20 years of Dominique Sachse, TV job changes across Texas and way more

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WFAA8 mostly a no-show for West, TX memorial service
D-FW’s three other major TV news providers -- Fox4, NBC5, CBS11 -- all carried the service live and in its entirety. It consumed just over two-and-half-hours, ending at 4:52 p.m. Thursday.

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Zooey Deschanel gets apology after being ID'd as Boston bomb suspect
Zooey Deschanel received a formal apology from the closed-captioning company that misidentified the "New Girl" star as a suspect in the April 15 Boston Marathon bombing on Fox 4 KDFW.

Dominique Sachse 20 years at KPRC
KPRC 2 anchor Dominique Sachse is celebrating 20 years at the station with a new website.

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- 60th Anniversary photos: Past faces of KHOU
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Alex Luster's Montrose/Allen Parkway Roller-dancer Video Goes Viral
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HOUSTON PUBLIC RADIO RAISES $1,228,213 IN SPRING FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN
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Photos: KHOU-TV Bike Team
The KHOU MY FIT FOODS CYCLING TEAM just completed the 2013 MS 150 marathon bike ride from Houston to Austin--177 miles.

PIC: Wayne Dolcefino debating
Wayne Dolcefino is on the Katy ISD candidate debates. “It's a great school district that could be better,” Dolcefino said. “...I was a journalist for 30 years [and] I fought waste, fraud and corruption, and will do it again if I am elected to school board.”

Houston radio blogger bashes Thunder cheerleader, angers Internet
It was less sports journalism than old-school Perez Hilton over at the Houston CBS Sports website when blogger "Claire Crawford" chimed in on the perceived weight problem of Oklahoma City Thunder cheerleader Kelsey Williams, a three-year vet on the Thunder cheer squad.
- CBS Sports Radio Manager Fired For Controversial Article About Thunder Girl

Gene Norman ’82
MIT Technology Review writes a profile on Gene Norman, class of 1982. No mention of Norman's CBS42 WIAT job.

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One inning into Sunday’s game between the Houston Astros and the Boston Red Sox, sources confirmed that the Astros’ television broadcasting crew has already run out of things to say about their baseball team.

Nielsens leaving Houston area for high-level Mormon post
Most Houstonians think of Giff Nielsen as an Oilers' Luv Ya Blue-days quarterback or longtime KHOU-TV sports director. But Mormons here also know him as a devout local leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a man who often took the pulpit on Sunday mornings instead of the gridiron.

Houstonia magazine sends its publisher packing just weeks after its first issue debuts
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Nexstar, Mission Buy 19 Stations For $270M
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MOVING

Rick Gevers reports that Karen LaFleur is joining KPRC 2 as Director of News Operations from NBC. She was at KHOU from 1987 to 2005.

I hear KTRK abc13 contributor Erin Libranda, (aka "the Super Saver") is leaving the station after about four years.

Dave Crockett is staying Houston but moving his radio imaging skills have signed with MIX TALENT (www.mixtalent.com) in Miami. Now Crockett can really rock it!

Longtime click2houston.com web producer Amanda Norwig is following the lead of her former boss Lyn Stewart and moving on from the station. Norwig will work for the Houston Independent School District on its website.
- Amanda Norwig of KPRC talks web producing

Ryan Crowe leaves the web department of KTVT CBS 11.

Photojournalist Robert McMurrey moves from Austin to Dallas from KVUE to Fox 4 KDFW.

- Walton and Johnson to KPRC AM 950 replacing Joe Pags
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- Have a move to report?

REMEMBERING

'The Mouth,' sports announcer, Paul Strelzin dead at 75
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

- Univision 45 KXLN unveils new set
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Walton and Johnson to KPRC AM 950 replacing Joe Pags

Walton and Johnson returning to Houston radio...again

Walton and Johnson

Well I'm going to go out on a limb here and predict that ousted 93.7 The Arrow KKRW morning team Walton and Johnson will return to Clear Channel Houston at the newly re-branded KPRC AM 950.

Earlier this afternoon, I posted that longtime San Antonio based 950am morning man Joe Pags was parting ways with his Houston show.

Now the Walton and Johnson Facebook page says the show is returning Tuesday at 5:30am in Houston. It just so happens that all of KPRC's online sites say tune in Tuesday at 5:30am to hear a new show. Coincidence?

Now most people know that Walton and Johnson broadcast from Houston to a bunch of different radio stations in the region. Since December 2012, when they were let go from 93.7 The Arrow, they've still been living in broadcasting from Houston to the other cities, just not to a local station. From what I understand, they were still even broadcasting from Clear Channel Houston under a lease agreement.

So now the two are probably returning to their home pre-Arrow which was 950 KPRC. When the longtime morning duo showed up on KPRC in 2007, the station even totally re-branded to the 9-5-0 Radio Mojo. It's ironic that now the duo is returning, the station just re-branded to KPRC AM 950 last month.

UPDATE 4/30/2013 8AM
OFFICIAL WORD FROM CLEAR CHANNEL HOUSTON:

950 KPRC ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF THE WALTON & JOHNSON SHOW

Houston, Texas – April 30, 2013 – 950 KPRC, Houston's More Stimulating Talk Radio, announced today the return of The Walton & Johnson Show, beginning today, Tuesday, April 30. The Walton & Johnson Show will broadcast weekdays from 5:30-10:00 a.m.

The Walton & Johnson Radio Show is one of the most respected and universally imitated radio programs in the nation. The show offers listeners a unique mix of "stream of consciousness,"opinionated and compelling talk, celebrity guests, musical elements, fictional characters,famous impersonations and skits. The show features John Walton and Steve Johnson, who are affectionately known as the Radio “Gawds” by their dedicated listeners and advertisers.

"We are thrilled to have Walton & Johnson back on KPRC," said Bryan Erickson, Director of AM Programming, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Houston. "They have a proven track record of great ratings and we look forward to them continuing that success on KPRC.”

KPRC AM 950's updated programming line-up:
• Walton & Johnson from 5:30-10:00 a.m.
• The Glenn Beck Show from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
• Michael Garfield from 12-2:00 p.m.
• Matt Patrick from 2-5:00 p.m.
• Janine Turner from 5-7:00 p.m.
• Outlaw Dave from 7-9:00 p.m.


RELATED
- TMZ: Christopher Plummer hangs up on KPRC's Walton and Johnson
- J.C. Corcoran, 93.7 The Arrow's new morning man

Joe Pags off KPRC AM 950

UPDATE APRIL 22, 2014
Joe Pags returns to Houston's 950 KPRC

UPDATE
Walton and Johnson to KPRC AM 950 replacing Joe Pags?

KPRC AM 950 morning man Joe Pags posted on his Facebook page today that this morning's broadcast was his last show on the Houston station:

This morning was my last am show on KPRC in Houston. It was a great run. I've worked in the market for 7 years now and am honored to have been able to start my day with so many of you. I want to thank Ken Charles for taking the chance on me there. Eddie Martiny for keeping me around for so long. Bryan Erickson for putting up with my directness, Ramon Robles for his friendship and for being a good sounding board for me, and James Simpson for becoming much more than a board op in the morning. I will sleep in tomorrow then find my next challenge on the dial -- hopefully, you'll hear my voice on a radio station near you soon. This does NOT affect my 1200 WOAI, Newsradio 850KOA, or The Weekend shows. Thanks For a great run, Houston!

UPDATE APRIL 22, 2014
Joe Pags returns to Houston's 950 KPRC



RELATED
KPRC AM 950 debuts

(Thanks Mike)

KIII expands morning news to .2 digital channel

First Edition on MeTV expands news to KIII's 3.2

John-Thomas Kobos

John-Thomas Kobos, Jane Monreal and meteorologist Kristine Diaz of KIII-TV3 in Corpus Christi are anchoring an expansion of the ABC affiliate's morning show to its digital .2 channel.

 I am not sure of another TV station that is doing something like this.

The main channel broadcasts the morning show from 5 to 7am with the new hour of First Edition on MeTV coming on from 7 to 8am on 3.2. As you can tell by the show's name, KIII's .2 is a MeTV station.

From what I can tell on Facebook, the show's topics are a little lighter than a standard newscast.

Jane Monreal

As I've written before, Kobos, who came to the station in 2011, has been a part of two newscast expansions which have doubled the amount of the station's morning news presence.

Houston viewers might note Kobos' name sounds familiar. That's because his dad is former KTRK 13 reporter and current assistant news director Don Kobos.

Another Houston note, Fox 26 morning meteorologist Caitilin Espinosa joined KRIV after working at KIII.

Dominique Sachse's 'Due in a Few' announces Lauren Freeman's baby #3

KPRC 2 anchor Dominique Sachse announces Lauren Freeman's new addition with Due in a Few

UPDATE 8/15/2013
KPRC 2's Lauren Freeman delivers baby

Lauren Freeman

Lauren Freeman, KPRC 2 morning anchor and already mom of two, is expecting another baby.

It was announced Thursday that Freeman and her husband Forrest are expecting a third boy! Wow, two already wear me out!

The news about Freeman was announced online and in a TV story by main anchor Dominique Sachse. Sachse and husband Nick Florescu are joining together in a new venture called Due in a Few.

The business will offer pins that mothers can wear when expecting. Those pins will come in three colors: blue for boy, pink for girl and white for unknown.

The station reported that a portion of Due in a Few's proceeds will support the March of Dimes.

You might remember Freeman was apart of the big KPRC channel 2 baby wave a few years ago. Some employees were afraid to drink from the water fountains I heard.

By the way, the last child born to Post-Newsweek Houston was from reporter Jennifer Bauer and Vice President/Creative Services Director Mike Guerrieri.

Oh...and there may be more Houston TV pregnancies to announce soon. Stay tuned...

dueinafew.com/

UPDATE 8/15/2013
KPRC 2's Lauren Freeman delivers baby

Tim Melton off KTRK abc13 website

Tim Melton's bio is no longer on KTRK abc13's website

UPDATE 9pm
I first broke earlier this evening that Tim Melton was no longer listed as a channel 13 employee on its website.  Now David Barron has contacted the longtime KTRK weekend sports anchor about this development.

“I can do a lot of things, but not everything the job requires,” Melton told the Houston Chronicle. “I still hope to get back on the air. That’s always been my plan. The problem is that you never know how things are going to play out, and while the recovery process has been good, it has taken longer than I would have imagined.”

-----------------------------------------------------------

Tim Melton

Original post starts here: Tim Melton has been missing from KTRK abc13 since October 2011. Today, as Bob Allen debuts on KHOU 11, I notice Melton is no longer listed on KTRK's news team bios page.

Rumors about his possible departure have been circulating for months. When I heard today he was no longer on the station's site, I saved a screen capture of it without Melton (his bio page is still online as is his station Facebook page).

Melton broke his silence about the reason for his absence in March 2012 saying:

"Sorry for being out of touch for so long, but I suffered a stroke last October and spent two months at TIRR undergoing rehab. I thank all of you who have expressed your concern as to what caused my absence, but I wanted to wait until I had a good sense of what the future holds before saying anything." READ THE REST

Other than this, Melton has remained fairly quiet. There was some video of him speaking to a group of people at TIRR that did air on the station last July.

Former KVUE sports director Hugh Lewis filled in for Melton a few months followed by 1560 KGOW/Yahoo! Sports Radio's David Nuno who was eventually hired by the ABC owned station full time.

According to his bio, Melton was hired at KTRK in August 1981 for weekend sports. Before that he had been at WCP Cincinnati and WHP in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He has a degree in psychology from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkansas and a Masters Degree in Radio/Television from Memphis State.

PIC: Bob Allen behind KHOU anchor desk

Bob Allen on the KHOU 11 news set

Bob Allen at KHOU (courtesy KHOU)

Here is the shot many sports fans in Houston have been wanting to see for a couple of weeks...former KTRK abc13 sports director Bob Allen behind KHOU 11's news desk. Thanks to KHOU for sending this to me before the big debut.

Allen starts tonight for the Belo station tonight at 5pm just in time for May sweeps month (it starts a few days before May actually).

UPDATE
Bob Allen makes his KHOU 11 debut [video]

RELATED
- KTRK 13's Bob Allen emptying his TV locker this year
- Bob Allen scores with emotional goodbye; talks future plans
- Bob Allen goes to Washington?
- Bob Allen and Sam Malone get uncorked
- Bob Allen to KHOU 11
- Bob Allen promos show up on KHOU 11

Fox 26's Chris Stipes has near death experience

Fox 26 KRIV morning anchor Chris Stipes has close call

Chris Stipes

Fox 26 KRIV morning anchor Chris Stipes and his wife, KTRK abc13 weekend morning anchor/reporter Elissa Rivas, had a very close call Wednesday evening.

UPDATE
Chris Stipes leaves FOX 26 KRIV

 Stipes posts more on his station Facebook page:

"Praise be to GOD! My wife and I almost died today. We were on the 59 feeder near downtown when a giant pick-up truck ran a red light at about 60mph and almost T-boned us.

I screamed "gun it, gun it" to my wife who was driving. The truck slammed on its brakes and swerved, missing us by maybe a couple of feet. It's good to be alive. Goodnight."

Elissa Rivas

I too have seen this kind of thing happen in the past, especially when I used to live in Midtown.

The night started out fun for the TV power couple though.

Stipes posted earlier that he was at the Houston Astros game. That ended well at least, with the Lastros getting a series win against the Seattle Mariners.

As for Stipes, other than a harrowing experience on Highway 59, the rest of this year has been good for him so far. In March, he placed second in the 2013 Texas Associated Press TV winners "News Anchor or Anchor Team" category.

Stay safe out there, today is only the first day of the May book after all.

UPDATE MAY 06, 2013
Fox 26 KRIV morning anchor Chris Stipes and his wife KTRK abc13 weekend morning anchor Elissa Rivas are expecting

Bob Allen promos show up on KHOU 11

KHOU 11 starts Bob Allen promotion

Bob Allen

Bob Allen is returning to Houston TV this Thursday (I believe just in time for the start of sweeps) and KHOU has already pulled out a big time promotional campaign (If you don't see the video, click the link below otherwise it is embedded).

"I’ve still got a lot of stories left to tell," Allen said in statement released by KHOU a few weeks ago. "And I’m very excited for the opportunity to be covering the stories so many people care about on a great television station like KHOU."

Bob Allen left abc 13 KTRK last January after being with the station since 1974. He replaces Butch Alsandor who left KHOU at the end of February in a surprise move.

Univision 45 KXLN unveils new set

(From L-R)  KXLN Univision 45’s Carlos A. Robles, Rebecca Suárez, Stefano Fusaro, Osvaldo Corral, Michelle Galván and Raúl Peimbert inside the studio of the new state-of-the-art news facility. (courtesy KXLN)

KXLN Univision 45 today unveiled a new state-of-the-art news studio and outdoor building signage with the redesigned Univision logo. The facility, which will primarily be used for KXLN Univision 45’s “Noticias 45” (News 45) news team, features a revamped LED lighting system, modernized weather center, top of the line visual background monitor and a completely redesigned interview area. The new set was designed by SABCA Productions.

KXLN Univision 45 senior vice president and general manager David Loving commented “Our new news facility is a reflection of not only our leading position and continued growth within the Houston market but also the commitment Univision has to inform, empower and educate the community in which we serve.”

Viewers of UniMás 67’s “Vive la Mañana” (Embrace the Morning) morning show and Univision 45’s “Nuestra Vida” (Our Life) community affairs show will also see facility changes to their respective filming sets. All Univision Houston local programming will have a unified look on-air.

“Noticias 45’s” weekday early and late newscasts consistently rank No. 1 among key demos, regardless of language. During the February 2013 sweep more Houstonians among Adults 18-49 and Adults 25-54 watched “Noticias 45 a las 5” (News 45 at 5) and “Noticias 45 Edición Nocturna” (News 45 Late Edition) than any local newscasts, including the major English-language network affiliates KTRK-ABC, KHOU-CBS, KPRC-NBC and KRIV-FOX.

“Noticias 45 a las 5” weekdays at 5 p.m. ranked No. 1 in early local news among Adults 18-49 and Adults 25-54, averaging 51,000 Adult 18-49 viewers, 104% higher than the No. 2 station, KTRK-ABC. KXLN’s late local news “Noticias 45 Edición Nocturna” also ranked as the No. 1 weekday late local news program from 10 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. among Adults 18-49 and Adults 25-54, surpassing all English-language newscasts in the time period, averaging 93,000 viewers Adults 18-49.

KXLN’s newscasts are from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. Monday-Friday and daily at 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.

NSI Ranking based on Houston’s local news television stations Live+SD. KXLN, KPRC, KRTK, KHOU and KTMD, M-F 5:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.; KRIV, KIAH, M-F 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.; KXLN, KPRC, KTRK, KHOU and KTMD, M-F 10:00 p.m.- 10:30 p.m.; KRIV, KIAH, M- F 9:00p.m.-10:00 p.m.

Source: The Nielsen Company, NSI, February 2013 (01/31/13-02/27/13) sweep. Live+Same Day; Nielsen Universe Estimates, Houston, 2013; American Factfinder, U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2010 and Census 2000.

(This post is from a release sent to me by Univision Houston)

Jay Rodriguez joins Sunny 99.1 KODA mornings

KODA-FM SUNNY 99.1, Houston's Official At-Work Station, announced today that Jay Rodriguez will join the station as its new Morning Show Co-Host, beginning, Monday, April 22, 2013. Rodriguez will join Dana Tyson weekdays from 5am-9am. CT.

UPDATE APRIL 2023
"Dana Tyson in the Morning" changes at SUNNY 99.1 KODA Houston

Rodriguez was previously the Executive Producer for the Yolanda Adams Morning Show, the nationally syndicated show that serves 50 affiliates across the country. He has been recognized by the radio industry and is a two-time winner of The Stellar Award for “Morning Show of the Year.”

“My first job in radio was working in the promotions department at SUNNY 20 years ago – I feel like I’m coming back home,” said Rodriguez. “I'm excited to join Dana weekday mornings and get to know our listeners in Houston.”

“Jay is going to bring a fresh new perspective to the SUNNY morning show,” said Marc Sherman, Vice President of Programming, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Houston. “He knows how to connect with our audience, he’s funny and he has a heart. No question, our audience will really enjoy his addition to the morning show.”

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

Chita Johnson's European fun, TV news anchor screw ups and more

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the 2013 RTDNA Regional Murrow Award recipients for Texas.

Zooey Deschanel Was A Boston Bombing Suspect?
Zooey Deschanel got quite the shock when she was mistakenly identified as one of the two suspects in the Boston Marathon bombings on Fox 4 KDFW.

J-Kruz joins Tribune's Eye Opener
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Photos of KHOU 11's Chita Johnson living it up in Europe.

Here comes Brooks
KHOU 11's future meteorologist Brooks Garner signed off Tampa's WFLA last night with plenty of cowboy and oil jokes. He starts in Houston May 6th. Hopefully no UFOs get in his way.

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ALL ACCESS presents MARCH PPM market highlights for the Houston radio market.

Appreciation of BOOTED NEWS WOMEN Blog
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Robert Bazell joins Rice University’s Baker Institute
Award-winning American science and health journalist Robert Bazell has been named the nonresident fellow in science and technology policy at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, the institute announced today. Bazell, who is currently the chief science and health correspondent at NBC News, will focus on the intersections of science and health journalism and public policy.

Blame for TV blackouts begins with the teams
This year, most Rockets, Astros and Dynamo games are being broadcast on Comcast's fledging Houston sports network, Comcast SportsNet Houston, which is available only to about 40 percent of the local TV-viewing market. Negotiations to get the network carried by other distributors have been fruitless as the parties hurl accusations at each other.
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New 93Q studio
See a photo of the new under construction 93Q KKBQ radio studio. Nice view.

Slip Slidin’ Away: My Life as a Rock Journalist With the Houston Press
As he leaves The Houston Press for the Houston Chronicle, Craig Hlavaty remembers the fun times.

The updated list: Houston sports talk radio shows since 1997
In July 2007, with KGOW (1560 AM) about to become the city’s fourth sports talk station, David Barron compiled a list of talk show hosts whose shows either debuted or ceased to be dating back to January 1997. Needless to say, that total has increased considerably in the almost six years that have passed since that original list, with 57 announcers and show combinations in the mid-60s.

TV veteran named KOVR news director
WOAI news director (and actress Kristin Bell's dad) Tom Bell moves to KOVR Sacramento.

Austin Ratings: CC’s KVET, KASE Dominate Country Audience
Country KVET-FM, continues to skyrock upward.

Behind the scenes: KVUE in West, TX
Frank Volpicella of KVUE shows us behind the scenes from the explosion coverage in West, TX.

Educa Radio helps keep parents involved in kids education
Every Sunday morning Alex Sanchez hits the airwaves, broadcasting live on Austin's top radio station, 104.3 "La Que Buena."

El Paso chef Sara Horowitz accused of assaulting weatherman boyfriend
TV chef Sara Horowitz, 38, was arrested April 10 on suspicion of assault causing bodily injury of a family member for allegedly hitting her boyfriend, Mark Mathis, the morning weatherman for Channel 9-KTSM.

Dan O'Rourke out at KTSM
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MOVING

Gene Norman to WIAT CBS42 Birmingham
Gene Norman, formerly of KHOU 11, heads to WIAT CBS42 Birmingham.

Mario Alberto takes over Mega 101 KLOL mornings
CBS Radio Houston announces that KLOL Mega 101 launches its new morning show “Mega in your mornings with Mario”, hosted by Mario Alberto Gonzalez.

REMEMBERING

Legendary KONO DJ and ‘Swingtime’ host Don Couser dead
Don Couser, a legendary KONO on-air radio personality and deejay in the 1960s and 1970s, died early Thursday morning. He was 72.

Flynn, veteran newsman, dead at 65
George Flynn, a veteran journalist who never lost his love of news, died early Saturday of an apparent heart attack. He was 65.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- NewsFix's Marci Izard describes Boston Marathon blasts
- KHOU 11’s Kevin Reece named ‘Best Reporter’ by Headliners Foundation of Texas
- 88.7 KUHF reveals details about 'Houston Matters' talk show

Gene Norman to WIAT CBS42 Birmingham

Gene Norman, formerly of KHOU 11, heads to WIAT CBS42 Birmingham

Gene Norman

Gene Norman is the new chief meteorologist for WIAT CBS42 News Birmingham, Alabama I'm hearing from multiple sources.

"I’m looking forward to working with a strong team committed to giving Alabama viewers life-saving information when the skies grow dark," Norman said online.

This after parting ways with KHOU 11 in November after working for the Belo station for about five years.

I hear Norman starts on air at the LIN Media owned station April 22nd. This will be no cakewalk for Norman as he goes head to head with market legend James Spann of ABC 33/40 WBMA.

Now Norman and his number are just one of the many changes WIAT has had in the last few weeks. Since LIN Media has taken over the station, main anchor Ken Lass has left the station. Anchor Brooke Smith has also apparently left the station.

In terms of the weather department, morning meteorologist Kalee Dionne is moving to KSHB in Kansas City. Sources tell me current chief met Mark Prater is going to mornings.

And if all of this wasn't crazy enough for viewers, the station had transmitter issues over the weekend.

Since leaving TV, Norman has been operating a weather consulting firm called Wise Weather, LLC and still giving the forecast and other things at genenormanweather.com. Although this has all slowed down in the last few weeks as he has been obviously packing up and leaving Houston.

"It has been an honor for me to help Houstonians deal with severe weather," Norman told mikemcguff.com last January. "I'm looking forward to expanding my role as a severe weather expert for the Houston area and beyond. As I continue to pursue media opportunities, I am developing services to help people deal with severe weather incidents through my web site genenormanweather.com."

David Paul ended up taking Norman's chief meteorologist spot at KHOU earlier this year.

Norman came to Houston in January 2008 from WGCL in Atlanta. Before that he served as the weekend meteorologist at KTRK abc13. Where Norman's resume really starts to differ is the fact he worked at NASA developing weather monitoring software for the space shuttle and did not get a degree from Mississippi State University (got his bachelor's from MIT and a master's in meteorology from the University of Maryland). He got into TV while at NASA by driving to Beaumont on the weekends and doing weather there.

As for the man with his own weather number, Norman has some powerful family connections and knows how to network.

88.7 KUHF reveals details about 'Houston Matters' talk show

KUHF News to Launch Houston Matters; Craig Cohen to Host

I've been telling you for weeks about the hiring of new Houston talk show host Craig Cohen and the soft launch of his 88.7 KUHF Houston Matters show last Friday.

 Now the Houston NPR station is revealing the full enchilada as they say, I'm not sure who says that, but someone does:

Craig Cohen, a 20+ year veteran of broadcast journalism, will host Houston Matters, a new public affairs show on KUHF News 88.7FM and kuhf.org beginning Friday, April 26 from noon to 1pm. The radio program will initially air weekly, each Friday, with plans to expand to a daily broadcast as additional staff is hired. Houston Matters will focus on news, trends and topical issues of interest and importance to the Greater Houston community. Also debuting on April 26 is the Houston Matters website www.houstonmatters.org.

Conceived by KUHF News, a division of Houston Public Media, Houston Matters is a continuation of the organization’s commitment to highlighting social and cultural issues of community concern and to serving a growing and increasingly diverse Houston-area population. Offering a forum for civil conversations with scholars, community and government leaders and listeners, the show will bring callers, social media participants and studio guests together to engage in discussions about the issues, ideas, people, and places that impact Greater Houston.

"Houston Public Media is steadfast in its dedication to convening diverse perspectives. Houston Matters is a destination for listeners seeking depth, context and perspective on relevant topics of the day," said Lisa Trapani Shumate, Houston Public Media executive director & general manager.

Craig Cohen

Houston Matters executive producer and host, Craig Cohen, joined KUHF in March after previously serving as News and Public Affairs Director for Illinois Public Media/WILL, and hosting public radio talk programs in Illinois and Pennsylvania. Cohen has spent the bulk of his career in public media, in roles ranging from programmer and manager, to talk show host, reporter, news director, and producer.

“I’m looking forward to engaging with Houstonians,” says Cohen, “This community is full of interesting topics and ideas. Houston Matters will provide a multi-platform approach to conversations that will help us all be better informed and connected.”

Also joining the Houston Matters production team are KUHF reporters Edel Howlin and Shomial Ahmad. Starting her career in Ireland on music radio as a producer and anchor, Howlin later switched to news/talk radio and in 2011 joined KUHF. Ahmad, a multi-platform reporter at KUHF, previously worked as a staff reporter at WABE, Atlanta's NPR station. A graduate of NYU's journalism graduate program, she worked as an NPR Kroc Fellow and has previously reported for NPR, the BBC/PRI show TheWorld and The New York Times.

About KUHF
KUHF News, a division of Houston Public Media, offers international, national, regional and local coverage from the KUHF Newsroom, NPR, the BBC and American Public Media. KUHF’s program services are broadcast on 88.7 FM, HD-1, and online at kuhf.org. KUHF is supported financially by its listener-members and by gifts from the greater Houston community through the Association for Community Broadcasting. KUHF is licensed to the Board of Regents of the University of Houston and is operated in the public interest as a community outreach of the university. More information is at www.kuhf.org.

KHOU 11’s Kevin Reece named ‘Best Reporter’ by Headliners Foundation of Texas

Headliners Foundation of Texas names KHOU 11’s Kevin Reece ‘Best Reporter’ for third consecutive year

The Headliners Foundation of Texas recently announced winners of its Charles E. Green Awards for excellence in journalism, and has chosen KHOU 11 Reporter Kevin Reece as ‘Best Reporter’ for the third consecutive year.

Winners were announced Saturday during the 2013 Texas Associated Press and Broadcasters Convention and Awards Banquet at the Headliners Club in Austin.

Reece joined the KHOU 11 team in September 2007 after working at stations in Seattle, Chattanooga, Tennessee and Eureka, California. During his career, he has been recognized with 21 Emmy wins, as well as many other industry honors, including Associated Press, the Society of Professional Journalists, the Texas Medical Association, the American Cancer Society and Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards.

The Headliners Foundation works in partnership with the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters (TAPB). Each year the TAPB recognizes excellence and achievement in journalism with awards in various categories. Earlier this year, KHOU 11 received 18 TAPB Awards, four of which were Division winners that went on to compete for the Headliners Foundation distinction.

(This post taken from Belo release)

NewsFix's Marci Izard describes Boston Marathon blasts

NewsFix's Marci Izard (and former 39 News reporter) was running the Boston Marathon and describes what happened after the bombings. (video embedded below through click)

Mario Alberto takes over Mega 101 KLOL mornings

CBS Radio Houston announces today that KLOL Mega 101 launches its new morning show “Mega in your mornings with Mario”, hosted by Mario Alberto Gonzalez. The show will air Monday through Friday from 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Mario Alberto was born in Tijuana, Mexico and started his radio career in 1992 in Baja California, Mexico. In 2003, he moved to San Diego, California. Mario’s hallmark is his ability to connect with listeners on a “one to one” basis. As a result, he has posted a remarkable ratings track record.

In 2003 and 2004, Mario was recognized for the “Best Commercial and Show” in General Market by the Multi San Diego Broadcasting Awards. In 2005, he was nominated as the Best Show and First Latino, and Spanish Speaking Show by the NAB Marconi Awards. Mario received awards as the Best Show and Host in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2011 by the Multi Monitor Latino. He was named as one of the Top Ten Most Recognized and Best DJ’s in 2007. Last year, he received the FOX 5 San Diego 2012 R-Factor Favorite Radio DJ award.

“Mega 101 is a great radio station with a dynamic audience that is passionate about our music, our personalities, and our on-going efforts to serve the Hispanic listening community in Houston and the Gulf Coast. In Mario we’ve found a morning show host whose talent s are perfectly aligned with the Mega audience’s expectations. He brings with him a wealth of competitive experience and an
unparalleled focus in both embracing the local community and finding entertaining ways to incorporate them into his show and his station. We’re excited about Mario’s new show and expect the listeners will be, too!” said Mark Adams Vice President of Programming – CBS Radio Houston.

The weekday morning show will be a fun-filled variety show where Mario Alberto will approach day to day issues, using his personal and often comical approach.

”One of the things I love the most is to have interaction with the listeners… to know how they feel, what they want to accomplish, and to learn about their families. I’m looking forward to living in Houston, and being a part of the team at Mega 101,” said Alberto.

Public will have the opportunity to listen “Mega in your Mornings with Mario” from Monday to Friday, between 5:00a.m.and 10:00 a.m. on Mega101 FM, streaming on www. MEGA101FM.com, and through the Radio App Radio.com – Mega 101.

(This post was taken from a press release sent to me by CBS Radio Houston)

Wayne Dolcefino on the offensive, Houston TV job changes and more

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Brad Watson ends stellar career with WFAA-TV
Friday was a difficult day At WFAA-TV, the day we said farewell to not only one of the best TV journalists in North Texas - but we believe, in the nation.
- Veteran Reporter Brad Watson Joins Luminant as New Communications Director

The Fan cancels RAGE, relationship with Greg Williams, Richie Whitt
Gavin Spittle, who oversees operations at 105.3 FM The Fan, said Monday that Richie Whitt and Greg Williams are no longer at the station because of poor ratings. The afternoon drive hosts were fired before their show could air.

WFAA wins IRE Awards
WFAA in Dallas-Fort Worth wins a 2012 Investigative Reporters & Editors Award.

20 years later
A rewind to how local media covered the 51-day standoff in Waco

Following Boston Bombing, Some Houston Media Outlets Shirk Duties
After two bombs exploded at the Boston Marathon, Houston's local media scene has attempted to gather the facts of the fast-breaking story. However, instead of doing the tradition leg-work that, you know, delineates the media's responsibilities and activities, a handful of local news outlets have outsourced their work to the readership that is attempting to turn to them for a fuller perspective on the story.

Franklin out as radio voice of Cougars
Tom Franklin, the radio voice of UH athletics, will not return next season, said UH.

Wayne Dolcefino accuses Katy ISD of electioneering
If there was any question about how Wayne Dolcefino is going to get along with Katy ISD administrators should he be elected to the district's Board of Trustees, the answer is not very well judging by his recent online post.

TV parents of autistic student win battle against HISD
The odds were against Fox 26 KRIV reporter Greg Groogan and his wife Michelle (Casas - former KRIV reporter) in January, when the frustrated parents of a 9-year-old autistic boy named Garrett tried to convince a state special education hearing officer that Texas' largest school district had violated their child's legal right to a "free and appropriate education."

Record-breaking Sales for Inaugural Issue of Houstonia Magazine
SagaCity Media President Nicole Vogel announced that the first issue of Houstonia magazine, on sale for just 18 days, has broken records at grocery stores and newsstands all over town. In fact, the April edition of Houstonia, a new monthly publication aimed squarely at the residents of America’s fourth largest city, has outsold every other magazine this month at H-E-B, Central Market, Kroger, Randalls, Whole Foods Market, Wal-Mart and elsewhere, and is on track to sell more than 20,000 copies citywide.

KEYE tweaks afternoon, late-night lineups
KEYE has bumped a pair of floundering TV talk shows from their prime afternoon timeslots to the wee hours of the morning.

New boss at KVET-FM, KASE
T Bosch has been named program director at 98.1 KVET-FM and 100.7 KASE-FM, where he’ll help select the music listeners hear each day.

Say ‘bye’ to Jammin’ 103.1 and ‘hi’ to iHeartAustin
After just 10 months, San Antonio-based Clear Channel Media and Entertainment has pulled the plug on Jammin’ 103.1, replacing it with 103.1 iHeartAustin, a station focused on giving airtime to emerging artists.

Appreciation of BOOTED NEWS WOMEN Blog
- HEY HEY HOLLY!!!
- The Fox Sports Southwest Girls Are Still BUSY IN BOOTS
- Erica Harpold of KEYE-TV in Austin, Texas

Austin man wins big on Wheel of Fortune
Despite not solving the final puzzle, an Austin man walked away with more than $39,000 in cash and prizes on the popular game show Wheel of Fortune.

Texas Tribune Scores $1.5 Million Knight Foundation Grant
The Knight Foundation is giving a $1.5 million grant to the Texas Tribune, a four-year-old news start-up based in Austin.

MOVING

KPRC 2 managing editor Gerardo Lopez leaves Houston for a management position at KOMO in Seattle.

News 92FM KROI sports reporter/technical producer Marcus Sullivan leaves the station for a web producer position at Fox 26 KRIV. He's worked at Power 97.5, 104.1 KRBE, Party 104.9, Party 93.3, Praise 92.1 and News 92FM. He starts April 23.

Bob Allen to KHOU 11
Bob Allen leaves KTRK abc13 in January, now joins KHOU 11

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- SportsRadio 610 KILT goes live from 6am to 12am
- KUHF's new talk show 'Houston Matters' has soft launch today

KUHF's new talk show 'Houston Matters' has soft launch today

Hear KUHF's new talk show, Houston Matters, before its official launch

88.7 KUHF is having a soft launch of that new talk show I told you about with host Craig Cohen.

The show, called Houston Matters, will start broadcasting today on the Houston NPR affiliate's HD3 channel (called XPoNential Radio) in a practice run ahead of its official debut.

The show runs from noon to 1pm.

You can listen online here.

As I posted before, the show will cover Houston-area and regional topics with the listener calls woven through the discussion.

 Cohen most recently worked as the Public Affairs Director for Illinois Public Media at WILL. Before that he was a host/producer at WITF, Inc. in the central Pennsylvania region.

Bob Allen to KHOU 11

UPDATE OCTOBER 20, 2016
Bob Allen has died after cancer battle

Bob Allen leaves KTRK abc13 in January, now joins KHOU 11

Bob Allen said when he left KTRK abc13, he wasn't ready to retire. He was not joking as he moves down the Houston TV dial to KHOU 11. My email box and social accounts are blowing up as KHOU revealed the news today. This one was kept quiet ahead of time because I didn't hear any rumors about it.

Allen replaces Butch Alsandor who left KHOU at the end of February in a surprise move.

[WATCH THE FIRST BOB ALLEN KHOU PROMO]
[SEE THE FIRST PHOTO OF BOB ALLEN ON THE KHOU 11 SET]

Here is more from KHOU:

Bob Allen KHOU 11

KHOU 11 announced Thursday that veteran sports broadcaster Bob Allen is joining the station later this month as weekday sports anchor. For nearly four decades, Allen has been a trusted voice for Houston-area viewers, covering everything from high school sports to the Super Bowl.

"We’re pleased to welcome Bob to KHOU 11," said Susan McEldoon, KHOU 11 President & General Manager. "His unparalleled experience in this market, his commitment to the communities we serve, and his genuine love of Houston sports are invaluable assets."

Allen’s return to Houston television follows his departure from KTRK in January, where he was sports director since 1974. Allen said after being off the air a while, and looking at what promises to be another exciting year for Houston sports, he realized he’s not ready to step away from covering sports just yet.

"I’ve still got a lot of stories left to tell," Allen said. "And I’m very excited for the opportunity to be covering the stories so many people care about on a great television station like KHOU."

"Bob’s not just another TV sportscaster, he’s a Houston icon," said Philip Bruce, KHOU’s Executive News Director. "Having Bob on our team is an enormous plus. And I know Houston viewers will appreciate having him in their homes again each night, as they have for so many years."

Allen will join KHOU 11’s award-winning sports team of Matt Musil and Daniel Gotera. His KHOU 11 debut is Thursday, April 25.

SportsRadio 610 KILT goes live from 6am to 12am

Got word from the folks at SportsRadio 610 KILT that the station will have live programming from 6am to 12am starting next week.

Beginning tonight from 6 to 10pm will be “The Fred and Ted Show." That replaces "The Odd Couple" with Barry Warner and Fred Davis. Ted Johnson has been a KILT fill-in host and has a nationally syndicated show with Josh Innes on CBS Sports Radio.

But don't worry about Warner. Starting Monday from 10pm to 12am, he gets his own "The Barry Warner Show."

Sachse's hubby becomes pin-up star, Reyna's overseas adventure and more

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Legendary Radio Station Gets New Morning Team
Beginning Monday, April 8 from 5:30am-10am, Tony Zazza and Julie Fisk will take over weekday mornings on 103.7 Lite FM (as KVIL is known today).

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Dominique Sachse's husband is now a pin-up
KPRC 2's Dominique Sachse's hubby Nick Florescu featured in Modern Luxury. We learn his dad wrote In Search of Dracula.

Jennifer Reyna in Dubai
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Dismissed from 1560, Comic John Wessling's Heart Still Belongs to Radio

KTXH fires up 20.2 and 20.3
Fox-owned KTXH channel 20 has now turned on its two subchannels, and it looks like TitanTV was right on the money.

Rice President David Leebron Plays a Painful DJ Set On KTRU
Rice University president David Leebron pulled up a chair inside of the KTRU Rice Radio studio and played some of those rooty-tooty, groovin' oldies.
In other words, music that KTRU has made a point not to play since its 1967 inception.

KEYE adding mobile signal
Viewers of KEYE will soon be able to watch all the station’s programs, including local news, on their smartphones and tablets.

KLBJ breaks new ground with subscription podcast
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EMF Acquires KOUL Corpus Christi
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New editor to lead 'Monitor' newsroom
The McAllen Monitor has hired a Texas-Mexico border native and veteran journalist to lead its editorial coverage, staff members were told Thursday.

MOVING

Kyle Montgomery leaves KPRC 2
KPRC 2's weekend sports anchor Kyle Montgomery signs off for national footprint.

Houston Press Assistant Music Editor/Staff Writer Craig Hlavaty joins the Houston Chronicle on April 22 where he will report on local news. He has been with the Press since August 2006.
- Craig Hlavaty On "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" in February 2006

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Future KHOU meteorologist Brooks Garner has UFO sighting
- Fox's The 'X Factor' auditions coming near us
- Houston TV websites in 2003
- Steve Smith, former KHOU 11 anchor, talks KPRC 2 newscast 'Scene at 5'
- Fox 26 KRIV has ND and lots of other jobs open for you

Kyle Montgomery leaves KPRC 2

KPRC 2's weekend sports anchor Kyle Montgomery signs off for national footprint

Kyle Montgomery

Kyle Montgomery tells mikemcguff.com that he has left his KPRC 2 weekend sports anchor gig. He tells me is leaving for a national presence, but can't disclose where at this moment.

"My time working at KPRC was a blessing for my career," Montgomery said in an email to mikemcguff.com. "It's an experience that I will never forget. I want to thank the people of Houston for welcoming me with open arms, and for showing so much support."

I hear his bio was deleted from the station's website on April 1st. It was no April Fool's Day joke.

KPRC sports reporter Gary Striewski posted a photo on Instagram the Saturday before saying it was Montgomery's last night.

Montgomery joined the Houston Post-Newsweek station last June replacing Winston Dutchin.

He came to the Houston NBC affiliate from Raycom Sports' Atlantic Coast Conference channel where he had worked since 2011. Before that, Montgomery worked at NBA TV's GameTime and The Jump. From 2008-2011, he was with Turner Sports and hosted Cartoon Networks first sports show Run it Back. He also worked at WSFA 12 Montgomery, AL and WDAM in Hattiesburg, MS.

According to his bio, Montgomery was born and raised in Kansas City and graduated from Alabama State University. One of his career highlights was being a guest sports anchor on CNN Newsroom with Kyra Phillips.

*updated with Montgomery response

(Thanks Taylor)

Fox 26 KRIV has ND and lots of other jobs open for you

Fox 26 has open jobs for news director, photographer, producer, account executive and more

Fox 26 KRIV just posted its open Vice President/News Director gig that Tom Doerr left open after moving to sister station WFLD Chicago Fox 32.

KRIV/KTXH currently has an opening for a VP, News Director. Individual must possess the ability to motivate, lead and manage a major market news operation to its maximum potential. Must possess solid experience in strategic planning, strong organization and problem solving skills, strong oral and written communication skills and must bring successful management experience in leading a large newsroom. Individual will be expected to develop the vision and strategies for newscasts to achieve ratings growth. Additional responsibilities include developing and managing departmental and capital budgets, establishing strategic goals and oversee planning to ensure news gathering quality control, ethics and image of the news product. Must be able to successfully work with management personnel in all departments.

Degree in Journalism or related field required. Five [5] or more years Previous News Director experience in a mid to major market preferred. Individual must be a highly motivated, creative and organizationally sound news leader with proven team building skills and a winning attitude. Must possess strong editorial judgment and a successful track record in recruitment/hiring and contract negotiation. Must have strong background in legal and ethical issues as it relates to the news gathering process. Ability to challenge employees to grow and develop news gathering and reporting skills to consistently deliver informative, compelling and accurate newscasts. Knowledge of research and effective promotions essential. Must possess modern vision, honesty and outstanding planning skills. Must be knowledgeable in developing web and social media initiatives.

If that job is a little too high level for you, don't worry, the station has others open:

Photographer
Producer
Production Technician
Promotion Producer
Editor/Producer
Account Executive
Staff Accountant
Human Resources Manager

Go see these jobs and more on my Texas TV jobs page! Tis the hiring season it appears.

Steve Smith, former KHOU 11 anchor, talks KPRC 2 newscast 'Scene at 5'

Former KHOU 11 anchor Steve Smith's guest mikemcguff.com post

1968 election night at KPRC with the late Ray Miller (News Director), the late Larry Rasco (Anchor), Steve Smith and Scene at 5 producer Bill Springer (courtesy Steve Smith).

Former KHOU 11 anchor Steve Smith wrote mikemcguff.com a guest post about the KPRC 2 newscast "The Scene at 5." This after I linked to a video clip of the show's re-birth on 4/4/1988 with Ron Stone and Doug Johnson. Hey look, that was 25 years ago today.

Steve Smith - 20 years ago

Smith is here to tell us about the original "Scene at 5" on channel 2 he created and anchored back in the late 1960s. I am honored to bring you Steve Smith to this blog:

"The Scene at 5 on Channel 2 started in either 1968 or 1969 (the memory goes first) when local TV talk personality Chris Chandler left KPRC to do other things.

Longtime Channel 2 News Director and Southwest TV News legend Ray Miller and Channel 2 GM Jack Harris gave that 5 PM half hour to yours truly, and told me to do something with it. I was already anchoring the 10 PM news at that point. The concept was ours...that is, mine, along with ace producers Bill Springer and Elsa Ransom, and later, director Bruce Bryant.

Steve Smith - current

We wanted to keep it light, with little hard news, and always wanted to include a little weather (and other business) chat with weatherman Doug Johnson at the end. I did the show for approximately five years before following the money and moving to an anchor job at KDKA TV in Pittsburgh in December, 1973."

Thanks Steve! Anchor Ron Stone took over the show at that point.

Houston TV news watchers will know Smith returned to Houston in 1976. He served as the main anchor of KHOU 11 for 23 years and retired 14 years ago this coming May. That's when current anchor, Greg Hurst, took over.

Smith still does voice work and writing through his company Anchor Communications, with some fishing and travelling mixed in. A Smith voice over that made news recently was his work in Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom.

Houston TV websites in 2003

How Houston TV's websites looked ten years ago


The web has come a long way in ten years and that includes the Houston television station websites! Here is a look back at what Houstonians were surfing on for TV news back in 2003 (my how they've changed).

 This is back when we thought Twitter was what birds did and Facebook might be something you found in the plastic surgeon's office.

You can imagine what was the top story back then. I can almost hear the Britney Spears and 50 Cent playing in the background.

Just click on the station call letters to go back in time.

KPRC 2

KHOU 11

KTRK abc13

Fox 26 KRIV

KIAH 39 (back then KHWB)

Fox's The 'X Factor' auditions coming near us

THE X FACTOR open-call auditions are coming to The Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, LA.

The first round of open-call auditions will take place on Sunday, April 14th. Wristbands will be distributed to auditioners from approximately 8am on Friday, April 12th until approximately 11am on Sunday, April 14th.

Auditioners will not be permitted to camp out. Once auditioners obtain their wristbands, they will be asked to return to The Lakefront Arena by 7am on Sunday, April 14th for their audition.

WHAT: Open-call auditions for Season Three of THE X FACTOR in New Orleans, LA
WHERE: Lakefront Arena
6801 Franklin Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70122

WHEN: Sunday, April 14 – AUDITIONS

NOTE: Contestants who do make it through to the next round of auditions may not sing for the cameras after their audition. Those contestants who do not make it through can sing for the cameras after their audition (outside the stadium) if they would like.

Future KHOU meteorologist Brooks Garner has UFO sighting

Little green men in forecast for future KHOU 11 meteorologist Brooks Garner


Brooks Garner comes to Houston and starts working at KHOU 11 as the noon and 4pm meteorologist in May.

Brooks Garner

But today, his recent out of this world experience at Tampa's WFLA 8 is what we're talking about.

The station is reporting that Garner recorded UFOs flying over the Tampa Bay area. You know, beam me up Scotty, close encounter, ET type of stuff. His video is embedded above.

"The evening was [quiet] with some overcast while I was walking my dog Oscar," Garner told WFLA. "Out of nowhere comes this parade of lights in various formations traveling across the sky and disappearing to the north of downtown Tampa."

Garner believes the objects were moving pretty fast.

Fortunately no body cavity probing was mentioned in this report.