Former KHOU GM Susan McEldoon to offer professional coaching

Susan McEldoon, Former President and General Manager of KHOU-TV, is expanding her resume by adding executive & professional coaching following her retirement from KHOU.

"Developing talent has always been my favorite part of the job and there is a growing demand to prepare the new generation for top positions,” says McEldoon.

To compliment her nearly 40 years of marketing, advertising, and broadcast management experience McEldoon has successfully completed a year-long program in Executive & Professional Coaching at the University of Texas Dallas Jindal School of Management. She will receive the ACTP certification from the University and is a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

Susan’s executive training will offer executive and team coaching, meeting facilitation, and 360 assessments for individuals and organizations. Her expertise extends far beyond the media industry to include consumer facing marketing, philanthropic fundraising, and crisis management skills which were displayed during Hurricane Harvey.



About Susan McEldoon
Susan has over 30 years of TV station management experience having worked for the NBC O&O (KCNC) in Denver, CO, the CBS O&O (WBBM) in Chicago, the Dispatch Broadcast Group (WBNS) in Columbus, OH and TEGNA, Inc’s KHOU, the CBS Affiliate in Houston Texas. She has been on the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross Houston Chapter for over ten years and served as Board Chair from 2015-2017. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Greater Houston Partnership and the Board of Trustees for the United Way of Greater Houston. McEldoon holds a BA/Communications from the University of Missouri/Kansas City and received her MBA from The Ohio State University.

(Taken from a release sent to me by KHOU)

KHOU GM Susan McEldoon one of 'Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2012'

KHOU 11 GM Susan McEldoon has been named one of “Houston’s 50 Most Influential
Women of 2012” by Houston Woman Magazine the station let me know:

Susan McEldoon, President and General Manager at KHOU 11, Houston’s CBS affiliate, has been named one of “Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2012” by Houston Woman Magazine.

A 20 year veteran of television management, McEldoon joined KHOU 11 in 2004 as Director of Sales and was named Vice President/Station Manager in 2006. The following year she was promoted to her current position as President/General Manager.

McEldoon serves on the board of the Greater Houston Partnership, the Buffalo Bayou Partnership and the Houston Chapter of the American Red Cross. She is also a member of the Board of Trustees for United Way Houston.

Each honoree was first nominated for inclusion on the “50 Women” list by a subscriber of Houston Woman Magazine and then selected by the staff of the publication.

According to Beverly Denver, publisher of Houston Woman Magazine, “Those selected as Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2012 are individuals with vast networks of social and professional connections. They have earned an enviable reputation for possessing an expertise in a particular field or arena. They are considered knowledgeable, credible and trustworthy. The thoughts and actions of these
women influence the thoughts and actions of others. It is our distinct privilege to be able to introduce these remarkable women to the community.”

The magazine has published the annual special edition featuring Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women of the Year since 2008.

Other Houston media members that I noticed on the list are KTRK 13 anchor Sharron Melton and executive director and general manager of Houston Public Media (KUHF, KUHA and KUHT) Lisa Trapani Shumate.

See the rest of the list here.

KHOU GM Susan McEldoon announces retirement

Multiple reports hit the internet today saying that KHOU 11 President & General Manager Susan A. McEldoon is retiring.

“Susan initially considered retiring at the end of 2017. However, after the cascading impact of Hurricane Harvey on KHOU’s operations, her heartfelt sense of obligation and loyalty to the employees of KHOU made her reconsider,” Tegna EVP Peter Diaz told TVNewsCheck. “Orchestrating operations across multiple sites in Houston/Dallas, she continues to work tirelessly to stabilize, restore and advance KHOU’s commitment to the community."

Diaz added that over the next few months, he will interview a successor and have that person work with McEldoon during a transition period.

All you have to do is read my dinky blog to see how busy McEldoon and the future KHOU GM will be. That includes finding a new station location thanks to Hurricane Harvey and opening satellite studios in downtown Houston reportedly this month.

McEldoon joined channel 11 back in 2004 as Director of Sales in the station's Belo days. She was named Vice President/Station Manager in 2006 with another promotion coming the following year upping her to President/General Manager.

Before KHOU, McEldoon was Director of Sales at WBNS Columbus, Ohio and WBBM Chicago according to LinkedIn. She also served as marketing manager at KCNC Denver.

Under her leadership, KHOU has won many prestigious awards including Lone Star Emmys and recently winning another Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award.

Some of her other honors:
- Broadcasting & Cable Magazine’s General Manager of the Year 2008
- Houston Women’s Chamber “Breakthrough Woman 2009”
- Houston Women’s Chamber “Hall of Fame” Inductee 2010
- Houston Woman Magazine’s “50 Most Influential Women” in 2012
- “Top 30 Influential Women of Houston” in 2015
- The Media Alliance of Houston awarded her the Star Award for TV Station Manager of the Year in 2010, 2012 and 2015.

Planting roots in the Houston-area, McEldoon has served on the board of the Greater Houston Partnership, the Buffalo Bayou Partnership and the Houston Chapter of the American Red Cross. She has also served as a member of the Board of Trustees for United Way Houston.

McEldoon has a BA in Communications from the University of Missouri/Kansas City and an MBA from The Ohio State University.

RELATED
Levi Ismail joins KHOU 11

KHOU close to getting a new building plus other details post Harvey

Last Friday, I put out on social media how the iconic KHOU call letters were removed from the station's former Allen Parkway tower.

There is a silver lining though.

The station says the six-by-six foot letters will make a return in the future.

“We are going to incorporate them, somehow, into our new building," KHOU 11 General Manager, Susan McEldoon, said on the TEGNA owned station's website. "I’m not exactly sure how that’s going to look at this point."

Now I am kicking myself that I never photographed that tower like I always planned to.

RELATED
VIDEO: Summary of KHOU 11 studio flooding Harvey

Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you know the reason the letters are disappearing for now is because Hurricane Harvey flooded the KHOU 11's building.

Earlier this month, channel 11 announced it signed a contract to sell the building that once housed its studios.

RELATED
WFAA shows how it is helping Houston

Since the storm, the station has operated out of the Houston Public Media building on the University of Houston campus.

Today on Houston Public Media's News 88.7 KUHF's Houston Matters, KHOU GM McEldoon said, "We knew we couldn't go back there, it made no sense to reinvest in a complicated, technical operation like a TV station in a building that was going to flood again."

RELATED
KHOU 11 broadcasting from TV 8 KUHT behind the scenes photos

McEldoon added at one point, KHOU had staff in seven different locations across the Houston-area.

The good news for the Houston CBS affiliate is the station is very close to signing a lease on a new unannounced facility.

"We hope that we will be in a new facility by the end of this year," she told host Craig Cohen.

Near the end of the interview, McEldoon said something that some might find surprising.

Within 24 hours of the KHOU 11 evacuation, she said the general managers at all of the other Houston TV stations contacted her to see if the flooded station needed help.

RELATED
Brandi Smith and the viral storm

"The calls went like this, 'What do you need to get back on the air? What do you need to get stabilized? Is there anything we can do? Is there any equipment? Call me if you need my help," McEldoon recalled. "And those were sincere, sincere phone calls. And I just think that speaks a lot about the quality of the people in Houston. And it certainly speaks about the quality of the people who work in local media."

That really says something about the Houston spirit and broadcasting community. After all, the stations are competitors.

For now KHOU will spend the next hurricane season at Houston Public Media with the TV8 KUHT and 88.7 KUHF staffs. That building has never flooded.

McEldoon says the most important thing for broadcasters is to have a backup plan for worst case scenarios like a Hurricane Harvey. Good thing the KHOU management met with Houston Public Media months before.

Since we're talking Houston Public Media, I thought I would take the chance to congratulate Aurora Losada, the Director Digital Operations of the NPR/PBS affilate, for being named a finalist of the Digital Leader of the Year category in the Women in IT Awards.

KHOU signs deal on new building!

KHOU 11's new station address will be 5718 Westheimer - between Chimney Rock and Bering

I took a field trip to the new location!

KHOU announced today the execution of a lease agreement with 5718 Westheimer Road Investors, L.P. totaling 43,000 square feet of space at 5718 Westheimer in Houston.

KHOU will occupy three floors that will include two studios, two control rooms, an open collaboration space for all content producing departments, technical operations, sales and executive offices. Occupancy is anticipated in early 2019.

Susan McEldoon

“We’re delighted to have found a new, centrally located home for KHOU. 5718 Westheimer’s location near the Galleria district offers us ample studio and office space,” said Susan McEldoon, president and general manager, KHOU. “We’re grateful for the support of Houston Public Media, who stepped up to provide us with our temporary home after our building flooded due to Hurricane Harvey, but we’re eager to bring all of our team back together at 5718 Westheimer in early 2019.”

“We are thrilled to have a station with such a long history of journalism excellence move into 5718 Westheimer,” said CBRE senior vice president, Marilyn Guion. “Ownership recently renovated the building and created a bold new entrance along Westheimer. Over $10 million went into high-end amenities, including a new lobby, state-of-the-art conference center, a 4,000 square-foot fitness center, and updated restrooms and corridors throughout the building. These improvements give the tower a brand-new look and were instrumental in KHOU’s decision to make a long-term commitment to 5718 Westheimer.”


KHOU was represented in the transaction by Meredith LaPier and Collin Grimes of CBRE.

CBRE’s Marilyn Guion, Dave Hanusa and Tyler Merritt represented the building’s owners, UBS.

In May, KHOU will also begin broadcasting from a new downtown studio located at the George R. Brown Convention Center on Avenida de las Americas. McEldoon added, “This new street-level, glass front studio space will give our audience a front-row seat to all that’s happening across our city.”

About KHOU
KHOU is one of the top-rated CBS affiliates in Texas and has been a leader in local news, information and community involvement for more than six decades. KHOU is owned by TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA), an innovative media company that owns and operates 47 television stations in 39 markets. To learn more about at KHOU please visit KHOU.com.

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

Mario Gomez & others to leave KHOU 11

UPDATE JULY 31, 2016
Mario Gomez's last KHOU 11 weathercast tonight

KHOU 11 weekend meteorologist Mario Gomez and other station staffers apparently taking TEGNA buyout

Mario Gomez

KHOU 11 anchor Shern-Min Chow broke the news about more station staffers apparently taking the TEGNA buyout. By now you know about reporter Doug Miller, but now we learn weekend meteorologist Mario Gomez and others are on the list too.

Here is what Chow wrote on Facebook:

Farewell salute to 7 KHOU staffers, (l to r) Mario Gomez KHOU, Sports photographer George Jensen (Alice C Jensen), Master control operator Gary Makowsky, (not retiring! MC Greg Hurst KHOU) Chief photographer Tony Delgado, Assignment Editor Bill Langlois, (not retiring! GM Susan McEldoon) political reporter Doug Miller, and Photographer Gustavo Pereyra. They leave with 240 years combined experience. You are looking at News History.

Main anchor Greg Hurst is in the below photo, but Chow points out he was just hosting this send off event. KHOU 11 General Manager Susan McEldoon is also not retiring, but pictured according to Chow.

Gomez has been at the station for decades. Here's a channel 11 weathercast Gomez did on 12/22/1989 with the late Sylvan Rodriguez.

I've always enjoyed watching Gomez deliver the weather.

He has a nice and calming presence that is becoming a rare commodity in a business that seems to more and more embrace dramatic deliveries. That's a plus in a place like Houston where the weather can turn against us in a moment's notice (Remember earlier this week?). Gomez could always deftly navigate us through the bad stuff without freaking television viewers out.

According to his bio, the San Antonio native has lived in Houston since 1984. Other than that, we only get a glimpse of his past. His bio for many years has read:

Gomez graduated with a degree in meteorology from the University of Colorado. He served as an air weather officer in the United States Air Force and worked for the National Weather Service in Denver, Colorado. Gomez is a member of the American Meteorological Association and the National Weather Association. He maintains Television Seals of Approval in both organizations.
He is the father of three and participates in many of Houston's charitable events. Gomez served as host of the first annual Houston SPCA telethon in 1995 which raised more than $100,000.

I've never personally met Gomez, but I imagine this is a low key bio for a low key guy. We'll miss you Mario.

I reached out to Gomez earlier. If/when he gets back to me, I'll post his responses here.


UPDATE JULY 31, 2016
Mario Gomez's last KHOU 11 weathercast tonight

VIDEO: KHOU 11 gives us a look at its new studio and newsroom

KHOU 11 announced it will begin occupying its new space at 5718 Westheimer beginning February 10. The station’s first newscasts from the new location are expected on February 17.

“We are delighted to be moving into our new home. All of us look forward to taking advantage of everything our new building and the Galleria district have to offer,” said Robert Springer, president and general manager, KHOU. “We are excited to share ‘the new KHOU’ our viewers and wish to thank the numerous partners who’ve helped us during this transition.”

Unless you have been living under a rock, you know that the KHOU studios on Allen Parkway near downtown Houston were destroyed thanks to five feet of water flooding the building during Hurricane Harvey. Since then, the staff has been broadcasting from Houston Public Media's building.

Next time your driving on Westheimer and Chimney Rock... 😊 #KHOU11 #HTownRush pic.twitter.com/6J5VP2cW3B

— Sally Ramirez (@SallyKHOU11) February 2, 2019

The new channel 11 at 5718 Westheimer near Bering is 43,000 square feet of space with two large studios. Trust me, this is way more space than the tiny confines of its former and now demolished Allen Parkway location.

"This is more space than we have ever had," anchor Len Cannon said in the video.

The news desk that Cannon showed us is one where the anchors stand, not sit behind. This news studio is directly next to Deborah Duncan's Great Day Houston studio.

Like KPRC 2's new newsroom, the KHOU one will also be next to a huge bank of windows where lots of light will brighten the dark days of breaking news.

There will also be a newsroom set for the anchors to use.

In the same room is also a lounge area next to the desks.

"This is like the hippest lounge in town...it's a lounge minus the drinks I guess," joked Cannon.

Believe it or not, not too far away, Univision 45 also has a lounge, but KXLN's looks like an actual club. As I have blogged before, the Univision Uforia Lounge is used for radio station concerts and live TV productions.

RELATED
- KHOU Avenida Studio in downtown Houston debuts
- KHOU 11 debuts new logo - 2018
- KHOU 11's new set 2016

I should also note that anchor Shern-Min Chow tweeted that this was the last day for KHOU general manager Susan McEldoon.

Chow posted a video of McEldoon talking to the staff where she said on her final day champagne was served in the department head meeting.

"It's just been such a privileged to be your GM," an emotional McEldoon said in the video to the newsroom. "There just aren't words, so thank you all for making me feel so special."

As I blogged last March, McEldoon postponed her retirement due to Hurricane Harvey's destruction of the station's old building. Later in July, owner Tegna announced Bobby Springer, the director of advertising and promotion at 9NEWS KUSA Denver would replace her.

Best and 🙏🏼🙏🏼 to our @KHOUSusan, the first female general manager of a #Houston tv station. She delayed her retirement for more than a year after #Harvey flooded us, to shepherd us thru 18 months of temporary facilities & into a new building. #EarnedHistory #KHOU11 @TEGNA pic.twitter.com/Sm0UBKRxxr

— Shern-Min Chow 🙋🏻 (@ShernMinKHOU) February 1, 2019

* This post was updated on February 8, 2019 to include information from a press release KHOU sent me with new move date information.

Top mikemcguff.com posts for 2013

Houston weather folks dominate the 2013 media list with some surprises

Happy New Year!  Here are the top Houston media stories of 2013 by page views. So that means the readers decided this list by what they clicked on the most throughout the year. Something tells me 93.7 The Beat Houston might make the list in 2014.

Casey Curry

1. Casey Curry is pregnant
KTRK abc13 Casey Curry and husband Carl are expecting their first baby in 2014. Since I posted this news in August, it has never left the top 6 posts of the day on my blog. Curry is the most popular talent at KTRK, and one of the tops in Houston, according to my blog.

2. Jane Slater & Mark Elfenbein off 105.3 The Fan KRLD's “Elf & Slater”
105.3 The Fan KRLD replaces “Elf & Slater” with Jane Slater & Mark Elfenbein was huge news on my blog. Those DFW Metroplex folks really like their media! One year, a Dallas story was the number one post on my blog. Maybe I should move up I-45.

3. KPRC 2's Frank Billingsley weds partner of 17 years
KPRC 2's Frank Billingsley married his partner of 17 years in late 2012. The post is still popular more than a year later and has been cited in such places as OutSmart and Houstonia Magazine.

4. Susan O’Donnell leaves 89.3 KSBJ
89.3 KSBJ lost morning show host Susan O’Donnell and listeners were devastated. It was not the first time O'Donnell left the KSBJ morning show.

5. KPRC 2 really likes KTRK abc13's news coverage; KTRK responds with promo
KTRK abc13's on air coverage was good enough for KPRC 2 to use in a tweet. KTRK sent me a promo its creative services department made letting everyone know about this situation. The next day, KPRC 2 issued an apology/explanation to KTRK 13 through my blog concerning the tweeted photos.

6. Gene Norman out at KHOU 11
KHOU meteorologist Gene Norman left the station in November 2012, was replaced by morning met David Paul and landed at WIAT CBS42 Birmingham.

7. 5 Houston TV anchors with baby bumps
We had a Houston TV baby wave across multiple Houston television stations!

8. Dominique Sachse's 'Due in a Few' announces Lauren Freeman's baby #3
Part of that baby wave included a new baby related venture launched by KPRC 2 anchor Dominique Sachse and her husband. No reader top ten list would be complete without a post about Sachse. Strangely enough, this year there is no appearance of Jennifer Reyna in the top 10. Then again, I haven't written a full post about her in years so I have to change that in 2014.

9. Alan Hemberger has died
Houston, San Antonio and Austin TV anchor Alan Hemberger died in 2013.

10. Mary Lee to leave KPRC 2 for California
KPRC 2 meteorologist Mary Lee (formerly of KXAN) left the Houston TV world and landed at KING 5 Seattle. Lots of viewers were sad to see her leave. Lee was replaced by Idolina Peralez of KIFI Local News 8/KIDK in Southeastern Idaho, Southwestern Montana and Northwestern Wyoming.

IN THE TOP 20

Other notable events that happened in Texas media this year that hit the top 20. Joe Pags was off KPRC AM 950, former Fox 26 KRIV producer Greer Feagin was found dead and Bob Allen left KTRK abc13 in January, joined KHOU 11 in April. KHOU station president and general manager Susan McEldoon said Allen helped boost KHOU's 10pm newscast.

And thanks for visiting a few of my non-blog post pages. The Houston news and Texas TV jobs pages are highly ranked by your visits.

RELATED
- Top mikemcguff.com posts for 2012
- Top mikemcguff.com posts for 2011
- Top 10 mikemcguff.com blog posts for 2010
- Top mikemcguff.com posts of 2009
- Top mikemcguff.com posts of 2008
- Top Mike McGuff blog posts of 2007
- Top 10 for 2006

KHOU 11 is first Houston TV station to use drone

Drone 11 debuted on KHOU during this week's Houston flood coverage

In today's world orange is the new black, energy drinks are the new soft drinks and drones are the new TV news choppers?

Well, I wouldn't go that far, but drones are hot right now and it's no surprise that they are finding their way into TV news coverage.

Enter Drone 11.

KHOU 11 introduced the latest tool in its news-gathering arsenal yesterday during the latest flood event.

"Drone photography is a wonderful new way to enhance our storytelling capabilities and KHOU is very proud to be the first television station in Houston to deploy a drone in the newsgathering process," KHOU 11 President & General Manager Susan McEldoon told mikemcguff.com.

So now anytime there is a situation that calls for it, the station tells me its staff of trained photojournalists can utilize Drone 11.

"We identified a number of individuals that had the interest and skill in learning," McEldoon told me. "We provided in-station training and they all had to take the FAA test to become licensed. Once licensed we conducted “hands-on” training for them to learn how to operate the drone."

I'm sure the channel 11 staff can handle Drone 11 better than my son and I can fly consumer grade ones! We both need that training!

McEldoon adds that all of the TEGNA stations are or will be using drones in the future.

FIRST FLIGHT: http://www.khou.com/news/local/drone-11-takes-first-flight-following-storms/387091828
PHOTOS: http://www.khou.com/news/local/aerial-views-drone-11-takes-a-look-at-buffalo-bayou/387084990

Robert Springer to leave KHOU 11 GM role

Robert Springer tells me he is leaving his role as President and General Manager at KHOU 11 Houston. 

UPDATE: In October 2024, Springer announced he is joining PBS12 KBDI Denver, Colorado, as President and General Manager. 

"I have absolutely loved my time in Houston and with KHOU 11," Springer told mikemcguff.com.  "Just an amazing team and an incredible community."

Springer added that his last day with KHOU 11 will be Friday, April 12, 2024. I have asked him to keep us updated on his future plans.

When former KHOU GM Susan McEldoon announced her retirement in March 2018, Springer was hired to succeed her. He arrived the following August and took the job in January 2019 when McEldoon officially retired.

Springer came to KHOU and Houston from TEGNA's sister station, 9NEWS KUSA Denver, where he was director of advertising and promotion.

In addition to his KUSA duties, Springer worked with the TEGNA Marketing Leadership Team, collaborating with stations in markets 17-39. Additionally, he played a crucial part in successfully launching the Denver-produced daily news and entertainment program, "Daily Blast LIVE."

He transitioned to KUSA from another TEGNA station, KARE 11 Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he contributed to the news department, art department and was a promotions writer and producer. His contributions earned him regional Emmy awards, a Telly award, a Minnesota Broadcasters award, numerous Colorado Broadcasters Awards, a Promax BDA award, and the TVB Emma Award.

Springer holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern New Mexico University.

KHOU 11 opening downtown Houston studios

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 28, 2018
KHOU Avenida Studio in downtown Houston debuts

UPDATE MAY 2018
As of this update, the downtown studio is not yet open. I'm told it could open mid to late summer 2018.


Way back in the Belo days, now TEGNA-owned WFAA 8 opened satellite studios in downtown Dallas' Victory Park. Think of how the network morning shows like to broadcast closer to the audience from the streets of New York.

Yesterday, WFAA sister-station KHOU 11, a station looking for a new home after it lost its studios to the waters of Hurricane Harvey, announced it is opening its own satellite studios in downtown Houston.

The location will be the George R. Brown Convention Center AKA The GRB located in the newly minted Avenida Houston district.

The station says it will use the downtown Houston studio, "several times a week on KHOU 11 News, Great Day Houston and other KHOU-produced programming and specials."

To me, that line makes it seem that KHOU will not be using the extra space as much as sister-station WFAA uses its Victory Park studios.

According to the station's website, at roughly 780-square-feet, "the new studio will have the flexibility to open on to the plaza, enabling reporters to directly engage with the public and be at the center of major events happening in downtown Houston."

What is old is new again.

In interviews for my KLOL documentary, I learned that when 740 KTRH was downtown at the Rice Hotel, hosts stretched microphones and long cable to the street to interview passersby on the street.

KHOU general manager Susan McEldoon says this project has been nearly two years in the making.

The Avenida Houston location will put us at the center of downtown activity, enabling anchors and reporters to live out our brand of ‘Standing for Houston’ by providing us with a closer connection to the community we serve,” McEldoon said on the station's website. “As the only station with a downtown studio, we will use the Avenida Houston studio as our second home to produce big, bold, original content on all of our platforms.”

Since KHOU is currently scouting a new permanent studio home, this new satellite studio might be getting a lot more use than originally planned during the build process.

The new studio, which is a partnership between channel 11 and Houston First Corporation (HFC), will be near Bud’s Pitmaster BBQ and the central plaza.

It is set to open in March 2018.

KHOU begins studio rebuild process

NOVEMBER 16, 2017
KHOU officially moving thanks to Harvey

Looks like KHOU is staying put.

Facebook posts show that channel 11 is returning to its longtime home and Hurricane Harvey flood damaged Allen Parkway studios.

The staff is working out of Houston Public Media's PBS affiliate KUHT TV 8 in the meantime.


Former KHOU 11 reporter Jason Whitely (now at sister station WFAA in Dallas-Fort Worth) posted these photos of the damage. He said, "The flood destroyed the newsroom, control room, and news set."

Owner TEGNA has hired two companies to work on returning the studios to normal. Houston-based Aztec Rental Center and MrRestore out of Lewisville, Texas are already on the scene and posting social media updates concerning the building's restoration.


Sports anchor Matt Musil takes us on a tour of the outside of the operation.


In the following video, Susan McEldoon, General Manager for CBS affiliate KHOU, and Lisa Shumate, GM for PBS station Houston Public Media, share the story of how the two stations came together after the horrors of Harvey.

Longtime media watchers might know that Shumate formerly worked for KHOU and McEldoon. Shumate states in the video that there are KUHT employees that also previously worked for the CBS affiliate.


Both current and former members of the Houston media have talked with me about the KHOU flood in the last days. Many did not think that KHOU would return or maybe even should return since this is not the first flood there.

Clearly TEGNA has fortitude!

RELATED
- VIDEO: Summary of KHOU 11 studio flooding Harvey
- KHOU 11 broadcasting from TV 8 KUHT behind the scenes photos
- Dan Rather's words of encouragement for KHOU

Bobby Springer new KHOU 11 station manager

ICYMI: TEGNA Names Bobby Springer Vice President and Station Manager at KHOU in Houston

TEGNA Inc. today announced that industry veteran Bobby Springer is joining KHOU in Houston, TX as vice president and station manager effective August 1, 2018. Springer will work closely with Susan McEldoon and will assume the role of president and general manager upon her retirement. McEldoon will remain at KHOU through January 2019 to ensure a smooth leadership transition, including KHOU’s move to 5718 Westheimer.

Springer joins KHOU from 9NEWS/KUSA in Denver where he is director of advertising and promotion and worked with the executive leadership team to set strategy for the station. During this time, Springer was also a part of the TEGNA Marketing Leadership Team working with stations in markets 17-39 and was also instrumental in the launch of Denver-produced daily news and entertainment show, “Daily Blast LIVE.”

“Bobby’s talents in marketing, branding, sales, digital and leading teams across TEGNA through transformation initiatives make him the best choice to lead KHOU into a new era,” said Lynn Beall, executive vice president and chief operating officer, media operations, TEGNA. “His cross-departmental career has exposed him to all aspects of our business. His track record of results and understanding of our innovative culture make him uniquely suited to meet the ever-changing needs of our audiences and customers.”

Prior to his current role, Springer held roles in business development, sales design and production at KUSA. Springer joined KUSA from KARE in Minneapolis, MN where he worked in the newsroom, art department and as a promotions writer and producer. He has won regional Emmy awards, a Telly award, a Minnesota Broadcasters award, numerous Colorado Broadcasters Awards, a Promax BDA award and the TVB Emma Award.

Springer graduated from Eastern New Mexico University with a Bachelor of Science degree. He will relocate to the Houston area.

About TEGNA
TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) is an innovative media company that serves the greater good of our communities. With 47 television stations and two radio stations in 39 markets, TEGNA delivers relevant content and information to consumers across platforms. It is the largest owner of top 4 affiliates in the top 25 markets, reaching approximately one-third of all television households nationwide. Each month, TEGNA reaches 50 million adults on-air and approximately 30 million across its digital platforms. TEGNA has been consistently honored with the industry’s top awards, including Edward R. Murrow, George Polk, Alfred I. DuPont and Emmy Awards. TEGNA delivers results for advertisers through unparalleled and innovative solutions including OTT local advertising network Premion, centralized marketing resource Hatch, and G/O Digital, a one-stop shop for local businesses to connect with consumers through digital marketing. Across platforms, TEGNA tells empowering stories, conducts impactful investigations and delivers innovative marketing solutions. For more information, visit www.TEGNA.com.

(This post was taken from a release sent to me by TEGNA Inc.)

Levi Ismail joins KHOU 11

WBBH Fort Myers, Florida's Levi Ismail joins KHOU 11

I know some people like to take a break and play {insert hot mobile game here}, but what do I do? I go check the bios page on Houston TV websites.

It's relaxing. Just like a glass of warm milk, foot massage or relaxing therapeutic body massage oil. Wouldn't it be terrible if all my posts about Houston media were full of affiliate marketing? Why, you'd have to go buy a new 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV just to deal with the intrusion!

Anyway, right before I was going to check out my online store, I decided to hit the KHOU 11 team bios page and guess what I found?!

Enter Levi Ismail.

Score for me. He just showed up at channel 11 this week and is taking social media training. I don't even know if he's been on the air yet, but his bio is up.

Ismail just got to Houston from WBBH Fort Myers, Florida where he served as a general assignment multimedia reporter.

He started his TV career at KIMT-TV in Mason City, Iowa and his a graduate of the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.

According to his bio, Ismail was born in Cairo, Egypt. His family is from the country of South Sudan.

By the way, I was going to have Ismail's post up yesterday, but then the big news about KHOU GM Susan McEldoon came out. Go check that out too.

KHOU 11: Houston’s Most Watched 10PM Newscast

Well, I guess the February 2012 sweeps period ratings were very close in the 10pm news slot. Now KHOU 11 is saying it has the most watched 10pm newscast:

KHOU 11 News is the most-watched newscast at 10p in the Houston DMA. The February sweeps period showed KHOU 11 News at 10p to be number one in total viewers, seven days of the week, with a 5.7 household rating based on Nielsen Media Research. KHOU 11 News at 10p was also the most-watched newscast among the sought after Adults 35-64 audience with a 4.4 rating.

“More homes in Houston are tuned to KHOU 11 for their late news than any other station in the market,” said Susan McEldoon, KHOU 11 President and General Manager. “We are proud to be the trusted voice for our viewers.”

“We are grateful to our viewers for their loyalty and for counting on us as their source of news and information,” said Philip Bruce, KHOU 11 Executive News Director. “It’s something we take very seriously and is a driving force each and every day to provide superior coverage to the communities we serve.”

As I blogged earlier, KPRC and KTRK also say that it has the number one 10pm newscast too.

Help Mike McGuff win money for children's charity - with just one click VOTE HERE

RELATED
- KPRC 2 number 1 at 10pm for 2nd month
- Fox ratings for KRIV, KDFW, KTBC - February 2012
- Univision rates high in Houston and Dallas

KHOU 11's video tribute to ND Sally Ramirez

After all the hurdles Hurricane Harvey threw at KHOU 11, it's probably really good the staff seems to like news director Sally Ramirez and general manager Susan McEldoon.

In my 12 years of blogging, I don't ever remember a Houston TV station news department producing a video tribute to their news director. If one has been produced, correct me here.

RELATED
- KHOU begins studio rebuild process
- Houston station hires second news director

Texas TV news and radio job moves February 2019

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

John Treviño out as Telemundo Dallas GM position eliminated.

FOX 4 KDFW Dallas has hired Samantha Gannon who will report, co-host and produce on Free4All, the station’s live, weeknight 10:30 p.m. program, alongside Mike Doocy.

HOUSTON

After 46 years of chronicling Houston's sports scene, Dale Robertson is retiring from the Chronicle sports staff.

Cathy Hernandez renews her agreement as a reporter with KPRC.

abc13 KTRK weekend morning anchor Erica Simon has been elected to The Houston Association of Black Journalist Board. She is VP of Multimedia. KTRK Senior/Executive producer Kevin Lightfoot was elected as the new VP of Broadcast.

This is old news from August, but I just found out former KHOU 11 reporter Lauren Tostenson joined WBTV Charlotte, NC.

- KHOU 11 gives us a look at its new studio and newsroom
- Mike McGuff appears on KPRC 2's Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall
- Brooks Garner gone from KHOU 11
- Houston author's love advice leads to 'Steve Harvey' appearance
- Collin Myers contestant on 'Millionaire'
- Doug Harris aka Jr. Mintz elected Houston Film Critics Society president
- Media Alliance of Houston 2019 Star Awards Gala winners
- Former Houston TV anchor opens up about depression battle
- Pooja Lodhia appears on "Jeopardy!"
- SportsMap 94.1 merges into ESPN 97.5 KFNC
- Brian Rogers to depart from the Houston Chronicle
- Former KHOU GM Susan McEldoon to offer professional coaching
- Erica Simon has her baby
- Lisa Vaughn back on air at KHOU 11
- VIDEO: The brand new SkyEye13
- Sweet 96.1 in Sugar Land signs off
- Brheanna Berry joins abc13 KTRK
- Suzi Hanks exits 106.9-107.5 The Eagle
- Christine Noël starts at KPRC 2
- Sally Mamdooh is engaged
- Melanie Lawson talks living with multiple sclerosis

AUSTIN

KEYE reporter Sarah Navoy announced on Twitter she is leaving the TV biz.

KEVIN CLARK joins the team at KXAN-TV in Austin as Investigative Reporter (from WFOX, Jacksonville).
represented by Steve Swienckowski at DCA Talent. http://www.dcatalent.com.

KEYE Austin is losing a number of key players.


AROUND TEXAS

KBMT-12 News sports director Lance Edwards has been terminated.

KSWO Lawton announced the firing of meteorologist Mandy Bailey after receiving complaints that the brain teaser she showed on air was inappropriate and racially insensitive.

KVII Amarillo News Director Amy Rasico-Ahn Sullivan is leaving for KGBT Harlingen.

Former Beaumont sports reporter J Russell has joined CW Phoenix KASW as a Multimedia Journalist.

KMID Midland Reporter Haylee Brooks is headed to Little Rock's KARK.

REMEMBERING

Former KCEN Waco, Temple and Killeen talent, director Tony Hennes passes away.

KHOU and News 92 FM team up in coverage

KHOU 11 becomes exclusive weather provider for News 92 FM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KHOU 11 promotes Dan Lyons to Vice President, Sales

KHOU 11 in Houston has a new person in charge of its sales department the station announced today:

Dan Lyons, KHOU-TV’s Director of Sales since 2006, is promoted to Vice President, Sales
effective today.

“Dan’s contributions to KHOU have distinguished him as a leader and integral part of this station’s strong financial performance,” said Susan McEldoon, KHOU-TV President and General Manager.

Since joining the station, Lyons has led several significant integrated media initiatives that blend KHOU’s television, Web and mobile assets. He successfully managed the Sales team through difficult economic conditions affecting the market in 2008 and 2009. Then in 2010, Lyons led the Sales Department to overachieve its goals.

“I truly appreciate my job, my colleagues and the great work environment that provides our team the support to perform exceptional work,” said Lyons of his promotion. “It’s a privilege to work at KHOU.”

Prior to joining KHOU in 2006, Lyons was Vice President, Group Director of Sales for the broadcast division of the New York Times Company. He also spent 12 years with Clear Channel TV as Director of Sales at stations in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Jacksonville, Florida and Providence, Rhode Island.

Lyons began his career in 1989 as a Research Analyst in New York with Seltel.

RELATED
KHOU 11's new news director is Philip Bruce

KHOU 11 first Houston station to offer interactive widget for Internet-connected TV

KHOU 11 notified me it is launching a new Internet connected TV Widget:

KHOU Channel 11 is the first station in Houston to offer an interactive television widget for Internet-connected TV sets using the Yahoo! Widget Engine.

“The new KHOU widget will be distributed to millions of Internet-connected devices on the Yahoo! Connected TV platform around the world,” said Susan McEldoon, KHOU President and General Manager. “KHOU viewers with the latest HD sets can access the KHOU widget from the Yahoo! Gallery, and we look forward to expanding our connected TV presence to other TV platforms.”

Viewers of the KHOU widget can access the latest news headlines, weather, entertainment, sports, Great Day Houston and streaming video. The widget uses a broadband connection to pull content through the Internet and can be displayed as a partial overlay on whatever channel is being watched by the viewer.

According to Christine Di Stadio, Director of Digital Media, “Television is undergoing a major transformation with connectivity to the Web. Our primary strategic focus is to distribute the KHOU brand and engage our audience with news and information across multiple user touchpoints including Web-enabled TV sets.”

KHOU partnered with Devici, formerly Widget Realm, on widget development. According to the latest published data, Connected TV is projected to reach 120 million users worldwide by 2012.