Emma Allen leaves San Antonio for KATV Little Rock

Emma Allen has announced she is leaving her role as Morning Live Desk Anchor at News 4 San Antonio WOAI and FOX SA KABB to return to KATV 7 in Little Rock, Arkansas, where she will begin a new chapter as a meteorologist.

Here is a portion of what Allen posted on social:

"If you had told me a few years ago that I'd leave Arkansas to chase my dream, learn from an amazing newsroom in Texas, and then return home to forecast the weather for the state that raised me, I don't know if I would've believed you. But here we are.

 

This move is bittersweet because San Antonio became so much more than just a place I worked. It became home.

To my News 4 and FOX SA family- thank you. You welcomed me from day one and gave me friendships I'll carry with me forever. I honestly don't think I've ever laughed as much as I have with all of you. You made the early mornings something to look forward to, turned coworkers into lifelong friends, and made a city hundreds of miles from home feel like home."

Allen joined the San Antonio duopoly in July 2025 as the Morning Live Desk Anchor. She succeeded Ashley Sutton, who moved into the FOX SA morning anchor position.

Her return to Arkansas marks a homecoming of sorts. Before moving to San Antonio, Allen worked at Sinclair sister station KATV 7 in Little Rock, serving as a reporter and weekend producer beginning in August 2022.

A Helena, Arkansas native, Allen discovered her interest in broadcasting while still in high school, working at KJIW 94.5 FM. She later attended Arkansas State University, completing her degree in just three years while also interning at KATV.

During college, Allen earned recognition from the Arkansas College Media Association in 2022 and was also named Miss Congeniality at the Miss Arkansas State University Scholarship Pageant.

Allen has continued developing her weather expertise and is currently pursuing a degree in broadcast meteorology through Mississippi State University as she transitions into her new role forecasting at KATV.

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Will Kunkel to work for ESPN

Former FOX 26 Houston KRIV sports director Will Kunkel has announced his next career move, signing a freelance contract as a fill-in host for ESPN Radio while continuing his search for a full-time opportunity.

“I have finally signed a freelance contract,” Kunkel announced on social media. “I am going back to ESPN for fill-in work on ESPN Radio.”

Now, Kunkel says he is returning to where his media career began.

While emphasizing that the position is not full-time, Kunkel described it as an opportunity he is eager to begin later this month.

“It’s not a full-time job, but like an amazing opportunity that I can’t wait to start at the end of the month,” he said.

The move marks a return to familiar territory for Kunkel, who began his career behind the scenes at ESPN as a production assistant working on "Mike and Mike in the Morning" before transitioning to an on-camera role that has now spanned more than 15 years.

Kunkel revealed the news in a video posted on X, opening up about the challenges he has faced since his FOX 26 KRIV position was eliminated in June 2025 as part of the station's budget cuts.

“It’s been very frustrating. It’s been confusing at times,” Kunkel said. “I had no idea that a video like this was going to be something I would ever do. I never thought it would take so long either.”

Kunkel said the past year has been difficult professionally, especially because of how much he enjoys being on air and working in television. At the same time, his family experienced a major personal milestone.

“It’s been a very tough year because I love working,” Kunkel said. “I also love being a father. And I became a father during that time. My daughter is now ten months old.”

He credited his wife for carrying the family during the transition.

“She is a nurse at Texas Children’s Hospital,"  Kunkel said. "Being the hero that she is to other people and to our family.”

Kunkel joined FOX 26 Houston in September 2023 following the retirement of longtime sports director Mark Berman. During his tenure, he led the station’s sports coverage and anchored evening newscasts alongside Anthony Antoine, Caroline Collins and Rashi Vats.

He also launched the station’s video podcast, "Kickin’ it with Kunkel," and continued building his presence outside traditional broadcasting through his own podcast.

Before arriving in Houston, Kunkel served as sports director at FOX 46 Charlotte WJZY in North Carolina. His previous stops included KWCH 12 in Wichita, Kansas; NBC 24 WNWO in Toledo, Ohio; and KVRR in Fargo, North Dakota.

Kunkel earned a Master of Science in Journalism and Broadcasting from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from St. Lawrence University.

Throughout his announcement, Kunkel said faith played a central role in helping his family navigate the uncertainty of the past year.

“And so many people know that I have such a strong faith, and my wife's and I faith during this time has actually grown that much stronger,” Kunkel said. “We have gotten into the word even more, and we know that the Lord is going to open the right door at the right time, at the right place.”

He closed by thanking supporters who followed his work and encouraged him throughout the process.

‼️I finally have a LIFE UPDATE for you after I was laid off more than a year ago.

It’s been a very tough year without full time work.

WATCH HERE
👇👇👇 pic.twitter.com/HNpC55zRvS

— Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelV) July 1, 2026

Samantha Davies leaves NBC 5 KXAS DFW

Samantha Davies is leaving her position as a meteorologist with the NBC 5 KXAS Dallas-Fort Worth weather team after more than 17 years with the station and nearly two decades with NBCUniversal.

Here is what Davies posted:

"This week wraps up my almost 20 years at NBC. 

I’m so thankful for my managers and teammates for supporting me over the years. It’s been a journey and am so honored NBC was my home for so long. Thank you to my family for the constant support- the hours were not easy, but you made it possible!

This isn’t goodbye, just the end of this chapter."

She added, "As a working mom, I look forward to enjoying a little more sleep in my next chapter."

Davies joined the NBC 5 team in February 2009, covering traffic on NBC 5 Today weekday mornings and delivering forecasts for NBC 5 News at 11 a.m.

Before moving to Dallas-Fort Worth, Davies, already part of the NBC family, worked as a meteorologist for NBC Weather Plus and MSNBC, providing national forecasts and appearing across NBC platforms, including Nightly News, The Today Show, Early Today, and CNBC. She also served as the morning meteorologist for Squawk Australia on CNBC World, delivering international weather coverage.

Her broadcasting career also included stops at WSIL News 3 in the Cape Girardeau–Paducah–Harrisburg market and at WKAG in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, where she worked as chief meteorologist. 

Originally from Rochester, New York, Davies has said her fascination with weather began growing up around lake-effect snow and later deepened after experiencing the evacuation and aftermath of Hurricane Andrew in Florida in 1992.

Davies earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology from the State University of New York College at Oneonta in 2004 and received her AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation in 2007.

- Jeff Ray Signs Off at CBS News Texas

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Hunter King joins KSAT 12 San Antonio

Hunter King announced he is joining KSAT 12 San Antonio as a reporter in June of 2026.

Here is what King posted:

"Big news… San Antonio is my new home! I’m starting as a reporter at KSAT12 soon and I couldn’t be more excited.

Those of you who know me know I love being back in Texas, and even though the past two years have taught me a lot, I can’t wait for this new adventure in the Alamo City.

This is going to be a great chapter."

King arrives in South Texas after spending the previous two years at 13WMAZ in Macon, Georgia, where he worked as a multimedia journalist and reporter beginning in June 2024.

Before moving to Georgia, King gained experience in Texas media through multiple roles while attending Sam Houston State University. He worked as a radio personality at 90.5 KSHU in Huntsville from September 2022 to June 2024 and completed a reporting internship at KPRC in Houston during the summer of 2023.

King graduated from Sam Houston State University in May 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication with a concentration in Broadcast Journalism.

- Leah Rodriguez joins KSAT 12 San Antonio

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Jessica Rivera leaves FOX 7 Austin

Jessica Rivera is leaving FOX 7 Austin KTBC, where she has served as the station’s education reporter since joining in December 2022.

Here is what Rivera posted:

"Today is my last day at FOX 7 Austin. It’s been a ride the past 3.5 years. To my community thank you for trusting me in telling your stories.

What’s next? I’m taking a break, finally catching up on some sleep and spending much needed time with my family"

Before arriving in Austin, Rivera worked at FOX 44 News KWKT Waco as a multimedia journalist from November 2020 to December 2022.

Rivera began building her journalism experience while attending the University of North Texas, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Converged Broadcast Media with a minor in Spanish. During college, she worked as a Spanish news producer and reporter for North Texas Television, helping produce the station’s weekly Spanish-language newscast.

She also participated in the Proyecto U program through Univision Communications, gaining hands-on experience reporting, shooting, editing, and producing news content while being mentored by industry professionals.

Fluent in Spanish, Rivera is also a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.

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Kelsey Sanchez leaves KVUE Austin

Kelsey Sanchez left her KVUE Austin multiskilled journalist (MSJ) and reporter position back in March 2026.

- Allison Hill joins KVUE Austin
- Laura Sather named KVUE Austin assistant news director

Sanchez started with the TEGNA Texas station in February 2023.

Before joining KVUE, Sanchez spent two years as a multimedia journalist at WACH FOX in Columbia, South Carolina.

Sanchez began her professional television career at WSVN 7News in South Florida, where she worked as a writer and associate producer from 2017 to 2021, helping produce newscasts.

Her journalism roots trace back to the University of Florida, where she gained hands-on newsroom experience across multiple platforms. Sanchez reported for NPR affiliate WUFT-FM 89.1 and PBS affiliate WUFT News, served as a cut-in producer, interned at WCJB TV20 and WSVN, and contributed entertainment coverage to The Independent Florida Alligator. She also worked as a general assignment reporter for The Gainesville Sun, covering local news, arts, and community events.

A graduate of the University of Florida, Sanchez earned a bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications with a concentration in news.

iHeartMedia layoffs in Houston and Texas in June 2026

There has been a lot of coverage of last week's iHeartMedia layoffs, and we are getting a clearer picture of what is happening in Houston and across Texas.

- KPRC 2 Houston experiences layoffs in June 2026

In fact, I understand that more cuts across Texas could be announced soon.

You can always check trade site radioINSIGHT for the latest national coverage of the iHeartRadio cuts.

HOUSTON

In Houston, Sunny 99.1 KODA Houston has been hit the hardest. 

But before I continue, I am getting reader reports that former KPRC 2 Houston Life and 94.5 The Buzz KTBZ morning co-host Tessa Barrera has recently been heard filling in on Sunny 99.1 as of this weekend.

So, here we go with the KODA cuts. 

Midday host Amanda Flores (also Star 102.1 KDGE Dallas-Fort Worth), afternoon host Chris Davis and overnight DJ Madison Reeves.

At sister station Sports Talk 790 KBME, Cole Thompson announced his exit from the recently announced  “The Morning Drive with Dan & Cole,” which just debuted in 2025.

CORPUS CHRISTI

Steven ‘Rex’ Gabriel exits the mornings at C-101 KNCN Corpus Christi after 36 years.

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A post shared by Amanda Flores (@theamandaflores)

#SupFriends!

Forever thankful to Houston. Onto the next chapter 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/9Z44BGZCHA

— Cole Thompson (@MrColeThompson) June 29, 2026

Fmr. Austin reporter apologizes after 'effort to have a little fun with World Cup competition'

Abigail Velez, who is now a reporter and fill-in anchor for ABC7 KABC Los Angeles and just left CBS Austin KEYE in October 2025, is apologizing for a live report in which she tried "to have a little fun with World Cup competition."

Now the newly hired Southern California TV journalist is going viral from the pages of the New York Times to the New York Post.

Watch her report where Velez says she could not point out where Team USA's next FIFA opponent, Bosnia and Herzegovina, was located on a map.

My goodness, the stereotypes write themselves……🤷‍♂️ #FIFAWorldCup 🇧🇦🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/UGj3uudcYL

— Bosnian Football (@BosniaNTBall) June 27, 2026

The KABC reporter later issued an apology "to the people of Bosnia," which some on social media and the media trade outlet FTVLive said should not have happened. 

Velez is married to former NBC 5 DFW KXAS reporter Keenan Willard, who now works for KNBC 4 NBC Los Angeles.

pic.twitter.com/089PyrIaQz

— Abigail Velez (@abc7abigail) June 27, 2026

Sherman Desselle leaves FOX 26 Houston

Sherman Desselle is leaving FOX 26 KRIV Houston, where he joined the station in June 2022 as a reporter and fill-in anchor.

Here is what Desselle posted to social:

"After four years in Houston and 18 years in this business, it was time to make a change - not just a new job title, but an opportunity that would be better for my family and me beyond the newsroom. I thank God for this new opportunity. 

My time at Fox 26 was fantastic. I put every skill I had to work: reporting, anchoring, streaming, writing, strategizing. I did it all.

I’ve connected with one of the most diverse and important cities in America, while working alongside the most talented people who have become close friends and extended family. 

As the industry has changed, I’ve changed with it - and I’m proud of the work I’ve done. 

As for what’s next - I’ll let everyone in on it in due time. Especially since all of the talented journalists in the market are texting and following me right now. Don’t worry, I’m sticking around.

Thank you to EVERY Houstonian who made me feel at home and welcomed me into your community. See you later, see you soon."

Desselle came to Houston from WDSU 6 New Orleans, where he worked as a weekend anchor beginning in 2019.

During his career, he earned the RTDNA Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the documentary, "History and Hope: Our Hidden Past."

A graduate of Northwestern State University, Desselle launched his television career at News Channel 5 KALB in Alexandria, Louisiana. He started as a part-time photographer before advancing to multimedia journalist, weekend anchor and eventually morning anchor.

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Trason Bragg promoted to KHOU 11 Houston noon anchor

Trason Bragg has been announced as the new KHOU 11 Houston noon anchor multiple sources confirm to mikemcguff.com, so get your resumes ready, as his weekend morning position is likely open. 

We now have the puzzle pieces assembled to understand the aftermath of the tectonic shift made at Channel 11 after Shern-Min Chow's retirement!

With Bragg taking Chow's midday anchoring chair, that completes the full picture, since we learned that Brheanna Boudreaux was returning to Houston and taking the legendary anchor's 4pm role.

This means that Cheryl Mercedes, who has been doing great weekday fill-in work, is returning to weekend evenings.  

And I should take the time to acknowledge that Marcelino Benito hasn't co-anchored with Mercedes in like a year. So this proves to my readers who think I know everything that I really do live up to the "dunderpate" branding in my own blog header since I missed this one. See, I'm just good at faking competence at times. That's how I made it 15 years in the TV biz.  Fake it until you sorta make it.

He is busy racking up journalism awards for his reporting.  While I was on the blog break, Benito won for best reporter at the Texas Broadcast News Awards. Congrats.

Bragg joined KHOU as weekend morning anchor in 2024, taking over for Lauren Talarico. He came from Dallas-Fort Worth, where he worked for the CBS Local News Innovation Lab based at CBS News Texas KTVT.

Do you think when World Cup fans lifted Bragg recently, that they were really celebrating his upcoming promotion?