Marcel Clarke joins ABC-7 KVIA El Paso

Marcel Clarke returns home to ABC-7 KVIA El Paso, a TV market where she previously worked, to anchor weekday evening newscasts alongside Paul Cicala.

“I grew up in El Paso," Clarke said in a statement.  "My family is located here and in Juarez, and my work has always brought me back home."

Starting Monday, April 7, 2025, on the 5:00, 6:00, and 10:00 p.m. newscasts, the International Baccalaureate graduate of Coronado High School takes over for Stephanie Valle, who left at the end of December 2024.

“The fact that she is from El Paso aligns with ABC-7’s commitment to local journalism that serves our loyal viewers and digital users,” said ABC-7 News Director Sean Flanagan.

Most recently, Clarke served as the Evening National News Anchor for NBCLX from July 2022 to September 2023.

Before that, Clarke held the same role at BNC, where she anchored key news segments from June 2021 to March 2022.

Her career includes a stint at Fox 7 Austin KTBC as an evening news anchor from July 2019 to June 2020, as well as a role at KCTV 5 Kansas City, where she served as a weekend and breaking news anchor from March 2018 to March 2019. 

Clarke also spent two years reporting for KVIA's rivals, Sinclair duopoly KFOX14 and CBS4 El Paso.

Her journalism career began at KOMU-TV, where she gained experience as a reporter, anchor, and producer while earning her degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. During her studies, she was actively involved in professional organizations, including the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, the Society of Professional Journalists, and RTDNA.

Recognized for her impact in journalism, Clarke earned a nomination for the Forbes 30 Under 30 Media List, highlighting her dedication to transparency in the ever-evolving news industry.

Beyond her work in media, Clarke is deeply committed to community service. She volunteers at women’s shelters, advocating for survivors of domestic and sexual assault. Her passion for health and cancer research became even more personal in 2024 when her mother was impacted by ovarian cancer. This experience has strengthened Clarke’s dedication to raising awareness, supporting research, and expanding resources for those battling the disease.

"Marcel will be a fantastic complement to our team," said KVIA General Manager Brenda De Anda-Swann. "She brings years of experience at the local and national level and is now coming back home ready to use her skills and talents to serve her community. She's a great match for KVIA and a great match for the Borderland."

Texas TV April Fools' Day pranks 2025

I couldn't think of anything funny to do on the blog, but I found two Texas TV pranks for April Fools' Day.  Maybe there were more, but they fooled me. 

Look at the blog's header - I am a dunderpate, after all.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by FOX 4 News Dallas Fort Worth (@fox4news)

Greg Fields celebrates 27 years with WFAA

Greg Fields, the WFAA 8 Dallas - Fort Worth morning meteorologist for Daybreak, is celebrating 27 years with the station.

The Daybreak crew surprised Fields with a look back at his first day on air. 

To commemorate the occasion, they gifted him a custom shirt featuring his various looks from his holiday weather casts.

The Western Kentucky University grad began his broadcast meteorology career in 1989 in his hometown of Lexington, Kentucky, before moving on to roles in Tyler, Tampa, and Kansas City. 

He joined WFAA in April 1998 as the weekend evening meteorologist and transitioned to the Daybreak newscast in April 2001.

"During my days in Tyler in the early 90’s, I would come to Dallas and hang out with friends and I felt like this is where I belonged," Fields said in his bio.  "I said to myself back then that I would be back. I now consider Dallas my adopted hometown."

- Brianda Villegas joins WFAA 8 DFW

Josh Adams named Houston Public Media General Manager

HOUSTON, April 1, 2025 – Following a national search, Houston Public Media today announces that veteran media executive and station manager Joshua B. Adams has been promoted to associate vice president and general manager, effective June 1, 2025. 

In this role, Adams will oversee the strategic direction and operations of Houston Public Media’s broadcast and digital assets, including the nation’s first educational television station KUHT TV8 (PBS), KUHF News 88.7 (NPR) and their digital subchannels. He will also serve as an ex officio member of the Houston Public Media Foundation Board, which provides financial support to the organization.

“During the search process, it became clear that Houston Public Media is not just a local asset — it’s a national leader in public broadcasting,” said Raymond Bartlett, senior vice president for administration and finance at the University of Houston. “We realized that the best way to build on our strong foundation was with a leader who deeply understands our mission, our community and our momentum. Josh has been instrumental in our digital transformation, and his knowledge of both the market and the team positions him perfectly to lead us into the next chapter.”

Adams, who joined Houston Public Media in 2012, brings over 25 years of broadcast experience to his new role. In his five-year tenure as station manager, he has overseen Houston Public Media’s day-to-day operations including news, programming, education, engineering, technology, facilities and broadcast operations, as well as digital and social media strategy. Prior roles included executive director of operations, director of technology and operations, and executive producer. Before joining public media, Adams spent more than a decade producing news and talk shows for commercial television stations.

Among his contributions, Adams positioned Houston Public Media for long-term success through partnerships with the University of Houston. He oversaw transformative investments in technology and infrastructure and was integral in the creation of innovative, industry-leading journalism collaborations such as The Texas Newsroom. He has been instrumental in fundraising, forging relationships with donors, sponsors and institutional stakeholders.

“Houston Public Media has always been at the forefront of innovation, education, and community service,” said Adams. “I’m honored to lead a team so deeply committed to connecting and uplifting the people of Southeast Texas. As we expand our digital footprint and strengthen our partnerships, I see an extraordinary future ahead — one rooted in trust, creativity and a passion for public media that informs, inspires and unites.”

Adams succeeds Lisa Shumate, associate vice president and general manager since 2011, who announced her plans to step down last year and concludes her tenure on May 31. Shumate will continue teaching as an adjunct professor at the University of Houston and pursue her interest in executive leadership development.

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

Bryan Mays returns to KVUE Austin mornings

The old AM gang is getting back together at KVUE Austin as Bryan Mays returns to the Daybreak morning newscast with Yvonne Nava starting Monday, April 7, 2025.

Back in July 2020, it was a teary goodbye as Mays left for evenings, swapping roles with then KVUE anchor Mike Rush. 

Mays and Nava had anchored together in the mornings for eight years at that point. In the official return announcement, KVUE states that the duo was often the top-rated morning team in the market.

So what does that mean for current Nava morning co-anchor Rob Evans?

"Rob will continue his role in 2024, leading our newest venture—a solo anchor show on KVUE+ called Daybreak+," KVUE news director Travis Sattiewhite told mikemcguff.com. "He’ll also contribute content and support the Midday and 4 p.m. newscasts."

Now celebrating 20 years with KVUE, Mays joined the Central Texas station in 2004 as a weekend sports anchor. 

Before returning to Austin, where he studied journalism at the University of Texas at Austin, Mays served as Sports Director at the former cable network News 9 San Antonio (now Spectrum News 1 Texas) and KTRE 9 Lufkin.

Happening down in Houston the same morning at TEGNA's sister station, KHOU 11, is the morning debut of Jacob Rascon.

IN OTHER AUSTIN MORNING TV NEWS...
Fred Cantú retires from CBS Austin after 53 year broadcasting career

Texas TV news and radio job moves March 2025

Send tips for the monthly Texas media job list here.

- 2025 Texas Broadcast News Awards winners and finalists

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

Marybeth Kneussl starts as Vice President, Sales at KTVT CBS News Texas.

1080 KRLD Adds Eric Bushman to News Staff.

Long-time WFAA 8 studio tech Ed Waylett retires from WFAA after 23 years.

Lana Ferguson becomes the Energy + Natural Resources for the Dallas Morning News.

Dallas Morning News sells off Plano printing plant for pretty penny.

‘New Country 96.3’ Got Dallas Eggs-Cited About This Giveaway.

Cumulus Media’s New Country 96.3 and 99.5 The Wolf Raise $300,000 for Cook Children’s Medical Center at 4th Annual Texas Independence Jam at Billy Bob’s Texas.

At the helm of KERA since 2021, Nico Leone has overseen significant growth for the nonprofit public media organization, reaching 4.5 million people per month. 

Former 94.9 KLTY owner Marcos Rodriguez starts “The Light” streaming channel.

Homegrown Bites: KXT 91.7's Series Is a Career-Launching Pad For Dallas Artists.

- DFW viewers 'unlike' anchors' use of 'like'
- Cleo Greene joins NBC 5 DFW
- Lauren Przybyl appears on AFV
- Lauren Bostwick filling-in for CBS News Texas
- Kennedi Walker joins Law and Crime network
- Bruce Smith promoted to FOX 4 KDFW news director
- Jane McGarry leaves WFAA's "Good Morning Texas"

HOUSTON

93Q KKBQ has it’s the greatest cume in the format since February 2020.

Manny García, Editor in Chief at Houston Landing, has been nominated for the prestigious IRE Ring of Honor.

ABC News elevates former 740 KTRH reporter Aaron Katersky to Chief Investigative Correspondent.

ABC13 KTRK director Scott Sands retires after the past two decades plus.

Sportsradio 610 KILT's Adam Spolane announced his departure.

KHOU 11 editor Cam Lee leaves the station.

ABC13 KTRK weekend meteorologist Kevin Roth celebrates five years with the station.

Janet Miranda joins the Houston Business Journal as growth reporter.

FOX 26 KRIV producer Lucila Decia promoted to 5am hour of "Wake Up with Sally Mac and Lina!"

Timothy Cohrs joins KPRC 2 as a producer from KFDM 6 and FOX 4 Beaumont.

Daniel Carrasco joins FOX 26 KRIV as a Photographer/Editor for its Local Programming Initiatives team. 

Irby Pace joins KPRC 2 as a video editor.

Kevin Olmsted joins KPRC 2 marketing team as a creative marketing producer.

- "Dean and Rog" break silence since Houston's Eagle firing
- Caroline Collins is engaged
- 2025 Houston Celebrity Dairy Goat Milking Contest
- How is the new KPRC 2 management working out?
- Lauren Kelly and Sarah Pepper reminisce about their time together on Houston radio
- Gina Sunseri Wins 2025 National Space Club & Foundation Press Award
- Brian LaLima leaves 'Sean Salisbury Show' on SportsTalk 790 KBME Houston
- 97.9 The Box's Young Jas and JMac get real on The Nightcap
- Lisa Foronda and Jerome Gray reunite in new TV commercial
- From the Q Morning Zoo, Mix 96.5 and the Texans, Joe Pogge has been involved
- Hope Media Group Promotes Scott Herrold
- Brianna Willis joins ABC13 Houston
- 93Q Houston with DJ Mike Snow - March 23, 1991 - live from Detour
- Jacob Rascon joins KHOU 11 Houston
- 740 KTRH turns 95 on March 25, 2025
- Danielle Grossman, from KPRC 2 to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
- Allison Gargaro is pregnant
- Charly Edsitty wins 2025 Gracie Award
- 'Hello Houston' debuts on 88.7 KUHF
- Chris Henao exits KHOU 11 from Assistant ND role
- KPRC 2 GM Phil Lane is retiring

SAN ANTONIO

Fox News at Nine changed the way San Antonians watched TV. Now it's turning 30.

KENS 5 cuts four newsroom jobs as its parent firm restructures.

Talk show host Joe Pags home swatted in Comal County.

Former KSAT 12 morning anchor Leslie Mouton starts show on Morgan's Wonderland's YouTube channel.

From watching Alex Garcia on TV to becoming family — only in San Antonio.

Happy 7th Anniversary to On The Record at KLRN Public Television.

- KSAT San Antonio cancels Instant Replay for new daily streaming show
- Layoff leads to TV news gift line
- Married couple Jordan Elder and Matt Roy anchor together on FOX San Antonio
- Mariza Mendoza returns to News 4 San Antonio as morning anchor
- River City News launches on KCWX2 San Antonio
- Jonathan Bujosa leaves Univision San Antonio
- Ernie Zuniga joins "Good Morning San Antonio" KSAT crew
- Univision 41 San Antonio celebrating 70th anniversary

AUSTIN

Audacy Regional President Doug Abernethy will exit the company May 9, 2025.

Robert Downen joins the Texas Monthly News & Politics team from the Texas Tribune.

Jasper Scherer will be the Texas Tribune's politics editor starting in June. 

James Barragan leaves the Texas Tribune to join Spectrum News 1 Texas as TX Capital Tonight host.

Kayla Guo joins Texas Tribune's politics team covering the Legislature.

Heather Rivera, departs as mid-day host on Mix 94.7 KAMX.

Lisa L. Hernandez joins KVUE as an Account Executive.

Owl visits KXAN studio. Could it be an omen, or is it looking for love? Maybe both.

Texas Monthly Shows Up Big as a Finalist for Multiple 2025 National City and Regional Magazine Awards.

- Michael Crowley joins CBS Austin
- Michael Garfield joins FOX 7 Austin
- Fred Cantú CBS Austin sign-off special

AROUND TEXAS

Texas radio stations going off the air. 

Baylor University will stop funding its Brazos Valley Public Broadcasting Foundation’s 103.3 KWBU Waco. 

Radio Winners From The Texas Music Chart Awards.

Texas Broadcast Museum opens new broadcast news exhibit.

KXXV 25 News Waco-Temple-Killeen neighborhood reporter, Brieanna Smith, is moving on to sister station WTXL ABC 27 Tallahassee, Florida.

Hunter Doughty joins News Channel 6 KAUZ Wichita Falls as a multimedia journalist.

Lidianna Reyes joins the ABC Big 2 News KMID Odessa as a Multimedia Journalist. 

Shelby Byrd joins KTXS News Abilene as a Multi-Media journalist.

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela joins KFOX14/CBS4 El Paso as a multimedia journalist.

Townsquare Media outright surrendered the licenses of KVLL-FM Lufkin.

KLTV 7 Tyler Producer/Host Makayla Goos to join Action News 5 WMC Memphis, Tennessee.

- Devyn Darmstetter leaves ABC 7 Amarillo
- Alejandra Puente and Sierra Henry leave KTXS Abilene
- John Treviño leaves 12NewsNow KBMT-KJAC Beaumont for new station
- Karen Gonzalez leaves KRGV 5 Rio Grande Valley
- David Todd Bailey named VP/GM of KTXS Abilene
- Kayler Smith joins WDTN 2 Dayton, Ohio
- Natalie McCain takes over for Emily Faith at KFDX Wichita Falls
- TV anchor and weather baby news early 2025
- KXII Sherman anchor changes in late 2024
- Karla Salinas joins FOX5 Las Vegas
- Savannah Hale leaves CBS19 KYTX Tyler
- KBTX 3 Bryan-College Station MMJ changes
- 25 News KXXV Waco turns 40
- A Texan on what it takes to run 50 local TV Stations

REMEMBERING

Bill Mercer, legendary sports announcer and broadcast journalist, dies at 99.

Former FOX 4 KDFW-KDFI-TV SVP/General Manager Kathy Saunders passed away suddenly on March 26, 2025, at her home in California.

Voice of Texas agriculture, Horace McQueen, dies at 86.

Texas Public Radio Architect Joe Gwathmey Dies at 84.

KILT Houston salesman Samuel L. Irwin, 81, has died.

Former KHOU 11 Houston photographer Craig Savage, 61, has died.

- Jaime Peluffo, Univision 41 San Antonio reporter, has died
- Kathy Saunders, former FOX 4 KDFW GM, has died

Fred Cantú CBS Austin sign-off special

Fred Cantú was given a fantastic sign-off special by CBS Austin KEYE overing this 53-year media career.

I have communicated with Uncle Fred over the years via social media but was lucky enough to meet him at the Sound Unseen Austin screening of my 101 KLOL documentary "Runaway Radio" in December 2023.

Although I have never officially lived in Austin, I might as well have during the late 1990s and early 2000s, when Cantú was a top-rated morning anchor at KVUE 24. 

So, I was awestruck getting to finally meet him in person that night at the Austin Film Society, which made the event even more special. And speaking of AFS, my wife thinks they have the best popcorn in the business! Thank you, Richard Linklater, for your legendary movies, theater, and delicious kernels of goodness.

KPRC 2 GM Phil Lane is retiring

Phil Lane announced in a video to staff today that he is retiring from KPRC 2 Houston as Vice President and General Manager effective April 11, 2025.

I have not personally seen the video, but multiple sources confirm the information to mikemcguff.com. 

He joined KPRC, succeeding Jerry Martin from Graham Media Group's sister station, KSAT 12 in San Antonio, in 2022, where he held the same position.

KPRC did not respond to my inquiries. If I receive a response, I will add it here.

When I asked Dave Strickland, the first KPRC news director to work under Lane, for a statement on the GM's upcoming retirement, he replied, "No comment."

During his nearly two-year tenure with the station, it created streaming offerings and added then cancelled television newscasts. Last year, KPRC debuted a new studio. 

More likely coming top down from the Graham Media Group, if you've been reading this blog or other trade publications, KPRC has recently seen a significant number of longtime employees leave.  Just last year, the station had buyouts, along with KSAT, of notable figures such as chief meteorologist Frank Billingsley and news director Bernice Kearney, among many other longtime managers.  Staffers say this has affected the morale of those who remained.  My readers have also commented on social media that the station has also experienced a high rate of turnover among anchors and reporters. 

The TV company also changed the management structure of the newsroom and publicly said that cutting anchors might be a way to trim expenses. 

If I were Lane, I would have retired, too!

Joining KSAT in 2011, Lane led the station to market dominance in news ratings and oversaw the number one local media website in San Antonio, according to Graham Media Group. Under his leadership, KSAT launched local programming, including “SA Live,” a daily live lifestyle show, and “Texas Eats,” a food series now distributed statewide.

Lane also spearheaded KSAT’s digital expansion, including the streaming news series “KSAT Explains,” the KSAT Plus content stream, mobile and OTT apps, and the KSAT Big Game Coverage high school sports network. Additionally, he created Graham Media’s first membership program, KSAT Insiders.

Before joining KSAT, the Furman University grad served as Vice President and General Manager of:

WSPA and WYCW in the Greenville/Spartanburg/Asheville/Anderson, NC, market (2004-2011)

WJBF in Augusta, GA (2000-2004)

WRBL in Columbus, GA (1997-2000)

Now that KPRC will be getting a new general manager, it will add to the list of new leaders who have joined Houston TV in the last year.  David Loving was hired by KHOU and Humberto Hormaza by CW39 KIAH in May 2024, with Mike Carr by ABC13 KTRK in September 2024.

Chris Henao exits KHOU 11 from Assistant ND role

Chris Henao, who had served as KHOU 11's assistant news director since 2019, announced on social media that he was laid off from the TEGNA-owned station last week.

UPDATE: I have heard that Wiley Post, who joined KHOU in 2017 as an assistant news director and executive producer, is now serving as the assistant news director.

Here is a portion of what Henao said on Linkedin (with his permission to post here):

"Well, I'm choosing to see this as a blessing in disguise - an opportunity to embrace new challenges, step outside my comfort zone, and continue growing! Leaving behind an amazing newsroom full of talented journalists and friends is bittersweet, for sure.

 On my last day at work, I felt nothing but appreciation, gratitude and support from everyone on my team. It filled my heart and fueled my drive with passion and purpose as I look for the next step in my career. 

Will the next chapter be as a journalist? I'm not 100 percent sure right now. 

If this marks the end of my 34 years in news, I will forever treasure every moment - so many stories, memories, friendships and accomplishments! 

To all who have recently received the notice that you are being laidoff - you are not alone. 

I am here to support you in any and every way possible. Let's keep moving forward with resilience, optimism and the belief that something great is ahead!"

Henao’s 34-year career in journalism has earned him prestigious honors, including duPont-Columbia, Peabody, Polk, IRE, RTDNA Murrow, Scripps Howard, and EMMY awards.

His tenure at KHOU was a homecoming, having previously worked at the station under former owner Belo. During that time, he served as an investigative photographer and later a producer, spanning from the Anna Werner era to the Jeremy Rogalski years.

Before his return to KHOU, Henao served as assistant news director at KSAT 12 in San Antonio, a Graham Media Group sister station to Channel 11's cross-town rival, KPRC 2 in Houston.

Between his stints at KHOU, he worked as an executive producer for investigations at KCTV 5 News in Kansas City, Missouri, and later spent nearly three years as an investigative producer for KNBC in Los Angeles.

A University of Texas graduate, Henao began his career as a photojournalist at WXIA Atlanta, KXAN Austin, and KGBT Harlingen.

Kathy Saunders, former FOX 4 KDFW GM, has died

Kathy Saunders, the esteemed former Senior Vice President and General Manager of FOX 4 KDFW and KDFI 27 in Dallas-Fort Worth, passed away at her home in California on March 26, 2025. She was a trailblazer in the broadcasting industry, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and excellence.

Saunders dedicated nearly three decades to FOX Television Stations, beginning her tenure in 1995. She served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the FOX-owned duopoly in Dallas for 26 years before retiring in June 2023. Her successor, Jeff Gurley, took the helm following her departure.

Before her influential role in Dallas, Saunders was Vice President and General Manager of FOX 25 WFXT Boston. She previously held leadership positions at KDAF Dallas, where she was Vice President and General Sales Manager before being promoted to Vice President and General Manager. Her career also included roles at WPGH Pittsburgh as National Sales Manager and later General Sales Manager, and she began her broadcasting journey as an Account Executive at KCTV in Kansas City, Missouri.

Saunders earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from the University of Kansas. Her contributions to the industry were widely recognized, including being named Texas Association of Broadcasters' (TAB) Pioneer Broadcaster of the Year in 2022 and Broadcasting & Cable's General Manager of the Year in 2019.

A respected leader beyond broadcasting, Saunders was Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association, a member of the North Texas Final Four Local Organizing Committee Board of Directors, and an active figure within the Texas Association of Broadcasters. She also served on the Board of Directors and as Vice President of Resource Development for Girls Inc., in addition to her longstanding support and recognition from the Alliance for Women in Media.

The Cotton Bowl Athletic Association and our Cotton Bowl family join the North Texas community in mourning the loss of longtime CBAA Board of Directors member Kathy Saunders. We extend our condolences to her family, friends and loved ones.

She was truly #LikeNoOther. pic.twitter.com/ZtusQSwNCK

— Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic (@CottonBowlGame) March 29, 2025