Roula Christie wins a 2019 Gracie Award

Roula Christie of the "The Roula & Ryan Show" on 104.1 KRBE is a 2019 Gracie Awards Winner, an honor bestowed by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF).

"I’m so very excited and honored to receive such an accolade," Christie told mikemcguff.com. "The Gracies and (AWMF) is a fantastic organization that recognizes talent and dedication. I love radio, I love my show team, I love KRBE and I love Houston."

Christie takes home the honors for "Host Morning Drive- Large/Major Market - Local."

"I’m so proud of her," Roula and Ryan Show Executive Producer Eric Rowe told mikemcguff.com. "There aren’t too many shows with a female lead around the country and to see her kick ass for 16 years in Houston has been so incredible to be part of."

The Gracies recognize exemplary programming created by, for and about women in radio, television, cable and interactive media. Honorees are selected in national, local and student markets, including both commercial and non-commercial outlets.

“Our leadership is proud to honor the best of the best who embody the spirit and intention of the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation’s Gracie Awards," said Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Executive Director Becky Brooks in a statement.

When the "Roula and Ryan Show" started at Mix 96.5 KHMX in 2003, Christie was already a popular name on Houston radio thanks to her work on 104.1 KRBE. In 2006, "Roula and Ryan" moved over to KRBE where it has been ever since.

Christie grew up in Houston. She attended St. Thomas Episcopal in Meyerland and graduated from the University of Houston. And you have probably heard of her family's famous restaurant Christie’s Seafood & Steaks on Westheimer located just down the road from her radio station.

"Extra love to my husband and children who put up with Mommy’s early morning absences and tolerate me telling stories about them," Christie added.

Local winners of the 44th annual Gracie Awards will be honored on June 26 at Cipriani in New York City. See a full list of winners.

Also catch Roula in my upcoming 101 KLOL documentary! She was working at Mix 96.5, in the studio right next door, when KLOL flipped formats and talks about how it went down, plus the scare she had afterwards.

RELATED
- 104.1 KRBE's Roula and Ryan's secrets revealed by Mike McGuff (AUDIO)

Houston media members run the Boston Marathon

Former KPRC 2 reporter Ryan Korsgard and KHOU 11's Stephanie Simmons both ran in the Boston Marathon

Former KPRC 2 reporter Ryan Korsgard was on channel 2 again, this time as a story participant.

The longtime Houston television news journalist ran the Boston Marathon yesterday for a cause he spent years reporting on.

Houstonian Rebekah Gregory lost a leg in the 2013 marathon bombings, her then 5-year-old son Noah was also injured. Due to the severe PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) that became a part of both of their lives she started Rebekah's Angels, a non-profit that provides resources and funding for children ages 18 and under with PTSD due to trauma.

Gregory and Korsgard became friends over the years so he decided to run for her team.

You can read more at KPRC 2's website.

And you know who else made the run? KHOU 11 traffic anchor Stephanie Simmons made the journey to Beantown and explained on Instagram all the struggles she had.

View this post on Instagram

Boston, you beautiful beast! Thank you for another dance. Of course we all want to PR in every race, but I had realistic expectations for today. My sinus infection was no joke, which made it hard to breathe and recover after all the hills. In true runner form, I threw up from all the meds in my stomach, and kept going. Not my prettiest or fastest race, but I was happy with it in my condition. Now, let me tell you a little something about friendship. Despite piles of work, my dearest girl @moniquepardo flew from Miami to Boston, just so I wouldn’t be alone on race day (fam couldn’t make it). I am so honored to stand next to you on your wedding day in August, Pupi! You are one special human, and I love you for making this race weekend so memorable! 3:29 with another BQ. And hey 3:19, you WILL be mine soon. #embracethesuck #bostonmarathon2019 #boston #marathon #BQ #runner #instarunner #athlete #26.2

A post shared by Stephanie Simmons (@stephaniesimmonstv) on Apr 15, 2019 at 2:28pm PDT

Not at the Boston Marathon this year, but as I blogged earlier in the year, qualified for it through the Houston Marathon, was abc13 KTRK reporter Jessica Willey.

The new FOX 26 weekend morning show

Anchor Denise Middleton and meteorologist Stephen Morgan to work FOX 26 KRIV weekend mornings

Just a reminder that FOX 26 weekend mornings are getting a new start.

The station announced in late March that KTHV Little Rock, Arkansas evening anchor Denise Middleton was returning home to H-Town.

“It’s always been my dream to work in my hometown of Houston, alongside some of the anchors and reporters who inspired me to go into this field," Middleton said back then. "After working in Nebraska, Louisiana and Arkansas, I look forward to working at KRIV and sharing the stories of my own community.”

Middleton is a UH Cougar.

I tried to keep it professional, but the H-town chick eventually came out. :) pic.twitter.com/qZjKwviuSE

— Denise Middleton (@THVDenise) April 11, 2019

A few days after the Middleton announcement, KRIV officially put reporter Stephen Morgan in the weekend morning meteorologist spot.

Don't let the reporter part fool you...Morgan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology from Saint Louis University.

“Mother Nature has defined so much of my career in local news and I’m excited to begin this new chapter with FOX 26, as well as the great people who call Houston and southeast Texas home," Morgan said in the March announcement. "The Gulf Coast presents its own unique forecasting challenges, but I’m ready for it.”

Morgan had already been filling in the weekend morning weather slot for months along with Rashi Vats who had been holding down the anchor chair until Middleton was named.

Houston Area Suit Collection for Veterans with PTSD

Suit Collection for Veterans with PTSD; Dan Crenshaw to participate; FREE Concert by Veteran Disabled Band

Friday, April 12th, from 11a-9p, over 1,000 suits will be delivered to be used by Veterans applying for jobs.

The event, organized by the Michael Berry Show and Republic BBQ, will collect suits, sports coats, ties, belts, boots and dress shoes. The clothing will be taken directly to Camp Hope, a residential treatment facility for Veterans suffering from PTSD. Camp Hope is a donor-driven facility where Veterans counsel other Veterans suffering from PTSD. After about six months in treatment, the Veterans typically pursue employment, and this clothing is intended to assist them in that. While we lose 22 Veterans to suicide every day, Camp Hope is making a difference by helping Veterans to cope.

No articles of clothing will be turned away. Veterans from Camp Hope, as well as many volunteers, will be on hand to take delivery of the clothing. Anyone delivering clothing will be treated to a free plate of barbeque at Republic BBQ.

Congressman Dan Crenshaw will be on hand to assist in the effort, as well as take pictures with donors. He is expected to arrive around 12:30 pm and stay until approximately 2pm.

Address for the event is Republic BBQ at 11110 W Airport in Stafford. Estimate 15 minutes drive time from the Galleria (southwest of the Galleria, before Sugar Land).

In the evening, around 8pm, the band The Resilient will perform a free concert, open to the public, family friendly, children allowed. All but one member of the band lost either an arm or leg, in some cases multiple, in war. Learn more about them in a CBS national report last week: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-resilient-band-of-wounded-warriors-healing-through-music-2091-03-25/

(This post was taken from a release sent to me by Michael Berry)

Sarah Pepper has her baby

Mix 96.5 KHMX morning host Sara Pepper delivers the good news


We recently learned why Sarah Pepper hasn't been on Mix 96.5 KHMX as of late, and this week, we get good news delivered via Facebook.

"Welcome to the world Parker Drew Pepper!!! Born yesterday at 2:47 pm at 5lbs 9ozs! She’s already stolen my heart!!!! She was absolutely worth the wait!!!!!!"

Hottest Houston social media stars March 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 March 2019
- Best TV news bloopers March 2019

Houston Media

1. abc13 KTRK
2. KHOU 11
3. FOX 26 KRIV
4. KPRC 2
5. Houston Chronicle
6. Telemundo 47
7. Univision 45
8. Houston Press
9. CultureMap Houston
10. Houston's 39

Top 5 individuals

1. Eduardo Rodríguez (Yusnaby Pérez) - 47 Telemundo
2. Dominique Sachse - KPRC 2
3. Mark Berman - FOX 26 KRIV
4. Isiah Carey - FOX 26 KRIV
5. Kaitlin Monte - FOX 26 KRIV

KPRC 2

1. Dominique Sachse
2. Jennifer Reyna
3. Lainie Fritz
4. Adam Wexler
5. Justin Stapleton

KHOU 11

1. Brandi Smith
2. Chita Craft
3. Tiffany Craig
4. Melissa Correa
5. Daniel Gotera

abc 13 KTRK

1. Samica Knight
2. Steve Campion
3. Erica Simon
4. Mayra Moreno
5. Melanie Lawson

FOX 26 KRIV

1. Mark Berman
2. Isiah Carey
3. Kaitlin Monte
4. Natalie Hee
5. Melissa Wilson

CW39

1. Sharron Melton
2. Maggie Flecknoe
3. Maria Sotolongo
4. Trey Serna
5. Courtney Carpenter

Univision 45 KXLN

1. Karina Yapor
2. Albert Martínez
3. Laura Sierra
4. Marcela Perez Barros
5. Deysy Rios

Telemundo 47 KTMD

1. Eduardo Rodríguez (Yusnaby Pérez)
2. Ubaldo Martínez
3. Carlos A. Robles
4. Antonio Hernández
5. Ruby Guzmán

Houston Chronicle

1. Joseph Duarte
2. Jonathan Feigen
3. Brian T. Smith
4. John McClain
5. Mike Glenn

DISCLAIMER: No Houston radio stations are listed in the Share Rocket database.

Erika Lopez joins KHOU 11

KVUE Austin Daybreak Meteorologist Erika Lopez is joining KHOU 11

The Austin TEGNA station is sending one of its own to its sister station in Houston.

KVUE morning meteorologist Erika Lopez announced on Facebook she is joining KHOU 11 this month as the noon and 4pm met.

"I have been holding off on this announcement because it’s a tough one....I am sad to announce that I only have one week left on KVUE Daybreak 💔 My last day will be Tuesday April 16th.

Although, I am excited to announce that I will be joining our sister station not too far away KHOU 11 News! 👏🏼.

This business is a crazy but adventurous one. I fell in love with Austin and could call it my home forever. However, God surprises with opportunities when least expected. And I’m ready for this next chapter of new adventures, challenges, experiences and growing 🙂

KVUE Daybreak viewers will always have a special place in my heart!!!"

Lopez joined KVUE in February 2017 from Weather Nation TV in Denver, Colorado. Before that she worked for KAVU Victoria.

According to her bio, Lopez was born and raised in Phoenix. She graduated with a BS in Meteorology from Arizona State University.

RELATED
Brooks Garner gone from KHOU 11


(Thanks Super Dave!)

KTRK GM Henry Florsheim announces retirement

abc13 KTRK GM Henry Florsheim to retire July 1

OK, after trips to London and Washington DC in the last month, I have nowhere else to go so I will be here to keep posting Houston media news for you.

One thing I missed while in our nation's capital with the blooming cherry blossoms was the retirement of longtime abc13 KTRK general manager Henry Florsheim.

This is the email Florsheim wrote to the KTRK staff and obtained by mikemcguff.com that announces his retirement:

After nearly 34 years with ABC at three different owned stations, I have decided it is time for me to retire from KTRK and the day to day, 24/7 nature of local TV and news.

It has been my great honor to lead this station for 22 years and I could not be more proud of the team’s dedicated focus on excellence.

We are the number one source for local news in Houston and have built up a dedicated following in digital and social platforms.

We are an integral part of the community, producing and engaging in the most outreach events in the market, building area wide partnerships such as the Marathon, Freedom Over Texas, and the Houston Texans and smaller community town halls.

We’ve expanded our local news presence with newscasts at 4:30am, 5am, 3pm and 4pm.

And together we’ve survived two major building projects, three hurricanes and Tropical Storm Allison.

We’ve worked hard, embraced change and are well positioned for the future. And now it’s time for me to take a break and leave the 24/7 cycle of news in your capable hands.

Over the course of my tenure here, I’ve had the good fortune to work under four strong managers. I have learned from all and would like to thank Wendy McMahon for her leadership and guidance through my decision.

I wish you the best of luck as you define the next chapter of this station’s great legacy.

My last day with KTRK will be July 1.

Where is Sarah Pepper?

UPDATE APRIL 11, 2019
Sarah Pepper has her baby

Why is MIX 96.5 KHMX morning host Sarah Pepper not on the radio?


MIX 96.5 KHMX morning host Sarah Pepper has been open about her desire to have a baby. She told former KPRC favorite Rachel McNeill last May about her struggles.

Last October she announced the news she was expecting.

And a few weeks ago, she gave us a Facebook update on why she hasn't been on the air (see above).

Pepper gave the following update after she made the video.

"All is well. I am ok," Pepper posted. "The baby is ok. Our blood pressure was high so we were monitored for a while. Staff, again, was amazing and caring and sweet and we are back home resting."

Stay tuned and send her your thoughts and prayers.

Where is Elita Loresca?

UPDATE 4/10/2019
Elita Loresca was back on air at the morning show today.

Channel 13 viewers are asking me where is abc13 KTRK morning meteorologist Elita Loresca?

Emails started to come in before I left for Washington DC, while I was there and now that I'm back...and they're all asking where is abc13 KTRK morning meteorologist Elita Loresca?

She hasn't been on the air since mid-March, nor has she posted anything on social media. In fact, some of her last social posts are about the plume of smoke that was covering parts of Houston back then.

Loresca fans should rejoice that she is still listed on the abc13 bios page. UPDATE: I'm hearing Loresca is definitely coming back.

I should note, one email was sent to me noting that morning traffic anchor Katherine Whaley is not listed on the bios page, but she is clearly still with the station.

Since Loresca's time away, weekend morning meteorologist Collin Myers has been filling in.

Stay tuned as we find out more.

Loresca came to Houston and KTRK in 2015 after working at KNBC 4 Los Angeles. Before that, she worked for WSVN Miami, KGPE Fresno, California and KGET Bakersfield, California.

She is a graduate of Cal State Fullerton and earned the Certificate of Broadcast Meteorology at Mississippi State University.