KHOU 11's Lisa Hernandez engaged thanks to the Goo Goo Dolls?

KHOU anchor Lisa Hernandez engaged to Houston Rockets radio announcer Joel Blank

UPDATE MARCH 09, 2015
Lisa Hernandez is pregnant

Lisa Hernandez

KHOU 11's Lisa Hernandez's boyfriend put a ring on the anchor's finger. I originally tweeted out KHOU's story about it, but some of my readers demanded this news make the actual blog so here it is.

Hernandez's new fiancé, Joel Blank, the Director of Broadcasting/Radio announcer for the Houston Rockets, took Hernandez to a small acoustic performance by the Goo Goo Dolls at the Mix 96.5 KHMX studios. The band was in Houston to play The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion with Matchbox Twenty (I saw the Goo Goo Dolls back at Lakewood Church The Summit in 1996).

Joel totally blanked Hernandez's mind with this one...she didn't see it coming apparently.

“I said a long time ago that when you plus me, equals we -- we would become unstoppable,” Blank told KHOU. “And on our first date you said we both went on our last first date. Today I'm going to make sure that's possible.”

John Rzeznik's voice gets people married. Congrats to the couple! Watch the event below.

UPDATE MARCH 09, 2015
Lisa Hernandez is pregnant

Houston-based syndicated radio host Chris X gets local weeknight show

Chris X can be heard on 60 stations across the US right here from Houston

Chris X

In 2011, I wrote about Houstonian Chris Blayney, who hosted a nationally syndicated radio show called TalkBack Weekend with Chris X, but his show wasn't available in Houston. That changed when AM 1070, "The Answer" KNTH picked him up.

In the last few weeks, Chris X has picked up a weeknight show on 1070 too.

ChrisXradio airs weeknights from 8-10pm CST on AM 1070, "The Answer."  His website mentions the show is broadcast live from Studio X at an undisclosed location, and covers everything from politics, to the current issues from both sides of the political battlefield.

Tonight, I will be a guest on the show, talking about Houston media and my upcoming Rock 101 KLOL documentary project. Hope you can tune in starting at 8pm. LISTEN LIVE

Don't forget ChrisX's weekend show TalkBack Weekend, heard in 60 cities across America. It broadcasts every Saturday night from Midnight-2am (CST).

www.chrisxradio.com

VIDEO: Classic Houston TV newscast clips from the 70s to 90s

Let's go back to the good ol' days of Houston TV and watch some newly posted old news clips from KTRK abc13 and KPRC 2 on YouTube that go back all the way to the late 70s to the early 90s.

KTRK 13 Eyewitness News Tonight (10/7/1979)



KTRK 13 Eyewitness News - The Late Report (1982)



KPRC The Scene at Five (Part), 2/10/1989



KTRK 13 Eyewitness News Tonight (10/18/1994)



KTRK 13 Eyewitness News - The Deadly Floods of '94 promo

News 92 FM and Yahoo Sports Radio 1560 team up

News 92 FM KROI and Yahoo Sports Radio 1560 KGOW to Exchange News and Sports Updates

In a joint announcement today, Radio One Regional Vice President Doug Abernethy and David Gow, Chief Executive Officer of Gow Media, unveiled a “content exchange” agreement between News 92 FM (KROI-FM/Houston) and Yahoo Sports Radio 1560 (KGOWAM/Houston).

Beginning in early August of 2013, News 92 FM reporters will provide hourly, short form news updates to Yahoo Sports Radio 1560, initially for use on nights and weekends, and ramping up to a full broadcast schedule shortly thereafter. In like manner, Yahoo Sports Radio 1560 reporters will provide sports updates and actualities twice per hour for integration into the News 92 FM broadcast clock between 7:00 PM and midnight daily, and from 6:00 AM to noon on weekends.

The idea of shared content sprang from a discussion between Abernethy and Gow in June of this year, and the idea quickly took shape.

“Research suggests that news and sports stations have shared listener bases,” observes Abernethy, “so this makes sense for both stations. We have the best newsgathering and reporting resources in the city, and Yahoo Sports Radio 1560 enjoys an equivalent reputation in the world of sports. We’re leveraging our respective strengths so that the News 92 FM listener can get a quick sports update from Yahoo Radio 1560, and their listeners can get top flight news from News 92 FM.”

David Gow shares Abernethy’s enthusiasm for the new affiliation.

“News 92 FM has an excellent team of news reporters. We think this is a chance to offer a high quality, dependable news product to our listener base and keep them at our station longer,” says Gow. “We are also excited to offer our sports updates to listeners at News 92 FM. Our plan is to make Yahoo Sports Radio 1560 their destination when they want to hear more about what is going on in the world of sports. “

According to Doug Abernethy and David Gow, this new arrangement will not affect staffing levels at either station.

RELATED
KHOU and News 92 FM team up in coverage

(This post was taken from a release sent to me by News 92 FM)

Houston and TX TV & radio job moves while I was away...there are lots of them

A roundup of Houston and Texas TV moves and departures since I went on vacation in early July...lot's of action around the state.

Chris McDonald starts at KHOU 11 this week as an assignments editor he confirmed to me. Fox 26 KRIV, McDonald's previous employer where he worked as the assignments desk manager, posted on Facebook in late June that McDonald was taking a news director position in Victoria, TX.

Got word that News92FM reporter Pattie Shieh is leaving KROI and moving on to LyondellBasell.

Larry Giele has joined CBS 11 (KTVT-TV) and TXA 21 (KTXA-TV) as controller. Giele comes to the stations from WKYC in Cleveland, where he held the same position.

Bob French has been Chief Meteorologist and weeknight weather anchor at KBTX since 1990. That appears to be no more. Right before I left on vacation I got a tip he was gone and now his KBTX social media accounts and bio page have been erased. The station reported in May that French was on extended leave to attend to family matters.

Gary Striewski leaves KPRC for NESN
Gary Striewski put a year in at KPRC 2 and jets off to New England's NESN.

Jeff McShan leaves KHOU for Harris County District Attorney's Office PIO gig
Jeff McShan gives up KHOU for the Harris County District Attorney's Office PIO position.

Mary Lee to leave KPRC 2 for California
Mary Lee leaves KPRC 2 after arriving at the station in 2010.

Garry Seith no longer in CBS11's weather picture
Veteran meteorologist Garry Seith, who has been working the weekday early morning shift at CBS11, is “no longer with the station."

Scott Padgett joing CBS11 as new early morn meteorologist
CBS11 has named Scott Padgett of Miami’s WPLG-TV as its new weekday morning meteorologist.

Tragedy: Jon Dillon is no longer on 92.5 KZPS-FM
Jon Dillon’s career in Dallas radio dates back to 1969, when he was, for a while, the sole voice of KFAD-FM, which briefly poked its head out of the rock-and-roll underground from 94.9 on your FM dial.
- Jon Dillon, the voice of classic rock in Dallas when it was still ‘underground,’ is out at KZPS

The Mack Show on 700 KSEV
Mack has taken “leave” from the afternoon show on KSEV.

Traffic reporter at KENS moving on
KENS-TV traffic reporter Natalie Tejeda will be busy making her own travel plans soon.

Mike Barajas' son moves to KSAT
If you followed my Facebook page, last week you would have seen that Bill Barajas, is moving up to a higher TV market his dad, Mike Barajas told me. Currently the younger Barajas is at KRGV in the Rio Grande. But starting next month, Bill moves up to KSAT

Labbe Named WOAI News Director
Blaise Labbe, KCTV Kansas City news director, has been named director of news for Sinclair's WOAI-KABB San Antonio.

KVUE Defenders add Austin American-Statesman’s Tony Plohetski
KVUE’s long-standing and award winning investigative unit, The Defenders, grows even stronger by adding Austin American-Statesman investigative journalist Tony Plohetski to the team.

Weekend anchor Jenni Lee departs Fox 7
KTBC and Jenni Lee, the station’s weekend news anchor, have parted ways.

Paul Cicala leaving KVIA
Channel 7-KVIA sports director Paul Cicala is leaving and returning to his hometown of Tucson.

El Paso’s KVIA Adds Reporter
Collin Carroll will join El Paso ABC affiliate KVIA as a multimedia journalist.

Looking for TX TV jobs?

Wild TV news videos, TX radio flips and lots more TV stuff

MORE VIDEOS
- Dallas anchors caught on camera during WX report
- Explosion Near KIII Studio Rocks Morning Newscast
- TV Anchors Make Terrible Error in Asiana Air Reporting
- Reporter's Hilarious Tips To Avoid Bear Attacks
- Did a News Station Accidentally Broadcast a Floating Dead Body?
- News Anchors In Way Over Their Heads
- The Little Girl Dancing on the News
- News Reporter Unwittingly Draws a Penis While Talking About Men At Work
- Bob Allen launches new KHOU sports show: KHOU 11 Sports Extra

Radio's Kidd Kraddick has died
Texas and the nation is still in shock over the death of radio and TV host Kidd Kraddick. Houston radio folks talk to mikemcguff.com about what he meant to radio and them personally.

WFAA8 tabs Colleen Coyle for major role on new 4 p.m. newscast and sets a start date
The picture is getting clearer for WFAA8’s first-ever 4 pm. weekday newscast.

KCLE Fort Worth Flips To ESPN Radio
1460 KCLE Burleson/Fort Worth/93.1 K226BM Cleburne will drop its Classic/Texas Country format and debut a schedule that will compliment ESPN’s 103.3 KESN Allen/Dallas.

CBS Flips Mega 107.5 Dallas
“Mega 107.5” KMVK Dallas has flipped to Regional Mexican “La Grande 107.5“.

Former WFAA reporter is one of Al Jazeera America’s first anchors
When Jonathan Betz announced he was leaving WFAA-Channel 8 in late May after five years, he said only that he was going to New York City.

June PPM Analysis For Houston
For the sixth straight month – which happens to cover the entirety of 2013 – RADIO ONE Top 40/R KBXX (THE BOX) was the supreme commander of the market.

Where is KPRC 2's Bill Balleza?
Lot's of people are asking where has KPRC Local 2 Bill Balleza been? If you followed me on Facebook, you found out last week.

Appreciation of BOOTED NEWS WOMEN Blog
- Chita Johnson Shows Us That Katherine Whaley Is Wearing Boots
- DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS AND DON'T MESS WITH THE FOX SPORTS SOUTHWEST GIRLS!!!
- THERE Is A CURE For The SUMMER TIME BLUES! It's Holly Morgan In Boots!

Frank Billingsley profiled
Blogger Mike McGuff once referred to KPRC-TV Channel 2’s chief meteorologist as the Anderson Cooper of local television. Some viewers may have known he was gay, but most probably didn’t—and didn’t care.
- KPRC 2's Frank Billingsley weds partner of 17 years

The Stevens and Pruett Ranch begins stirring again
In 1980, Houston radio “gawds” Mark Stevens and Jim Pruett of KLOL fame founded the Stevens and Pruett Ranch, a 38-acre facility on County Road 59 near Texas 288.

Houston’s RFC Media is tapped once again to design, produce and execute Outside Lands Radio from San Francisco and Seattle’s Bumbershoot Radio this festival season. There’s nothing else quite like it anywhere in streaming digital media. Content is king once again as legendary music hosts Cruze and Donna Mackenzie light the fuse on live radio entertainment streaming anytime/anywhere from TuneIn (tunein.com.) Alert others of your kind to the listening experience that puts you front row center for Rock’s biggest summer ever.
Caution: www.sfoutsidelands.com

Astros Post Worst TV Ratings of Any MLB Team Since 2008
The third straight awful season for the Astros coupled with the lack of a deal with cable providers to carry CSN Houston has made for abysmal television ratings for the team.

Houston TV station signs up for Digital Scout’s real-time sports scores
High school sports fans in Houston will be able to track scores in real time this fall thanks to a new agreement between Columbus’ Digital Scout and NBC television affiliate KPRC.

KIAH-TV Honored for Excellence in Community Service
The Texas Association of Broadcasters has honored KIAH-TV/CW39 with the 2013 Bonner McLane Public Service Award for its outstanding community service contributions.

July ratings a sweep for KSAT-TV news
KSAT-TV newscasts finished in first place across the board in the July ratings period, which ran from June 27 through Wednesday.

WOAI-TV launches new website
WOAI-TV has launched a new, video-intensive website, News4SA.com, which finally distinguishes the NBC affiliate's online presence from that of WOAI radio.

KSAT anchor opening coffee shop
Rosella Coffee Co. is a project by KSAT-TV weekend anchor Charles Gonzalez. The 36-year-old hopes to open the coffee shop in a portion of a converted warehouse, 203 E. Jones Ave., in October.

Thickness of Castro’s skin called into question by Houston TV station’s blog
The “Newsfix” blog — apparently part of Houston’s KIAH-TV — definitely isn’t a fixture within the media that cover Alamo City Mayor Julian Castro. But the bloggers over there decided to enter the fray this week after a dust-up over a racist tweet made infamous when retweeted by Castro.

99.7 Amarillo Is Fun
After stunting for a few weeks with an all female “Divas” microformat, 99.7 KBZD Amarillo has flipped to Hot AC “Fun 99.7“.

REMEMBERING

RIP KCOH Disc Jockey Stevie Goodtime T
Longstanding KCOH radio personality Steven Reginald Talton, known on-air as Stevie Goodtime T, passed of cancer complications.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- NewsFix creator Lee Abrams launches TOUCHVISIONsm - is this NewsFix 2.0?
- Mary Lee to leave KPRC 2 for California
- Jeff McShan leaves KHOU for Harris County District Attorney's Office PIO gig
- Is Houston big enough for two Kevin Quinn's?
- Univision 45 most watched TV station in Houston for July 2013 sweeps
- Has Houston beat Dallas in the big Texas rivalry? 273 reasons why
- Gary Striewski leaves KPRC for NESN
- KHOU and News 92 FM team up in coverage

Radio's Kidd Kraddick has died

Houston radio remembers Kidd Kraddick, the "radio genius"

UPDATE 7/29/2013
- David 'Kidd' Kraddick died from cardiac disease, La. coroner says

Sad news to report in the Dallas and national radio world. WFAA is reporting that Kidd Kraddick, 53, is dead:

Kidd Kraddick

Multiple sources have confirmed to WFAA that radio and TV personality Kidd Kraddick has died.

He passed away in New Orleans Saturday at a fundraising event for his Kidd's Kids charity organization. Local law enforcement confirmed that Kraddick was taken to West Jefferson Medical Center in New Orleans on Saturday.

A staple of North Texas radio since 1984, he broadcast his nationally syndicated "Kidd Kraddick in the Morning" radio show from a studio at Las Colinas. It aired locally on KISS-FM 106.1.

Kraddick's syndicated radio show aired in Houston on Mix 96.5 KHMX from June 2011 to November 2012. The show replaced Maria Todd who had actually worked briefly on Kraddick's show.

UPDATE 7/30/2013
"I was literally stunned by Kidd's death," Todd told mikemcguff.com. "He was one of the most kind and generous people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. I was fortunate enough to work on Kidd Kraddick in the Morning for six weeks in 2006 while Kellie Rasberry was on maternity leave. I got to participate in the annual Kidd's Kids trip and it changed my life. He took me in when the station I called home for 13-years let me go. He restored my confidence in myself and my professional abilities and I was proud that by the end we came to be friends. When he came to Houston I welcomed him. I pray that his family (personal and professional) may find comfort at this difficult time. He was a shining example of the power of the radio to affect people's lives for the better. I miss him but cherish the fact I got a chance to know him."

Others in Houston also say Kidd was very generous.

Eric Rowe, Executive Producer of The Roula and Ryan Show says Kraddick was a radio genius.

"He was a legend, an original, an Icon, a mentor, and a friend," Rowe told mikemcguff.com. "I was lucky enough to have known him for over 13 years. When our show was fired from Mix 96.5 back in 2005. Within 40 minutes of the news being released he called me. He wanted to make sure I was ok. He gave me a pep talk saying I was a talented person who will have no problem landing on my feet. That call meant the world to me.

"Then a month later he put me up in Dallas in an awesome apartment and paid me to be a consultant on the show for as long as I wanted to keep working for him. I will never forget what he did for me. There will never be another morning personality like Kidd. God bless you Kidd."

"It's a sad day when a parent leaves this earth too soon," Roula Christie of the The Roula and Ryan Show on 104.1 KRBE, which competed against Kraddick's show in Houston, told mikemcguff.com. "My heart goes out to his daughter."

You could still watch Kraddick and crew on Fox 26 KRIV and around the country each night on Dish Nation.

According to Wikipedia, Kraddick's real name was David Peter Cradick and was originally from Napoleon, Ohio.

RELATED

- First show of "Kidd Kraddick in the Morning" since his death
- Read the official statement regarding the passing of Kidd
- Dallas radio host Kidd Kraddick dies suddenly at 53
- Popular radio host Kidd Kraddick dies after hosting charity golf tournament in Gretna
- Beloved Radio Host Kidd Kraddick Dies in New Orleans

97.1 KEGL (Kidd Kraddick) 1985 aircheck

Bob Allen launches new KHOU sports show: KHOU 11 Sports Extra

KHOU 11 Sports Extra with Bob Allen to air Sunday nights at 10:25


Just noticed on YouTube that KHOU 11 has uploaded a new promo for a new Bob Allen hosted sports show called KHOU 11 Sports Extra (technically they uploaded two videos that are the same). The video postings say the new show will air Sundays 10:25pm starting August 4th*.

That puts Allen against his old station, abc13 KTRK's Inside the Game, and KPRC's long running Sports Sunday. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't remember KHOU having a Sunday night sports show in the past like the other stations.

I'm guessing the station feels Allen can use all of his knowledge and contacts to pull in the sports interviews and viewers.

UPDATE
Former Houston Texan and SportsRadio 610 KILT host Seth Payne will be co-hosting with Allen starting this Sunday.

UPDATE 8/2/2013
FULL KHOU RELEASE:

KHOU 11 Sports Extra Debuts Sunday, August 4 HOUSTON –– Starting this Sunday, August 4, KHOU 11 adds a new 35-minute sports program to its weekly lineup. KHOU 11 Sports Extra, presented by Wingstop, will air Sundays at 10:25 p.m. following KHOU 11 News at KHOU 11 weekday sports anchor and veteran broadcaster Bob Allen will host the program. Bob joined the KHOU 11 Sports team in April and has covered Houston sports for nearly four decades.
Bob will be joined on the set by former NFL player turned sports analyst Seth Payne. Payne played defensive tackle for the Houston Texans for five years during his NFL career. In addition to color commentary, he’ll break down some of the biggest moments of the week during his weekly segment “Payne’s World.”

With KHOU 11 Sports’ Matt Musil and Daniel Gotera also contributing, the show will layout the week’s scores, standings and highlights, and will dig in to tell the stories that make sports so compelling, from the local level to To help put a spotlight on outstanding local athletes, the show also teamed up with the Greater Houston Honda Dealers Association to present the Honda Athlete of the Week, which will recognize one high school athlete each week and present them with the award during the show.

Catch it all during the debut of KHOU 11 Sports Extra, presented by Wingstop, this Sunday at 10:25 p.m.

*I originally reported the show was debuting August 2nd and regret the error.

KHOU and News 92 FM team up in coverage

KHOU 11 becomes exclusive weather provider for News 92 FM

KHOU 11, Houston’s CBS affiliate, and News 92 FM, Houston’s 24-hour all news station, announced a new partnership today naming KHOU 11 the official weather service provider for News 92 FM beginning Monday, August 5.

“Why compete with the best when you can team up with the best? KHOU 11 has built a stellar reputation as a local weather leader in Houston and we are thrilled to welcome KHOU 11 and their outstanding meteorologists to join our 24-hour News 92 FM team to provide our audience the best, most accurate, up to the minute weather coverage,” said Doug Abernethy, Radio One Regional Vice President.

“Local weather has been a hallmark of the KHOU 11 brand for 60 years,” said Susan McEldoon, KHOU 11 President and General Manager. “The partnership with News 92 is another step forward in providing high quality weather coverage to consumers at times of the day when watching TV may not be convenient. We
recognize that consumers have many choices and this partnership gives them another opportunity to get weather news and information from Houston’s leading team of meteorologists.”

Through the partnership, KHOU 11 Chief Meteorologist David Paul and Meteorologists Brooks Garner, Mario Gomez and Chita Johnson will provide weather updates and forecasts throughout the day, continuing the News 92 FM “Weather on the Nines” format with updates every 10 minutes each hour.

Weather forecasts from KHOU 11 will also be updated on the News 92 FM website, and the KHOU 11 weather team will be available to News 92 FM listeners during severe weather events, when local updates and experience with Gulf Coast weather matter most.

“Houston is my hometown. I grew up watching this area’s weather and I know how important a day’s forecast is to my own family now,” said David Paul, KHOU 11 Chief Meteorologist. “Whether it’s soccer practice, the commute to work, or walking the dog, the weather dictates a lot in our daily lives. Our commitment is to provide the most accurate information to help people prepare for their day, every day.”

(This post was taken from a release sent to me by KHOU)

Gary Striewski leaves KPRC for NESN

Gary Striewski put a year in at KPRC 2 and jets off to New England's NESN

Gary Striewski

KPRC 2 multi-media news, then sports reporter Gary Striewski is outta there.

 A little more than a year after jumping 190 markets from KGWN 5 in Cheyenne, Wyoming to Houston, Striewski is going east to NESN, "New England’s most watched sports network."

Striewski is now a Feature Reporter and Sports Anchor at NESN. According to a release, Striewski will cover the Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots and Celtics, along with Hockey East, and all the major college sports throughout New England. He will also be part of the weekend anchor team on NESN Sports Today.

“I’m excited to start at NESN and move closer to some family relatives in the Boston area,” Striewski said. “NESN’s reputation as the industry leader in regional sports is known and acknowledged across the country and it’s an honor to join the network.”

Striewski started on the job this week. In a year maybe we will see him on ESPN at this rate.

Stints at the KPRC sports department are ephemeral as of late. Striewski lasted a little more than a year. Sports anchor Kyle Montgomery was at the station from only June 2012 to March 2013. Hang in there Nick Giovanni!

While I was taking time off, it was announced that former Houston Texans offensive lineman Chester Pitts will anchor KPRC's Friday night sportscast and contribute to Sports Sunday.

In a ringing endorsement of the station, Pitts told the Houston Chronicle, “It’s not quite as awesome as when I became a Texan, but signing that contract at Channel 2 was pretty cool."


(Thanks Taylor)

Has Houston beat Dallas in the big Texas rivalry? 273 reasons why

Houstonia Magazine declares Houston winner in the H-Town vs Big D rivalry


It might be time to close down I-45 somewhere around Centerville because Houstonia Magazine is going to have Dallasites coming our way with pitchforks. The new Houston-centric magazine has declared Houston the winner in the two cities' long standing rivalry in its upcoming issue.

“After painstaking research, much weighing of evidence, and one trip to Big D by our staff in a van, we can conclude with reasonable certainty that this age-old squabble is no more," Houstonia editorial director Scott Vogel said in a statement.

The magazine declares Houston the winner in its upcoming issue "273 reasons the rivalry’s over and we won" which it says is a fun, near-surgical examination of the many forces—cultural, social, culinary and more—behind Houston’s rise to both national and international prominence.

It certainly appears Houston is getting more positive headlines than Dallas in the national media as of late. In fact, I don't ever remember the city getting any positive attention much at all in the past. I got excited when Houston was nuked in Will Smith's 1996 popcorn flick Independence Day just because the aliens considered the Bayou City important enough to destroy!

Part of the reason I originally started this very blog was to showcase positive stories about Houston. Then I got involved in media gossip and probably ruined that goal.

I was thinking the other day why Houston is getting more glowing national reviews now. Here is what I came up with:
- Bill White bringing Katrina refugees here (random factoid: R.E.M mentioned Houston in a song because of this if that matters to you)
- Electing an openly gay mayor with Annise Parker (that caused the national media to take interest)
- The fact Houston is actually a positive economic story while Detroit is filing for bankruptcy
- Beyonce?

Back on topic, Houston Texans star J.J. Watt is the Houstonia cover boy as you can tell in the two advanced covers I received from the magazine.

“Watt’s Inside,” Peter Holley’s interview with the 24-year-old Watt, offers a revealing look at the superstar’s Wisconsin boyhood, his commitment to expanding after-school programs in low-income neighborhoods, and of course his newfound fame, both the perks (money) and pitfalls (fans camping out on his lawn).

You'll be able to find the new issue on store shelves July 29th.

houstoniamag.com

UPDATE
Houstonia Magazine's marketing team was everywhere on this one. Here are broadcasts from Houston and Dallas public radio about the rivalry:
- KUHF's Houston Matters - The Houston/Dallas Rivalry (contentious debate between Houstonia and  D Magazine editors)
- KERA Dallas - Big D Vs. H-Town: 5 Reasons Why Dallas Rules

Music writer William Michael Smith sent me a great little number Mickey Newbury - If You Ever Get To Houston ( Look Me Down).

Univision 45 most watched TV station in Houston for July 2013 sweeps

More Adults 18-49 and Adults 25-54 watch Univision 45’s primetime line-up, early evening and late local news than any other broadcast station in Houston, regardless of language

KXLN Univision 45 today announced it has finished as the No.1 broadcast station among Adults 18-49 and Adults 25-54 during July 2013 sweep period, in the key dayparts of primetime, early evening local news, late local news and total day viewing, regardless of language.

Primetime Ratings Highlights:

· During the July sweep more Houstonians watched KXLN Univision 45’s primetime programming than all other broadcast stations, including all the major English-language network affiliates: KTRK-ABC, KHOU-CBS and KPRC-NBC.

· KXLN Univision 45’s primetime averaged 109,000 (3.9 rating) Adults 18-49 viewers.

· Univision’s 10th Annual “Premios Juventud” youth awards show telecast on KXLN averaged 157,000 (5.6 rating) Adult 18-49 viewers and was the No. 1 program of the day (7/18/13). The award show also saw ratings growth of 56% over the 2012 broadcast results among the key adult demo.

NEWS RATINGS HIGHLIGHTS

· KXLN’s Noticias 45 a las 5” (News 45 at 5) and “Noticias 45 Edición Nocturna” (News 45 Evening Edition), are the No. 1 early evening and late local newscasts among Adults 18-49 and Adults 25-54 ahead of local ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and the CW affiliates in Houston according to the July 2013 sweep results.

“Noticias 45 a las 5” weekdays at 5 p.m. finished as the No.1 early evening newscast averaging 52,000 (1.8 rating) Adult 18-49 viewers, more than 100% higher than the No. 2 stations, KTRK-ABC and KHOU-CBS, both averaging 25,000 Adults 18-49.

“Noticias 45 Edición Nocturna” weekdays at 10 p.m. ranked No. 1, averaging 99,000 (3.5 rating) Adult 18-49 viewers. It has also been the most watched 10p.m. local news for the last 11 consecutive July sweeps among Adults 18-49.

ADDITIONAL KXLN UNIVISION 45 HIGHLIGHTS:

· KXLN’s is the broadcast station for soccer. The CONCACAF Gold Cup match between USA and Cuba on 7/13/13 garnered 336% more Adult 18-49 viewers than the same match on KRIV-FOX.

· KXLN’s quarter-final match of the CONCACAF Gold Cup on 7/21/13, USA vs. El Salvador, averaged 75,000 (2.7 rating) Adults 18-49, 226% higher than KRIV-FOX’s telecast of the same match.

· KXLN finished the July 2013 sweep as the No. 1 broadcast station in total day viewing averaging 48,000 (1.7 rating) viewers Adults 18-49, 128% more than No. 2 KTRK-ABC.

Source: The Nielsen Company, NSI, July03, July04, July05, July06, July07, July08, July09, July10, July11, July12, July13 (06/27/13-07/24/13) sweep. Live+Same Day. Primetime based on KXLN, KTRK, KHOU, KPRC M-Sat 7:00p.m.-10:00p.m./Sun 6:00p.m.-10:00p.m. and KRIV, KIAH M-Sat 7:00p.m.-9:00p.m./Sun 6:00p.m.-9:00p.m.; early evening local news based on KXLN, KPRC, KRTK, KHOU and KTMD M-F 5:00p.m-5:30p.m.; KRIV, KIAH, M-F 5:00p.m.-6:00p.m.; late local news based on KXLN, KPRC, KTRK, KHOU and KTMD M-F 10:00p.m.-10:30 p.m.; KRIV, KIAH, M-F 9:00p.m.-10:00 p.m. ; total day based on M-Sun 6:00a.m.-2:00a.m, all stations.

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

RELATED
- Texas TV 2013 sweeps

Is Houston big enough for two Kevin Quinn's?

There can only be one...Kevin Quinn on air in H-Town

Kevin Quinn of KTRK

There is about to be a Texas shootout at high noon in downtown Houston in the next weeks. Most office workers won't notice because they will be hiding from the heat in the tunnel system.

On one side of Main Street will be abc13 KTRK reporter Kevin Quinn. On the other side, new 104.1 KRBE assistant program director and afternoon drive host Kevin Quinn who is coming in from 96.9 More WINK-FM Fort Myers.

The winner gets this prized broadcasting name and the chance to stay in H-Town. The loser must immediately get in a stolen Hermann Park paddle boat and make their way down Buffalo Bayou. I know this is weird, but I don't make the rules...Beyonce, the members of ZZ Top and Ken Hoffman do.

No seriously, Houston will have two Kevin Quinn's. The one that's been on KTRK-TV for a decade and the new one on KRBE-FM.

Kevin Quinn of KRBE

KTRK Quinn will call people to interview them for a hard news story and they will be disappointed when he doesn't show up to their house with a prize wheel and free koozies.

KRBE Quinn will show up to remotes at a cell phone store and customers will repeatedly yell "no comment" and shield their faces. It's going to mass chaos!

Newspaper man Mike Glenn and I talked about this on Twitter last night and realized that the name "Kevin Quinn" is probably owned by Disney...KTRK's parent company. Look for the Kevin Quinn 4D Spectacular Thrill Ride at a theme park near you in 2014. There will be made for TV Disney Channel movie of the same name too. Set your DVRs now.

Corporate media empire trademark protections aside...let the best Quinn win. By the way, former MTV VJ Martha Quinn will give the winner a congratulatory phone call alongside the members of Kajagoogoo!

While I'm on break, don't miss breaking Houston TV news. Follow me on Twitter and Facebook for updates. You and I never know when I will stray from the relaxing life.

Jeff McShan leaves KHOU for Harris County District Attorney's Office PIO gig

Jeff McShan gives up KHOU for the Harris County District Attorney's Office PIO position

Jeff McShan

KHOU 11 reporter Jeff McShan is leaving the TV biz for the public information officer (PIO) position with the Harris County District Attorney's Office the BELO/Gannett Company station has confirmed to a vacationing mikemcguff.com.

I have much respect for McShan. In fact, I just met him in person a few weeks ago and had a chance to tell him in person (at the time I did not know he was leaving TV).

McShan is a survivor. He's worked in news for the last 25 years. Before KHOU, where he has been for decades, McShan was the sports reporter at KTRK abc13. He dumped sports for news at KHOU and has really made a name for himself in breaking scoops ever since.

McShan is the the type of reporter who has his own camera and will go out at 3am by himself to shoot a big bust alongside law enforcement. Now that's dedication. Other Houston TV stations get angry about those scoops but respect him for them just the same.

According to his bio, McShan in a native Texan who grew up in Houston and graduated from Sharpstown High School. He attended both Texas A&M and Sam Houston State universities, graduating from the latter.

McShan's bio states, "Jeff strongly feels that his job is his public service to the community." That is why when I heard yesterday he was going to the DA's office, it made a lot of sense. He can continue that.

No word on when he is leaving KHOU. McShan did not respond to my questioning for my post.

Related to this story, since I went on a blogging vacation July 9th, KPRC 2's Mary Lee also has left the TV biz.

While I'm on break, don't miss breaking Houston TV news. Follow me on Twitter and Facebook for updates. You and I never know when I will stray from the relaxing life.

Mary Lee to leave KPRC 2 for California

UPDATE 2022
Is Mary Lee still on KPIX 5?

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 20, 2013
Mary Lee to KING 5 Seattle after KPRC 2

UPDATE 8/5/2013
Idolina Peralez replaces Mary Lee at KPRC 2

Yeah, I suck trying to take time off...but it's not everyday that Mary Lee leaves KPRC 2.

Announced on Facebook tonight:

Mary Lee

I just wanted to let you know I've decided to move back to the West Coast to be closer to my family. I really miss them. But before I head back home, I want to thank you. Over these last three years, I have come to love Houston and all of you. Ever since I first started at KPRC, you have welcomed me and embraced me. Your support, your kind words, every encouraging email, your sweet tweets and FB comments have meant so much to me. I feel so blessed and grateful for my time in Houston. I will truly miss you!

Lee came to KPRC in June 2010 from KXAN Austin.

According to her bio, Lee started her career in California, with stints at KHSL in Chico and KOVR in Sacramento. She grew up in northern California and hails from Fairfield, Calif.

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 20, 2013
Mary Lee to KING 5 Seattle after KPRC 2

UPDATE 8/5/2013
Idolina Peralez replaces Mary Lee at KPRC 2

Taking time off

I'm taking some time off from blogging. Now is the time for Houston TV stations to go hog wild with firings, hirings, cursing anchors...etc.

In the meantime, follow me on Twitter and Facebook for updates.

NewsFix creator Lee Abrams launches TOUCHVISIONsm - is this NewsFix 2.0?

TOUCHVISIONsm screen grab from launch video

By now you've probaly heard of CW39 KIAH's NewsFix which eschews anchor/reporter types for a voice overs and graphics. The show has been running since March of 2011. The idea of a news revolution also arrived at the station's Dallas Tribune sister KDAF 33 although in a different way.

Now as stations chase the all elusive younger news demo, other companies are joining the fray.

NewsFix creator Lee Abrams, formerly of Tribune, has just launched a new start up called TOUCHVISION Robert Feder reported. I think it looks like similar to NewsFix and at least one of Feder's commenters agrees.

Here is more from the company's press release:

TOUCHVISIONsm Network, the first 24/7 live video stream information network designed for Millennials Plus, is set to launch this summer on television, online, on tablets and on phones - reinventing news and information programming. Featuring stunning visuals, a powerful soundtrack and unbiased reporting, TOUCHVISIONsm is smart but not elite, offering a compelling draw for an audience that up to now has often shown little interest in TV news programming. It's TV news for the digital world.

Those words sound a little NewsFix-ish, but wait there's more!:

With a pedigree in TV news and online/digital information and led by executives with a history of reinventing media, TOUCHVISIONsm provides the next generation of news and information that stimulates the eye, the ear and the brain.

The news is updated 24/7. Segments are presented as "News Movies," scored with a rich soundtrack and compelling graphics. The Associated Press, CNN, Reuters, Getty Images and additional sources provide the initial feed, which is supplemented with TOUCHVISIONsm's proprietary features.

TOUCHVISION's video reel also has the modern/cutting edge aesthetic of NewsFix (screen grab above). One promised TOUCHVISION segment called "America by Numbers" might even sound like NewsFix's "Houston by Numbers."

Abrams was famously dismissed from Tribune months before NewsFix debuted so his impact had somewhat diminished by the time of the show's roll out. I suspect TOUCHVISION is his chance to give the world more of his original vision.

Unrelated to Tribune or Abrams, Fox launched a new show on New Jersey's WWOR-TV in place of the station's traditional 10pm newscast. From the short clip released online, it looks a lot like TMZ down to the Harvey Levin staff meeting. The show is called Chasing New Jersey and guess what? The TV trades are reporting that Fox has applied for several Chasing trademarks around the country including Chasing Texas.

Looks like the TV news revolution (aka quest for younger demos that don't watch news) is slowly spreading.

touchvisiontv.com

Lots of Dallas TV job changes, plus lots of funny TV news videos

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WFAA8's latest new hire is Marie Saavedra from Phoenix
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Catching up with Ed Fowler
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Michael Berry Show Fundraiser Nets $100,000
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Erica Rico gets booted
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REMEMBERING

Former KTRK abc13 photographer Marshall Jard has passed away.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Jessica Willey announces pregnancy - score one for the abc13 KTRK delivery room
- KHOU has 'Great Day' for weddings
- Houston Chronicle's SciGuy Eric Berger joins CW39's NewsFix
- Mike Barajas drops the microphone for baton

Mike Barajas drops the microphone for baton

News92 KROI's anchor a conductor?

Mike Barajas

Got a reader tip that News92 KROI anchor Mike Barajas was a special guest conductor at the Houston Symphony Orchestra's performance of the Music of the Rolling Stones last weekend.

Shortly before the intermission, Barajas led the combo through a spirited rendition of Jumpin' Jack Flash.

"I am not really sure he was actually conducting, but he channeled his inner rock star," the tipster told me. "He definitely stole the show."

Maybe next we will see his nephew, abc13 KTRK anchor Erik Barajas, guest with the Houston Ballet. Now that would be a gas, gas, gas like Mick says.

You never know where the Barajas anchor family will show up, but one thing for sure, they will probably be broadcasting something to you.

UPDATE
Photos of Barajas in action

Houston Chronicle's SciGuy Eric Berger joins CW39's NewsFix

Houston Chronicle space, weather and science reporter added to NewsFix

CW39 KIAH's NewsFix has already tapped the Houston media for contributors and now we see another addition. The Houston Chronicle's SciGuy, Eric Berger, will be joining the show every Tuesday and Saturday at 5pm and 9pm. Here is more from the official release:

Eric Berger

When describing NEWSFIX, CW39's revolutionary newscast, five words usually come to mind for Houstonians: "News In A New Way." Starting Tuesday, July 9th, NEWSFIX will feature science in a new way with the Houston Chronicle's Eric 'SciGuy' Berger.

SciGuy is the Houston Chronicle's space, weather and science reporter, covering everything "from nanometers to parsecs." As one of the most popular writers on Chron.com, SciGuy has a unique style of storytelling. That could be why he has a loyal following not only at the Houston Chronicle, but also in other markets throughout the country.

“We are very excited to be partnering with The Houston Chronicle on this project," said Gary Jaffe, News Director of NEWSFIX, "We have always been a big fan of the SciGuy, and NEWSFIX is the perfect fit to bring an animated & graphic intensive version of Eric’s unique voice to life.”

Eric Berger has become a trusted meteorological news source in Houston. His daily updates during Hurricane Ike, were a valuable lifeline for many local residents in the path of the storm. Berger's weather coverage became such a big hit, the Houston Chronicle recently created SciGuy's own daily ‘Weather Now’ page.

“CW39’s NEWSFIX is the perfect partner for this project and we are thrilled to be working with them. Eric has a unique and distinctive storytelling style that allows him to explore complex scientific topics and explain them in a simple and entertaining way,” said Linda Schaible, VP of Marketing and Audience Development, “The partnering of the Houston Chronicle and NEWSFIX highlights both of our fast paced entertaining news products, which match very well with Eric’s style.”

Starting July 9th, the SciGuy franchise will air every Tuesday and Saturday at 5pm and 9pm only on CW39’s NEWSFIX. For a sneak preview visit NewsFixNow.com.

Other contributors include former Houston Press reporter and current Houston Chronicle guy Craig Hlavaty, SportsTalk 790's Charlie Pallilo and rapper Bun B.

KHOU has 'Great Day' for weddings

KHOU 11's Great Day Houston staff gets hitched

The KHOU Great Day Houston staff has been bitten by the wedding bug.

 I imagine they have produced so many segments on weddings and proposals, they are already experts at all of this.

I hear associate producer Alexis “Fly” Jones is just days away from her wedding.

 Associate producer Heather Itzen recently got engaged.

 Producer Erin Kocurek just recently got engaged.

Former GDH producer Chaz Miller, who is now a sports producer at abc13 KTRK, also engaged.

Now Great Day will have plenty of wedding b-roll.  Congrats to the staff.

Jessica Willey announces pregnancy - score one for the abc13 KTRK delivery room

abc13 KTRK reporter Jessica Willey is covering the news for two

UPDATE OCTOBER 02, 2013
KTRK abc13's Jessica Willey has her baby

Jessica Willey

Jessica Willey, KTRK abc13 reporter, announced on Facebook Tuesday evening that she is expecting another child.

"It's getting pretty obvious so I wanted to share," Willey wrote. "I am due in a few months with our second girl and third child."

In my May post, 5 Houston TV anchors with baby bumps, I hinted there would be a future announcement and this is it. Although you might say ace Houston Chronicle reporter Mike Glenn broke the news on this very blog a few weeks ago.

According to her bio, Willey has been at KTRK since 2000. She previously worked at KOKH Oklahoma City and started her career in Denison.

In a strange twist of fate, the bio also states her son and daughter were born on the same day!

Speaking of KTRK, we've already had one of those five previously mentioned babies enter our world. Live Well Deals host Katishia 'Kat' Cosley announced the birth of her son in early June.

Click here to see which other TV folks are still expecting.

UPDATE OCTOBER 02, 2013
KTRK abc13's Jessica Willey has her baby

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
KTRK abc13's Miya Shay& Gene Wu delivers baby

Hottest Houston radio DJs, WFAA grabs Beaumont reporter and more

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WFAA8 tabs Beaumont's Brian Glenn for morning/4 p.m. newscast slots
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Mike Rhyner: The Ticket is unique, but 'sooner or later' someone will leave
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
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