Monica "Mo" Lunsford joins SUNNY 99.1

Monica "Mo" Lunsford is the new SUNNY 99.1 KODA afternoon host from 3 to 7 p.m., in addition to her morning radio work.

What makes this more interesting is that at SUNNY, Mo replaces Tessa Barrera, who also previously had Mo's other radio job at 94.5 The Buzz KTBZ Houston.

"Rod said I couldn’t leave until he dies sooooo…doin both!," Mo joked with a listener in the Instagram comments.

- Mo reveals all to Rod Ryan

Lunsford joined The Rod Ryan Morning Show on The Buzz, along with Alex Middleton and Jose “The Chile” Santos, in May 2025.

She was previously part of the long-running 100.3 The Bull KILT-FM "The Morning Bullpen with George Mo and Erik." 

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Lauren Kelly talks Beyoncé with Jimmy Fallon

Lauren Kelly of KPRC 2’s Houston Life recently visited Rockefeller Center in New York City for a one-on-one chat with Jimmy Fallon.

Kelly sat down with The Tonight Show host to talk about what viewers can expect from the show’s new fall season, Fallon’s memorable visit to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and how Kelly’s old Houston middle school yearbook may have inspired a new segment.

And yes, Kelly came prepared with some serious Houston star power.

In a surprise segment, Kelly pulled out her 1995 Welch Middle School yearbook and showed Fallon photos of some of her former classmates.  You might have said their names...Beyoncé Knowles and Kelly Rowland. 

- Beyoncé's early days remembered by Houston TV
- Kris Jenner interviewed Beyonce on "Good Morning Houston?"

The pair also looked at Kelly’s own middle school photo, giving Fallon a glimpse of the Houston Life anchor before her television career.

Fallon also reminisced about his trip to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, including his attempt at roping cattle, Texas barbecue, and the warm hospitality he experienced while visiting Houston.

But now I have a proposal for a future late-night segment: Beyoncé needs to go on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and bring her old Welch Middle School yearbook and show pictures of Kelly!

Because that would be “Irreplaceable.”

Kelly also played the Whisper Challenge with Fallon.

- Houston Life celebrates 10 years on KPRC 2
- Lauren Kelly and Sarah Pepper reminisce about their time together on Houston radio
- Sarah Pepper returns to Houston Life
- Lauren Kelly is married

Ross Guidotti retires after 25 years at CBS Pittsburgh KDKA

CBS Pittsburgh KDKA announced the retirement of veteran reporter Ross Guidotti, concluding a distinguished 31-year television journalism career that included 25 years serving viewers across Western Pennsylvania at KDKA-TV. His last day on air is today, September 18, 2026.  

"Throughout his 25 years at KDKA-TV, Ross became synonymous with the values that have defined this station for generations: service, community and a commitment to our viewers," said Julie Eisenman, president and general manager of CBS Pittsburgh. "His connection to Pittsburgh, combined with his passion for storytelling, made him a trusted presence in homes across the region. We thank Ross for his lasting contributions to KDKA and wish him all the best in this next chapter." 

A trusted journalist, Emmy Award-winning reporter and familiar presence in Pittsburgh homes, Guidotti spent more than two decades covering the stories, issues and events that shaped the region. His reporting spanned breaking news, major weather events, community issues and nationally significant stories, helping generations of viewers stay informed and connected.

"Ross embodies everything great local journalism should be," said Cathy Noschese, vice president and news director, CBS Pittsburgh. "For 25 years, he has earned the trust of viewers through his integrity, professionalism, and genuine connection to the communities he served. Ross approached every story with compassion, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to getting the facts right. His impact on KDKA-TV, our newsroom, and Western Pennsylvania is lasting, and his legacy will continue long after his final sign-off." 

Born and raised in the Pittsburgh area, Guidotti began his journalism career in 1995 at WHSV-TV in Harrisonburg, Virginia, after serving in the United States Marine Corps. He later worked at WJAC-TV in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and WTVR-TV in Richmond, Virginia, before returning home to join KDKA-TV in 2001 as a general assignment reporter. 

Throughout his three-decade career, Guidotti covered some of the region's and nation's most notable stories, including major hurricanes, wildfires, the impeachment proceedings involving former President Bill Clinton and the Sago Mine disaster. His reporting reflected a deep commitment to informing audiences through accurate, community-focused journalism. 

Guidotti's dedication to excellence earned him numerous professional honors, including three NATAS Mid-Atlantic Regional Emmy® Awards. This month, he also received a proclamation from Allegheny County Council recognizing his contributions to journalism and public service. He will be inducted into this year's NATAS Gold & Silver Circle Honor Society, which recognizes television and media professionals with 25 years or more of distinguished industry service. 

"Serving the Pittsburgh community has been one of the greatest privileges of my life," said Ross Guidotti. "I am grateful to the viewers who welcomed me into their homes, the sources who trusted me with their stories, and the talented colleagues who made this journey so rewarding. Pittsburgh has always been home, and I will forever be thankful for the opportunity to tell the stories of the people who make this region so special." 

TAB Board welcomes 8 new directors

One thing I am honored to do each year for the Texas media world is judge the Texas Association of Broadcasters Awards.

It's nice to give back to the community that has given me so much.  

Now the TAB has asked me to announce the new members of the Texas Association of Broadcasters Board of Directors for the next three years.

New directors were installed at TAB’s Annual Business Meeting on August 5. The meeting was held alongside the organization’s annual convention and trade show at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Round Rock, the largest state or regional industry gathering in the country.

“I’m delighted to welcome these experienced local broadcasters and community leaders to the TAB Board of Directors,” said TAB Board Chairman Brian Purdy, senior advisor for Audacy, Inc. “They and the entire 37-member Board are key to our organization’s delivery of direct services critical for station operations.” 

“We are fortunate that so many local broadcasters from throughout the state are willing to dedicate themselves to TAB’s efforts to advance the industry’s public policy interests which include Open Government, Free Speech, and an even competitive and regulatory playing field,” said TAB President Oscar Rodriguez. 

New Board Members

Steve Eberhart, KGAF AM-FM Gainesville
Eberhart has spent more than five decades in broadcasting, beginning his career at KGAF in Gainesville, Texas, in 1973. His career has included KVIL, KLUV, KDMX and ABC Radio Network. In 2008, he returned to KGAF as an owner-operator, helping transform it into a thriving small-market station. Eberhart remains deeply involved in the station and is passionate about sharing his experience to help small-market broadcasters succeed.

Evan Chance, KITY/KHUK Highland Lakes
Chance is a small-market Radio owner and broadcaster serving the Highland Lakes through KITY and KHUK. With a background in advertising, marketing and Radio creative. He is passionate about helping local businesses grow while keeping Radio deeply connected to the communities it serves. Chance’s stations focus on local programming, community involvement and the unique role small-market Radio plays in the Texas Hill Country.

Humberto Hormaza, KIAH Houston
Hormaza is Vice President and General Manager of KIAH-TV/CW39 in Houston and brings more than 20 years of broadcast leadership experience to the TAB Board. His career includes leadership roles in Miami, Orlando and Hartford and his stations are known for expanding local news and developing new digital platforms. Hormaza is focused on local broadcasting, community service and creating meaningful connections with viewers and advertisers.

Britt Milstead, KLBK/KAMC Lubbock
Milstead is Vice President and General Manager of KLBK-TV and KAMC-TV in Lubbock. A longtime Texas broadcaster, he has built his career in broadcast sales and leadership, with a strong track record of growing revenue, developing teams and creating innovative solutions for local advertisers. A graduate of Midwestern State University, Milstead is also a longtime member of the Texas Association of Broadcasters.

Ashley Parker, KSAT San Antonio
Parker is Vice President and General Manager of KSAT-TV in San Antonio. During more than 20 years with the station, she has advanced through roles in sales and management before being named VP/GM in 2022. Parker is committed to local broadcasting, innovation and strengthening KSAT’s connection with the San Antonio community.

Derek Rogers, KXII/KXIP Sherman-Denison
Rogers is Vice President and General Manager of KXII-TV in Sherman and brings more than 25 years of broadcasting experience. His career spans production, promotions, sales and station leadership, including previous General Manager roles in Mississippi and Georgia. An Emmy-nominated producer and award-winning broadcaster, Rogers is dedicated to strong local journalism and serving the communities of Texoma.

Kelly Trevino, ICA Radio Corpus Christi
Trevino is General Manager of ICA Broadcasting in Corpus Christi, overseeing KPUS, KAJE and KKPN, and co-host of the popular Pretty Fugly Morning Show. With more than 35 years in broadcasting, she brings extensive experience in on-air talent, promotions, sales and station leadership. A well-known voice in the community, Trevino has received multiple local honors, including recognition as one of Corpus Christi’s top Radio personalities.

Mark Grubbs, Ranch Radio Group Kerrville
Grubbs began his Radio career while attending Oklahoma State University and has spent more than five decades in broadcasting. After working in Corpus Christi, New Orleans, San Antonio and Austin, he found his home in the Texas Hill Country, launching The Ranch in Kerrville in 1994. Grubbs went on to build The Ranch Radio Group into a strong network of local stations known for its programming and deep community involvement. That commitment to serving the Hill Country has earned the group TAB’s Bonner McLane Public Service Award seven times.

View full Board list at: www.tab.org/about/board-of-directors

The Texas Association of Broadcasters represents more than 1,300 local Radio and Television stations licensed to serve distinct communities throughout the state of Texas. TAB works to promote and protect a favorable economic and regulatory climate for broadcasting at the state and federal levels and to educate members and the public at large about the opportunities available and advances possible through the efforts of free, over-the-air broadcast operations.

Victor Lopez, NewsWest 9 morning anchor, dies after cancer battle

Victor Lopez, the longtime morning anchor at NewsWest 9 KWES in Midland-Odessa, has died following a lengthy battle with cancer.

The station announced Lopez passed away on September 17, 2026, surrounded by friends and family.

A native of Lamesa, Lopez graduated from West Texas State University, now known as West Texas A&M University. He began his television career at NewsWest 9 in 2003 behind the scenes and in 2007 as a reporter before moving to the anchor desk in 2011.

Lopez became a familiar face to viewers across the Permian Basin as part of the station's morning newscast. The program earned the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters' "Best Morning Show" award in 2011.

Beyond the anchor desk, Lopez was known for his commitment to the community. Friends, family, and community members described him as strong, passionate, and a natural leader. He was particularly proud of being a community advocate and speaking up for those who needed a voice, while making sure the people around him felt supported and appreciated.

Lopez publicly shared his cancer journey with viewers after being diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer in August 2024.

"I was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma stage 4A colon cancer," Lopez said in an interview published on the KWES website. "Being told that you have cancer... it makes you just get a whole new mindset and look at life."

What initially began as a routine checkup led to the discovery of a large tumor in his colon and a lesion on his liver.

Lopez underwent surgery in October 2024 and began chemotherapy the following month. He ultimately went through 12 rounds of treatment.

In July 2025, Lopez celebrated a major milestone when he rang the bell marking remission. He also used his experience to encourage others, particularly men, to take cancer screenings seriously and catch potential problems early.

But the celebration was short-lived. By September 2025, Lopez learned that the cancer had returned.

Even as the disease took a greater toll on his body, Lopez continued working and showing up for NewsWest 9 viewers. Through additional surgeries and chemotherapy, he continued to arrive bright and early to deliver the day's headlines and weather updates from across the Permian Basin.

His determination to continue serving his viewers became another chapter in a career defined by his connection to the community.

Lopez's family is asking for privacy at this time. They are requesting that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to organizations and causes important to him, including the Texas Oncology Foundation, Permian Basin Gifts of Hope, Midland Community Theatre, Safe Place of the Permian Basin, and the Crisis Center of West Texas.

KHOU 11 Houston reporter Anayeli Ruiz wrote a touching tribute to her former colleague:

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Jam Creative honored at Texas Radio Hall of Fame ceremony 2026

On Saturday, November 7, 2026, the Texas Radio Hall of Fame (TRHOF) will present its George Baches Award for Broadcast Marketing Excellence to Jonathan and Mary Lyn Wolfert of JAM Creative Productions for their service to hundreds of Texas radio stations.

 This award recognizes those who contribute to radio stations' success through branding efforts such as logo design, sales and marketing materials, billboard and television messaging, and, in the Wolferts' case, jingles and audio imaging. 

The award is named for the late graphic designer George Baches, who designed or reimagined dozens of radio station logos, including KLOL’s iconic Runaway Radio and the 1990 relaunch of San Antonio’s KISS-FM.

 “Jingles are an essential ingredient in creating and sustaining ‘station-ality’”, notes Doug Harris, a 2011 TRHOF Inductee who now serves as the organization’s Executive Director. “At their best, jingles are the glue that connects a station’s music and spoken word content while earning a place in the listener’s memory.”

 Since 1974, the Wolferts’ work at JAM Creative Productions has touched thousands of radio stations from Los Angeles to New York City and around the world. Notably, the company has remained in the hands of its founders, uninterrupted, since its first day of operations. “It’s a lot of work”, observes Jonathan, “but it’s better than having a real job!”

 The TRHOF’s Induction Ceremony and Radio Reunion Weekend is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Texas Broadcast Museum in Kilgore, TX. Complete details are available at Reunion Weekend & Induction – Texas Radio Hall of Fame

 For additional information on JAM, visit JAM Creative Productions.

Sakura Gray joins FOX 26 KRIV Houston

Sakura Gray is returning to where she grew up and is joining FOX 26 Houston KRIV as a reporter.

Gray announced the move on social media:

" I’m so excited to announce that I’ve joined the FOX 26 Houston team! After five years of moving all across the country, I finally get to do the job I love in my hometown. I can’t wait to tell the stories of our community — I hope you’ll tune in!”

Born in Japan and raised in Houston, she is returning to the Bayou City for a homecoming.

Gray arrives from CBS Sacramento KOVR, where she has worked since October 2022 as a news reporter for CBS Sacramento and Good Day Sacramento.

In 2020, Gray began her television news career in Georgia at WRBL 3 in Columbus. She joined the station as a digital multimedia journalist before becoming a weekday reporter and weekend anchor.

She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin, where she studied radio and Television.

Her career has also included several internships in media and entertainment. She worked as a production intern at KXAN in Austin, where she assisted with the lifestyle program Studio 512, pitched story ideas, worked on social media, and created graphics for online content. Gray also spent time as an editorial intern with Mâché in Los Angeles and Hollywire in Beverly Hills, working on interviews, editorial content, social media, and digital production.

- Sherman Desselle leaves FOX 26 Houston

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(Thanks, Shad!)

Anthony Yanez is sticking around at KPRC 2 Houston

Anthony Yanez will remain KPRC 2 Houston’s chief meteorologist through 2029.

Yanez announced that he has signed a three-year contract extension with KPRC 2, keeping him in the chief meteorologist role for the next three years.

Here is what Yanez posted on social media:

"I have some exciting news to share! I’ve signed a contract extension that will keep me as Chief Meteorologist at KPRC 2 through 2029. 

I’m incredibly grateful to KPRC 2 for this commitment and, most of all, to you for the trust you’ve placed in me over the years. When Houston weather gets crazy or dangerous, you invite me into your home and trust me to help keep you and your family safe.

 I never take that responsibility for granted. I’m honored to keep doing what I love and serving this incredible community. Thank you, Houston."

Yanez has been a familiar face to Houston viewers for more than two decades.

He first joined KPRC 2 in July 2003 from KRQE 13/KASA FOX 2 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He first went on air in Houston during the station’s coverage of Hurricane Claudette that summer.

Yanez spent more than 11 years with KPRC 2 before leaving Houston in 2015 for KNBC in Los Angeles, where he served as the station’s noon and 5 p.m. meteorologist. In Southern California, he worked alongside Daniella Guzman, who later returned to Houston.

In 2021, Yanez returned to KPRC 2 as part of the station’s morning weather team, replacing Britta Merwin after her departure for FOX Weather.

Then, in June 2024, KPRC 2 announced that Yanez would move to the evening newscasts and become the station’s chief meteorologist, succeeding longtime chief meteorologist Frank Billingsley following his retirement.

With more than 25 years of broadcast news experience, Yanez holds seals of approval from both the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association.

His work has also earned recognition outside of Houston. In 2020, the Radio & Television News Association of Southern California named his work the Best Weathercast.

- Collin Myers returns to Houston at KPRC 2
- KPRC 2 was No. 1 at 10 p.m. Why did it have 'Enough' with a traditional newscast?
- KPRC 2 expands 3pm newscast to one hour

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In other news, new KPRC 2 meteorologist Collin Myers starts Friday the 18th and will be filling in for Yanez.

Chip Waggoner celebrates 30 years at FOX 4 KDFW

Chip Waggoner is celebrating 30 years at FOX 4 KDFW in Dallas-Fort Worth.

"I was kept in the dark regarding my 30th anniversary celebration," Waggoner posted on social. "It’s all been overwhelming and I thank all of you for all of the kind comments and well wishes! How cool it was to see some of the highlights over the years PLUS special appearances from Tim Ryan, Evan Andrews & Todd Carruth!"

Waggoner joined KDFW in August 1996 and has spent much of the past three decades as its morning traffic anchor.

Before making the jump to television, Waggoner spent time in radio and originally dreamed of becoming a play-by-play sportscaster.

Waggoner graduated from Texas Christian University in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in Radio/TV/Film and a minor in journalism. While at TCU, he gained experience announcing baseball games for KTCU.

He later worked for several North Texas radio stations and the USA Radio Network in Dallas before transitioning to television.

Valentina Sanchez joins NBC10 and Telemundo62

NBC10 and Telemundo62 Philadelphia announced Valentina Sanchez has been named news reporter and multimedia journalist. Sanchez will begin reporting for NBC10 and Telemundo62 this month.

“Valentina is a talented journalist with a passion for storytelling and a proven ability to connect with audiences across diverse communities,” said Noe Gonzalez, Duopoly News Director for NBC10 and Telemundo62. “Her experience as a bilingual reporter, combined with her commitment to elevating the voices and issues that matter most to residents, makes her an outstanding addition to our news team. We are excited for our viewers to get to know Valentina and benefit from the compelling journalism she will bring to Philadelphia.”

Sanchez comes to WCAU and WWSI from Phoenix, where she served as a reporter and multimedia journalist for Telemundo Phoenix / KTAZ and Telemundo Tucson / KHRR. Prior to that, Sanchez worked as a news reporter and host for Telemundo Atlanta / WKTB for more than two years.

“What excites me most about coming to Philadelphia is the opportunity to get to know the people and communities that make this city so special,” said Sanchez. “As a bilingual journalist, I believe every community deserves to feel seen, heard, and represented. I look forward to sharing the stories that celebrate Philadelphia’s rich culture and history while highlighting the issues and experiences that shape everyday life across the region.”

Born in Bogota, Colombia, Sanchez was raised in Atlanta. She graduated from Kennesaw State University in Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and emerging media, with a concentration in marketing. She is a two-time Emmy Award winner and also received a Telly Award for outstanding broadcast and digital content.