New Digital Media Outlet to Become a Leading Source for Automotive Content
(Houston, TX) — Gow Media, a large multi-platform media company with sports radio properties ESPN 97.5 FM and SB Nation Radio and leading online destinations CultureMap, SportsMap, and InnovationMap, announced today the launch of its newest outlet, AutomotiveMap (www.automotivemap.com).
The new site will cover industry news, provide auto reviews, feature the Houston auto scene, showcase innovation, and serve as a thoughtful guide to consumers.
“We are excited to add AutomotiveMap to our portfolio of media platforms,” said David Gow, CEO of Gow Media. “We now have four content categories — culture, sports, innovation and automotive — all under the ‘map’ brand identity. And we love that each of these categories taps into the passions of our audiences.”
Gow Media has tapped Eileen Falkenberg-Hull to become editor of AutomotiveMap.
Falkenberg-Hull brings 10 years of digital publishing experience to her new position. She has covered the automotive segment exclusively for five years, with regular bylines in Trucks.com, U.S. News & World Report, and American City Business Journals. She
is a co-host of Let’s Talk Wheels on SB Nation Radio.
In her new role, Falkenberg-Hull will report to Arden Ward, vice president of editorial for Gow Media statewide.
“Eileen is an outstanding addition to our team,” said Ward. “Her enthusiasm for the auto industry is unmatched, and, as editor, she blends her extensive knowledge with an approachable voice that connects to our readers.”
“I am thrilled to become part of Gow Media,” said Falkenberg-Hull. “I have been impressed with the creative energy, professionalism, and commitment to storytelling that the team has. AutomotiveMap will be both informative and highly engaging; it will educate consumers and delight enthusiasts.”
AutomotiveMap is the latest addition to Gow Media’s ever-growing portfolio. Since acquiring CultureMap, Texas’ leading online destination for lifestyle content, in February of 2017, Gow has launched SportsMap; InnovationMap; and GiftingMap, an ecommerce
site.
“Our other site launches are going very well — we are experiencing tremendous audience and revenue growth — enabling us to step out again with AutomotiveMap,” said David Gow.
(This post was taken from a release sent to me by David Gow)
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Jennifer Reyna breaks silence after leaving KPRC
Former channel 2 traffic anchor Jennifer Reyna posts a message of love to Instagram
Former KPRC 2 morning traffic anchor Jennifer Reyna left a message on Instagram to her fans:
Last Thursday, the station announced negotiations could not be worked out between KPRC and Reyna.
Even talent from other station joined in the many comments of support left on the post.
Rekha Muddaraj - KHOU
@rekhatv
Jen - always loved running into you. Best of luck in your next endeavor 💖
10h1 likeReply
Sally MacDonald - FOX 26
@sallymacfox26
Jen, wishing you the very best in your next adventure!
Chrisdyann Uribe - KHOU
@chrisdyannuribe
You really paved the way for Latinas in news! I pray your next adventure is as amazing as you! Wishing you all the best! Cheers beautiful! 💜💜💜
So where is Reyna going to end up? LEAVE YOUR IDEAS HERE.
Former KPRC 2 morning traffic anchor Jennifer Reyna left a message on Instagram to her fans:
What an incredible privilege for a born and bred Houstonian to have had the opportunity to have been welcomed into your home over the past 13+ years.
I will never forget all of the kindness and support you offered to me during my ups and downs and hope that I have returned some of that kindness in my own small way by helping you get around safely, avoiding a traffic jam or just starting your day with a smile. You will never know how much you’ve meant to me.
I have many wonderful memories in meeting some of you as I have been out and about in our great city. Thanks again for your kind comments and overwhelming support and know that I return them all to you with a full heart. Love, Jen
Last Thursday, the station announced negotiations could not be worked out between KPRC and Reyna.
Even talent from other station joined in the many comments of support left on the post.
Rekha Muddaraj - KHOU
@rekhatv
Jen - always loved running into you. Best of luck in your next endeavor 💖
10h1 likeReply
Sally MacDonald - FOX 26
@sallymacfox26
Jen, wishing you the very best in your next adventure!
Chrisdyann Uribe - KHOU
@chrisdyannuribe
You really paved the way for Latinas in news! I pray your next adventure is as amazing as you! Wishing you all the best! Cheers beautiful! 💜💜💜
So where is Reyna going to end up? LEAVE YOUR IDEAS HERE.
Monday, October 21, 2019
Brhe Berry is pregnant
abc13 KTRK afternoon traffic anchor Brhe Berry is expecting
Brhe Berry, abc13 KTRK afternoon traffic anchor/fill-in anchor/reporter/jack of all trades, announced she is pregnant.
"10 week update, working on growing a @saints fan 🖤💛 thanks to my momma and dad for making the perfect chalkboard frame and to Hunter for decorating it... I just contributed the bump," Berry posted on Instagram (UPDATE: The post has been removed).
Late last week, abc13 KTRK meteorologist Rachel Briers announced she was expecting too.
Does this mean the baby wave is moving over to channel 13 from KPRC?
Berry joined KTRK in early 2019 from WTKR News 3 Norfolk, VA where she worked as an anchor/reporter/social media director. She did a lot of different jobs there too starting in 2017.
Before Virginia, Berry worked at KELO Sioux Falls, SD as the morning anchor/reporter.
Her television news career began at KLFY News 10 Lafayette, LA as a weekend Anchor/Reporter/Multi-Media Journalist.
She is a graduate of James Madison University.
Brhe Berry, abc13 KTRK afternoon traffic anchor/fill-in anchor/reporter/jack of all trades, announced she is pregnant.
"10 week update, working on growing a @saints fan 🖤💛 thanks to my momma and dad for making the perfect chalkboard frame and to Hunter for decorating it... I just contributed the bump," Berry posted on Instagram (UPDATE: The post has been removed).
Late last week, abc13 KTRK meteorologist Rachel Briers announced she was expecting too.
Does this mean the baby wave is moving over to channel 13 from KPRC?
Berry joined KTRK in early 2019 from WTKR News 3 Norfolk, VA where she worked as an anchor/reporter/social media director. She did a lot of different jobs there too starting in 2017.
Before Virginia, Berry worked at KELO Sioux Falls, SD as the morning anchor/reporter.
Her television news career began at KLFY News 10 Lafayette, LA as a weekend Anchor/Reporter/Multi-Media Journalist.
She is a graduate of James Madison University.
Friday, October 18, 2019
Rachel Briers is expecting
abc13 KTRK meteorologist Rachel Briers is pregnant
I am kinda worn out after the Jennifer Reyna leaving channel 2 news, but I wouldn't be a good media blogger if I didn't let you know the big news for abc13 KTRK meteorologist Rachel Briers.
"My husband and I are so excited to announce that we are expecting our first child in April," posted Briers on Facebook. "We are thrilled to share this news with you all, and are excited that we get to raise our child here!"
The baby is due April 2020.
It was announced that Briers was joining channel 13 at the very end of 2018. She came to Houston after working for Midland-Odessa's NewsWest 9 KWES.
The Plano native also worked for KLBK Lubbock. She interned at WFAA 8 Dallas and KBTX 3 Bryan-College Station.
She is a graduate of Texas A&M with a degree in Atmospheric Sciences.
RELATED
Brhe Berry is pregnant
(Thanks Robin!)
I am kinda worn out after the Jennifer Reyna leaving channel 2 news, but I wouldn't be a good media blogger if I didn't let you know the big news for abc13 KTRK meteorologist Rachel Briers.
"My husband and I are so excited to announce that we are expecting our first child in April," posted Briers on Facebook. "We are thrilled to share this news with you all, and are excited that we get to raise our child here!"
The baby is due April 2020.
It was announced that Briers was joining channel 13 at the very end of 2018. She came to Houston after working for Midland-Odessa's NewsWest 9 KWES.
The Plano native also worked for KLBK Lubbock. She interned at WFAA 8 Dallas and KBTX 3 Bryan-College Station.
She is a graduate of Texas A&M with a degree in Atmospheric Sciences.
RELATED
Brhe Berry is pregnant
(Thanks Robin!)
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Jennifer Reyna is leaving KPRC 2
Jennifer Reyna is leaving KPRC 2 after more than 13 years the station reported:
Jennifer Reyna is leaving KPRC 2.
In a statement, KPRC 2 General Manager Jerry Martin wrote, "After a long, good faith negotiation between both parties, we could not come to a new agreement with Jennifer. Her last day will be (Friday) on KPRC. Jennifer has been a part of the KPRC family for more than 15 years. We thank her for all her hard work as an anchor and traffic reporter as well as her dedication to community events. We wish her a great future."
Reyna joined KPRC 2 News in 2006 as a traffic reporter, sharing her extensive knowledge of Houston helping viewers get through the morning delays. She regularly anchors traffic weekday mornings on KPRC 2 News Today and during the "TODAY Show."
She reported from the field and anchored the KPRC 2 News Midday at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Reyna is a graduate of the University of Houston.
UPDATE OCTOBER 22, 2019
Jennifer Reyna breaks silence after leaving KPRC
So where is Reyna going to end up? LEAVE YOUR IDEAS HERE.
RELATED
KPRC legendary anchor Bill Balleza to retire
UPDATE
I did not tune in Friday morning, but my readers are telling me that Reyna was not on the air for her reported last day.
-------
Channel 2 Traffic/anchor Jennifer Reyna is hands down one of the most popular on air talents in Houston TV.
I think I have the timeline correct on this...Reyna got her intro to broadcasting by winning the Miss Rockwear 2003 title at Rock 101 KLOL which eventually led to her landing an on air gig with Outlaw Dave from 2004 to 2005.
Her first TV news job was with KABC Los Angeles where she worked behind the scenes for Eye on LA and Vista LA from 2005 to 2006.
She came back home to her hometown and joined KPRC in 2006 in the morning traffic role. In 2007, in addition to traffic duties on channel 2, she also performed the same role for 89.3 KSBJ from 2007 to 2013.
Reyna added anchor duties to her KPRC job in 2011.
Now, remember when I said she was popular? Well, I have chronicled a few instances of her fame over the years, including the Rate Reyna Twitter account where KPRC morning newscast fans featured her daily photo of her outfits.
Back in 2018, during a rare Houston winter storm, Reyna wore the same dress as KHOU 11's Chita Johnson and people seemed to get more excited about that than the cold weather that day.
Later that summer, the Houston Internet nearly melted down because Reyna changed the name of her Facebook page.
Now, fame can also have its dark side.
Back in 2013, The Houston Chronicle reported that a man was arrested for stalking Reyna. In addition to stalking her, Houston police said he drove his vehicle through the front of the old KPRC studios twice.
The bad times aside, Reyna used her popularity to support Crime Stoppers of Houston.
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
KPRC legendary anchor Bill Balleza to retire
RELATED
Jennifer Reyna is leaving KPRC 2
October 16, 2019 – Houston, TX – Following an esteemed 49-year career, KPRC Channel 2 anchor Bill Balleza has announced that he will retire from the station in January 2020. The announcement was made to the KPRC 2 news team during a meeting today.
“It’s never easy saying goodbye to a family member, and even more difficult losing an icon,” said KPRC 2 Vice President/General Manager Jerry Martin. “For over 35 years on the anchor desk Bill capitalized the “J” in journalism for our newsroom. It is only fitting that he is retiring at the top of his game with both our 6pm and 10 pm newscasts leading the market since 2017.”
A native of San Antonio, Bill joined KPRC 2 News in August of 1980 as a reporter and anchor, and became main anchor in 1990, following Ron Stone. During his tenure at KPRC 2 Bill has shared the anchor desk with respected newscasters Paula Zahn, Jan Carson, Linda Lorelle and his current co-anchor Dominique Sachse since 2001.
Bill thrived on covering breaking news and has frequently been called upon to lead KPRC 2’s news coverage as field anchor on the scene. Throughout his distinguished career that has spanned more than 45 years Bill has covered thousands of stories including Operation Iraqi Freedom aboard the aircraft carrier USS Truman, the death of Pope John Paul II from the Vatican in 2005 and the Conclave to elect Pope Francis in 2013. He also covered the shooting of U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson, the Murrah Federal Building explosion in Oklahoma City, and the crash of American Flight 587 in New York, one month after the 9-11 attacks and earned the prestigious Emmy Award for his reporting on the deadly fertilizer company explosion in West, Texas.
“Bill is an incredible journalist and anchor,” said KPRC 2 News Director David Strickland. “His ability to communicate with the viewer and earn their trust is what makes him unique and special. He is also a wonderful co-worker, whose leadership inside this newsroom will be greatly missed.”
He began his career as a television reporter at KRON-TV in San Francisco in July 1971, before joining KHOU-TV in 1973. A graduate of San Antonio College, Bill is a Vietnam veteran who served as a Marine Scout Sniper during the Tet Offensive of 1968.
Bill has maintained both his illustrious career and devotion to family equally. He is married to the former Melissa Loh of Houston. He has three children, and two grandchildren. An avid woodworker, Bill has designed and built rooms full of furniture, including for families that he and his KPRC 2 colleagues sponsored for their Houston Habitat for Humanity builds.
RELATED
Jennifer Reyna is leaving KPRC 2
(This post was taken from a press release sent to me by KPRC)
Jennifer Reyna is leaving KPRC 2
October 16, 2019 – Houston, TX – Following an esteemed 49-year career, KPRC Channel 2 anchor Bill Balleza has announced that he will retire from the station in January 2020. The announcement was made to the KPRC 2 news team during a meeting today.
“It’s never easy saying goodbye to a family member, and even more difficult losing an icon,” said KPRC 2 Vice President/General Manager Jerry Martin. “For over 35 years on the anchor desk Bill capitalized the “J” in journalism for our newsroom. It is only fitting that he is retiring at the top of his game with both our 6pm and 10 pm newscasts leading the market since 2017.”
A native of San Antonio, Bill joined KPRC 2 News in August of 1980 as a reporter and anchor, and became main anchor in 1990, following Ron Stone. During his tenure at KPRC 2 Bill has shared the anchor desk with respected newscasters Paula Zahn, Jan Carson, Linda Lorelle and his current co-anchor Dominique Sachse since 2001.
Bill thrived on covering breaking news and has frequently been called upon to lead KPRC 2’s news coverage as field anchor on the scene. Throughout his distinguished career that has spanned more than 45 years Bill has covered thousands of stories including Operation Iraqi Freedom aboard the aircraft carrier USS Truman, the death of Pope John Paul II from the Vatican in 2005 and the Conclave to elect Pope Francis in 2013. He also covered the shooting of U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson, the Murrah Federal Building explosion in Oklahoma City, and the crash of American Flight 587 in New York, one month after the 9-11 attacks and earned the prestigious Emmy Award for his reporting on the deadly fertilizer company explosion in West, Texas.
“Bill is an incredible journalist and anchor,” said KPRC 2 News Director David Strickland. “His ability to communicate with the viewer and earn their trust is what makes him unique and special. He is also a wonderful co-worker, whose leadership inside this newsroom will be greatly missed.”
He began his career as a television reporter at KRON-TV in San Francisco in July 1971, before joining KHOU-TV in 1973. A graduate of San Antonio College, Bill is a Vietnam veteran who served as a Marine Scout Sniper during the Tet Offensive of 1968.
Bill has maintained both his illustrious career and devotion to family equally. He is married to the former Melissa Loh of Houston. He has three children, and two grandchildren. An avid woodworker, Bill has designed and built rooms full of furniture, including for families that he and his KPRC 2 colleagues sponsored for their Houston Habitat for Humanity builds.
RELATED
Jennifer Reyna is leaving KPRC 2
(This post was taken from a press release sent to me by KPRC)
NBC 5 KXAS anchor Kris Gutierrez appears on "The Kelly Clarkson Show"
I forgot singer Kelly Clarkson had a talk show (Who's High Pitch?), but had to share with you that current NBC 5 KXAS anchor and former KPRC 2 reporter Kris Gutierrez made an appearance on the first American Idol winner's show from the State Fair of Texas in Dallas.
Last year, we went to the Fair and had a great time. If you want to know what it is like, just go to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Pretty similar.
One thing I like about the HLSR more is they use a card system for tickets, not actual paper tickets for rides.
I am such a diva.
In Houston, "The Kelly Clarkson Show" airs at 3pm on FOX 26 KRIV.
John Hannon named President and General Manager of Univision 45 Houston KXLN
I told you at the end of September that longtime KXLN Univision 45 general manager David Loving had left the station. Now the company has announced the new GM...John Hannon.
Here is the official press release:
Univision Communications Inc., the leading Hispanic media company in the U.S., announced today that John Hannon will be joining Univision Houston as President and General Manager, effective immediately. In this role, Hannon will oversee all aspects of station operations for Univision Houston’s television, radio, digital and social media properties, including advertising sales, marketing, news and production.
A television industry veteran, Hannon has significant station management, marketing, digital convergence and sales experience. Most recently, Hannon served as president of Jim Doyle & Associates, a marketing firm comprised of speakers, authors, trainers, and consultants dedicated to helping television sales organizations consistently deliver significant revenue increases.
Hannon’s industry management experience also includes serving as executive vice president of the ACME Communications, Inc. station group where he earlier had served as the vice president and general manager for WBDT-TV (Dayton, OH), which under his leadership was the nation’s No.1 rated CW affiliate for four consecutive years. He also held executive positions with the TV stations KHMT-TV & KSVI-TV (Billings, MT) and WRGT-TV & WKEF-TV (Dayton, OH). Earlier in his career he worked in local market radio sales and operations at WRVC-FM & WTKZ-AM (Huntington, VA) and WIRO-AM & WMLV-FM (Ironton, OH).
In addition to his media industry experience, Hannon is the best-selling author of the Engaged Management book series consisting of three volumes: Volume 1, Inspiring Your Team To Win; Volume 2, Maximizing Your Team’s Sales Performance; and, Volume 3, Awakening Sales Confidence In Your Team.
Originally from Ironton, Ohio, Hannon holds degrees from Central Texas College and Ohio University. He completed his Master’s degree in Journalism and Broadcast Station Management at Marshall University. Hannon is also a veteran of the Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Army National Guard.
For more than 30 years, Univision Houston has served as the leading destination for news and entertainment for the Hispanic community in the Houston area. The station group is comprised of two broadcast television stations: KXLN Univision 45 and KFTH UniMás 67; five radio stations: KLAT-AM 1010, KLTN-FM 102.9, KOVE-FM 106.5, KAMA-FM 104.9, KQBU-FM 93.3; and its related digital and social media properties.
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Chelsey Hernandez is engaged
KTRK abc13 morning consumer reporter Chelsey Hernandez let us know Saturday was the most beautiful day of her life as her mystery man boyfriend of three years asked her to marry him.
"I’ve been waiting for this moment to come and now that it’s here I’m completely speechless," Hernandez posted on Facebook. "This man went above and beyond to make his proposal so very special."
Apparently Hernandez's news colleagues helped out on this one too...she just didn't know it at the time.
Anchors Tom Koch suggested the photographer and Samica Knight threw Hernandez off her boyfriend's proposal trail.
Meanwhile, reporters Charly Edsitty, Brhe Berry and producer Krista Garvin kept the whole thing secret while planning a surprise party.
And photographer Jesus Amaya listened to Hernandez try to figure out the whole plan over the last months.
Monday, October 14, 2019
Houston social media stars September 2019
Share Rocket gives us data on how each Houston TV station and the corresponding air staff members performed on Facebook and Twitter.
Share Rocket is, "a social media ratings and audience solution providing media companies an easy way to quantify their social media equity, benchmark against peers and turn social market intelligence into insights that drive social success."
The numbers are pulled from station usage on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using Share Rocket's "Share" measurement.
First we are looking at every Houston media company in the Share Rocket database and top personalities. Then I am looking at the top 5 on air staff members at each station in order of channel number.
RELATED
- Texas TV news and radio job moves September 2019
- Best TV News bloopers September 2019
Houston Media
- abc13 KTRK
- FOX 26 KRIV
- KHOU 11
- KPRC 2
- Houston Chronicle
- Univision 45
- Telemundo 47
- Houston Press
- Houston's 39
- CultureMap Houston
Top 5 individuals
- Samica Knight - abc13 KTRK
- Dominique Sachse - KPRC 2
- Mark Berman - FOX 26 KRIV
- Melissa Wilson - FOX 26 KRIV
- Steve Campion - abc13 KTRK
KPRC 2
- Dominique Sachse
- Jennifer Reyna
- Britta Merwin
- Justin Stapleton
- Amy Davis
KHOU 11
- Brandi Smith
- Melissa Correa
- Brett Buffington
- Daniel Gotera
- Chita Craft
abc 13 KTRK
- Samica Knight
- Steve Campion
- Courtney Fischer
- Erica Simon
- Jessica Willey
FOX 26 KRIV
- Mark Berman
- Melissa Wilson
- Kaitlin Monte
- Isiah Carey
- Ivory Hecker
CW39
- Maggie Flecknoe
- Sharron Melton
- Trey Serna
- Shannon LaNier
- Maria Sotolongo
Univision 45 KXLN
- Albert Martínez
- Marcela Perez Barros
- Karina Yapor
- Deysy Rios
- Suheily Lopez-Belen
Telemundo 47 KTMD
- Ubaldo Martínez
- Carlos A. Robles
- Antonio Hernández
- Augusto Bernal
- Ruby Guzmán
Houston Chronicle
- Brian T. Smith
- John McClain
- Joseph Duarte
- Mike Glenn
- Brent Zwerneman
DISCLAIMER: No Houston radio stations are listed in the Share Rocket database.
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