Raquel Amparo announced on LinkedIn that she is a new VP of Content for TEGNA stations for Texas.
"I’ll be overseeing content strategy, driving innovation and supporting nearly a dozen news teams in Texas," Amparo posted. "Not to mention, the bonus of getting to work with and learn from my fellow VPs of content: Chris Peña, Julie Wolfe, Javier Morgado, Carol Fowler, Michael Valentine - and our fearless leader, Adrienne Roark."
Amparo most recently served as President and General Manager of CBS News Texas, overseeing CBS 11 KTVT and TXA 21 in Dallas-Fort Worth.
She returned to CBS DFW in 2021 after four years at Univision’s KUVN-DT and KSTR-DT, where she rose from News Director in 2017 to Vice President of News in 2019. Soon after, she also took on the role of regional content lead, guiding Univision’s large-market stations across Texas and Chicago. Her leadership was recognized in 2020 when she was named Broadcaster of the Year by the Texas Association of Broadcast Educators.
Earlier in her career, Amparo spent six years with KTVT, joining in 2011 as an Executive Producer and advancing to Managing Editor in 2016. Before that, she produced for CBS Miami WFOR and My 33 WBFS, and later worked as a producer at FOX 5 DC WTTG in Washington, D.C. from 2007–2011.
An Emmy Award winner and Carole Kneeland Project for Responsible Journalism Fellow, Amparo earned a Master of Arts in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Miami and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Central Florida. In 2022, she expanded her leadership training through Harvard Business School’s Cable Executive Management Program, focusing on industry disruption, business strategy, and media innovation.
The radio/YouTube show airs on News 88.7 KUHF from 11am-1pm weekdays.
Radio folks, this is for you - the new HPM studios are AWESOME. It was one of the most high-tech, futuristic radio studios I have ever had the honor of seeing. They have cameras with AI switching capabilities!
They tell me that their goal is to provide as hyperlocal coverage as possible for Houston.
The reason I was a guest was not about media, but about a fight you can join in on to help end Alzheimer's disease. The thing that took my mom's life and stopped her kids from ever meeting their grandmother. Being a grandmother was something she always looked forward to..
In fact, I am fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Association Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter. YOU CAN DONATE HERE
You can donate in person tonight at the screening of my 101 KLOL documentary "Runaway Radio" at the River Oaks Theatre.
Aside from donating, you can vote.
On November 4th, Texas voters will face a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Texas to lead the charge against dementia with Proposition 14.
Earlier this year, the Texas Legislature established the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT) to accelerate innovation in dementia research. But there’s one critical piece left: funding. That’s why Proposition 14 will be on the Nov. 4, 2025, ballot.
If approved, Texas will allocate $3 billion over 10 years for dementia research, creating the largest state-funded dementia research program in the country.
Dementia is a growing public health crisis in Texas. The impact of Alzheimer’s is projected to rise, according to recent data:
- 459,000 people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in Texas.
- 1.1 million family caregivers bear the burden of the disease in Texas.
- $4.3 billion is the cost of Alzheimer’s to the state Medicaid program.
Proposition 14 presents a historic opportunity for Texas:
- If approved, Texas would allocate $3 billion over 10 years to fund the newly established DPRIT — modeled after the successful Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT).
- This significant investment will create the most extensive state-funded dementia research program in the nation, bringing hope and solutions to Texans right here at home.
- By voting yes, Texans will accelerate the search for effective prevention, treatments, and cures, ensuring Texas leads the nation’s fight against dementia and paves the way for a healthier future for generations to come.
Holden Wilen took on a new role as the Dallas Business Journal's assistant managing editor, in addition to his finance and sports business coverage.
iHeartMedia has announced the appointment of Chris Long as its new Dallas Region President.
Why Is Hearst Buying So Many Texas Newspapers? With its purchase of the Dallas Morning News, the 138-year-old company is set to own all the largest newspapers in Texas.
Dallas looking to acquire property for new Convention Center - city wants a section of property, which includes part of the WFAA parking lot.
Three employees at ABC13 KTRK discovered someone had illegally applied for benefits through the Texas Workforce Commission using their personal information in the last few weeks.
Nick Russo, of 100.3 The Bull KILT is now also doing afternoons at sister station “106.5 The Wolf” WDAF Kansas City.
KHOU 11 ENG Supervisor Rick Buffolano celebrates 25 years with the station.
ABC 13 KTRK executive producer Esther Hou leaves the station.
Asher Lehrer-Small, formerly of the Houston Landing, joins The New York Times.
Hope Media Group (HMG) has announced the promotion of Kristin Alexander to Chief of Staff.
Programming Coordinator Ben Wolverton celebrates 25 years with ABC13 Houston.
Assignment editor Scott Myers celebrates 10 years with ABC13 KTRK.
Houston Chronicle‘s data and education reporter Anastasia (Ana) Goodwin has left the paper.
Teenage Kicks: Houston Radio DJs’ Unforgettable First Concert.
Danny Aguilar, vice president and general manager of 25 KAVU Victoria , retired in early September, concluding a 35-year career in broadcast television.
James “Big Jim” Russell at 99.9 KLUR Wichita Falls is a big name in Wichita Falls radio.
Shawn joined FOX61/CW20 as a sports multi-skilled journalist from FOX West Texas in San Angelo.
K-TEX 106 KTTX Brenham, TX, adds David Bugenske for afternoons.
The iconic voice of the Baylor Bears, John Morris, was recognized for his long broadcasting career with the Chris Schenkel Award.
KAMR Local 4 News General Manager Brandy Sanchez was announced among three area women recognized in the Amarillo Women’s Network Career & Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Man climbs down 40 hours after scaling Lamar State College Port Arthur radio tower.
Multimedia journalist Alexis Hernandez joined the KLST/KSAN team in August 2025.
Justin Margolius joins KCBD NewsChannel 11 Lubbock as weekend sports anchor from KPLC 7 NewsLake Charles, Louisiana.
KVWE Amarillo flips from Sports-Talk to Classic Rock as 102.9 The Rattler.
"The days of getting up at 1 a.m. and going to bed at 6:15 p.m. are numbered," Andrews said. "My wife just deserves better. To have someone around for dinner and to watch football all season. She's a saint who has tolerated this life, and now it's time for family first. Which includes all of our animals."
Loyal viewers can take solace in the fact that Andrews will remain in the DFW Metroplex and continue to be active on social media.
"I'm just not getting up at 1 a.m. Maybe 4 a.m.," he joked.
FOX 4 will be collecting viewer messages ahead of his official sign-off to send him off in style.
Andrews joined KDFW in 1999 as the morning meteorologist. The University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate previously worked for WISN 12 News in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and WWLP-22News in Springfield, Massachusetts.
“Faders Up: The John Aielli Experience,” a documentary about the legendary KUTX 98.9 Austin morning show host, releases digitally on Tuesday, September 30, across major digital platforms.
“During his tenure with KUT and KUTX — more than half a century — the classically trained baritone and his ‘Eklektikos’ show eased the city into a new day, with everything from classical to classic rock,” said the Austin American-Statesman about Aielli. “A beloved Austin character, he was a top fundraiser for the public radio station, as well as a connective force between listeners and community arts organizations.”
Much like my 101 KLOL documentary "Runaway Radio," which has a screening on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at River Oaks Theatre (BUY TICKETS) this doc is keeping Texas broadcasting history alive!
Directed and produced by Sam Wainwright Douglas and David Hartstein, the 24 Beats Per Second Audience Award Winner at SXSW 2024, the film features exclusive archival footage, stylized recreations, and heartfelt accolades to a beautifully eccentric and often surreal radio legend who passed away in 2022.
With a career spanning over 50 years on air, the documentary shares the life of the “Eklektikos” host both in and out of the studio, using a collage format that reflects Aielli’s eclectic style.
“Faders Up: The John Aielli Experience” serves as a poignant tribute to a true radio legend, honoring his lasting impact on both Austin and the medium of radio. Some listeners loved Aielli’s show, some hated it, but all were captivated by his programming. Spending up to six hours a day on air, Aielli would keep audiences on their toes with interviews, music he was interested in that day, live performances, offbeat observations and sometimes dead air. His soothing, calm voice was almost melodic at times, and was one of his most recognizable traits.
In praise of the film, Academy Award-nominated director Richard Linklater wrote, "One of the great Austin films...a really wonderful, fun, intimate piece about a pretty mysterious guy. Anyone hoping to understand Austin of the last 60 years should just start with FADERS UP."
“We loved his unique stream of conscious approach to radio, and John was such a window into the local culture,” said co-director Sam Wainwright Douglas. “Not being Austin natives, John was very much an entry point to life here. The people here are curious, and that makes the culture vibrant and fosters creativity and collaboration. With a combination like that, I hope we’re always weird here in Austin.”
“We've been in love and obsessed with John since first hearing his unique voice almost 25 years ago. By that point, he'd already played such an important role in the artistic landscape of this city,” said co-director David Hartstein. “To be able to bring that to light in the movie and demonstrate John's contribution to the open, tolerant Austin of today feels like a fitting tribute.”
“John Aielli was such a part of the fabric of Austin that we felt like his story needed to be told,” said KUT/KUTX Programming Director Matt Reilly. “Over his 50-year career, John did his part to shape Austin’s personality without intentionally doing so. It’s such an amazing story. I’ve known Sam and David for several years and always been a big fan of their work. Not only are they great storytellers but have a great visual sensibility. It seemed natural that they should tell John’s story. I know we’re all in for a treat.”
The official release platforms are Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Google Play, YouTube and Fandango At Home.
Have you been alright through all those lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely
Lonely nights? That's what I'd say
I'd tell you everything if you'd pick up that telephone
Yeah, yeah, yeah”
ELO “Telephone Line”, 1976
I was in bed, asleep.
I’d been working overnights a lot. It was about 10am when my dog and I both opened our eyes and glanced at each other. The power had gone out. Fan, a/c, and general household noise, all gone. We panicked for four seconds.
Then we went back to sleep. Kinda like we do when we refuse to acknowledge overnight bathroom breaks because it’s just too cozy in bed.
30 minutes after that, when the sweat began to flow, we rose. The race was on. I had to control this thing because I knew there’d be problems. There’s always a problem. Getting crises solved these days online posed obstacles both exhausting and soul-draining. Tackling a task over the internet. My stomach is already churning.
Before you start predicting this as the beginning of a “back in MY day..” sermon, let me assure that’s EXACTLY what this is.
There was a place for me in the analog world. In fact I would love to watch my smart ass kids negotiate the ways and operational expectations of growing up in the 60s and 70s. Back then, if you had an interruption in electricity, there was a universal protocol. YOU CALLED THE DAMN ELECTRIC COMPAY. DUH? For all I can recall, someone always answered.
You gave them your address, and they figured it out. If not, you had to visit the office and sort it out over a chest-high glass partition, face-to-face, with someone who could answer real-time questions with available resources on site. This was the firewall. You knew if you did this, the problem would get solved without a username or passcode. It was a pain in the ass, but it always worked. Back then, not only did you KNOW what to do, you knew HOW to do it. (deep breath).
I still did not know how to swim against the current of passwords, usernames, and weird questions I either can’t remember or don’t understand. To me, the internet is a vast expanse of open confusion and mass loneliness, with specific paths carved for people with maps. Problem is I’m getting bogged down by the terrain. Don’t get me wrong. The modern inventions are wonderful. Just not when you don’t know how to use them.
The first step was present analysis. My inventory included an IPHONE 8, with features I don’t use because I never knew I needed them. This antique iPhone was on 3%. I also have an iPad that doesn’t dial out. I could call my son to call Gexa for me. But he’s at work. I could take my chances on my phone. Or I can use the iPad to contact customer service. What’s more efficient? Oh shit.. The dog is begging to go out for a walk. Last time I ignored that, I wound up with a pile of dark “pudding” on my carpet. Grab the keys, throw on some slippers. This is getting serious.
1 number 2 and 2 number ones later, I’m back in my pad, roasting like chestnuts in July. Damn it. My phone just died. I’ll use my iPad to reach out to Gexa online. Google Gexa. Where’s the chat option? Maybe it’s this. No, that’s frequently asked questions. Can’t find customer service. Where’s the customer SERVICE? WHERE THE HELL IS CUSTOMER SERVICE? Why isn’t it listed? I’ll text my son. No answer. It’s getting hotter. Try searching for a possible cause for all this. Where’s my username and password? It’s not working.
A Pew research study recently found that 96% of adults aged 50-64 use the internet. That’s a lot of people like me. Short-fused and pining retroactively for that glass partition. With problems like this, you don’t just feel frustrated, you quickly feel defeated. Admittedly, our cognition and memory fade as we get older, and that might affect the way we experience and act. But if I get another prompt requesting my password that can’t be retrieved with a thumbprint, my head will actually cave in like a downtown sinkhole.
Finally, I found a way in. Ok. My card had been compromised a few weeks ago. I had cancelled it and I owe them money. I can probably pay this online. There’s the button. It says “pay here”. I press it. Load up all my card info. Why won’t THAT work? Another password prompt. It’s not working. 3 times now I’ve typed out my card data. My phone is dead. I guess I will have to, I’ll go ask a neighbor if they might charge it for me. I ring around 7 or 8 units before I find someone home. He’s a young Palestinian man with a heavy beard and green jockey shorts.
“Sorry, man. I don’t have an Apple chord.”
“Thanks.”
4 or 5 more doorbells. An old man answers with an oxygen tank. His pad smells like avocado and his face is the texture of play-Do. Never mind sir.
Finally, an attractive woman on the 3rd floor. “Do you own an Apple IPhone?”
“I sure do”, she answered. Thank God. I give her mine. I’m relieved. 10 minutes oughtta do it. I’m half way back home, and she comes running towards me.
“My chord doesn’t fit your phone!!”
Major Bummer! Then it hit me. I went home and walked back to the third floor, to the friendly woman’s stoop.
“You can use MY chord!”, I tell her.
“Yes!”
Somehow, confetti begins to fill the sky, and I hear the theme from Rocky. It works.
In all, over two hours of accumulating heat and accompanying sweat, a near fruitless attempt at finding passcodes and protocols, a lack of operational resources to address the problem, and an angry dog.
I get it. The technology has made our lives easier and more interesting.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to find the magnify option on my phone. The print on my medications is really small.
Now if I can just find that on my phone..
GARANDOM
Why do appliance manufacturers still include single-digit settings on new ovens? I’ve NEVER heard of a recipe calling for 314*
(Former ABC13 Houston KTRK anchor Mark Garay returns to mikemcguff.com as a guest blogger!)
Édgar Olivares joins Crystal Ayala and Ingrid Barrera for weekday editions of Noticiero Telemundo Houston KTMD at 4PM, 5PM and 10PM.
Olivares has two decades of journalism experience working in television, radio and print media.
He joined KTMD in May of 2024 as a multimedia journalist, reporting on breaking news and the most important stories for Spanish-speaking viewers in Houston.
Prior to KTMD, Édgar spent 3 years as a news anchor and reporter at KMUV Telemundo 23 in Monterey / Salinas, CA. Before that, he spent 10 years as a news anchor and reporter for Canal 44, the University of Guadalajara's television station.
Olivares earned a bachelor’s in communication sciences from the University of Guadalajara. He began his career in the Jalisco state of his native México.
"Edgar has consistently demonstrated dedication, talent and an unwavering commitment to telling compelling stories that matter to our community,” said Freddy Oldenburg, Telemundo Houston’s Vice President of News. “His growth as a Video Journalist has been remarkable, and we are proud to see him take this next important step in his professional journey. We look forward to seeing him thrive in this new role and continue to elevate our newscast with his passion and journalistic integrity."
