BBC to Broadcast LIVE from the Port of Houston with Energy Debate Special

BBC World Service's award-winning news and current-affairs program Newshour will be in Houston, with anchor Razia Iqbal on Friday, May 4 to broadcast a special edition of the show with partner station KUHF News. The program will air from 2:00PM – 4:00PM CT and broadcast globally to audiences around the world.

Presented by Razia Iqbal, the program will be asking, can America be energy independent by the year 2020? Newshour will be coming live from the Port of Houston - where America's energy industry meets the world. A special panel of guests including some of America's most respected energy analysts, alongside KUHF StateImpact Energy & Environment Reporter Dave Fehling, will discuss how the boom in domestic energy production could influence American policy both at home and abroad. Newshour will also visit the Houston Grand Opera to examine how the arts world has come to rely on the philanthropy of the oil tycoons. During the special 2-hour live broadcast KUHF listeners can participate in an online energy conversation with KUHF Reporter, Ed Mayberry at www.kuhf.org, who will host a live blog from the Port of Houston BBC broadcast.

(This post is from a release sent to me by the BBC and KUHF)

KXAS 5 takes Mark Schnyder from KMOV to be with WFAA's Woodard

Getting married to someone in the TV business when you also work in it is never a good idea for family stability in my opinion. I've heard tales of couples living in other cities, away from each other for years until one can get a job where the other one is working. And it is not easy to just pick a city and end up there with a TV job.

So it must be all the more sweeter that St. Louis KMOV 4 reporter Mark Schnyder is joining his former colleague and wife in Dallas.

Deb Peterson of stltoday.com reports that Houston native Schnyder will be moving to work as a freelance reporter at KXAS NBC 5, to be with WFAA 8's Teresa Woodard who took off from KTVI earlier this year.

"I’m looking forward to going to work at KXAS," Schnyder told mikemcguff.com. "It’s a competitive market and I don’t think there’s a bad station in the bunch.

"Rarely do two married reporters get jobs in the same market at the same time. Somehow we have managed this challenge and there’s a very strong chance this will be our last move in TV. Dallas is home and it’s a big market… what more could we ask for?"

Peterson says the couple has been married for 12 years and Schnyder is Texas bound at the end of May. KMOV is owned by Belo and so is WFAA - it makes me wonder if that company has a no employee marriage rule going on.

According to his LinkedIn page, Schnyder has been in the biz since 1992 and has also worked at WAVE, WBIR, KBTX and KGNS. His KMOV bio says he is a big Astros fan, but more than likely he now roots for the Cardinals I'm thinking.

"Let’s get one thing straight off the top," Schnyder said. "I am an Astros fan forever!!! I look forward to the team I’ve rooted for since I was 10 being competitive again one day (Texans and Rockets also my teams)."

Talk about opposites attracting. Schnyder is from Houston, Woodard from Dallas. Schnyder is a UT Longhorn, Woodard a Texas A&M Aggie. But either way, they are now closer to family.

"Besides her parents, sister and brother-in-law along with aunts, uncles and cousins in the Dallas area, I have a sister, brother-in-law and nephew in Fort Worth," Schnyder said. "Plus my mother still lives in Houston so we will be a lot closer to her, too. Also excited about getting to more UT football games."

Embedded above is video Mark Schnyder doing a live report for CBS News.

UPDATED WITH QUOTES FROM SCHNYDER

PHOTOS: Houston Monarch butterflies emerging from cocoons

It's a butterfly explosion in my yard. There were around six cocoons that I know of and they all opened up with some Monarch butterflies. Here are some photos I managed to get of the new butterflies. SEE MORE BUTTERFLY PHOTOS

Hot Fox 26 reporter, what's behind Frank Billingsley? and more

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- Best Videobomb Behind Reporter Ever
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- Bob Beckel Loses It: Screams "You Don't Know What the F--- You're Talking About" on Hannity

Kristin Kane Wins Media Hotties Tourney … Again!
There’s something about Fox26′s Kristin Kane that drive men wild says SportsRadio 610 KILT.
- Hot Houston TV anchors get Sexy Sweet Sixteen bracket from KILT

KPRC Posts Screenshot of Guy Who Appears to Be Peeing in Background of Weather Update
Sensing that the image would inevitably go viral, Houston NBC-affiliate KPRC recently posted a screenshot on its Facebook page of a man who appears to be taking a leak in the station’s weather garden, feet behind chief meteorologist Frank Billingsley.

Nerissa Knight gets a new TV day job
Add Nerissa Knight and subtract Mia Gradney from Tribune-produced Eye Opener, the ever-changing early morning program originating entirely from CW33's Dallas studios and airs on Houston's CW39 KIAH.
- KIAH 39 to start morning news with Eye Opener; Mia Gradney returns

Former KXAS Anchor Running for Congress Attacks His Old Station in Latest Political Ad
Former KXAS anchor Grant Stinchfield, a Republican candidate for U.S. Congress in Texas, has bought ad time on the Dallas NBC O&O to run ads attacking his former station.

Changes continue at KSBJ
89.3 KSBJ's Susan O'Donnell is coming back to the Morning Show starting May 7th. And Jen Driskill will move to 10am to 3pm.
- 89.3 KSBJ’s Susan O'Donnell leaving morning show

A Chinese breakfast at a classic kitchen
Houston Chronicle food writer Alison Cook meets KTRK 13's Miya Shay and her fiancee, Assistant District Attorney and state representative candidate Gene Wu, at one of their favorite morning spots: Classic Kitchen on Bellaire Blvd.
- KTRK 13's Miya Shay gets engaged to Gene Wu

High Speed News Porn
There’s an ongoing discussion about the safety of high speed vehicular pursuits by police. Can we please have a discussion about the creepiness of local TV news broadcasts covering high speed pursuits live via their helicopter cameras?

Gow bullish on Yahoo!
While KGOW (1560 AM) continues to languish in the Arbitron ratings as it approaches its fifth anniversary, the outlook is more upbeat for the other portion of David Gow's media empire, Yahoo! Sports Radio, which Gow and his partners acquired nearly two years ago.

There’s a new middayer at Service Broadcasting's KKDA (K104) Dallas
Priya joins KKDA (K104) Dallas.

‘Texas Music Scene’ spreads across the state
“Texas Music Scene,” a show hosted by Austinite and nine-time Grammy winner Ray Benson, has grown to 15 markets across Texas.

KXAN Builds Morning Show with Steel City Connection
Amanda Dugan, the new KXAN-TV morning show traffic reporter, and Kate Weidaw, long time KXAN morning reporter.

Public television marks 50 years on Central Texas airwaves
When public television made its Central Texas debut 50 years ago, many viewers still had black-and-white TV sets.

Former KVET studios set to be demolished
Austin-based Schlosser Development Corp. will soon begin work on two new buildings in high-profile spots on downtown’s western edge with a combined price tag of more than $7 million.

Fox 7’s Loriana Hernandez founds autism organization
When you see Loriana Hernandez advocating for autism research, she’s not just lending her name to some random charity.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- NBC 5 KXAS wins two Edward R. Murrow Awards
- KHOU 11's Lisa Chavarria leaves for WFLD Chicago
- KHOU 11 hires Tim Wetzel from WTVF 5 Nashville
- KHOU 11 EP Perry Pace to WTHR 13 Indianapolis
- Houston media members dress up as toys
- KTRK 13 hires Crystal Kobza, formerly of KOB

KTRK 13 hires Crystal Kobza, formerly of KOB

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 17, 2013
Crystal Kobza returns to KTRK abc13

Crystal Kobza UPDATE 1/2013
I had mentioned this on my Top mikemcguff.com posts for 2012 but forgot to add the news in here. Just as Crystal Kobza made my top 12th post of 2012, she left KTRK after her freelance gig. Haven't heard any future TV station plans for her.




My readers seem to be very excited about the latest KTRK 13 reporter to hit the airwaves. Just last week, Crystal Kobza debuted on the ABC owned and operated station. So far, I've received emails, comments and tweets about Ms. Kobza.

Courtesy University of St. Thomas - Houston

"That's Crystal Kobza and she is a hot blue-eyed blonde," said one commenter.

Wow, clearly she has a tapped in fan club already.

Kobza is a graduate of Houston's University of St. Thomas. While a student, Kobza interned at Fox 26 KRIV and KPRC 2.

 After her 2005 graduation, Kobza worked as a reporter for KETK in Tyler for two years. She then started anchoring at Fox 51 News East Texas KFXK, Fox 44 KWKT Waco/Kileen/Temple and Fox 33 Shreveport Ark-La-Tex KMSS (As I look at the bios of the new TV reporters arriving in Houston, this type of small market TV consolidation seems to be pretty popular now).

According to the Albuquerque Journal, in January 2011 Kobza started anchoring the KOB Eyewitness News 4 morning show with Antoinette Antonio and reported for the station's noon newscast. According to various Internet reports, Kobza then left New Mexico in the summer of 2011 to return to Texas after getting engaged (These sites say she announced this on KOB before her departure).

Embedded above is a video of Kobza shooting a gun that has received more than 30,000 views!

 Much like new KTRK 13 reporter Pooja Lodhia, Kobza looks like she could bring in some youthful energy to the ABC station. This reminds me of last year when I asked if KHOU 11's hiring of Chita Johnson was the beginning of a new era for the Belo station. Looks like I called that one. Maybe Kobza and Lodhia are the dawn of a new era for KTRK.

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 17, 2013
Crystal Kobza returns to KTRK abc13

Garbage postpones Houston and Austin shows April 20 and 21

  LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 20, 2012 - Garbage announced today that they regretfully must postpone shows this weekend in Houston, TX on April 20th at House of Blues and Austin, TX on April 21st at La Zona Rosa due to a medical emergency involving the family member of someone in the band.   The band will reschedule these dates so please stay tuned for an announcement of the make up dates in the near future.   Garbage will appear at Waterloo Records for a signing on April 21st for Record Store Day, and has every intention of performing at KDGE's EDGEFEST in Frisco, TX this Sunday, April 22nd at the FC Dallas Stadium.

Houston media members dress up as toys

KHOU-TV's Chita Johnson, KTRK-TV's Andy Cerota, KHOU-TV's Courtney Zubowski, Event Co-Chair Joan Schnitzer Levy, KUHT-TV's Ernie Manouse, KTRK-TV's Miya Shay, KTRK-TV's Tom Koch (emcee and head auctioneer) and kneeling is KTRK-TV's Casey Curry at the 31st Annual ESCAPE Celebrity Serve Benefit at Tony's. 

Who let the toys out? Houston media personalities were out “toying around” as Barbie Doll, Sesame Street and Toy Story characters at Tony’s for the 31st Annual “Toy Box” ESCAPE Celebrity Serve Benefit Sunday night. But the monies raised meant serious business for the ESCAPE Family Resource Center, whose mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect before a child is hurt. No “play money” here: corporate and individual sponsorships, topped by a high-bidding “live” auction and limited edition raffle, generated a whopping $323,000 for ESCAPE coffers.

With Co-Chairs Joan Schnitzer Levy and Gerald Franklin at the helm and Janice and Bob McNair, founder, chairman and CEO of the HOUSTON TEXANS, as the “Hometown Superstar” headliners, the colorful, fun-filled dinner was destined for “To Infinity and Beyond” success. Tony’s was transformed into a virtual toy box, with curly-Q and toy-animal balloons and play toys as centerpieces and local media celebrities and personalities decked out in creative Toy Box togs and ESCAPE aprons. The celebs’ mission: to sell “Buzz Lightyear” specialty drinks, limited edition raffle tickets and various trinkets and candies to support ESCAPE’s bottom line.

Longtime, deeply committed ESCAPE supporters Kristi (who previously worked in radio and had a mini reunion with News 92 FM Radio’s Lanny Griffith, a celebrity server) and John D. Schiller Jr., (Executive Committee member of ESCAPE), whose Energy XXI company was the top (“Starship”) sponsor of the benefit, were the high bidders on more than one “live” auction items, including an NFL Football autographed on-the-spot by Bob McNair, and a spur-of-the-moment package offered up by actor Lee Majors and his wife, Faith. -- dinner for six with the Majors! The Majors, who are new Houstonians, were table guests of Joan Schnitzer Levy and husband Irvin. Majors is famous for his role as TV’s “$6 Million Man.”

Restaurateur Tony Vallone welcomed an overflow crowd of 300 ESCAPE supporters who filled the entire restaurant. Guests raved about the exquisite menu complemented by wines generously donated by Becker Vineyards. In addition to the 25 or so media celebrities lined up by Celebrity Chair Kim Padgett and make-believe action figures like G.I. Joe (Stylist Todd Ramos) and adorably made-up Toy Soldier Edward Sanchez, there were some very real-life action heroes in the house, namely NASA astronauts Gene Cernan (and wife, Jan), and Walt Cunningham (and wife, Dot). KHOU-TV anchor Chita Johnson, KHOU-TV Reporter Courtney Zubowski, KTRK-TV Meteorologist Casey Curry and KUHT-TV Host Ernie Manouse (who assisted KTRK-TV Anchor and Emcee Tom Koch with auctioneer duties) were centers of attention in their Barbie Doll, Woody (sans “Buzz Lightyear”), Candyland and Ernie (sans “Bert”) personas. Other Celebrity Servers on tap: Buzz Lady Roseann Rogers, KTRK-TV reporter Andy Cerota, KIKK/FOX 26’s Cleverley Stone, Absolutely! Memorial’s Lara Bell, Shara Fryer, The 9-5-0 Radio’s Michael Garfield, Houston Chronicle Society Writer Lindsey Love and KTRK-TV Reporter Miya Shay. Susan Farb Morris, a.k.a. the PR Fairy, came dressed as a PR Fairy Princess, complete with a tiara.

According to Lidya K. Osadchey, CEO of the ESCAPE Family Resource Center, the Celebrity Serve Benefit is a major annual source of funding for the 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is held in April as part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. For more info about ESCAPE, call (713) 942-9500, ext. 14, or go to http://www.learntoparent.org.

This post was written by guest blogger Susan Farb Morris.

KHOU 11 EP Perry Pace to WTHR 13 Indianapolis

Congrats to KHOU 11 executive producer and special projects man Perry Pace. He is moving on to be an executive producer at WTHR 13 Indianapolis.

Apparently WTHR has laughing weathermen, but it also is where former KHOU 11 news director Keith Connors is in charge.

As I have written in the past, Pace is a great guy to work for. He was the guy who hired me at KIAH 39.

 In the last decade, Pace jumped between KHOU and KIAH. He was one of the producers who helped start the WB39 news more than a decade ago.

Good luck to Perry and his family.

RELATED
- KHOU 11 hires Tim Wetzel from WTVF 5 Nashville
- KHOU 11's Lisa Chavarria leaves for WFLD Chicago

KHOU 11 hires Tim Wetzel from WTVF 5 Nashville

UPDATE MAY 2017
KHOU 11 reporter Tim Wetzel leaves Houston and TV behind after five years to join the corporate communications team at American Airlines.
_____________________________________________

Courtesy WTVF

Don't stand in front of the revolving doors at KHOU 11's Allen Parkway Houston studio - you might get trampled.

Earlier I told you how KHOU reporter Lisa Chavarria is WFLD 32 Chicago bound, and now we already know who her replacement is.

Funny enough, Tim Wetzel joins KHOU 11 from WTVF 5 Nashville. That just happens to be the TV station KHOU hired Chavarria from a few years ago!

"It looks like I'm about to miss meeting Lisa Chavarria," Wetzel told mikemcguff.com. "She came from my station in Nashville. I started there days after she left. I guess I'll be missing her twice!"

If Wetzel plays his cards right, he might be missing her a third time one day at WFLD Chicago if things continue in the same direction.

Wetzel tells me he was in Nashville for two years. Before that he worked at WFTV in Orlando, WINK in Fort Myers and KTIV in Sioux City, IA.

"I'm very excited to join the KHOU team and look forward to working at such a great station," Wetzel told me.

Wetzel starts with the Belo owned Houston station Monday.

KHOU 11's Lisa Chavarria leaves for WFLD Chicago

And there goes another one...KHOU 11 reporter Lisa Chavarria is the latest Belo Houston based reporter to take off. She is going to the Windy City. The Chicago Tribune has more:

Courtesy WTVF

Lisa Chavarria is joining WFLD-Channel 32 as a general assignment reporter for Fox Chicago News at 9 p.m.

A native Chicagoan, Chavarria is returning to the market after working most recently as a reporter at KHOU-TV in Houston. Her first day on the air will be April 30, alongside anchors Robin Robinson and Bob Sirott. READ THE REST

Chavarria came to Houston in 2010 from WTVF in Nashville. According to TVSpy, Chavarria also worked at WTOM. She interned at NBC News Chicago and WGN.

It's no secret on their social media accounts that Chavarria and SportsRadio 610 KILT afternoon show producer/on air host Ben Nance are in a relationship. And according to Twitter, Nance will be leaving for Chi-Town too.

This departure is one of many Houston direct flights to Chicago for TV people. Recently KPRC 2 weekend anchor Daniella Guzman took off to anchor NBC5 WMAQ mornings. That prompted me to write a post (which the Chicago blogosphere enjoyed) about all of the Houston TV media folks heading to Chicago.


RELATED
KHOU 11 hires Tim Wetzel from WTVF 5 Nashville

NBC 5 KXAS wins two Edward R. Murrow Awards

NBC 5 KXAS-TV has won two regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for newscast and writing.

The newscast, “Remembering a Father, and a Fan,” featured NBC 5 team coverage of Shannon Stone, the Texas Rangers fan who died at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington while trying to catch a souvenir ball for his son. In a highly emotional, carefully crafted tribute to Stone, NBC 5 talked to the people who knew Stone as a firefighter and friend, along with the Rangers players and fans that mourned his loss during their first night
back at the stadium.

The writing award was for a compilation of work by NBC 5 Video Journalist Andrew Tanielian, which included feature reports on a man whose home is decorated with beer cans, a taxi-driving Santa and local minor league hockey fans.

“Telling local stories well is what we try to do every day,” said Susan Tully, NBC 5 Vice President of News. “So being recognized by our industry peers is some confirmation that our efforts are paying off. What’s most important is that viewers value what they see on-air and online from NBC 5.”

The Edward R. Murrow Awards were presented in large market television category by the Radio Television Digital News Association for Region 6, which includes Texas and Oklahoma.

(This post was taken from an NBC 5 KXAS release sent to me)

RELATED
- NBC 5 KXAS' Scott Friedman wins Texas Freedom of Information Award
- KHOU 11 wins Murrow Awards for TV and website

TV reporter vs snake video, WFAA punk'd? and more

MORE VIDEO
- Snake Ruins WAAY Reporter’s Stand-Up
- Greek Reporter Pelted With Eggs, Yogurt Live On-Air
- Chopper Video: Texting Man Comes Face to Face with Bear
- Cop Attacks KSTP Videographer
- Anderson Cooper Has Another Giggling Fit On Air, Apologizes For “Stupid” Comment
- Houston Dynamo promo commercials with KPRC
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- Russian TV news reports on flying girl
- mikemcguff video page

WFAA Channel 8 Gets Punk’d
A viewer noticed WFAA Channel 8 used a fake tornado picture on its newscast.

WFAA8's Izaguirre births her twins
Cynthia Izaguirre, co-anchor of WFAA8's early morning Daybreak, gave birth to twins a month ahead of schedule Thursday evening.
- WFAA8's Daybreak re-aligns its personalities while Cynthia Izaguirre is on maternity leave

Tony Romo, Candice Crawford welcome first child Hawkins Crawford Romo
Tony Romo and former KDAF 33 reporter Candice Crawford have welcomed their first child together.

Suzi Hanks of the Dean and Rog show on 107.5 The Eagle KGLK tells me she will be getting a face lift Thursday with Dr. Franklin Rose. The station will post the video on its website. Reminds me of when Texas State Senator Dan Patrick got a vasectomy live on the air back in his radio days.
- Cox Media Group to broadcast Skeeters' games

KSBJ changes
89.3 KSBJ announced that Joey K. and Coppelia Rivera are moving to the Afternoon Show starting May 7th. You will be able to hear them on your drive home from 3-7pm.
- 89.3 KSBJ's Liz Jordan announces departure
- 89.3 KSBJ's Mike Kankelfritz leaving Houston

This Is How Angry People Get When A Radio Station Pretends To Hire Jim Rome
So when ESPN 97.5 in Houston hired a Jim Rome impersonator, KPRC 2's Adam Clanton, to fill in for A.J. Hoffman, a vacationing host on The Blitz, its listeners lost it.

Rachel McNeill – KPRC Media Mom
KPRC 2 anchor Rachel McNeill shares her maternity story.

KFNC's future up in air
KFNC (97.5 FM) is on the market, and broker Larry Patrick of Maryland-based Patrick Communications will be looking for a potential buyer at next week's National Association of Broadcasters convention in Las Vegas.

KABB set photos
KABB-TV Fox, San Antonio, Texas 2012 set designed by Devlin Design Group

Bree Promoted To MD/Middays At KAJA San Antonio
At country KAJA (KJ 97) San Antonio, longtime station part-timer Bree has been promoted to MD and midday host.

Who's that? New faces and those who are missing on local TV
While KXAN-TV (NBC) is winning in the ratings, their newsroom staff is getting smaller and smaller and it’s beginning to show on the air.

Comedy radio station catches on with Austin listeners
Comedy 102.7, which launched in late October, has wasted no time overtaking several of Austin's best-known radio stations in the monthly Arbitron ratings — even landing in the top 10 on a few occasions.

Kimmel Co-Chairing Major Weather Conference
KEYE-TV Chief Meteorologist Troy Kimmel tells me he is co-chairing (along with Ken Carey of Noblis) the 93rd Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society.

Time Warner subscribers in Austin/San Antonio to miss three Astros games
Astros fans in San Antonio and Austin might not be able to see their favorite team on TV much lately.
- Dear Fox Sports Houston: Your Astros Broadcast Suck

KTSM's Mena leaving El Paso
El Paso's own Phillip Mena is saying adios to the Sun City.

Townsquare sells Texas FM trio
Townsquare Media says it decided to sell its three stations in Odessa-Midland, TX.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- KENS 5’s Fred Lozano Plans to Retire
- KHOU 11 hires Andrew Horansky from KVUE Austin
- Zakk United returns to Houston at 100.3 KILT
- KHOU 11 hires Scott Noll ‏from WREG Memphis
- N.D. Kalu and Greg Koch join 790 KBME from 610 KILT
- Houston summer camp directory book
- KXAS 5 hires Mark Hayes from WAGA
- KHOU 11 wins Murrow Awards for TV and website
- Feeding the Houston anchors - it's a taxing job
- KPRC 2 hires anchor Phillip Mena from KTSM/KDBC El Paso

NBC 5 KXAS' Scott Friedman wins Texas Freedom of Information Award

KXAS NBC 5 has let me know that former morning anchor Scott Friedman (and now investigative reporter for the station) won a Texas Freedom of Information Award.

NBC 5 / KXAS-TV has been honored with the prestigious Texas Freedom of Information Award, presented annually by the Texas AP Broadcasters in conjunction with the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas.

In the award-winning news story, NBC 5 investigative journalist Scott Friedman and researcher Shane Allen followed a trail of police records to see what happened to speeders who were caught travelling in excess of 100 miles per hour in several North Texas cities.

“The risk of serious injury and death goes up dramatically when speeds are over 100 mph,” said Friedman, “yet, we found our justice system sometimes treats those speeders no differently than someone caught driving 7 mph over the limit.”

“We spent months searching through municipal court records and stacks of traffic tickets because we felt this was an important story to pursue,” added Friedman, “It really affects the safety of everyone on our roads.”

Friedman was recently named to lead the NBC 5 investigative team that is devoted to uncovering stories important to the North Texas community.

Last week KXAS NBC5 announced former WAGA Atlanta anchor Mark Hayes was hired to anchor the station's morning newscast.

KPRC 2 hires anchor Phillip Mena from KTSM/KDBC El Paso

UPDATE APRIL 15, 2015
Phillip Mena leaves KPRC for ABC News



Early last week, KTSM/KDBC (and KVEO Browsville) anchor Phillip Mena officially signed off the El Paso stations, had some cake and left for new opportunities.

Phillip Mena

Friday evening, we learned on his Facebook page that Mena is heading to Houston and KPRC 2. Mena will be co-anchoring the weekend news with  attorney Irika Sargent.

"While I'm saddened to leave my hometown of El Paso, I'm excited about living in Houston and working for such a storied station at KPRC," Mena told mikemcguff.com. "I look forward to becoming very involved in the Houston community and telling its stories. I'm also excited that I'll be arriving just in time for the crawfish boils and the Astros games."

According to his bio, while attending Arizona State University, Mena wrote sports articles for The Arizona Republic and worked at the local ESPN radio affiliate as a producer. During summer breaks, he would also write sports stories for The El Paso Times. He interned at FOX 10 KSAZ-TV in Phoenix. After college, Mena continued to write for The Arizona Republic and worked as a producer for a sports show on Fox Sports Radio in Phoenix.

In April 2010, Mena returned to El Paso as a TV news reporter.

Mena says he starts at KPRC 2 April 23rd.

The El Paso TV world (Market 91) is full of people making big market jumps. A quick scan of my blog shows that three KFOX El Paso TV folks made big jumps in the last few years - KNBC 4 Los Angeles' Jacob Rascon, Hema Mullur of KDVR in Denver and Derek Shore of Sacramento's CBS owned KOVR. As for the big move from El Paso to Houston, the only other person that comes to mind is KTRK 13 anchor Elissa Rivas who also came from KFOX.

The lesson here is: College TV journalism majors, go work for KFOX. It is either a really good station or there is something in the water there.

UPDATE APRIL 15, 2015
Phillip Mena leaves KPRC for ABC News

Feeding the Houston anchors - it's a taxing job

With tax time here, Bob Martin aka "The Accountant to the Stars" is making appearances all over the Houston TV dial.

Just as he comes to each station with helpful IRS advice, Martin also comes with food for early morning appearances.  He knows to keep the anchors happy.

In the above photo, Martin is bringing donuts to the KTRK 13 crew and fill-in anchor Samica Knight. I know anyone who works those early morning hours must appreciate the quick energy!

Here Martin presents the Fox 26 KRIV morning crew a cake for the station's 40th anniversary.

KHOU 11 wins Murrow Awards for TV and website

KHOU 11 has been honored with a fourth straight ‘Overall Excellence’ Murrow Award for 2012. The station won a total of eight awards, including Best Website for KHOU.com:

The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) has recognized KHOU 11 with eight Edward R. Murrow Awards – the most for any large market television station in the Texas-Oklahoma Region – including Overall Excellence for the fourth consecutive year and Best Website for KHOU.com.

“For a station to win Murrow Awards in eight of 13 categories is a true achievement and such an honor,” said Susan McEldoon, KHOU 11 President and General Manager. “These awards, highlighted by Overall Excellence four years in a row, are testimony to the degree of talent and dedication of our entire staff.”

In addition to Overall Excellence and Best Website, the team at KHOU 11 was also recognized in the categories of Video Breaking News Coverage, Video Feature Reporting, Video Reporting Hard News, Video News Documentary, Video Sports Reporting and Use of Video.

“An Edward R. Murrow Award is a symbol of excellence in our industry,” said Phillip Bruce, KHOU 11 Executive News Director. “The high standards of journalism these awards represent are what our team strives to uphold each and every day.”

The RTDNA has been honoring journalists with Edward R. Murrow Awards since 1971, and this year, 645 regional winners were selected from more than 3,500 entries nationwide. Winners of regional Murrow Awards go on to compete for national honors later in the year.
To view a list of all winning entries, visit www.rtdna.org.

Here is the complete list of KHOU 11’s 2012 Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards:
Overall Excellence Video Breaking News Coverage – "Texas on Fire"
Video Feature Reporting – "Into the Line of Fire"
Video Reporting Hard News – "Paying to Wait"
Video News Documentary – "A Matter of Risk: Radiation, Drinking, Water and Deception"
Video Sports Reporting – "Running for Daddy"
Use of Video – "Making Investigative Journalism Visual" Website – KHOU.com

KXAS 5 hires Mark Hayes from WAGA

New KXAS 5 morning anchor announced. WAGA Atlanta's Mark Hayes is moving to the Dallas-Fort Worth TV news market:

KXAS-TV today announced that Mark Hayes will co-anchor NBC 5 News Today from 4:30 a.m. – 7 a.m. weekdays with Deborah Ferguson, starting in May.

Hayes has been the morning news anchor at WAGA-TV in Atlanta, for the past ten years. He was previously an anchor/reporter at WXYZ-TV in Detroit and WBAL-TV in Baltimore. Early in his career, Hayes was a television reporter at KMGH in Denver and WOKR in Rochester, NY.

"When a viewer turns on the news in the morning, Mark is the kind of person they want to see," said Susan Tully, NBC 5 Vice President of News. "He has a warm delivery and makes the early wake-up just a little more enjoyable. Mark had a deeply loyal following in Atlanta because of his personable approach to giving viewers their first news of the day."

Hayes said, "I am excited to be joining the NBC 5 news family. Becoming part of such an experienced and talented news gathering team has exceeded all my expectations in taking the next step in my career. Their extraordinary vision and passion for journalistic excellence was what attracted me to this opportunity and I can't wait to be part of such an outstanding news organization, rich with history and tradition, and dedicated to covering North Texas news. It is an honor and privilege to join NBC 5."

"Mark and Deborah Ferguson will be a great team," added Tully, "Like Deborah, Mark is a tenured news anchor with a depth of experience in communicating all types of stories. We are fortunate he is choosing to make North Texas and NBC 5 his new home."

Houston summer camp directory book

Attention parents and journalists...maybe even both. The summer time is approaching and there is always a need for children's camp info. There is actually a book for that when it comes to Houston summer camps.

Sarah Gish has been compiling a list of Houston summer camps for years in The Summer Book: A Guide to Houston Day Camps and Classes for Kids and Teens. She just sent me the 2012 edition.

The book has info on camps ranging from robotics, opera, video game design, foreign languages, piano, soccer, surfing, chess and fashion design.

Almost 200 day camps and classes are listed in this unique guide, which is organized:
- Alphabetically
- By Category (arts, sports, religious, special needs and educational)
- By Age Group
- By Length (full day or half day)
- By Indoor or Outdoor facilities
- By Scholarships offered
- By camp Dates

“Every year that I edit the information it never ceases to amaze me the number of camps that have folded, changed or started," Gish said. "I feel lucky to be 'The Summer Camp Queen' who can keep up with all the changes and let my audience know about them through this guide. And, of course, I use it in mapping out my own kids’ summers!”

The reason I referenced journalists in the open is that I did a story with Gish in the past when I worked at KTRK 13 and she is full of info when it comes to this hot topic.

The book costs $12.95 and you can find out where to get a copy at thesummerbook.com

N.D. Kalu and Greg Koch join 790 KBME from 610 KILT

Reports said that former NFL players Greg Koch and N.D. Kalu were leaving SportsRadio 610 KILT so that probably meant they were throwing a pass to a new station. Clear Channel's Sportstalk 790 KBME was there to receive the sports talk duo's pass:

Sportstalk 790, live and local sportstalk, announced today that N.D. Kalu and Greg Koch, former NFL players, will join its programming line-up, effective Monday, April 16, 2012. The new show, In the Trenches with Koch & Kalu, will air weekdays from 10-11:00 a.m. on 790 KBME-AM.

“We are thrilled to offer N.D. and Greg’s knowledge of not only football, but of all sports in general to our local listeners,” said Bryan Erickson, Director of AM Operations, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Houston. “As finely tuned athletes who previously battled it out in the trenches, they have unique insights and will give our listeners a whole new perspective on games they already love.”

Kalu is a 12 year NFL veteran and played for the Washington Redskins and the Houston Texans. He attended Rice University and was originally selected as the 22nd pick during the fifth round of the 1997 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. In addition to his new role as sports radio co-host, Kalu is also a licensed Texas real estate broker, business owner and is involved in several charitable organizations including: Kalu 4 Kids, NFL to Nigeria and Camp with the Pros.

“When I was presented with the opportunity to join the Sportstalk 790’s weekday line-up, the excitement was comparable to what I felt when the Houston Texans offered me the chance to spend the last three years of my career in the city I call home,” said Kalu. “I am honored and humbled to join the Clear Channel Houston team.”

Koch is a Houston native and attended the University of Arkansas. In 1977 he was drafted in the second-round by the Packers and played in Green Bay for nine seasons (1977–85). Koch was a fixture at right tackle for and was a second-team All-Pro selection following the 1982 season. He also played for the Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings during his NFL career. In addition to being a practicing attorney, Koch has also served as color analyst for the Houston Arena Football team and for CBS Radio in Houston.

“I am really looking forward to joining the Sportstalk 790 family and sharing my perspective on sports with local listeners,” said Koch. “N.D. and I will bring the city of Houston the very best in both local and national sports coverage.”

The KBME Sportstalk 790 programming line-up will feature:

The Big Show with Matt Jackson, Adam Wexler and Lance Zierlein from 6-10:00 a.m.
In the Trenches with Koch & Kalu from 10-11:00 a.m.
The Mighty Gwinn from 11:00 a.m. to noon
Matt Thomas from noon to 3:00 p.m.
Charlie Pallilo from 3-7:00 p.m.

KHOU 11 hires Scott Noll ‏from WREG Memphis

UPDATE MAY 07, 2018
Scott Noll exits KHOU

KHOU 11 has hired Scott Noll, an award-winning investigative reporter with WREG-TV in Memphis, TN for the last three years.

"For years I've followed the great investigative work being done in Houston," Noll told mikemcguff.com. "I'm looking forward to continuing that tradition and joining a team of top-notch journalists at KHOU 11 News."

According to Noll's LinkedIn page, prior to WREG, he's worked as a reporter at WLUC-TV, KSPR-TV, WFMZ-TV and WWMT-TV. He is a graduate of The Ohio State University.

This hire appears to fill the position in the KHOU investigative left by Mark Greenblatt who departed for ABC News.

Noll starts next Monday 4/16.

RELATED
- KHOU 11 hires Andrew Horansky from KVUE Austin

Free food from Smashburger for National Foursquare Day

You know me...I like free food. I also like to help you get free food too!

That's why I am letting you know that in honor of National Foursquare Day on April 16, Smashburger is celebrating by offering free burgers to the first 10 people to check in on Foursquare at each of its six Houston locations starting at 6 pm.

If you can't get there in time, or your phone freezes up and you aren't one of the first 10 check-ins, then you will receive a free side with purchase of an entrée between 6-8 pm.

The hashtag for the event is #4sqDay.

You can connect to me on Foursquare.

Zakk United returns to Houston at 100.3 KILT

Zakk United, who formerly worked at Rock 101 KLOL and 94.5 The Buzz KTBZ, is back in Houston. And you will never guess where he is on the air now...a country station.

That's right, United landed at CBS' 100.3 KILT.

"KILT is the first country station I have worked for, but country music, when you're born and raised in Texas, is always in the background," United told mikemcguff.com. "So I had a smooth transition musically. I still get to play local and Texas music, just from artists who tend to shower more!"

Yep, you can catch ZU working the swing shift and weekends 1pm to 5pm over at KILT-FM.

As for United's rock roots, he still indulges them by doing some side DJ work for a rock station in Missouri, all from the comfort of his Spring home.

After United left Houston, he went to Dallas-Fort Worth and worked for 97.1 The Eagle KEGL. He then was Creative Director/On Air News Director at WABB in Mobile, Alabama.

"The staff are great and the vibe here at CBS is great," United said. "I found my way into another family, really happy to be here."

RELATED
- Zakk United leaves 94.5 KTBZ The Buzz in Houston
- KEGL Dallas is raiding KTBZ Houston

KHOU 11 hires Andrew Horansky from KVUE Austin

UPDATE FEBRUARY 06, 2015
Andrew Horansky to leave KHOU for Cleveland's WKYC

KHOU just hired a new reporter out of Austin's KVUE 24 and Central Texas blogger Bill Church says  Andrew Horansky is one of the Belo station's best ones:

Andrew Horansky’s fiancée has completed medical school at the University of Texas San Antonio and for her residency program in pediatrics has been matched with Children’s Hospital, Houston. The couple will marry June 2.

After two years of living in separate cities, Horansky, 35, wanted to begin married life residing with his new bride. He kept (news director Frank) Volpicella full informed as fiancée Kristin looked at various cities for her residency so that his news director might help with possible broadcasting jobs. It all came together when Houston emerged as the residency location and KVUE’s Belo Broadcasting sister station KHOU-TV had a reporter leave, opening up a spot for Horansky.

“The business is so competitive and just because I worked for Belo and had a solid resume didn’t guarantee me anything,” Horansky said. “I interviewed with KHOU’s news director and won the job, so it all worked out.” READ THE REST

Before KVUE, Horansky worked as a freelance reporter at the NBC Newschannel in Chicago, HD News - Voom Network Television, New England Cable News and WWTV/WWUP, Cadillac, MI.

You can watch a story I found on YouTube that Horansky did a little more than a year ago (embedded above).

andrewhoransky.com

UPDATE FEBRUARY 06, 2015
Andrew Horansky to leave KHOU for Cleveland's WKYC

KENS 5’s Fred Lozano Announces Plans to Retire

KENS 5 veteran news anchor Fred Lozano announced his plans to retire from the news business in September of this year. His last day with KENS television will be June 29.

“It’s been a true honor & privilege to have worked so long with the best television news organization in San Antonio, said Lozano. I sincerely want to thank all of our viewers. Without them it would not have been possible. I look forward to the future and wish my friends here at KENS all the best.”

Lozano, co-anchor of KENS5 Eyewitness News This Morning, the station’s popular weekday morning newscast, has been a fixture in local television news for more than three decades.

“Fred Lozano is one of the finest journalists I have experienced the pleasure of working with in television,” said KENS 5 President and General Manager Robert McGann. “He has been the rock of stability on our morning news since 1997. I cannot thank Fred enough for his contributions to the success of KENS.”

“Fred is a consummate journalist who always covers the news with a sense of immediacy and professionalism. He has a unique rapport with the viewers and will be truly missed in the newsroom,” added KENS 5 Executive News Director Kurt Davis.

Winner of multiple Emmy Awards and numerous other broadcast journalism honors, Lozano is a native of San Antonio and a graduate of Brackenridge High School. He is the father of three sons, including twin boys.

(This post is from a KENS 5 release)

TV bloopers, WFAA anchor status and more

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- Easter Bunny Reporter Blooper
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Campos poised to become part-timer, remaining as 10 p.m. co-anchor
WFAA8 veteran Gloria Campos, who joined the Dallas-based station in 1984 and became its first Hispanic anchor, has agreed to a new contract that will make her a part-timer and include a significant salary cut.

Mark Davis leaving WBAP after 18 years?
For the past few days, rumors have been circulating about Mark Davis, the long-running WBAP/820 AM (and 96.7 FM) morning-talk host. He'd been off the air, and word was that his contract wasn't renewed.

DFW radio stations dial up new format
Locally, Dallas' toughest immigration-hawk "Tea Party radio" station, KLIF/570 AM, has switched to morning and afternoon news, ending 30 years of drive-time talk.

For the record, Milo .505 behind major league mike
If the Astros live up - or down - to expectations this season, Milo Hamilton will finish his career as a Major League Baseball announcer right back where he started.

LATV back on, at a new place on the dial
KPRC pulled LATV from its multicast the other day, after Post-Newsweek’s contract to run the channel ended. Now it has a new home.

Cynthia Lee to re-join San Antonio’s FOX television affiliate
FOX San Antonio KABB has re-hired Cynthia Lee as a TV news reporter and anchor.
- Vivacious Cynthia Lee returns to TV anchoring

- Sundays were funnier with Mr. Jolly reading
- Before Mr. Jolly, there was Uncle Bob

Public station still footing whole bill to air parades
For the second straight year, PBS affiliate KLRN will the Fiesta parade, commercial free and in HD, using prominent S.A. TV personalities - including anchors Ursula Pari, Steve Spriester, Randy Beamer and Elsa Ramon - as hosts.

KEYE revamps morning news
Say goodbye to “We Are Austin Mornings” and hello to the new “KEYE TV Morning News.”
- KEYE Comes to Play
- KEYE Quietly Enters the Morning News Race: A One Week Report Card

The Home Team
Are you at home with the Texas Rangers, or are you at home with the Houston Astros. According to Fox Sports or Major League Baseball, in Austin and Central Texas we are at home with the Astros.

You don't need to tell KXAN anchor to go jump in the lake
The first question that came to mind when John Kelso saw KXAN-TV anchorman David Scott standing in water up to his neck in Lake Travis? Can this clown swim?

Online petition backs UT cartoonist
She no longer works for Daily Texan after Trayvon Martin cartoon in student paper.

Interview with a TV star who didn't pay her dues
Recently, the television news industry has raised eyebrows by hiring people who, shall we say, have a somewhat checkered past.

6 re-elected to lead Texas AP Broadcasters board
All six members of the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters board of directors have been re-elected.

Belo Corp. Wins 2012 NABEF Service to America Award
Belo Corp. (NYSE: BLC), one of the nation's largest pure-play, publicly-traded television companies, is being honored with a National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation Service to America Community Award for its support of Rachel's Challenge, a non-profit organization promoting kindness and compassion that was established following the Columbine High School tragedy.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Texas alcoholic drink database reveals what's in beverages
- KTRK 13's Wayne Dolcefino wins 2011 IRE Medal award
- KTRK 13's Ilona Carson delivers baby
- KTRK 13's Miya Shay gets engaged to Gene Wu
- Dominique Sachse says goodbye to Travis Rodgers of 1560 KGOW
- Angry Stripper Sarah Tressler working for ABC's GMA?
- Former Austin anchor Michelle Valles joins KNBC NBC 4
- KENS 5’s Phil Anaya to Anchor Weekend News
- KTRK 13 hires Pooja Lodhia from FOX 4 WFTX
- Charles E. Green Awards for Excellence in Journalism 2012 TX TV and newspaper winners

'Divas of Late Night' Houston casting

I think I might put on some makeup and a dress and go to this to show everyone who the REAL diva is in Houston:

A NEW and local TV/Radio TALK SHOW is holding a CASTING CALL
WANTED: Culturally Diverse,Intelligent, Interesting and Passionate Houston-Area DIVAS who enjoy LIVELY DISCUSSIONS

Must be between the ages of 25 and 45 and also be Sophisticated and Knowledgeable about International, National, Local, Social and Celebrity Happenings

AUDITIONS: Saturday, April 7,2012 from 10:30AM - 2:00PM at Houston Media Source (410 Roberts St.)
Think The View with MAJOR EDGE meets Kathie Lee and Hoda, Sprinkled with a little Dr. Phil and Oprah. What a DIVALICIOUS RECIPE!™©

Producers are looking for six (6) Dynamic Divas to host an hour long talk show and share their thoughts and opinions about the topics of the day, as well as interview revolving guests of local and national fame and import. Audience comments and questions are not only encouraged, but an important part of this show that will inform, entertain and titillate!
It doesn't matter whether you're Defiantly Divorced, Happily Married, Blissfully Single, or Something In-Between...Employed, Housewife or In-Transition! If you're able to engage in stimulating conversation that informs, entertains and sparks thought and, oftentimes, controversy,...then WE WANT YOU!!!!!

"Divas of Late Night-Houston is expected to hit the air May 2012! If you'd like or know someone who wants to be apart of this new and innovative Talk Show that's expected to air throughout the Houston, TX area, or would like more information about DLN-H, email us and tell us why you would be a great DIVA panelist, and attach a Headshot and Résumé’/BIO to: Divasoflatenight@gmail.com.

Charles E. Green Awards for Excellence in Journalism 2012 TX TV and newspaper winners

Listed below are the most recent winners (announced in the Spring of 2012) for the Charles E. Green Awards for Excellence in Journalism, as awarded annually by the Headliners Foundation, in association with the Texas Associated Press Managing Editors (TAPME) and the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters (TAPB).

Click here to see more about each winner.

Star Investigative Report
Brooks Egerton, Miles Moffeit, Sue Goetinck Ambrose, Reese Dunklin, Ryan Andrew McNeill, Daniel Lathrop, Sherry Jacobson
The Dallas Morning-News

Star Breaking News Report
Staff of Austin American-Statesman
Central Texas Wildfires

Star Photojournalist
Andrew Brosig
Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel

Star Designer
Michael Hogue
The Dallas Morning News

Star Reporter
Terri Langford
Houston Chronicle

Best Spot News/Station (TV)
KENS, San Antonio.
Camp Bullis Burning

Best Investigative Report
Wayne Dolcefino, Colin McIntyre & Kevin Hirten
KTRK, Houston
A Culture of Corruption

Best Reporter (TV)
Kevin Reece
KHOU, Houston

Best Spot News (radio)
KRLD, Dallas-Fort Worth
Waxahachie Chemical Plant Fire

Best Reporter (radio)
KUT, Austin
Matt Largey

KTRK 13 hires Pooja Lodhia from FOX 4 WFTX

KTRK 13 appears to be shaking things up by hiring new reporter Pooja Lodhia from FOX 4 WFTX which covers Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Naples (TV market 62). Why? Well look at the highlight video clips embedded here that WFTX compiled of Lodhia for her last day.

"I've accepted at job reporting for KTRK (ABC) in Houston," Lodhia said on her Facebook page. "I'll be moving closer to my family and getting to experience so many new things."

KTRK is not exactly known as a youthful station in the Houston market. Some of the current on air talent were on the air the day I was born, for example. Lodhia, who arrives with a zany Fox affiliate morning show background, clearly brings in the Generation Y (aka the Millennial Generation) energy to the ABC owned station.

As I watched Lodhia's goodbye clips, I saw her, among other things (click on embedded videos in this post to see these moments and more):
- Say to Harry Potter star Rupert Grint, "I want to get sleazy with Ron Weasley"
- Cage fight another woman
- Shoot her photographer with a fire extinguisher
- Ride an elephant

On her last day, one of the WFTX morning anchors asked Lodhia on air, "Is your [new] news director aware of your extensive martial arts background now?"
The other anchor then answered "Keep those crazy Houstonians at bay." (If that anchor only knew.)

My suspicion is a past channel 13 employee put Lodhia on the radar for his old Houston station. You might remember that former KTRK 13 reporter Patrick Nolan is an anchor at WFTX. To celebrate her Houston departure, Nolan went to the Florida X Factor auditions and got wannabe contestants to sing Lodhia's name (last video embed on this post).

In the video, Nolan then approached Gloria Estefan and asked her to do the same. Estefan replied, "What is that? What does that mean? Are you making me say dirty words in some strange language?"

According to her bio, Lodhia was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and graduated from Emory University in Atlanta with a double major in English and Journalism and a minor in Dance. She went on to work at Eatel News Magazine in Baton Rouge, later landing at Marquette, Michigan NBC affiliate WLUC TV6. Two years later she ended up at WFTX where she has been for the last several years.

Lodhia should be starting at KTRK very soon.









RELATED
- KTRK 13's Miya Shay gets engaged to Gene Wu
- KTRK 13's Ilona Carson delivers baby boy
- KTRK 13's Wayne Dolcefino wins 2011 IRE Medal award

KIAH 39 and KDAF 33 back on DirecTV

Tribune Broadcasting and DirecTV have reached an agreement putting Texas stations KIAH 39 and KDAF 33 back on the satellite provider:

Tribune Broadcasting announced this evening that it has reached an agreement with DirecTV that will enable DirecTV subscribers to avoid any further disruption in service and to once again enjoy Tribune’s 23 local television stations as well as WGN America, Tribune’s national cable network.

“We are extremely pleased to have reached an agreement with DirecTV and to return our valuable news, entertainment and sports programming to DirecTV subscribers,” said Nils Larsen, Tribune Broadcasting president. “On behalf of Tribune Broadcasting, I want to thank viewers across all of our markets for their support, understanding and patience during the negotiating process—we truly regret the service interruptions of the last several days.”

The agreement comes as baseball season is about to open, and enables DirecTV subscribers to see Chicago Cubs and White Sox baseball on WGN-TV in Chicago and on WGN America, as well as the Mets on WPIX-TV in New York, Phillies baseball on PHL17 in Philadelphia, and the Washington Nationals on WDCW-TV in Washington, D.C.

DirecTV subscribers also will again have access to the more than 700 hours of local news, weather, traffic, and sports coverage produced by Tribune’s local television stations, as well as prime-time entertainment programming like “American Idol,” “Glee,” and “New Girl,” on the company’s Fox affiliates, and “One Tree Hill,” “Vampire Diaries,” and “Gossip Girl” on its CW affiliates.

RELATED
KIAH 39's NewsFix could be threatened by DirecTV

KENS 5’s Phil Anaya to Anchor Weekend News

KENS 5 announces the promotion of Phil Anaya to weekend anchor of KENS 5 Eyewitness News. Effective April 28th Phil will co-anchor with Karen Grace alongside meteorologist Jared Silverman and sportscaster Vinnie Vinzetta.

“We conducted an extensive search and auditioned countless candidates from around the country, but the very best person for the job was already right here in our newsroom,” said KENS Television President and General Manager Robert McGann.

“Phil has done an outstanding job reporting in the short time he has been here” Executive News Director Kurt Davis said. “He and Karen have great chemistry on the set and viewers are really going to like their energy and the fresh delivery of the news that these two professionals bring to the anchor desk.”

Born and raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Phil grew up playing soccer and left the state to attend Valparaiso University in Northwest Indiana.

After two years at Valpo, Phil transferred to New Mexico State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism/Mass Communications with a minor in Marketing.

While still in college, Phil was able to gain some very valuable experience working as a multimedia journalist for KMSB in Tucson.

After graduating in May 2009, Phil went straight to work as a bureau reporter for KFOX in El Paso, Texas where he reported on everything from severe weather to politics all across southern New Mexico.

Phil came to San Antonio to join KENS 5 in June 2011.

In his spare time Phil loves playing golf, working out and spending time with family.

(This post is from a KENS 5 release)

Former Austin anchor Michelle Valles joins KNBC NBC 4

Former Austin anchor Michelle Valles is heading west. The former KXAN and KEYE anchor will be joining former KHOU 11 anchor Lucy Noland and former KPRC 2 meteorologist Byron Miranda at NBC 4 KNBC in Los Angeles:

NBC4 Southern California announced today that award-winning broadcast journalist, Michelle Valles, will join the station as weekend anchor and general assignment reporter, starting April 9. Valles will co-anchor the weekend editions of “Today in LA,” alongside Ted Chen, on Saturdays and Sundays, from 7 a.m.-8 a.m.

With more than 13 years of broadcast journalist experience, Valles served as an evening and morning news anchor and reporter at NBC affiliates in Austin and El Paso for an accumulated 10 years. She also launched and co-created Austin's first-ever award winning lifestyle show as the co-host and writer of Austin Live on CBS affiliate (KEYE).

“We are delighted to welcome Michelle to the NBC4 team,” said Steve Carlston, President and General Manager of NBC4 Southern California. “Her experience as a broadcast journalist, along with her energy, wit and creativity, will greatly contribute to our newscast.”

“I can’t begin to tell you how honored I am to be working with such a talented group of news professionals,” said Valles. “NBC4 is known for its history of integrity and I’m thrilled to become a part of it.”

Valles has been recognized for her coverage of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the breaking news death and legacy of Lady Bird Johnson, and exclusive reports with Willie Nelson tackling marijuana usage and decriminalization in America. Her international reporting includes exclusive access to a Mexican federal prison, the notorious Juarez murder cases, Mexican orphanage conditions, and breaking news reports on US/Mexico border protests, numerous drug busts, Ft. Bliss war deployments and 9/11.

In 2011, Valles wrote a popular magazine column for Austin Man, in which she gave a “woman’s perspective” on men related topics. Her national broadcast debut was in May 2011 on HBO Latino for the award winning series, "Habla Texas," and she launched her acting career this past summer, appearing in musicals, "A Ride with Bob," featuring Ray Benson, and “Asleep at the Wheel.” She was also cast in the popular ABC family teenage drama, "The Lying Game," and the upcoming Christmas feature film "When Angels Sing," starring Harry Connick Jr., Connie Britton, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson.

Dedicated to community service, Valles co-hosted the MDA Jerry Lewis Telethon (1999-2008), and supported SIMS, Center for Child Protection, Emancipet, Las Comadres, Latinitas and many others. She is a former board member of the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, New Milestones Foundation, Reel Women, and Mexi-Carte Museum, and is also a proud member of National Association of Hispanic Journalists. Valles received her B.A. in Journalism from University of Texas at Austin.

Angry Stripper Sarah Tressler working for ABC's GMA?

Remember Angry Stripper blogger and former Houston Chronicle reporter Sarah Tressler? Last week she made her national television debut on ABC's Good Morning America and now she is apparently working for them!

Culturemap's Shelby Hodge is on the case:

We heard rumors about the Good Morning America gig earlier today. We tracked it down and can confirm that Tressler has been in Dallas working on the tornado coverage for GMA.

A friend, who has been in contact with Tressler, says that this contract work could possibly lead to a more permanent position with the network. But that shoe has yet to drop. READ THE REST

Good for her.

Now to all of the people I know in the local TV news world who want to work at the network level - call the Men's Club (or any other strip club) in Houston. Ask for a job and you too could be on your way to the TV big leagues (and this has nothing to do with the Tressler case, but also having a politically connected family helps).

RELATED
Sarah Tressler: "I was a stripper/reporter/professor"

Dominique Sachse says goodbye to Travis Rodgers of 1560 KGOW

Travis Rodgers of Yahoo! Sports Radio and 1560 KGOW The Game (also Jim Rome's former producer) is apparently moving back to California. I'm hearing he will still do his current show from out in La La Land, plus one in that market.

Turns out Rodgers is quite the fan of Dominique Sachse, so the KPRC 2 anchor taped a quick goodbye for him. Watch it in the embedded video above.

(Thanks Sketch the Journalist)

KTRK 13's Miya Shay gets engaged to Gene Wu

Congrats to KTRK 13 reporter Miya Shay who just got engaged to Gene Wu. Wu is a prosecutor in the Harris County District Attorney’s Office and Democrat for Texas State Representative, District 137.

Talk about a power couple!

And in a nod to the 21st century and social media, the couple both announced their engagement via Twitter about a minute apart Sunday night. And the following photo of the ring was tweeted out too:

KTRK 13's Ilona Carson delivers baby boy

Courtesy KILT

KTRK 13 4pm anchor Ilona Carson and family are doing well after giving birth to a baby boy. His name is Pierce. Her co-anchors are all a buzz on Facebook.

KTRK 13 anchor Gina Gaston posted on Facebook she would be filling in for the new mommy today. And Travis Herzog posted a little more info:

"Congrats to my 4PM co-anchor, Ilona Carson, on the birth of her baby boy, Pierce. We hear that mom and baby are doing great!"

Here she is a new mom and still going for the main prize in the SportsRadio 610 KILT Media Hotties Championship Game.

Ilona and her husband's first son, James Reid, was born in August of 2009.

Congrats.

RELATED
PICS: KTRK 13 anchor Dave Ward's 45 year party

KTRK 13's Wayne Dolcefino wins 2011 IRE Medal award

Investigative Reporters and Editors, Inc., better known as IRE, is a group that hands out prestigious awards to journalists. And one of Houston's own has won another one.

KTRK 13 Undercover's Wayne Dolcefino (along with Kevin Hirten and Colin McIntyre) was awarded IRE’s highest honor, an IRE Medal with his "Constable Corruption" series in the Broadcast/Video – Medium category.

Here are the comments from the IRE Medal judges:

"Constable Corruption" In this textbook IRE investigation done in a nontraditional style, KTRK-TV went after Houston-area law enforcement officials. Plowing through mountains of paperwork, data and sources, reporter Wayne Dolcefino and his team exposed a culture of corruption among the county’s entrenched constables that included appropriating charity and campaign funds for their own use and allowing employees to commit time sheet fraud. Dolcefino engages the viewer with his irreverent style and high production values, but beneath the entertainment is a rock-solid, water-tight, well-documented investigation. The station made extensive use of FOIA and fought back hard when denied. Its online presentation engaged the reader to follow the investigators as they pursued their targets. Several outside agencies are now investigating several constables offices. For the dogged and difficult pursuit of corruption in its own hometown, KTRK’S “Constable Corruption” is awarded IRE’s highest honor, an IRE Medal.

RELATED
KTRK 13 Undercover's Wayne Dolcefino says stop copying my work

Texas alcoholic drink database reveals what's in beverages

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) says with the strong Texas economy, guess who wants to come here? Drinks. Alcoholic drink makers want to pour their products in our state and get your money. In fact the commission says Texas is poised to become the number one state for consumption of alcoholic beverages in the country. Sip on that.

So the TABC has just unveiled an online database that lets any wannabe Norm Peterson know which alcoholic beverage products are legal in Texas and the alcohol content inside.

TABC's Label Approval Database, https://label.tabc.state.tx.us/, includes all alcoholic beverages that have had labels approved since 2005. Consumers can search the database by permit number, brand name, trade (manufacturer) name, type of product, approval date, or percent alcohol by volume. Each record includes all of this information plus an image of the approved label.

"Some single malt beverage containers can be as much as 23.5 ounces at 12 percent alcohol by volume, which is the equivalent of almost five beers," explained TABC Assistant Administrator Sherry Cook. "It is important for responsible consumers to have the opportunity to educate themselves about what they are drinking, and for parents to understand what their children may be drinking."

The TABC says alcoholic beverage makers are seeking approval for the sale of products in Texas in historically high numbers. There has been a 58% increase in the number of product applications submitted as compared to the same time period last year. The agency says a portion of this spike can be attributed to a December 2011 court ruling that stated TABC will no longer require brewers to designate high or low alcohol content on labels using specific words like "beer" and "ale."

https://label.tabc.state.tx.us/