Fox 4 KDFW's 2013 February sweeps success

KDFW FOX 4 is #1 in key day parts

The Fox Television Stations group sent me some 2013 February sweeps highlights for Fox 4 KDFW.

Morning News

Ø KDFW’s “Good Day” (Mon-Fri 4:30-9am) ranked #1 in the daypart among all key demos including adults 25-54 where we’ve been #1 for almost 10 years dating back to May 2003.

Ø “Good Day” (Mon-Fri 4:30-9:00am)
HH: Grew from a 3.2/14 to a 3.4/15 and is ranked #1.
A25-54: Grew from a 1.7/15 to a 1.9/16 and is ranked #1.
A18-49: Grew in share from a 1.3/13 to a 1.3/14 and also claimed the #1 position in the market.

Ø “Good Day” (Mon-Fri 4:30-5:00am)
HH: Grew +38% from a 1.3/8 to a 1.8/12 among and is ranked #1.
A25-54: Grew +67% from a 0.6/9 to a 1.0/14 and is ranked #1.
A18-49: Grew from a 0.4/7 to a 0.7/11 (+75% increase) and also claimed the #1 position in the market.

Ø “Good Day” (Mon-Fri 5:00-6:00am)
HH: Grew from a 2.6/14 to a 2.7/15 and is ranked #1.
A25-54: Posted a +31% increase with a 1.7/20 over last year’s 1.3/14 rtg/shr and is ranked #1.
A18-49: Placed #1 with a 1.1/16 over last year’s 1.0/13.

Ø “Good Day” (Mon-Fri 6:00-7:00am)
HH: Was #1, posting a 3.9/16.
A25-54: Increased year to year from a 2.3/19 to a 2.4/19, #1 in the market.
A18-49: Placed #1 with a 1.7/17.

Ø Good Day (Mon-Fri 7:00-9:00am)
HH: Grew from a 3.5/13 to a 4.0/14 and is ranked #1.
A25-54: Grew from a 1.8/14 to a 1.9/15 and is also #1.

Daytime

Ø “Live with Kelly and Michael” (Mon-Fri 9:00-10:00am) increased in HH’s and ranks #1 moving from a 2.1/8 to a 2.9/10. Among Adults 25-54, “Live” was #1 moving from a 0.9/7 to a 1.4/11. In Adults 18-49, “Live” increased from a 0.7/6 to a 1.0/9 (also #1).


Ø “The Wendy Williams Show” (Mon-Fri 10:00-11:00am) increased in HH’s moving from a 1.3/5 to a 1.8/6. Among Adults 25-54, “Wendy” increased from a 0.7/6 to a 0.9/7.


Ø “TMZ Live” (Mon-Fri 1:00-2:00pm) increased in Adults 25-54 moving from a 0.4/3 last year (with “Jeremy Kyle”) to a 0.7/6. Among Adults 18-49, “TMZ Live” was the #1 program in the market doubling the ratings from a year ago by moving from a 0.3/2 to a 0.6/5.


Ø "Judge Judy” (Mon-Fri 4:00-5:00pm) moved from a 2.9/8 to a 3.1/9 year to year among HH’s and is #1 in the market. In Adults 25-54, “Judy” posted a 1.2/8 which was also #1 in the market and an increase over the 0.9/5 from last year.

Early News

Ø “FOX 4 News at 5pm” (Mon-Fri 5:00-5:30pm) was #1 in Adults 25-54, up from a 1.5/7 to a 1.6/8. In Adults 18-49, FOX 4 News placed #1 increasing from a 1.0/6 to a 1.2/7.

Ø “FOX 4 News at 6pm” (Mon-Fri 6:00-6:30pm) was #1 in Adults 25-54, rising from a 1.8/8 to a 1.9/8. In Adults 18-49, FOX 4 News placed #1, flat with a 1.4/7.


Prime Access


Ø “Access Hollywood” (Mon-Fri 6:30-7:00pm) was the #1 access program in the market among Adults 25-54 where it increased year to year from a 1.5/6 to a 1.9/7. Among Adults 18-49, it was #2 rising from a 1.2/5 to a 1.3/6.

Ø “The Big Bang Theory” on KDFI (Mon-Fri 6:30-7:00pm) was #1 in Adults 18-49 in the time period, increasing by +60% from a 1.0/4 to a 1.6/7. In Adults 25-54, “Big Bang Theory” rose +63% from a 1.1/4 to a 1.8/7.


Late News

Ø “FOX 4 News at 9pm” (Mon-Fri 9:00-10:00pm) was #1 in Adults 18-49 across every late newscast in the market, posting a 2.0/6. Among Adults 25-54, “FOX 4 News at 9pm” was #2, flat to last year with a 2.6/7 rtg/shr.

Ø “FOX 4 News at 10pm” (Mon-Fri 10:00-10:00pm) was flat in share year to year in key demos, placing #2 in the time period with a 2.0/6 among Adults 25-54.

Late Fringe

Ø “TMZ” (Mon-Fri 10:30-11:00pm) was the #1 program in late fringe among Adults 25-54 defeating Leno, Letterman and Kimmel by posting an increase year to year from a 1.6/5 to a 1.7/6. In Adults 18-49, TMZ was also #1, moving up from a 1.2/4 to a 1.3/6.


Ø “Dish Nation” (Mon-Fri 11:30pm-12:00am) was #1 in the market among Adults 25-54 by increasing the TP last year from a 0.8/4 to a 0.9/5. “Dish Nation” was also #1 among Adults 18-49 by increasing from a 0.6/3 rtg/shr to a 0.7/4 rtg/shr.

RELATED
- Texas TV 2013 February sweeps full coverage

KTVT 11 claims 2013 February sweeps victory

Weekday KTVT CBS 11 News at 6 is #1 in Viewers for Second Consecutive Major “Sweep”

Dallas/Fort Worth – In the most recent February “sweep” rating period, more North Texans watched the weekday edition of the CBS 11 News at 6 than any other newscast in the time period. CBS 11 is up 21% year-to-year with an average of 166,270 viewers at 6 p.m., which is 8,750 viewers more than second-place WFAA.

This marks the sixth time in the last eight major sweeps that CBS 11 News at 6 has been number one. (It was also the most-watched newscast in the time period in November 2012, February 2012, November 2011, February 2011 and November 2010.)

“We are pleased that the CBS 11 News at 6 not only continues to be number one, but it is also growing faster than any other newscast in the time period,” said CBS 11 and TXA 21 President and General Manager Gary Schneider. “In addition, it’s exciting to see significant increases in our morning news, as well.”

Other highlights from the November sweep include:

CBS 11 is number one among viewers in network prime, with 16 of the top 20 shows, including The Big Bang Theory, NCIS, Person of Interest and NCIS: Los Angeles.

The Late Show with David Letterman is the most-watched network talk show in the time period (10:30 p.m.), beating The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Jimmy Kimmel Live.

In the late news, CBS 11 is an extremely close second, with an average of just 1,910 viewers separating CBS 11 News at 10 and News 8 Update at 10.

Wheel of Fortune remains the most-watched program in the time period (6:30 p.m.), with an average of 297,350 viewers, well more than double Entertainment Tonight on WFAA.

CBS 11 News experienced year-to-year gains in viewers at 4 p.m. (up 11%) and 5 p.m. (up 25%), as did the CBS Evening News with Scott Pelley (up 16%).

CBS 11 is the most-watched station in daytime (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.), with significant year-to-year gains in viewers for The Talk (1 p.m.), The Bold and the Beautiful (12:30 p.m.) and Let’s Make a Deal (9 a.m.).

CBS This Morning (7- 9 a.m.) is up 72% in viewers versus last February.

CBS 11 News This Morning with Brendan Higgins and Adrienne Bankert (4:30-7 a.m.) is up 40% in viewers year-to-year, making it the fastest-growing morning news in Dallas-Fort Worth.

CBS 11 is online at CBSDFW.com

Source: Nielsen Media Research; DFW DMA Feb’13 Live+SD data; Percent increase based on decimals to the thousandth (x.xxx); M-Su Prime Rank EXCLUDES OTO’s; English language broadcast stations

RELATED
- Texas TV 2013 February sweeps full coverage

(This post was taken from a release sent to me by CBS Dallas - Fort Worth)

Susan O’Donnell leaves 89.3 KSBJ

89.3 KSBJ loses morning show host Susan O’Donnell

UPDATED FEBRUARY 05, 2014
Susan O’Donnell lands at 89.5 KVNE Tyler after 89.3 KSBJ

Susan O’Donnell, 89.3 KSBJ morning show host and station program director, has announced she is leaving the Houston Contemporary Christian Music radio station.

The station issued the following message this morning:

Dear KSBJ Family,
We are saddened to announce that Susan O’Donnell has decided that her season at KSBJ has come to an end. While she will be missed dearly, we are grateful for her many years of dedication and service. And, we believe that God is stirring new things in Susan and has a great plan for her future.
Your prayers during this transition are greatly encouraged and appreciated. Thank you for your continued support.

Splitting her time between two demanding radio jobs, O’Donnell had left the morning show in July 2011 to concentrate on PD duties. Then later returned to the show and still held program director responsibilities. O'Donnell's morning replacement, Coppelia Rivera, moved to afternoons.

Bill Maier is the only KSBJ morning host listed on the station's site right now.

Yesterday, KSBJ announced it had a new website and a press release was issued this week about the station getting satellite transmission capability presumably for the national launch of NGEN.

UPDATED FEBRUARY 05, 2014
Susan O’Donnell lands at 89.5 KVNE Tyler after 89.3 KSBJ


RELATED
89.3 KSBJ's Mike Kankelfritz leaving Houston

(Thanks JR)

Ron Oliveira signs off KEYE Austin

Ron Oliveira

Where is Ron Oliveira of KEYE?

Ron Oliveira, the main anchor of KEYE 42 and longtime Austin newsman, is about to leave the Central Texas TV airwaves after more than 34 years in the business.

Austin American-Statesman media guru Gary Dinges reports that Oliveira's contract was not renewed and the anchor's last day is Friday.

“I was informed that the corporate office in Baltimore decided not to renew my contract,” Oliveira told the paper. “No reason was given. It took me by total surprise. I’m heartbroken because I love what I do.”

KEYE is owned by the Sinclair Broadcast Group.

Oliveira and KEYE co-anchor Judy Maggio are mainstays of Central Texas TV. Both have worked at KVUE in the past.

Starting off at KGBT Harlingen in 1977, Oliveira made his way to Austin in 1980 where he was the main anchor at KVUE. In 1994, he helped start KNVA in Austin as well as co-own it. He's been at KEYE since 2005.

It seems odd to me so many Texas TV people are leaving in the February sweeps period. In Houston, KHOU sports director Butch Alsandor just announced his departure the same day.

VOTE!: I'm trying to win money for charity from Reliant Energy's Rodeo Roundup...all you have to do is click a button to vote (and you can even do it once a day!) VOTE HERE.

RELATED
- Chikage Windler new KEYE 42 chief meteorologist
- Tania Ortega joins Fox 7 KTBC

Butch Alsandor to leave KHOU

UPDATE 4/11/2013
Bob Allen replaces Butch Alsandor at KHOU 11

Butch Alsandor

Butch Alsandor calls it quits from KHOU 11

KHOU 11's  sports anchor Butch Alsandor is leaving channel 11 the station reported. Yes, a TV station has actually let us know one of its own is moving on. That is rare. Usually it's like getting info from the former Soviet Union.

"It’s my decision to leave the station. I’ve been thinking for quite a while that I’d like to try something new, and now, after 20 solid years, this seems like the time to go ahead with that," Alsandor said on KHOU.com. "KHOU has been good enough to give me the opportunity, even though my contract still has several months remaining.

[UPDATE: Watch his goodbye video]

"I’ve had a great run over these past two decades, made lots of friends both at the station and across the community. And I look forward to many more interesting things to come. For now, I just want to offer my sincerest thanks to all the great Channel 11 viewers who’ve welcomed me into their homes for so long."

"Butch has given our viewers a front row seat to some of the most exciting moments in the city’s history, from championships to heartbreaking losses," said Susan McEldoon, KHOU 11 President and General Manager. "Through it all, sports are often a topic that brings people together, and we thank Butch for helping us tell so many great stories over the last 20 years."

Alsandor took over for long time sports director Giff Neilsen in 2009 after working weekends for many years. He came to the Houston Belo station in 1993 from WBAL Baltimore. He started his career at KPLC in Lake Charles.

"Even after all these years, he’s still enthusiastic about the job and the people he covers. Whatever he does next, we know he’ll bring those special qualities with him," said KHOU news director Phillip Bruce said. "Beyond being a true professional, he’s a very decent guy. And we’ll miss him."

Alsandor makes his official announcement tonight on KHOU's 10pm newscast.

The Houston TV sports scene is changing rapidly. We just heard last week that longtime Fox 26 KRIV weekend sports anchor Keith Calkins is leaving. And of course Bob Allen left to KTRK 13 earlier this year too. The last main sports anchor institution in this town standing now is officially Mark Berman.

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Tania Ortega joins Fox 7 KTBC

Tania Ortega moves from KCEN to Fox 7 KTBC

Tania Ortega

Tania Ortega joins the KTBC FOX 7 news team, announced Pam Vaught, the station’s Vice President and News Director. Effective immediately, Ortega will serve as a general assignment reporter for “Good Day Austin.”

In making the announcement, Vaught stated, “Tania’s energy combined with her extensive knowledge of Texas is great for our expanding reporter team on ‘Good Day Austin.’”

Ortega comes to Austin from Waco, TX where she most recently served as Reporter/Producer for KCEN-TV. Prior to that, she was Reporter/Anchor/Sales Representative for KXXV-TV in Waco, TX. Ortega began her career as an intern for NBC 7/39 in San Diego, CA.

Added Ortega, "I’m grateful to become part of an already amazing news team at FOX 7 and to continue reporting on the communities of Central Texas."

Ortega holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a Media Studies emphasis from San Diego State University’s School of Communications.

KTBC FOX 7 is part of the FOX Television Station group, one of the nation’s largest owned-and-operated network broadcast groups, comprising 27 stations in 18 markets and covering nearly 37.21% of U.S. television homes. This includes six duopolies in the top 10 markets: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Washington D.C. and Houston; as well as duopolies in Minneapolis, Phoenix and Orlando.

VOTE!: I'm trying to win money for charity from Reliant Energy's Rodeo Roundup...all you have to do is click a button to vote (and you can even do it once a day!) VOTE HERE.

RELATED
- Chikage Windler new KEYE 42 chief meteorologist

(This post is from a news release sent to me by FOX Television Stations)

KSBJ taking NGEN national

KSBJ's NGEN getting closer to being a future national network

NGEN radio from KSBJ

NGEN, the rocking and hip hop station under the ownership of Houston Contemporary Christian Music Radio Station 89.3 KSBJ, looks like it's getting closer to going national. It was announced an a KSBJ newsletter this would happen.

Recently the station posted a job opening on the Texas Association of Broadcasters page called "NGEN National Promotions Manager." If that doesn't hit you in the forehead with an answer about a future national reach, I don't know what does.

Then Tuesday evening, a press release went out saying KSBJ is launching a satellite broadcast distribution platform with Clear Channel Satellite:

Clear Channel Satellite, a division of CC Media Holdings, Inc., announces the deployment of the XtremeSat Media™ satellite broadcast distribution platform for contemporary Christian music radio station KSBJ. KSBJ purchased the system to deliver two high-quality audio channels to its affiliates and company-owned radio stations from its uplink located in Humble, Texas. KSBJ has also entered into a multi-year agreement with Clear Channel Satellite to provide satellite capacity for the distribution of its programming.

“Recent technology advancements have made it much less expensive to operate your own multi-channel satellite network,” remarks Mike Hagans, President, Clear Channel Satellite, referring to the XtremeSat Media™ platform exclusively distributed by CCS. “The new uplink and receiver platform allows syndication providers who have their own uplinks to replace their aging and inefficient receivers and head-end gear with a system that is much more bandwidth efficient. The new system has dramatically reduced monthly recurring costs, while providing advanced features like AAC audio, spot insertion, and an intelligent fallback feature that automatically uses an alternate carrier, streaming audio or receiver-stored content when needed.“

Wow. Just as Houston got an Air1 Radio Network on 103.7FM, KSBJ, the heritage Christian station, moves to become a national presence.

UPDATE:
KSBJ emailed today that it has a new website at ksbj.org.


VOTE!: I'm trying to win money for charity from Reliant Energy's Rodeo Roundup...all you have to do is click a button to vote (and you can even do it once a day!) VOTE HERE.

RELATED
- 89.3 KSBJ now broadcasts on 96.9; NGEN to go on FM
- 89.3 KSBJ launches NGEN radio on HD

Chikage Windler new KEYE 42 chief meteorologist

Chikage Windler replaces Troy Kimmel as KEYE 42 chief meteorologist

Chikage Windler

Chikage Windler is the new chief meteorologist at KEYE 42 in Austin reports IBJ.com. She comes to Texas from WTHR 13 in Indianapolis.

"Thank you for watching and counting on me for your forecasts here," Windler wrote on her station Facebook page. "It's been an honor."

At WTHR, Windler gave the weather forecasts on both the weekend and weeknight editions of the newscasts. Previously she worked at KSTP Minneapolis-St. Paul, WHDH Boston, WRC Washington, D.C., TXCN Dallas and WVEC in Norfolk. According to her bio, she also did guest weather stints on ABC's "Good Morning America" and "ABC World News."

Windler graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a B.S. in Meteorology and a B.S. in Broadcast Journalism.

The WTHR website mentions that people ask Chikage about her name. According to the site, it's a Japanese name since she is half-Japanese. It means "thousands of views or vistas."

Windler will be replacing the departed KEYE chief Troy Kimmel. Kimmel, who began working in Austin at KVUE in 1984, left KEYE in December.

“My job is to please them, not them to please me, so I went to them and said I need to get out of the way,” Kimmel told Austin blogger Bill Church in December. “I have respect for the company. If I’m not making them happy, I don’t need my contract holding them back. I don’t want it ever said I stood in the way of a TV station being successful.”

Windler starts at KEYE March 4th.

VOTE!: I'm trying to win money for charity from Reliant Energy's Rodeo Roundup...all you have to do is click a button to vote (and you can even do it once a day!) VOTE HERE.

RELATED
Tania Ortega joins Fox 7 KTBC

Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo special guest - the wind

We went to the opening of the 2013 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo last night. Toby Keith was the debut concert peformer. The other star of the show was the wind!

Yes, mother nature made a rodeo appearance. She added extra events like hat blowing and body wind surfing...not for the cowboys, but  the show attendees. In fact, as I tweeted last night, the carnival had to be closed early due to the high winds. See my Twitter feed sometimes has real news value.

I have to thank representatives of the Ford Motor Company for our tickets and the fun. Speaking of the auto maker, the Ford Atlas Concept made its debut last night with Toby Keith riding out to the Reliant Stadium center concert stage in it. The Atlas is a concept so that means it offers a glimpse into the future of Ford trucks. In fact, many of its features could end up on the next F-150.


Here are some of the truck's features:
- Dual-Purpose Tailgate Step and Cargo Cradle: The acclaimed Ford Tailgate Step goes a step further by adding the ability to also act as a cargo cradle – lifting and holding extra-long cargo items above the truck and freeing valuable bed space Trailer Backup Assist: This segment-first innovation allows drivers to back a trailer with the twist of a knob. Ford research shows that backing a trailer is often the most intimidating task a truck customer can face
- Dynamic Hitch Assist: Hitching a trailer can be time consuming and difficult. Dynamic Hitch Assist helps precisely line up the truck’s hitch with the trailer coupling, eliminating maneuvering guesswork by showing visual cues in the truck’s center display screen
- 360-Degree Point-of-View Camera: A Ford truck first, the system gives a bird’s-eye view of the truck to help position the vehicle in tight places or when there are obstacles near the truck – such as on a busy job site or grocery store parking lot
- LED Headlamps and Taillamps: Advanced LED lighting offers better road illumination than conventional halogen or HID lights and lasts longer. LED lamps also offer near-instant response, giving valuable extra warning time for following traffic
- LED Cargo Box and Side Mirror Lighting: Advanced, powerful yet efficient LED lighting brightly lights the cargo box and job site after the sun goes down with minimal battery drain compared to standard headlights or plug-in lights
- Hidden Cargo Ramps: Lightweight, durable loading ramps stowed below the cargo box can be quickly removed and set up to assist with loading wheeled items into the bed – from landscaping equipment to dirt bikes
- Active Grille Shutters: Automatic shutters behind the grille stay open when extra engine cooling is needed, such as during low-speed stop-and-go driving or while working in hot weather. The shutters automatically close to improve aerodynamics when cruising on the highway at steady speeds
- Active Wheel Shutters: Automatic shutters in the wheels are hidden to improve style at rest and low speeds, but automatically close at highway speeds to improve aerodynamics. Self-charging batteries use energy from the wheels’ motion to power the shutters
- Drop-Down Front Air Dam: A drop-down front wind spoiler lowers at highway speeds to improve underbody airflow. The air dam is raised at low speeds to improve ground clearance – helpful for off-roading
- Power Running Boards: Auto-deploying running boards help passengers enter the truck at rest and tuck up against the truck when it is moving to improve aerodynamics and ground clearance

VOTE!: I'm trying to win money for charity from Reliant Energy's Rodeo Roundup...all you have to do is click a button to vote (and you can even do it once a day!) VOTE HERE.

Wayne Dolcefino gets peed on

Wayne Dolcefino still getting attention post TV

Wayne Dolcefino and his investigative reporting career at KTRK 13 Undercover have clearly left a mark on Houston.

Case in point, this is a sticker spotted on an SUV window in a Pearland parking lot.

 It's kinda grainy, but it's one of those "Calvin peeing" (of comic strip Calvin and Hobbes) stickers you usually see on trucks. What Calvin is peeing on in this case is Wayne Dolcefino's name...sort of.

The funny thing, it actually reads "Wayne Dolcenfino," but close enough.

Can you imagine someone going to this kind of trouble to create something based on another reporter? I contacted Wayne for his reaction, but didn't hear back from him.

Wayne Dolcefino

Now Wayne-o always fought to improve education in his television reports. I bet if he were talking with us now, he would want you to click here to help me win $2,500 in charity for Westbury Methodist Day School. All it takes is one click and that's it. You don't have to sign up for or download anything. In fact, you don't even have to log in to Facebook.

And speaking of Wayne D., many of his post-TV Dolcefino Communications, LLC moves are followed online. Here are blog reports about one of his apparent latest clients, the Burzyński Clinic, and here's another one about a Wayne sighting at Houston's City Hall.

Dolcefino still knows how to generate buzz, even without a TV camera.

VOTE!: I'm trying to win money for charity from Reliant Energy's Rodeo Roundup...all you have to do is click a button to vote (and you can even do it once a day!) VOTE HERE.

(Thanks Molly)

Click for charity and I might go extreme

With one click, you can help me give to charity thanks to Reliant Energy's Rodeo Roundup

Don't make me do stuff like this for charity, just click to vote to make a difference.

Hopefully you enjoy the posts on mikemcguff.com. I work hard on this blog. {Turn on public radio fundraising voice} And now here is your chance to keep it all going.

All you have to do is click. That's it. You can help me win $2,500 for charity. Only one click. Easy. You don't have to log in to Facebook or download anything. It's just one click (you can actually vote everyday too).

If I win, Reliant Energy gives Westbury Methodist Day School $2,500 for some facility repairs. Pretty easy on your part for a good cause!

VOTE FOR ME HERE

Voting closes March 1st.

I'm up against Houston TV, newspaper and radio types. That already puts a guy with a free blogger.com account (me) at a major disadvantage numbers and audience reach wise. But you can make a difference!

Maybe I should set up some goal. Like if I get enough votes, I shave my body hair or drink a gallon of water from the Gulf of Mexico...

By the way, if you have friends who play Farmville or something like that, tell them my voting page is a game and that if you click enough, they win.

Where's KHOU's Chita Johnson at high noon?

UPDATE MAY 2013
- Brooks Garner joins KHOU 11 from WFLA 8 as noon and 4pm meteorologist
- KHOU meteorologist Brooks Garner has UFO sighting

Is Chita Johnson on the KHOU noon news or not?

Chita Johnson

Chita Johnson, KHOU 11's morning meteorologist, originally worked the noon and 4pm news when she first arrived to Houston. Then David Paul was moved to nights (eventually replacing Gene Norman as the chief) and Johnson started waking up really early.

So where does that leave the Belo station's noon show weather schedule?
I'm getting lots of questions about Johnson's status on that show. 

According to KHOU news director Philip Bruce, Chita Johnson will continue to work the noon show Monday and Tuesday. Weekend meteorologist Mario Gomez will handle the noon show Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

And by the way, I've never met Johnson, but she seems like a very community minded person. I bet if she were here with us right now, she would want you to vote for me in the Reliant Energy Rodeo Roundup by CLICKING HERE. With your one click (no Facebook log in required), I can win my son's school $2,500 from Reliant Energy!

Back to the issue at hand, as far as the 4pm newscast's weather schedule, that's another story. A KHOU rep tells me there's no new info on that at this point.

Houston media watchers will know there is still a KHOU meteorologist job posting still open at the time of this post's publishing. We can only assume that person will replace Chita on the noon and 4pm shows.

You can see more open positions on my Texas TV jobs page.

UPDATE MAY 2013
- Brooks Garner joins KHOU 11 from WFLA 8 as noon and 4pm meteorologist
- KHOU meteorologist Brooks Garner has UFO sighting

Houston TV reporters' rodeo hits and misses

Cleverley Stone and Sonia Azad showing the right way to rodeo

When it comes to rodeo fashions, I'm a hard case. In fact, major Houston PR mover and shaker Shirley Barr told me my western wear needed help (see a photo here).

Thankfully Barr is here to set us straight by sending me her latest observations of Houston TV reporters covering the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Here is Barr's report:

In past years, Houston TV personalities donned lots of rodeo gear. Mia Gradney at KHOU 11 and Mary Lee at KPRC 2 both showed up at the Trail Ride sans Stetsons. We only spotted two cowgirls on the tube: Cleverley Stone, FOX 26 KRIV, was wearing a handsome black felt with rhinestone hatband and KTRK 13's Sonia Azad knew how to wear her straw hat down on her forehead, looking sharp.

And speaking of the rodeo, you can help me give $2,500 to charity. Just click here and you can help me win Reliant Energy's Rodeo Roundup. All it takes is one click (no Facebook log in required).

Find out more about Barr and Shirley Barr Public Relations at shirleybarrpr.com.

RELATED
- Houston TV newscasts full of lovely ladies
- Houston TV anchors' changing hairdos

VOTE!: I'm trying to win money for charity from Reliant Energy's Rodeo Roundup...all you have to do is click a button to vote (and you can even do it once a day!) VOTE HERE

Keith Calkins of Fox 26 KRIV signs off from sports department

Keith Calkins, Fox 26 KRIV's weekend sports anchor, signs off

Fox 26 KRIV weekend sports anchor Keith Calkins announced on his Facebook page tonight that after 20 years with the station, he is leaving:

Keith Calkins

Changes up coming here at FOX 26 Houston.

Suffice it to say ... I feel blessed and fortunate for the opportunities and support for the last two decades at KRIV-TV. To be up close and personal for many of the greatest sporting events in the city’s history is an experience no words can accurately frame. Houston’s first world championships and first World Series. The return of the NFL. Hosting the Super Bowl and All-Star events. Seeing so many of Houston’s high school athletes develop and rise to All-Star and even Hall of Fame status. And just as meaningful for me was the chance to tell the stories of those aspiring champions who made their schools and communities proud.

But the best team over the years was always the one inside our department. The hardest working staff in the city. Not even close. The results setting the standard in the market every single day. Those are the relationships that are the real reward and will remain constant and meaningful. I want to thank the viewers for 20 years of great support. And now it’s on to the next great challenge.

Based on the post's comments, Calkins' current and past colleagues were stunned by the announcement.

UPDATE 2/25/2013: “For nearly two decades, Keith has made terrific contributions to the KRIV sports team, whether it was covering the Texans, Astros or Rockets, or showcasing outstanding high school athletes in our area," said former Fox 26 KRIV news director Tom Doerr. "Keith is a consummate pro who cares deeply about Houston sports and this community and we wish him the best.”

According to his bio, Calkins is a Dallas native who graduated from the University of Texas at Austin. He worked as a sports anchor at KFDM-TV in Beaumont, then as a sports reporter/anchor at KHOU-TV in Houston. Right before joining KRIV, he worked for the Dallas Cowboys.

Calkins is not the only high profile departure from Fox 26 this week. Fox 26 KRIV news director Tom Doerr announced he is moving to the ND slot at WFLD Chicago starting Monday.

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UPDATE 2/25/2013: A FOX Television Stations representative tells me Calkins last day is March 3rd.

TV journos finding success in publishing

Houston TV anchor Tom Abrahams' and his novel Sedition are blowing up.

I heard it just made the second round of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award. Of 10,000 entries overall, just 400 mystery/thrillers make it past the entry phase.

Another big event, Venture Galleries, a graphic design site and book blog, named Sedition. A Political Thriller the best cover for the mystery category.

In January, book review site, Rabid Readers Reviews, named the book to its best of 2012 list.

I noticed all of this has driven up the number of reviews on the book's Amazon page. It now has a rating of 4/5 stars!

And I hear that after a signing at Murder by the Book, Sedition was the #2 selling paperback at the store in January.

I know Tom is busy covering Houston news right now, but he's a charitable guy and I bet if he were here sitting with us, he would want you to click here to help me win money from Reliant Energy's Rodeo Roundup for charity. All it takes is one click.

But Abrahams isn't alone in his crossover from TV to publishing success...


You know him as The Grape, the man with a ton of TV news wisdom at his blog tvnewsgrapevine, but the man behind the purple mask, Randy Tatano, is also an author.

I've featured his books on the blog in the past (links below).

Now The Grape has started another blog that melds fiction and television news!

See it here: thechannelingauthor.blogspot.com

The Grape's books:
- Broadcast Journalism Street Smarts: The 2012 Survival Guide for Today's Television Newsroom
- Women reverse TV news stereotypes in new book
- Reporter gets biggest story of all time

I don't know how Tatano finds the time to do all of this. In addition to the activities I just mentioned, he runs a talent coaching business and also freelance produces for the TV networks.

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RELATED
Journalist gift ideas

EdgeFest 23 bands from 102.1 The Edge KDGE FM (April 27)

EdgeFest 23 bands at FC Dallas Stadium Saturday April 27

102.1 The Edge KDGE FM announced that EdgeFest 23 will be held on Saturday April 27, at FC Dallas Stadium. This double staged, day-long concert event will feature:

Phoenix
Bush
Paramore
AWOLNATION
The Airborne Toxic Event
Fitz & The Tantrums
Atlas Genius
Capital Cities
Youngblood Hawke
Deftones
A Day to Remember
Gaslight Anthem
twenty one pilots
Robert Delong
The Neighbourhood
Mowgli’s
A Silent Film

For more than 20 years, Edge fans have been gathering together for this legendary concert event in Dallas. EdgeFest 23’s line-up was announced on-air Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets were given away in last weekend’s ‘Win ‘em Before You Can Buy ‘em’ Weekend promotion from Friday at 5 p.m. until Sunday at 7 p.m. Tickets will continue to be given away through various station promotions.

“This year’s EdgeFest line-up was influenced by Edge artists from the Adventure Club, but still incorporates more seasoned bands like Bush,” said Patrick Davis, Program Director, 102.1 The Edge / Vice President of Programming.

Tickets will go on-sale on Friday, Feb. 22, at 10 a.m. via all Ticketmaster outlets. Complete show details are available at www.KDGE.com.

RELATED
- 102.1 The Edge KDGE EdgeFest 22 FC Dallas Stadium
- 102.1 The Edge EdgeFest 21 concert lineup bands
- 102.1 The Edge announces EdgeFest 20 with Limp Bizkit, Three Days Grace, 30 Seconds to Mars, Deftones and more

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(This post was from a release sent to me by Clear Channel Dallas)

Bob Boudreaux update, Houston/Dallas radio ratings and more

MORE VIDEO
- Former KTRK 13 promotions producer Michael Penix's WLTX Super Bowl spots
- The Real News Photographer
- Morning anchor gets unintentionally sexual
- CBS 11 News Doug Dunbar Promo
- HARLEM SHAKE (Ksla News Edition)
- 98FM KFMK Houston top of hour
- CHAMILLIONAIRE AS THE ANCHOR MAN WITH JOSE GRINAN!
- 15 TV News Reporters Who Deserve A Hug

New deal for DeDe McGuire
DeDe McGuire signs new contract with Service Broadcasting’s urban “K-104” KKDA-FM, Dallas.

Former Dallas TV journalist Rebecca Rodriguez is new communications chief for Dallas ISD
Dallas ISD hires Rebecca Rodriguez, former news reporter and current city of Arlington spokesperson, as new communications chief.

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KTXD Dallas Launches New Local Program
In partnership with D Magazine, London Broadcasting’s KTXD Dallas (DMA 5) launches D: The Broadcast followed by the debut of D Living.
- Seismic shift at KTXD -- from Perry Mason to D: The Broadcast

Houston and DFW radio ratings
ALL ACCESS presents JANUARY PPM market radio rating highlights for Houston and Dallas, compiled by the Ratings Experts at RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. and powered by XTRENDS, radio's #1 PPM and diary analysis tool.
- Radio One Houston gets praise

Former KTRK anchor still acting
Former KTRK abc13 anchor Bob Boudreaux is still acting (he was in stage productions while still an anchor). His latest credits, Banshee and the upcoming A Little Christmas Business.
- Bob Boudreaux and Dr. Red Duke together for award

Ashby, Blum join Astros' TV booth
With a move to the American League and a new color scheme, the Houston Astros also have made changes to their broadcast teams -- both television and radio -- for the 2013 baseball season. The club announced former Astros players Alan Ashby and Geoff Blum will join Bill Brown, entering his 27th season with the organization, in the TV booth this season. On the radio side, Robert Ford will call play-by-play and Steve Sparks will be the color analyst.
- Thoughts on the Astros’ new voices and the continuing CSN Houston carriage stalemate
- Network carrying Astros, Rockets games unavailable in Austin area

‘Mighty Gwinn’ moving to 1560 AM
Dylan Gwinn, who has hosted midday and evening talk shows on KBME (790 AM) since 2010, will move to David Gow’s Yahoo! Sports Radio next week.

Former Fox 26 anchor goes nationwide
Former Fox 26 KRIV anchor Jan Jeffcoat will host new syndicated show "The List."

KIAH and KDAF get new big boss
Tribune Appoints Larry Wert As President of Local Broadcasting.

Ron Paul comes to radio
Former congressman and Presidential candidate Ron Paul (R-TX) has signed to host twice-a-day one-minute commentaries.

REMEMBERING

FOX San Antonio's Karen Martinez Passes Away
FOX San Antonio anchor Karen Martinez has passed away after her long battle with breast cancer. Karen was 37.

Anderson, longtime KTSU host, dies after aneurysm
Longtime KTSU (90.9 FM) radio host Myron Anderson died Thursday, four days after suffering a brain aneurysm.

KLBJ reporter dies from injuries suffered in wreck
KLBJ-AM Austin reporter Barbara McCarley radio died from injuries she suffered in a rollover crash.
- No charges in wreck that killed radio reporter

MOVING

Click2Houston.com managing editor Lyn Stewart leaves KPRC 2 after more than a decade on the job. Stewart announced on Facebook that she's leaving to become the Digital Communications Manager for Huntsman Corporation.

I'm late on this, but I hear producer Don Geraci left KHOU 11's Great Day Houston last fall to start a new arts program on Houston PBS called Arts Insight. (Thanks to the PR Fairy @farbulous)

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Houston TV newscasts full of lovely ladies
- TV news' lost opportunity on Carnival Triumph story
- KTRK producer leads the blind through triathlons
- KTRK 13's Don Nelson back on air after surgery
- Bob Allen goes to Washington?
- Tom Doerr, Fox 26 KRIV news director to WFLD Chicago
- Sam Malone's debut on 1070 The Answer KNTH
- Comcast Xfinity app controls TV; now available in Houston
- Mix 96.5 KHMX moves Blake Hayes to mornings

Mix 96.5 KHMX moves Blake Hayes to mornings

Blake Hayes drops into Kidd Kraddick's former morning slot on Mix 96.5 KHMX

JANUARY 07, 2014
Atom Smasher ready to shake things up at Mix 96.5 KHMX

Houston's Mix 96.5 KHMX has had some turnover in the morning drive over the last few years.

Maria Todd came back to Houston to work at the CBS station in 2010, she was later replaced by Dallas-based syndicated guy Kidd Kraddick, whose show was just dropped last November.

With a promise of going local, Mix 96.5 KHMX afternoon drive man Blake Hayes will be moved to mornings starting Monday, February 25th. At the same time, Chad Pitt will join the Mix team for afternoon drive. Chad comes to Houston from Hot 101.5 in Tampa, but no stranger to CBS, having handled afternoon drive and Adult Top 40 WSJT Tampa.

Mix 96.5 KHMX's Blake Hayes (blakehayes.com)

“I believe this move will sure up our personality driven line up on Mix,” said KHMX PD Bob Neumann. “Blake is the perfect fit for where we’re going with morning show. I talked to many very talented people during my search, but in the end, Blake is the right fit. It’s nice to be able to promote from within.”

“I worked with Chad in Tampa," Neumann added. "He’s a real pro and will fit right in with the Mix staff.”

Morning news and traffic will continue to be handled by John Paul Stevenson, who will also serve as morning show producer. Hayes has been handling Afternoon Drive for Mix since January of 2012.

JANUARY 07, 2014
Atom Smasher ready to shake things up at Mix 96.5 KHMX

Comcast Xfinity app controls TV; now available in Houston

For years I've heard about cable customers using apps to control their TV viewing. The most I've been able to do is download the Comcast Xfinity app and see what was on the guide.

As of last week however, the Xfinity TV Remote app is available in Houston with the capability of giving viewers control over their cable boxes. The company tells me customers will be able to change TV channels, search for something to watch on TV/On Demand/online/mobile/computer/tablet. Whoa, say that five times fast.

Here are some more features from the company's stash:
- Browse up to 2 weeks in TV Listings or jump right to a channel or day to find the TV show they want to watch
- Set up favorite channels to personalize their grid
- Browse the thousands of titles available Xfinity On Demand, or filter to narrow the selection
- View all or filter what's available to watch on their device right now in Play Now
- Search for a specific title
- Select a program to watch or record. Use their mobile device or computer like a remote to control their TV or to watch their show right on a device.
- Choose a program from the TV Listings and change the channel from their mobile device or PC
- Play a program right on their iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, or Android device
- Schedule a DVR recording for a program or series from a PC or mobile device – anytime, anywhere.

I just assumed the viewer would have to get a new cable box, but the company rep said not necessarily. Here is a list of boxes that work with the new app:

Digital Transport Adapters (DTA)
SA 2000
SA 2010
SA 3100HD
SA 8000
SA 8000HD
SA 8300
Motorola DCT 1000
Motorola DCT 1200
Motorola DCT 1700
Pace 510
Pace 511
Pace 550
Pace 551
Panasonic set top boxes
Samsung set top boxes

My box is a Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HD so it doesn't look like it is on the list, although there is an 8300 without an HD component listed. An 8000 and 8000HD are both listed so that's why I'm assuming mine will not work. A Comcast rep says my Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HD will work!

So if you got the box with the right juice, you then need to download the app (Android/IOS) and go through the setup. Here are instructions for that part.

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Sam Malone's debut on 1070 The Answer KNTH

Video shows off Sam Malone's first day on AM 1070 The Answer KNTH


As I first blogged last week, Houston radio's Sam Malone is the new morning show host on AM 1070 The Answer KNTH from 7 to 10am. Yesterday was his very first show and Sam's crew put together this video (embedded above).

Close observers might notice that Malone is doing the show from the radio station. You might remember that what makes this show very different is the television component on Phonoscope cable channel 11. Well, hold your horses and put down the TV remote till next week.

"We start the TV launch next Monday the 25th," Malone told me. "We are fired up about this ground breaking project!"

Radio fans will notice that longtime Houston radio man Chuck Tiller is featured in the video too. According to his bio, Chuck has been on the air in Houston for more than 33 years (he was the first producer of the legendary Hudson & Harrigan Show on KILT).

I understand a caller gave me a shout out on Malone's premiere show. Thanks for that. If you are a radio station caller, I suggest giving me a shout out all the time from now on (Boatie in Pearland, I'm looking at you!). In fact, maybe I can become the Baba Booey of Houston!

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Tom Doerr, Fox 26 KRIV news director to WFLD Chicago

Fox 26 KRIV News Director Tom Doerr moves to same job at WFLD Chicago Fox 32

Fox 26 KRIV news director Tom Doerr is moving on to the ND slot at WFLD Chicago. He's knock, knock, knocking on the Windy City's Doerr as Bob Dylan (and then Axl Rose) might have sang if I paid them to...but probably not.

Doerr has been at KRIV since July of 2009 and has made lots of changes to the station since then, but from what I understand has reaped the rewards ratings wise.

What you might not know is that he previously worked as a news director at KTRK abc13 in Houston and KTVT/KTXA in Dallas. In fact, I was looking through some old Houston Chronicle articles from decades ago and when Doerr showed up at KTRK, he was hailed as a TV wunderkind. One of his moves at KTRK launched an institution, putting Wayne Dolcefino in the 13 Undercover Investigative unit. He also played in a band from what I understand.

Here is the official FOX Television Stations release on his move:

Tom Doerr has been named Vice President and News Director of WFLD FOX 32, announced Dennis Welsh, the station’s Vice President and General Manager. Starting Monday, February 25TH, Doerr will be responsible for overseeing all editorial, business and administrative functions for WFLD, reporting directly to Welsh.

In making the announcement, Welsh stated, “Tom has a fresh approach to local news and an ability to recognize meaningful stories within a community. He is an exceptional leader, with a natural news instinct and a proven track record of success and we are excited to welcome him to our station.”

Most recently, Doerr served as Vice President and News Director for KRIV FOX 26, the FOX-owned station in Houston. Before that, he spent three years as Vice President and Station Manager of WFOR-TV and WBFS-TV in Miami. Earlier, Doerr served as the News Director of KTVT-TV and KTXA-TV in Dallas / Fort Worth and as the Executive News Director of KENS-TV in San Antonio. Prior to this, he spent three years as a Senior Strategist for Audience Research and Development in Dallas, where he evaluated and provided guidance to local television stations on their news programs.

Added Doerr, “There is no news town quite like Chicago; there is always something vibrant and exciting happening in this city. I look forward to leading the talented team of committed journalists at FOX 32 in providing interesting and valuable news to viewers.”

Doerr also served as News Director for WPLG-TV in Miami, KTRK-TV in Houston, WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C. and KTUL-TV in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Earlier in his career, he was an Executive Producer for WSB-TV in Atlanta, an Executive Producer for WGAL-TV in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and a Producer for WHP-TV in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He began his television news career as a Reporter and Producer for KGBT-TV in Harlingen, Texas.

A graduate of the University of Florida, Doerr holds a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism.

WFLD/WPWR are part of the FOX Television Stations, one of the nation's largest owned-and-operated network broadcast groups, comprising 27 stations in 18 markets and covering nearly 37.34% of television homes in the U.S. This includes six duopolies in the top 10 markets: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Washington, D.C. and Houston; as well as duopolies in Minneapolis, Phoenix and Orlando.

Chicago Media blogger extraordinaire Robert Feder recently posted that WFLD is at times last in the ratings up there.

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Bob Allen goes to Washington?

Bob Allen, former channel 13 sports director, makes Congressional debut

Congress doesn't agree on a lot, but I bet many members of the Texas delegation can agree on one thing...former KTRK abc13 sports director Bob Allen is a boss.

In fact, Congressman Ted Poe (TX-02) just recognized Allen last week in a speech titled Bob Allen--A KTRK Legend I found in the Congressional Record:

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I'm honored to recognize a Houston legend, Bob Allen who recently signed off from the sports desk at KTRK Channel 13 after nearly forty years. Bob's last broadcast was Thursday, January 17th after the Houston Texans' closed their electric 2012 season. The timing of his exit was no coincidence; he had high hopes of a Super bowl for the Texans just like the rest of us. Bob has brought sports into our homes for decades. His outstanding career at KTRK may have come to an end but for many of us Houston sports will always be synonymous with Bob Allen.

[KTRK] hired Bob as a weekend sportscaster all the way back in 1974, but his passion for sports and the news began long before that. Legend has it that when he was just ten years old, Bob took off on his bike from his West University house to the KTRK studios just to get a peek at the newsroom. In those days Guy Savage was the sportscaster. Young Bob was shown the exit that day, but little did they know that this bright eyed young boy would be the future face of sports in Houston.

After Bob joined KTRK it took just six months for him to be named sports director. And the rest is history. Bob has been in our living rooms through some of the greatest sports moments of the last half century; the Rockets championships in the '90s and the Love Ya blue oilers in the 70s just to name a few. I spent many nights after supper watching his sports casts after the Oilers and Astros games with my son Kurt. Bob has told the story of sports to generations of Houstonians. He has interviewed some of the greatest sports legends, including Nolan Ryan, Stan ``the Man'' Musial and George Foreman. Bob even tested out his acting skills with roles in the ABC TV movie Murder at the World Series in 1977, and another sports mystery thriller, Night Game, in '89. He played a sportscaster and an announcer for the Houston Astros, of course.

Bob has also given back to the Houston community in other ways through his charitable work with the Special Olympics and the Sunshine Kids, which helps children struggling with cancer. His commitment to service earned him recognition from the Special Olympics, who awarded him the Spirit of Special Olympics award.

Bob's departure from KTRK marks the end of an era for Houston but it also marks a new beginning for Bob. He dedicated forty years to a fantastic career in sports broadcasting. Now that this chapter is over, he's looking forward to pursuing new projects. He insists that he is resigning, not retiring. He won't stop, that's just the kind of guy he is. When asked about his future he said ``I'll probably end up being busier than I was at 13.'' I don't doubt that one bit. He plans to start a media company that includes public speaking engagements and radio, and he will write a book about working on TV with some of the world's greatest athletes. Bob is a credit to the broadcasting profession and a credit to Texas. We will miss him in our homes but wish him well on his next adventure. Congratulations, Bob, on a fantastic career. And that's just the way it is.

As you probably know by now, Greg Bailey has replaced Allen on the KTRK sports desk.

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RELATED
- Bob Allen scores with emotional goodbye; talks future plans
- KTRK 13 sports director Bob Allen's Hollywood fame
- Bob Allen lives a double life in Lone Star

KTRK 13's Don Nelson back on air after surgery

After weeks away, KTRK's Don Nelson returns to abc13's morning news

UPDATE FEBRUARY 02, 2015
Don Nelson announces KTRK abc13 departure

One of the top questions I've been getting lately is "Where is channel 13's Don Nelson?" I posted on January 30th, that Live Well HD Mirror/Mirror host Rebecca Spera was filling in for Nelson in his absence (Bob Slovak did some fill-in time too).

A tipster notified me soon after his disappearance, "Just saw Don Nelson at St Luke's Hospital Med Center with left arm in sling, waiting for passenger pickup."

This morning Nelson was back at the KTRK abc13 studios ready for some traffic duty.

"After joking that he couldn't get his arm to move above I-10 while standing in front of the traffic map, Don had shoulder surgery," the KTRK Facebook account posted about his time off.

One of the most beloved TV personalities in Houston, Nelson is a guy that plays a major role on his newscast. He and Tom Koch have been on the morning shift for decades and the viewers pay them back for the early wake up call with great ratings. I heard there were times in the 1990s that you could add all the other Houston station's morning ratings together and that number could not reach KTRK's AM news ratings.

When Nelson does eventually retire, God help whomever takes that job over. Those will be tough shoes to fill (figuratively and literally since he is a pretty tall guy).

UPDATE FEBRUARY 02, 2015
Don Nelson announces KTRK abc13 departure


RELATED
- VIDEO: Don Nelson on Good Morning Houston
- PHOTO: Tom Koch and Don Nelson serving drinks
- Don Nelson, Doug Brown and Tom Koch - the old team together in photo

Justin Sternberg of abc13 Houston leads the blind through triathlons

Justin Sternberg, abc13 Houston KTRK special projects producer, has put his body through a lot and I'm not just talking about his TV career. On the side, he's been running since 2005. It started with the half marathon and then moved on to a triathlon.

RELATED
Justin Sternberg, abc13 producer, on Speak and Spell box  

But it was when he was preparing stories for the ABC owned station's Chevron Houston Marathon coverage that he found something that would be one of his greatest physical and mental challenges.

"I wanted to do a story on visually impaired and blind athletes taking on the course, and as I did my research, I ran into an organization, actually based out of Sugar Land, Texas called CDifferent," Sternberg told mikemcguff.com. "Their mission is to help visually impaired and blind athletes compete in endurance events around the world. Everything from a 5K to the Ironman."

Sternberg contacted CDiffernet founder Matt Miller and soon he was leading Charlie Plaskon, a blind grandfather, on a 30K in Sugar Land. In a strange twist of fate, Sternberg had just seen Plaskon on NBC's coverage of the Ford Ironman Championship. Plaskon was the inspiration for Sternberg to seek out the story in the first place.

More races as a guide were in Sternberg's future after that, but this biggest challenge came at the inaugural Ironman Texas when he and Plaskon finished this grueling event.

"Fifteen plus hours after the gun went off we crossed the finish line," Sternberg told me. "This is arguably one of my greatest accomplishments, but you won’t find my name on any participant list, or even that I completed the race, that’s because I am his eyes. It was all for him, and I would do it again for any visually impaired or blind athlete looking to full fill their dream of becoming an Ironman. After that day I truly came full circle. The man who inspired me to run the Ironman trusted me to guide him through his 7th. It’s a day I will never forget."

Sternberg will once again hit the track, this time at the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas in The Woodlands on May 18, 2013. It will be his third Ironman Texas and his second time solo. He will be raising money for CDifferent with a goal of $2,000 plus dollars.

See more at his site: my.reason2race.com/justinsternberg

TV news' lost opportunity on Carnival Triumph story

With the advent of cell phone video transfer, satellite phones...etc., hundreds of TV news crews flock to the big national stories as they happen. But why not the Carnival Triumph story?

That's the cruise ship in the Gulf of Mexico that had a fire, can't move on its own as a result and is now being towed back to port. Passengers reportedly relieve themselves in a bag and put it outside of their cabin door (almost sounds like my college dorm days).

An enterprising television station should have rented a hot air balloon from the closest land available, flown a reporter to the ship and had that ace land on board to start phoning in or transmitting live shots 24 hours a day. No sleep, no food, no bathroom breaks, just news.

I smell an Emmy...or maybe that is just that bag left outside someone's room.

Then that reporter could arrive to port in Mobile, Alabama and switch out with another reporter to embed themselves on the bus ride to Galveston or Houston. Live shots galore.

Has blogging all of these years finally made me think like TV news management?

I originally posted this plan on my Facebook account and Evan commented, "The weather men in the storms would have to figure out a way to kick it up a notch."

I replied, "That is true. They could strap themselves to the outside of the hurricane hunter plane with an iPhone and a prayer."

Where is Dan Rather when you need him?

Iain Page's new job, TV host's weight battle and more

MORE VIDEO
- Time for the Kids to Play Weatherman
- Are You Not Entertained?: LA Freeway Car Chase Concludes with Fiery Crash
- Dr. Jim Siebert of Fox 26 KRIV gets down!
- Houston media interviews Alex Jones after Piers Morgan Katy, TX confrontation
- Karen Borta Knows North Texas
- News 8 Daybreak - "Babysitter"
- Meet the new CBS 11 News I-team
- Weather Woman Slip on Valentine's Day Forecast. Fail.
- TV Station's Emergency Alert System Hacked, Warns of Montana Zombie attack

Former KPRC anchor Iain Page lands at WTXF Philadelphia
TVNewsCheck reports Iain Page has been named co-anchor of Fox O&O WTXF Philadelphia's Fox 29 News at 5 p.m.

The Colonel hits 40
Colonel St. James wrote on his Facebook page that February 2013 marks an important milestone. He started his broadcasting career in February 1973 sio he's been on the air for 40 years.

Sale of Historic KCOH Okayed
Declining to get into a discussion about formats, the FCC has cleared the way for La Promesa Foundation to buy historic KCOH(AM) in Houston.

NGEN introduces new radio show: ‘PHENOMENON’
NGEN radio is excited to launch PHENOMENON, an hour-long radio show hosted by Solomon Olds aka Soul Glow Activatur of Family Force 5. Airing Friday nights at 10 PM, PHENOMENON celebrates that we are alive in Christ through electronic remixes and dance tracks.

CSN boosts coverage of Astros' preseason games
Comcast SportsNet Houston will broadcast 10 Houston Astros spring training games this year.
- Hey Astros, You Might Want To Hire Some Radio Broadcasters
- Surely this is the week to announce Astros announcers

Houston Dynamo partners with Mega TV for Spanish broadcasts
Mega TV will be the official Spanish-language TV partner of the Houston Dynamo.

Local TV star fights back from bike accident, loses 60 pounds in dramatic weight battle
September 2011 marked the beginning of a rough patch for Houston public television celeb Ernie Manouse.

KSBJ welcomes Tammy Johnson to the team!
KSBJ is excited to announce that Tammy Johnson has joined the KSBJ leadership team as NGEN Station Manager and Vice President of Special Events.

'Bobby Bones Show' heads to Nashville
96.7 KHFI-FM Austin radio sensation "The Bobby Bones Show" heads to "Music City, USA" to broadcast nationally from Nashville.
- Kiss FM names Bobby Bones’ replacement

Blind date leads to marriage for Fox 7 anchor
While blind dates frequently get a bad rap, Fox 7 newscaster Keri Bellacosa says she’s a big believer.

Waco Radio: WACO-FM Sees Big Drop In Ratings
Longtime Waco radio market king WACO-FM 100 99.9 FM stumbled in the fall Arbitron ratings, but still retained its No. 1 crown, as Waco’s newest radio stations continued to build their audiences.

Gray’s KWTX Adopts Sony Media Backbone
KWTX Waco, Texas (DMA 88), plans to go on-air in March with Sony’s Media Backbone Production System, becoming the third Gray Television-owned station to do so in the past 12 months.

Internet Radio Reaches Out to Fort Hood Community
In a few weeks, FortHoodRadio.com will sign on with a new live morning show.

Greg McAlister Named President-GM Of KRIS
Cordillera Communications taps the former GM of Nexstar’s Lubbock, Texas, duopoly to head up its multiple operations in Corpus Christi, Texas.

WELCOME BACK

Richard Connelly of the Houston Press has returned to duty over the last weeks.

HOUSTON AGENCIES

New Sports Marketing Agency Launches in Houston
Professional Sports Partners (PSP), a newly formed sports marketing company, opened its doors with the goal of maximizing brands’ status and clients’ investment by utilizing the enthusiasm, excitement and energy associated with sports and their loyal fan bases. The new sports-oriented agency will bring top-notch talent to the court following the ignition of a partnership with between Jason Kohll and Cathy and Alex López Negrete of Lopez Negrete Communications, Inc., the largest independently owned and operated Hispanic advertising agency in the country. PSP and Lopez Negrete Communications will work hand-in-hand to deliver best-in-class marketing solutions.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Elizabeth Burpo named National Sales Manager, Fox 26 KRIV & My20 KTXH
- Houston Astros to Sportstalk 790 KBME
- Sam Malone announced new radio show...sort of
- KNUZ 1966 aircheck
- Sam Malone joins 1070 The Answer KNTH