Diana Rocco leaves News 4 San Antonio WOAI

Diana Rocco left her morning anchor role at News 4 San Antonio Today with co-anchor David Chancellor at WOAI in December 2024.

"After 3 years I decided not to renew my contract with the station," Rocco told MySa. "It was my decision to be closer to my family in the Northeast, so I will not be staying in San Antonio. I am grateful for the opportunity at News 4 and absolutely loved greeting our viewers every morning and bringing them the news of the day."

Rocco arrived at WOAI in December 2021 from ABC7 WABC New York where she was a reporter.

The Syracuse University grad previously worked for:

- CBS 3 Philly KYW Philadelphia - reporter

- 7 NEWS WHDH Boston - reporter

- WFXT Boston 25 News - reporter

- WFSB 3 Hartford, Connecticut - reporter

RELATED
Jeannette Calle celebrates 10 years with News 4 San Antonio

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Where is Samica Knight on abc13 KTRK 2025?

I woke up this morning at 6 a.m. to see my "Where is Samica Knight on ABC13 KTRK 2024?" post exploding with web traffic and many questions asking where Knight is in 2025.

Questions about Knight's whereabouts have been coming in December, but I guess today, her loyal Channel 13 viewers figured vacation time was over, and she would be back at the anchor desk. When viewers search for her social accounts, nothing has been posted in weeks with an explanation.

Thanks to everyone who has written me, and I want you to know you are being heard!

If this makes Knight's fans feel any better, I have not heard a word about her leaving ABC13. 

We know Knight is popular based on the Houston audience reaction when she is gone from the airwaves!

Maybe KTRK morning news viewers are still sensitive after the departures of Jacob Rascon, Courtney Fischer, and Rosie Nguyen in December 2024.

When Knight has been gone before, she explained why she was off-air when she returned. 

Stay tuned.

UPDATE

After I published this post, it was brought to my attention that Stephanie Simmons has not been on KHOU 11 lately. I believe Rekha Muddaraj has been filling in. 

Rod Ryan addresses Tessa Barrera's replacement

"The Rod Ryan Show" on 94.5 The Buzz KTBZ Houston posted a photo stating, "Just 'The Boyzzz' for the next few weeks" since the first show back in 2025 was without co-host Tessa Barrera.

Barrera's last show was Friday, December 20, 2024, as she cut one of her broadcasting jobs to focus on her KPRC 2 "Houston Life" co-hosting duties with Derrick Shore.

That leaves Ryan, Alex Middleton, and Chile behind "The Buzz" morning show microphones. 

Ryan is now focusing on searching for a new co-host to join their morning radio family.  

Here is what they said this morning during the show:

"Rod Ryan: So I imagine she's [Barrera] probably still sleeping. So that's good for her. Oh, good for you sleeping in. And people are asking, well, where are you at with the co-host search? What's going on? Uh, it's still pretty much wide open. Uh, just want to get it right. I just want to get it right. And I know that my guys can get us through this time, you know, and not just get us through. But I think we can do great things. Um, we're going to get a co-host in here. We just got to get the right one, and I don't want to rush it. And I've never gotten that one wrong. That's the one. That's the one seat on this show that I've gotten right every single time, and I'll get it right again. We'll get it right again. Okay. These guys will have a say. It's like it affects all of our lives. It affects all of our lives. It's weird. This job is weird. We get under each other's skin, we talk about things. It is really.

Alex Middleton: Like a family. Even though I know every job says that. Yep.

Rod Ryan: This one really is the interpersonal things that we peel back layers and sometimes picking at scabs. Sorry if you're eating breakfast. Yeah, it's what it's like. And it's like sometimes you just had enough of somebody and it's just it's...I imagine there's an element of that with all places of work. I do think it's a little more with this because...

Alex Middleton: There's four people instead of it's not like a full team of like 12 employees or more than that,

But you're head's not down in a cubicle working next door to somebody. It's not like that with us.

Alex Middleton: Everything that you do affects Chile and me. Everything I do affects you and Chile and vice versa.

Rod Ryan: So. So that's where we're at."

Ryan said there were no "gotchas" with Barrera's departure. They knew months beforehand but did not mention it on air.

In 2024, the "The Rod Ryan Show" celebrated 20 years with 94.5 The Buzz KTBZ.

Buzz fans might want to stream my Houston documentary "Runaway Radio," which features the story of how the station first signed on the air in the 1990s as 107.5 The Buzz after Z107.5 and "The Rocket." It's also available on DVD.

It's been a busy time in Houston radio as both Dean and Rog and the 100.3 The Bull 'Morning Bullpen' are gone as of late 2024.

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"The Musers" reduce "The Ticket" morning show hours

George Dunham, Craig Miller, and Gordon Keith have been waking Dallas-Fort Worth sports fans for three decades, but now the Sportsradio 96.7FM/1310 AM "The Ticket" KTCK "The Musers" morning show hosts won't be doing it for as many hours a day.

Miller took to X to announce a reduction in their morning show hours from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. to 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., aiming to extend their careers by adjusting their schedule:

"Big Musers Announcement: starting today, our new show hours are 6am to 9am.  We've been waking up really early and doing the longest show on the Ticket for 30 years.  For the three of us to extend our shelf life, we needed to 'cut things back a little bit.'"

They must know something about success since The Ticket KTCK won the 2024 NAB Marconi Radio Awards Major Market Station of the Year honors. 

And "The Musers" crew was inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame (TRHOF) Class of 2023. 

Big Musers Announcement: starting today, our new show hours are 6am to 9am. We've been waking up really early and doing the longest show on the Ticket for 30 years. For the three of us to extend our shelf life, we needed to "cut things back a little bit." pic.twitter.com/nosOV45I6f

— Craig Miller (@junior_miller) January 6, 2025

 

Texas TV news and radio job moves December 2024

Send tips for the monthly Texas media job list here.

- Top Houston and Texas TV stories 2024

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

Salem Media Group has announced the sale of seven of their Christian AC stations to Educational Media Foundation including 94.9 KLTY.

News director Robin Whitmeyer announces retirement from FOX 4 KDFW after 13 years.

Dallas’ KSCS Sees Greatest Share In 24 Years.

Houston, Dallas Stations Dominate Country's Top 10.

Anchor Clarice Tinsley celebrates 46 years at FOX 4 KDFW.

Seven Questions With the Dallas Observer's New music, food and culture writer, Simon Pruitt.

KFAA, TEGNA announce broadcast partnership with Dallas Mavericks G League affiliate Texas Legends.

Dallas Mavericks Launch New Streaming Platform With Endeavor Streaming.

Dallas Morning News hires Javier David  as business editor.

“The Ticket” 1310 KTCK Dallas/96.7 KTCK-FM unveiled a new jingle/branding package from TM Studios.

Cumulus Media’s New Country 96.3 and 99.5 The Wolf Join Forces for 11th Annual Cook Children’s Radiothon, Raising Over $1,327,708 for Cook Children’s, a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in Fort Worth.

- Where are Steve Lamb and Nicole Osei on WBAP?
- McKenna King joins CBS News Texas
- Sybil Summers joins 570 KLIF DFW
- Dominique Sachse and Vic Mignogna holiday special

HOUSTON

Houston Chronicle reporters Andrew Dansby, Steve Schaeffer, Jonathan Feigen, Brent Zwerneman, Joyce Lee, Katherine Feser and Melissa Aguilar are leaving the paper.

iHeartMedia has promoted Paul Lambert to Region President for Houston.

Traci Pelter named new publisher of Houston Business Journal, succeeding Bob Charlet.

HABJ Awards Scholarships to 12 Students at Annual Sneaker Ball.

Adam Clemons named the new KPRC 2 morning executive producer.

Karen Warren's favorite images from her 27 years at the Chronicle.

Enjoy "The Rowdy Ride Home" and "The Original Country Gold" on Hawaii's newest country radio station, KIX-95.1 Maui’s Best Country. 

Hope Media Group (HMG) announces Jon Hull as its new Vice President Emeritus, effective January 1, 2025. In his new position, Hull will use his extensive experience to help lead and encourage the on-air donor acquisition teams, while also working with those teams that engage existing and lapsed donors off-air.  In addition, Hull will join the leadership team that strategizes support drives & programming initiatives.

- Jacob Rascon leaving ABC13 Houston
- Shara Fryer 740 KTRH update
- Mayra Moreno defends Spanish pronunciations on TV
- KPRC 2 team report on their own assault
- ABC13 photojournalist Mike Menchaca toasted by legendary anchors
- Courtney Fischer leaves ABC13 Houston
- Kathryn Bonfield joins KHOU 11 as news director
- Michael Garfield syndicates "High Tech Texan" show around Texas
- Daniela Hurtado takes time off to aid her mom
- Nexstar lays off 2% of staff, including at CW39 Houston
- Candace Burns on KPRC 2?
- Daniella Guzman goes to mornings?
- The Vibe now on 88.7 KUHF HD3
- Tessa Barrera leaves 94.5 The Buzz
- Michael Garfield fills-in on TV and national radio
- Dean and Rog exit The Eagle 106.9/107.5
- 100.3 The Bull 'Morning Bullpen' signs off
- La Ley 92.1 FM launches in Houston
- A busy month in Houston and DFW radio!
- Taylor Mills to return to 89.3 KSBJ
- Anthony Yanez, the actor?
- Rosie Nguyen leaves ABC13 Houston
- Mackailyn Johnson joining Houston TV?
- Charly Edsitty hosts ABC Audio podcast
- Courtney Fischer named Harris County District Attorney Chief of Communications

SAN ANTONIO

Former KENS 5 anchor Karen Grace returns to San Antonio TV.

Ex-News 4 San Antonio anchor Delaine Mathieu returns to TV.

Federal agents arrest San Antonio investment adviser, radio host.

A San Antonio Express-News editorial series complicated the border policy narrative. That was the goal.

TV reporter honors late San Antonio street performer ‘Hispanic Elvis’ with short film.

- Hannah Tiede leaves KENS 5 San Antonio
- KSAT 12 San Antonio "Pregnant Pals"
- WOAI 4 celebrates 75 years as San Antonio's first TV station
- Ken Slama fills in at KSAT 12 San Antonio
- Sarah Spivey gives birth
- Tony Cortez joins KONO 101.1 San Antonio
- Justin Horne celebrates 14 years at KSAT12 San Antonio
- News 4 Anchor David Chancellor

AUSTIN

FOX 7 KTBC weekend anchor John Krinjak celebrates 4 years.

Austin chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby awarded the KXAN First Warning Weather team the 2024 Climate Coverage Champion Award. Jim Spencer was also given an award for his 30+ years of climate change coverage in Austin.

Texas Monthly hires longtime magazine contributor Paula Forbes as its new senior food and drink writer, and contributor and former editor Lauren Larson rejoins the team as a senior writer.

- Jonathan Thomas leaves KXAN Austin

AROUND TEXAS

Andra Litton, an award-winning journalist and KTSM 9 El Paso’s Assignment Manager and Investigative Director, has left the station.

Tre Sanchez hired at KFDM 6 Beaumont as a multimedia journalist. 

25 News KXXV/KRHD Waco-Temple-Killeen Chief Meteorologist Matt Hines celebrates 17 years with the station.

25 News Now KAVU Victoria sunrise meteorologist Trey Meynig celebrates 14 years with the station.

RCA Broadcasting Acquires KVUT From The University of Texas at Tyler.

Larry Allen celebrates 36 years as ‘radio voice of the Carthage Bulldogs.’

- Doppler Dave Speelman celebrates 25 years with KVIA El Paso
- Stephanie Valle to leave KVIA El Paso
- Derek Rogers joins KXII and FXII Sherman
- Sydney Wicker joins KCEN 6 Waco
- Carlos Sánchez joins Noticiero Telemundo 52 Los Angeles
- Jasmine Perry leaves KTSM 9 El Paso
- Ariana Parra leaves KFOX14/CBS4 El Paso
- Sydney Dishon leaves KCEN 6 Waco

REMEMBERING

Former Texas TV anchor and A&M grad Ana Orsini dies at 28.

Former and longtime ABC13 KTRK Houston photojournalist Tony Chapa has passed away.

Former KFDA NewsChannel 10 Amarillo anchor and Texas House of Representatives member Ralph Wayne died at 92.

- Tim Bristow has died

Zack Owen to broadcast on Waco mornings again

Zack Owen announced on the "Central Texas Life with Ann Harder" podcast that he is returning to mornings on the Rogue Media Network via YouTube TV starting January 6, 2025 from 8 to 10am.

"And so looking ahead now to podcasting and YouTube TV, I'm just super excited about it," Owen told Harder. "Let me tell you what really sold me is when they said, you don't have to get up and be here at five in the morning."

Owen will broadcast live each morning from the Texas Music Cafe in downtown Waco, where he can feature live music acts.  He joins Pete Sousa as the second live daily show Rogue Media Network offers. Sousa broadcasts from the famous ALICO Building.

The former and longtime WACO 100 morning show host has gone through a lot of changes since 2023, when his partner Jim Cody died after his cancer battle.  The morning radio team had been together since 1993. 

In March 2024, Owen was let go from WACO 100.

"My contract was going to end in February of 25," Owen explained.  "And so this is March 15th when they let me go. And I said, 'Just keep me through the contract. I'll be happy to walk out. But I want to say goodbye to the listeners, and I want to say thank you to the advertisers that have been with us forever.' And no. So they fire you and pay you for six months, which makes no sense to me."

Arter leaving radio, Owen has worked as a Realtor.

And since Ann Harder is a Central Texas broadcasting icon herself, Owen brought up his time hosting "25 Hot Country Cafe" on KXXV where Ann co-anchored with Ray Peters.

The 2020 Texas Radio Hall of Famer also talked about his early love of broadcasting from listening as a child to the legendary Mark E. Baby on KFJZ 1270 Fort Worth.  Houston radio fans of 101 KLOL will recognize that name as Mark Stevens of the legendary Stevens and Pruett morning show.  You can watch my documentary about the station called "Runaway Radio" on Tubi and other streaming services.

Here is the first episode of the "Zack Owen Show Live!"

Liz Roldán joins CW39 Houston

Liz Roldán has been named CW39 Houston KIAH's new news director after exiting KHOU 11 in October 2024.

Kathryn Bonfield was named the new KHOU 11 news director in early December.

Roldán takes over at KIAH for Angel Covarrubias, who left in October.

"I am honored to join the CW39 Houston family and remain here in the city where my passion for journalism began," Roldán said in a statement.  "Houston is a vibrant, diverse community with countless stories waiting to be told, and I look forward to working with the talented team here to deliver news that informs, inspires, and makes a difference." 

Her KHOU hiring in December 2020 was a homecoming for Roldán, who grew up in Houston and attended St. Vincent de Paul and St. Agnes Academy. She replaced news director Sally Ramirez, who left for CNBC but shared in Channel 11 news leadership roles with Director of Innovation Stuart Boslow and Digital Director Randy Klein.

Before returning to Houston with KHOU, Roldán worked for CBS Miami 4 WFOR as news director and Executive Producer for Special Projects and Investigations before that.

The University of Texas at Austin grad also worked for NBC 6 South Florida WTVJ Miami as a managing editor, special projects producer, and assignment manager, and WFOR as an assignment manager. 

A 13-time regional EMMY winner, Roldán was recently honored with the EMMY for News Excellence. Under Roldán’s leadership, her teams have received multiple prestigious accolades, including two National Edward R. Murrow Awards in 2023 for Continuous Coverage and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Additionally, she has earned the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award for Outstanding Investigative Reporting in the Public Interest, the National Edward R. Murrow Award for News Documentary, and a National EMMY for Outstanding News Documentary. 

"Liz is an accomplished leader and visionary, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the CW39 Houston team," said Humberto Hormaza, Vice President and General Manager of KIAH-TV. "Her dedication to innovative journalism and her deep roots in Houston make her the perfect choice to lead our newsroom. Liz’s focus on excellence, integrity, and community-driven content will help us continue to serve our audience in meaningful ways." 

Jeannette Calle celebrates 10 years with News 4 San Antonio

Jeannette Calle celebrated 10 years in December 2024 as the News 4 San Antonio Today morning meteorologist.

"Never in a million years would I have imagined leaving my family and friends on the east coast and moving to Texas, but when God has a plan you listen. And we love it here. I’ve met so many great people and I’ve come to love the warm weather throughout the year, hehe. 

I could write so much, but I'll keep it short. Shout out to my husband who also left all he knew and loved, to support me. Shout out to my co-workers (past & present), to the amazing friends I've made here, and OF COURSE I want to thank all of you for years of love and support. 

Truly, it’s been a pleasure serving y'all."

These days, Calle is with David Chancellor and Diana Rocco on weekday mornings from 4:30 to 7 a.m. When hired in 2014, she took over for Albert Flores and worked with Michael Garofalo, Leslie Bohl, and traffic anchor Jessica Headley.

Before WOAI, Calle freelanced for NBC, MSNBC, and WPIX 11 New York. The Temple University grad previously worked for AccuWeather.

Brianna Perez joins KVUE Austin

Brianna Perez is leaving her KVIA ABC-7 El Paso anchor job to join KVUE Austin as a reporter/MSJ in February 2025 mikemcguff.com has learned.

ALSO HAPPENING
Stephanie Valle leaves KVIA El Paso

Her last KVIA newscast will be January 4th. 

Here is what Perez posted on social:

"Dear El Paso, thank you.

Thank you for allowing me into your home, thank you for trusting me and giving me the opportunity to tell your stories. 

These past 3 years at KVIA have helped me learn so much, not just about our community, but about myself as well. From starting as an intern to a reporter and eventually a weekend evening anchor, I have definitely been challenged in ways I never imagined.

I’m forever grateful for all the amazing people I have been able to meet along the way. I’ve created bonds that will last me a lifetime.

The 915 will forever be my home. For now, it’s time to accomplish a new set of goals and growth in my career."

Perez joined the KVIA as a reporter in 2021. In June 2024, she left her weekend morning anchor to anchor weekend evenings.

The University of Texas at El Paso and Parkland High School grad interned for KVIA. As an intern, she got the chance to do live TV for the first time during a Humane Society telethon.

ALSO LEAVING
- Jasmine Perry leaves KTSM 9 El Paso
- Ariana Parra leaves KFOX14/CBS4 El Paso

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Where is Lindsay Liepman?

Lindsay Liepman announced on Facebook that she has been on a leave of absence from KCEN 6 Waco-Temple-Killeen where she anchors the 5, 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts, and will be returning at some point during first quarter 2025.

Liepman shared an emotional update that led to her leave following the sudden passing of her co-anchor, Kris Radcliffe, in October 2024. 

The loss was deeply personal, as she had to announce it on-air, an experience she described as the hardest moment of her 23-year career. Her grief unexpectedly went viral, with messages pouring in from around the globe, highlighting the bond she shared with Radcliffe. While heartwarming, this also forced her to grieve publicly which was a challenge she hadn’t anticipated.

During her time off, Liepman focused on healing with her family, spending time in her hometown and cherishing affirmations from her children, who reminded her of her worth beyond her role as a news anchor. She expressed deep gratitude to co-anchor Baylee Bates for stepping up at the anchor desk and leading the team during her absence, praising Baylee’s talent and potential.

"It’s been a tough season of life for many of us at 6 News KCEN TV, but please understand we are all family and each of us are leaning on each other and doing what we need to keep moving forward," Bates responded.  "Proud and blessed to work alongside some great human beings! We miss our Lindsay, but so happy she’ll be back in the new year! We’ll continue to hold down the fort." 

Although an exact return date hasn’t been set due to procedural delays, Liepman plans to be back on air at KCEN 6 in 2025. She reaffirmed her belief that "life is worth living" and thanked her viewers and supporters for their encouragement during this challenging time.

Lindsay Liepman joined the KCEN 6 News team in November 2022 taking over for Leslie Draffin, who has transitioned out of the TV news industry.

A native from Mexia, Liepman previously anchored for cross-town rival 25 News KXXV. She departed KXXV in 2021 after serving as both an evening and morning anchor. 

Prior to her time in Central Texas, she worked as a breaking news anchor for CBS Austin KEYE.

Liepman previously worked as a:

- weekend anchor for WMTW News 8 Portland, Maine

- morning/noon anchor for WINK News Ft. Myers, Florida 

- main anchor for WSHM Western Mass News Springfield, Massachusetts

- news reporter for KBTX News 3 Bryan/College Station

A proud Texas A&M University graduate, Liepman has earned multiple Edward R. Murrow and EMMY awards throughout her career.