KTRK GM Henry Florsheim announces retirement

abc13 KTRK GM Henry Florsheim to retire July 1

OK, after trips to London and Washington DC in the last month, I have nowhere else to go so I will be here to keep posting Houston media news for you.

One thing I missed while in our nation's capital with the blooming cherry blossoms was the retirement of longtime abc13 KTRK general manager Henry Florsheim.

This is the email Florsheim wrote to the KTRK staff and obtained by mikemcguff.com that announces his retirement:

After nearly 34 years with ABC at three different owned stations, I have decided it is time for me to retire from KTRK and the day to day, 24/7 nature of local TV and news.

It has been my great honor to lead this station for 22 years and I could not be more proud of the team’s dedicated focus on excellence.

We are the number one source for local news in Houston and have built up a dedicated following in digital and social platforms.

We are an integral part of the community, producing and engaging in the most outreach events in the market, building area wide partnerships such as the Marathon, Freedom Over Texas, and the Houston Texans and smaller community town halls.

We’ve expanded our local news presence with newscasts at 4:30am, 5am, 3pm and 4pm.

And together we’ve survived two major building projects, three hurricanes and Tropical Storm Allison.

We’ve worked hard, embraced change and are well positioned for the future. And now it’s time for me to take a break and leave the 24/7 cycle of news in your capable hands.

Over the course of my tenure here, I’ve had the good fortune to work under four strong managers. I have learned from all and would like to thank Wendy McMahon for her leadership and guidance through my decision.

I wish you the best of luck as you define the next chapter of this station’s great legacy.

My last day with KTRK will be July 1.

Dave Ward to have a building named after him - Crime Stoppers of Houston Gala

Houston media, society and political world show up to honor Dave Ward at Crime Stoppers of Houston Gala 2015


Houston media icon Dave Ward, was honored at the 2015 Building the Block Crime Stoppers of Houston Gala on Thursday, October 29, 2015 at the Omni Houston Hotel. The Annual Gala, which serves as the organization's largest fundraiser, welcomed more than 560 guests and raised over $510,000 for Crime Stopper's Tip Line and crime prevention programs, which empower, educate, and engage the community in important conversations about crime, public safety and the protection of society's most vulnerable citizens.

Chita Johnson, Gala Auction Chair Courtney Zubowski Haas (Photo Credit: Michelle Watson)

Chairs Joella and Steve Mach, along with auction chairs Courtney Zubowski Haas and Dr. Eric Haas, led the grand effort and celebration that marked a significant achievement and announced plans for the future. The evening began with a VIP reception with keynote speaker, best-selling author and Emmy award winning journalist, Ted Koppel. VIP guests were able to mingle with Koppel and then continued in to the silent auction and big board, all in support of the Crime Stoppers' mission. The cocktail reception opened up with a warm welcome from Rania Mankarious, Crime Stoppers Executive Director and invocation by Monsignor Frank Rossi, followed by emcee Melanie Lawson of KTRK abc13 taking the stage to kick off the night's festivities and surprise performances - all of which Ward knew nothing about!

Dave Ward, Laura Ward, Ted Koppel (Photo Credit: Michelle Watson)

The entire evening was weaved together perfectly with the direction and guidance of the visionary, Laura Ward.

The focus of the evening was to honor Ward for playing an instrumental role in creating the "media" reach of Crime Stoppers of Houston back in the early 1980s. It was his creativity and ingenuity that contributed to the famous (and internationally recognized) Crime Stoppers' reenactments. Thanks to his vision, Crime Stoppers of Houston has created a model that now leads the nation. Koppel was honored to be in Houston to celebrate Ward's contributions to Crime Stoppers and his incredible achievement of being the only news anchor to stay almost 50 years on one anchor chair, in one station, in one city, in one state. Surprise video tributes from two very special friends of Ward, former First Lady Barbara Bush and NASA Astronaut Scott Kelly all the way from outer space, were played during the night.

The celebration continued with messages from several 'Friends of Dave', Governor Mark White, 43rd Governor of the Great State of Texas, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Founder, President and CEO of The Richland Companies and John Eddie Williams, founding partner of Williams Kherkher.

One of the biggest highlights of the night was a surprise visit from a very special friend of Ward who insisted on flying to Houston for this special occasion - Grammy and Emmy Award-winning artist and producer Steve Tyrell who sang "You've Got a Friend in Me" live on stage for his friend.

Before the night was over, the surprises continued as a well-kept secret was finally revealed. Because of Ward's dedication to his city, career and Crime Stoppers, Mankarious announced that the first-ever Crime Stoppers of Houston headquarters will forever be named The Dave Ward Building Crime Stoppers of Houston. Ward was astonished by the big unveil and was lost for words as he stood in front of the podium. He compared the extraordinary moment to his wedding day and birth of his children.

The evening left Ward speechless, but the celebration continued on the next day, Friday, October 30, 2015 at the 3000 Block on Main Street for the Crime Stoppers of Houston Headquarters Groundbreaking Ceremony. Koppel along with the Board of Directors, elected officials, men and women in blue and others joined in for photos to commence the city's first Public Safety and Crime Prevention Block. Welcoming remarks were made by Crime Stoppers Executive Director Rania Mankarious, Capital Campaign Co-Chairs Kathryn Stasney Childers and Fenner Weller, Franco Valobra of Harris County Sheriff's Office Foundation, Dave Ward, Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson, Houston Police Department Chief Charles McClelland and Harris County Sheriff Ron Hickman. State Representative Gene Wu presented a resolution honoring the work of Crime Stoppers and recognition of Dave Ward at the 2015 Gala. Closing remarks were made by Crime Stoppers Vice Chairman of the Board Hazem Ahmed.

Dave Ward, Laura Ward, Rania Mankarious, Ted Koppel (Photo Credit: Michelle Watson)

Future Crime Stoppers Office (Courtesy Crime Stoppers of Houston)

The new home of Crime Stoppers of Houston will be a state-of-the-art facility serving as a hub for crime prevention, housing centralized operations, staff, volunteers, law enforcement, safe school, safe community and media teams in a single 28,000-square-foot building. Outside the facility, a 12,800-square-foot Harris County Sheriff's Officers Memorial Garden will pay tribute to heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

John and Wendy Granato (Photo Credit: Michelle Watson)

Henry Florsheim, Rebecca Campbell, Mayor Annise Parker & Doe Florsheim (Photo Credit: Michelle Watson)

Thursday's celebration (Gala) was supported by many individuals, community partners and generous underwriters, including The Mach Family, Ellen and Paige Cokinos/The Higginbotham Community Foundation, Dr. and Mrs. C. Richard Stasney/Mr. and Mrs. Staton Childers. Among guests were, Trini Mendenhall, Cora Sue and Harry Mach, Maria and Neil Bush, Maria and Christopher J. Pappas, Wendy and John Granato, Henry Florsheim, Katherine and Bobbie Hatcher, Stephanie and Ernie Cockerall, Roula Christie, Leisa Holland-Nelson, Michelle Heinz and Vicki Rizzo.

Rania Mankarious, Steve Tyrell, Roula Christie (Photo Credit: Michelle Watson)

Notable guests include Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson, Harris County Sheriff Ron Hickman, Harris County Commissioner Jack Cagle and Harris County District Clerk Chris Daniels, Mayor Annise Parker, City Council members Brenda Stardig, Jack Christie, Dave Martin, David Robinson, Robert Gallegos and Ellen Cohen, State Representatives Jim Murphy, Gene Wu and Sylvester Turner, plus Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland, Jr.

Miya Shay and State Representative Gene Wu, Gina Gaston Ellie (Photo Credit: Michelle Watson)

Others celebrating with Ward included Linda Heatley, Jim Holley, Rachelle Rowe, Shelby Hodge and Shafik Rifaat, Dan Pastorini and Pam Morris, Carol and Tom Sawyer, Roz and Alan Pactor, Pamela and Jack Wright, Lindsey and Scott Aronstein, Cathy and John Crapitto, Melissa Davis, Paula Goldstein, Nancy Sims, Allison and Stephen Lewis, Sidney Evans II, Bryan Beene, Gina Gaston Elie, Toni and Bob Lawrence, Bob Meehan, Sonya and Jeff Vaden, Yvette Webb, David Wilson II, Mike Wilson, plus many more!

If you would like to learn about Crime Stoppers of Houston and our prevention programs, visit www.crime-stoppers.org or call 713-521-4600.

(This post is taken from a press release sent to me by Crime Stoppers of Houston)

Dave Ward to step down from KTRK ABC13's 10pm news

Dave Ward to start 2015 with reduced workload; his last 10pm will be December 23rd

Yesterday, KTRK abc13 anchor Dave Ward celebrated his 48th anniversary with the Houston ABC owned station. Today, the station issued a press release saying Ward will cut back on newscasts with the start of 2015.

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

Here is the full release:

Dave Ward

Dave Ward, who has anchored ABC-13 Eyewitness News for nearly fifty years, announced today that he will reduce his workload later this year. Ward, a trusted journalist who successfully steered KTRK’s news broadcasts to new heights, told the Eyewitness News team that beginning in 2015, he will only anchor ABC-13's 6:00 p.m. newscasts. His last regularly scheduled 10:00 p.m. newscast will be December 23rd, though he will occasionally join the 10:00 team for Special Reporting on topics of interest.

Dave Ward: “You have invited me into your hearts and into your homes, you have trusted me with the day’s news, and I have trusted you to be there, and you have been, for almost 48 years. I am honored and humbled to still be doing the work I love, anchoring ABC-13 Eyewitness News. So let’s be clear...I’m not going anywhere! I’m just going to go home a little earlier, that’s all.”

ABC-13 Eyewitness News has long been Houston’s most-trusted and most-watched source for local news; and Ward’s leadership helped pave the way. Today, ABC-13 broadcasts 42 hours of news a week and ABC13.com is Houston’s largest broadcast news website serving over sixty million pages and 4 million videos each month.

Wendy Granato, KTRK-TV Vice President and News & Digital Content Director: “Dave’s dedication, commitment, and professionalism set high standards that have been a tradition in our newsroom. And even though we will miss Dave at ten, that tradition isn’t going to change.”

Henry Florsheim, KTRK-TV President and General Manager: “Our news team is second to none. And we won’t miss a beat at ten.”

Anchors Gina Gaston and Ilona Carson, Chief Meteorologist Tim Heller, and Sports Director Greg Bailey, supported by the city’s largest reporting staff, will continue serving 10:00 p.m. news viewers.

Dave Ward: “The 10:00 team will continue reporting with the same level of comprehensiveness, accuracy and integrity that has become the standard of Eyewitness News.”

To several generations of Houston news viewers, Dave Ward’s commanding presence and trusted voice are synonymous with local TV news. In the most recent Nielsen audience measurement period ending in October, the newscasts Ward anchors at 6:00 and 10:00 p.m. finished first in Households and Adults 25-54.

Henry Florsheim: “Over four decades anchoring a top-rated newscast for a major market network affiliate is virtually unheard of and unprecedented. Dave Ward is a Houston News Institution and it’s my privilege to say that Ward is part of the best news team in town.”

Dave Ward joined KTRK-TV in 1966 as the station’s only news reporter. In early 1967, he was named anchor of Channel 13's weekday 7:00 a.m. newscasts. Later that year, he became the first host of the popular "Dialing for Dollars" program. A year later, in January of 1968, Ward was promoted to anchor of Eyewitness News at 6 and 10. He quickly led the news broadcasts to number one in Houston and, to this day, Ward remains Houston’s most-watched news anchor.

Currently, Dave Ward serves as board-member for the Houston Police Foundation and the Houston Children’s Charities. From early in his career, Ward has taken an active role in ABC-13’s reputation as a leader in the community, whether it’s the station’s live coverage of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Parade or Share Your Holidays Food Drive. He has served as President of the local Easter Seals Society and hosted their TV Telethons; Ward Chaired the Public Affairs Advisory Board of the Houston Business Council; was a member of the Public Information Committee for the American Cancer Society; served as a member of the Leukemia Society Board of Directors; and as a Board Member of the Houston Press Club of Houston. Dave Ward’s significant role in the establishment of the Houston Crime Stoppers Program became the model of excellence for similar programs across the nation.

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Live shot flasher, KXAS 5 departure, KENS 5 anchor wreck and more

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NBC5 reporter Kim Fischer leaving to pursue other possibilities
Kim Fischer, a general assignment reporter who lately has worked the early morning shift at NBC5 KXAS, will be leaving the Fort Worth-based station after a two-year tenure.
- Former Fox4 reporter Sara Sidner now dodging bullets in Libya

KENS anchor in car wreck
Sarah Forgany, co-anchor of KENS 5’s morning news, was in a bad wreck last week.

KENS back in the game with new sportscaster
WOAI, KSAT and KABB all have been in the business of beefing up their sports departments and delivering heftier blocks of scores and interviews. Now KENS 5 is jumping in the game again with the hiring of Vinnie Vinzetta.

Ex-El Paso Austin anchor Michelle Valles enters a new stage in life
Former KXAN and KTSM news anchor Michelle Valles, who left El Paso eight years ago for greener pastures in Austin, hasn't read a TV news story since December.

Longhorn Network goes live - to some
With a burnt orange and white test pattern, a rhetorical invocation from actor Matthew McConaughey and a symbolic flip of a switch by Darrell Royal, ESPN's Longhorn Network signed on Friday night from the University of Texas.
- The Few, the Proud, the Longhorn Network viewers: A critique from someone who actually saw it
- Longhorn Network crew stays positive, professional
- 3 new Longhorn Network shows
- Jim Nantz says UH and Big 12 would be a good fit
- UH announces the line up of Radio and Television shows for the 2011

Celebrities join the crowd for video shoot at TCU
KXAS/Channel 5's Deborah Ferguson and her husband, WBAP/820 AM's Steve Lamb; WFAA/Channel 8's Paige McCoy-Smith; TV personality Scott Murray; and KTVT/Channel 11 weather forecaster Garry Seith.

Houston Food Bank board of directors adds Henry Florsheim
The Houston Food Bank welcomes the newest member of its board of directors, Henry Florsheim, president and general manager of KTRK-TV Channel 13 since 1997.

Former weathercaster Heidi Jones charges she was duped into false confession in Central Park assault
Former WABC-TV weather gal Heidi Jones has filed new court papers that say she was duped into falsely confessing that she faked an assault in Central Park.

KPRC Meteorologists Work Houston's Hottest Jobs
With temperatures hitting triple-digits every day, working outside is a lot more brutal these days. KPRC Local 2's weather team hit the streets to work some of Houston's hottest jobs. Frank Billingsley, Anthony Yanez, Khambrel Marshall and Mary Lee rolled up their sleeves and broke a sweat to do common outside jobs in Houston.

5 Tips on Covering a Hurricane
Meteorologists from Miami, Charleston and Tampa offer their advice on what to do, and what not to do, when covering a hurricane.

KUT breaks in new studios
KUT’s new digs are still a loooooooong way from completion, but that didn’t stop the city’s NPR affiliate from hosting a concert this week in Studio 1A.

O’Shea New Fox Stations Master Control VP
Shawn O’Shea has been promoted to the newly-created position of vice president of master control operations for Fox Television Stations (FTS). He served five years as VP of engineering and operations for Fox 7’s KTBC Austin

New music director signs on at KGSR
There's someone new picking the tunes you hear on 93.3/102.7 KGSR-FM. Kristen Kurtis, a recent arrival from Spokane, Wash., has signed on as the station's music director.

MOVING
KIAH 39 assignments editor Amor Lemus moves over to Fox 26 KRIV.

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
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KTRK 13 anchors play Santa

Gigi Huang, Andy Delary, Tom and Brenda Koch (Photo credit: Gary Fountain)

KTRK 13 anchors and management showed up in support for the Annual Joyful Toyful Fiesta (JTF) at Gigi’s Asian Bistro in early December.

Master of Ceremony and Auctioneer Tom Koch up’d the ante for a 18K white and yellow gold and diamond necklace donated I.W. Marks, a VIP trip to Las Vegas provided by Paige and Tilman Fertitta, a dinner party aboard a vintage train provided by Patrick Henry Creative, an exclusive vacation getaway to the Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita, Mexico Donated by Mariette and Ron Woestemeyer, and a celebrity wine dinner with Channel 13’s Chef Tom Koch and wine connoisseur Fred Wahrlich.

More than 200 of Santa’s elves donated toys and treasure - doubling toys donations and raising more than $140,000. The multi-course dinner was underwritten by Gigi Huang, and chaired by Brenda and Tom Koch. Guests were treated to a performance by the Our Lady of Guadalupe School choir, a special visit from St. Nick himself, cigars from Chip Hight of Hight Cigars and holiday cookie goodie bags.

One hundred percent of all gifts and proceeds were presented to the local charities: Boys and Girls Harbor, Casa de Esperanza de Los Niños, Our Lady of Guadalupe School, The Forge for Families, and Volunteer Houston.

Playing Santa at the event: Founder Andy Delery, Board President Fred Wahrlich and Board Secretary and Treasurer Janet Wahrlich, Renee and John Hawkins, Elizabeth and Grant Harvey, Board members Carol and Dr. Tom Sawyer, Board member Kim Padgett, Isla and Tommy Reckling III, Board members Edie and Rob Saville, Laura and Dave Ward, Doe and Henry Florsheim, Tom Davis, Julie and Dr. David Brown, Anne and Ken Culotta, Joann and Bill Crassas, Beverle Gardner and Marc Ostrofsky, Norm and Lauren Nolasco, David and Stephanie Baird,

Joyful Toyful Fiesta, Inc, a 501 (c)(3) organization, was founded 22 years ago by David and Carmen Bridges and Andy Delery to provide Christmas presents to children in need in the greater Houston area. JTF has since distributed more than 44,000 toys to local children’s charities. In 2010, the organization distributed a total of $65,000 to Houston non-profit organizations. Each year various business locations serve as donation drop sites for Christmas gifts leading to the annual holiday party generously underwritten by Gigi Huang.

Laura and Dave Ward with Shelby Hodge (Photo credit: Gary Fountain)

Henry and Doe Florsheim (Photo credit: Gary Fountain)

Kim Padgett and Joann Crassas (Photo credit: Gary Fountain)

KTRK abc13 news director Dave Strickland resigns

UPDATE JULY 19, 2016
Fmr. KTRK news director Dave Strickland joins KPRC 2

************************************


mikemcguff.com exclusive: After 14 years, KTRK abc13 news director Dave Strickland announces resignation

Dave Strickland

This afternoon, KTRK abc13 news director Dave Strickland announced to the staff in an email he is leaving the ABC owned station.

Rumors have been swirling the last few weeks that Strickland was leaving the station. He had not been at the station during that time.

In the memo, Strickland cited the job was affecting his family, life and personal relationships.

"Dave Strickland is one of the country's greatest news directors and a friend for life," former KTRK 13 Undercover reporter Wayne Dolcefino told mikemcguff.com. "He supported my investigative reporting until the very end. He was the brainchild behind the kind of in-depth aggressive news coverage Channel 13 used to be known for. I know my colleagues are devastated as they watch what is happening to a once great television institution."

Strickland was news director for 14 years. He started at KTRK as an intern, worked his way up to sports producer, then news producer. In between his KTRK time, Strickland was news director of WAVY-TV 10 Norfolk, Virginia.

"I hired Dave out of college after he interned for me in sports at 13," former KTRK sports director Bob Allen told mikemcguff.com. "I'm proud of him for turning into a terrific news director. It was an honor to work for and with him at 13. It's a big loss for them. The best news director they ever had, and I worked for all but 2 of them. He'll find out as I did that change can be good. And like me, probably be much happier. MUCH happier."

KTRK general manager Henry Florsheim sent a staff email thanking Strickland for his service and recounting all of the advances Strickland made to the station during his tenure.

No interim news director has been named.

For those not in Houston, Strickland or "Strick" as he was called in the newsroom, was the longest serving news director in the market currently. If you read my blog with any regularity, you will see news directors at other stations come and go every few years. KTRK on the other hand, has had a consistent management team for a very long time. This probably means more changes will be on the way.

On a personal note, Strickland hired me into his news department in 2001. I learned a lot about television under his leadership. He was a tough, but fair boss. He expected you to work and do a good job. In this public forum, I would like to thank him for the opportunities he gave me.

Here is part of the nice email that GM Henry Floresheim sent to the staff about Strickland:

It’s almost impossible for me to express the impact Dave Strickland has had on Eyewitness News over the nearly decade and a half he has served as News Director. During his tenure, he’s overseen the greatest and most rapid expansion of news programming in the station’s existence. He has guided coverage of unique once in a decade -- or even once in a career -- news events and has helped positioned Eyewitness News for the future as we evolved from analog tape to HD to digital news production.

Dave’s tenure covers a highlight reel of the top news events in Houston and around the country/world. He arrived just in time for Tropical Storm Allison. He directed coverage for the station and the Station Group during Hurricanes Rita and Ike. He dispatched crews to New York on 9/11 and sent reporters and photographers to Kuwait and Iraq to cover the War. He watched one Texas Governor run and become President and a second fail to go to the White House. Dave put us live in Chicago when the Nation elected President Obama and shivered with the Houstonians on the Mall when President Obama took the oath. Dave witnessed the first Houston Texans football game, the Astros first World Series appearance, and the birth of the Dynamo. Under Dave’s direction, Eyewitness News was live in Rome for the selection of two Popes, in Mexico and Cuba for Papal visits and in London for a Royal Wedding.

When Dave returned to ABC 13 in early 2000, the first newscast started the day at 5:00 am. There was a half hour newscast that played coming out of a Soap at 11:30 am and Sally Jessie Raphael at 4:00 pm led into the 5:00 pm newscast. On weekend mornings, news ended at 7:00 am so the station could clear kids programming; and no station produced one hour late news on Saturday or Sunday evening. Amazingly, Dave has overseen the creation of an additional sixteen and half hours of news a week.

Dave led the surge through the alphabet as we moved from iNews to ENPS to Ignite. Today we Tweet and post on Facebook and live shots move around the World on 3 and 4G Networks.

Perhaps most importantly, Dave has connected with all of us at the station. He stood in the newsroom at 2:00 am dealing with the latest crisis. On far too many occasions, Dave was the first at the ER to help a colleague in stress. Over the years, he has touched all parts of KTRK-TV -- hiring new team members, directing coverage, and lending support to other departments around the building. I’ve come to rely heavily on his even-tempered approach and sound advice.

As he steps down, I can’t thank him enough for everything he has done for the station, the members of Eyewitness News and the support he has given the rest of the building. Please join me in wishing Dave the best in his future endeavors.

Stay tuned to mikemcguff.com for more...


UPDATE JULY 19, 2016
Fmr. KTRK news director Dave Strickland joins KPRC 2

The changing faces of Houston media 2019

The comings and goings of the Houston media world 2019.

RELATED
Top Houston media stories 2019

January 2019

- Grego joins 95.7 The Spot KKHH

- Cheryl Mercedes joins KHOU 11

- Ryan Korsgard is leaving KPRC 2

- Travis Herzog new abc13 KTRK chief meteorologist; Elita Loresca to mornings

- David Tillman named Chief Forecaster for abc13 KTRK

- Craig Roberts remembers times at KPRC 2

- Mark Medici Promoted to President of the Houston Chronicle

- Former KPRC 2 anchor Sara Donchey joins KCBS 2 and KCAL 9 in LA

- Vincent Crivelli joins KPRC 2


February 2019

- Brooks Garner gone from KHOU 11

- Doug Harris aka Jr. Mintz elected Houston Film Critics Society president

- Mike McGuff appears on KPRC 2's Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall

- Brian Rogers to depart from the Houston Chronicle

- Former KHOU GM Susan McEldoon to offer professional coaching

- Lisa Vaughn back on air at KHOU 11

- Brheanna Berry joins abc13 KTRK

- Suzi Hanks exits 106.9-107.5 The Eagle

- Christine Noël starts at KPRC 2


March 2019

- Butch Alsandor working Houston Astros and Rockets coverage

- Christine Dobbyn ‏to leave abc13 KTRK

- Denise Middleton joins FOX 26

- Stephen Morgan promoted to FOX 26 weekend morning weather anchor

- Leti Aguilera named General Sales Manager CMG Houston


April 2019

- Anchor Denise Middleton and meteorologist Stephen Morgan to work FOX 26 KRIV weekend mornings

- KHOU 11 assistant news director Josh Hubbard is leaving Houston for the same job with Disney/ABC Television Group owned KGO San Franciso

- Former KPRC 2 features reporter Ruben Galvan joins KHOU 11

- Deilia Ray Williams named KTRK abc13 Marketing Creative Director

- Steve Riley named Houston Chronicle Executive Editor

- David Arkin to lead digital at KPRC 2

- KTRK GM Henry Florsheim announces retirement


May 2019

- Deilia Ray Williams named KTRK abc13 Marketing Creative Director

- Steve Riley named Houston Chronicle Executive Editor

- 91.7 NGEN debuts new lineup May 13, 2019

- Darby Douglas enters next chapter

- Michael Berry renews agreement with 740 KTRH

- Kelly Ryan Joins Dean & Rog on 106.9-107.5 Houston’s Eagle


June 2019

- Russ Lewis to anchor KHOU 4pm newscast

- Reporter/fill-in anchor Mycah Hatfield joins abc13 KTRK as reporter/MMJ from KJRH Tulsa, Oklahoma


July 2019

- KVOA Tucson, Arizona weekend sports anchor Ari Alexander joins KPRC 2

- Levi Ismail exits KHOU 11

- After John Walton's death, the "Walton and Johnson" show will continue with Ken Webster Jr. as Steve Johnson's co-host

- WNCN Raleigh's Taniya Wright joins KPRC 2 as morning anchor

- Brooks Garner joins FOX 31 Denver

- Rich Lord and Mike Meltser exit SportsRadio 610 KILT

- WLWT Cincinnati reporter Vanessa Richardson joins KPRC 2 sports team

- Remembering 99.9 FM KSHN Liberty

- Patricia Buchanan named Vice President of Sales Telemundo Houston KTMD

- Telemundo Houston KTMD reporter Eduardo "Yusnaby Pérez" Rodriguez leaves for Telemundo 51 Miami WSCV

- Emily Akin retires from FOX 26


August 2019

- Deneige Broom leaves FOX 26 KRIV

- Josh Marshall to leave KHOU 11

- Wendy Granato named KTRK President and General Manager

- Ryan Korsgard joins Million Air Austin

- Janet Shamlian joins CBS News as Houston-based correspondent

- Xavier Walton joins KHOU as morning anchor; Lisa Hernandez moves

- Lee Meier named FOX 26 KRIV assistant news director

- Lainie Fritz to leave KPRC 2

- TX Radio Hall of Famer on new Houston online station

- Chris Costa joins KHOU 11

- Leslie Adami named KIII Corpus Christi evening anchor

- "Red, White & Blue" and "Party Politics" return with new co-hosts

- John Donnelly to leave FOX 26

- Natasha Barrett joins the Memorial Hermann Health System

- Roxann Fisher joins KAVU Victoria as news director


September 2019

- Rehan Aslam named abc13 KTRK news director

- Tiffany Justice joins FOX 26 KRIV

- GM David Loving exits KXLN Univision 45

- Mike Glenn leaves Houston Chronicle for Washington Times

- abc13 anchors celebrating some big anniversaries

- Lainie Fritz appears on WDSU New Orleans


October 2019

- Melissa Wilson celebrates 19 years at FOX 26 KRIV

- Cynthia Cisneros announces retirement from abc13 KTRK

- MaryAnn Martinez joins KPRC 2

- Chelsea Edwards joins FOX 26 KRIV

- Caitlin “CJ” Johnson joins The New 93Q KKBQ

- John Hannon named President and General Manager of Univision 45 Houston KXLN

- KPRC legendary anchor Bill Balleza to retire

- Jennifer Reyna is leaving KPRC 2

- Jennifer Reyna breaks silence after leaving KPRC

- Lindsey Henry leaves FOX 26

- Tom Abrahams celebrates 20 years at abc13 KTRK


November 2019

- KiTiRik - Houston's greatest TV host?

- Famous media HISD graduates

- Bo Corona launches Puro Tejano Fierro 101.1 HD2

- abc13 KTRK anchors switch schedules


December 2019

- Addison Green joins KHOU

CultureMap and KTRK abc13 team up

Years ago, CultureMap.com and KTRK abc13 teamed up online. Then CultureMap teamed up with KHOU 11 in 2012. Now CultureMap and KTRK are back together.

(Houston, TX) – Gow Media, owner of CultureMap.com, the leading digital provider of lifestyle content in Texas, and ABC13 KTRK-TV, the leading news provider in Houston, announced a new partnership to share and cross promote content. The
partnership will allow both companies to leverage additional resources, and reach a wider, complementary audience.

“This is an exciting opportunity for us,” said David Gow, CEO of Gow Media. “We have long respected ABC13’s leading voice in our market, and are delighted to add their content to our site. We are also excited to have our CultureMap stories featured on
ABC13.com, which will undoubtedly enable us to reach new audiences.”

“CultureMap is a leader in covering restaurants, events and the many exciting cultural developments in our city,” said Henry Florsheim, President and General Manager of ABC13. “We think their stories are a good fit for our TV viewers as well as our digital
audiences on the ABC13 news app and abc13.com. We also see the partnership as a great opportunity for ABC13 stories to get in front of new audiences on CultureMap.com.”

In addition to CultureMap.com, Gow Media owns two sports radio stations in Houston, KFNC 97.5 FM and KGOW 1560 AM, and one of the country’s largest national sports radio networks, SB Nation Radio. CultureMap was acquired in February 2017, and shortly thereafter, Gow hired Ken Hoffman, the popular columnist from the Houston Chronicle.

“We are committed to providing market-leading sports and lifestyle content,” said Gow.

About Gow Media
Gow Media, LLC is a leading sports media company founded in 2007 and based in Houston. The company owns two sports stations in Houston: ESPN 97.5 and SB Nation Radio 1560. The company also owns one of the country’s largest sports radio networks, SB Nation Radio, which it runs in partnership with SBNation.com. SB Nation Radio provides 24/7 sports shows and sports updates to over 500 affiliate radio stations across the country, Sirius Satellite Radio, and mobile and digital partners. Gow Media, LLC is backed by a private investment group with significant experience in media ownership. The investor group includes Steve Webster, co-manager and co-CEO of Avista Capital; Patrick Dugan, vice president and general counsel of Nortex Corporation; and David Gow, chairman and CEO of Gow Media, LLC.

RELATED
- Charlie Pallilo heading to SB Nation 1560 AM KGOW and ESPN 97.5 KFNC
- Ken Hoffman leaves Houston Chronicle for CultureMap
- AUDIO: Ken Hoffman talks move to CultureMap from Houston Chronicle

PICS: KTRK 13 anchor Dave Ward's 45 year party

I blogged a few weeks ago about the big '45 years on the air bash' held for KTRK 13 anchor Dave Ward. The party was thrown by Ward's wife, Laura, at Tony's (for those not in Houston, arguably the best restaurant in town).

I came across some fantastic photos taken at the event.  These pics give us a view of what the lucky 1% or so of KTRK staff who attended got to experience. Shelby Hodge reported there was "a surprise video greeting from Diane Sawyer." I can add some of the menu choices included Seared Sea Bass, Fire Roasted Amish Hen, Veal Piccata Romana and Riviera Salad.

KTRK General Manager Henry Florsheim, Laura and Dave Ward - Copyright © 2011 Michelle Watson. All rights reserved.

KTRK News Director Dave Strickland, Wayne Dolcefino, Ted Oberg - Copyright © 2011 Michelle Watson. All rights reserved.

Art Rascon and Melanie Lawson with Ward - Copyright © 2011 Michelle Watson. All rights reserved.

Ward with Ilona Carson - Copyright © 2011 Michelle Watson. All rights reserved.

Don Nelson, Doug Brown and Tom Koch - the old team back together - Copyright © 2011 Michelle Watson. All rights reserved.

See all of the photos taken at the party through CatchlightGroup.com.

Texas TV news and radio job moves April 2019

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- Best TV news bloopers April 2019
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DALLAS - FORT WORTH

FOX 4 KDFW anchor Richard Ray to retire after nearly 50 years in TV news.

Laura Harris advances to co-anchor of NBC5's weekday early morning newscasts.

Cory Smith moves within the NBC O&O group and joins the team at WRC in Washington as Anchor/Reporter, from Weekend Anchor at KXAS in Dallas. (The NWT Group)

Dan Bennett Built Dallas Into a Radio Powerhouse. He is also father to KHOU 11 reporter Adam Bennett.


HOUSTON

Spanish Sports “ESPN Deportes Radio” has been dropped from 1230 KCOH - its former Urban Talk format returns.

104.1 KRBE/Houston on-air personality Tyler Frye has signed a contract extension.

Long running Houston show (from San Antonio) The Joe Paggs Show has been replaced by The Jesse Kelly Show on 950 KPRC.

“93.1 The Mountain” KYMT Las Vegas announced AD Rowntree as APD/morning host. He will still track afternoons on 94.5 The Buzz KTBZ.

Last month I mentioned how former KPRC 2 anchor Pauline Chiou has been working the cable news world for years then she announces this: Personal update: I'm taking on a new role as Assistant News Director at News12, leading a talented team covering Westchester County & the Hudson Valley in NY. Intriguing story ideas welcome.

- Anchor Denise Middleton and meteorologist Stephen Morgan to work FOX 26 KRIV weekend mornings
- Former KPRC 2 reporter Ryan Korsgard and KHOU 11's Stephanie Simmons both ran in the Boston Marathon
- Roula Christie wins a 2019 Gracie Award
- Lisa Trapani Shumate's 'Always and Never: 20 Truths for a Happy Heart'
- Former FOX 26 KRIV and current FOX 11 KTTV Los Angeles morning anchor Rita Garcia is engaged
- KHOU 11 assistant news director Josh Hubbard is leaving Houston for the same job with Disney/ABC Television Group owned KGO San Franciso
- Erica Simon returns from maternity leave
- Texas AP Broadcasters Award winners 2018
- Former KPRC 2 features reporter Ruben Galvan joins KHOU 11
- Deilia Ray Williams named KTRK abc13 Marketing Creative Director
- Steve Riley named Houston Chronicle Executive Editor
- David Arkin to lead digital at KPRC 2
- Britta Merwin is pregnant
- KTRK GM Henry Florsheim announces retirement
- Sarah Pepper has her baby


SAN ANTONIO

Univision flipped Tejano 107.5 KXTN to Rhythmic AC “Vibe 107.5“.

Lopez Broadcasting has flipped Spanish Christian 98.9 KLMO-FM Dilley TX to Tejano as “K-Alamo“.

- Robert Sarabia named Pres. and GM of Telemundo 60 San Antonio


AUSTIN

KEYE mutli-media journalist Adam Hammons announced he is leaving the Sinclair owned station. He has joined the media team for TxDOT.
‏
Austin American-Statesman is entering the streaming radio game with the launch of Austin360Radio.

- KVUE Austin Daybreak Meteorologist Erika Lopez is joining KHOU 11


AROUND TEXAS

KBMT Beaumont anchor Vanessa Broussard has been missing from the station’s morning newscasts, but now she is back and explained her absence.

REMEMBERING

Roger Emrich, a member of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame and a long-time sportscaster and reporter for 1080 KRLD and the Texas State Network, has died.

Dr. Ed Reitman, known as "Dr. Ed" to his longtime Newsradio 740 KTRH listeners and his Jewish Herald-Voice readers, has died.

KSAT 12 remembers anchor Michelle Lima.

Wendy Granato is KTRK abc13 news director

UPDATE AUGUST 07, 2019
Wendy Granato named KTRK President and General Manager

Wendy Granato gets newly expanded role of KTRK abc13 Vice President of News and Digital Content

Wendy Granato

Yesterday, the news came out of KTRK abc13 that special projects executive producer Wendy Granato is taking over the seat left by longtime news director Dave Strickland in July. This makes Granato the first female news director in the station's history.

If Granato's last name sounds familiar...there's a reason for it. Her husband is longtime sports radio talker John Granato (now 1560 KGOW; Formerly 610 KILT, Houston Texans sideline reporter & KNWS 51).

 The couple's quarterback son also made news when Rice University creatively recruited him from Kinkaid.

I don't know if KTRK bothered to send a press release like the other stations do for such a big hire, so I'm posting the internal memo KTRK general manager Henry Florsheim sent the staff:

After literally speaking with candidates from coast to coast, it turns out the next ABC 13 News Director was already right here in Houston. I’m most pleased to let everyone know that Wendy Granato has a agreed to become the new Vice President of News and Digital Content at KTRK-TV. Along with an extensive news background, everyone who has worked with Wendy knows she has suburb communication and organizational skills. As technology has allowed viewer patterns and consumption practices to change, she has taken a leadership position in the newsroom embracing and initiating any number of new digital projects. At a time when our industry and business is facing unparalleled change and challenge, Wendy has time and again demonstrated an ability to create top quality content across a wide range of formats and platforms.

Over the last twelve years at the Station, Wendy has a proven track record of success on multiple high profile projects in both the News and Programming Departments including signature Station events that cross departments . As senior Executive News Producer, Special Projects for a decade, Wendy has overseen special promotable news reports, medical reporting, and consumer reports, alerts, and investigations. For many seasons she coordinated much of the station’s pre and regular season Texans coverage; and has served as Executive Producer of the Houston Marathon programming and race coverage. Wendy has moved from News to Programming and back throughout her career. She first came to the station in 1998 to join the Programming Department. She was promoted from Producer, to Senior Producer to Executive Producer of the Debra Duncan Show.

Wendy’s first broadcast experience was in News as a producer/reporter/ anchor/ assignment editor and Executive Producer at various times at KATC-TV in Lafayette, Louisiana. She moved to Houston to a position of anchor/ producer at KNWS-TV--the 24 hour news operation-- in 1993. Over time, as had occurred previously, she found herself increasing drawn toward production; and over a span of three years held a series of positions culminating in being named News Director from 1996 to 1998. During that period she oversaw editorial content, staffing, and operations of station.

An Louisiana State University graduate, Wendy double major in Broadcast Journalism and History. In case you haven’t heard, she’s said to have a keen interest in football. I’m sure we’ll all give her a hand as she steps into her new role.

RELATED
- Houston Internet musical "Horrible Turn" debuts with KTRK 13 cameo
- Don Kobos retires from KTRK abc13
- KTRK abc13 EP Jerry Vazquez to be KTMD news director
- KTRK abc13 news director Dave Strickland resigns

abc13 and anchor emeritus Dave Ward launch Dave Ward's Houston

August 14, 2018 - KTRK-TV is pleased to announce the upcoming September launch of Dave Ward's Houston, a new ABC/13 Eyewitness News & multi-platform series exploring the people, places and events that make this city so special.

----------------------
EXCLUSIVE: Dave Ward talks with mikemcguff.com about his return to Houston TV
----------------------

As ABC/13 Eyewitness News' Anchor Emeritus, Dave Ward was the longest serving news anchor at a single television station, anchoring the news for more than 50 years at KTRK. Dave started his tenure at KTRK-TV on November 9, 1966, as a reporter-film photographer. He was quickly promoted to the anchor desk where over the years he led the newscasts through triumphs in space, to the tragedies of nature,
including many hurricanes. During his career he interviewed numerous presidents and led the station through 13 Presidential elections. He reported on wars from Vietnam to Syria in the Middle East.

Dave Ward is excited about his return to KTRK and says, "I could not be happier to have this unique opportunity to reconnect with my viewers and KTRK colleagues as we explore the history of what I consider to be the greatest city in the world and connect with a new generation of viewers."

KTRK-TV President and General Manager Henry Florsheim says he is thrilled the Station found a way for Dave to remain a part of the KTRK-TV family. "We all look forward to his unique storytelling and look at our City."

KTRK-TV's award winning Vice President of Programming Kim Nordt-Jackson will supervise the production of the special segments and looks forward to working with Dave. "If you think you know everything there is to know about our great city, you haven't spent time with Dave Ward.

Dave not only intimately knows the places, people and stories that are Uniquely Houston, Dave knows the stories behind the stories. Our team is very excited and can't wait to start this new adventure with him!"

(This post is taken from a release sent to me by KTRK abc13)

KTRK abc13 and Univision 45 live webstream Houston mayoral debate

Univision 45/KXLN-TV and ABC-13/KTRK-TV have joined to co-host the Houston Mayoral Debate, streaming it live from Hobby Center’s Zilkha Hall, 800 Bagby St. at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 10.

The Mayoral Debate will feature the top seven announced candidates and will be accessible exclusively online at www.abc13.com and www.univision45.com. Simultaneous Spanish-language translation will be available on Univision 45’s website.

ABC-13’s Erik Barajas and Univision 45’s Rebecca Suarez will moderate the debate. The audience will be by invitation only; however, Houston voters are encouraged to submit their questions in English or Spanish by posting them to twitter using #HOUSTONVOTE.

The Houston Mayoral Debate’s direct to web live stream will be the first of its kind for a local debate (FOX 26 KRIV previously held Mayoral debates in the past). ABC-13 will telecast the debate that same night at 10:35 p.m.

“We are thrilled with our partnership with ABC-13. By co-hosting this mayoral forum, we are providing a great service to our community. The top mayoral candidates will have an opportunity to convey their respective visions and plans for the city of Houston,” said David Loving, General Manager of Univision Houston Local Media.

“We’re delighted to collaborate with Univision and co-host Houston’s Mayoral Debate. It is an exciting opportunity to use our digital platforms to deliver information to Houstonians in new and innovative ways,” said Henry Florsheim, General Manager of KTRK ABC-13.

The Houston mayoral candidates include Chris Bell, Stephen Costello, Adrian Garcia, Ben Hall, Bill King, Marty McVey, and Sylvester Turner.

Rebecca Suarez is an award-winning broadcast journalist. She has been a member of the Univision 45 news team since 2011, working as a news anchor and reporter. She is a native Houstonian with expertise in covering local and statewide elections. Erik Barajas has served as a respected 13 Eyewitness News anchor for seven years. A true Texas journalist, he’s worked as a reporter and anchor in several cities across the state.

(This post was taken from a release sent to me by KTRK abc13)

2013 Lone Star EMMY nominees list

Texas TV honored in Lone Star EMMY Nominations for 2013

If all goes as planned, the 2013 Lone Star EMMY nominees will be posted now.

SEE THE LIST

Next stop, the 11th Annual Lone Star EMMY Awards in Historical San Antonio at the Grand Hyatt on Saturday, November 9, 2013.

Congrats!

UPDATE
Wow! Three out of the four "News Excellence" nominees are Houston's big three stations!

13 Eyewitness News "Everywhere You Need Us To Be"
KTRK
David Strickland, Vice President/News Director
Henry Florsheim, President/General Manager

From West Nile To West, Texas
KXAS
Susan Tully, Vice President, News

KHOU Stands For Houston
KHOU
Philip Bruce, Executive News Director

KPRC-TV News Excellence
KPRC
Jerry Martin, General Manager
Deborah Collura, News Director


RELATED
- 2012 Lone Star EMMY nominees list
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- 2011 Lone Star EMMY nominees list
- Lone Star EMMY Awards winners 2011
- 8th Annual Lone Star EMMY Awards winners
- 7th Annual Lone Star EMMY Award winners

Deilia Ray Williams named KTRK abc13 Marketing Creative Director

UPDATE
Deilia Ray Williams jumped from abc13 KTRK to KHOU 11 in January 2021 as Marketing Director.

KTRK-TV announced today Deilia Ray Williams has been named as the station’s Marketing Creative Director, effective June 3.

In this position, Deilia will spearhead multi-platform audience development initiatives including promotional/marketing creative efforts and branding strategies.

Deilia is an experienced leader and innovative content creator, with more than 11 years of experience as a Creative Services Director with Hearst Television. Deilia is currently Creative Services Director at the ABC station in Albuquerque, New Mexico, KOAT-TV. Prior to that, Deilia worked as the Creative Services Director for Hearst at KSBW-TV in Monterey, California and WLKY-TV in Louisville, Kentucky.

Delia is an active member of ABC’s Social Media Advisory Committee and served on ABC’s Marketing Advisory Board. Her creative work has earned multiple Emmy, ProMaxBDA, and other broadcast association awards.

A native of South Carolina, Deilia is mother to two teenagers, Roland and Marlowe and their rescue pup, Roxy. Deilia’s husband, Brian, is a writer with a degree in Earth and Planetary Science. Her family loves adventure and exploring new cities together. In her spare time, Deilia enjoys acting and has appeared on the other side of the camera in AMC’s “Better Call Saul”.

“In addition to her experience and talent, Deilia brings a deep appreciation for the critical role our station plays as a news, information and community leader.” said KTRK president and general manager, Henry Florsheim. “We are very pleased to welcome her to our ABC13 and Walt Disney Television family.”
Deilia Ray Williams on Vimeo

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

Tim Heller to leave abc13 KTRK in January 2019

ICYMI: abc13 KTRK chief meteorologist Tim Heller to leave the station Friday, January 11, 2019

Last week, I was sitting at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial when I saw the following press release from channel 13. The station's chief meteorologist Tim Heller announced on air and on Facebook that he is leaving the station in 2019 for a new career. You can read that below.

Here is the KTRK release:

ABC 13 KTRK TV today announced that Tim Heller, chief meteorologist for the station, has informed senior management of his intention to retire from ABC 13 in January 2019.

“For nearly 35 years, I have covered blizzards in Iowa, tornadoes in Dallas, hurricanes and floods in Houston and even a few sunny days,” said Heller. “I’ve been thinking about this for awhile and thankfully I have the full support of my loving wife, Monica. We are excited about the future.”

Tim has served as the Chief Meteorologist at KTRK Channel 13, the ABC owned TV station in Houston, Texas for 16 years. He is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist and member of the American Meteorological Society. His weathercasts have also earned the Seal of Approval from the National Weather Association.

“Our commitment to keeping viewers safe and informed during severe weather has never been stronger and Tim has played a huge role in developing this remarkable team.” said Wendy Granato, VP of News for KTRK. “Tim will always be part of the ABC13 family. We wish him well in all of his new adventures.”

Heller’s weather coverage over the past 35 years has earned him several awards including four Emmy Awards, one for his coverage of Hurricane Ike in 2008. Tim has also received multiple Best Weathercast awards from the Houston Press Club, the Dallas Press Club and the Texas Associated Press.

“When someone has an opportunity to pursue a dream you support and celebrate with them. We will miss Tim,” says Henry Florsheim, President and General Manager of KTRK-TV ABC-13. “He has led what we know are the strongest team of meteorologists in Houston for nearly two decades. He takes his craft very seriously and has worked tirelessly to keep the community informed whether it is a life threatening situation or how you should plan for your weekend. We are fortunate that Tim has agreed to stay through the end of
the year. We wish him nothing but happiness.”

Heller has been covering weather for more than 30 years. The award winning meteorologist has taken home honors from the Lonestar Emmys, Houston Press Club, the Dallas Press Club and the Texas Associated Press.

Before Houston, Heller worked for FOX 4 KDFW in Dallas. He previously worked for KGAN Cedar Rapids, Iowa; KRCG Jefferson City, Missouri; KDUB Dubuque, Iowa and WIFR Rockford, Illinois.

According to his bio, Heller is a graduate of the Broadcast Meteorology Program at Mississippi State University, and has a BA in Communications from Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa.

He is originally from Prairieburg, Iowa. He and his wife have three children.


Here is what Heller wrote on Facebook in case you can't access it:

Hello Facebook Friends,

I wanted you to be among the first to know that I’m retiring as a broadcast meteorologist and will be leaving ABC13 to pursue a different career.

This photo was taken nearly 35 years ago at KDUB-TV in Dubuque, Iowa, where I did the weekend weather. Since then, I’ve worked at six different TV stations forecasting blizzards in Iowa, tornadoes in Dallas, hurricanes and flooding in Houston…and even a few sunny days. There’s not a weather event I haven’t covered.

Even though the weather changes every day and the technology has changed considerably over the last three decades, the job is essentially the same today as it was back in 1984. I simply need a new challenge.

I know this might sound crazy. Who gives up a high-profile job and starts over? I do. And apparently a lot of other people do too. Google the words “second career” and you’ll get 876-million results.

This is not a sudden decision. I’ve been thinking about this for a few years and I made this decision after some careful personal and financial planning.

Thankfully I have the full support of my loving (and equally crazy) wife, Monica. We are confident and excited about the future.

I’m going to take some time and consider my options. My plan is to find a job that allows me to still serve the public in some way.

This isn’t good bye! We still have the rest of hurricane season to get through together. My last on-air broadcast will be Friday, January 11, 2019.

Finally, thank you for following me. I truly appreciate it.

And thank you for watching ABC13.