Demond Fernandez moves to WFAA from KTRK abc13

Demond Fernandez leaves KTRK abc13 for WFAA 8 Dallas-Fort Worth

Demond Fernandez

After three years, KTRK abc13 reporter Demond Fernandez is exiting the ABC owned and operated station and heading up I-45 North.

That's right...Big D...and WFAA 8 news director Carolyn Mungo confirms to mikemcguff.com Fernandez is joining her legendary newsroom.

"I've enjoyed three awesome years in Houston," Fernandez told mikemcguff.com. "I'd like to thank the ABC 13 viewers, neighbors and community members across the area who trusted me to help tell their stories. I'm very excited about this new journey in my career."

Someone pointed out to me on Facebook this is a case of KHOU owner Gannett, stealing from the competition in Houston and moving it to its own station in DFW.

It's fitting that Fernandez makes the next stop of career in the Lone Star State, since he moved up to Houston from San Antonio's WOAI. Hey, he likes Texas.

Fernandez recently made some news at KTRK when the station reported he had a gun pulled on him while reporting a story.

Clearly nothing gets in his way of the scoop.

According to Fernandez's bio, he was at WOAI for six years. Before that he worked at WEYI Newscenter 25 in Flint, Michigan, as a weekend anchor, crime reporter, “On Your Side” investigator and Newscenter 25’s “Consumer Watchdog.” Fernandez got his start at WSYM Fox 47 News in Lansing, Michigan as a general assignment reporter by day and a student at Thomas Cooley Law School by night.

Since Fernandez will remain in Texas TV, maybe I'll get a chance to write about him in the future.

UPDATE: Fernandez says on Facebook he will leave in early June, no word on when he actually starts at WFAA.

KTRK DEPARTURES IN 2014
- Katie McCall exits KTRK abc13
- Christi Myers to retire from KTRK abc13
- Adela Uchida gone from abc13 KTRK with expanded weekend news on the way
- Brian Collister to leave KTRK abc13
- Simon Gutierrez exits KTRK abc13 for KPTV Portland

Did Dave Ward, Ed Brandon and Bob Allen really walk around Houston together all the time?

Former KTRK abc13 staffer Margaret Shilstone reveals how Will Ferrell's 'Anchorman' got it right


Margaret Shilstone worked for the KTRK abc13 promotions department for decades. After I posted about Dave Ward's lost 1972 promos, Shilstone wrote a guest blog post for us talking about the good old days of TV marketing.

I loved watching the “lost” Dave Ward promos on your blog. Textbook 70s!

I was part of the KTRK Promotion/Creative Services department for 35 years and began my career working in a two-person promo team along with Charlie Wolf. I can’t recall how many of those “Move Closer to Your World” promos we produced in the 70s. After watching the Ward promos, you can understand the authenticity of the promo scenes during that era if you saw “Anchorman” with Will Ferrell.

During promo shoots, Charlie and I - as well as Dave Ward, Ed Brandon and Bob Allen (who replaced Dan Lovett) – would always laugh when we shot the final promo scene of the anchors walking downtown, going to the zoo, etc. We were certain we had successfully convinced Houston viewers that our three anchors hung out together all the time! Sometimes I wonder if the “happy anchor family” final scene used by all stations, everywhere, could have been the precursor to the term, “dysfunctional family”! Luckily that wasn’t the case with our news team because they really were – and I think still are friends.

There were only three news stations to choose from in the 70s. Channel 13 was the big hitter and we used to joke that the station could put up a test pattern and still win the time period. In the 90s, Tom Ash joined the station. The department size increased and we used place bets we could get an 18-rating for the 10pm news just because of how we promoted the lead stories. Only an 18-rating? Sometimes, we even succeeded in getting a 20+!

Those “smug” days ended with the advent of cable as we watched the number of channels and choices increase weekly. Rather than splitting “the pie into thirds”, stations today face a 200+ piece of pie to split. I compare today’s audience competition with the saying, “It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there and I have on Milk Bone underwear!”

Thanks Margaret. These days you can find Shilstone performing marketing/communications duties for the Family Services of Greater Houston which is celebrating 110 years of service in the community.

RELATED
KPRC, KHOU, KTRK newscast opens from 1979 to present; plus DFW too

KTRK abc13 promos through the years that are available on YouTube:

Fox 4 KDFW declares wins in May 2014 sweeps

KDFW announces it sweeps May 2014 in North Texas

FOX 4 NEWS FIRST IN ADULTS 25-54 and ADULTS 18-49 IN MORNING, EARLY AND LATE NEWSCASTS
- #1 4:30-9am, beating all local and national morning programs
- #1 at 5, 5:30 and 6pm, beating local and national competition
- #1 Late News

Morning News
Ø “Good Day” (Mon-Fri 4:30-9:00am) placed #1 in the market again.
HH: 3.2/14 rtg/shr.

A18-49: “Good Day” grew from a 1.3/15 rtg/shr to a 1.6/17 rtg/shr and is ranked #1.
A 25-54, “Good Day” was up from a 1.8/17 rtg/shr to a 1.9/16 rtg/shr and also claimed the #1 position in the market.

Ø Good Day (Mon-Fri 4:30-5:00am) was #1 in the time period.
HH: 1.2/8 HH rtg/shr

A18-49: “Good Day” grew from a 0.5/9 rtg/shr to a 0.7/10 rtg/shr and is ranked #1.
A 25-54: “Good Day” was essentially flat moving from a 0.7/11 rtg/shr to a 0.7/8 rtg/shr and also claimed the #1 position in the market.

Ø Good Day (Mon-Fri 5:00-6:00am) was #1 in the time period.
HH: 2.3/13 HH rtg/shr

A18-49: “Good Day” grew from a 1.1/16 rtg/shr to a 1.5/17 rtg/shr and is ranked #1.
A25-54: “Good Day” was up from a 1.4/18 to a 1.5/15 rtg/shr and also was #1 in the market.

Ø Good Day (Mon-Fri 6:00-7:00am) was #1 in the time period
HH: 3.8/16 rtg/shr

A18-49: “Good Day” grew from a 2.0/21 rtg/shr to a 2.1/22 rtg/shr and is ranked #1.
A 25-54, “Good Day” posted a 2.5/21 rtg/shr and was #1.

Ø Good Day (Mon-Fri 7:00-9:00am) was #1 in the time period.
HH: 3.9/14 rtg/shr

A18-49: “Good Day” grew from a 1.3/13 rtg/shr to a 1.6/16 rtg/shr and is ranked #1.
A25-54: “Good Day” was up from a 1.8/15 to a 2.0/15 rtg/shr and also was #1 in the market.

Early News
Ø FOX 4 News at 5pm (Mon-Fri 5:00-5:30pm)
HH: Increased in rtg/shr moving from a 3.0/7 rtg/shr to a 3.4/8 rtg/shr.

A18-49, FOX 4 News was #1 moving from a 1.0/7 rtg/shr to a 1.1/7 rtg/shr.
A 25-54, FOX 4 News increased from a 1.3/7 rtg/shr to a 1.5/8 rtg/shr and was #1 in the market.

Ø FOX 4 News at 530pm (Mon-Fri 5:30-6:00pm)
HH: Increased in rtg/shr moving from a 3.0/7 rtg/shr to a 3.1/7 rtg/shr.

A18-49, FOX 4 News was #1 moving from a 1.0/6 rtg/shr to a 1.3/7 rtg/shr.
A25-54, FOX 4 News increased from a 1.4/7 rtg/shr to a 1.6/8 rtg/shr and was #1 in the market.

Ø FOX 4 News at 6pm (Mon-Fri 6:00-6:30pm)
HH: Increased in rtg/shr moving from a 3.2/7 rtg/shr to a 3.3/7 rtg/shr.

A18-49, FOX 4 News was #1 moving from a 1.1/6 rtg/shr to a 1.4/6 rtg/shr.
A25-54: FOX 4 News increased from a 1.7/7 rtg/shr to a 1.8/7 rtg/shr and was #1 in the market.

Late News
Ø FOX 4 News at 9pm (Mon-Fri 9:00-10:00pm)
HH: 4.5/7 HH rtg/shr

A18-49: 2.2/6 rtg/shr and where we were the #1 late newscast in the market.
A25-54: FOX 4 News was flat with a 2.7/6 rtg/shr and was the #1 late news in the market.

Ø FOX 4 News at 10pm (Mon-Fri 10:00-10:30pm)
HH: 3.6/6 HH rtg/shr

A18-49: 1.8/5 rtg/shr where we were the #1 late newscast in the market.
A25-54, FOX 4 News posted a 2.3/6 rtg/shr.

KPRC 2 wins 10pm news race in May 2014 sweeps

Local 2 Remains Steady as Competition Declines

KPRC Local 2 scored a solid victory in the 10pm news race, winning four out of four weeks in both Monday thru Friday, and Monday thru Sunday key demographics for the May 2014 Nielsen ratings period.

In Adults 25-54, Monday-Friday 10pm ratings, KPRC was #1, holding a steady rating year-to-year while KHOU and KTRK were down 30% and 39% respectively:

KPRC 2.1
KHOU 1.9
KTRK 1.9

In Adults 25-54 Monday-Sunday, KPRC remained number #1 at 10pm:

KPRC 2.0
KHOU 1.8
KTRK 1.8

“It took a total team effort by everyone in the station”, said Vice President and General Manager Jerry Martin. “To win any major newscast in this highly competitive market is a great achievement so my hat is off to everyone in front of, and behind the camera who worked so hard for this.”

KPRC also had a strong showing in Mornings, winning the 5:30am-6am news time period for the 8th consecutive month, and showing the largest year-to-year gains of any station in the 6am-7am hour. KPRC was up 13%, closing the gap on KTRK who gained 5%, compared to losses of 33% by KHOU and 40% by KRIV.

All ratings are based on Nielsen Live + SD overnights A25-54, English only, for the measurement period of April 24th, 2014 through May 21st, 2014.

KPRC Local 2 is the NBC affiliate for Houston, TX. The station is owned by The Graham Holdings Company (NYSE: GHC) and is one of six Post-Newsweek stations along with WDIV Detroit, WPLG Miami, WKMG Orlando, KSAT San Antonio and WJXT
Jacksonville.

KPRC has long been an innovator as the first television station in Houston and the 12th in the nation. KPRC was the first in Houston to broadcast in color and the station that beamed Neil Armstrong’s famous words “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” across the world.

KPRC’s innovative spirit continues to this day through communications advances and community partnerships. Other KPRC properties include Click2Houston.com and THIStv.

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

Syan Rhodes joining KPRC 2 from WESH 2

Syan Rhodes joining KPRC 2 from WESH 2 Orlando as a general assignments reporter

Syan Rhodes

Syan Rhodes is leaving Orlando's WESH 2 for KPRC 2 in Houston. Hal Boedeker of the Orlando Sentinel reports that she will start at the Houston NBC affiliate Monday, July 7 as a general assignments reporter.

UPDATE APRIL 2023
Syan Rhodes to leave KPRC 2

"I'm excited to come home," Rhodes told mikemcguff.com via Twitter.

The Emmy-award winning journalist is currently the anchor of WESH 2 News on CW18 at 10:00. According to her bio, Rhodes joined WESH in November 2007 as the co-anchor of WESH 2 News Sunrise.

Before that she spent two years as weekend anchor at WMC-TV, the NBC affiliate in Memphis, Tenn., and three years as a reporter and weekend morning anchor at WBIR-TV, the NBC affiliate in Knoxville, Tenn. Rhodes also worked as an investigative reporter and weekend anchor at KETK-TV, the NBC affiliate in Tyler, Texas.

She is a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University and interned at KSNT-TV, the NBC affiliate in Topeka, Kan.




(H/T TVSpy)

Univision 45 KXLN declares May sweeps 2014 win

KXLN Univision 45 is number 1 in early and late local news among adults 18-49, regardless of language

KXLN Univision 45 Houston’s “Noticias 45 a las 5” (News 45 at 5) with anchors Michelle Galván and Osvaldo Corral and “Noticias 45 Edición Nocturna” (Late News 45) with Galván and Raul Peimbert finished the May 2014 sweep as the No. 1 early and late local newscasts, regardless of language, among Adults 18-49.

LOCAL NEWS RATINGS HIGHLIGHTS

· “Noticias 45 a las 5” weekdays at 5 p.m. is the No. 1, most watched, early local newscast among Adults 18-49, averaging 42,000 (1.5 rating) Adult 18-49 viewers, ahead of local KTRK-ABC, KPRC-NBC, KHOU-CBS, KRIV-FOX and KIAH-CW affiliates in Houston.

· Airing weekdays at 10 p.m, “Noticias 45 Edición Nocturna” also ranked No. 1, averaging 89,000 (3.1 rating) Adult 18-49 viewers, 85% more than No. 2 KPRC-NBC. Additionally, among Adults 25-54, “Noticias 45 Edición Nocturna” also ranks No. 1, averaging 85,000 (3.2 rating).

ADDITIONAL KXLN UNIVISION 45 HIGHLIGHTS

· In Daytime (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.), KXLN is the No. 1 station, averaging 35,000 (1.2 rating) Adult 18-49 viewers, 30% more than No. 2 KTRK-ABC.

· During the May sweep, KXLN achieved a higher primetime rating than all other broadcast stations including the major English-language network affiliates: KTRK-ABC, KPRC-NBC, KHOU-CBS and KRIV-FOX, averaging 79,000 (2.7 rating) viewers Adults 18-49 and 74,000 (2.7 rating) viewers Adults 25-54.

· KXLN’s was also the top ranked broadcast station in total day viewing averaged 39,000 Adults 18-49 viewers, 30% more than No. 2 KTRK-ABC.

Source: The Nielsen Company, NSI, May14 (04/24/14-05/21/14) 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 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 M-F 10:00p.m.-10:30p.m.; KRIV, KIAH, M-F 9:00p.m.-10:00p.m.; total day based on M-Sun 6:00a.m.-2:00a.m, all stations.

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

Hudson and Harrigan returning to Houston radio?

Randy Hames, who played Irv Harrigan on 100.3 KILT's Hudson and Harrigan for three decades, will fill-in for Sam Malone; and maybe we'll get an appearance by "Hudson" too

Just as my post about Corey Foley's sudden departure from The New Bull @ 100.3 KILT has been a well read story on my blog for a month, we now get news on someone from the morning show that was an institution before her's.

Randy Hames

Randy Hames, who played the last Irv Harrigan for nearly three decades on KILT's long running Hudson and Harrigan show, is making a return to the Houston airwaves (KLOL's Mark Stevens and Jim Pruett also took on the Hudson and Harrigan roles in the 1970s).

Salem Radio Houston's KNTH “AM 1070, The Answer” has hired Hames to fill in for morning man Sam Malone when he goes on vacation later this month. Hames' first Houston radio appearance since his days as Irv Harrigan will be Friday, May 30th on The Sam Malone Show from 7am to 10am.

"I've admired Sam's work dating all the way back to KRBE, and have always been intrigued by his transition from disc jockey to talk show host - something I've aspired to, as well," Hames told mikemcguff.com. "This will offer me the chance to make that leap, and I fully intend to make the most of it. I'm definitely a conservative, but I'm a bit more moderate than Sam, so his listeners may take exception with some of my opinions, but then again - that's what talk radio is all about, isn't it?"

This appearance on the Malone show will be Hames' return to Houston radio, but not radio in general. He hosted two nationally syndicated shows on the TKO Radio Network from 2010 to 2012.

"This is a completely different platform from my 30 years on the Hudson and Harrigan Show, and I will not be using the name Irv Harrigan," Hames explained to me. "Those were fun, heady days at KILT, where we dominated morning ratings for many years, but they are far behind me now. I do miss the guy who I was teamed up with on that show. He and I have been friends and radio business partners for 40 years. I'm hopeful I can talk him into making a cameo appearance on the Sam Malone Show, and we can rehash old comedy bits and relive some magical moments we shared on the air."

As for Fred Olson, who played Mac Hudson, Hames said his former partner is living the good life on his ranch far away from the hustle and bustle of radio.

These days, Hames is running a multi-media company called Edgewater Studios in Sugar Land, TX. He even gets to work with his son and daughter.

"We are well-qualified and equipped to provide the highest quality audio, video, photography and graphic design projects for everyone from large corporations to small companies," said Hames. "We've already produced several label-ready music projects for artists in genres ranging from hard rock to country to inspirational to urban."

Hames is not the only former Houston radio staffer to land at the Salem Radio Houston studios. Others include Chuck Tiller, Colonel St. James, Tom Fontaine, Marsha Lambeth, Ron Samuels, Mike Shiloh and others.

"I spent 10 years as the producer of the Hudson and Harrigan Show," said Chuck Tiller, Operations Manager at Salem Broadcasting. "It is with extreme pleasure that I was able to hire him as the Sam Malone Show fill-in guest host."

edgewater-studios.com

KPRC, KHOU, KTRK newscast opens from 1979 to present; plus DFW too

TV nerds get ready to burn hours of your time: Houston and Dallas newscast opens since the 70s!


Let's give a hand to YouTuber T.L. Hughes who has found major market local TV newscast opens from the 70s to the present. I've embedded the Houston and Dallas videos Hughes posted to his account (some Texas stations are not available at this time).

It's fascinating for a TV nerd like myself to watch the evolution of the local television newscast open. In watching the Houston clips, it's amazing to see today's talent in their early days, talent move from station to station, talent who moved to bigger jobs and other talent that were here and gone so fast I don't even remember them!

Get the popcorn ready and settle in your chair...CLICK HERE TO SEE THE TEXAS VIDEOS

KPRC 2 from 1983 to present

Texas TV job changes, former Texas news director dies plus more

MORE VIDEOS
- Dave Ward's lost 1972 promos FOUND!
- Anderson Cooper wipes up KPRC's 'serial pooper' story
- TV cameraman punched in face outside court
- Reality Behind Making Local News
- Someone Made a Supercut of KXRM Meteorologist’s Seinfeld References
- Weatherman busting up on air
- Heated Argument Explodes into Insane Brawl on Live TV
- Anchor Goes Off On Viewers Who Complained About Weather Warning
- KHOU photographer helps family forced out of home by snake
- Houston Photojournalist Rolling When Driver Careens Through Crowd
- Anchor Calls Fire Truck ‘F*ck Truck’ While Reading Story
- TV reporter grabs human poop with bare hands
- John McClain eats his words and a Chronicle sports page
- Saturday Night Live took another turn at making fun of Miami’s morning TV
- SA Live debut with Fiona Gorostiza 2014
- 104 KRBE Houston - Scott Sparks/Ryan Chase (1994)
- 104 KRBE Houston - Jingles by JAM (1984)
- Meteorologist Rescues Kitten from Tornado Rubble in Ohio

REMEMBERING
Former KBTX News Director, Anchor, Reporter Dies
KBTX's recently retired news director, Mike George, was found dead Sunday afternoon at his home in College Station.
- KBTX news director Mike George in Bryan/College Station is getting out of the TV [10/3/2013]

Solid, seasoned NBC5 reporter Randy McIlwain leaving for L.A. post at NBC-owned KNBC-TV
Randy McIlwain, a stalwart and standout general assignment reporter for the past 11-and-a-half years at Fort Worth-based NBC5, is heading West to join NBC-owned KNBC-TV in Los Angeles.

NBC5's latest newcomer is reporter Johnny Archer
Reporter Johnny Archer from WHAS-TV in Louisville, KY joined NBC5 this month and is no relation to The Green Arrow.

Ellen Bryan reports to NBC5 for early morning reporting duties
Fort Worth-based NBC5 has hired Ellen Bryan as a reporter for its early morning newscasts.

Dallas host walks off set over Michael Sam kiss
One of the hosts of a local Dallas morning show "The Broadcast" was so not happy after watching NFL draftee Michael Sam kiss his boyfriend and her co-anchors thinking it was OK, that she walked off the set during the broadcast.
- No one watched at the time, but it's been a nice after-party for KTXD's The Broadcast
- After Walking Off Set Over Michael Sam Kiss, Dallas TV Host Speaks to Fox News

Adrienne Roark leaving CBS11 as news director, heading to Portland, OR
Adrienne Roark, who joined CBS11 as news director on March 23, 2010, resigned Friday and will be joining CBS affiliate KOIN-TV in Portland, Oregon as that station’s general manager.

NBC 5 Disputes Use of Footage in Branch Political Ad
Republican candidate for Texas Attorney General Dan Branch is airing a new television ad that uses NBC 5 news footage.

Twitter storm erupts between Fort Worth councilman, Weather Channel
It began with a frustrated tweet from City Councilman Joel Burns over what he says were repeatedly ignored requests to The Weather Channel to stop associating photos of Dallas with Fort Worth.
- Weather Channel sets off storm on Twitter

Broadcast Hill property transferred to city of Fort Worth
As promised, NBC Universal has deeded its 66-year-old KXAS/Channel 5 facilities on Broadcast Hill in east Fort Worth to the city.

Texas-based radio station mocks Obama’s climate report
A Dallas-based radio station is pitching in to fight climate change — by declaring all of its programming “carbon neutral.”

John Harris replacing Rich Lord as Texans radio sideline reporter
New Texans media contributor John Harris will replace Rich Lord as sideline reporter for the team’s radio broadcasts this fall, Texans broadcasting director Marc Vandermeer said Thursday.

DirecTV Tells CSN Houston Where to Stick Its Teams
DirecTV wants nothing to do with the CSN Houston or the teams that broadcast games on that network. AT&T is doing fine without the network. So are the rest of the cable/satellite providers in the five-state CSN Houston market.

Radio newsman recovering from cancer surgery
Longtime Houston radio newsman JP Pritchard is resting his voice, but not his typing skills, as he recovers at home from surgery last week.

Media stars light up the runway for Star of Hope
It’s fun tradition among Houston media personalities: Walking the runway for the Star of Hope’s annual celebrity fashion show and luncheon.

Dan Patrick radio deal financed by S&L swindler
Republican Dan Patrick, the leading GOP contender for lieutenant governor, took over a Houston radio station years ago with funds borrowed from a businessman later convicted of looting tens of millions of dollars from a Louisiana savings and loan.

#6 Houston-Galveston TX
April 2014 Portable People Meter
KBME gets boost in April radio ratings
- April PPM Analysis For Houston

KSBJ announces fresh lineup to kick off summer
KSBJ welcomes a fresh face with the addition of Rachelle Carrillo to host the Afternoon Show.

Garf's column
Michael Garfield, The High Tech Texan, will be contributing stories and videos to USATODAY.com with potential bleed over into the paper. Part of his additional role as part of Gannett Company (WFAA-TV) he posted on Facebook. That's not the only additional thing he's doing, Garfield just picked up a column at Bayou City Magazine. He says on Facebook he should be able to do more topics other than just technology.

Nolan Nawrocki-esque SportsRadio 610 Jock Profiles
Here are Nolan Nawrocki-esque Draft Profiles of SportsRadio610 Jocks.

KUHT adds Classical 91.7 simulcast
Houston Public Media is taking advantage of the new common ownership among KUHT channel 8, NPR news-talk KUHF 88.7 FM, and classical KUHA 91.7 FM by beginning to simulcast Classical 91.7 on KUHT channel 8.5.

Ware returns to KTSA; opens up about kids’ suicides
Trey Ware returned to his KTSA-AM show Monday morning after taking three weeks to mourn the loss of his son, Justin, who took his own life late last month.

WOAI-TV promotes S.A. staple to chief weather job
It may be a bit cloudy outside, but inside, it’s a particularly sunny day for WOAI-TV weathercaster Albert Flores.

Evy Ramos named news anchor at News 4 San Antonio
Evy Ramos joins the News 4 San Antonio team effective Monday, May 19th. Ramos will co-anchor the station's 6:00, 6:30 and 10:00p.m. weeknight newscasts with Randy Beamer.

Elisa Amigo named KABB news anchor
Elisa Amigo joins the Fox San Antonio news team effective May 19, teaming with Michael Valdes to anchor the station’s highly rated Fox News at Nine. Elisa joins the award winning Fox 29 team from WJW in Cleveland, where she spent seven years as a news anchor and reporter.

'Leave our women alone'
KENS 5 producer urges S.A. to stand up to Barkley

KEYE’s Maggio prepares to wrap up 33-year TV career
Judy Maggio, who co-anchors KEYE’s 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts, announced earlier this year that she’d retire at the end of May after 33 years on Austin’s airwaves. Since then, people have been asking — and speculating about — what’s next for the beloved broadcaster.

KEYE TV Announces New Evening Anchor Team Addition
Hema Mullur will join Walt Maciborski, Chikage Windler, and Bob Ballou as anchor of the KEYE News 5pm, 6pm, and 10pm weekday newscasts.
- Hema Mullur leaves Fox31/Channel 2 for Austin

Revolving door in Midland
The recent musical chairs that is the sports staff at KMID Midland (Market #150) continues.

The strange case of the 34-year-old 'sophomore'
KETK Reporter Alexandra Carter appeared on Fox News' On The Record with Greta Van Susteren talking about the story of the Texas woman who allegedly posed as a high school sophomore for seven months.

The Texas Tribune launches its new combination op-ed page/sponsored content pitch
The Texas Tribune is getting into sponsored content for a new online opinion section called TribTalk.

MOVING

Roseann Rogers announces that she is the new VP of Strategic Marketing and Development at the Houston Chronicle.

Mariana Pineda Navarro posted on Facebook she is leaving Univision 45 KXLN where she has worked as a reporter for the last nine years to work in public relations.

Account Executive Natasha Paster announced on LinkedIn she has moved from KTRK abc13 to KHOU 11. She was with the Disney ABC Television Group for the last two years.

JOEY HORTA to Morning Anchor at KSEE, Fresno (from KGBT, Harlingen). Horta is represented by Steve Swienckowski at DCA Talent.



IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- How old is KTRK abc13's Dave Ward?
- Houston has lots of TV jobs open
- FOX 26 KRIV shows us a sign...or two
- Kelly Rowland dated KTRK abc13 reporter Foti Kallergis?
- Lucy Noland heads to WTXF Philly; will anchor with former Houstonian
- London Broadcasting Company to sell 6 TV stations to Gannett
- Bruce Aleksander, longtime Houston TV lighting director-designer, gets honored
- Britta Merwin joins KPRC 2 as meteorologist
- KPRC 2 sees two departures over the weekend

KPRC 2 sees two departures over the weekend

Irika Sargent signs off KPRC for for WFOR Miami; Idolina Peralez says goodbye

Idolina Peralez

It was a busy weekend of television goodbyes over at KPRC 2.

UPDATE AUGUST 2022
Idolina Peralez joins CW39

 The first one, which I blogged about ahead of time last Friday, came at the end of the NBC affiliate's Sunday morning news block as meteorologist Idolina Peralez said her goodbyes to anchor Courtney Zavala and the viewers.

Lots of viewer questions found their way to Peralez via Twitter concerning her departure.

Watch out for Britta Merwin, formerly of KCRA Sacramento, to take Peralez's place.

Irika Sargent

Sunday night's 10pm newscast brought us the long coming farewell for weekend anchor Irika Sargent. At the very end of the show, co-anchor Phillip Mena told the audience Sargent was moving to Miami and she added it had been a wonderful three years at channel 2.

Sargent's move has been a big question for many of my readers. That's because CBS' WFOR Miami, where she will become the main anchor, announced her hiring back in February. Here we are in May and she is just leaving Houston. I suspect KPRC management wanted Sargent behind the anchor desk through May sweeps.

Sargent's new WFOR co-anchor will be former Fox News anchor Rick Folbaum.  No word on her replacement here in Houston.  Considering how long the station has had to prepare, I imagine someone must have been hired by now.

Britta Merwin joins KPRC 2 as meteorologist

Britta Merwin joins KPRC 2 as weekend morning meteorologist after years away from KCRA Sacramento; Idolina Peralez exits

UPDATE MAY 2021
Britta Merwin to leave KPRC 2

UPDATE DECEMBER 29, 2014
Britta Merwin to replace Anthony Yanez on KPRC 2

Britta Merwin

UPDATE 5/24/2014
*Britta Merwin started today on KPRC Local 2's Saturday morning newscast.

According to internal KPRC memos obtained by mikemcguff.com, weekend morning meteorologist Idolina Peralez is leaving the Houston NBC affiliate this weekend after a year on the green screen.

The memo says Peralez, who previously went by Idolina Walker at KIFI, is taking her career in a different direction.

So who is replacing Peralez?

The answer, found in another memo, is Britta Merwin who formerly worked at KCRA Sacramento, CA. TVSpy reported in 2011 that Merwin, who was seven months pregnant at the time, was leaving California and moving to Florida to be with her husband, who was training to be a Coast Guard pilot.

Looks like she decided to make her TV return in Houston! And we are a perfect place to work if you are married to a member of the Coast Guard.

Merwin could be a familiar face to KPRC viewers because she used to work at NBC Weather Plus and CNBC. Other stops in her local TV news career include KNSD San Diego and News 12 New Jersey.

According to various bios I could fine for Merwin over the years, she was born in San Antonio. She graduated from Stony Brook University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Sciences-Meteorology with Cum Laude honors. While at the university, she was also captain of the cheerleading squad.

Merwin might be the first TV talent I've written about to have her own entry in the online urban dictionary.

I contacted Peralez for comment, but did not hear back. As for Merwin, I couldn't find a way to contact her. She has no social media accounts that I could find under her TV name.

No word on when Merwin starts at KPRC, but in the meantime, you can watch video of her work over the years embedded below:

UPDATE DECEMBER 29, 2014
Britta Merwin to replace Anthony Yanez on KPRC 2

Bruce Aleksander, longtime Houston TV lighting director-designer, gets honored

Bruce Aleksander has lit many Houston TV station studios; his latest project wins award

Former Houston television lighting director, Bruce Aleksander, has done it again. This time he lit the studio that won set of the year from NewscastStudio.com.

Aleksander was part of the Devlin Design Group team that took the prize for KTVA Anchorage, Alaska's set.

"It's a thrill to have one of my projects take top honors in Newscast Studios annual Set of the Year competition for best news set design," Aleksander told mikemcguff.com. "Devlin Design Group headed up the project with their design team, and called on me to handle the lighting design for the main set. The color-agile LED panels and broad arrays of video surfaces of their design create great flexibility in conveying stories."

Aleksander has served as a lighting director and designer in Houston for KTRK abc13 and KHOU for decades. As for the current Houston sets he's lit, look no further than KTRK, Univision 45 KXLN and Telemundo KTMD.

"My job is to make the set and the anchors look great on camera," Aleksander explained. "Finally, we have the quality LED fixtures that are good enough for High-Def television. The tools may be Solid-State lighting fixtures and digital control consoles, but the goal is making the images on a two-dimension television set 'pop' like they're 3D. The lighting has to help the anchors look great. High-Definition cameras can see every wrinkle and hair out of place. It takes a combination of art, science and craft to create the best lighting for each individual anchor."

And I'm sure the anchors are very appreciative of that work.

Aleksander now lives in Seattle, but is travelling across the US doing projects from coast to coast. He says the change lighting design has gone through over the years has been dramatic.

"We've gone from simple flat painted wood panels with chroma-key boards and color-form stick-ons, to sets of great complexity and sophistication," Aleksander said. "The sets today are LED back-lit translucent panels that can be quickly changed to any color.

"There are now huge arrays of multiple video monitors that make up entire walls of flexible graphics displays, driven by sophisticated image servers. The set isn't just something that provides a background for the show. It's become an environment with which the anchors can interact as they convey the stories. They're sophisticated and exciting new tools to help tell the stories."

London Broadcasting Company to sell 6 TV stations to Gannett

Texas owned London Broadcasting Company (LBC) to sell six television stations to Gannett Co. Inc.

As a Texas-based television station owner, I used to compare London Broadcasting Company (LBC) to Belo. As Belo owned TV stations in large Texas markets, London owned them in the smaller ones.

Now the similarity between the two only grows. Today we learn that London is selling some of its stations to Gannett Co. Inc. The owners of USA Today went from not having a real presence in Texas anymore to now being fairly dominant.

UPDATE
TVSpy reports the stations for sale are KCEN in Waco-Temple-Bryan, KYTX in Tyler-Longview, KIII in Corpus Christi, KBMT and digital subchannel KJAC in Beaumont-Port Arthur, KXVA in Abilene-Sweetwater and KIDY in San Angelo.

Here is the release:

DALLAS, May 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- London Broadcasting Company (LBC), a portfolio company of SunTx Capital Partners, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement for the sale of six Texas based television stations to Gannett Co. Inc., an international media and marketing solutions company, for $215 million in an all cash transaction.

LBC is a Dallas, TX based media company, which owns and operates marquee media properties across the State. The Company's Broadcasting Group is a leading mid-market broadcaster in the State, serving nearly 10 million Texans.

The transaction, which is expected to close this summer, is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Following the closing of the transaction, Phil Hurley, LBC's current executive vice president and chief operating officer, will join Gannett and lead the six acquired stations.

Terry E. London, President of London Broadcasting, commented: "In a very short span of only five years, we and our partners at SunTx have established LBC as a leading operator of middle-market broadcasting television stations in the state of Texas. We look forward to continuing to provide our customers with exceptional content through our ongoing ownership of several television stations in Texas and via LBC's other media properties."

Mr. London continued, "We are pleased that several of our television stations will become part of Gannett and benefit from that organization's global strength and breadth. Likewise, we wish Phil Hurley all the best as he leads the acquired stations under the Gannett banner. Phil is an outstanding leader and he has been a great partner."

About London Broadcasting Company Terry E. London and SunTx Capital Partners formed London Broadcasting Company in 2007, to acquire and operate Texas-based media properties. LBC's Broadcast Group is one of the largest television broadcasters in Texas operating 28 channels in 7 markets and serving approximately 40% of Texas households. Following the sale to Gannett, London will continue to own independent stations KTXD-TV, Dallas, TX, and KCEB-TV, Tyler-Longview.

LBC's related entities include LBK Entertainment, a music and video content company operating 41 Entertainment, BE Music & Entertainment and Artist Management Partners. 41 Entertainment is a Dallas-based television production company that produces television programs, television commercials and other forms of video and music content. Be Music & Entertainment and Artist Management Partners are artist development companies, offering management, publishing and recording opportunities for artists. More information about LBC and its related entities can be found at www.LondonBroadcastingCompany.com

About SunTx Capital Partners SunTx Capital Partners, LP, is a Dallas, TX based private equity firm that invests in middle market manufacturing, distribution and service companies. SunTx specializes in supporting talented management teams in industries where SunTx can apply is operational experience and financial expertise to build leading middle-market companies with operations typically in the Sun Belt region of the United States. SunTx was founded in 2001 and currently has over $600 million assets under management. The capital committed by SunTx comes from the principals of SunTx as well as from institutional investors, including leading university endowments and corporate and public pension funds. More information about SunTx can be found at www.suntx.com.

Here is a list of the London Broadcasting Company (LBC) TV stations:

KTXD Dallas - 5
KCEN Waco - 88
KAGS College Station - 88
KYTX Tyler - 107
KCEB Tyler - 107
KIII Corpus Christi - 129
KBMT Beaumont - 141
KJAC Beaumont - 141
KUIL Beaumont - 141
KXVA Abilene - 165
KIDY San Angelo - 195

Lucy Noland heads to WTXF Philly; will anchor with former Houstonian

Former KHOU 11 anchor Lucy Noland to team up with former KPRC 2 anchor Iain Page at Philadelphia's WTXF

Lucy Noland

Lucy Noland has landed a main anchor gig at FOX's Philadelphia owned station WTXF. After working at KHOU 11 for four years, Noland went west to NBC's KNBC until late last year.

"Having the opportunity to rejoin my FOX family is a dream come true," Noland said in a statement. "I am blessed and excited to call Philadelphia my home."

Now here's where the story gets more interesting for some Houston television news viewers. Guess who Noland's co-anchor will be? That's right, former KPRC 2 anchor Iain Page!

It really is a small local TV news. Your competitor could one day be sitting next to you in another market. Hey kids, play nicely out there in the news sandbox.

Iain Page

Noland is no stranger to FOX. She worked at WNYW's Good Day New York for three years before coming to Houston.

 Earlier, she was weekday morning anchor and reporter at the FOX O&O WJBK in Detroit. Throughout her career, Noland has served at KIMO-TV in Anchorage, Alaska, reporter and anchor for KFSN-TV in Fresno, CA and KGO-TV in San Francisco and evening weekday anchor/reporter at KJEO-TV in Fresno, CA. Noland began her career as an intern for KATN-TV in Fairbanks, Alaska. During this time, she produced, edited and broadcasted news for KWLF-FM in Fairbanks.

By the way, Noland was replaced at KHOU by KABC's Lisa Hernadez and Page by KTVT 11 anchor Keith Garvin.

RELATED
Lucy Noland shows off sex appeal in photos

(Thanks Taylor)

Dave Ward's lost 1972 promos FOUND!

Dave Ward tours Huntsville and The Houston Zoo with Elvis look-alike in 1972 KTRK abc13 promo

UPDATE NOVEMBER 10, 2014
Dave Ward to step down from KTRK ABC13's 10pm news
Dave Ward to start 2015 with reduced workload

Here are two 1972 KTRK abc13 promos and all I have to say is my how TV promos have changed. Back then, they couldn't show live trucks and helicopters, since the station's didn't use them yet, but they made up for it with disco.


In this 1972 KTRK promo, anchorman Dave Ward is visiting his roots in Huntsville, TX where he reminisces about his youth. We even see where Ward "started his career in journalism" selling newspapers outside of his barber's shop. Cut to a group of guys admiring Ward, with one taking notes on what he's saying.


Next, KTRK is back in Houston promoting its "Move Closer to Your World" song campaign. It's very hard to tell, but it appears Dave Ward rides the Hermann Park train with an Elvis look-alike and then goes to the Houston Zoo.

KTRK should totally re-shoot these with a modern twist. Today's TV promos love fast cuts and time lapse video, but not usually disco and Elvis lookalikes.

UPDATE NOVEMBER 10, 2014
Dave Ward to step down from KTRK ABC13's 10pm news
Dave Ward to start 2015 with reduced workload

RELATED
- How old is KTRK abc13's Dave Ward?
- PICS: KTRK 13 anchor Dave Ward's 45 year party
- Can you imagine Houston TV after Dave Ward?

Kelly Rowland dated KTRK abc13 reporter Foti Kallergis?

KTRK abc13's Foti Kallergis reveals in live report his prom date was Destiny's Child's Kelly Rowland

As promised! My prom picture. Mrs. Kelly Rowland (L) , my twin Mario (M) , Me (R) . 1999 Elsik Prom. pic.twitter.com/8bs9p00fJU
— Foti Kallergis (@FotiKallergis) May 11, 2014

Foti Kallergis

After doing a story about Houston Texans cheerleader Caitlyn going to the Crosby High School prom as a lucky student's date, KTRK abc13 reporter Foti Kallergis upped the ante by revealing his prom date.

 While a Texans cheerleader would be any 18 year old's dream date, Kallergis topped that with his date...Kelly Rowland of Houston's own Destiny's Child.

Say my name, say my name!

As you can see above, Kallergis and Rowland went to the Elsik High School prom together in 1999.

Kallergis revealed his big prom get at the end of his live shot, then pitched to Twitter for viewers to see the photo. Hey, he didn't brand himself in Austin as "an experienced celebrity publicist and strategist" for nothing!

Naturally tweets starting flying with questions on how Kallergis pulled this one off. He explained the two grew up together and then dated for two years.

 So how did Kallergis deal with Rowland's rising star at that time of their romance?

"I was very supportive and understanding," Kallergis explained on Twitter. "We made it work."

While I don't know Kallergis personally, I bet he is a Soldier, a Survivor, who was Dangerously in Love with one of the Independent Woman, Part 1 of a Bootylicious Houston music super group.

UPDATE 5/13/14
Looks like Kallergis and Rowland can't have a rekindling of the old flame for now. Rowland just got married this past weekend.

FOX 26 KRIV shows us a sign...or two

FOX 26 KRIV billboards popping up all over Houston promoting morning newscasts



Don't think billboards work anymore? I'm still a believer after the new FOX 26 KRIV morning ad campaign. I've seen the KRIV billboards all over Houston and clearly others have too since people have been writing to me about them.

Michelle Merhar

According to these February 2014 sweeps numbers, KRIV has been the number three ranked morning show in the Adults 25-54 demographic, so I'm guessing FOX is trying to keep the upward momentum going for May sweeps with these billboards.

The big signs certainly got the attention of the anchors featured in them.

"The billboards are so fun to see and it's such an honor to be featured all over our city," morning anchor Michelle Merhar told mikemcguff.com. "The first time I saw it I almost drove off the road! It's so weird to see a super-sized version of myself while I'm driving, but I think they look great and fresh and I love that Rita and I are able to represent a small part of our awesome team!"

Rita Garcia

"We live and work in your community and hopefully these billboards serve as a reminder of that," anchor Rita Garcia added. "On a personal note, it's been such an exciting time and I'm humbled to not just work on the morning show but for YOU our Fox 26 family."

One day mikemcguff.com should get its own billboard.

Time for me to start a Kickstarter account I guess.

Anderson Cooper wipes up KPRC's 'serial pooper' story

CNN anchor Anderson Cooper flushes KPRC 2's 'serial pooper' story with a load of puns


Houston's Woodland Heights neighborhood, near The Heights, has a serial pooper on the loose. Yes, it is what you think.

 Thankfully KPRC reporter Jennifer Bauer was there to get the poop scoop. Naturally, other TV stations and websites were quick to squeeze out stories of their own based on Bauer's reporting.

Then CNN's Anderson Cooper took a plunge with the story and really cleansed the whole thing to make the news cycle regular again (watch him embedded above).

Houston has lots of TV jobs open

From news director, reporter, sports anchor and lots of off air gigs, Houston TV has some big jobs to fill

I'm getting emails from people around the country concerning the open Wayne Dolcefino 13 Undercover gig recently vacated by one Brian Collister. While I don't have information on that, I can tell you there are lots of interesting TV gigs opening in television market 10.

So apply and get ready for a move to Houston. You know the old saying, "I wasn't born in Texas, but I got here as quick as I could!!!"

With this week's news that KPRC news director Deborah Collura is leaving for WCNC Charlotte, the NBC affiliate just posted that leadership role job opening.

Speaking of KPRC, the station is also on the hunt for a weekend sports anchor-reporter and a reporter.

It looks like the NBC affiliate is also increasing the size of its web department with a Digital News Editor (Web Editor) and Senior Web Editor job opening.

Other jobs open include Broadcast Maintenance Engineer, IT Director - Post-Newsweek Stations, Director for Auto Production Cntrl Room, Television News Video Editor, Producer - Special Projects and Photojournalist.

Over at KUHT 8, the jobs wanted sign says an Engineering Operations Supervisor, Creative Services Manager and Community Engagement Officer are wanted.

KHOU has openings for a Digital Sales Account Executive, Promotion Writer/Producer, Digital Content Producer, Photojournalist, Account Executive, Producer and Production Operator.

And it's not TV, but The Houston Press has an immediate opening for a managing editor.

To see all the latest Houston TV job openings, head on over to my TX TV jobs page where you can get more info on the jobs listed here and across Texas.

I had someone very high up in the Houston tech scene suggest I open a job posting board here.

And of course, if you see a job here and get it, then you have to let me know first. That's the rule.

How old is KTRK abc13's Dave Ward?

Dave Ward celebrates his 75th birthday

UPDATE DECEMBER 24, 2014
Dave Ward ready to party at end of 10pm news bash

UPDATE NOVEMBER 10, 2014
Dave Ward to step down from KTRK ABC13's 10pm news
Dave Ward to start 2015 with reduced workload

Dave Ward

One of the top questions I get asked related to Houston television: How old is channel 13 anchor Dave Ward?

Not having a copy of his birth certificate on me, I never have an answer.

 Well, the longtime KTRK anchorman's birthday was yesterday, and we know as of 2014, Ward is 75 years young.

Ward has been with the ABC owned Houston station since 1966. He is getting close to 50 years on 13!

Post by ABC13-Melanie Lawson.

Yes! Happy 75th Birthday to Dave Ward!!! RT @JeffEhlingABC13: Happy bday @DaveWardABC13 pic.twitter.com/WvEPLz9lEt #abc13 #hounews
— miyashay (@miyashay) May 6, 2014

UPDATE NOVEMBER 10, 2014
Dave Ward to step down from KTRK ABC13's 10pm news
Dave Ward to start 2015 with reduced workload

Bill Balleza's twin, Fiona Gorostiza resurfaces in Texas plus more

MORE VIDEOS
- Meteorologist Orders Staffers to the Basement as Tornado Sweeps Through Tupelo
- Guy's Huge, Stupid Bike Looks Pretty Smart After Flash Flood
- Ouch!
- Houston anchors lose KGW Sunrise playoff bet, go hipster
- Portland anchors agree to friendly wager with KENS 5 for Spurs vs. Trail Blazers series
- Eyewitness News reveals KENS 5 Spurs Desk
- Reporter Gets Stuck in Mud, Rescued by Photographer
- San Antonio Living Image
- WOAI Daytime @ Nine Image Final
- Fox 7 News Spring 2014 image spot
- What Do Young Viewers Want from TV News?

Fresh face to grace new KSAT hour
Fiona Gorostiza, formerly a weathercaster and feature reporter Dallas' KDFW, joins KSAT San Antonio as a new lifestyle show host.

Former Fox4 weathercasters Ron Jackson's new gig
He's hitting the radio.

Last whiffs of CW33's Nightcap, with remaining on-air talent let go in preparaton for NewsFix
Tribune-owned, Dallas-based CW33 has taken some of its final steps toward implementing the narrator-driven NewsFix.

KDFW Dallas Earns A Spot In Guinness Book of Records
KDFW, the Fox affiliate in Dallas-Fort Worth market, and its partners, Comerica Bank and Iron Mountain, won the Guinness World Record for Most Paper Collected in a 24-Hour Period.

Jenny Doren joins WFAA-TV
Jenny Doren has been hired as a digital journalist at WFAA. She comes from WJLA-TV and Newschannel 8 (ABC) in Washington, D.C.

Michigan judge issues new arrest warrant for WFAA8 anchor Shon Gables, with bond now set at $100,000
The price on her head keeps getting higher for WFAA8 anchor-reporter and fugitive Shon Gables.

Judge declares mistrial in DJ rape case
A judge declared a mistrial Friday in the case of a Dallas radio disc jockey accused of raping a 14-year-old girl.
- Mistrial Declared in Christian DJ Rape Case

Dallas Morning News Revamps Biz Section
The Dallas Morning News has made extensive changes to the Sunday and weekday print versions of its Business section.

KPRC Local 2 Bill Balleza's twin
Admit it, they do look alike.

Rojas named Univision network correspondent
Univision network is opening a new bureau in McAllen, Texas and Univision 45 KXLN's Pedro Rojas will be its first correspondent.

HISD May Leave City's Public TV Station Amid Fears That Nobody's Watching
What if you put on a show, with heart and soul, with pizzazz, with stretching your declining resources as far as they could go - and nobody showed up to watch it?

Features from the Rice History Corner
Look at the history of Houston broadcasting.

Another S.A. TV exit! Anchor leaving news job
KABB’s lead anchorwoman is leaving her TV news job for both family and career reasons. Cynthia Lee is exiting her second go-round as 9 p.m. news co-anchor on the Fox affiliate.
- News Anchor Cynthia Lee making a career change

KTSA talk host mourns loss of his son
Longtime San Antonio radio personality Trey Ware and his wife Nancy suffered a devastating loss.

We go live to...uhh
We're going to go out on a limb here and predict that there will be at least one less live shot in the KXAN (Austin) newscast for a while.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Texas job changes across the state & the San Antonio shakeup
- KHOU 11 experiences layoffs
- Amy Davis returns to KPRC2
- Stephen Dean exits WRTV 6 Indianapolis
- KPRC ND Deborah Collura leaves for WCNC Charlotte
- KUHF's Carrie Feibel receives regional Edward R. Murrow
- Houston winners in the 2014 Edward R. Murrow Awards

Houston winners in the 2014 Edward R. Murrow Awards

KPRC, KHOU and KUHF among the 2014 Edward R. Murrow Awards winners

The 2014 regional winners of the RTDNA Edward R. Murrow Awards have been announced. We've already received word that 88.7 KUHF's Carrie Feibel took one, but then I started hearing from others asking what about my station?

Texas and Oklahoma fall into the Murrow's Region 6 category and other Houston media won too. Besides the Houston Public Media win, KPRC and KHOU also received a winning nod from the Murrow folks.

But hey, Dallas, Austin and other parts of Texas had winners too.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE WINNERS

The Murrow awards recognize the best electronic journalism produced by radio, television and online news organizations around the world. According to its site, this year, RTDNA awarded 661 regional Edward R. Murrow Awards in 14 categories, including Overall Excellence, Breaking News, Investigative Reporting, and Website.

KUHF's Carrie Feibel receives regional Edward R. Murrow

Houston Public Media’s Carrie Feibel receives regional Edward R. Murrow award from The Radio-Television Digital News Association

Houston Public Media announced that News 88.7 health and science reporter Carrie Feibel won a regional Edward R. Murrow Award from Radio-Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) for her hard news reporting in the story, “Teen Pregnancy in Texas.” Feibel’s reporting was selected from a highly competitive field of entries from major market commercial and public radio stations in Texas and Oklahoma, which comprises the RTDNA’s region six.

“I am very proud of this recognition for Carrie Feibel,” said Jack Williams, News 88.7 news director. “Carrie exemplifies Houston Public Media’s mission to consistently deliver quality journalism to our audience.”

Carrie Feibel has been reporting for Houston Public Media’s News 88.7 since 2010. Prior to radio, Feibel served as a print journalist for 10 years and covered stories throughout New York and New Jersey before relocating to Houston as a reporter at the Houston Chronicle. Feibel received her Masters of Science in Journalism at Columbia University and her Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Anthropology from Cornell University.

The RTDNA annually honors outstanding achievements in electronic journalism regionally and nationally with the Edward R. Murrow Awards. The awards dinner and show for RTDNA honorees and their news organizations will be held in New York City on October 6, 2014.

The Radio Television Digital News Association is the world’s largest professional organization exclusively serving the electronic news profession. In addition to recognizing excellence through awards and scholarships, RTDNA works to protect the rights of electronic journalists in the courts and legislatures throughout the country, promotes ethical standards in the industry and provides members with training and education. RTDNA members include local and network executives, news directors, producers, reporters, digital news professionals, educators and students.

(This post taken from a release sent to me by Houston Public Media)

KPRC ND Deborah Collura leaves for WCNC Charlotte

Deborah Collura leaves KPRC and Post-Newsweek news gigs for general manager role at WCNC Charlotte

Deborah Collura

From the old PRNewswire...KPRC news director Deborah Collura is heading east to become the GM at Gannett's WCNC Charlotte, NC (a former Belo station).

 Former KHOU general manager Peter Diaz, even gave a quote for the release in his post-Belo role as executive vice president of Gannett Broadcasting.

What's interesting about this is that Collura is more than just the KPRC news director. She also is the head of news for all of the Post-Newsweek Stations.

 With someone of that leadership capacity heading out, it probably doesn't squelch the Post-Newsweek for sale rumors going around after Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway bought PN station WPLG in Miami.

Collura came to KPRC to boost its sagging ratings. I would say she did a pretty good job. Under Collura, the NBC affiliate took first in morning news for the first time with a bunch of other gains.

Here is the full Gannett release:

Gannett's (NYSE: GCI) Broadcasting Division has named Deborah Collura president and general manager at WCNC in Charlotte, NC.

Collura has held many leadership roles at a number of broadcast stations. Most recently she served as vice president of news for KPRC in Houston, TX. In addition to her role at KPRC, she served as vice president of news for Post-Newsweek Stations where she oversaw news operations for its six properties. Prior to her role in Houston, Collura was vice president of news for WDIV in Detroit, MI, and WTVJ in Miami, FL. She has also held positions at KTSP in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN, KCRA in Sacramento, CA, WTEN in Albany, NY, and at Gannett's KSDK in St. Louis, MO.

"Deborah's passion for journalism, multi-media background and more than 30 years of experience make her an excellent selection to help WCNC continue its quest to provide award-winning news and community service to the greater Charlotte community," said Peter Diaz, executive vice president of Gannett Broadcasting. "There is no doubt Deborah will be an outstanding leader for WCNC and a great addition to the Gannett Broadcasting team."

Collura received a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism from Northern Illinois University. She will be relocating to the Charlotte area and will begin her new position on June 2.

KIII celebrates 50th anniversary with special 'Domingo Live!'

KIII-TV Corpus Christi, TX announces special 50th anniversary telecast for Domingo Live!

KIII-TV announced that it will broadcast a special edition of its popular Sunday morning program, Domingo Live! on Sunday, May 4, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. as a tribute to fifty years of broadcasting to viewers in the coastal bend of South Texas. The two-hour special will originate from the Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds in Robstown, Texas in conjunction with local radio station KSAB’s annual Cinco De Mayo Festival, which runs from 12:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

The iconic program has received acclaim as the longest running locally produced “live” music and information show in the country. The show’s namesake, Domingo Peña, was the original host of the program, which now has engaged, informed and entertained viewers for half a century. His legacy is entrenched in the culture of South Texas and is celebrated every week.

“We are so proud and honored to present this special program to the viewers of South Texas,” says Dan Robbins, Vice President and General Manager of KIII-TV. “It’s a great opportunity to showcase the history of the program that celebrates the culture, music and community events of the entire Coastal Bend.”

“The two-hour special is a culmination of years… a historical look at the evolution of the station, Mr. Domingo Peña and the Domingo show. ” says Rudy Treviño, current co-host and KIII-TV news anchor. “It’s about being in touch with our community and why our viewers tune us in every Sunday morning to continue this South Texas tradition.”

Domingo Live! can be seen Sunday mornings 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on KIII-TV 3.

(This post comes from a release sent to me by KIII)