Dan Rather talks KHOU 11 in 1960 + Hurricane Carla

Gabe Gutierrez is the most recent and before him Mark Greenblatt, but the most famous KHOU 11 reporter to go to the networks is Dan Rather.

The folks at Mediabistro put together a great interview with the former CBS News anchor. In it, Rather remembers his KHOU 11 days and his big break with Hurricane Carla. This is such a good video, I wanted to put it in its own post.

One of the funniest lines from Dan is: "Their [KHOU's] ratings were so poor [in 1960 when he arrived], that we were at least the fifth or sixth station in a three station market. I was brought in to be the news director, which basically meant I was the director of myself, because we had no other full-time employees."

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Help Mike McGuff win money for children's charity - with just one click VOTE HERE

KHOU 11 hires Malini Basu as reporter

UPDATE MARCH 03, 2015
Malini Basu leaves KHOU 11 for WFXT Boston

KHOU 11 reporter Malini Basu

We just learned yesterday that KHOU 11 reporter Gabe Gutierrez was moving to NBC News Atlanta from Belo Houston. Then, later that afternoon, it came to my attention that KHOU already had a new reporter on the air.

As Paula Deen might say, "they're coming and going fast y'all." Then she would dump a bunch of butter on something in a frying pan.

Anyway, be on the lookout for Malini Basu on air. According to Basu's LinkedIn account, she previously was a reporter with NBC Connecticut WVIT, reporter/fill-in anchor at WLNE, freelance reporter at WSYR, reporter at WPTZ/WNNE, field producer/writer at FOX 5 News and news assistant/photographer at NY1 News.

Her story from Tuesday on channel 11 was about a kangaroo in Spring, TX which you can watch here.

UPDATE MARCH 03, 2015
Malini Basu leaves KHOU 11 for WFXT Boston

(Thanks Taylor)

Help Mike McGuff win money for children's charity

All you have to do is go vote on Reliant Energy's Facebook page and I get $2,500 for non-profit Home Run Hitters International:

VOTE HERE

Monday afternoon I participated in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Reliant Rodeo Round-Up. Basically it is a media related challenge event where non-profits were the real winners thanks to Reliant Energy's generosity with its checkbook.

I was up against such media heavy hitters as KTRK 13's Casey Curry, Fox 26 KRIV's Melissa Wilson (Sic 'em Bears), KPRC 2's Randy McIlvoy, Maria Todd, Joey Guerra/Joy Sewing of the Houston Chronicle...etc.

Teams competed the following events:
Hats in a Row – tossing bean bags into cowboy hats at various distances
Name that Tune - listening to portions of popular country music songs and being the first to “buzz in” and correctly name the tune
Finish the Lyrics – singing the rest of the lyrics to popular country music songs after a clip of the song is played
Needle in a Haystack – scouring through a stack of hay (yes, it’s real hay) to find as many rodeo items as you can in 60 seconds

I played for Home Run Hitters International (video I made for the nonprofit embedded above) with my challenge partner Christina Baker. Just by being there, we got the nonprofit $500 from Reliant, but now is your chance to help us win the online Hard Luck Prize. As you might imagine, my alternative college radio DJing did not prepare me for the Name that Tune or Finish the Lyrics events for the win.

All you have to do is go vote on Reliant Energy's Facebook page and I get $2,500 for Home Run Hitters International:

VOTE HERE

Looks like you can vote once a day. And make sure to spread the word!

Gabe Gutierrez to NBC News Atlanta

Gabe Gutierrez surprised me today. My pals at TV Spy and TV Newser are reporting the KHOU 11 Houston City Hall reporter is outta here. He's off to the big leagues at NBC News Atlanta.

That means he is following in the footsteps of former KHOU 11 investigative colleague Mark Greenblatt who recently left for a position at ABC News New York.

Gabe Gutierrez only joined KHOU 11 in March of 2010 as a general assignment reporter. Before Houston, he was a weekend morning anchor and reporter at WJRT-TV, the former KTRK 13 ABC owned sister station in Flint, Michigan.

Gutierrez joins NBC in two weeks says TV Newser.

Wow and the KHOU bon voyage list just keeps growing and growing. Who is next? Good thing there are always new spots in Midtown (near KHOU) opening up for goodbye parties.

- Allison Triarsi leaves KHOU 11
- KHOU 11's Mark Greenblatt joins ABC News
- KHOU 11's Christine Haas to KNSD 7 NBC San Diego
- KHOU 11's Lucy Noland headed to KNBC 4 LA
- Former KHOU 11 reporter Dave Fehling joins NPR
- KHOU 11's Alex Sanz to WPTV 5

Texas AP 2011-2012 winners, Houston/Dallas radio ratings and more

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KARK Names Austin Kellerman News Director
Austin Kellerman comes to the station from Abilene, Texas, where he was news director for CBS-affiliated KTAB-TV and NBC-affiliated KRBC-TV. Kellerman also worked previously as a morning show executive producer for KTVT-TV, a CBS affiliate in Dallas.

Brief History Of DFW Media Personalities Who Ran For Office
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Austin Weather–Sunny and Bright: Fox 7′s Chief Meteorologist Lives for Baseball
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Fox 7 Chief Meteorologist Scott Fisher is a baseball fanatic of the first order.

Veteran Anchor Joe Bickett Leaving FOX 7 Morning Show in May
Veteran FOX 7 morning anchor Joe Bickett is leaving the station in May after more than 17 years.

Do you think Innes is an idiot?
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Former KEYE news anchor Michelle Valles on ABC Family’s “The Lying Game”
Former KEYE TV host Michelle Valles exercised her acting chops on ABC Family’s The Lying Game. Valles played the role of a reporter (naturally).

Foti Kallergis Leaving KTBC for His Family Business
Foti Kallergis, who has worked as a reporter and fill-in anchor at KTBC for the past five years, is leaving the Fox O&O to oversee his family’s cooking school and catering company.

TV Pioneer Bob Marich of Channel 2 Passes
Former 1950s-1960s producer Bob Marich of KPRC-TV in Houston has died.

50 years of KLRU kicks off in Austin
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- 740 KTRH to hold town hall meetings with Berry and Patrick
- KUHT 8's “InnerVIEWS with Ernie Manouse” reaches 150th episode milestone
- Former KTRK anchor Minerva Perez to KHOU 11
- KPRC 2 anchors obsessed with Chicago?
- KIAH 39's NewsFix gets product pulled
- Is KPRC 2's Stephen Dean leaving Houston?
- KTRK 13's Dave Ward to return for rodeo parade
- PIC: Dave Ward returns to KTRK 13

PIC: Dave Ward returns to KTRK 13

I told you yesterday how KTRK 13 anchor Dave Ward's return to TV was going to be as the host of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo parade in downtown Houston. Well get your boots and hat, because here is a photo of Ward's first day back on the job after his hip injury.

Co-anchor Gina Gaston welcomed Ward back on air and he replied he was just waiting for the parade to come back.

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KTRK 13's Dave Ward to return for rodeo parade

Good news. KTRK 13 anchor Dave Ward, who tripped in the news studio and broke his left hip more than a month ago, is returning to work Saturday. And he's returning just in time for the rodeo.

It's a tradition that Ward anchors the live Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo parade from downtown, and that just so happens to be his first day back on the job. Here is a note he posted for all of his loyal viewers:

Bob Allen with Laura and Dave Ward

"Where were we on Friday the 13th of last month? That night, just before the 10pm news, I tripped and fell in the studio and broke my left hip. Since then, your cards, emails and Facebook posts helped me get through the pain of recovery, and I can't thank you enough.

I deeply appreciate your caring and concern, and I'm ready to get back to work. I can't wait to be in downtown Houston, tomorrow morning, for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Parade, and I hope you'll tune in.

And then next Monday night, I hope to be here on our 10pm newscast, and before long, back with you here on the 6pm program.

Again, my deepest thanks for your encouragement and support. And I'll try not to be so clumsy in the future." WATCH HIS VIDEO TOO

As you might remember, I was the first to post anything about Ward's fall, but at the time, I thought it was just a technical problem. We found out the next week, that Ward tripped on his way to deliver the news.

Is KPRC 2's Stephen Dean leaving Houston?

Peabody Award winning KPRC 2 investigative reporter Stephen Dean has uncovered a lot of stories over the years.

And right now Dean is also one of the most buzz worthy reporters in Houston TV after his series of recent reports concerning former Houston city councilman and current 740 KTRH talk show host Michael Berry (Dean just so happens to be a former 740 KTRH staffer).

Now there is a rumor circulating about Dean. Word around town is the Local 2 investigator is ready to jump ship from KPRC to a TV station in another state.

While I'm no investigative reporter, I decided to get to the bottom of these whispers concerning Dean going around Houston TV newsrooms.

"My bosses mentioned hearing that rumor [Thursday] as well, and it surprised us all quite a bit," Dean told mikemcguff.com. "I signed a new contract just a few months ago, and I'm quite happy with it. My management has asked that I leave my response about my future with the station at that."

So there you have it. Straight from Dean himself.

KPRC 2 reported Thursday night that Berry offered a payment to the club bouncer whose car was supposedly hit.

As I blogged earlier in the week, Michael Berry responded to Dean's reports concerning his alleged hit and run. The talk show host said he will now go after Channel 2. So far, Berry has posted some parody clips concerning KPRC and Mr. Dean.

I can only imagine the ratings for KPRC 2 and 740 KTRH right now. Each station must have seen a spike.

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KIAH 39's NewsFix gets product pulled

We haven't heard much out of KIAH 39's NewsFix as of late, but that's now changed. The station let me know that one of its NewsFixer investigations has Petco pulling a dog toy from store shelves:

An investigation by KIAH-TV’s “The NewsFixer” has led to a nationwide removal of a dog toy that threatened the health of a Houston canine. The toy “Snuggling Furry Friend,” sold as a private brand under the Petco label, was found to contain traces of Trimethyl Benzene, Arsenic, Cadmium and Lead, along with Naphthalene, the main ingredient in moth balls.

The toxins were detected in the Petco toy by an independent laboratory after a NewsFix viewer, Mark Smith of Houston, told the station his Chow Mix “Charlet” became sick after first chewing on the toy in December 2011. After inquiries by “The NewsFixer,” Petco agreed to pay for Smith’s veterinary expenses. Subsequent investigation by NewsFix led to Petco’s nationwide removal of the chew toy off the shelves, and in the wake of a follow-up story aired on February 23, 2012, Petco said it would also test all similar toys sold in its retail outlets for toxic substances.

“We’re pleased we could help one of our loyal viewers,” said NewsFix News Director Gary Jaffe, “And we’re proud that ‘The NewsFixer’ has continued to be an effective and relevant investigative force in the community.”

Previous “NewsFixer” investigations have revealed wasted resources by the City of Houston, and have prompted hastened municipal cleanup in residential areas.

I realized in posting this news, that the station has re-branded its investigative unit. In this release, the station calls the unit "NewsFixer," but in a previous release, it was called "The Fixer."

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KPRC 2 anchors obsessed with Chicago?

What is it with KPRC 2 and its staff's obsession with Chicago? Could the Windy City be more important than the Bayou City to them? At news meetings, when someone says channel 2, does WBBM come to mind before KPRC?

I'm bringing this up because current and former KPRCers have recently been hired up there. Deep dish pizza anyone?

The latest is former KPRC 2 reporter Kris Gutierrez. Gutierrez will join CBS 2 Chicago WBBM as a morning anchor.

Gutierrez left KPRC in 2007 for Fox News. He is married to Krystle Gutierrez of Fox 4 KDFW who is obviously leaving for Chicago too.

Ready to take over NBC5 WMAQ mornings is current KPRC 2 weekend anchor Daniella Guzman. Yeah, right up against Gutierrez.

"I'll be heading to NBC 5 in March," Guzman told mikemcguff.com. "Opportunity knocked and I opened the door. I will miss Houston very much!"

That's not all of the KPRC crew in Chicago. In fact the most high profile talent seemed to have a television news death wish while working in Houston. KPRC viewers in the late 90s will remember TV stunt guy Rob Johnson, or the guy who sat next to Dominique Sachse.

Clearly his quest for sweeps stunt ratings paid off. Johnson went on to become a main anchor at WBBM Chicago (where Gutierrez was just hired). I just hope he doesn't have to drive a car into Lake Michigan and try to get out for the February ratings period. Brrrr.

KPRC is not the only station who has flirted with President Obama's former hometown. Fox 26 KRIV has sent some anchors there too.

Former Houston anchor Anna Davlantes has worked at several Chicago stations (currently Fox owned WFLD-Channel 32). Also at WFLD is former Fox 26 morning anchor Jan Jeffcoat.

Of course it could simply be that Chicago is market number 3 and Houston is market 10. The closer a market is to number 1 - the more pay and prestige for talent lucky enough to work there.

In these cases, the Chicago jobs were also steps up from what these folks were doing in Houston too.

Who knows, maybe KPRC morning anchor Jennifer Reyna could go to Chicago to become the next Oprah! (A shameless Reyna mention on my part to spike up my traffic. What, you think people read this blog for the good content?  Hah.)

Former KTRK anchor Minerva Perez to KHOU 11

Former KTRK 13 anchor Minerva Perez is moving over to KHOU 11. Her show, Latina Voices, will still air on Houston PBS KUHT 8 Sundays at 2:30pm, and will also air on channel 11 Sundays at 5:30am.

Perez is still joined by co-host Sofia Adrogué, but Patricia Gras has left the show to focus on her career. (Read more about what Patricia Gras has faced lately here.)

New shows have guest hosts which include leaders in the Houston community, authors, former media ladies, who Perez says, give a different perspective on each show and add a fun aspect.

Some of upcoming guests include NY Times Best Selling Author Peggy Orenstein, Florida Blogger for Spina Bifida Laurita Tellado, First Hispanic CEO of Girl Scouts USA Ana Maria Chavez, Rice Baseball standout Anthony Rendon, UH President Dr. Renu Khator, Project Runway Designer Cloé Dao, Dodie Osteen and many more lined up.

“Latina Voices just continues to grow," Perez told mikemcguff.com.

The show joined the KHOU rundown New Year's Day and Perez reports the debut got measurable ratings with no promotion.

You can also watch the show online at latinavoices.com.

RELATED
- Former KTRK 13 anchor Minerva Perez talks to Mike McGuff about new show, U2
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KUHT 8's “InnerVIEWS with Ernie Manouse” reaches 150th episode milestone

KUHT 8 Houston PBS let's us know that InnerVIEWS with Ernie Manouse hits 150 episodes:

Over the past 10 seasons, the nationally syndicated award-winning series, InnerVIEWS with Ernie Manouse has entertained and informed audiences with interesting, intimate, and revealing conversations with some of today's most captivating notables. Now, InnerVIEWS, and Emmy winner Ernie Manouse, get ready to celebrate their 150th episode with multi-award winning journalist Bill Moyers.

The 150th episode featuring Bill Moyers will air in the Greater Houston Area on Thursday, February 23 at 10:30pm on Channel 8, HoustonPBS.

Other upcoming InnerVIEWS guests this season include: Publisher and First Amendment crusader Larry Flynt, Oscar winner Marsha Mason, author Charlaine Harris, actress & documentarian Alana Stewart, soap star Kim Zimmer and gospel great Yolanda Adams.

Since its debut in January 2004, the program has spawned a legion of fans across the county, airing on over 100 PBS stations. InnerVIEWS... guests have ranged in age from the youngest at 16 (Singer Angel Faith) to the oldest at 95 (TV Presenter Art Linkletter). Through the years the program has won four Dallas Press Club Regional KATIE Awards; three Videographer Awards; two Bronze Telly Awards; and the Communicator Awards Award of Distinction. InnerVIEWS was also nominated for the Emmy for Best Interview/Discussion Program/Series.

InnerVIEWS with Ernie Manouse airs on HoustonPBS every Thursday night at 10:30pm, with re-broadcasts Fridays at 11:00pm and Sundays at 3:30pm. For national airdates and times, check with your local PBS stations.

740 KTRH to hold town hall meetings with Berry and Patrick

740 KTRH let me know about a series of town hall meetings it is holding about the upcoming elections. The hosts will be Michael Berry and Matt Patrick:

Newsradio 740 KTRH will host three Town Hall Meetings to discuss political issues with its listeners during special live broadcasts; the first taking place on March 5. KTRH talk-show hosts’ Michael Berry and Matt Patrick will address the upcoming Presidential election’s political topics with listeners.

KTRH will invite listeners to the Clear Channel Houston studios to participate in the Town Hall Meetings. Likely voters, from a cross section of KTRH’s audience, will sit on panels to discuss the timely political issues they face prior to the election. Throughout the broadcast, Berry and Patrick will pose questions to the panel for discussion. KTRH listeners can participate in the Town Hall Meetings in person, on-air and online.

“KTRH’s Town Hall Meetings will offer our listeners the ability to instantly participate in on-air discussions which is a great aspect of talk-radio,” said Bryan Erickson, AM Operations Manager, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Houston. “We’re excited about the opportunity to hear from our listeners in this unique setting.”

The KTRH Town Hall Meetings will be held on:
 Monday, March 5, from 7-8:00 p.m.
 Date to be determined -- The evening prior to the Texas primary from 7-9:00 p.m.
 Monday, November 5, from 7-9:00 p.m.

Weatherman Fails, Michael Berry and more

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Michael Berry coverage
The 740 KTRH Michael Berry story has gone viral, but it's interesting to see of the Houston media, which outlet is covering it and which is not.
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KILT Hosts Record Incisive Michael Berry Rap Song
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Former KPRC 2 reporter to anchor in Chicago
Eight months after WBBM-Channel 2 abruptly released Steve Bartelstein...former KPRC 2 reporter Kris Gutierrez, 34, currently a Dallas-based national correspondent for Fox News, will join the station as a morning news anchor.
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Photos: On the set with Lily and Ron
Ron Trevino and Lily Jang on her first day as co-anchor of "KHOU 11 News This Morning."
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Former 'Great Day SA' reporter Vanessa Macias competes on 'Amazing Race'
You used to see her on "Great Day SA," now Vanessa Macias is about to trek around the globe on CBS' "Amazing Race."
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Austin Weather–Sunny and Bright
Music Man and Meteorologist Mark Murray Loves His Job at KVUE-TV.

Astros will lose longtime voice after 2012, but not Milo Hamilton, the man behind it
From the moment he first sat behind a microphone as a young serviceman in 1945, Milo Hamilton has never been the retiring type. As he embarks on his final year as the home-game radio voice of the Astros, Hamilton went to great lengths to emphasize he isn’t retiring.

Richard Justice Disses the Chron
When he left his job as the paper's lead sports columnist to write for MLB.com, Richard Justice was effusive in his praise for the Houston Chronicle. That changed last weekend.

Texas Watchdog wins investigative award for coverage of the state’s windstorm agency
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Batch of photos shows early days at KPRC
Part of the collection of Houston Post negatives kept at the Houston Chronicle includes what must be about 100 photos from when KPRC operated on Post Oak, where the Williams Waterwall is today.

History lesson for KTVT and KTXA (KTXH is mentioned) in Dallas-Fort Worth
KTVT At A Glance, Part 1
KTVT At A Glance, Part 2
KTXA At A Glance

More celeb servers hired for ESCAPE 2012 Celebrity Serve Benefit
Former KLOL rockers Dayna Steele and Lanny Griffith (News 92 KROI), KTRK 13's Casey Curry, KUHT 8's Ernie Manouse, Milo Hamilton, pro football players Shawn Rodgers and Junior Galette. Click to see the other Houston celebrities.

MOVING
Michael Garofalo joined WOAI in San Antonio as morning anchor. Most recently, Michael was an anchor at WKMG in Orlando. (Napoli Management Group)

Raul Martinez will join the sports team with KDVR in Denver at the end of March as weekend sports anchor and reporter. He leaves KVIA in El Paso where he has been the sports director for the past six years. (Napoli Management Group)

Paul Cicala is promoted to sports director from weekend sports anchor at KVIA in El Paso. (Napoli Management Group)

Terri Gruca renews her agreement with KVUE in Austin as primary anchor. (Napoli Management Group)

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- KIII 3 increases morning show with John Thomas Kobos
- KPRC 2 hires fmr. beauty queen, Sharron Melton vs Lily Jang and more

KPRC 2 hires fmr. beauty queen, Sharron Melton vs Lily Jang and more

I told you in early January that KHOU 11 hired Lily Jang for morning anchor from KCPQ Q13 Seattle. Jang is back in her hometown of Houston and already has a channel 11 promo ready (embedded above). The Langham Creek High School grad is obviously already working at KHOU, but officially starts on the morning news next Monday.

"I am incredibly blessed that KHOU is giving me this opportunity," Jang previously told mikemcguff.com. "Excited to finally be home where I grew up and my parents can watch me."

KTRK 13 morning anchor Sharron Melton rejoins Tom Koch

Speaking of mornings, over at KTRK 13, anchor Sharron Melton has been MIA for a while. Well, she came back this week after recovering.

"I so want to thank all of you again for your thoughts and prayers," Melton told her Facebook page fans. "I know you made a difference."

And for good measure...I hear former KPRC 2 anchor Don Armstrong (and big voice over/talent guy) was reporting from Sky Eye HD recently.

KPRC 2 anchor Daniella Guzman to co-anchor with Lester Holt's son at NBC 5 WMAQ Chicago

Enjoy KPRC 2 weekend anchor Daniella Guzman while you still can. In March, Guzman is going to Chicago to be the weekday morning anchor at NBC owned and operated NBC 5 WMAQ.

Chicago media blogger Robert Feder reports Guzman's new co-anchor will be Stefan Holt. Last name ring a bell for NBC watchers? Stefan Holt is the 24-year-old son of NBC News anchor Lester Holt who joined the NBC station last year. I bet it was that cool font on his resume that got him this job.

KPRC 2 hires former Miss Lafayette, KLFY Lafayette reporter Alexandra Lewis

And here is a second note to the Guzman fan boys. I know you are losing your weekend highlight, but before you get too depressed, KPRC 2 just brought on a new reporter who is a former Miss Lafayette and 3rd place finisher in Miss Louisiana! Ca c'est bon. Fall in love with KPRC weekends all over again!

 Former KLFY Lafayette reporter Alexandra Lewis is now on the KPRC airwaves (as a freelance reporter from what I understand). Go look at her official Miss Louisiana contest page. I know where your priorities are, if you get around to it, here is one of her stories that aired on channel 2 last weekend.

KIII 3 increases morning show with John Thomas Kobos

KIII anchor John Thomas Kobos

A year ago to the day, I told you how John Thomas Kobos was taking over the morning anchor desk at KIII 3 Corpus Christi. Well, there is more news from that station now.

The morning show, named First Edition, is adding an extra 30 minutes to the broadcast beginning next Monday February 20th. That means the show is starting at 5am instead of 5:30am. It runs till 7am. Employees at Fox stations are now asking themselves what does the station air until 10am then?

I hear the show, anchored by Kobos and meteorologist Caitilin Espinosa (a Houston native), is doing quite well in the ratings so it's not surprising they are getting more time on the air.

Kobos was previously at KFSN 30 in Fresno - Espinosa at KVEO in Brownsville.

Last week, I blogged how Dan Robbins took over as vice president and general manager of KIII-TV and new sister channel, ME-TV.

Austin TV anchor quits Home Depot, KXAS changes and more

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Cantu leaves hardware job for better TV offer
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NBC5 has new sports reporter, with Rontina McCann out
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KHKS Dallas' Kelli Rasberry raises ire with anti-marriage equality comment
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Big WOAI changes: A.M. man Avila to weekends; new guy hired
After eight years of getting up before dawn, WOAI morning co-anchor Jaie Avila now can sleep in.

Former WFAA8 anchor Macie Jepson and the station reach undisclosed settlement on her discrimination claim
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Austin Weather–Sunny and Bright
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Programmer Tracy Austin exits KHMX Houston
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Hearst Corporation announced new leadership at Houston Chronicle
Hearst Corporation announced new leadership at its leading Texas newspaper the Houston Chronicle.

Fox 7’s Jenni Lee finds true love on the job
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Who was laid of at Houston PBS
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McNairs to Headline ESCAPE 2012 Celebrity Serve Benefit
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
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- 102.1 The Edge KDGE EdgeFest 22 FC Dallas Stadium

102.1 The Edge KDGE EdgeFest 22 FC Dallas Stadium

102.1 The Edge KDGE FM announced EdgeFest 22 will be held on Sunday, April 22, at FC Dallas Stadium. This double staged, day-long concert event will feature:

The Black Keys
Evanescence
Garbage
Cage The Elephant
Cake
Blue October
Arctic Monkeys
Neon Trees
Civil Twilight
Switchfoot
The Ting Tings
Foxy Shazam
The Features
Aranda
Dead Sara
Chomsky.

For more than 20 years, Edge fans have been gathering together for this legendary concert event in Dallas.

“This is the show I’ve been waiting to put together for years,” said Josh Venable, Program Director, 102.1 The Edge. “This year’s line-up is a combination of the best core Edge artists and from shows like Old School Edge, Adventure Club and Local Edge.”

Tickets will go on-sale on Friday, Feb. 17, at 10 a.m. via all Ticketmaster outlets. Complete show details are available at www.KDGE.com.

Mungo to WFAA, where is KHOU's Triarsi? and Muddaraj pregnant

Bonjour. I literally got off an 11 hour flight from Paris, France yesterday at 2pm and was already getting tips on Carolyn Mungo's new job as WFAA news director (more on that below). I'll have some videos and photos of my trip in the coming weeks by the way.

It seems like returning to America was like returning to a new world when it concerns TV stations. I normally like to call TV stations The Fortresses of Solitude, because much like Superman's getaway, info from the inside can hardly penetrate the outside walls. Meaning, without third party blogs, we never know who is coming and going as far as personnel.

But suddenly since I announce I'm slowing down this blog, I'm noticing that a bunch of stations have posted internal news on their own websites. It's like a major awakening has happened where TV stations realize they have websites where they can control their own messages, cutting out middlemen like myself.

Just last week I posted Fox 26 KRIV assistant ND Carolyn Mungo leaves station. Now WFAA.com reports that Carolyn Mungo has been named executive news director at WFAA channel 8 in Dallas. READ MORE

Next KHOU.com is reporting that new KHOU 11 weekend anchor Rekha Muddaraj is pregnant. READ MORE

Finally kiiitv.com is reporting that Dan Robbins is taking over as vice president and general manager of KIII-TV and new sister channel ME-TV. READ MORE

TV stations have no problem telling other people's business everyday, but they don't like looking inward for stories. The lack of transparency is why it is important there are blogs out there talking about these businesses who use our public airwaves. Remember, TV stations don't own the channel they broadcast on. This semi-openness is a step in the right direction for media outlets.

However, as one reader pointed out to me, where is reporter Allison Triarsi on KHOU 11's bios page? Guess we won't see a khou.com article on that.

UPDATE
I hear that Allison Triarsi just had a second child and is joining my world of stay at home parenting. She is also starting a business with her husband. Congrats to them.

Houston TV news from snow storm 12/22/1989

KHOU 11 News at Noon Clips & Close, 12/22/1989
Brief montage of stories from the midday edition of KHOU's newscast, just before Christmas 1989. The top story this day, naturally, is the snow and ice slickened roadways around the Houston area. Features the late Sylvan Rodriguez, Meteorologist Mario Gomez and reporters Susan Starnes, Bill Jeffreys and John Getter.

MORE HOUSTON TV STATION VIDEO FROM THAT DAY


Clips from the KPRC 2 midday show Nearly Noon from just before Christmas 1989 where the topic of the rare snowfall, cold temperatures and traffic tie ups are covered. Features Dan O'Rourke, Gail Anderson, Ted Shaw and Amy Huggins as well as an appearance from Santa Claus.

KHOU 11 News at 6 Long Close, 12/22/1989
Here's the close to KHOU's 6 PM newscast from the Friday just before Christmas, 1989. It features a montage of scenes from around the area, mostly of people enjoying the rare snow fall and it's after effects at Hermann Park, specifically around the Miller Outdoor Theater. It's set to a version of "Let it Snow" performed by Leon Redbone.

KTRK 13 Eyewitness News 6PM Friday Close, 12/22/1989
Here's most of the close to the 6 PM edition of 13 Eyewitness News, featuring an instrumental version of "Winter Wonderland" as well as a montage of cold and snowy neighborhoods around town after the winter storm which had taken place earlier that day.

Mike McGuff's post blogging art career

A few years ago I was digging up a broken French drain from my yard and I had a bunch of PVC pipes and nothing to do with them. I thought it was time to make some art. Much like Michelangelo would carve marble, I fit together PVC pipes.

My original muse was the recession. Then I thought and it only made sense to take pipes commonly used for drainage and make it TV related. My muse was channeled, and like a slap in the face by an executive news producer, I decided to recreate television color bars. It is both painted and lit to match what TV professionals use to set the correct colors for TV productions (although broadcast engineers will say the piece does not accurately recreate color bars - but it's art).

I'm thinking of calling it TV Color Delight or TV Color Deluxe.

When I finished my work, my two year old said it was "beautiful." I "premiered" the piece on my front lawn Halloween night. And no joke, trick or treaters actually walked up to it, observed it and said they liked it. The best was when someone drove up and took a photo (maybe it was the HOA looking to fine me - no bill received yet though).

So where do you display something so magnificent?

Naturally you would think it is a perfect fit for a TV station. I could loan it to the KTRK 13 pool area or maybe KPRC 2's weather garden. However, I really want it in the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (CAMH). If anyone has any connections, please let me know.

I have already been plotting my next piece with a totally different medium. However, I think there might be more PVC pipe magic on the way. This time though, there is no more pipes to dig up. I'll actually have to go to Home Depot and buy some.

Mike McGuff on KTRK 13's Good Morning Houston 1987

Why did I want to work in TV news? I'm sure this 1987 appearance of mine on KTRK 13's Good Morning Houston was part of the reason. Take a look at Jan Glenn and Don Nelson in action!

UPDATE FEBRUARY 02, 2015
Don Nelson announces KTRK abc13 departure

McGuff out, '70s Dominique Sachse in

After writing this blog for almost seven years, I am going to take a little break.

But plenty of posts will still be coming. So stay tuned.

In the meantime, make sure to friend me on Twitter, Facebook, Facebook page, Google+ or Tumblr for more media news when I start rolling again.

And just because I get such a spike in readership every time she is mentioned, here is KPRC 2 anchor Dominique Sachse (without fiance and businessman Nick Florescu this time) going back to the 70s.

Copyright © 2012 Michelle Watson. All rights reserved.

See more of the Sachse photo session.

Culturemap says the reason Sachse went back in time was to help promote Lester and Sue Smith's Feb. 4 benefit for Texas Children's Cancer Center.

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