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Wednesday, April 30, 2014

KHOU 11 experiences layoffs

First cuts at KHOU since Gannett took over Belo

I've heard from multiple sources this week that there have been layoffs at KHOU 11.

While I don't have exact numbers, I got word that possibly editors, master control operators, truck engineers, Great Day Houston staffers and the art department have all been affected.

Gannett took over the station after it bought Belo in 2013. I have not seen any mentions in the press of layoffs at other Gannett properties.

I asked KHOU reps for comment last night, but have not heard back. If I get something from the station, I will post it here.

KTRK abc13 just had layoffs last August.


UPDATE
Hearing from multiple people that WFAA in Dallas had layoffs too.

UPDATE 5/1/2014
TVSpy found out that there have been layoffs at other Gannett stations:

“We’re continually taking advantage of new technology to reallocate resources to our journalism and put more feet on the street,” a Gannett spokesperson tells TVSpy. “Occasionally, these efforts result in staffing adjustments.”

UPDATE 5/2/2014
Gary Dinges reports four behind-the-scenes positions have been eliminated at Austin ABC affiliate KVUE.



Texas job changes across the state & the San Antonio shakeup

A big San Antonio TV shakeup and more!

Fox4 adds meteorologist Ali Turiano
Dallas-based Fox4 has filled its weekend meteorologist vacancy by hiring Ali Turiano from Orlando-based News13, a cable station servicing the greater Central Florida region.

Chris Henao is KSAT 12 San Antonio's new assistant news director. He comes from KNBC LA where he was the investigative producer or the last two years. His other Texas stops include a role as both a photojournalist and later producer in the KHOU 11 investigative unit. Before that he was a photog at KXAN Austin and KGBT Harlingen in the early 1990s. Outside of Texas he also worked at KCTV and WXIA.

WOAI-TV losing its weatherman
John Gerard, WOAI-TV’s chief meteorologist for the past four years — and the man who helped birth the station’s signature “4 Zone Forecast” — is leaving San Antonio for a weather post on the CBS affiliate in Miami.

Stacey Cameron to Join WOAI
Stacey Cameron has announced he’ll be joining San Antonio NBC affiliate WOAI.

Ashlei King to Join San Antonio FOX affiliate
Ashlei King is set to join San Antonio FOX affiliate KABB.

Meteorologist Adam Caskey Heading to KSAT
Meteorologist Adam Caskey is leaving Washington, D.C. ABC affiliate WJLA for San Antonio ABC affiliate KSAT.
- With the Addition of Adam Caskey, Steve Browne to Scale Back at KSAT

Fox 26 KRIV associate producer Trina Adger announces that after nearly four years, she is heading to KBTX Bryan/College Station as a reporter.

KIAH 39 Director of Marketing Theressa "T" Virgil leaves Houston after six years to work as senior director of creative services for UP TV in Atlanta.

Houston native Cathy Hernandez moves from anchor/reporter at KTSM and KDBC El Paso to reporter at KDVR & KWGN in Denver.

Meet DBR's New Regional Editor-In-Chief
Pulitzer Prize winner and two-time Pulitzer Prize juror George Haj will join ALM on April 21 in the new role of regional editor-in-chief for Florida, Georgia and Texas. Haj comes to ALM from the Houston Chronicle, where he is senior editor of local news.

Former talk show host John Harris joins Texans’ media properties
Former KGOW (1560 AM) and Yahoo! Sports Radio talk show host John Harris will join the Texans as a contributor to the team’s television and radio shows and its website.

KGSR hires new program manager
There’s a new addition over at 93.3 KGSR-FM. Haley Jones has been named program director for the 23-year-old station.

Popular traffic reporter returning to Austin's airwaves
Joe Taylor, who most recently worked at Time Warner Cable News and, before that, at 590 KLBJ-AM, has been hired to provide traffic updates several times a day for four local radio stations.

KCEN-TV gets news director
Jim Hice is leaving Louisville, Ky., to become the news director at KCEN-HD, the local NBC affiliate, NBC has confirmed.


As I've said before, I'm not clairvoyant. Please let me know of any other personnel changes hitting the Houston media scene.

Interested in working in Texas TV news? Go to my Texas TV jobs page.


Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Competing San Antonio anchors in love plus best April TV news bloopers


MORE VIDEO
- Monkey slaps KHOU's Deborah Duncan
- ‘In This Exclusive Live Developing Report,’ WNYW Pokes Fun at Annoying Local News
- Horse yoga video gives Dallas reporter case of the giggles
- KENS 5's Danielle Saar gets traffic report hijacked by cascarone-wielding weatherman
- Some Local Stations Confuse The Rooneys In Report About Mickey’s Death
- Today in Weather: Clouds Pussying On Shore
- Anchor did her best to keep a straight face as she did a report
- Reporter falls into water
- Futuristic KTXA Spot Promotes Texas Rangers
- ‘Light Pop’ Scares Cincinnati Weatherman
- Playoff smackdown: KGW versus KHOU crew
- Brian Williams Raps 'Gin and Juice' in Amazing Supercut
- KPRC gets big attention for story
- 10 Strange Unexplained Broadcasts
- WFAA #mavschant - News 8 Daybreak
- WFAA Weather Connection 2014

#6 Houston-Galveston TX
March 2014 Portable People Meter (Updated: 04-14-14)
- HOUSTON-GALVESTON: Than-Q Very Much
- KILT, KBME lead sports stations in latest NIelsen Audio ratings

HAHMP HighIight Images
Highlight images for the Houston Association of Hispanic Media Professionals. Art Rascon received the Lifetime Achievement Award and Cyndy Garza Roberts Received the Legacy Award April 5, 2014.

950 KPRC on the air for more than eight decades
On May 9, 1925, KPRC-AM began its first day on the air.

Lily Jang
Foodie, fearless traveler

Astros again hit bottom in viewer ratings
Once again, the Astros played a game this week, and, according to the Nielsen Company, nobody in Houston watched on Comcast SportsNet Houston.

Chronicle's Falkenberg named Pulitzer finalist
Houston Chronicle Metro columnist Lisa Falkenberg has been honored as a finalist in the 2014 Pulitzer Prizes journalism competition.

Woman Crush: Gina Gaston
KTRK anchor Gina Gaston is this week’s woman crush.

RFC Media Announces New Service For Candidates And Campaigns: Customized, Politically Branded Radio Stations
RFC Media, a Houston-based company that produces and delivers branded digital content, today announced a new product that offers a broad range of benefits to candidates, campaigns, and parties: Customized brick-and-mortar radio stations...without the brick and mortar.

Montrose disc jockey still tops
Roark Smith of Montrose has been named Texas radio disc jockey of the year for the third straight time at the 12th annual Texas Music Awards.

S.A. TV ex opens up on saving sex for marriage
Former San Antonio TV personality Megan Alexander shares intimate and heartfelt details on Thursday’s “Inside Edition” — on why she decided to remain a virgin until her wedding night.

KSAT, KENS anchors in love; expecting baby
They may be on rival San Antonio TV stations, but they’re as close as can be off the air. KSAT’s 10 p.m. co-anchor Isis Romero and KENS’ weekend co-anchor Phil Anaya not only are a very attractive item, but they’re expecting a blessed addition...and soon!

Eyewitness News debuts KENS 5 Fiesta Desk
Move over Ice Desk! You’ve been replaced by something hotter! KENS 5 unveiled the “KENS 5 Fiesta Desk” in front of the Alamo.

A popular radio team returns to Austin's airwaves
Quite a few Austin radio listeners rejoiced on Monday as longtime local radio team JB Hager and Sandy McIlree returned to the airwaves. It's the first day the longtime Austin radio personalities and their new producer Johnny are doing morning drive on Austin's The Fringe 105.3.
- KOKE's Cole and Nassour launching new Austin radio station

Longtime KEYE employee departing station
You may not recognize her name, but if you’ve ever watched one of KEYE’s newscasts or visited keyetv.com, you’ve most definitely come across some of Sousa Williams’ work.

Newspaper publisher adding 150 jobs in Austin
A large number of daily and weekly newspapers from across the U.S. will soon be produced in Austin.

KXAN meteorologist secures master’s degree with hurricane research
The KXAN News family is celebrating a major accomplishment with KXAN meteorologist David Yeomans. On Thursday, the weekend morning meteorologist successfully defended his thesis research on hurricanes at the University of Miami, securing his Masters of Science in Meteorology & Physical Oceanography.

Another media outlet bites the dust, citing the lack of growth in Austin
Regional news site Austinist closed its virtual doors ending an eight year run.

KWBU Set To Relocate Its Transmitter
Waco’s 14-year-old PBS station, KWBU, will move its transmitter to new site, which will mean that the station will be off the air for extended periods of time.

A bitter media feud
Texas Monthly sues the New York Times for hiring move, asks for $1 million

Texas News Director Has an Opinion About Global Warming
KETK anchor and news director Neal Barton wants you to know he thinks global warming is all hooey.

REMEMBERING

Ken Bunting
A newspaper career of great stories, lasting friendships

KVUE mourns the loss of one of its own
he KVUE family lost a longtime coworker and friend Tuesday night. Executive news producer Scott Reather passed away Tuesday evening after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 51.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Alice Barr joins KHOU 11 from KCTV5 Kansas City
- Zahid Arab joins Fox 4 KDFW
- From TV news to Houston parent news
- May TV sweeps story ideas 2014
- New York TV reporter reacts to KPRC 2 news clip
- Did KHOU 11 ride the ethics line to South Texas?
- 790 KBME goes live and local from 6 to 6
- 950 KPRC schedule changes 2014
- Corey Foley leaves The Bull 100.3 KILT; plus other changes
- Daniella Guzman moves to KNBC LA from WMAQ Chicago
- Casey Curry returns to KTRK abc13 after baby
- Katie McCall joins FOX 26 after KTRK 13
- Steve Campion joins KTRK from WBBH
- Houston TV talents offer a peek at The Rose



Monday, April 28, 2014

Houston TV talents offer a peek at The Rose

The Rose "A Time to Care" Luncheon 2014 - April 22, 2014

 photo Sonia-Azad-Ruchi-Mukerjee_1_zps225bda67.jpg
Sonia Azad, Ruchi Mukerjee (Photo: Barfield Photography)

 photo Deborah-Duncan-Ernie-Manouse_1_zpsfa3af8dd.jpg
Deborah Duncan, Ernie Manouse (Photo: Barfield Photography)

 photo Michelle-Baden-Miya-Shay-Lara-Bell_1_zps2bb9fe77.jpg
Michelle Baden, Miya Shay, Lara Bell (Photo: Barfield Photography)

Guests enjoyed many generous moments at the Second Annual "A Time to Care" Luncheon benefitting The Rose at the Junior League of Houston on Tuesday afternoon. Co-chairs Jessica Rossman and Michelle Meissner were tickled pink when this year's Master of Ceremonies Ernie Manouse of PBS, along with more than 260 guests, helped raise more than $87,000 for advanced breast cancer screening, diagnostic services and access to treatment to more than 35,000 insured and uninsured women annually.

Deborah Duncan of KHOU's Great Day Houston set the mood as she welcomed guests to the Second Annual "A Time to Care" Luncheon. Guests enjoyed a three course meal and refreshments while Ernie Manouse and luncheon speaker Dan Moore, CEO of Cyberonics, sat down for an open and engaging conversation about the importance of taking the time to care for the ones who matter the most, whether they be friends, family or employees.

Texas State Representative Gene Wu presented The Rose with a resolution that recognizes the nonprofit breast cancer organization and its second annual fundraising luncheon. The resolution states that those associated with the event should be extended best wishes for continued success.

For a sweet take-home treat, Mister French's Gourmet Bakery provided each guest with its sugar vanilla cookies. The cookies were meticulously hand decorated to the smallest detail and designed specifically for the event by Scott French himself. For every table, centerpieces included of assorted pink flowers in a glass vase were underwritten by Kroger. To thank all the heart-warming guests, bright fuchsia pink and green pashminas covered the Junior League of Houston Tea Room's chairs and were generously underwritten by Randall's.

Time flies with United Airlines as the raffle drawing for round trip business class tickets (anywhere in the U.S. Canada, Caribbean, Mexico, Central America or Europe) raised $20,000. The raffle winner of the United Airline tickets was Amy Carr. Guests also opened up their big hearts and purchased raffle tickets for five fabulous packages that included spa treatments, dining, entertainment, getaways and more.

Those taking time to care included: The Rose Co-Founder and CEO Dorothy Gibbons, board members Myrleen Knott, Chair, Donna Mittendorf, Vice Chair, Tom Watson, Eileen Campbell along with guests Lara Bell, Bruce Padilla, Diane Caplan, KTRK's Sonia Azad and Miya Shay, Laurette Veres, Kim Padgett, Shelley Ludwick, Josh Espinedo, Kari Gonzales, Edward Sanchez, Peter Remington, Gracie Cavnar, Leisa Holland Nelson, Dana Kervin Clark, Beth Wilson, Texas State Representative Gene Wu, Ruchi Mukerjee, Kay King, Tina Governale, and Helen Perry.

(This post was taken from a release sent to me by The Padgett Group)

Steve Campion joins KTRK from WBBH

Steve Campion joins KTRK abc13 as first MMJ from WBBH Fort Myers

Steve Campion
Steve Campion
Steve Campion joins abc13 KTRK from NBC2/ABC7 WBBH-WZVN Fort Myers where he has worked for almost three years.

UPDATE APRIL 20, 2022

 Forgive me for not posting this news last week when he started, but it got lost in the shuffle with Corey Foley leaving The Bull 100.3 KILT, Casey Curry returning to KTRK abc13 and Katie McCall joining FOX 26.

What makes Campion's hiring so interesting is that he is KTRK's first plunge into the MMJ, one-man band, backpack journalist (whatever your name for it insert here) craze. KTRK is the last Houston station to embrace the inevitable future in this area.

Just in case you don't know what an MMJ or multi-media journalist does, Campion's bio will fill you in, "He prides himself on covering all aspects of a story from shooting, to writing, and editing the pieces."

At least he goes into it with a positive attitude.

Before WBBH, Campion worked as an MMJ for WCJB/TV20 News in Gainesville, FL for a little more than a year. He interned at WTVJ NBC Miami in 2009.

The South Florida native is a graduate of the University of Florida in Gainesville. (See Campion's Florida work embedded below)

By the way, who else at KTRK has previously worked in Fort Myers? That's right...reporter Pooja Lodhia. Former KTRK reporter Patrick Nolan is a Fort Myers anchor at WFTX.

Speaking of KTRK, I'm getting lots of emails in about new weekend anchor Natasha Barrett. I believe this past weekend was her first time for her to be on her permanent shift.  She started out the week before Easter anchoring the 11am news during the week.




Thursday, April 24, 2014

Katie McCall joins FOX 26 after KTRK 13

Katie McCall joins KRIV FOX26 news team as reporter

UPDATE OCTOBER 20, 2015
Katie McCall to leave FOX 26 KRIV

FOX 26 KRIV just sent me the big news that former KTRK abc13 weekend morning anchor Katie McCall is joining the FOX owned station as a reporter. Here is the press release:

Katie McCall
Katie McCall
Katie McCall joins the KRIV FOX26 news team, announced Bob Morford, the station’s Vice President and News Director. Effective Monday, April 28th, McCall will serve as a general assignment reporter.

Most recently, McCall served as an anchor/reporter for KTRK-TV in Houston. Prior to that, she has held anchor/reporter positions at WBBM-TV in Chicago, KHCW-TV in Houston and KGUN-TV in Tucson, AZ. Earlier, McCall was a producer for WSMV-TV in Nashville, TN. She began her career as an assistant to producers for MSNBC in New York.

A graduate of Vanderbilt University, McCall holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and Spanish.

RELATED KTRK abc13
- Brian Collister to leave KTRK abc13
- Christi Myers to retire from KTRK abc13
- Adela Uchida gone from abc13 KTRK with expanded weekend news on the way
- Katie McCall exits KTRK abc13
- Simon Gutierrez exits KTRK abc13 for KPTV Portland

RELATED FOX 26 KRIV
- Ashley Johnson joins Fox 26 from PHL17 in Philadelphia
- Hilary Whittier sneaks into Fox 26 after WPIX NY

Casey Curry returns to KTRK abc13 after baby

Casey Curry returns to KTRK abc13 mornings after maternity leave



KTRK abc13 meteorologist Travis Herzog posted on Facebook that morning meteorologist Casey Curry returns to the ABC owned station Friday morning.

Curry, and hubby Carl, had Windsor "Winnie" Curry Hahn January 30th. Obviously she has been off the air since then with Herzog filling in.

Herzog asked to spread the word about Curry's return, so I am doing what I can.

Curry's enthusiastic fans have been stopping by my blog looking for news of her return date.




Daniella Guzman moves to KNBC LA from WMAQ Chicago

Daniella Guzman continues to move up the TV new ladder from NBC Chicago to KNBC LA

Daniella Guzman
Daniella Guzman at KPRC
It's only been a little more than two years and former KPRC 2 weekend anchor Daniella Guzman is moving up.

 In 2012, Guzman left Houston for the morning anchor chair at NBC's WMAQ Chicago. Wednesday, the press release was issued that Guzman is heading to Los Angeles and NBC owned sister station KNBC.

Clearly the KPRC weekend chair is a great launching pad. As I blogged months ago, KPRC 2 weekend anchor Irika Sargent is about to move to CBS Miami. After this KPRC viral video trending this week, weekend anchor Phillip Mena might be on his way to the network. Who knows?

Here is the release:

Emmy award-winning Daniella Guzman is joining NBC4 Southern California as Co-Anchor and General Assignment Reporter in June 2014. Guzman will co-anchor the “Today in LA” morning newscast alongside Michael Brownlee. “Today in LA” airs weekdays 4:30AM to 7AM.

“Daniella has the right combination of journalistic experience and genuine warmth that comes across on the air and in person,” said Todd Mokhtari, Vice President of News at NBC4 Southern California. “She is a dynamic anchor who will further strengthen our newscast and help our viewers kick start their day.”

Guzman joins NBC4 Southern California after a successful career at NBC5Chicago where she served as anchor for the weekday morning newscast in 2012. For two years she covered a fast-moving blend of the latest breaking news stories and issues important to local residents.

Prior to NBC 5 Chicago, Guzman was a weekend anchor and general assignment reporter at KPRC-TV in Houston. There, she covered hurricanes Dally and Gustav and was one of the first reporters on the scene during the 2009 Fort Hood shooting rampage. From 2004-2006, she worked at Telemundo station KTMD in Houston, and was at the Univision network in Miami earlier in her career. Adding to her broadcast television acumen, she also worked in radio and print media.

An avid traveller, Guzman is fluent in Spanish. She grew up just outside of Houston in Sugarland, TX and graduated from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, where she holds a degree in bilingual journalism and communications. Guzman is married and has a young daughter.

Which other Houston anchor recently worked for KNBC? That's right, former KHOU anchor Lucy Noland.





Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Corey Foley leaves The Bull 100.3 KILT; plus other changes

Corey Foley splits with The New Bull @ 100.3 KILT morning partner Greg Thunder, Cowboy Dave moves to nights

UPDATE NOVEMBER 14, 2014
Greg Thunder gone from New Bull @ 100.3 KILT

Corey Foley and Greg Thunder
Corey Foley and Greg Thunder 2010
A big shakeup over at The New Bull @ 100.3 KILT. Corey Foley, who replaced the Hudson and Harrigan institution at the CBS owned station, is out.

"Houston is amazing as are the fabulous folks that live here," Foley told mikemcguff.com. "I feel blessed to have had this awesome opportunity and look forward to my next adventure. However, the Lone Star State will always hold a special place in my heart. Thanks for all of the love & support."

Her morning show partner Greg Thunder remains as the solo host. Other morning host, Cowboy Dave, moves to the 7pm to midnight slot. That puts night guy Zakk United in the afternoon slot vacated by Keola Lui-Kwan.

KILT's listeners think this is bull and are taking to the station's Facebook page in protest. The station responded to a commenter with the following:

Greg is still here in the mornings, Cowboy Dave got promoted and is now on from 7-Midnight every night with The Bull After Dark and Corey is no longer with the station and we wish her the best.

Foley arrived at KILT with Thunder in November 2010.

Before that Foley handled morning drive at 95.7 KBWF (The Wolf) San Francisco. She was a veteran of The Dave Ryan Show at 101.3 KDWB Minneapolis, Kiss 105.3 in Gainesville and Wild 94.1 in Tampa. She is a gradate of the University of Florida.

*updated with Corey Foley response

UPDATE MAY 22, 2014
Hudson and Harrigan returning to Houston radio?

RELATED
- 950 KPRC schedule changes 2014
- 790 KBME goes live and local from 6 to 6

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

950 KPRC schedule changes 2014

New 950 KPRC schedule for April 2014 - with Joe Pags back in Houston and Michael Berry returning to KPRC

On the heels of schedule changes at 790 KBME, 950 KPRC announced via Facebook that it is also slightly shuffling its lineup.

Here is the new 950 KPRC schedule for April 2014:
Walton and Johnson 5:30a-10a
Glenn Beck 10a-Noon
Michael Berry on Noon-2p
Matt Patrick 2p-5p
Joe Pags 5p-8p
Outlaw Dave 8p-10p


The new schedule goes into effect Monday, April 28th.

This means that both Michael Berry and Joe Pags return to the big 9-5-0 after an absence. Pags was taken off the 950 morning show last year in April. Outlaw Dave moves to a later time slot again. So where does that leave former nooner Michael Garfield aka "The High Tech Texan?"


The station is quick to point out that Garfield is sticking with his technology based weekend show. As mentioned in the tweet, Garf has been around the station for a long time. He also has a Sunday show called "Wealth911.com."

I hear that Garf might be expanding his radio empire sooner than later. As I've written before, Garfield is the technology correspondent for North Texas powerhouse WFAA (KHOU 11's DFW Gannett sister station).

Heck, I'm just waiting on Garf to return to TV with James Franco!

Monday, April 21, 2014

790 KBME goes live and local from 6 to 6

Sportstalk 790 KBME to adjust schedule and go live and local from 6am to 6pm

Sportstalk 790 KBME is shifting The Jay Mohr Show from mid-days to evenings, moving Matt Thomas to mid-days from early afternoons and giving Charlie Pallilo more time and an earlier start. Here is the full Clear Channel Houston press release:

790 KBME, Houston’s Home for Sports Talk, announced today that it will feature live and local programming from 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. beginning Monday, The lineup will continue to feature the No. 1 morning sports show in Houston, The Proper Gentlemen with Lance Zierlein and Adam Clanton from 6-9:00 a.m. and the No. 1 midday sports show, In the Trenches with Greg Koch and N.D. Kalu from 9-11:00 a.m. Matt Thomas moves to 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., The Drive Home with Charlie Pallilo moves to 2-6:00 p.m. and Jay Mohr will be featured at night from 6-9:00 p.m.

"Sportstalk 790 is constantly getting feedback from local sports fans regarding who and what they want to hear on Houston sports talk radio,” said Bryan Erickson, Director of AM Programming, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Houston. “They told us they wanted more of their favorite Sportstalk 790 hosts and that is why we are pleased to announce our new
lineup featuring live local sports talk all day, the Houston Astros, Houston Rockets and one of the funniest sports radio talents, Jay Mohr, at night.”

The KBME Sportstalk 790 programming line-up:
• The Proper Gentlemen with Lance Zierlein & Adam Clanton from 6-9:00 a.m.
• In the Trenches with Koch & Kalu from 9-11:00 a.m.
• The Matt Thomas Show from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• The Drive Home with Charlie Pallilo 2-6:00 p.m.
• The Jay Mohr Show 6-9:00 p.m.


RELATED
950 KPRC schedule changes 2014



Friday, April 18, 2014

Did KHOU 11 ride the ethics line to South Texas?

How a ride for a story subject from a KHOU 11 reporter has some other journalists seeing red

UPDATE MARCH 03, 2015
Malini Basu leaves KHOU 11 for WFXT Boston

There are some Houston media folks who are a little upset about a recent story that spanned from the Houston area to Harlingen, TX and how they say one television station inserted itself too much into the equation.

It involves an alleged kidnapped teen girl who was taken to South Texas from Magnolia. Here is where the controversy starts, according to some media folks, as described in KHOU 11's own story:

The mom said she had no way of getting to Harlingen and asked KHOU 11 News Reporter Malini Basu for a ride. The trio picked up the girl at a police station early Thursday morning and then returned to Houston.

Malini Basu
Malini Basu
Complaints I received and posts on social media said this ride crossed the ethical line from "objectivity to advocacy." They add that by controlling the situation with a ride for the mother, the station was attempting to secure greater access and exclusive situations for its camera.

However other stations like KTRK abc13 did get an interview and video of the mom and daughter in Harlingen. You can see a channel 13 mic flag in KHOU's own video.

I am not a journalism ethics expert, so I turned to someone who is, The Poynter Institute’s senior faculty for broadcasting and online Al Tompkins.

"Why could cops not help the family," Tompkins asked in his response to mikemcguff.com.

KHOU news director Philip Bruce explained in a statement to mikemcguff.com that it was not that simple:

The mother came to our reporter Malini Basu late yesterday, desperate to find a way to reach her daughter in South Texas, who was in CPS custody. The family told us no law enforcement or social service agency was volunteering to get her back home to Magnolia. The mom was frantic. She said they had no transportation or money to get to Harlingen. For whatever reason, she asked Malini if there was any way that we could help her. She came to us. We talked about it and decided that on a very human level, why shouldn’t we help if no one else would.

I told Malini we absolutely would not lock the mom and daughter away from other media---that’s not what this was. We disclosed immediately last night on social media that we were giving the mom a ride so everyone would know. We did the same thing when we were bringing them home this morning. We never told the mother not talk to other media---in fact, she talked to pretty much everyone on the phone and on camera when she got to Harlingen and then came home.

We got nothing more in Harlingen than anyone else when the mom and daughter were reunited. Everyone got the reunion and the return home. Everyone had a chance to talk to both of them. And everyone who wanted to interview and shoot pictures of them did.

That’s how we “inserted” ourselves as you describe it.

We all race to people’s homes when they face these tragedies and usually it’s all about showing their pain and misery and moving on. This time, a very sincere and desperate mother asked us to help. We stopped long enough to realize that giving her a ride was something a human being might do. We got no tangible competitive advantage from it—as I said, everyone got everything we got—or had the chance to. Everybody got the story just as quickly as we did. Did it compromise our objectivity---not unless you can imagine some positive reasons why a troubled child was abducted that we failed to report.

I’m not sure if the mom asked another reporter to help her. I am glad that we answered her plea, even if it made us a target for some. That’s their right to criticize. We did something real that made a huge difference for this family. I can tell you, when we look at that mom and daughter back together—we feel good. Sorry if others don’t.

Those out there in media land who were angry about the ride emailed me that other Houston stations have policies against this. So I asked KTRK abc13 and KPRC 2 if this is true. KTRK did not respond but KPRC did.

“We do not have a policy specific to that type of situation," Deborah Collura, Managing Director of News for KPRC-TV, told mikemcguff.com. "We would look at everything on a case by case basis and do what’s best.”

My take is this is a murky situation. Television stations have helped out people for years. KTRK Consumer advocate Marvin Zindler built an entire station around this concept. You might argue that Zindler's work was not hard news like the case of a kidnapped girl.

Television news is usually criticized for exploiting people in the quest of the big get and ratings. Here is a case where a TV station helped out and got the story. I wasn't there on the ground obviously, but it seems like every other news crew got the story too, even if one of them provided a ride.

UPDATE MARCH 03, 2015
Malini Basu leaves KHOU 11 for WFXT Boston


Wednesday, April 16, 2014

New York TV reporter reacts to KPRC 2 news clip

WPIX 11 reporter Mario Diaz comments on 1989 KPRC 2 newscast video


Last month I posted some Classic Houston TV news clips. One of those videos was of a 1989 KPRC 2 newscast. That clip sure caught the attention of mikemcguff.com reader and WPIX 11 reporter Mario Diaz (not the Director of the City of Houston Department of Aviation, although I hope he is a reader too).

Here is how Diaz remembered it in his email to me:

I'm based in New York City as a reporter / fill-in anchor for WPIX-TV. However, I spent several years of my youth living in Lake Jackson. This said, I grew up on Houston television. To this day, I have many fond memories of my time spent there.

I wanted to shoot you a note of appreciation for the old clips recently showcased on the blog. The one link from 5/89 generated much curiosity --- since I left the Houston area two weeks later when my parents were relocated to Las Vegas. Now, what makes that link even more personal is that Brazoswood High School was mentioned in the newscast regarding an undercover cop at the school and the arrest of 20+ students. Well, I was a junior at Brazoswood when it all went down. I remember it well since Lake Jackson was quaint and these arrests occurred at the height of 21 Jump Street's fame. We were all stunned at the students who got arrested and how it happened.

Well, I was on the train in NYC yesterday and I about fell over when I watched the link. I've shared that story with my wife in the past, so she was blown away in watching it yesterday.

Diaz tells me he still makes it back to Houston for both work and pleasure. While an anchor in Tampa, Diaz was one of the first journalists at the Astrodome to cover the New Orleans evacuees fleeing Katrina's aftermath.

As Texas TV staffers get ready to submit to the Lone Star EMMY Chapter, Diaz just celebrated a win at the New York Emmy Awards. Congrats!


As for Ken Kalthoff, the reporter forever frozen in time in the video embedded above, I found him at KXAS in Dallas-Fort Worth as a reporter.

RELATED
Hilary Whittier sneaks into Fox 26 after WPIX NY


Tuesday, April 15, 2014

May TV sweeps story ideas 2014

Some of these television sweeps stories have never been done before


I think by now you realize I enjoy spotlighting some cliched TV sweeps ideas mixed in with some more serious ones. It's an added bonus for overworked television producers and reporters. However, the stories I've collected from real news sites for May 2014 are totally over the top.

If that's not enough, here are even more ideas of over the top sweeps ideas THAT HAVE APPARENTLY NEVER BEEN DONE BEFORE. These came from consulting with actual TV industry sources. We'll call it the dream file.

From the Chupacabra to the werewolf diet, these stories might have my readers rolling their eyes, but TV managers will probably eat them up. In fact, for February 2014 sweeps, some of my suggestions were used on Houston TV stations!

Child identity theft: Your child's ID is a big target
Child identity theft is a huge problem because it can go undetected for years. One study says 1 in 10 children have someone else using their Social Security number.

The Overprotected Kid
A preoccupation with safety has stripped childhood of independence, risk taking, and discovery—without making it safer. A new kind of playground points to a better solution.
- Does a baby's name affect its chances in life?

Houston man claims he spotted Chupacabra
A true TV news classic! Man snaps several photos of animal in backyard of Doliver Point gated community. Is it really the chupacabra?

Adam Carolla, Podcasters Enlist Congress to Fight "Patent Trolls"
So why do I care about this story out of California? The lawsuit against podcaster Adam Carolla comes from Beaumont and could be very far reaching experts say.

Brazilian butt lifts top 2013 plastic surgeries
A list of 2013′s most popular cosmetic procedures shows that Brazilian butt lifts are quickly rising to the top. Could it be Kim Kardashian’s fault?

Women with persistent genital arousal disorder: 'People hear orgasm and they think it's a good thing'
Sufferers of PGAD can feel constantly on the brink of an orgasm. One thing they all share is pain, and distress at the way their condition is covered in the media

'Werewolf diet' attracts celebrities, critics
It's called the "Werewolf Diet." Celebrities such as Madonna and Demi Moore have reportedly followed it.

School Has Become Too Hostile to Boys
And efforts to re-engineer the young-male imagination are doomed to fail

Go Vegan For Your Sex Drive
6 Reasons Veganism Holds The Key For A Healthy Sex Life

New cosmetic cheek filler claims to last for years
Voluma XC, a Hyaluronic acid filler apparently lasts longer.

SkinPen Hailed as Newest Breakthrough in Anti-Aging Treatment
Step aside pricey wrinkle creams, and make room for the latest anti-aging product: the SkinPen.

Houston hookups
Hottest spots to find a fling - this one has never been done as far as I can tell.

Organizing your orgasm
The practical guide for sex and the busy mom - cannot find an instance of this being done yet.

Show us your dongle
For the techie types, how people are watching Internet TV using Google's Chromecast and other devices.

Houston's real Mad Men and Women
Who are the commercial mover and shakers in Houston [or insert your market]?

'Selfie' Trend Leads to More Plastic Surgery
The trend toward taking 'selfies' everywhere has resulted in an odd side effect, an increase in elective plastic surgery.

Is your child safe online?
Whether it's their cell phones or laptops, your child's favorite online apps could be putting them at risk.

RELATED
- February TV sweeps story ideas 2014
- November TV sweeps story ideas 2013




Monday, April 14, 2014

From TV news to Houston parent news

KHOU 11's Len Cannon, Sasha & Bernadette Verzosa

When Bernadette Verzosa and her husband, KHOU 11 anchor Len Cannon, brought daughter Sasha, 6, into the world, the new mom did not expect to launch a parenting website.

"There was so much valuable 'playground chatter' information being passed from parent to parent that was not being recorded," Verzosa told mikemcguff.com. "There were so many amazing family programs and kids’ classes around town that were not being documented or credited with their important impact."

So two years ago, Verzosa launched ParentsPost.com - The Sharing Tree, to help empower Houston parents with knowledge of everything relevant to family life.

Verzosa's background as a New York City TV special projects and news producer came in handy when creating a new website. But instead of covering the US military presence in the Philippines or travelling to Brazil to report on Carnival in Rio, this time her news gathering focused on parents and their kids.

"I wanted to create a website that was editorially driven - that means helpful articles and substantial information," Verzosa told me. "What I found in Houston were advertising-driven publications that looked like directories – they weren't publicizing some of the best family programs because the programs were not advertising with them.

"ParentsPost is in the style of old-fashioned newspapers with regard to valuable information and integrity. The articles are objective and well researched with interviews with parents and experts and sociological statistics and perspective. It’s not a personal blog - I write about everyone else’s opinions and family experiences – I rarely write about my own opinions or family experiences!"

Verzosa and Cannon met in New Orleans in the early 1990s. They later reconnected at the Atlanta Olympics. She was working at a local TV news station, he was covering the Olympics for NBC. They got married in 1997.

As you might imagine, having a former Dateline NBC correspondent and current Houston TV anchor nearby is a big plus.

"Len is Head Proof Reader of ParentsPost," Verzosa told me. "I’m always calling him to check articles for typos. But really, he helps me in all ways possible – with feedback, suggestions, and by sharing ParentsPost with the people he meets. Also, he takes care of our daughter when I have to work on weekends."

Having journalists for parents is also starting to rub off on the youngest Cannon.

"Sasha has told us she wants to run her own website when she grows up, and she wants to call it LoveMyMommy.com," Verzosa admits. "Of course, she amused us with these words, but as a journalist I’m especially glad Len was there and can corroborate my story!"

www.parentspost.com

RELATED
Mike McGuff talks H-Town parenting on KUHF's 'Houston Matters'



Friday, April 11, 2014

'Draft Day' works in cameo for Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys


Kevin Costner is back in Draft Day which opens today. I saw an advanced screening thanks to Summit Entertainment, Levenson Group and Houston Cinema Arts Society.

On the day of the NFL Draft, general manager Sonny Weaver (Kevin Costner) has the opportunity to save football in Cleveland when he trades for the number one pick. He must quickly decide what he's willing to sacrifice in pursuit of perfection as the lines between his personal and professional life become blurred on a life-changing day for a few hundred young men with dreams of playing in the NFL.

Think FOX's 24 without Kiefer, explosions, gunshots and torture. It stars Costner, Houston's own Jennifer Garner and Denis Leary in full jerk glory as a former Dallas Cowboys coach (go figure). And if you've ever dreamed of seeing NFL commissioner Roger Goodell act, then this is the movie for you.

Oh, and I should mention, no one loses an eye like in Any Given Sunday.

Houston Texans fans will be excited that H-Town makes an appearance with Reliant (soon to be NRG) Stadium having a cameo.

Naturally football fans will probably like the movie, but even non-sports fans can find something to like. So if you want a fairly family friendly flick, I suggest Draft Day.

Film buffs might be interested in an odd split screen effect director Ivan Reitman used throughout the film.



Thursday, April 10, 2014

R.E.M. & Green Day's Record Store Day 2014 releases

R.E.M's Unplugged: The Complete 1991 And 2001 Sessions and Green Day's Demolicious to be released on Record Store Day 2014 April 19th

Record Store Day 2014, which falls on April 19th, will see two iconic bands release some unheard goodies for vinyl loving fans.

 photo REM-Unplugged-cover-art_zps70e364e2.jpgWho could forget R.E.M.'s performances on MTV's seminal series "Unplugged?" The Athens, Georgia band was the only group to headline the series twice - once in 1991 and then again in 2001.

The songs from the performances were never released, but Rhino is changing that. The record company is releasing Unplugged: The Complete 1991 And 2001 Sessions containing every performance from the original broadcasts, as well as 11 songs that never aired.

Drummer Bill Berry, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills, and singer Michael Stipe recorded their first “Unplugged” session in 1991. Much of the performance spotlights songs from R.E.M.’s then-current album Out of Time, which sold over 18 million copies worldwide and was the band’s first #1 album in the U.S. From the album, the band performed “Radio Song,” “Low” and its biggest American hit, “Losing My Religion.”

The remainder of the set list spans eight years of music and touches on five different albums, mixing “Perfect Circle” from R.E.M.’s 1983 debut Murmur and fan-favorites like “Fall On Me” and “Its The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” with a cover of The Troggs’ “Love Is All Around.” Five songs that never aired can be heard on this set for the first time, including two tracks from the multi-platinum Green – “Get Up” and “World Leader Pretend.”

R.E.M. made an extremely rare second appearance on “Unplugged” in 2001, but this time without original drummer Bill Berry, who left the band in 1997. For the show, the band focused mainly on its 12th studio album Reveal – which came out that year – with performances of the singles “Imitation of Life” and “All The Way To Reno (You’re Gonna Be A Star).” The song selection draws from eight different albums with “So. Central Rain” from 1984’s Reckoning, “Cuyahoga” from 1986’s Lifes Rich Pageant and “Find The River,” the elegiac album closer from the 1992 classic Automatic For The People.

This collection uncovers six songs from the session that were never broadcast, including tracks from Reveal and Up (1998), as well as a haunting and tranquil re-imagination of the band’s breakthrough single, “The One I Love” from 1987’s Document.

Rhino will release both performances as a limited edition, four-LP set for Record Store Day on the 4/19. Following their vinyl debut, both “Unplugged” performances will be released on CD and digitally on May 20.

Green Day is also releasing a collection of 18 demo songs for Record Store Day 2014. Demolicious was recorded at Jingletown Studios in Oakland, CA, in 2012 during sessions for the group's Green Day ¡Uno!, Green Day ¡Dos!, Green Day ¡Tré! trilogy.

The two-disc set will be released on red or clear vinyl, and will also be available on CD and cassette.

In addition to the demos, Demolicious includes a previously unreleased track, "State of Shock," and an acoustic version of "Stay The Night" from Green Day ¡Uno!.

For a list of participating stores, please visit www.recordstoreday.com.

Zahid Arab joins Fox 4 KDFW

Zahid Arab joins the KDFW FOX 4 from KING Seattle

Zahid Arab
Zahid Arab
Zahid Arab joins the KDFW FOX 4 news team as a general assignment reporter, announced Robin Whitmeyer, Vice President and News Director for the station. Beginning April 25th, he will contribute to various station newscasts.

Most recently, Arab served as a reporter for KING-TV in Seattle. Prior to that, he was a reporter for KLAS-TV in Las Vegas. Earlier in his career, Arab was a nightside reporter and anchor for KHNL/KFVE, in Honolulu, HI and a reporter and photojournalist for KCAU-TV in Sioux City, IA. He began his career as an investigative intern for KPHO-TV in Phoenix.

Added Arab, "When it comes to engaging and responsible reporting, KDFW sets the standard. It's an honor to join a team that reflects the community it serves."

A graduate of Arizona State University, Arab holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism & Mass Communications.

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




Wednesday, April 09, 2014

Alice Barr joins KHOU 11 from KCTV5 Kansas City

UPDATE APRIL 11, 2016
Alice Barr leaves KHOU for KXAS NBC 5 DFW

Alice Barr leaves KCTV5 Kansas City to report for KHOU 11

Alice Barr
Alice Barr
Alice Barr is joining KHOU 11 as a reporter from KCTV5 in Kansas City where she has been since April 2012.

"I can't wait to get started at KHOU," Barr told mikemcguff.com. "I'm thrilled to be joining a team of journalists with a reputation for uncovering the big stories and telling them well.

"I'm also looking forward to exploring Houston and the Lone Star State. I'll be taking recommendations for any hidden treasures to visit, as well as story ideas. I know there is so much happening in the news, and in the city, in Houston and I'm excited to dive in."

Barr previously served as a reporter for KGAN and KFXA, the CBS and FOX affiliates in Cedar Rapids, IA, from 2009 to 2012. Before that she was as an MMJ Reporter for WIFR, the CBS affiliate in Rockford, IL, from 2006 to 2009.

A quick detour to the network took Barr to Washington DC where she was a desk assistant at ABC’s Nightline in the fall of 2006. She got her start in local television news as a reporter for KULR-8 News, the NBC affiliate, in Billings, MT, in 2005.

While earning her degree as a student at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, Barr interned at CNN's The Capital Gang, ABC's Nightline and National Geographic.

In her KCTV5 bio, it stated Barr was trying to learn to like running. Did she ever cross that finish line while in KC?

"I still have a love/hate relationship with running," Barr admitted to me. "We're working on it and I'm hoping the Buffalo Bayou can help!"

Barr starts with the Gannett Houston station later this month.

Embedded below is a story Barr did while at KCTV5.

UPDATE APRIL 11, 2016
Alice Barr leaves KHOU for KXAS NBC 5 DFW




Tuesday, April 08, 2014

KTRK knocks its policy, Rock 101 stars return to Houston radio, plus more


MORE VIDEO
- Wyman Meinzer talks photography tips with mikemcguff.com
- Scuffle Breaks Out On-Air When Protester Interrupts CBS Reporter
- ‘The Wind Just Blew Me Over. We’re Gonna Throw it Back to You Guys’
- KARE Anchor Walks Off Set After Hearing Snow in Forecast
- David Letterman Announces His Retirement from the Late Show
- After Jimmy Kimmel Makes Makes Fun of Him, KTLA Reporter Fights Back
- Unicorn Appears in Jacksonville Reporter’s Live Shot
- KCEN Waco’s Unfortunate Fact of Life: Tragedies
- KWTX Goes Long With Promo For News Special
- 2014 Texans Cheerleader Tryouts (Video/Photos)
- Dale Hansen Bobblehead

Former KLOL jock plans return to radio from home in Cypress
Former Rock 101 KLOL radio jock and current gun store owner Jim Pruett announced on Facebook Sunday that he and Colonel St. James will be returning to the airwaves within the month on a small FM station based near Cypress.

No-knock policy bars TV station staff from rapping on crime suspects’ doors
KTRK abc13 is telling its staff not to knock on the doors of crime suspects.
- Houston News Director adopts “no knock” policy for reporters chasing criminal suspects

2013 Texas APME Awards List
The Texas Associated Press Managing Editors presented its 2013 journalism awards

WFAA documentary 'Rise Up, West' debuts almost a year after blast
Around 1,000 people attended the debut of the WFAA documentary "Rise Up, West" on Sunday afternoon.  The 66-minute story chronicles the journey of the West High School football team in the months after the April 17, 2013 fertilizer plant explosion that killed 15 people in the Central Texas town.

Radio's Donna McKenzie joins UH performance
Audiences are used to hearing Donna McKenzie's voice precede songs by rock n' roll legends. Soon, her silky vocals will narrate a special concert dedicated to the founders of American popular music. McKenzie is teaming up with the University of Houston's Moores Jazz Orchestra to present "The Great American Songbook" on April 16. The concert will celebrate the works of Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Jerome Kern and Harold Arlen. McKenzie will deliver narration in between numbers to offer insight on each composer and his work while projected images will transport audiences back to the early 20th century for a glimpse at America's past.

Astros file another appeal in CSN Houston case
The Astros are appealing a second case to U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes, this time involving the civil lawsuit filed against Comcast and former Astros owner Drayton McLane.

Univision to host two new English channels this fall
Katz Broadcasting will be launching two new channels, female-skewed Escape and male-oriented Grit, this summer on Univision 45 KXLN.

Former Fox 7 anchor joins PR agency
Former Fox 7 anchor Keri Bellacosa has landed a new gig.

Zack & Jim extension
The popular Zack & Jim radio team on “Waco 100” will have another three years to keep morning motorists entertained.

Texas’ Waco Tribune-Herald names editor
Steve Boggs has been named editor of the Waco Tribune-Herald.

MOVING

Edd Hendee is leaving KSEV 700.

Kristen Guilfoos joins KBTX in Bryan, Texas, as morning anchor.

APPRECIATION Of BOOTED NEWS WOMEN BLOG
- Jennifer Reyna Gives Winter The Boot In Houston
- Katherine Whaley Springs In To Action
- Box Top Boots For Rita Garcia In Houston
- Amanda Guerra Wears Black Suede In Big D

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Natasha Barrett joins KTRK abc13 from WJLA Washington DC
- Mary Benton returns to KPRC feeling 100%
- Simon Gutierrez exits KTRK abc13 for KPTV Portland
- Brian Collister exits KTRK abc13 for KXAN
- Where is Fox 26 KRIV's Andrea Watkins?
- Adela Uchida joins News 92 FM KROI
- KWTX and KBTX team up for Afghanistan war coverage
- Telemundo Houston signs with the undead


Friday, April 04, 2014

Telemundo Houston signs with the undead

Houston Zombie Walk teaming up with Telemundo Houston

The Houston Zombie Walk is thrilled to announce that it has signed an exclusivity contract with Telemundo Houston to boost its fundraising efforts for charities that assist abused and abandoned children and animals. The Zombie Walk and the Houston Halloween Festival is Houston's most unique charity organization, involved in dozens of events year round, and now Telemundo will help raise awareness, too. Telemundo is now the official Spanish network of the Houston Zombie Walk and the Houston Halloween Fest.

“Telemundo Houston is dedicated in supporting local events that enrich the lives of Houston families,” said JC Perez, Telemundo Houston's Marketing Director. “We are very excited to partner up with Houston Halloween Festival in October as the Hispanic media partner.”

HZW founder Darren Tompkins stated, “This type of mass media communication is something we’ve always been looking to score. We cannot wait until you see our commercials running on the network! Be on the lookout as Telemundo will be pushing us at every major festival and sporting event throughout the year!”

The next major event is the annual Halfway to Halloween Pub Crawl on May 3rd. More information on that fun-filled event will be coming in the near future!

(This post is from a press release sent to me by The Houston Zombie Walk)






Thursday, April 03, 2014

KWTX and KBTX team up for Afghanistan war coverage

With Fort Hood in its coverage area, KWTX teamed up with sister station KBTX to cover soldiers in Afghanistan

During Wednesday's Fort Hood shooting, Waco's KWTX was a constant presence on television screens across the nation as its coverage was picked up by local stations and cable news channels.

With Killeen in its coverage area, the CBS affiliate is constantly covering the largest active duty armored post in the United States Armed Services.

This is why in a time when the War in Afghanistan doesn't get as much coverage as it used to, KWTX and Gray Television sister station KBTX in Bryan/College Station are still reporting from the Middle East.

The army invited KWTX to report out of Afghanistan, and news director Virgil Teter opted to bring in support from KBTX, since Texas A&M has a high presence in Fort Hood's Afghanistan deployment.

Steve Fullhart
Steve Fullhart
KBTX anchor/executive producer Steve Fullhart and KWTX Bell County Bureau Chief Rachel Cox embedded themselves with the army and shot their own footage without the help of a photographer.

"Steve is a tremendous story teller and photographer," KWTX and KBTX general manager Mike Wright told mikemcguff.com. "The combination greatly improve achieving our goals for being there."

Wright says this was the perfect opportunity to bring local stories back home to Texas.

Rachel Cox
Rachel Cox
"The intent was to not be a media entity that simply goes to post pictures from there 'just because they are there,' or to use technology to say 'hey - here we are live in Afghanistan,'" Wright told me. "The goal was to find stories that as closely as possible accurately reflect what is happening there as the US prepares for a draw down in that region."

The duo shot for their respective newscasts and then produced a half-hour special called Assignment Afghanistan. You can watch it here plus see their other daily stories from the trip.

"We are proud of the joint effort between KWTX and KBTX and seek to do more of these types of things in the future," Wright added.


Adela Uchida joins News 92 FM KROI

Former KTRK abc13 weekend anchor Adela Uchida dumps TV for radio at News 92 FM KROI

Adela Uchida
Adela Uchida
Adela Uchida is joining News 92 FM KROI as a reporter the station confirms to me.

This morning Uchida tweeted "It's official..." which I guess references the new gig. Her Twitter followers seemed to be confused by this.

As you probably know, Uchida was the weekend anchor at KTRK abc13 for nearly six years until early January.

She came to Houston from WILX (Channel 10) in Lansing, Michigan where she was the 6 and 11pm anchor. She also worked in Colorado and Arizona.

She starts for the all news Radio One station today.

UPDATE

From news92fm.com:

“We are thrilled to have Adela on our team, and believe she will add to our bench strength and social media presence,” News 92 FM Program Director Alan Furst said.

“I’m really excited to join a fast-growing news organization,” Adela said. “And I’m super excited to stay in Houston.”

“Adela’s hiring adds to our unwavering commitment to delivering Houstonians in-depth coverage,” Radio One Regional Vice President Doug Abernethy said.



Where is Fox 26 KRIV's Andrea Watkins?

Andrea Watkins to return to Fox 26 KRIV after long absence

Andrea Watkins
Andrea Watkins 
Fox 26 KRIV fans have been emailing me two big reporter related questions: Where is Ford Atkinson? And where is Andrea Watkins?

Last month, the Fox owned and operated station said Atkinson retired after being off the air since December.

Watkins also pulled a disappearing act from the station's airwaves and social media around early January. However, as of late, she is tweeting again and says she is returning to duty.


Watkins tweets she is coming back next week, but not on her regular morning shift. Her new shift will be on the 5pm and 9pm newscasts.

Watkins joined the Fox-26 reporting team in 1990, starting as a producer and weekend anchor. She had a public battle with breast cancer in 2011.




Wednesday, April 02, 2014

Brian Collister exits KTRK abc13 for KXAN

Brian Collister exits KTRK abc13 for investigative gig at KXAN Austin

Brian Collister
Brian Collister

I told you how KTRK 13 Undercover investigative reporter Brian Collister was leaving the Houston ABC owned and operated station after a year, and now we learn where he is ending up in Texas.

Austin's KXAN just issued a news release on its website saying Collister is heading to the state capital to use his investigative skills:

KXAN News Director Chad Cross announced the addition of longtime investigative reporter Brian Collister to the KXAN Investigates team.

Collister specializes in uncovering stories of fraud, corruption and government waste. He is a licensed private investigator and board member of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. Collister is also a widely-recognized member of the national organization, Investigative Reporters and Editors.

“Brian has earned a reputation throughout Texas and across the country as a powerful investigative reporter who gets results and holds powerful people accountable,” said Cross. “His hire speaks volumes about our station and company; investigative journalism is a top priority.”

Joining KXAN is a return to Austin for Collister. He started building his career as an investigative reporter in Central Texas, then continued his work in Phoenix, San Antonio and Houston. His awards include seven regional Emmys.

“He has more than two decades’ experience digging into stories all around Texas. Because KXAN News focuses on in-depth, investigative journalism, it’s crucial to have reporters like Brian on our team,” said Cross. “He’s an expert at using our lawful right to access public information. He knows who to talk to, where to get the answers viewers want.”

Collister is a native Texan and graduate of Sam Houston State University.


This will be a Central Texas return for Collister who previously worked at Fox 7 KTBC as an investigative journalist.