Top mikemcguff.com posts for 2011

Here are the top 10 posts on the mikemcguff.com blog for 2011 based on reader clicks. That means these 2011 posts had the highest page views for the year.

10. KHOU 11's Lucy Noland headed to KNBC 4 LA

9. KHOU 11 returns anchor Ron Trevino to morning newscast

8. KHOU 11's Chita Johnson from KRCR can dance and rap

7. Kidd Kraddick replaces Maria Todd mornings on Mix 96.5 KHMX

6. 106.9 The Zone gets zapped, will simulcast 107.5 The Eagle KGLK

5. KHOU 11 hires KABC's Lisa Hernandez as main anchor

4. KHOU 11 welcomes KABC anchor Lisa Hernandez

3. 740 KTRH replaces Lana Hughes and J.P. Pritchard; KTRH is now NewsTalk 740

2. Mike Barajas leaves Fox 26 KRIV?

Drum roll please...and here is the number #1 story.

1. KPRC 2's Dominique Sachse gets engaged in Rome

Rekha Muddaraj joins KHOU 11

Rekha Muddaraj

KHOU 11 has hired Rekha Muddaraj as its weekend co-anchor and weekday reporter from KFMB-TV, the CBS station in San Diego. 

UPDATE APRIL 2025
Rekha Muddaraj leaves KHOU 11 Houston

First Fox 26 KRIV gets a new weekend anchor from California this month in the form of KCBS' Rita Garcia, and now KHOU 11 is also tapping the Golden State for an empty weekend anchor slot.

The Belo owned Houston station says Muddaraj will co-anchor alongside Vicente Arenas. That means Muddaraj will fill the slot vacated by Shern-Min Chow since leaving for the station's 4pm newscast anchor chair.

Muddaraj has been with KFMB since 2007. During that time she won an Emmy award. Before that, she worked at television stations in Arizona and Kansas.

Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Muddaraj is a graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University (Chita Johnson also attended ASU) where she earned dual degrees in journalism and political science. She completed several internships, including a job with the Washington, DC bureau of ITN, a British television news network.

The station says Rekha is a member of SAJA, the South Asian Journalist Association. She is a first-generation American and enjoys visiting her extended family in India as much as possible. Her husband Neil is a physician and will be joining her next month when they make Houston their new home.

Muddaraj starts in January 2012.


RELATED
- Carlo Cecchetto of KFMB talks secrets of TV reporting and anchoring
- Fox 26 KRIV's Don Teague worked at KFMB

Reporter gets biggest story of all time

The Grape is one prolific author. Here is another book by Randy Tatano:

It's not uncommon for television reporters to act as if every story is the end of the world. But what would happen if journalists really did have to cover Judgment Day?

That's the premise of Randy Tatano's second novel "The End", a thriller that shows what might just happen if a messenger from heaven arrived and gave reporters the biggest story of all time. It’s a perfect storm for the world of television news, a story that grabs the entire planet by the throat and won’t let go.

Tatano, known as "The Grape" for his sarcastic news industry blog "tvnewsgrapevine", got the idea from one of his reporting gigs. "We had a News Director who would give us these nothing stories and act as if they should be the lead story on the network. We used to joke when we'd get an assignment like this, saying, 'You'd think we're heading out to cover the second coming.' So I began to wonder what would happen if Judgment Day arrived and how television news would cover it."

"The End" is currently available in an electronic version on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, the iTunes Bookstore, and other electronic distributors. You can also download the book to any computer using the free apps provided by booksellers. It is published under Tatano's pen name, Nick Harlow.

Some of his previous publications include "Rom-Com", a romantic comedy about the television news industry, a few Star Trek short stories published by Pocket Books, and a collection of sci-fi tales, all published under his own name.

RELATED
- Women reverse TV news stereotypes in new book
- KHOU 11's Christine Haas writes 'The Ranch: Secrets and Sins'

KXAS NBC5 reporter Kimberly King leaves station

Kimberly King courtesy Fox59.com

An anonymous reader wrote in and asked where Kimberly King of NBC 5 KXAS in Dallas Fort Worth has been.

 King was hired earlier this year to be the DFW NBC owned and operated station's 'NBC5 Problem Solver' from Tribune owned Fox 59 WXIN Indianapolis.

Turns out King has left the station in the last weeks.

"Kimberly King made a difficult decision to leave NBC 5 because of a family matter," an NBC 5 Station spokesperson told mikemcguff.com. "We respect her need to make her family a priority."

King is quite the accomplished journalist. She's won awards from such groups as the Edward R. Murrow organization, Emmys, Associated Press and the Society of Professional Journalists.

Her last story appeared on KXAS's website nbcdfw.com in late November (embedded below).

View more videos at: http://nbcdfw.com.

TX TV anchor, reporter, management changes plus lots more

MORE VIDEO
- KTRK anchor says bring out the thongs
- TV Reporter:  Congratulations on your big hooters
- Anchors Thumb Wrestle During Newscast
- Anchor Falls Out of Chair During Morning Newscast
- Chuck Todd Flips The Bird On Live 'Morning Joe'
- Blooper: KDFW 4 Newscast Toy Demo Backfires

KMBC Reporter Marcus Moore Headed to WFAA
Marcus Moore will join WFAA, the ABC-affiliate in Dallas, according to Bottom Line Communications.

WFAA8 reporter Chris Hawes leaves station
Reporter Chris Hawes, a significant presence on WFAA8's late night newscasts for the past several years, has left the Dallas-based station.

Dallas NBC OandO updates set, debuts new graphics
KXAS-TV 5, the NBC OandO based in Dallas, recently debuted an updated set along with a new graphics package.

Catenya McHenry Gone
According to Catenya McHenry’s Facebook page, she’s gone as the weekend morning anchor and everything else at KXAN TV says Jim McNabb.
- The Mysterious Case of the Disappearing TV News People

KABB sportscaster heading to Top 10 market
KABB's Darren M. Haynes will be leaving San Antonio January 23 and will be anchoring and reporting at NBC's WHDH in Boston.

KXAN, KTBC bump some of KVUE's morning, afternoon newscasts from No. 1
The end of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" has Central Texans changing their television viewing patterns, allowing newscasts on KXAN and KTBC to grab more viewers than KVUE — the longtime home for the "Queen of Daytime" — in some key head-to-head time slots during the November ratings period.

Commercial Break
103.7 is winning fans with its "adult alternative" format says the Houston Press.

Chron's Richard Justice Leaves for New Job
Richard Justice, the Houston Chronicle sports columnist who might have the highest profile at the paper, is leaving after 11 years to write for MLB.com, the online service of Major League Baseball.

Robin Whitmeyer Named ND at KDFW
Robin Whitmeyer has been named VP-news director of Fox O&O KDFW Dallas (DMA 5).

Lewis Named KTBC Austin GM
Mike Lewis was named vice president and general manager of Fox-owned KTBC Austin, assuming the post immediately. Lewis had been vice president and general sales manager at Fox's KRIV-KTXH Houston.

Houston Chronicle freelance reporters needed
The Houston Chronicle's neighborhood sections are seeking locally based freelance reporters to cover news, issues and events.

Heath bids KENS farewell
KENS weekend anchorman Christopher Heath did his last S.A. newscast Sunday and is preparing for a new TV news job in Dayton, Ohio. He's expected to start soon as a main anchor on the city's ABC affiliate.

Morning radio show host Bob Cole no longer with KVET
One of Austin's best-known radio personalities is gone from the city's airwaves. Clear Channel-owned country station KVET 98.1 FM and longtime morning host Bob Cole confirmed that they've parted ways.

KLRN San Antonio Doubles Its Power
Noncommercial KLRN San Antonio, Texas (DMA 36), received FCC approval to increase its broadcast power.

Time Warner Cable Drops KRIS, CW, KDF, KAJA
The station's agreement with Time Warner to carry KRIS-NBC, The CW South Texas, KDF, and KAJA-Telemundo has expired.

Cumulus names King as Dallas operations director
Jerry King has been appointed by Atlanta-based Cumulus Media Networks as director of operations for Dallas, the company announced.

Radio One Responds, But Is It What the Community Wants?
The Houston Forward Times has received the response that we, along with many other community leaders had been waiting for from Radio One and its’ CEO Alfred Liggins.

HoustonPress.com Gets a New Home Page
If you've gone to HoustonPress.com recently, you may have found yourself confused.

Reporter arrested for alleged DWI
The El Paso Times reports KFOX reporter Ric Dupont was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.

ESPN's Craig James to Run for U.S. Senate In Texas
Craig James, ESPN college football analyst who was personally involved in two ugly college football scandals of varying degrees, is running to replace Kay Bailey Hutchison in the U.S. Senate.

Statesman names new managing editor
The Austin American-Statesman named John Bridges to succeed Debbie Hiott, who was promoted to editor of the newspaper.

Rix Garey Named General Manager Of KFDM
Sinclair Broadcasting announced today that Rix Garey will take over as general manager of KFDM, the CBS-affiliate in Beaumont, Texas.

KLRN San Antonio Doubles Its Power
Noncommercial KLRN San Antonio, Texas (DMA 36), received FCC approval to increase its broadcast power on Nov. 30. Within an hour of receiving approval, KLRN doubled its power.

Texas Watchdog's Jennifer Peebles joins head of Google News, editor-in-chief of Yahoo
First, there were newspapers. Then there was radio, and then TV. And now, in the last 15 years or so, there's the Internet.

EL Paso TV changes
El Paso TV stations KFOX lands reporter Bernadette Flores and KVIA brings in Vanessa de la Viña.

Bobby Bones, Andy Roddick team up for new radio show
KISS-FM Austin morning host Bobby Bones and tennis ace Andy Roddick will talk all things entertainment, pop culture and sports each Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. on Fox Sports Radio.

NATIONAL
- AP Launches Strategy To Go Beyond Breaking News, Become More 'Distinct'
- Donald Trump Pulls Out as Newsmax/Ion TV GOP Debate Moderator
- Oh no! Oprah Winfrey's new network is struggling
- Nate Berkus Show Not Returning for Third Season
- 'Dallas' Returns To City It Made Famous
- Manuel Abud Named President of Telemundo Stations
- Univision Radio Once Again Delivers Strong Ratings in Major Markets
- Executives at Struggling OWN Consider Changing Course
- NBC Sports Network Plans a Long Game Against ESPN
- George Stephanopolous will replace Christiane Amanpour as host of ABC's This Week
- BBC World News to Be Available Through Comcast
- Cable-TV Honchos Cry Foul Over Soaring Cost of ESPN

DIGITAL
- IAB: Mobile Shopping Runs High In Houston
- A Shopper’s Companion, Still Going Strong
- The Naked Retweet Dilemma
- Waze Brings Crowdsourced Social Traffic Data To Local Broadcast Stations

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Where is KHOU 11's David Paul?
- KTRK 13's Casey Curry becoming UH professor?
- PICS: KTRK 13 anchor Dave Ward's 45 year party
- Houston City Hall campaigns for KPRC 2's Mary Benton
- NASA.gov gets alternative online radio through RFC Media
- KHOU 11 morning promos hit the Houston streets
- Fox 26 KRIV grabs KCBS' Rita Garcia for weekend anchor
- KTRK 13 hires fmr. KVUE sports dir. Hugh Lewis
- KHOU 11's Christine Haas writes 'The Ranch: Secrets and Sins'
- KTRK 13 anchors play Santa

KTRK 13 anchors play Santa

Gigi Huang, Andy Delary, Tom and Brenda Koch (Photo credit: Gary Fountain)

KTRK 13 anchors and management showed up in support for the Annual Joyful Toyful Fiesta (JTF) at Gigi’s Asian Bistro in early December.

Master of Ceremony and Auctioneer Tom Koch up’d the ante for a 18K white and yellow gold and diamond necklace donated I.W. Marks, a VIP trip to Las Vegas provided by Paige and Tilman Fertitta, a dinner party aboard a vintage train provided by Patrick Henry Creative, an exclusive vacation getaway to the Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita, Mexico Donated by Mariette and Ron Woestemeyer, and a celebrity wine dinner with Channel 13’s Chef Tom Koch and wine connoisseur Fred Wahrlich.

More than 200 of Santa’s elves donated toys and treasure - doubling toys donations and raising more than $140,000. The multi-course dinner was underwritten by Gigi Huang, and chaired by Brenda and Tom Koch. Guests were treated to a performance by the Our Lady of Guadalupe School choir, a special visit from St. Nick himself, cigars from Chip Hight of Hight Cigars and holiday cookie goodie bags.

One hundred percent of all gifts and proceeds were presented to the local charities: Boys and Girls Harbor, Casa de Esperanza de Los Niños, Our Lady of Guadalupe School, The Forge for Families, and Volunteer Houston.

Playing Santa at the event: Founder Andy Delery, Board President Fred Wahrlich and Board Secretary and Treasurer Janet Wahrlich, Renee and John Hawkins, Elizabeth and Grant Harvey, Board members Carol and Dr. Tom Sawyer, Board member Kim Padgett, Isla and Tommy Reckling III, Board members Edie and Rob Saville, Laura and Dave Ward, Doe and Henry Florsheim, Tom Davis, Julie and Dr. David Brown, Anne and Ken Culotta, Joann and Bill Crassas, Beverle Gardner and Marc Ostrofsky, Norm and Lauren Nolasco, David and Stephanie Baird,

Joyful Toyful Fiesta, Inc, a 501 (c)(3) organization, was founded 22 years ago by David and Carmen Bridges and Andy Delery to provide Christmas presents to children in need in the greater Houston area. JTF has since distributed more than 44,000 toys to local children’s charities. In 2010, the organization distributed a total of $65,000 to Houston non-profit organizations. Each year various business locations serve as donation drop sites for Christmas gifts leading to the annual holiday party generously underwritten by Gigi Huang.

Laura and Dave Ward with Shelby Hodge (Photo credit: Gary Fountain)

Henry and Doe Florsheim (Photo credit: Gary Fountain)

Kim Padgett and Joann Crassas (Photo credit: Gary Fountain)

KHOU 11's Christine Haas writes 'The Ranch: Secrets and Sins'

You can call KHOU 11 anchor (former KVUE Austin anchor) Christine Haas an earlier riser, but now you can call her 'author' too. That's right, the morning anchor has written a new book called The Ranch: Secrets and Sins.

Haas pulled the story from a world she knows well...journalism:

It all begins with Jack James' uncanny ability to uncover the deepest of secrets, wrongdoing and deceit. He is the John Wayne of news reporting in this novel as he shows true grit in the pursuit of truth and justice. Jack is a successful journalist who fights off his demons of insecurity, and his problems get even bigger when he gets engaged to Alli Wilkshire, the daughter of a powerful Governor. While investigating one of the biggest sex scandals the Presidential race has ever seen, Jack learns the ugly truth about thewoman he is set to marry.

But all is not lost for Jack…. The biggest fork in his road of life becomes his greatest gift - paved with love and happiness. The question is: Will he survive long enough to uncover it?

Haas tells me she wrote The Ranch: Secrets and Sins because she was looking for a creative outlet.

"These days I am anchoring more newscasts than going out and writing/reporting stories and I really missed writing," Haas told mikemcguff.com. "So, I thought I'd try my hand at fiction. It's been so much fun and I have found it very rewarding!"

She says the inspiration came from a story she reported on the insurgence of eBooks and how people are becoming successful authors without the traditional publishing process.

"These authors are proving that with a recipe of creativity and determination you can find a very rewarding life and fulfilled career," Haas told me. "I had so much fun writing 'The Ranch,' I'm already working on a second book. This process has been very exciting and I hope that people will have as much fun reading the books as I do writing them!"

In fact Haas had such a good time writing, she says a second book is already in the works.

You can see more at Christine Haas' new website.

KTRK 13 hires fmr. KVUE sports dir. Hugh Lewis

Hugh Lewis courtesy of KTRK's airwaves

It's big news when KTRK channel 13 makes a change of any type to its sports department. After all, sports director Bob Allen has been with the Houston ABC owned and operated station since 1974, Tim Melton since 1981 and Bob Slovak since 1998.

That's why it's getting attention that a new face in the Houston TV sports scene is now filing sports reports for KTRK. That face belongs to Hugh Lewis who started appearing on channel 13's airwaves over the past few days (watch one of his reports below).

However Lewis is well known in other parts of Texas and even the nation. In fact Lewis was KVUE 24 Austin's sports director back in the 80s and early 90s. According to Austin blogger Jim McNabb, in his post TV life, Lewis worked at KVET-AM (Austin), partially owned and managed Austin's Indoor Professional Football Team and put time in at HDNews TV (a former New York based network).

Recently Lewis has been a blogger with his son at bonafidesports.com (listen to Lewis talk sports on DayBreak USA)

It is now becoming more obvious to Houston viewers that Tim Melton has not appeared on the KTRK 13 airwaves since mid-October (Melton's bio is still on the station's site). The station has offered no official explanation that I am aware of for Melton's absence. That has forced the station's viewers to come and ask me for answers. We can only assume that Mr. Lewis has been hired to fill the void in the station's sports department until Melton returns.

Fox 26 KRIV grabs KCBS' Rita Garcia for weekend anchor

Much in the way KHOU 11 grabbed Lisa Hernandez from Los Angeles ABC owned and operated station KABC 7 after anchor Lucy Noland took off for LA's KNBC 4, Fox 26 KRIV is pulling the same hiring practices.

You might remember how former Fox 26 morning anchor Sibila Vargas bolted for KCBS 2's open morning anchor slot. Well now KRIV Vice President and News Director Tom Doerr is taking an anchor in return.

Last Friday it was announced that KCBS freelance reporter Rita Garcia is joining the Fox 26 family as a weekend anchor and reporter (Why am I only posting this today? Two reasons: I was out of town + food poisoning = One slow blogger).

“Rita is an outstanding reporter and anchor with a creative and compelling reporting style," Doerr said in an internal memo. "We are delighted to welcome her to the FOX 26 news team.”

A Texas native, Garcia comes to KRIV from KCBS/KCAL in Los Angeles, where she served as a freelance reporter. Prior to that, she served as a reporter for KRGV-TV in Weslaco, TX. Garcia holds two Bachelors of Arts degrees from Texas State University-San Marcos, one in Mass Communications and the other in Spanish. She began her career as a news intern for KTBC FOX 7 in Austin.

“It’s truly rewarding to be back in a place I once called home," Garcia added. "I look forward to reporting powerful stories that affect our viewers in a city that has always had a special place in my heart."

Since Fox 26 likes using my blog as a source for promotional quotes, here is one for Garcia: "Fox 26 is hiring talent from the top TV stations in the country."

You'll get your first chance to see Garcia tonight on Fox 26 News at 9.

UPDATE
Rita Garcia's first story for Fox 26 KRIV Houston:

UH Helps Legally Blind Patients Find New Vision: MyFoxHOUSTON.com

RELATED
- PIC: Former Fox 26 KRIV anchor Sibilia Vargas on KCBS 2 news
- Sibilia Vargas named KCBS morning news anchor
- It's KCBS 2 for Fox 26 KRIV's Sibila Vargas

Port of Houston CEO cleared in DA investigation

There were lots of Houston media investigations in the last year concerning the Port of Houston Authority and alleged wasteful spending. Late breaking Monday night was this letter that came to my inbox and I'm sure to lots of other media types, too.

Dear Members of the Media:

I represent Alec Dreyer, the CEO of the Port of Houston Authority. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office has officially exonerated Mr. Dreyer concerning the false allegations made against him earlier this year. Specifically, the DA found that Mr. Dreyer followed Port policies, did nothing unusual, and complied with the law. Based on my experience and that of many other knowledgeable lawyers in Houston, this kind of letter is virtually unprecedented in Harris County. I am delighted that, because of the District Attorney’s thorough and fair investigation, the public now knows that Mr. Dreyer has been vindicated and the false allegations against Mr. Dreyer have been put to rest.

Mr. Dreyer’s statement to the media is below. Please call me at 713-542-4090 with any questions.

Sincerely,
Steven J. Mitby, attorney for Alec Dreyer
Partner at Ahmad, Zavitsanos, Anaipakos, Alavi & Mensing, P.C.


Statement from Alec Dreyer, CEO of the Port of Houston

I am pleased to announce that I have received a letter of exoneration from the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. The DA’s office conducted a thorough and fair investigation of the false allegations made against me earlier this year. The DA’s office found that I complied with the law, followed Port policies, and did nothing out of the ordinary. (The letter is attached to this email.)

I personally requested this investigation to clear my name after questions were raised about my use of the Port’s boat for a promotional tour and our record-keeping practices related to the boat’s use.

I feel it is vitally important for the public to know the truth. I came to the Port of Houston to apply my business experience in public service. We’ve achieved a great deal in my time here, most notably by helping this Port prepare for significant growth coming as a result of the expansion of the Panama Canal and the ongoing demographic shift to the Texas triangle.

I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished. This experience, however, has shown me that the political arena is not where I want to be. I have decided not to seek reappointment, but rather to go back to the business world. I’m happy to serve until a replacement is found.

I’ve enjoyed my work at the Port and I think it’s important that this organization continues to apply good business practices to encourage prosperity, to capitalize on this growth, and to create jobs for this region.

KHOU 11 morning promos hit the Houston streets

KHOU 11 took to the streets to tell Houston about 11 News This Morning and created these promos. These have aired on TV months ago but only recently went online. The ads feature Ron Trevino, Christine Haas, Katherine Whaley and David Paul going to the METRO Light Rail and Memorial Park.









RELATED
- KHOU 11 returns anchor Ron Trevino to morning newscast
- KHOU 11 feedback on new slogan/logo plus anchor IDs
- KHOU 11's new graphics and image spot

NASA.gov gets alternative online radio through RFC Media

In 2010, I told you how Pat Fant, the man who signed on Rock 101 KLOL and 94.5 The Buzz KTBZ among others, was moving into the world of Internet streaming radio. That year he signed on HISD's K12 Radio.

Now Fant is back with an online radio station that reaches for the stars. Yeah, that was a cliche for saying he is working with NASA.

NASA has always stood for exploring the new and undiscovered. That now applies to music too.

The NASA mission of discovery and exploration is about to be showcased in a custom produced music radio station that is crafted specifically to speak the language of tech-savvy young adults. Third Rock: America’s Space Station, is set to lift off with a New Rock/Indi/Alternative format on Monday, December 12 from the home page of nasa.gov, while also streaming live over NASA iPhone and Droid applications.

Discovery powers the work of NASA. It’s also what drives music lovers to the Internet in search of works by new recording artists not generally represented on terrestrial radio. Music is a powerful lure. So, to connect and build a bridge with the hard-to-reach generation, NASA is taking its blend of art and science to where the largest audience can be found.

NASA has selected Houston-based RFC Media to launch Third Rock. Programming is designed to showcase the continuing work of NASA in a fresh new context that is tuned to connect with the marketing-resistant crowd. Pat Fant, RFC Media Co-Founder and COO said, “Today’s 4G audience craves new music and enjoys finding it. We’ve done the digging and pulled out the best songs and the deepest tracks from a full spectrum of rock artists across many styles and decades. NASA features and news items are embedded throughout the programming alongside greetings by celebrity artists. This is the full body of work, unpredictable and full of surprise, without the customary mind-numbing repetition. And, computers don’t pick the music. People do.”

Cruze, RFC Media Co-Founder and President added, “No one knows more about discovering new rock than NASA! If you were a cool new song, where would you want to live? The explosion in talented new writers and musicians is more than traditional radio can digest. The exciting new music is being discovered online through specialty sites like Third Rock, where listeners will hear about great new artists way before their friends hear of them.”

And while discovery is great, opportunity is everything. NASA places a high value on education, and since “you can’t rock if you don’t work,” Third Rock will also help partner companies fill high-tech job openings in engineering, science, IT, etc. The Third Rock job connection feature will link the brightest and best to the marketplace of high-paying job opportunities.

It’s music discovery at the speed of light. Look for Third Rock in on-line radio listings such as the Radio tab of Apple’s iTunes. NASA will utilize a wide array of social media resources to help spread the word about Third Rock. Third Rock is another leap forward in NASA’s use of award winning digital outreach and social media.
# # #

NASA is the world’s leading authority in GO FAST!

Houston-based RFC Media, LLC, designs, produces and executes private label radio stations for business, streaming custom content live online and across the mobile broadband networks. Our firm brings a rich history of broadcast management, programming and media marketing to private enterprise in the development of on-demand media.

RELATED
- Houston rock radio pioneer dumps FM for Web broadcasting - mikemcguff.com exclusive
- HISD's and RFC Media's K12 Radio launches

Houston City Hall campaigns for KPRC 2's Mary Benton

Tweets started going out from Houston City Hall staffers Wednesday morning promoting a new campaign. This was not a campaign about getting out the vote for Saturday's runoff elections or a new city council proposal, it was to get some TV coverage:

jessicamichan Jessica Michan
Starting a #Twitter campaign for @KPRCLocal2 to send @MaryBenton to cover City Hall. We need her here! She gets it!! #Mary2CityHall

That's right, there is even a Twitter hashtag for the campaign - #Mary2CityHall.

Michan later explained over Twitter that KPRC 2 sends out photographers to cover city hall, but the staff would also like a reporter there more often to explain the sometimes complex issues in a full report. While Benton covers politics, she also covers lots of other stories in the Houston-area, and is not always assigned city hall happenings. (I am in no way insinuating that KPRC does not cover city hall by the way because it does).

Now for journalist types in other markets reading this I know what you are thinking...but Mary Benton is no press release/regurgitate the mayor's message type of reporter. She's been covering politics through most of her career according to her bio and I have seen her do it fairly.

To be fair, the other Houston stations also cover Mayor Annise Parker. Some even have what could be considered city hall beat reporters.

Personally, I think it's interesting how the mayor's staff is reaching out to the media for more coverage. One more example of how social media is changing everything.

RELATED
- VIDEO: Houston Mayor Annise Parker talks social media strategy with Mike McGuff
- VIDEO: The city of Houston social media architect
- VIDEO: Houston Mayor Annise Parker talks about Mike McGuff day

PICS: KTRK 13 anchor Dave Ward's 45 year party

I blogged a few weeks ago about the big '45 years on the air bash' held for KTRK 13 anchor Dave Ward. The party was thrown by Ward's wife, Laura, at Tony's (for those not in Houston, arguably the best restaurant in town).

I came across some fantastic photos taken at the event.  These pics give us a view of what the lucky 1% or so of KTRK staff who attended got to experience. Shelby Hodge reported there was "a surprise video greeting from Diane Sawyer." I can add some of the menu choices included Seared Sea Bass, Fire Roasted Amish Hen, Veal Piccata Romana and Riviera Salad.

KTRK General Manager Henry Florsheim, Laura and Dave Ward - Copyright © 2011 Michelle Watson. All rights reserved.

KTRK News Director Dave Strickland, Wayne Dolcefino, Ted Oberg - Copyright © 2011 Michelle Watson. All rights reserved.

Art Rascon and Melanie Lawson with Ward - Copyright © 2011 Michelle Watson. All rights reserved.

Ward with Ilona Carson - Copyright © 2011 Michelle Watson. All rights reserved.

Don Nelson, Doug Brown and Tom Koch - the old team back together - Copyright © 2011 Michelle Watson. All rights reserved.

See all of the photos taken at the party through CatchlightGroup.com.

Galveston County Social Security plan made famous by Republican presidential candidates

Normally I just cover the Houston media, but here is a story suggestion. I think it's time for Houston-area journalists to do a story on something Newt Gingrich (and Herman Cain before) keeps talking about that concerns SE Texas. It's a plan to create a Galveston County employee style personal Social Security savings account for the rest of the country.

Cain first talked about this in the CNN debate:

But fellow candidate Herman Cain, the former CEO of Godfather’s Pizza, raised another point about Social Security: He touted the performance of a plan that allowed employees of Galveston County, Texas, to opt out of Social Security and participate in a separate retirement plan.

The topic came up when moderator Wolf Blitzer asked Cain, "Are you with Gov. Perry that Social Security is a Ponzi scheme?"

Cain responded, "I don't care what you call it, it's broken. And here's my solution. Start with optional personal retirement accounts. In 1981, the Galveston County employees, they opted out because that was a very short window of opportunity. They took it. Today, when people retire in Galveston County, Texas, they retire making at least 50 percent more than they would ever get out of Social Security."

Gingrich then brought it up in the CNBC debate:

“You deal with Social Security as a free-standing issue. And the fact is, if you allow younger Americans to have the choice to go to a Galveston- or Chilean-style personal Social Security savings account, the long-term effect on Social Security is scored by the Social Security actuary as absolutely stabilizing the system and taking care of it.”

I want to hear from Galveston County employees about this plan. Do they like it? Does it work? What do they think about being a model for Republican presidential candidates?

Maybe someone in town has done the story. PolitiFact has already laid the groundwork here. Even so, it might be time to look at the issue again.

Now excuse me, I must get back to monitoring such important issues as which reporter is leaving town this week or funny anchor YouTube clips.

KTRK 13's Casey Curry becoming UH professor?

We know KTRK 13 morning meteorologist Casey Curry knows her way around Houston weather forecasting and all of the technology that goes with it. Now she is moving her know how to the college classroom.

One of Houston's most popular TV meteorologists dropped by the University of Houston last week to play college professor for a day. Students got a lesson from "Professor Curry" on television broadcasting, weather, her recent stint on "Good Morning America" and social media among other topics. Hope they took notes...there could be a pop quiz. She also toured UH's Jack J. Valenti School of Communication.

Curry recently served as the honorary chair for UH's International Association of Business Communicators "Cougar Paws for the Cause" campaign, which collected pet food for aniMeals on Wheels, a program that provides pet food for the elderly.

Courtesy:  University of Houston – Office of Media Relations

Courtesy:  University of Houston – Office of Media Relations

RELATED
- PHOTOS: KTRK 13 morning show promo shoot
- KTRK 13's Casey Curry on GMA, must be the weekend
- KTRK 13 meteorologist Casey Curry back on Good Morning America
- High quality video of KTRK 13 meteorologist Casey Curry on ABC's GMA
- KTRK 13 meteorologist Casey Curry back on Good Morning America

Where is KHOU 11's David Paul?

An anonymous reader wrote to the blog with a question about KHOU 11's early newscasts:

What has happened to David Paul at KHOU?

He was our favorite meteorologist and he seems to have been replaced on the Noon news. This is terrible if he has been replaced.

Any word that you have would be appreciated.

"Chita [Johnson] has been the meteorologist for the noon newscast since the end of August," Rebecca Cantu with KHOU 11 community marketing and public relations told mikemcguff.com. "David continues his role as morning meteorologist and Chita handles weather at noon and 4pm.

"By adding a new meteorologist to the team, and a new newscast at 4pm, we were able to distribute the weathercasts. David Paul has a big job from 4:30am to 7am on 11 News This Morning, plus weather cut-ins each day during the Early Show from 7-9a – and as you know, that job comes with a very early call time!"

Yes it does. Hopefully the anonymous reader will be able to sleep better knowing this info too.

RELATED
- Wake up with KHOU 11's Chita Johnson

Houston airports get Google Map treatment

If you have an Android phone, you have no excuse for getting lost inside inside the five terminals at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby airport (HOU). That's because The Houston Airport System announced a partnership with Google Maps that lets you see the airport layouts on your phone.

The indoor maps of IAH and HOU are seamlessly integrated into Google Maps - there is no separate app to download and no need to download each terminal or areas of the airport. As the user zooms in, the map will automatically display the indoor floor plan(s) of the airport with the labeled points of interest (gates, food court, restrooms, ATMs, etc).

Users will be able to browse floor plan(s) of each terminal, see where they are inside the airport via the familiar “blue dot” icon, and since the airport is multi-level, a tool will appear to show the user which floor they are currently looking at and automatically changes floors if the user goes up or down a level. READ THE REST

RELATED
- Star Wars at Hobby Airport in Houston
- Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport gets high marks

KHOU surgery, TX TV ratings and more

MORE VIDEO
- News 8 Daybreak - "Rontourage"
- Brian Williams battles NBC fire alarm ‘Nightly News’
- Brian Williams Will Not Let Jon Stewart Get Away With Mocking the Fire Alarm Incident
- KVIA oops tease last night
- Stephen Colbert Pimps CNN
- Scott Pelley (mustache included) on WFAA
- SNL's Bill Hader as Dateline's Keith Morrison

Former KHOU news director's open heart surgery
Former KHOU 11 news director Keith Connors (currently ND at WTHR Indianapolis) is recovering from a successful open heart surgery. He was diagnosed with a failing heart valve during a routine physical earlier this year

Is Radio One Listening? The Black Community Seeks Answers
While many in the community did not understand or welcome the change from Praise 92.1 to News 92 FM KROI, Radio One Founder Cathy Hughes shed light on the decision.

Ragland arrest is responsibly (but very differently) covered by both Belo entities
Both WFAA8 and The Dallas Morning News commendably haven't tried to hide the arrest of a prominent Metro columnist for the newspaper.

More on Houston's deserts (food, mobility, and journalism)
blogHOUSTON asks what is KTRK's deal with this press release reporting on "food deserts?"

KXAN News moves to #1 station in Austin
According to figures released by Nielsen Station Index, KXAN News has shown significant growth in Central Texas and moved into the No. 1 slot for four of its daily news programs, indicating that viewers prefer to watch the Austin NBC affiliate over other local news shows.
- WFAA beats KTVT in 10 p.m. news slot

Judge dismisses suit over 2 suspect photos
A state district judge has dismissed a lawsuit against the Houston Chronicle and two local television stations brought by two men whose photos were linked to a grocery store robbery in 2010.

Documents shed light on ‘Top Chef’ deal
Producers of Bravo’s “Top Chef: Texas” got a total of $600,000 from the state and the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau for shooting the hit show in Texas, but there were some strings attached.

Joel Osteen, Mark Burnett Partner For Reality Show About Lakewood Church Mission Trips
Houston megachurch leader Joel Osteen will soon be coming to a television near you -- this time as the star of his own reality show.

KVUE’s Noelle Newton Joins Rival Station KTBC
Noelle Newton, an anchor and crime reporter for Austin ABC-affiliate KVUE, is joining rival station KTBC.

Jaramillo to return to El Paso TV
According to KTSM's Facebook page, former KFOX-er Noreen Jaramillo will return to the El Paso airwaves on Dec. 12.

Longhorns Online
Verizon FiOS and Longhorn Network Launch New Online Service Broadband Service Offers Live Streaming of University of Texas Sports Programming to FiOS TV Customers Nationwide.
- Baylor Football: Highlights vs. Texas

KGOW (1560 AM) shuffles lineup, adds show
KGOW (1560 AM) will move midday talk-show host Sean Pendergast to morning drive time beginning Monday, pairing him with longtime host John Granato, and will add a new midday show featuring Yahoo Sports Radio host Craig Shemon.

Rare look behind the scenes at Fox 26 news in Houston
The nerve center of the newsroom where assignment editors listen to police scanners, take calls and assign reporters.

Hutchings returns home to run Comcast SportsNet Houston
Veteran television executive Matt Hutchings, who began his career with Home Sports Entertainment in Houston in the 1980s, will return to his hometown as president and general manager of Comcast SportsNet Houston.

KUT gearing up for move to new, state-of-the-art studios
Staffers at 90.5 KUT-FM, Austin’s NPR affiliate, will soon move from cramped, windowless studios to new, state-of the-art, bright and airy facilities just across the street.

Post-Newsweek Stations Offer Free Airtime
Candidates for the upcoming 2012 elections will be eligible for free airtime and free Web time in the 30 days preceding the general elections.

NATIONAL
- For first time in 20 years, TV ownership declines
- Piers Morgan Logs His Lowest-Rated Month
- Disney Raises Dividend Most in 20 Years
- Disney CEO Iger buys $1 mln worth of Apple stock
- Regis Bows Out Of 'Live' With A Bang
- ABC Daytime President Brian Frons Exiting Network

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- KHOU 11's Alex Sanz to WPTV 5
- Lyle Lovett sings for KHOU 11
- Former KPRC 2 reporter for Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector?
- Texas Watchdog party with Mike McGuff
- Mike McGuff on 'Blogging, Here and Now in Houston' panel

Texan up for CNN Hero of the Year vote

Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q is getting the vote out for Taryn Davis, founder of the American Widow Project, and nominee in the CNN Hero of the Year contest. According to its website, The American Widow Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to the new generation of those who have lost the heroes of yesterday, today and tomorrow, with an emphasis on healing through sharing stories, tears and laughter:

LAKEWAY, TX, November 28, 2011 – Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q® declares Wednesday, December 7th, as a day to honor young military widows by donating a dollar for every pound of meat sold that day at participating locations to the American Widow Project. It is a nonprofit organization founded by CNN Hero of the Year nominee Taryn Davis that helps a new generation of young military widows heal and embrace life again.

Additionally, Rudy’s Bar-B-Q’s Follow2Support, its cause-related social media initiative that supports various charities, will add another dollar for every verifiable new “like” (http://facebook.com/rudysbbq) and Twitter follower (http://twitter.com/rudysbbq) through December 7th. Rudy’s Bar-B-Q will also drive online votes for Davis to help her win CNN Hero of the Year through its social media channels, online promotions and in-store marketing. More information can be found at http://rudys.com/vote.

Davis, 25, whose husband, Cpl. Michael Davis, was killed in action in Iraq in 2007, recalls many fun visits at the Rudy’s Bar-B-Q in New Braunfels, TX.

“I have nothing but great memories with Michael and our friends and family at every visit to Rudy’s before he shipped out for Iraq,” said Davis. “I am grateful for the commitment Rudy’s is making to help raise awareness and funds for the needs of a new generation of young military widows especially this holiday season. I am also appreciative for its assistance to drive votes for me for CNN Hero of the Year.”

“Rudy’s Bar-B-Q has a longstanding and proud history of supporting nonprofit organizations that help active duty service men and women of the U.S. military, veterans and their families,” said Pete Bassett, VP of Operations at Rudy’s Bar-B-Q. “We are extremely impressed at what Taryn has done and continue to do for the widows of U.S. soldiers killed in action. We are honored to help the American Widow Project succeed in its mission.”

Texas Watchdog party with Mike McGuff

I've been in TexasWatchdog.org's corner since the early days. Must have paid off because the Texas investigative website has invited me to be its featured guest at its third birthday bash this Saturday:

When: Saturday, December 3 at 2 pm

Where: The Stag’s Head Pub, 2128 Portsmouth, Houston, TX 77098 (near HWY-59 and Shepherd)

Featured guest: Houston newshound Mike McGuff, who writes about media goings-on in the Houston market and beyond at mikemcguff.com.

We’ve got so much to be thankful for during this holiday season. Namely, you, the readers, partners and funders of Texas Watchdog.

Thanks to your support we’ve been able to dig into contract steering and cronyism at the Houston school district, unearth problems at the Texas Windstorm Insurance Agency and spotlight efforts to reform health care in Texas. We’ve also taken hard looks at stimulus spending, probed elected officials’ conflicts of interest and we continue the fight for better transparency in local and state government.

Since our founding in August of 2008, Texas Watchdog’s impact has grown. We now have a staff of six. We get nearly 1 million hits on our website and our numerous social networks each month. And that doesn’t include the millions more who see us via our partnerships with other media such as television stations, radio and newspapers. Our reporting has been highlighted by national news outlets like ProPublica, the National Review and the Center for Public Integrity, as well as local media such as the Houston Community Newspapers, the Houston Chronicle, KHOU 11 and KTRK 13.

We believe our work is fundamental to our democracy -- and fundamental to keeping our local and state officials on the straight and narrow.

If you do, too, please join keep reading and responding to our stories, telling your friends and donating to Texas Watchdog.

Even better, join us on December 3 and raise a glass with us to toast even more watchdogging in the future.