KTRK abc13 news director Dave Strickland resigns

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

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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

Fmr. KTRK news director Dave Strickland joins KPRC 2

Former KTRK abc13 news director Dave Strickland joins KPRC 2 (as news director)


Just when you thought I was losing interest in the Houston TV scene...this happens. The rumors have been flying for weeks. And now we officially know that former KTRK abc13 news director Dave Strickland is joining KPRC 2 in the same capacity.

“I am extremely honored to join a news team that has such an exceptional reputation and a rich history,” Strickland said in a statement first issued to mikemcguff.com.

Ladies and gentlemen, let the Houston TV newsroom wars turn up to 11. Grab some popcorn, sit back and get ready for the sparks to fly.

I should add that Dave Strickland is the man who hired me full-time in Houston TV back in 2001. Yeah, blame him for all of this. Seriously though, I had an up close view of how Strickland or "Strick" as he is called by employees runs a newsroom.

As I said before, he was a tough but fair news director. The 13 culture at the time was, "we are going to be first and we are going to win."

Strickland is a native Houstonian. I believe he grew up in Sharpstown if memory serves. He attended Alief Hastings and graduated from Sam Houston State University (Dan Rather's alma mater).

His first TV experience was at channel 13 where he worked his way up from a sports intern to producer. He left for WAVY 10 Norfolk, Virginia where he became news director.

Dave Strickland

After returning to Houston, he led abc13's newsroom through some great ratings highs for 14 years.

For instance, I have a t-shirt that was handed out in May 2002 that lists every major newscast win KTRK had in the ratings period. Back then, every time the station took all in the ratings war, employees got some kind of abc13 branded gear. We all had 13 emblazoned gym bags, computer bags, shirts, hats...etc. I should post some of this stuff on Instagram.

"I hired Dave out of college after he interned for me in sports at 13," former KTRK sports director Bob Allen told mikemcguff.com in 2014 when Strickland resigned from the station. "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."

So what I'm trying to say is, this guy knows how 13 ticks, what made it a heritage station all these years and what's going on in the rest of the Houston TV market too.

"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 in 2014. "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."

KPRC is certainly well aware of this too.

“This is a major win to have Dave joining and leading our news team,” said KPRC VP/General Manager, Jerry Martin. “He is a Houstonian who knows the market, he knows the competition, and he’s a newsroom teacher who will take the foundation we’ve built the past few years at KPRC2 and raise it to a whole new level. This is great for the station and more importantly, it’s great for news viewers in the Houston market.”

Now the question is, who will follow Strickland to KPRC? Will KTRK reporters, anchors or behind the scenes staffers join him at channel 2? What about those former channel 13 employees no longer working in television? My guess is the answer to some of those questions is yes. Some names immediately popped into my head upon hearing this possible news a few weeks ago.

And how much (if any) will Strickland change KPRC's newscast? Some channel 13 viewers complain to me how the station's news has changed over the last few years. Whether they realize it or not, they started writing me after the time Strickland was not there. Will those disenfranchised 13 viewers prefer the new channel 2?

In the spirit of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio (which the Houston NBC affiliate is about to air) will KPRC get all gold with Strickland in the coach's chair?

Stay tuned. Things are about to get really exciting for Houston TV news viewers! KPRC says Strickland starts immediately.

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Dave Strickland exits KPRC 2

Dave Strickland, the KPRC 2 news director since 2016, is no longer with the Graham Media Group station according to multiple sources.

UPDATE NOVEMBER 2022
Bernice Kearney named KPRC 2 news director

UPDATE
Dave Strickland starts Strickland Communications.

Other recent changes at the station include KSAT San Antonio's Phil Lane taking over the KPRC Vice President and General Manager role from the recently retired Jerry Martin.

KPRC did not respond to my questions.

Strickland was previously the abc13 KTRK Vice President and News Director from 2000 to 2015.

"Dave Strickland is simply the best in the business as proven by his record at KTRK and KPRC over the last many years," legendary former KTRK anchor Dave Ward told mikemcguff.com.  "One would be hard pressed to find anybody who knows news better than Dave Strickland."

Strickland was honored with Dave Ward Excellence in Media Award in 2021.

"I'm shocked and disappointed, Dave was one of the best news directors in the country," former KTRK assistant news director and award-winning reporter Don Kobos, who worked with Strickland for 25 years, told mikemcguff.com.  "He made channel 13 KTRK and KPRC newscasts better, award winning and number one.  Houston loses a giant."

"Strickland understood what local news should be about," former KTRK 13 Undercover investigative reporter Wayne Dolcefino told mikemcguff.com.  "Channel 2 is the leader in exposing corruption.  Strick came from 13 and he knew what people wanted."

 "Dave was a great News Director to work for," former KTRK photographer Jaime Zamora told mikemcguff.com.  "Tough but fair and he has a nose for news. He respected his staff and demanded the best from them and got it.  He never hesitated to send his journalists wherever the news was and gave them all the resources and support to be successful.  Open minded and willing to listen to staff suggestions.  The Houston market will miss his experience."

The native Houstonian, who grew up in Sharpstown and graduated from Alief Hastings and Sam Houston State University, started his TV career in Houston.

"I hired Dave out of college after he interned for me in sports at 13," former KTRK sports director (and later KHOU 11) Bob Allen, who passed away in 2016, told mikemcguff.com in 2014. "I'm proud of him for turning into a terrific news director. It was an honor to work for and with him at 13."

Strickland worked his way up at KTRK to managing editor.

Leaving Houston in 1994, Strickland became an executive producer at WAVY Portsmouth, Virginia and later news director.

He returned to Houston at KTRK in 2000.

Dave Strickland honored with Dave Ward Excellence in Media Award

Jerry Martin, Dave Ward, Dave Strickland, Don Kobos & Ted Oberg (Rachelle Rowe Public Relations)

KPRC 2 news director Dave Strickland was honored with Dave Ward Excellence in Media Award for 2021.

"I had the honor of presenting The Dave Ward Excellence In Media Award at the Houston’s Heroes Luncheon to Dave Strickland," Ward said.  "Although a former colleague and great friend, Strick’s credentials and merits speak for themselves."

In 2019, abc13 KTRK investigative reporter Ted Oberg was the first to take home the honor.

The award was in conjunction with the Crime Stoppers of Houston 2021 Houston Heroes Award Luncheon held at the Royal Sonesta Houston.

Those honored were recognized as those, “who have given exemplary service to make Houston a safer place to live, work, learn, and play.”

Strickland is a native Houstonian who grew up learning the ropes of the Bayou City journalism world in radio, newspapers and television.

As a Sam Houston State University student, he interned at channel 13 KTRK and started working there in 1984. 

"I hired Dave out of college after he interned for me in sports at 13," former KTRK sports director Bob Allen told mikemcguff.com in 2014. "I'm proud of him for turning into a terrific news director. It was an honor to work for and with him at 13."

Strickland rose through the ranks first as Allen's sports producer, news producer and eventually as a managing editor.

In 1994, he left for the East Coast to join WAVY 10 Norfolk, Virginia as an executive producer.  Within two years, he was promoted to news director.

Houston came calling in 2000 and Strickland returned to KTRK as Vice President and News Director where he guided Eyewitness News through ratings highs.

In 2016, Strickland "crossed the street" as they say in the TV biz to join KPRC 2 as news director. 

"This is a major win to have Dave joining and leading our news team," KPRC VP/General Manager Jerry Martin said at the time. "He is a Houstonian who knows the market, he knows the competition, and he’s a newsroom teacher who will take the foundation we’ve built the past few years at KPRC2 and raise it to a whole new level. This is great for the station and more importantly, it’s great for news viewers in the Houston market."

Dave Strickland & Rod Ryan honored by Houston Children’s Charity

Laura Ward and KPRC 2 news director Dave Strickland (Credit: Michelle Watson)

It all began with seven visionaries who believed they needed to step up and help children in need across Houston. 

The group moved fast to create a nonprofit with a mission to improve the quality of life for Greater Houston’s underprivileged, abused, and disabled children. 

Now, 25 years later, Houston Children’s Charity has made a critical impact on more than 3.5 million children and on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, the organization along with its Board of Directors celebrated a quarter-century of caring at the Houston Children’s Charity 25th Anniversary Luncheon presented by BMW of West Houston and Momentum BMW Southwest. Houston Children’s Charity identifies those children whose special needs are not being met by existing organizations. 

Houston Children’s Charity has touched the lives of children in need and has provided support to more than 300 agencies and 14 unique direct programs and leaving no legitimate request for assistance unanswered. The impact Houston Children’s Charity has had on children alone is more than enough to gather more than 400 guests at The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown. Supporters in attendance also celebrated outstanding individuals and organizations who have contributed to creating a world where every child has their own bed, clothing, school supplies, transportation, health services, and joyful holidays. With a room filled with champions for the children, PaperCity’s social and lifestyle editor Shelby Hodge served as the emcee and welcomed distinguished guests, founding members, board members, advisory board along with dedicated sponsors and committed volunteers.

The program started with a 25th Anniversary video followed by a Chariots for Children video that spotlighted “Chariots Heroes” who have partnered with Houston Children’s Charity to sponsor 116 vans, at a cost of $40,000 per van over the years.

City of Houston’s Mayor Sylvester Turner presented a proclamation to Houston Children’s Charity and proclaimed November 10, 2021, as Houston Children’s Charity “Quarter Center of Caring Day”. Founding member and President and CEO of Houston Children’s Charity, Laura Ward presented Tilman Fertitta with the “Founders Award” to recognize and honor his unwavering support to Houston’s special children. 

Ward has served as an integral part of the organization since its inception in 1996. While staying true to Ward’s “our kids are everyone’s kids” motto, Houston Children’s Charity has accomplished what no other charity has been able to do in support of children in need. Ward presented Carol Sawyer the “Making a Difference” Award for her dedication and commitment as a volunteer for 25 years to the children of Houston. Hodge thanked and recognized the following award recipients for their dedication to Houston Children’s Charity through volunteering. 

Excellence in Volunteerism

    Kim Finnigan                                     

    Stevie Merrill

    Allen Hord                                                     

    Maricella Reed

    Rosemary Lozano

    Chris Merrill

Ward thanked and recognized the following award recipients for their support for enhancing the quality of life one child at a time. 

Helping Hands

    Rod Ryan – The Rod Ryan Show on 94.5 The Buzz KTBZ

Media Champion

    Dave Strickland – KPRC Channel 2 news director

Foundation Friends

   The Guill Family – The Guill Foundation 

Spirit of Service

    Youval Meicler – Texas Mattress Makers 

Corporate Commitment

    Maria Moncada Alaoui – BMW of West Houston

    Tommy Kuranoff – Momentum BMW Southwest

Lifetime of Giving

    Susan & Fayez Sarofim

Children’s Impact

    Tony Buzbee

Heart of Houston

    Hallie Vanderhider

Guardian Angels

    Jana & Richard Fant – The Fant Foundation

After presenting awards, Ward was surprised with a Leadership Award by Founder and Vice Chairman of the Board Gary Becker on behalf of the founders and board members. In addition to receiving an award, the Child Life Room at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center Outpatient Clinic at the Mark Wallace Tower is renamed to: Laura S. Ward, Houston Children’s Charity Child Life Room.

Since its inception, Houston Children’s Charity has distributed 254 vans to families of disabled children, helped 40,000 school-aged students walk into school prepared for the new school year with much-needed school supplies, and provided 25,000 children with a better night’s sleep by distributing mattresses, box springs, bed frames, sheets, and pillows. More than 30,000 children have been provided with gently used clothing, shoes and accessories at no cost.

Houston Children’s Charity distributes 80,000 toys to 20,000 children through the Adopt-A-Family program and Toy Distribution. Each year, $100,000 is awarded to the families at Texas Children’s Hospital to help pay for lodging, mortgage, car payments, meals, parking, and clothes.

Celebrating a quarter-century of caring for children included: Mayor Sylvester Turner, District Attorney Kim Ogg, Rachel and Jeff Bagwell, Frances and Tony Buzbee, Paige Fertitta, Sylvia Forsythe, Ryan Jay, Ali Guill, John Guill, Marion Guill Anderson, Gary Becker, Twila Carter, Gina Gaston, Grant Guthrie, Michael Hoctor, Tommy Kuranoff, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Penny Loyd, David Atkins, Dr. Susan Blaney, Dan D’Armond, DeeDee and Wallis Marsh, Youval Meicler, Trini Mendenhall, Maria Moncada Alaoui, Dr. Lois Moore, Debbie and Bob Ogle, Amy and Rob Pierce, Rachelle Rowe, Rod Ryan, Susan Sarofim, Carol and Dr. Tom Sawyer, Morris Smith, Kristina Somerville, Tina and Dave Strickland, Donna Vallone, Russell Ybarra, Robin Young-Ellis, Patrick Fertitta, David Gow.

(This post was taken from a release sent to me by Houston Children's Charity)

Dave Ward, Houston TV icon, dies at age 86

Dave Ward, 86, a television icon, has passed away, according to his longtime broadcasting home, ABC13 Houston KTRK.

- Watch Ward's funeral service
- Dave Ward honored on "ABC World News Tonight with David Muir"

He is survived by his wife, Laura, three children, and three stepchildren. His son David Jr. passed away in 2023.

Anchor Tom Abrahams broke into the ABC primetime college game broadcast to announce the sad news to the Houston audience.

"Words cannot express my sadness over this larger-than-life Houston icon," former KTRK anchor Art Rascon told mikemcguff.com.  "I loved Dave Ward, and working beside him for more than two decades was an absolute blessing! Every day was an opportunity to learn and grow and truly understand what journalism was all about. He was the best and always will be!"

"He was not only a news legend, but a dear and close friend," former KTRK news director Dave Strickland told mikemcguff.com.  "I learned so much from Dave, both in television and in life. I will miss him dearly."

"He was a warm, funny, lovely man---and one of Dad's best friends. Such a loss," former KPRC 2 reporter Ron Stone, Jr. told mikemcguff.com.

A generation of Houston television viewers grew up with Dave Ward.

For 50 years, the powerful yet reassuring voice behind the ABC13 KTRK anchor desk guided the city through breaking news, triumphs, and tragedies. Ward delivered the news with unwavering integrity and authenticity.  Each newscast began with his signature greeting: “Good evening, friends.” 

Earning that trust meant everything. Ward insisted on balanced coverage, reporting both sides and getting the facts right. That relentless commitment to accuracy—paired with his warm, steady presence—is why he became known as “The Dean of Houston News.”

Since stepping away from the Channel 13 anchor desk in May 2017, Dave has continued sharing stories. His 2019 memoir, Good Evening, Friends: A Broadcaster Shares His Life, offers a rich look at his extraordinary career. He later returned to KTRK for the feature series “Dave Ward’s Houston.”

In 2021, he launched the “Dave Ward & Friends” video podcast, inviting audiences into casual conversations with the many remarkable people he’s met over more than six decades in broadcasting.

"I can recall so many times returning from a reporting trip and talking with him one on one, as he gave me more tips on how to cover a story," Rascon added.   "He was always a patient teacher, example, and the epitome of a journalist. I will miss him.  I will miss our occasional conversations after he retired, meeting for breakfast, and enjoying his captivating smile.  Love you Dave!  Your legacy lives on…even from heaven."

Mike McGuff and Dave Ward in 2016

Early Life

David Henry Ward was born in Dallas on May 6, 1939, though he grew up in Huntsville, Texas, where his father, Henry, served as pastor of the First Baptist Church.

While attending Tyler Junior College, Dave discovered broadcasting almost by accident, watching a fraternity brother spin records at KGKB radio. Soon, he was behind the microphone himself—after the station manager suggested that “David” sounded “too biblical” and the young announcer adopted the name listeners would come to know: Dave Ward.

KGKB’s easy-listening format flipped to rock ’n’ roll overnight with new ownership, and Dave adapted quickly. By the early 1960s, he had moved to WACO radio in Waco, shifting from music to news and eventually becoming program director.

Moving to Houston

In 1962, Dave moved his young family to Houston to join 1230 KNUZ-AM and KQUE, where he read news between Top 40 hits. He was later promoted to news director and ultimately inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame, nominated by Houston radio legends Paul Berlin and Arch Yancy.

"Well, at KNUZ, we were very big on the space program, the man space program, because NASA was headquartered in Houston," Ward told mikemcguff in a 2016 interview. "They hadn't built the Space Center yet. They were in the process of building that, but they were in buildings all around the city."

Joining Channel 13

Dave made the leap to television in 1966, becoming KTRK’s sole street reporter and photographer—a true one-man news crew. He shot film on a hand-wound 16mm Bell & Howell camera, covered everything from fires to city hall, and even took his job interview in a Rice Village pool hall.

"The man who hired me. The news director, Ray Conaway," Ward told mikemcguff.com in 2016.  "He was an old, B-24 bomber pilot in World War II. And he met Willard Walbridge who was the station manager somewhere in the military. He was the news director and the anchor. We only did 15 minutes at 6:00PM and 15 minutes at 10:00PM. That was it. And, Ray had a very grim, delivery. "Here's the news," you know. And, in '67 they put me on the 7:00AM news, which I didn't even know we had, [laughs] to tell you the truth."

Though Dave initially took a $50 pay cut to move from radio to TV, he was soon anchoring the 7 a.m. newscast and co-hosting the popular “Dialing for Dollars.” 

"I went on the 7:00AM in January of '67 and that summer -- it seemed like it was April or May -- they decided they wanted to do this, like a game show in the morning from 9:00 to 10:00," Ward remembered in a 2016 mikemcguff.com interview. "It was an hour-long program. I made six phone calls during that hour, trying to give money away. It was a funny format."

In January 1968, he moved to the main anchor desk at 6 and 10 p.m. with Dan Ammerman. Off the air, he often continued working through the night, covering breaking news around the city.

In those early years, KTRK’s newscasts ranked third in a three-station market. Dave helped change that. Over time, Houstonians embraced Eyewitness News, and by the mid-1970s, channel 13 had climbed to number one—a position it held for decades.

Dave would go on to anchor alongside Jan Carson, Shara Fryer, and Gina Gaston, becoming one of the most recognized faces in Texas broadcasting.

Reporting Across the Globe

Ward’s reporting took him far beyond Houston. He covered national political conventions, the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle programs from Florida, and major disasters across Texas and the South. He reported from Mexico, Central America, and Colombia; traveled with a Houston delegation to the Paris Peace Talks; and studied mass transit in Germany.

His interviews spanned the spectrum—from U.S. Presidents to everyday Houstonians. Five presidents and Vice President Nelson Rockefeller sat down with him over the years.

- Dave Ward's father did not want him working at KTRK and other stories
- Dave Ward's honor saved by waitress and other radio stories
- Dave Ward traveled with the Houston Oilers for $15
- How Dave Ward found love in charity

Dedicated Community Leader

Dave’s service to Houston extends far beyond the newsroom. He has emceed countless charitable events and served on numerous boards, including Easter Seals, the American Cancer Society, the Leukemia Society, the Press Club of Houston, the Houston Police Foundation, and the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. He broadcast the Rodeo Parade for an astounding 49 years.

In 1973, he received the City of Houston Public Service Award for his coverage of the Managua earthquake.

Perhaps his most transformative contribution is his work with Crime Stoppers of Houston. Dave was instrumental in launching the program in 1981, pioneering crime reenactments and helping shape Crime Stoppers chapters worldwide. The first Crime Stoppers headquarters in the United States, which opened in 2016, was named The Dave Ward Building in his honor.

Honors and Legacy

Dave’s accolades are numerous:

Leon Goldstein Award for outstanding service in fighting crime

Regional Emmy for his interviews with Steve Tyrell

Induction into the Silver Circle of the Lone Star Emmy Chapter

Induction into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame

Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Parade Grand Marshal

Induction into the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association Hall of Fame

Induction into the Gold Circle of the Lone Star Emmy Chapter

Dave Ward honored with street name next to ABC13 Houston studios

KTRK Anchor Emeritus Dave Ward Plaque unveiling and dedication ceremony

Most notably, Dave holds a Guinness World Record:

**“The longest career as a television news broadcaster—49 years and 218 days”—**all at the same station, on the same newscast.

A remarkable achievement for a remarkable man.

Dave Ward's career is not simply a record of journalism. It is the story of a trusted voice, a steady presence, and a lifelong commitment to the city he loves...one “Good evening, friends” at a time.

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Dave Ward ready to party at end of 10pm news bash

KTRK abc13 legend Dave Ward celebrates his last 10pm newscast at Tony's with TV friends and family

Dave Ward & Mike McGuff

With microphone in hand, KTRK abc13 anchor Dave Ward addressed friends and family at Tony's with something he claimed he always wanted to say on TV. He then ruffled his perfectly coiffed hair with his hand and yelled, "let's party!"

With a roar from the party crowd, the official celebration of the longest running anchor in America's last 10pm newscast on the Disney/ABC Television Group began Tuesday night.

---------------------
PHOTOS
See pictures from the Dave Ward Tony's party!
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I can't say that I've blogged about many historic moments in my almost ten years of blogging about the Houston media, but this week, I think we all just lived through one.

Ward, who started anchoring the 6 and 10pm KTRK abc13 newscasts in 1968, officially stepped down from the late news last night. He will continue anchoring the 6pm news.

There are many Houstonians, me included, who have not lived a day without Dave Ward being the 10pm anchor. Not only did he help raise the station to unbelievable ratings during that time, but Ward is a Houston institution. He was there through wars, political upheaval, NASA's triumphs/struggles, economic booms/recessions, our sports teams winning/losing...etc. Think of all the city and area county leaders that have come and gone since Ward has sat in the anchor chair.

Now for some personal Ward stories I don't think I've ever shared on my blog. For a high profile TV anchor, Ward is really the most humble news guy you could encounter. Believe me, many in his position would not be that way. Think the Ted Baxter or Ron Burgundy caricature concerning lead anchormen in the zeitgeist. Ward, the man, is actually a quiet presence who you can catch whistling to himself down the hallway who keeps to himself much of the time.

When I first got to KTRK, I was at the station cafeteria, run by Novlean Smith at the time, and who walked in but Dave Ward. I couldn't help but ask did he ever think when he started at the station all those years ago that he would rise to such success and be the top anchor all these years. His answer was something like, "No, but also no one else offered me another job." That is a line I have heard him use other times, but it kind of explains his attitude.

As a young special projects producer, I got quite an early assignment. Go with Dave Ward to Austin and produce his interview with Heisman Trophy winner and Pro Football Hall of Famer Earl Campbell. Wow. Talk about pressure for me.

So there I was, the night before the big interview having dinner with Ward, Campbell, Campbell's wife Reuna and the future Mrs. McGuff who was living in Austin at the time.

It was an amazing evening. All I could do was sit back and soak in the stories these two legends were telling.

Afterwards, we had drinks with Ward at the famous Driskill Hotel along Sixth Street. The World Series was on TV and Ward was calling the game between the the Arizona Diamondbacks and the New York Yankees. It was immediately obvious that even in another city, people recognized Dave Ward since they could not stop staring.

My original channel 13 cafeteria questioning continued since I had Ward's undivided attention. Naturally I had to ask about Marvin Zindler and the famous "Thank you Marvin" line. He told me many times it was all he could say without cracking up after Zindler's wild on-air antics.

The next day, Ward and I showed up at the interview with photographer Jim Myers and found some unexpected people at Campbell's office. Turns out, Campbell told friends in Houston that Ward was interviewing him that day. Those friends then drove to Austin to specifically meet Dave Ward and get pictures with him.

Talk about star power.

Back to present day and last night's party, those in attendance were who you might expect to see honoring Ward. Friends ranging from Kitty Borah, to Jan Carson and Ed Brandon all the way to Art Rascon and Melanie Lawson surrounded the Houston TV legend. Former bosses Dave Strickland and Don Kobos joined the crowd calling Ward the best TV anchor in America.

And luckily, we'll still be able to Watch Dave at 6pm.

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Dave Ward honored with street name next to abc13 Houston studios

Dave Ward is so beloved by the city of Houston for his 50 years of broadcasting service to the community, that he now has his own honorary named street next to the KTRK studios.

- The Dave Ward memoir

"I want to thank you all, I can't tell you what this means to me," Ward remarked to the crowd of family and friends gathered for the street sign unveiling. "I got my name on a building now, I got my name on a street. I guess a few people in Houston have heard of me."

As of Tuesday August, 8, 2023, the intersection of 3400 Bissonnet Street and 5200 Westchester has a blue marker on top of the red Upper Kirby district street sign that displays "Honorary Dave Ward Place." 

The abc13 studios are right there at 3310 Bissonnet. Ward's wife, Laura, helped orchestrate the big honor.

Channel 13 employees of past and present were in attendance to show their love for Houston's anchorman. 

"I sat next to Dave Ward for basically, 27 years, and he is more than just a colleague, he was family, he's my friend," former Ward co-anchor Shara Fryer told mikemcguff.com. "And the respect we had for each other, and the respect he showed me as a young person at the time when i came to work here, and now I'm seeing this culmination. There is a Crime Stoppers building named for him. And now a street corner named for him."

"Dave was part of the building and I guess now he's part of the street," joked retired abc13 traffic anchor and "Good Morning Houston" host Don Nelson to mikemcguff.com.

"Long overdue," former KTRK news director Dave Strickland told mikemcguff.com.  "Dave Ward is a legend and it's good to see his work as the 'Voice of Houston' immortalized next to the station where he dedicated his career."

"Well deserved, Dave is an icon in the community and a well respected journalist who always dealt with facts straight and forward," former KTRK assistant news director/reporter Don Kobos told mikemcguff.com.  "He is highly respected for what he did and what he brought to channel 13."

Right before the big unveiling, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Police Chief Troy Finner and KTRK General Manager Wendy Granato honored Ward. 

"For a long time, we've wanted to do something special to honor Dave's contribution to the community," Mayor Turner told the guests.  "And we thought an honorary street sign near Channel 13 made the most sense because he spent so much of his personal and professional life right here." 

Ward signed-off abc13 as evening anchor in May 2017.

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New KPRC building moves channel 2 into 21st century

MIKEMCGUFF.COM EXCLUSIVE: As the first new TV station to be built in Houston since the 1990s, KPRC is building for the future of TV and employee happiness - get your first look

Dave Strickland and Jerry Martin in new KPRC 2 newsroom SEE MORE PHOTOS

As I followed KPRC 2 VP/General Manager Jerry Martin through the hallways of the Graham Media Group station's future home, it became apparent that he has paid close attention to every little detail.

"Yeah, it's taken up a lot of extra time every day," Martin told mikemcguff.com. "So there's a lot on the general manager to get it done and get it done on time, on budget, etc. So it's my baby, yeah."


Still required to wear hardhats, the tour of Martin, news director Dave Strickland and myself encountered busy construction workers in practically every nook and cranny of the building site.

A representative from DPR Construction told me it has around 100 staffers working on the new 65,000 square foot station, being built directly behind KPRC's soon-to-be old building in the former parking lot. The current station has been there since the early 1970s.

"It was a great building, and I'm not trying to say anything about the architecture or this building, but it just doesn't lend itself to 2016 broadcasting," Martin admitted. "So, normally I think what would've happened is we would've just rehabbed this building, done a serious rehab. And we looked at that. But at the end of the day, we ended up with, a better building, but not a great building. And when we looked at building one in our own parking lot and we did the math on it, the difference between rehabbing this one the correct way and a new building, it wasn't too much of a difference."

And 2016 broadcasting means lots of computer servers and thousands of cable runs. The new building keeps all of that in mind, plus growth for KPRC's digital strategies with two control rooms and studios.

Then there is the employee morale factor.

The current KPRC newsroom looks like a bunker. That's because it was the home of the NBC affiliate's newscasts from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s. As a result there could be no windows. Once the news set was moved back to its own studio, the news department now lives in a big gray room with fluorescent lighting. A few artifacts from the old set remain. One employee joked to me it was hard to tell when Hurricane Ike was actually hitting the building with its Brutalist architecture fortress motif.

"In our present newsroom, you wouldn't know if you're working the midnight shift or if you're working at four o'clock in the afternoon," Martin said. "So, I think for employee morale, it'll be a big deal."

New KPRC 2 newsroom SEE MORE PHOTOS

The new KPRC newsroom will be all about light and have an open concept feel similar to what you would think of an internet company. But like those dot com companies, I'm doubting there will be a foosball table and beer pong area...after all it is still a news operation! And forget about fluorescent lighting - the new station is all LED.

Balcony (inside view) SEE MORE PHOTOS

Part of the little details that Martin pointed out to me were an upstairs balcony in the sales department where all employees can get sun light and fresh air. It's an idea Martin had from living in a condo with a big balcony.

"It's a good option for people on both floors, second floor or first floor to get outside, but not be in an enclosed space where, if it rains or happens to rain, you're not going to get rained on at all," Martin explained.

Old and new buildings with tower SEE MORE PHOTOS

That balcony has a covered walkway jutting out of it for employees coming to/leaving work from the parking lot. Then it donned on me. How many TV stations have I ever been to that have covered employee walkways? Not many.

The central area SEE MORE PHOTOS

Next, what Martin calls, "the wow factor." The central part of the building could be called the Times Square of KPRC where all department wings come together in a lounge area enclosed by a grand staircase. Not only is this interior part the center of the station's universe, but much like Times Square, it also has some dazzle. A giant illuminated seven foot KPRC 2 logo will adorn the wall. Martin says employees can work, meet and socialize here.

KPRC management hopes the openness and flow of the new building will lead to collaboration between employees, because unlike the current building, someone from one department could actually run into someone from another. They realized the benefit of department-wide collaboration during the station's annual Habitat for Humanity community building project.

"You end up talking and working with people that you don't necessarily see on a day-to-day basis," KPRC news director Dave Strickland told mikemcguff.com. "And it's really nice, and I think that's what makes this place so unique."

Bottom line, beyond the need for technical upgrades, station management thinks the new building will help keep good employees and attract new ones. Especially as KPRC 2 has steadily moved up in the TV ratings over the last years and has good momentum going forward.

"It's a competitive business, and I think if people are considering Houston as a place to work in the TV business, that's an advantage that we're gonna have," Martin told me. "And we think we have an advantage as it is because we have a very solid management team. And we've got continuity going back now that we didn't have when I got here. We've got much better communication throughout the building, and I think this will just enhance that when we get there."


As the station opens a new chapter with its new building, it closes another as it will demolish the long-time current building. It's location will become the parking lot. I'm told the iconic KPRC tower that decorates the I-69/Highway 59 corridor will remain. A tall vertical KPRC sign will cover the front left side of the new gray and black building.

The new studio SEE MORE PHOTOS

March is the projected time for the first wave of staffers to move into the new building. Houston TV viewers will probably actually see a newscast from the new station in April. Martin told there will be a brand new set too. Don't ask me for details on how that will look since the studio is still under construction. There wasn't even a hint of a set in the room yet.

Meanwhile, excited KPRC employees will have to wait for their move-in day and continue parking in temporary lots. Minor discomfort aside, staffers still work interrupted in their current building and then get a chance to work in the first new television station built in Houston since FOX moved KRIV to its new studio in the 1990s.

"The statement that Graham's making and that Emily [Barr] (President & Chief Executive Officer of Graham Media Group) was making is Houston is a very important part of our station group," Martin added. "And that they're investing in the future, and they believe in broadcasting."

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DID YOU KNOW?

KPRC channel 2 and AM were originally on Post Oak near where the Williams Tower stands today. Former 950 KPRC employee, Jim Bell, told me the old spot was actually across the street by the lake where Hidalgo and Richmond sit today.

Bill Bremer sent me this photo.

Gary Griffin of Retronuvo Media adds that KPRC's original building was a Quonset hut down Loop 610 West behind what is now the giant Houston Community College (HCC) building. That was back when the call letters were KLEE-TV.

Dave Ward's funeral service was a touching tribute to a Houston icon

ABC13 Houston KTRK Anchor Emeritus Dave Ward was laid to rest today, starting with his funeral service at St. Martin's Episcopal Church on Sage. 

Ward, 86, died Saturday evening after several years battling medical challenges culminating in a bout of pneumonia.

I was asked to be an honorary pallbearer for the service, which meant a lot to me.

Many in the crowd felt this day marked the end of an era for television news, but even amid the sadness, the palpable celebration of a man who had impacted Houston in so many ways was evident.

The touching ceremony began with biblical readings from his stepdaughters, Rachelle Rowe and Corey Flores, with an additional reading from his granddaughter, Sarah Heatley.

Three emotional eulogies were offered by friends of Ward's who all saw a different side of the iconic Houston journalist: Dave Strickland, his former producer and eventual news director; Jim McGrath, his biography's co-author; and restaurant magnate, Houston Rockets owner, and current United States Ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta.

A surprise recording Ward made a year ago played through the church's speakers as the anchor's last goodbye. Hearing that familiar booming voice echo through the sanctuary was as close to an in-person goodbye as attendees could get.

The white gloved pallbearers were Dr. Mohammed Attar, Jim McGrath, Jeff Bagwell, Jim McInvale, Gary Becker, Dan Pastorini, Anthony Buzbee, Dave Strickland, Tilman Fertitta, and Houston Mayor John Whitmire.

Honorary pallbearers included Tom Abrahams, Ted Oberg, Mike McGuff, Elvin Bethea, John Mubarak, Wayne Dolcefino, Don Nelson, Tony Gracely, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Tim Heller, Dr. Tom Sawyer, Bob Jackson, Justin Sternberg, Don Kobos, Bob Slovak, and Tom Koch. 

The Rev. Dane E. Boston and The Rev. Lisa R. Neilson oversaw the funeral.

The funeral was aired live on Channel 13 and live-streamed on ABC13+. You can watch the service with the additional KTRK coverage here.

- Dave Ward honored at ABC13 and Crime Stoppers

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.

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Bill Balleza honored with Dave Ward "Excellence in Media" award

Former KPRC 2 anchor Bill Balleza was honored with Dave Ward Excellence in Media Award for 2023. It's cool to see one Houston news legend honoring another. 

"Humbled and grateful to be honored with an award named after my good friend, Dave Ward," Balleza said on Facebook.

The award was presented during the Crime Stoppers of Houston 2023 Houston’s Heroes Awards Luncheon held at the Royal Sonesta Houston on April 26, 2023.

Balleza retired from KPRC 2 in January 2020 after a 49-year career in the television news business.  Watch his final channel 2 sign-off.

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