KHOU promo videos from 2003

Back in in the Belo days of 2003, KHOU 11 journalists weren't afraid of the "J" word according to their own promos.

Houston TV reporters wearing braids on air

Houston TV reporters are wearing braids on air with one journalist explaining why she was at first worried about making the hair style change

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A lot of you have reached out with kind words about my decision to wear my braids to work and on air. Thank you❤️ What’s SAD, is that we are still living in a time where it’s “shocking” to see a black woman embrace her CULTURE in the workplace. Hair styles that we wore for so long growing up in order to protect our natural hair- Natural hair that May not be as FINE and PRISTINE as many in the professional world would prefer. I feared it for so long and really up until 2 weeks ago I questioned whether or not I should do this. What I found that’s AMAZING, is that we are progressing into a time where companies like mine, are accepting the fact that there is not only ONE standard of beauty. Our hair and our styles deeply rooted in our culture, are not DISTRACTING, they are not UNPROFESSIONAL, they are not TOO BLACK. It’s 2019. Let’s keep beating down the doors ladies. We are still fighting this battle and I know many are still stuck in the same place I was 2 weeks ago. Wondering if I would still be accepted with an “ethnic” hairstyle and if it was “professional looking enough”. OUR black hair is beautiful even if it’s not in line with a “narrow” application of grooming policies in some workplaces. EMBRACE YOU! Share your thoughts with me on this topic! • • • • #blackgirlmagic#boxbraids#newsgirl#culture#ethnic#testimony#blackgirl#blackhair#proudafrican#proudnigerian#naijaqueen#proudhaitian#haitianproud

A post shared by Stefania Okolie (@stefaniaonabc13) on Jul 4, 2019 at 5:46pm PDT

Earlier this month while I was on vacation, abc13 KTRK reporter Stefania Okolie posted on Instagram how she decided to wear her hair in braids on air, but initially was worried about the decision:

A lot of you have reached out with kind words about my decision to wear my braids to work and on air. Thank you❤️ What’s SAD, is that we are still living in a time where it’s “shocking” to see a black woman embrace her CULTURE in the workplace. Hair styles that we wore for so long growing up in order to protect our natural hair- Natural hair that May not be as FINE and PRISTINE as many in the professional world would prefer. I feared it for so long and really up until 2 weeks ago I questioned whether or not I should do this.
What I found that’s AMAZING, is that we are progressing into a time where companies like mine, are accepting the fact that there is not only ONE standard of beauty. Our hair and our styles deeply rooted in our culture, are not DISTRACTING, they are not UNPROFESSIONAL, they are not TOO BLACK. It’s 2019. Let’s keep beating down the doors ladies. We are still fighting this battle and I know many are still stuck in the same place I was 2 weeks ago. Wondering if I would still be accepted with an “ethnic” hairstyle and if it was “professional looking enough”. OUR black hair is beautiful even if it’s not in line with a “narrow” application of grooming policies in some workplaces. EMBRACE YOU!

This week, KHOU 11 reporter Janel Forte posted on Instagram how she was thinking about wearing braids, but checked with news director Sally Ramirez first:

me: calls boss - “hey Sally, can I get braids?”
boss lady: yea, sure.
me: I can send you a picture of what I want first if you like.
boss lady: I know what braids look like Janel, I’m sure they’ll look great.
shout out to great bosses. I feel like I look like a baby with braids - so they won’t be here for long. But I’m grateful for the support to at least try them out.

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me: calls boss - “hey Sally, can I get braids?” boss lady: yea, sure. me: I can send you a picture of what I want first if you like. boss lady: I know what braids look like Janel, I’m sure they’ll look great. shout out to great bosses. I feel like I look like a baby with braids - so they won’t be here for long. But I’m grateful for the support to at least try them out ❤️ #braids #knotlessbraids #natural #reporter #womenontv #womenonnair #amnewser #khou11 #khou #houston #texas #tvnews

A post shared by Janel Forte (@jforteontv) on Jul 15, 2019 at 8:07am PDT

Also, after I posted this, KPRC 2 reporter Taisha Walker let me know she got braids this past weekend and was nice enough to share this photo:

View this post on Instagram

Same reporter. Different hairdo.

A post shared by KPRC2 Taisha Walker (@kprc2taishawalker) on Jul 16, 2019 at 2:35pm PDT

89.3 KSBJ expands coverage To reach 7 Million listeners

KSBJ Educational Foundation expands coverage to include Livingston at 92.3 FM and Beaumont at 99.9 FM, now reaching 7 million people.

“These two additional signals are such an important addition to KSBJ because we are driven to spread life-altering Hope to this entire southeast corner of Texas,” shares Joe Paulo, President and CEO of KSBJ. “Not only do these acquisitions allow us to regain some areas previously served by our primary 89.3 signal, but they extend KSBJ’s footprint significantly. We’re so grateful for the many generous donors who made this possible. We have a shared vision to see God draw more people closer to Himself and He’s using KSBJ to do that very thing.”

In March of 2019, KSBJ moved its primary 89.3 signal more than 30 miles southwest. Because of this move, KSBJ was temporarily not heard in the Beaumont, Huntsville and Livingston areas. While we celebrated the new portions of Houston that are now receiving a stronger and clearer 89.3 KSBJ, we also worked behind the scenes to restore coverage to those areas.

As of July 2, KSBJ can be heard on 89.3 (North/East Houston), 96.9 (South/West Houston), 99.9 (Beaumont/Liberty), 92.3 (Livingston), 92.5 (Navasota/College Station), 89.7 (Brenham), and 99.9 (Victoria).

With the Beaumont and Livingston additions, the KSBJ footprint has grown 46%, increasing its reach from 4.8 million to 7 million people.

About KSBJ
For over 35 years, KSBJ has been Houston’s voice of Hope connecting people to God through contemporary music, prayer, community outreach and events. KSBJ is a non-profit ministry supported by listeners and is led by a diverse board of directors from across the greater Houston area. KSBJ can be heard online at KSBJ.org, through the KSBJ app, on 89.3 FM (Greater Houston Area), 96.9 FM (South/West of Houston), 99.9 (Beaumont/Liberty), 92.3 (Livingston), 92.5 (Navasota/College Station), 89.7 (Brenham) and 99.9 (Victoria). For more information, visit KSBJ.org.

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

Brooks Garner joins FOX 31 Denver

Former KHOU 11 meteorologist Brooks Garner is heading to FOX 31 KDVR Denver.

"In just a few weeks, I will join the FOX 31 and 'Colorado's Own 2' Pinpoint weather team as the morning meteorologist for FOX 31," Garner posted. "I am absolutely humbled at this rare opportunity to cover the uniquely extreme weather found only on the Front Range. I can't wait to teach my wife and kids how to ski, and introduce our dogs to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the country."

He is replacing Greg Dutra who is leaving Denver for another TV job the station reported.

“We are proud of the momentum behind the FOX31 Morning News,” said Joan Barrett, VP and General Manager of KDVR-TV and KWGN-TV. “Being able to add Brooks to our Pinpoint Weather team will continue to build on the most accurate forecasting that we’re proud of at FOX31, and we’re proud that Coloradans are turning to us on air, online and in the community.”

Back in 2013, Garner came to KHOU 11 from WFLA News Channel 8 Tampa.

Before Tampa, Garner worked at WIS Columbia, S.C. and KMEG Sioux City, Iowa.

The Emmy award winner is a graduate of Mississippi State University’s broadcast meteorology program and also has a degree from the Massachusetts College of Art in Boston.

He was named one of the Sexiest Weathermen on Earth in 2015 by TV Guide.

"I'm grateful to everyone in Houston who's followed me for the past six years and look forward to new adventures in Colorado," he added.

KHOU 11 awards $88,000 to help 8 Houston-area nonprofit organizations

TEGNA Foundation and KHOU 11 Award $88,000 to Help Eight Houston-Area Nonprofit Organizations


The TEGNA Foundation, the charitable foundation sponsored by TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA), and KHOU 11, TEGNA’s CBS affiliate in Houston, announced today they will award eight area nonprofit organizations with community grants each totaling $11,000. The community grants in Houston address pressing needs, including education, infant and childhood hunger, support for at-risk youth and aim to make a difference in communities in the region.

Among the grant recipients are:
Bo’s Place. The grant will provide free grief and mental health support to children in both English and Spanish.

Camp For All Foundation. The grant will support a week-long camp experience at eight Houston area hospitals to serve children and youth with challenging illnesses or special needs.

Lunches of Love. The grant will help fill the gap for children living in food insecure homes.

“Our employees are driven by our strongly-held purpose to serve the greater good of our communities and to make a difference in our work, our company and our communities,” said TEGNA president and CEO Dave Lougee. “We’re very proud to partner with our local stations to help address important community needs and support the well-being of our neighbors.”

“In our commitment to serve and celebrate with our community, we are thrilled to award these grants that will go towards making Houston a better place to live,” said KHOU 11 president and general manager Robert Springer. “We received grant applications from over one hundred and forty organizations. This was such a tough decision because we have so many deserving nonprofits doing great work in our community.”

TEGNA Foundation Community Grants support the diverse needs of the communities where TEGNA does business, with the majority of distributed grants falling into four of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Categories: Good Health and Well-Being, Quality Education, No Poverty, and Zero Hunger. Grants are vetted by a committee of employees at each station, including the station general manager, and approved by the TEGNA Foundation Board of Directors. For information on how to apply for Round Two of the TEGNA Foundation Community Grants, click here.

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

Telemundo Houston dominates 10pm news in June 2019

Upon the conclusion of the June 2019 survey period, “Noticiero Telemundo Houston a las 10PM” ranked as Houston’s #1 local weekday late news and weather choice among Adults 18-34, 18-49, and 25-54 regardless of language and year-to-date.

Year-to-date, Telemundo Houston / KTMD continues to deliver more Adults 18-34 and 18-49 watching weekday prime programming regardless of language and more Adults 25-54 watching Spanish-language prime.

CLICK BELOW TO SEE RATINGS DATA

The Texas Radio Hall of Fame inductees 2019

The Texas Radio Hall of Fame© announced the Inductees for The Class of 2019. Congrats!

Glenn Hicks-KLVI/KYKR/KAYD

Linda Austin Ware-KIKK/KTRH/KILT

Jimmy Aiken-KPIR/KCLE

Lee Randall-KFJZ/KILT/KTSA

George Gimarc-KZEW/KDGE/KRQX

Dave Rios-KTSA/KONO

Billy Thorman-KONO/KTSA/KTFW

Johnny Goyen-KFMK/KRBE/KPRC

Ben Downs-WTAW/KTAM/KNDE

Steve Lamb-WBAP

John Mitton-KIKK

Willis Johnson-KKDA (am)

Redbeard-KTXQ/KZPS/XM Satellite Radio

Bob Hathaway-KRLD/KLIF

Michael Harris-KCOH/KYOK/KYND

Scott Sparks-KRBE/KLUE/KGLK

Posthumously Inducted Individuals for 2019

Jim WW Travis-KBUC/KVET

Dick Wheeler-WFAA/KRLD/WBAP

George Erwin-KFJZ/KXOL

Harwell Shepard-KDNT (am/fm)

The TRHOF 2019 Induction Celebration will be held on Saturday, November 2nd at Noon in the Texas Broadcast Museum in Kilgore. Tickets, discount hotel rates and more information available at trhof.net.

Texas TV news and radio job moves June 2019

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DALLAS - FORT WORTH

Reporter Steven Dial joins KDFW Dallas from reporter and fill-in anchor at KSHB Kansas City, Mo.

Veteran Dallas Morning News photojournalist Tom Fox said he thought he “was gone” when he hid in an alcove from a heavily armed masked man at the downtown federal courts building.

88.5 KCSN/Los Angeles interim PD/Director of Digital Integration Jeff Penfield has accepted a position with North Texas Public Broadcasting as Manager, Radio Operations at NPR affiliate 90.1 KERA and Triple A KXT/Dallas.

HOUSTON

Paul Gallant let go from SportsRadio 610 KILT.
- SportsRadio 610 KILT names Matthew Jarecki as 9-11p host from Northern Arizona University where he hosted on low-power student station KLJX-LP Flagstaff and sideline reporter for KAFF.

Houston Chronicle NFL columnist John McClain inducted into the second class of media voted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.

TEGNA station WFAA photographer, Brandon Mowry, and KHOU (CBS) Kyle Porter, and John Sharify are bringing home honors after four NPPA Best of Photojournalism Awards.

Get2Know KPRC 2's Taisha Walker

Get2Know KPRC 2's Rose-Ann Aragon.

Liberty’s hometown radio station, KSHN 99.9 FM, has been purchased by Humble-based KSBJ.

Roula and Ryan Show Technical Producer Krystina Ramey is leaving the show.

FOX 26 KRIV photo-journalist Josh Reed leaves for a Seattle station.

abc13 KTRK editor Heikki Mikael Mustonen joins KVUE Austin as a photo journalist.


- Russ Lewis to anchor KHOU 4pm newscast
- Chita Craft announces second pregnancy
- Tropical Storm Allison KPRC 2 clips from 2001
- RadioGalveston launches online
- Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Houston/Galveston takes home three 40th Annual Telly Awards
-KPRC 2 weekend morning anchor Jacob Rascon's wife, Ashley, is pregnant with their fifth child
- Sara Donchey still loves Houston
- KPRC 2 reporter Brittany Jeffers announces first baby on the way
- Sophia Beausoleil is pregnant
- Owen Conflenti is adding to the family
- Dominique Sachse updates us on husband's terrible accident
- Yes, 7 KPRC babies are coming in 2019!
- KHOU 11 news director Sally Ramirez appears on Women on Deadline podcast hosted by Carolyn Hall and Sierra Starks
- Kaitlin Monte's baby is here
- Reporter/fill-in anchor Mycah Hatfield joins abc13 KTRK as reporter/MMJ from KJRH Tulsa, Oklahoma

SAN ANTONIO

Russell Rush, PD and afternoon drive time host on 96.1 Now in San Antonio, announced he has cancer.

Director David Hughes retires from KENS 5 Great Day SA.

AUSTIN

Leslie Rangel joins KTBC as ‘Good Day Austin’ anchor from evening anchor and reporter at KWKT Waco.

Boomtown 2040 is a year-long campaign by KVUE Austin, focusing on Central Texas growth.

After seven years at the Texas Tribune, political editor Aman Batheja joins the New York Times in DC.

- Brittany Glas ‏leaves KXAN, Mari Salazar joins KVUE

AROUND TEXAS

KAGS Chief Meteorologist Bob French announces his retirement after serving the Bryan/College Station community for nearly 30 years.

KAGS News names veteran TV manager Erin Wencl as News Director.

KCEN Waco reporter Emani Payne shares horrifying story about having gun pulled on her while on assignment alone in Killeen.

Jen Phillips has been named weekday evening anchor of KXII in Sherman, Texas.

News director Amie Hudspeth moves from KAVU Victoria to CNN Headline News as Script Supervisor.

REMEMBERING

John Walton of Houston and New Orleans' radio show Walton and Johnson dies

Chuck Scott, longtime Houston radio newscaster, dies at 76.

Bill Bragg, former voice of 'Big Tex,' dies at 72.

Taniya Wright joins KPRC 2

WNCN Raleigh's Taniya Wright joins KPRC 2 as morning anchor

KPRC 2 is proud to welcome Taniya Wright to the Graham Media Group family.

Taniya will join our news team on August 5th and take her place on the morning news desk next to co-anchor Owen Conflenti weekday mornings 4:30-7:00 a.m. and on our midday newscast weekdays 11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. co-anchoring with Andy Cerota.

“Taniya brings a positive energy that should help her fit right in with our number one morning team,” said KPRC Vice President and General Manager Jerry Martin. “Taniya will be a great addition to the KPRC 2 family.”

RELATED
Rachel McNeill leaving KPRC 2

Wright comes to Houston from Raleigh where she worked at the CBS affiliate, WNCN.

Prior to WNCN, she was a Morning and Midday Anchor at KJRH in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the Midday and 5 pm Anchor at WHAG in Hagerstown, Maryland.

In addition to her on-screen experience, Taniya has more than six years of experience behind the scenes as a Producer at WFLA back in her hometown of Tampa, Florida.

Taniya comes from a Gold Star family and was a recipient of a scholarship from the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. She is an enthusiastic supporter and speaker at SOWF events around the country. She is also an animal lover and a Broadway musical fanatic.


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

The Walton and Johnson Show to continue

After John Walton's death, the "Walton and Johnson" show will continue with Ken Webster Jr. as Steve Johnson's co-host


"The Walton and Johnson Show" will continue, with the same name, after the death of John Walton on 950 KPRC and its other syndicated stations. The show's executive producer, Ken Webster Jr., will officially join Steve Johnson as co-host.

"John Walton is a legend in his field and he can never be replaced but, after hearing from thousands of dedicated W&J listeners, we’re going to continue doing the show in his honor," Webster told mikemcguff.com.

As you have probably heard last week while I was away, John Walton died at the age of 67 after suffering medical issues that "were too numerous to overcome" according to a post on the KPRC website from Johnson.

Monday was the first day of the new show's formula with Webster and Johnson continuing to voice the characters of Billy Ed, Mr. Eaux and Mr. Kenneth. In the last month, since Walton was ill, Webster has been helping co-host the show in his absence.

Webster says he will also continue hosting the "Pursuit of Happiness Radio" weekdays at 2pm on 950 KPRC.

The show announced Walton will have two memorials - one in Texas and one in Louisiana.

The Texas one will take place at 11am, Friday, July 12th at the Second Baptist Church West Campus at 19449 Katy Freeway - Houston, Texas 77094.

The Louisiana memorial will take place 3pm, Sunday, July 14th at 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70130.