRK 13's Ed Brandon on 24 hour news radio in Houston
- News 92 FM KROI's launch delayed, plus more details
- Houston getting News 92 FM - 24 hour radio news
- New News92 FM, Houston's biggest radio secret emerges
- Why News 92 is taking over Praise 92.1 + backlash

News 92 FM KROI is on the air (1st hour local audio included)

Lana Huges and J.P. Pritchard

From a small, temporary newsroom and studio, News 92 FM KROI officially signed on this morning at 5am, replacing Praise 92.1. The News 92 FM Morning Report is anchored by former 740 KTRH notables J.P. Pritchard and Lana Hughes with "traffic and weather on the 9s." And speaking of traffic, former Rock 101 KLOL, 94.5 The Buzz KTBZ and Fox 26 KRIV traffic master Lanny Griffith is behind the microphone (I heard no whips though from his KLOL Traffic in Bondage days).

The first ever story on News 92 FM KROI was billed as an exclusive with former Fox 26 KRIV reporter Pattie Shieh and some problems with the Carnival Cruise Magic. Lana and J.P. read more stories followed by former KIAH 39 sports anchor Jorge Vargas with news on the Houston Dynamo's loss to the LA Galaxy for the MLS title. Laurie Kendrick (formerly of 740 KTRH, 101 KLOL, 97.5 KFNC) had a story about changes in Catholic Mass. Towards the bottom of the first hour was the business report with Brent Clanton (formerly of 650 KIKK, 700 KSEV). Former KIAH 39 reporter Dennis Spellman came later with the news of a shooting by a masked man in a southwest Houston home.

I recorded the first ever 40 minutes or so of News 92 FM, edited out commercials/ABC News breaks and embedded the audio below so you can get an idea of the broadcast's flavor (it runs around 28 minutes cut down - the quality is not so great at times, you might hear my cat crying in the background as I put an iPod and my EVO up to a radio speaker for the record)




News 92 FM KROI Houston first hour by mikemcguff

I did find it amusing that a familiar voice for Lana and J.P. was featured in the first hour. Former 740 KTRH reporter Aaron Katersky (now with ABC News Radio) covered the recent terrorism-related arrest in NYC.

Reviews of the show from mikemcguff.com readers started coming in (many of them named Michael strangely enough):

"Sounded as if they never left the airwaves," said Michael Galindo

"I like the longer format news," said Mike Holland. "It is nice not being told to go to a website for the 'rest of the story' while I am sitting in my car."

"Sounds like they took 740 and put it on 92.1," wrote Justin Sternberg. "Not that it's a bad thing, but I was expecting a little more, something different."

"I'm listening to News92 and while the plane sounds just a teeny wobbly taking off, I think they will run like a well-oiled machine before very long - too many seasoned veterans who know what they're doing," commented Michael Sheldon Reed on a related blog post of mine. He later added, "Listening right now (5:30 am). JP and Lana sound much more loose and "flowing" than they did at 5am. This station is gonna be awesome!!!!"

There were a few small flubs in the first hour, but overall it sounded like the Lana and J.P. broadcasts Houston radio listeners are used to.

I was invited to visit the station yesterday during the staff pre-launch rehearsals. The staff was pretty excited and hopeful about the new 24 hour news station. Part of that energy probably stems from the fact that this is a new station, not just for this group of journalists, but also an entire new format for Radio One which typically specializes in music formats (the company owns 97.9 The Box KBXX and Majic 102 KMJQ in Houston).

As I have blogged here, there have been some technical issues that delayed the launch, but that stuff is getting worked out. Any broadcaster who has worked at a start up operation (or infrastructure upgrade for an existing station) knows technical problems can be an issue.

If you tuned into 92.1 this past weekend, you heard as the industry calls it, stunting. That means doing alternative program from the previous format to grab attention for the new programming. In this case, the station ran construction noises mixed in with messages from the staff and ABC anchors like Diane Sawyer, George Stephanopoulos, Robin Roberts...etc.

By the way, Houston radio's Maria Todd has joined the News 92 FM staff as a weekend anchor. Click here for a list of other News 92 staff members.

Here are some photos I snapped on my station tour Sunday during pre-launch rehearsals.




News 92 FM KROI's Lanny Griffith




News 92 FM KROI's Scott Braddock




News 92 FM KROI's Lana Hughes and J.P. Pritchard




News 92 FM KROI temporary newsroom (click for names)




News 92 FM KROI future work space

news92fm.com

RELATED
- 740 KTRH issues statement on its heritage and News 92FM KROI
- KTRK 13's Ed Brandon on 24 hour news radio in Houston
- News 92 FM KROI's launch delayed, plus more details
- Houston getting News 92 FM - 24 hour radio news
- New News92 FM, Houston's biggest radio secret emerges
- Why News 92 is taking over Praise 92.1 + backlash

ESPN's Lee Corso F'ing loved the UH campus

TMZ reports on how ESPN college football analyst Lee Corso got very excited about the winner of the University of Houston vs SMU game. Corso was looking like he was going to pick SMU, said 'F--- it' and put on a UH Shasta cougar head instead.

His co-anchors just put their heads down and laughed. One said, "Glad there's a delay." Only if...

Good thing that didn't happen when ESPN was at Baylor last year.

The below video is Lee Corso's apology from the official GameDayESPN YouTube account.

740 KTRH issues statement on its heritage and News 92FM KROI

Earlier this month I posted What does 740 KTRH think of News92 FM KROI? Today we know the answer. AM Operations Manager and KTRH Program Director Bryan Erickson sent mikemcguff.com this statement:

"We’re focused on what we do – and what we’ve done for the past 80-plus years – and that’s provide our listeners with timely information and compelling content day in and day out. Our commitment to news, weather and traffic coverage is at the core of what we do. It’s why public officials have referred to KTRH as their official radio station.

We have an outstanding team of anchors, reporters, producers and support staff that work tirelessly to provide news, weather and traffic reports 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. Every big story over the past eight decades has played out over the airwaves of KTRH. We’ve been there as storms roared ashore and hundreds of thousands of people were in the dark, their only lifeline a battery powered radio tuned to KTRH, and we’ve been there when terror attacks on our country’s soil struck fear in our the hearts of millions and a calming voice was needed in a time of despair and uncertainty. No matter the story, no matter the time of day, the one constant for Houstonians has been tuning to KTRH to be informed and that continues to be true today and will continue to be true for years to come.

Regarding the new station, it’s unfortunate for them that technical issues continue to delay their launch. It must be frustrating for them. I know we’d hate to be limited to talking about how we’re going to cover news while the heritage information station in the market continues to cover the events that shape our lives on a daily basis without missing a beat. On a personal note, it is good to see so many of our former colleagues who’ve been out of the business for so long getting another opportunity in our industry. We wish them the best.

We will continue to evolve to meet our listeners’ needs as technology changes how people get their news and we’re excited about our multiple platforms which reach far beyond traditional methods of delivering information. Whether it’s AM 740, www.ktrh.com or the free iHeartRadio app on your smart phone, KTRH is everywhere our listeners need us to be."

News 92FM KROI debuts Monday at 5am. This weekend on 92.1, there are construction noises with messages from the staff as well as ABC anchors like Diane Sawyer, George Stephanopoulos, Robin Roberts...etc.

RELATED
- 740 KTRH turns 80 years old
- KTRK 13's Ed Brandon on 24 hour news radio in Houston
- News 92 FM KROI's launch delayed, plus more details
- Houston getting News 92 FM - 24 hour radio news
- New News92 FM, Houston's biggest radio secret emerges
- Why News 92 is taking over Praise 92.1 + backlash

A Conversation on Houston Classic TV (KUHT 8)

Here is a Houston TV show that is totally geared for some readers of this blog.

I told you how KUHT 8's Ernie Manouse sat down with beloved Houston personalities like Doug Johnson (KPRC News), Jan Glenn (Good Morning Houston), Warner Roberts (The Warner Roberts Show), Harold Gunn (Captain Harold's Theater of the Sky), Jim Bernhard (The Greenroom) to share stories and memories from the golden age of Houston television.

The show called A Conversation on Houston Classic TV will air tonight at 8pm on KUHT 8 Houston PBS.

By the way, Joanne King Herring (The Joanne King Show) was scheduled to appear but was unable to make the taping due to illness. Those outside of Houston might recognize Herring because she was portrayed by Julia Roberts in Charlie Wilson's War.

KTRK 13's Ed Brandon on 24 hour news radio in Houston

Former KTRK 13 weathercaster Ed Brandon (now fill-in weatherman) wrote a nice historical piece on Houston's news radio landscape through the years. Brandon arrived to work at channel 13 in 1972 and has seen the news radio stations come and go. Nice to have Ed back as a mikemcguff.com guest blogger once again.

Here is more from Ed Brandon:

"The Bayou City will join the nation’s other major cities where you can hear a local, live all-news-radio station. It’s KROI, 92.1FM. News 92 FM.

New York has had 1010 WINS, and others, for years. There’s KCBS in San Francisco, WBBM in Chicago and Los Angeles’ KNX. In all of the nation’s other major cities, there has always been the opportunity to listen on the road or at home to a local radio station which provides constant news, weather and sports, some of it from networks but most of it live and local.

Houston has been without such a station since the very early 1980s. In 1975, KLYX-FM (formerly K”MSC” for Manned Spacecraft Center) was the local affiliate for an NBC radio experiment called the News and Information Service. Among its voices was Don Armstrong, later on KPRC radio and television. The NBC effort lasted until early 1977. (The KLYX frequency, 102.1 FM, became, and remains, home to the phenomenally successful music station KMJQ. That’s Majic 102 to the average listener).

For a brief period, KEYH provided news during daylight hours at 850AM. That frequency is now home to a Spanish language music station.

KTRH 740 AM and KPRC 950 AM came closest to the all news model over the years. When they were separately owned by local companies, each programmed lengthy drive-time news blocks. Since each station broadcast talk programs during non drive-time hours, however, neither was an ALL news radio station. Each has been absorbed by the Clear Channel conglomerate and has gradually shed most of its news broadcasts. KPRC even proudly promoted itself as a station where you WOULD NOT hear news or traffic reports. (Traffic reports are now appearing occasionally at 950 AM.)

That all changes... The new station promises continuous news broadcasts. Equally encouraging is the station’s hiring of some of Houston’s most prominent broadcast journalists, many of them shoved out of the Clear Channel [and other Houston] stations. The premiere attraction is the morning news block to be presented by J.P Pritchard and Lana Hughes. The team is a long-time fixture of Houston morning radio. J.P. and Lana have both been inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame.

For most broadcast journalists in the city and for news junkies, too, News 92 FM should fill a big hole in the radio dial. The owner, Radio One, is a newcomer to the all-news format, but with that staff and their experience, it’s hard to see how they could screw it up. The website went up on Wednesday. NEWS92FM.COM. The site will provide a live stream of the station."

-  Ed Brandon

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is Mike McGuff again.  As I mentioned Thursday, News 92 KROI debuts Monday 11/21/2011 at 5am.

I would like to add my two cents as well. Over the years of my talking to Houston radio professionals, I've learned it has been thought by radio companies that an all news format would not work here. The companies believed this town was too blue collar and not receptive to 24 hour news radio. They said it might work in New York, Chicago and other major cities where there was more of a white collar audience. Frankly, I don't buy into that belief. I think there is a hunger here for news. The only issue now is that the public is shifting away from broadcasting and using the Internet/mobile apps for news more and more. What a great experiment News 92 will be.

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


WATCH ED BRANDON TALK ABOUT MARVIN ZINDLER
- Could there be another KTRK 13 Eyewitness News Marvin Zindler on TV news?
- What KTRK 13 staffers learned from Eyewitness News Action 13's Marvin Zindler
- What was the appeal of Marvin Zindler of KTRK 13 Eyewitness News?
- Former KTRK 13 staffers talk Marvin Zindler's legacy (PHOTOS)
- Remembering Houston's Marvin Zindler

Lana Hughes and J.P. Pritchard talk News 92 KROI with Mike McGuff

Lana Hughes and J.P. Pritchard courtesy of 
Brent Clanton

UPDATE: The News 92 KROI crew is saying the new 24 hour Houston news station debuts Monday 11/21/2011 at 5am.

It was recently reported by News 92 FM KROI staff members that November 17th would be the launch day of the new FM station. Well, I'm told now the launch of Houston's 24 hour radio news station has been pushed back to next week because of some final technical issues. That means Praise 92.1 listeners have a few more days of music.

In the meantime, Texas Radio Hall of Fame honorees (watch their induction speech) J.P. Pritchard and Lana Hughes, the new morning team for News 92 FM, talked with mikemcguff.com about their new home after almost 30 years with NewsRadio 740 KTRH.

"I am so ready to get back to what I love doing," Pritchard told mikemcguff.com. "This is a wonderful fresh start for me, as I know it is for all of my new colleagues."

"It is so exhilarating working with some of the finest and most talented people in this business," Hughes told mikemcguff.com. "The ideas brought to the table, the energy and the determination to give Houston and the surrounding areas the coverage they deserve are evident each and every day among staff members and Radio One management. The enthusiasm is palpable and we're having a blast doing what we love for a city we've called home for years."

There have been lots of reader questions in my blog's comments section trying to figure out just what type of news and features News 92 FM will air.

"Of course, our mission is to be first on the scene with news coverage 24/7 and to provide a voice for EVERY facet of the community," Hughes said. "And while we'll be maintaining a familiar, comprehensive news format, we're also planning some innovative and creative programming as well."

"Our plan is to bring Houston what it has long deserved -- an all news radio station that is committed to great journalism," Pritchard added. "And we hope to do it in a personable, friendly way without political agenda."

Last summer as this longtime morning duo were shown the door at their old station, Houstonians were unsure if they would ever hear from this longtime morning news team ever again. Would Lana and J.P. even want to start over again at a new radio station?

"As for moving from a place where I'd worked for so long, being part of this new FM venture with Radio One has been a wonderfully and remarkably easy transition," Hughes told me. "In fact, it was instantly comfortable, and I credit much of that to a talented, dedicated group of people with a common goal -- to make News 92 FM Houston's premiere news organization."

"And speaking personally, it is just great to be back with my old friends, and to be working with some new friends too," Pritchard said. "Radio One is being so supportive, renewing my faith that there is room for great local radio in an industry that seems to be obsessed with cost cutting."

Additional on air shifts will be filled by the likes of Dennis Spellman (formerly of KIAH 39), Mike Barajas (formerly of Fox 26 KRIV), Scott Braddock (formerly of 740 KTRH, 1080 KLRD), Carolyn Campbell (KHOU 11), Kevin Charles (Metro Networks,700 KSEV), Brent Clanton (formerly of 650 KIKK, 700 KSEV), Lanny Griffith (formerly of 101 KLOL, 94.5 KTBZ, Fox 26 KRIV), Laurie Kendrick (740 KTRH, 101 KLOL, 97.5 KFNC) , Martha Martinez (101 KLOL), Bonnie Petrie (740 KTRH, 1080 KRLD), Matt Sampsell Fox 26 KRIV, KIAH 39), Pattie Shieh (Fox 26 KRIV), Meteorologist Dr. Joe Sobel, Craig Roberts (KPRC 2, 101 KLOL, 55 KTBU), and Jorge Vargas (KIAH 39).

Also just brought to my attention late Wednesday night, news92fm.com is actually a working WordPress page. Still being worked on though.

RELATED
- What does 740 KTRH think of News92 FM KROI?
- News 92 FM KROI's launch delayed, plus more details
- Houston getting News 92 FM - 24 hour radio news
- New News92 FM, Houston's biggest radio secret emerges
- Why News 92 is taking over Praise 92.1 + backlash

What your email says about your politics

Poll Position sent me a release on how it found Google tops Yahoo by a 23% - 20% margin as best e-mail provider according to one of its latest surveys. It also found there is a partisan divide when it comes to choosing the best e-mail service provider.

New poll results found that there is a partisan divide when it comes to the choosing the best e-mail service provider. Poll Position asked Americans which company they choose as the best e-mail service provider and Google topped Yahoo by a 23%-20% margin.

Even though AOL trailed the pack with 12% picking it as the best e-mail service provider, AOL’s e-mail was number one among Republicans with 20% picking it best. Google trailed closed behind among Republicans at 19%, with Yahoo at 16%.

Democrats frown on AOL’s e-mail service, with only 5% picking it best. Democrats picked Google over Yahoo by a 27%-25% margin.

Among independents, Google was tops at 23%, Yahoo at 20%, and AOL at 10%.

AOL’s e-mail service was rated best among 18-29 year olds, with 32% picking it versus 10% for Google and 18% for Yahoo. Google did best among 20-44 year olds (37%), while Yahoo was best among 45-64 year olds (27%).

See a breakdown of survey participants by age, race, gender, and political affiliation in crosstabs for this poll at http://media.pollposition.com.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/Poll-Position-crosstabs-best-email-provider.pdf.

Poll Position’s scientific telephone survey of 1,184 registered voters nationwide was conducted November 10, 2011 and has a margin of error of ±3%. Poll results are weighted to be a representative sampling of all American adults.

What do you think? Which e-mail provider do you consider to be the best? Vote in our online companion poll and comment at http://pollposition.com/2011/11/13/best-e-mail-service-provider/.

Interesting. Now tell me if there is an email provider that says if you are a member of the 99% or the 1%. I guess an address that ends in occupy.org might be a clue. Fun aside, there is a real occupy.org, but it is just a standard WordPress install site.

ATTN KHOU 11 anchors: It's Lisa Hernandez, not Fernandez

This was an interesting comment that came into this blog last week and yes, it was in all caps. Seems the anchors over at KHOU 11 need to wear ID badges on the air:

"KHOU 11 NEWS ANCHOR STAFF UNINFORMED WHO THEY WORK WITH:

WOULD SOMEONE PLEASE REMIND LEN CANNON AND SHERMIN CHOW... KHOU NEWS 5PM AND 10PM ANCHOR AND COLLEAGUE LISA HERNANDEZ'S LAST NAME IS HERNANDEZ NOT F-E-R-N-A-N-D-E-Z ??!!!!

SEE TODAY'S 4PM NEWS CAST AS LEN INTROS LISA FOR THE 5PM TEASER. LEN AND SHERMIN HAVE MADE THIS MISTAKE MULTIPLE TIMES IN OTHER BROADCASTS.

LISA'S BEEN AT THE STATION FOR ALMOST A MONTH (INCLUDING WEEKS PRIOR TO BEING ON THE AIR)!!! GEEZ."

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- PHOTOS: New KHOU 11 set
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KPRC 2 missed big opportunity with 'Mr. Standup'

Uncle Barky wrote about Ben Russell heading to KXAS 5 in DFW from WHP in Harrisburg. I think KPRC 2 in Houston missed out on a great opportunity to hire this guy that I will dub..."Mr. Standup."

For those who don't know, a few years ago KPRC 2 was obsessed with reporter involvement in live shots. I understand the edict was if a reporter did a story involving money for instance, that reporter should hold up some cash in the live shot.

 I always said that if I worked there, I would have figured out a way to fire a gun off in a live shot. That would have been my goal. Having some kind of pyrotechnics would have been bonus points. If I could have figured out how to wear Paul Stanley KISS makeup, that might be tops (Although Gene Simmons might write a cease and desist letter for copyright violation. Don't get your Family Jewels twisted Mr. Simmons, I would buy some KISS merchandise like a KISS Kiss the Cook (bagged) Apron to make up for the infraction).

Anyway, Ben "Mr Standup" Russell has been hired by KXAS. This guy could have been the real deal for channel 2. Check out Mr. Standup's open to his resume reel (embedded above). Yeah, he actually throws a brick into a car's windshield. Then he is taping trails of paper down to make a yellow brick road of sorts for a live shot. Insanity.

Hopefully Mr. Russell can keep these kind of creative opportunities up each night in market 5 with breaking news and constant story changes (assuming it is like that at KXAS).

PHOTOS: KTRK 13 morning show promo shoot

It seems like many TV stations are pumping out a bunch of promos to the Internet these days. So forgive me when I forget KTRK 13 has a promo department. Being an old school, dominant number one, the station doesn't exactly have to worry about the Internet.

 So here is news of a new KTRK promo. When Casey Curry is not busy filling-in on ABC's Good Morning America, she is the popular morning meteorologist at KTRK 13. She recently tweeted these photos of a big channel 13 morning show/GMA promo shoot with the Houston Texans. She tweeted that the wind was very strong that day (click on a photo to enlarge it).

Sharron Melton and Curry battling the wind.

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Why News 92 is taking over Praise 92.1 + backlash

I've been talking a lot about the new News 92 taking over Praise 92.1 KROI. Maybe some would say I've been giving too much coverage to the all news station.

But I wanted to share with you the reason owner Radio One is saying it is moving Praise to HD radio and going with the all news format. As you might have figured, it was all about money.

"What we did when we launched Praise was shifted Majic's (KMJQ 102.1) audience over to Praise, so you had a lot of duplication between the two," general manager of Radio One Houston Doug Abernethy told The Defender. "So you compress the ratings on Majic to grow the Praise station and for the past five years, its not really generated any kind of revenue. With Praise going away, Majic's audience will grow, leading to more ratings dominance, which leads to financial growth."

Abernethy says the company saw ratings declines for some of its stations after the Personal People Meter (PPM) was adopted as a method of tracking radio ratings too.

The Defender article also has interviews with Houston activist Quanell X and Rev. William A. Lawson (KTRK 13 anchor Melanie Lawson's father by the way) about what they think of the change. Here's a hint, they are not terribly happy.

RELATED
- News 92 FM KROI's launch delayed, plus more details
- Houston getting News 92 FM - 24 hour radio news
- New News92 FM, Houston's biggest radio secret emerges

WFAA's MoRon, Austin anchor working at Home Depot and more

WFAA 8 scores again with its latest Ron Corning morning promo.

MORE VIDEO
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Diane Sawyer surprise toasts Dave Ward
For fans of the venerable ABC Channel 13 news anchor Dave Ward, Tony's wine room was the place to be earlier this week when his wife, Laura Ward, hosted a luncheon celebrating his 45 years with KTRK Ch. 13.
- Rah rah: KTRK lauds soccer stadium "business boom"

Happy birthday, Stephen: KHOU 11 News reporter has an 11/11/11 baby
A lot of people consider Friday’s date – 11/11/11 – to be lucky. That was definitely the case for KHOU 11 News reporter Allison Triarsi. She and her husband welcomed their newborn son Friday morning.

TV personality Fred Cantu working at Home Depot
A sign of a tough economy? Fred Cantú, one of Austin's most beloved TV news personalities, is working part time at Home Depot because he needs the money.

Hard Times Hit the Chronicle: Restrooms Cleaned Just Twice a Day, Unbleached Towels and Defrost Your Own Damn Refrigerators
​The Houston Chronicle has been hit with the same rough economy as others in the print media. Sometimes that leads to layoffs. Sometimes it leads to cutting back on the janitorial services.
- Fleck retiring from Houston Chronicle

Cowboys fans lose their CBS telecast
Fans watching the Cowboys on KENS missed much of the second half Sunday when the CBS network feed switched to a different game late in the third quarter of the Cowboys' 44-7 victory against Buffalo.

105.3 The Fan Opens Restaurant on The Ticket’s Turf
Just as Cumulus gets ready to move four of its stations — The Ticket, KLIF, i93, and The Wolf — to Victory Plaza, 105.3 The Fan decides to open a restaurant right in The Ticket’s new backyard.

New traffic reporter needed at KXAN
The “Help wanted” sign is up at KXAN. The station is searching for a new traffic reporter following the departure of Debra Wynn.

8 questions with Anderson Cooper
While visiting Dallas for a sit-down dinner with the Jansing family for his new talk show "Anderson," Anderson Cooper stopped by the WFAA studios Friday and answered eight questions for the WFAA.com team.

I Want My LHN ...
If You Can’t See It, You Don’t Miss it.

Hiott named new editor of Austin’s Statesman
Debbie Hiott, who began her career at the American-Statesman as a reporting intern while in college, was named editor of the newspaper.

NATIONAL MEDIA
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- Chris Wragge Rejoins WCBS Full-Time, As CBS Again Overhauls ‘The Early Show’
- Occupy Oakland Protestors Attack KGO Cameraman For Shooting Video of Murder Scene
- How Did 27 Stations End Up With Identical Scripts For a Story About Conan O’Brien?
- Local TV mobile cams not much more than moving hype machines that add little to broadcasts
-'Repo Games' plays tricks on the down and out
- What Busy Moms Sneak In...TV Time
- It Was Only a Test, but What a Test
- Utah mayor used alias to write upbeat news stories
- Piers Morgan to Leave Talent Show

DIGITAL
- Jim Romenesko, Media News Blogger, Resigns From Poynter
- Texas newspaper begins printing Twitter, Facebook contacts with each story
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- Datasphere’s Cowan on How TV Stations Are Going Hyperlocal Online
- 5 new challenges for media companies using Google Plus

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Dave Ward hits 45 years at KTRK 13, wanting more
- Houston classic TV host come together on KUHT 8
- What does 740 KTRH think of News92 FM KROI?
- Marvin Zindler's family fighting pancreatic cancer
- News 92 FM KROI's launch delayed, plus more details
- PHOTO: Tom Koch and Don Nelson serving drinks
- PHOTO: Pot of gold at Houston Municipal Courts building?

PHOTO: Pot of gold at Houston Municipal Courts building?

They say the end of the rainbow is where the pot of gold is and after seeing this photo my wife snapped, I think that's true. For the building that appears to be at the end of this rainbow just so happens to be the City of Houston Municipal Courts building at 1400 Lubbock right across I-45 from downtown.

I know people have turned over plenty of gold to the traffic courts there over the years!

 Now this post would have taken a stranger twist if the rainbow had landed at the building next door at 61 Riesner which is the Houston Police Department station. What would that have meant?

PHOTO: Tom Koch and Don Nelson serving drinks

KTRK 13 morning power duo Tom Koch and Don Nelson

Last week I told you how some KTRK 13 morning types were giving a bar tending gig a swing.

Tom Koch, KTRK-TV ABC 13 morning anchor and reporter
Don Nelson, Entertainment reporter and morning traffic reporter for KTRK-TV ABC13
Katie McCall, weekend anchor and reporter for KTRK-TV ABC13

Well it was only for charity at Sullivan's Steakhouse. The Houston TV celebrity bar tending event benefited the 21st Annual Carmen and David Bridges Joyful Toyful Fiesta, an annual holiday fundraiser and toy drive.

Here is a photo of Tom Koch and Don Nelson in action!

RELATED
- Dave Ward hits 45 years at KTRK 13, wanting more
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(Thanks Kim)

News 92 FM KROI's launch delayed, plus more details

I told you yesterday how 740 KTRH has returned to the NewsRadio name and appears to be beefing up its staff. Later I learned the News 92 FM KROI launch date has been pushed back. Plus even more familiar names have been added to the roster such as Dennis Spellman (former KIAH 39 reporter), Norm Uhl (former HISD press secretary and KHOU 11 reporter) and Brian "Eddie The Boner" Shannon (former Rock 101 KLOL morning show host). More from the FM station's Laurie Kendrick:

Here's the latest update from the newsroom at News 92 FM. We will launch precisely at 5 AM, next Thursday, November 17th. Set your radio dials now for AWESOME.

Lana and JP start things off from 5 to 9. Lanny, Your Traffic Master will tackle traffic duties every morning and I'll do feature stories and cover all the TV zeitgeist. Scott Braddock hosts a news show from 9 to noon. The lovely and talented Martha Martinez will handle news cut ins at the top and bottom of the hour in that time span.

Then, Kevin "Mr. Smiles" Charles and the adorable, Carolyn Campbell will anchor the noon news, from 12-3pm and Bonnie Petrie and Mike Barajas, the long time nightly anchor at FOX 26 will handle afternoons from 3 to 7. Dennis "Ray of Sun" Spellman will handle evenings from 7-10.

Other famous names you might recognize offering their vast wealth of TV and radio experience is former KHOU 11 Reporter, Norm Uhl will produce the morning show. The groovy Alicia Alaniz produces noon and the legendary Brian "The Boner" Shannon will make sure everything is in order every afternoon.

The incredible Pattie Shieh is our morning reporter and [Matt Sampsell], who's as sweet as the day is long, will bring you news from the field every afternoon. The adorable Jorge Vargas handling morning sports and the irrascible Craig Roberts (who I adore) has afternoon sports handled. Denise Bishop is the News Director and [Brent Clanton] "Dr. Cool Daddy" is our Business Editor.

The vast support we've received from a newsradio hungry populace has been incredible. Thank you. Give us a listen. We feel certain you'll LOVE what you hear.

RELATED
- Houston getting News 92 FM - 24 hour radio news
- New News92 FM, Houston's biggest radio secret emerges

Marvin Zindler's family fighting pancreatic cancer

KTRK Action 13's Marvin Zindler will never be forgotten by Houston TV viewers. Now, his family will start off the Houston area’s first PurpleStride fun run to raise awareness (and funds) for pancreatic cancer research. Mark Zindler, a senior account executive at KLTV in Tyler, will speak at the opening ceremony and then join his sister, Helen Rodgers, and brothers Marvin Jr., Don and Dan on the 5K run/walk.

Marvin's former producer, Lori Reingold, tells me she has signed up in his memory under the name of her friend Susan Bowman. Bowman is a rarity as she is a three and a half year pancreatic cancer survivor who wanted to give back by raising awareness (and funds) to fight this disease.

Saturday, December 3
Oyster Creek Park
4033 State Hwy. 6 South
Sugar Land
Start time 8 a.m.
www.purplestride.org

Cost: To participate. $25.00 Any contribution is appreciated.
A good portion of the money raised nationally has come to Houston for research.

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- Former KTRK 13 staffers talk Marvin Zindler's legacy (PHOTOS)
- Remembering Houston's Marvin Zindler

First-ever nationwide Emergency Alert System test today

We are used to "this is a test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS)" messages over radio and TV, but today marks the first time we are having a test across the entire nation:

The City of Houston's Office of Emergency Management reminds residents that on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 1 p.m. Houston time (Central Standard Time), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will be conducting the first-ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS).

This system is intended to provide the President of the United States with the ability to communicate emergency information to the nation during a catastrophic incident. Testing this important system allows agencies to determine gaps in the system and help improve it to ensure that everyone has access to important emergency information.

While residents may be familiar with required weekly tests, this first-ever nationwide Emergency Alert System test may contain different elements. Audio will indicate that this is in fact a test, scrolling text across television screens may not.

Residents should not be alarmed when they see or hear the test

Residents should refrain from calling 911 to inquire about the test. 911 is reserved for emergency situations which threaten life or property and require the assistance of police, fire or emergency medical services. Calling 911 for non-emergencies may overwhelm telephone systems at local emergency call centers and prevent actual emergencies from being reported.

CNN has more on the implications here.

As far as the Houston TV stations handling this...

"We're going to warn people on either side of it," KTRK 13 creative services director Tom Ash told the Houston Chronicle.

What does 740 KTRH think of News92 FM KROI?

If you are a regular reader of mikemcguff.com, you've seen me blog several times about the upcoming News92 FM KROI which I first told you about right after the news was made public.

So what does 740 KTRH think about this new FM news station coming to Houston?

After all, KTRH has been the dominant news station for years (with talk mixed in too). But you might remember how KTRH dumped the NewsRadio slogan for NewsTalk over the summer in a re-branding effort after firing Lana Hughes and J.P. Pritchard and replacing them with Matt Patrick and Lois Melkonian. Some might say the results have not been what was expected.

Well, I think we can tell what KTRH is thinking about News92 now.

Go to KTRH.com and you will see the NewsTalk logo replaced with the old NewsRadio one. Have not noticed the NewsRadio slogan mentioned on air yet though.

Then I happened to notice two Clear Channel job openings for a news reporter/anchor and a part-time news reporter anchor at KTRH.

Coincidence? Or is this the station beefing up its troops for an all out news radio war with KROI? Personally, I want to see an all out news radio war! I've talked to other media types who are hoping for the same.

After President Clinton signed the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the concept of competition in radio has slowly disappeared. That's why Radio One going up against Clear Channel for a news audience is so exciting. And what's great, it looks like Clear Channel will be answering back.

The fun begins November 14 when News92 signs on the air with Lana Hughes and J.P. Pritchard back behind the microphones together. I'll be jumping in the trenches to cover the battle.

Clear Channel declined to comment for this post.

Houston classic TV host come together on KUHT 8

I was pretty happy to see this email from the folks at KUHT 8 Houston PBS. Producer/host Ernie Manouse will sit down with such beloved Houston personalities as Joanne King Herring (The Joanne King Show), Warner Roberts (The Warner Roberts Show), Jan Glenn (Good Morning Houston), Harold Gunn (Captain Harold's Theater of the Sky), Jim Bernhard (The Greenroom) and Doug Johnson (KPRC News) to share stories and memories from the golden age of Houston television.

The show called A Conversation on Houston Classic TV will air 8pm on November 18 on KUHT 8. The show as produced as a local complement to the national, four-part PBS series, American in Primetime, which looks at today’s popular programs through the lens of classic television shows.

“Since its inception, television has served as a lens on American society. Outside of the big networks, communities across the nation, like Houston, often found their own voice in local television shows,” says Emmy-award winner Ernie Manouse. “Not only was Houston home to the first educational television station (KUHT), some of the local shows garnered national attention (The Joanne King Show), and often beat the national competition in the ratings.”

A Conversation on…is an award-winning series of specials produced by HoustonPBS. In addition to the episode featuring classic television personalities, the station will also present, A Conversation on Art and Film, a discussion on the importance of cinema with local and national producers and filmmakers participating in the Cinema Arts Festival Houston. The show will air at 8pm, Friday, November 11 on HoustonPBS/Channel 8.

For more information, visit www.houstonpbs.org.

Dave Ward hits 45 years at KTRK 13, wanting more

The Houston Chronicle's David Barron has a great piece on KTRK 13 anchor Dave Ward's 45th anniversary with the ABC owned and operated station. Ward is believed to be the longest tenured news anchor at a single station. Barron reports that at age 72, Ward is aiming to hit the 50 year mark at channel 13.

Another interesting aspect of Ward's career:

Bob Allen with Laura and Dave Ward

He moved to Channel 13 in 1966 as a reporter, much to his father's chagrin.

"He told me, 'Frankly, David, I think you're making a mistake. You've done very well in radio, and now you want to throw that away to work on television?' " Ward said. "The only thing I could tell him was, 'Dad, I feel good about this. I think it will work.' "

Ward's father eventually came around to the idea of television. He became something of a student of Nielsen ratings and was always proud to tell people his son was the lead anchor at Channel 13.

"Dad said to me one day, 'David, I've been preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ all over Texas for all these years, and you speak to more people in one night that I've reached in my entire life,' " he said. "I told him, 'Dad, that's probably true, but the message is not the same.' " READ THE REST

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