Comcast Houston outage with EAS alert

Comcast Houston cable has outage with EAS message -UPDATE: LOOKS LIKE IT'S OVER

Here is a photo I took of my television 

Looks like Comcast Houston cable TV service is back up. I started getting reports of problems right before noon. Got home and I was affected too. In the middle of blogging about it, I received reports of the cable outage in Houston, Pearland, Katy, The Woodlands and Sugar Land.

The original onscreen display showed the "EAS DETAILS CHANNEL" message. It later switched to a technical problem message. I had already restored service with a cable box reboot, but by 2pm some customers were getting onscreen messages to reboot the box. Others, including me, later had automatic reboots.

UPDATE TO THE UPDATE:
A PR rep for Comcast Houston sent me the official word on what happened today:

“The EAS (Emergency Alert System) System is used by State and local authorities to deliver important emergency information such as weather information and AMBER alerts to a specific area. The EAS system, is triggered by state and local authorities. Comcast is also required by federal law to test the system to ensure that our EAS equipment is working properly.

During such a test this morning we experienced a malfunction with our Cable System’s EAS equipment.

We have corrected this and are taking precautions to ensure this does not happen again in the future, and we apologize for any problems this may have caused our customers.

If a customer is still experiencing an issue with their box, a simple re-boot should restore services.”

ORIGINAL POST

My phone started ringing this morning about an Comcast Houston cable TV outage. The Internet still works or I'd have a tougher time writing this post.

Comcast's Will Osborne (‏@ComcastWill) tweeted mikemcguff.com, "We are aware of and currently working to resolve the EAS / spanish language channel trouble some users are experiencing."

One Twitter report says to reboot your box. Another said that is not working for them.

"A reboot will not resolve [the issue]," Osborne tweeted me. "We are working on fix on our end for this."

 David Barron tweeted me that the outage only seems to affect Scientific Atlanta boxes but not Cisco ones. I have Scientific Atlanta. I rebooted the box (on box press both volume up and down buttons plus "Info" at the same time or unplug/re-plug the box from the outlet) and when it finished loading, all seems to be fine as of now. Also, got a report that a message showed up on another customer's screen that said to reboot.

My converter box says "EAS" where the channel number/time should be.

When I turn on the TV the first time I got the above photo which says "EAS DETAILS CHANNEL." Some people have told me there is a Spanish-language station that also will come in and out, I have not seen that (although I see a small line next to the words that appears to have video in it). The message eventually changed to a technical problem screen later on.

So far I've received reports of this Comcast outage in Houston, Pearland, Katy, The Woodlands and Sugar Land.

* Post updated

NBC 5 KXAS Fall 2013 TV schedule

Here are the KXAS-TV changes for Fall 2013


Daytime changes effective Tuesday 9/3:
- 11am - 12pm – NBC5 Today @ 11am (now 1-hour)
- 12 - 1pm – Days of Our Lives (new time period)
- 1 - 1:30pm – Who Wants to be a Millionaire [A] (new time period)
- 1:30pm - 2 – Who Wants to be a Millionaire [B] (new time period)

Sunday late fringe changes effective w/o 9/2:
- Sun 11pm - 11:30pm: Big Game Sunday (title change only, format remains the same)
- Sun 11:30pm - 12am: In Depth with Graham Bensinger
- Sun 12am - 1am: Extra Weekend (new time period)


MORE STATION FALL 2013 SCHEDULES
Fall TX TV 2013

CBS 11 KTVT and TXA 21 fall TV 2013 schedule

CBS 11 KTVT crowns The Queen and TXA 21's court block gets new shows

KTVT CBS 11

CBS 11 (KTVT) is adding Queen Latifah weekdays at 2 p.m. beginning Sept. 16. THE QUEEN LATIFAH SHOW is a daytime talk variety series that showcases Queen Latifah’s extraordinary range of talents as a global entertainment icon. The multi-topic, daily syndicated show features a mix of A-list celebrities, real people with inspiring stories, buzzworthy musical acts, and Queen Latifah’s unique - often comedic take - on pop culture.

Additionally, Queen Latifah’s genuine curiosity and desire to connect with everyday people will take her on journeys outside her studio. She will venture into communities across the country to share compelling stories, celebrate exceptional individuals, and deliver life-changing surprises. The Queen Latifah Show is the perfect platform for this multi-talented host to entertain, inspire and create television that matters.

TXA 21

Earlier this month, Jeopardy! moved to TXA 21 (KTXA) weekdays at 6:00 p.m. The encore episodes of Jeopardy!, which previously aired at 6:00 p.m. on TXA 21 moved to 5:30 p.m., for a full hour of “America’s Favorite Quiz Show®” each weekday.

Also on TXA 21:
In late fringe, The Cleveland Show will air at 11:00 p.m., followed by King of the Hill at 11:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 16. A full hour of COPS: Reloaded follows, airing midnight to 1:00 a.m. beginning Sept. 9.

A second episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit will air at 1:00 a.m. beginning Sept. 23.

In daytime, TXA 21’s “court block” will feature two new programs, Paternity Court will air at noon beginning Sept. 23, and Supreme Justice with Judge Karen will air at 12:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 16.

TXA 21’s complete weekday schedule follows:

7:00 a.m. - America's Court
7:30 a.m. - America's Court
8:00 a.m. - The Doctors
9:00 a.m. - Dr. Phil
10:00 a.m. - Rachael Ray
11:00 a.m. - Trisha
Noon - Paternity Court
12:30 p.m. - Supreme Justice
1:00 p.m. - Judge Mathis
2:00 p.m. - People's Court
3:00 p.m. - Judge Mathis
4:00 p.m. - People's Court
5:00 p.m. - King Of Queens
5:30 p.m. - Jeopardy!
6:00 p.m. - Jeopardy! (first run)
6:30 p.m. - The Fan Sports Show
7:30 p.m. - Inside Edition
8:00 p.m. - Law & Order: SVU
9:00 p.m. - How I Met Your Mother
9:30 p.m. - How I Met Your Mother
10:00 p.m. - Rules Of Engagement
10:30 p.m. - King Of Queens
11:00 p.m. - Cleveland Show
11:30 p.m. - King Of The Hill
Midnight - Cops Reloaded
12:30 a.m. - Cops Reloaded
1:00 a.m. - Law & Order: SVU
2:00 a.m. - Comics Unleashed
2:30 a.m. - It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

MORE STATION FALL 2013 SCHEDULES
Fall TX TV 2013

KUBE 57 high school football live coverage schedule fall 2013

KUBE 57 is the place for Houston-area high school football with Thursday Night Showdown

Wherever you find Todd Freed on the Houston TV dial, you are sure to find extensive high school football coverage.

Now that Freed is on The KUBE, channel 57 is the place for some Thursday Night Showdown high school pigskin action.

Every Thursday at 7pm, fans can catch the most exciting high school football matchups in the Greater Houston area, only on The KUBE 57. New to the Thursday Night Showdown this year is a 30-minute pre-game show, which highlights the fans and community of the weekly teams.

[SEE: KUBE 57 fall TV schedule 2013]

Thursday, August 29
Cinco Ranch Vs Cy Ranch @ Berry Center
It’s not another ordinary “Day at the Ranch” when these two large Class 5A teams face off at the state of the art Berry Center in Cy Fair. Cinco Ranch is a perennial playoff team from the Katy ISD. Cy Ranch is one of the new schools from the Cy Fair ISD and has quickly emerged as a top tier program in Greater Houston. Both teams are ranked in the Houston area top 20 pre-season polls.

Thursday, September 5
Cy Creek vs. Klein Oak @ Klein Memorial Stadium
Both Cy Creek and Klein Oak are large Class 5A schools who are perennial playoff teams. This is traditionally one of area’s best early season non-district matchups. Cy Creek plays out of the Cy Fair ISD, while Klein Oak represents Klein ISD. Klein Oak features one of the area’s most dynamic running backs in Lorenzo Stewart, and the Panthers are among the area’s top ranked pre-season teams.

Thursday, September 12
Klein Collins Vs Spring Westfield @George Stadium in Spring
Once again, this is a matchup of two large Class 5A programs. Competing in a district that many believe is the best in the state, this is a marquee District 13-5A opening matchup. Westfield is a traditional statewide powerhouse program and is coming off an undefeated regular season. They also return highly recruited quarterback William Dedon. Klein Collins is a perennial playoff team and both teams are ranked in the pre-season top 20 for Greater Houston.

Thursday, September 19
Cy Woods Vs Cy Ridge @Pridgeon Stadium in Cy Fair
This is a match of two large Class 5A teams from Cy Fair ISD. Cy Fair ISD is the largest and one of the best football districts in Greater Houston Area. Both teams have excellent fan bases and each of the schools is expected to compete for a playoff spot.

Thursday, September 26
La Marque Vs St. Pius @St Pius High School
This is a great public school vs. private school matchup. La Marque is a perennial powerhouse, and has five Class 4A State Championships to its credit. Playing in TAPPS 5A, St. Pius has emerged as one of the state’s best private school football programs and enters the season as the Houston area’s number two ranked private school team. Last season, the St. Pius-Sealy game, which was also played at St. Pius, was televised by ESPN.

Thursday, October 3
KLEIN OAK VS KLEIN @Klein Stadium
Klein Oak and Klein boast a long standing rivalry in one of the state’s best Class 5A football districts. Klein Oak features highly recruited and electrifying running back Lorenzo Stewart and is in the Houston pre-season top 20 rankings.

Thursday, October 10
Elkins Vs Dulles—Mercer Stadium/Sugar Land
The Fort Bend ISD will be represented in this matchup of long time rivals. Both Dulles and Elkins are expected to compete for playoff spots in one of the state’s largest football districts.

Friday, October 18
Episcopal Vs Kinkaid @Kinkaid High School
This is a Friday night special broadcast featuring one of the state’s best private school rivalries. Episcopal is the defending Southwest Preparatory Conference Champion having defeating none-other than Kinkaid in last season’s championship game. Both teams are considered to compete for the SPC
Championship again this season, with Kinkaid ranked third in the pre-season polls among all Houston area’s private schools.

Friday, October 25
St. John’s Vs Kinkaid @Rice Stadium
One of the state’s oldest and best private school rivalries, this game is played each year at the Rice University football Stadium. Thousands of alumni for both schools annually attend this game, even arriving several hours early for a giant tailgating party in the Rice parking lots.

Saturday, November 2
Cinco Ranch Vs Katy @Rhodes Stadium in Katy
This is one of the region’s best high school football rivalries, and typically draws a sellout crowd of over 11,000 fans to Rhodes Stadium in Katy. This season should be no different.Katy won its seventh Class 5A State Championship last season, and finished as the nation’s top ranked high school football team. Katy will enter this season ranked number one in the state. Cinco Ranch is the last team to beat Katy in district play and is ranked among the region’s top 20 programs.

Thursday, November 7
Seven Lakes Vs Morton Ranch @Rhodes Stadium in Katy
Both teams are from large schools out of the Katy ISD and both are expected to be playoff contenders, and this regular season finale could very determine a playoff spot. Seven Lakes also enters the season ranked among the top 20 Class 5A teams in Greater Houston.

Thursday, Friday or Saturday (November 14-16)
Playoff Game to be determined.

Scarlett Greyson joins FOX7 KTBC from KAMC Lubbock

UPDATE NOVEMBER 17, 2016
Scarlett Fakhar is no longer with FOX 26


Scarlett Greyson to anchor FOX 7’s “Good Day Austin Saturday” and “Good Day Austin Sunday

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 08, 2015
Scarlett Fakhar joins FOX 26 KRIV Houston

Scarlett Greyson has been named anchor for KTBC FOX 7’s “Good Day Austin Saturday” and “Good Day Austin Sunday,” announced the station’s Vice President and News Director, Pam Vaught. Greyson will anchor the new weekend morning newscasts, which will air from 6-8AM and debut on September 7th.

Most recently, Greyson served as a weekend anchor/reporter for KAMC-TV in Lubbock, TX. Prior to that, she completed internships for NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams in New York, FOX News in Greensboro, NC, and ABC News in Houston.

A graduate of Elon University in North Carolina, Greyson holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism.

KTBC FOX 7 is part of the FOX Television Stations group, one of the nation's largest owned-and-operated network broadcast groups, comprising 28 stations in 18 markets and covering nearly 37.28% of U.S. television homes. This includes six duopolies in the top 10 markets: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Washington, D.C. and Houston; as well as duopolies in Minneapolis, Phoenix, Orlando and Charlotte.

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 08, 2015
Scarlett Fakhar joins FOX 26 KRIV Houston

(This post taken from a release sent to me by Fox Television Stations)

KPRC crawl suffers from bad timing

Some stories and news crawls don't mix well


This KPRC 2 newscast image has been making the rounds on social media and email. As you can see above, the CG title reads "Teacher Facing Child Porn Charges." Under that, the crawl, which runs through the newscast, just happened to stop on "HAVE A GREAT WEEK AT SCHOOL!"

Wow.

You can actually watch the video for yourself here.

Thanks to CNN and other cable channels, local news embraced the crawl years ago. This goes beyond what KPRC does, but I've never been a fan of any local news crawls. The cable channels generally have decent info - in my opinion the locals - not so much.

Howard Dorsey named Fox 26 KRIV assistant news director

New Fox 26 KRIV assistant ND Howard Dorsey has strong resume


Last July, Bob Morford came to Houston's Fox 26 KRIV as assistant news director. Last February, news director Tom Doerr moved to the same job at WFLD Chicago Fox 32 leaving Morford in charge in the interim until a new ND could be hired.

Well, last June, Morford took the top job and the station was still without an assistant news director. Today we learn that WPIX New York's Howard Dorsey is riding into Houston to be the assistant ND.

Here is the Fox Television Stations release:

Howard Dorsey has been named Assistant News Director of KRIV FOX 26, announced Robert Morford, the station’s Vice President and News Director. Dorsey assumes this position on Monday, September 16th.

In making the announcement, Morford stated, “Howard is a seasoned and knowledgeable newsroom manager, who I’m excited to welcome aboard. His passion, depth of experience and his ability to lead made him the ideal candidate to help drive our news product forward.”

Most recently, Dorsey served as Executive Producer for WPIX-TV for the past three years. Prior to that, he was Executive Producer for News12 New Jersey and Web Managing Editor for WNCN-TV in Raleigh, NC. Earlier in his career, Dorsey was Senior Producer for ABC World News Now and Coordinating Producer for ESPN. Dorsey has held Managing Editor/Executive Producer positions at KXAS-TV in Dallas and WCAU-TV in Philadelphia. He has also been Executive Producer for WCBS-TV in New York, Assistant News Director/Executive Producer for WXIX-TV in Cincinnati and Managing Editor for WSB-TV in Atlanta. Dorsey began his career as a Production Assistant and then was promoted to Assignment Editor followed by Assignment Manager for WBBM-TV in Chicago.

Added Dorsey, "I look forward to joining a news team known for such a superior news product. I am also excited to continue KRIV’s growth and to create some new and different additions to an already excellent station lineup.”

Dorsey majored in Broadcast Journalism at the University of Illinois and studied Radio and Television at the University of Central Florida.

Jace Larson joins KPRC 2 investigative team from KUSA 9News Denver

Award winning KUSA 9News Denver investigative reporter Jace Larson adds to growing KPRC Local 2 Investigates unit

Jace Larson

KPRC has been busy expanding its Local 2 Investigates unit as of late. In May, Bill Spencer from WXYZ Detroit joined longtime station investigators Robert Arnold, Amy Davis and Joel Eisenbaum.

Soon investigative reporter Jace Larson will be packing up Rocky, his Italian Greyhound, and moving to KPRC from Gannett's KUSA 9News in Denver. That makes Larson the fifth member of the Post-Newsweek Houston station's investigative unit.

 Larson has been at KUSA since 2007.

"I am very excited and can't wait to bring what we've done in Denver and add it to KPRC's strong viewer-centered coverage," Larson told mikemcguff.com. "Plus, it's nice to be moving to a bigger market."

According to Larson's bio, he's won the Columbia duPont Award, four Emmy awards and an Edward R. Murrow award. He's been nominated for a national Emmy award too. Plus the Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) group recognized his "Failed to Death" series, which covered Colorado's child welfare system, as a finalist in the Freedom of Information category.

In addition to Denver, Larson has done television stints in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Quincy, Illinois. He attended Principia College near St. Louis.

Oh yeah, Larson says his weakness is, "good food and a dirty vodka martini." Plenty of that available in H-Town. So if any miscreants out there want to butter this new Houston investigative watchdog up, that could be their method, but based on all of the awards on Larson's wall, I wouldn't count on it!

Texas will make this new transplant feel right at home.  Larson grew up on a cattle ranch in Washington State and enjoys country music.

Look for Larson to join the channel 2 investigative team in October - just in time for November sweeps.

In the meantime, you can watch examples of Larson's work on his website.

Fox 26 KRIV 2013 fall TV schedule

Fall TV 2013 schedule changes for Fox 26 KRIV and KTXH 20 Houston

Fox 26 KRIV

M-F, 2p: TMZ Live replaces Anderson Cooper (Divorce Court moves up to 1pm)  (Monday, 9/9)
M-F, 3p: Bethenny replaces Judge Joe Brown (Monday, 9/9)
M-F, 6-7p: Modern Family M-F and weekend replace Big Bang Theory, which moves to KTXH (Monday, 9/23)
M-F, 1130p: Trisha Goddard replaces both episodes of King of the Hill (Monday, 9/23)
Sat, 2-3p: Whacked Out Sports and In Depth with Graham Bensinger replace Cops (Saturday, 9/7)
Sun, 330p: Storm Stories replaces Cops (Saturday, 10/5)

KTXH My20

Thu, 730a: Biz Kid (E/I) replaces Swap TV (E/I) (Thursday, 9/5)
M-F, 8-10a: Bethenny and Law & Order SVU replace both episodes of Law & Order: CI (Monday, 9/9)
M-F, 1p: Trisha Goddard replaces Jeremy Kyle (Monday, 9/23)
M-F, 1a: Law & Order SVU (Secondary) replaces New Advs. of Old Christine/That 70’s Show (Monday, 9/23)
Sat, 10a: Teen Kids News replaces Mystery Hunters (Saturday, 9/14)
Sat, 11a-12p: Storm Stories replaces Newsradio (Saturday, 10/5)
Sat, 7-9p: Glee replaces Burn Notice which moves to KRIV (Saturday, 9/28)
Sat, 12a: Storm Stories replaces That 70’s Show weekend (Saturday, 9/28)

MORE STATION FALL 2013 SCHEDULES
Fall TX TV 2013

Fox 7 KTBC Austin fall TV schedule changes 2013

Fall TV schedule changes for Fox 7 KTBC Austin

The new syndicated shows coming to KTBC FOX 7 AUSTIN this fall are “Bethenny” and “TMZ Live.”

Effective, 9/9/13:
· “Bethenny” will join the FOX 7 lineup M-F 11am-12pm.
· “Wendy Williams” moves from 11am to 10am.
· The second run of “Dr. Oz” moves from 10am to 3am (replacing the overnight “Wendy Williams” repeat).

“TMZ Live” will join the FOX 7 lineup M-F 2-3pm (replacing “Judge Joe Brown” which will no longer be in syndication).

Effective 9/16/13, the following changes come to late fringe lineup:
“Dish Nation” and “TMZ” will switch time slots:
· “Dish Nation” moves from 12am to 11:30pm.
· “TMZ” moves from 11:30pm to 12am.

A second run of “Judge Alex” will replace “King of the Hill” 1-1:30am.
A second run of “Divorce Court” will replace an infomercial 1:30-2am.

RELATED
Christine Haas returns to Texas at Fox 7 KTBC

MORE STATION FALL 2013 SCHEDULES
Fall TX TV 2013

CW39 KIAH fall tv schedule 2013

CW 39 KIAH to get new look and shows for fall

Not only are new shows coming to CW39 KIAH and The CW, but a new on-air look is hitting channel 39 Monday, Sept 9th.

 Also, look for some unique Houston talent to be seen on station IDs.

 Those include Houston’s SoReal Cru from MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew season two, acclaimed graffiti artist Gonzo247 and the HaviKORO dance crew, (a.k.a. “Knights of Rhythm Odyssey”).

Here’s a Look at the fall CW39 shows:

The “Woof Man” Is Back…And Back is Beautiful!
You heard right. “The Woof Man”, a.k.a. Arsenio Hall, is returning to late night TV. CW39 is ready to get the party started on Monday, September 9th at 10pm. After almost 20 years, Arsenio has decided the time is right to come back with a new late-night show. Like his show in the ‘90s, the one-hour broadcast is sure to feature an entertaining mix of comedy, music and interviews with celebrity guests. Plus you can be sure his posse and the dog pound will be in full force. However, Arsenio has a knack for producing some of the most magical moments in television, which may set him apart from the competition. Remember then presidential hopeful Bill Clinton and his saxophone? When Arsenio’s live show hits the airwaves, who knows what could happen? We’re expecting more magic. The Arsenio Hall Show will air Mondays – Fridays and Sundays at 10pm on CW39.

Kirk Fox Puts Guests to The Test!
An exciting new daytime talk show is coming to CW39. The Test is one-hour conflict resolution talk show that will use lie detector and DNA tests to settle relationship and paternity disputes among guests. For a sneak preview click here. The Test will premiere Monday, September 9th at 2pm on CW39.

More Family Feud! More Steve Harvey!
Houston has a love affair with Steve Harvey. On television and radio, the entertainer keeps us laughing with his sharp wit and relentless sense of humor. Ever since Steve joined Family Feud, the show has skyrocketed in popularity. CW39 currently airs Family Feud for a full hour weekdays at noon. Beginning Sunday, September 15th, Family Feud fans will be treated to more fun episodes at 1pm, plus four back-to-back episodes starting at 7pm. Note…the weekend shows will not be repeats of the episodes airing earlier in the week.

The CW
With so many new shows breaking out in September, The CW has decided to delay its fall prime time lineup until October. From blood-sucking vampires in the Bayou to royal majesties of the Renaissance, The CW has developed a schedule sure to peak the interests of Houstonians.

With the popularity of The Vampire Diaries, its spin-off could possibly be another huge hit for the network. The Originals follows hybrid vampire Klaus to his home in New Orleans, the perfect haunt for vampires, witches and werewolves. The Originals will premiere Thursday, October 3rd at 8pm before moving to its regular time, Tuesdays at 8pm. For a sneak peek click here.

Sci-Fi fans will want to check out the dramatic twists and turns of The Tomorrow People. The series will feature a generation of humans born with paranormal abilities. They stand at the crossroads between the world we know and the shifting world of the future. Here’s a bit of trivia for you. The Tomorrow People stars Robbie Amell, cousin to Arrow’s Stephen Amell. The Tomorrow People will premiere Wednesday, October 9th at 8pm. For a sneak peek click here.

All hail the queen! Hidden between the lines of the history books is the story of Mary Stuart, the young woman the world would come to know as Mary, Queen of Scots. No stiff, stodgy stuff here. Reign is scandalous and saucy as it unveils the racy side of her royal highness during her teen years. Viewers can watch the premiere of Reign Thursday, October 17th at 8pm. For a sneak preview click here.

MORE STATION FALL 2013 SCHEDULES
Fall TX TV 2013

KUBE 57 fall TV schedule 2013

KUBE 57 gets lots of new shows and lots of local sports coverage for 2013

Lots of new shows are hitting Houston's KUBE 57 this fall like THE MIDDLE, COMMUNITY, KING OF THE HILL, THE CLEVELAND SHOW, EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND, COPS RELOADED, PATERNITY COURT, (new programming is indicated in red on the grid below). These programs will have a three week roll out since not all syndicated programs make the fall Season debut the same week.

As far as sports, KUBE will have Thursday Night Showdown (TNS) full of live and local High School Football games (SEE: KUBE 57 high school football live coverage schedule fall 2013)

SEC Football airs weekly every Saturday throughout the fall, starting this weekend from 11am to 2:30pm.
First 3 weeks’ games have been announced:
8-31 Toledo@Florida
9-07 W. Kentucky@Tennessee
9-14 Southern Miss@Arkansas

The station will also air Southland Conference games Saturdays at 3pm starting mid-October. Lineups have not been announced yet.

And let's not forget digital 57.4 Me TV which will broadcast ESPN’s American Athletic Conference Football Games. The opening game for this series will be UH Cougars vs. Temple Saturday, 9/7 starting at 11am. Weekly Saturday games continue 10/5 through 11/23 (teams yet to be announced).

Kube Program Grid - Fall 2013

MORE STATION FALL 2013 SCHEDULES
Fall TX TV 2013

Fox 4 KDFW DFW fall TV schedule changes 2013

Fall TV 2013 schedule changes for Fox 4 KDFW and KDFI 27 Dallas-Fort Worth

KDFW

Effective September 8th:
“Football Sunday with Mike Doocy” returns 10:30-11AM Sundays through football season

Effective September 9th:
“Bethenny” M-F at 11AM-12PM M-F
“TMZ” moves from 10:30 PM to 11PM M-F
“Access Hollywood Live” moves from 11AM to 1PM M-F
“TMZ Live” moves from 1PM to 2PM M-F
“Divorce Court” moves from 2PM to 3PM M-F
“Modern Family” premieres Sept 23 at 10:30PM M-F

KDFI

Effective September 9th:
“The Daily Buzz” M-F 8AM-9AM and 10-11AM

Effective September 23rd:
“Justice for All With Judge Christina” M-F 2-2:30PM and 2:30-3PM
“Modern Family” M-F at 6:30PM
“The Big Bang Theory” moves from 6:30pm to M-F at 9PM
“That 70’s Show” M-F 9:30-10PM and 10-10:30PM
“30 Rock” moves from 10:00-11pm to 10:30-11:30PM M-F
“Glee” debuts in syndication Saturday 7-9PM (2 episodes back-to-back)

MORE STATION FALL 2013 SCHEDULES
Fall TX TV 2013

KPRC 2 fall TV schedule 2013

Dr. Phil returns to KPRC 2 and other 2013 fall schedule changes

The new Fall TV schedule is quickly approaching us, so I will be posting some of the television station changes from across Texas on the blog (if you want your station's schedule included email me here).

First up is Houston's NBC affiliate KPRC Local 2 where Dr. Phil returns after an absence of a few years.

· Dr. Oz moves to 12noon from 3pm beginning Monday, September 9th
· Dr. Phil returns to KPRC at 3pm beginning Monday, September 9th!
· Queen Latifah debuts on KPRC at 2pm beginning Monday, September 16th

Weekend morning news line-up has also been modified (effective 8/17)

Saturday
· Local 2 News 6-7am
· Today Show – 7am
· Local 2 News (1 hour) follows the Today Show (start time varies due to various lengths of The Today Show)

Sunday
· Local 2 News, 6-7am
· Today Show – 7-8am
· Local 2 News, 8-9am

MORE STATION FALL 2013 SCHEDULES
Fall TX TV 2013

KTRK abc13 debuts new 6:30pm newscast w/ Erik Barajas & Ilona Carson

New abc13 KTRK 6:30pm newscast debuts with Erik Barajas & Ilona Carson...plus some Dave Ward thrown in?


Call me "The Newstradamus of H-Town." More on that in a minute.

As I was preparing my Stream KTRK abc13 on app with 'Watch ABC' post, I noticed a brand new 6:30pm newscast debuted on the Disney/ABC owned Houston station.

Even if I hadn't been watching, the tweets and comments started coming my way from curious channel 13 viewers like this one:

Hey Mike,
Do you know what's going with the News at 6PM? Dave and Gina were on and then all of a sudden, Ilona and Erik became the anchors at 6:30. It was truly odd...Hope they change it back! Dave is a fixture in Houston television, so they should not cut his air time!!

Eyewitness News at 6pm has been a full hour with Dave Ward and Gina Gaston (or Shara Fryer in the past) for decades. Now it appears Eyewitness News at 6:30pm with Erik Barajas and Ilona Carson will be the new thing.

Clearly my predictions last week about Barajas' replacing Ward in the future at least looks favorable at the moment. Don't think I'm really that good, that rumor has been around the block for years - you know there is the whole Barajas TV Dynasty thing that Isiah Carey AKA The Insite came up with.

So Barajas and Ilona Carson look to be the future of KTRK's main anchor desk, but an imposing news icon like Ward will not be easily forgotten - even just for the new half hour show.


Ward returned at the end to tease the 10pm news (he's still got that one) and to do his trademark "Before We Go" kicker segment. Can we all agree that transition from Barajas/Carson to Ward at the end was awkward? OK maybe not as awkward as Miley Cyrus twerking at MTV's 2013 VMAs but still odd.

Then there was the other member of the show...technical problems. Wow. Honestly this was the first time I've watched an entire Houston newscast since I left KTRK in 2009. It was shocking and sad. I've been receiving lots of channel 13 viewer emails in the past year asking me what's up with the station's on-air mistakes but this even surprised me. This reminded me of when I worked in Waco TV. First time I've seen this much go wrong technically on a channel 13 newscast.

Here is what I noticed:
- There was a wild robotic camera problem. It was like the camera got hit by lightning like Johnny 5 and came to life with a mind of its own. It would have been better if an anchor named Stephanie said, "forward" and then NOVA showed up. OK, a bit of an exaggeration, the camera was moving while Barajas was talking, but I love Steve Guttenberg and try to work his films in here.
- Anchors looking at wrong cameras
- A giant screen behind the anchors went blank
- Not a technical error but a mistake in my book - I hate that Smart Board.  It looks like a gimmick. Does the average viewer care? I think it just slows down the pace even more than normal.
- And then there was this:


A member of the floor crew walked in front of Chief Meteorologist Tim Heller. Based on Heller's reaction, I bet he didn't even predict that one.

Better luck on episode #2 abc13.  Although if it is really like this all the time, I need to start watching more often with my camera ready.

Stream KTRK abc13 on app with 'Watch ABC'

KTRK lets you kill your television and watch abc13 online or on your mobile

You don't need your boring old TV anymore to watch KTRK abc13 thanks to Disney's 'Watch ABC' app. In fact starting today, you can throw that big flat screen out the window and just watch the Houston ABC owned station on your phone, tablet or online anywhere you can get a signal.

Already available in cities like New York City (WABC-TV), Philadelphia (WPVI-TV), Los Angeles (KABC-TV), Chicago (WLS-TV), San Francisco (KGO-TV) and Raleigh-Durham (WTVD-TV) for months, the 'Watch ABC' app allows viewers access to 24/7 live viewing.

Here is a description of the service:

The WATCH ABC app is available on iOS and Kindle Fire devices, as well as select Android tablets, including Samsung Galaxy devices. Viewers can also access WATCH ABC online at WATCHABC.com.

The new WATCH ABC service is the first and only linear broadcasting service to provide authenticated viewers with live access to their favorite ABC shows and local market programming, as well as a variety of on-demand content in more ways than ever before, at home and on the go around town. In addition to allowing live linear streaming of viewers' local ABC stations, the new authenticated WATCH ABC service includes on demand access to full episodes of ABC's daytime and primetime programming nationwide, online and via tablets and phones.

Now to watch KTRK online, you have to have one of the following services: Comcast, Cablevision, Cox Communications, Charter Communications, Midcontinent Communications, Verizon FiOS and AT&T U-verse (these are the deals Disney has in place for now).

To get the app viewing on, you'll have to actually log-on through your TV service before you can watch. If you watch TV through an old fashioned antenna for free, then I'm pretty sure you cannot use 'Watch ABC' to watch KTRK at least (just the network). Make it up by clicking to read free TV in Houston.

I watched online through my PC easily once I remembered my Comcast Xfinity login and password. Then I watched it on my iPad through the app with no issues either.

Observations:
-- My only complaint is the default viewing area is small on the screen through the iPad. You can enlarge the video, but then it is not as clear.
-- Some will enjoy that Closed Captioning is available.
-- I checked my real TV to the web stream and found the television to be around a minute ahead of the online version.
-- There were only a few dropouts in quality, but that could just be my Wi-Fi connection.
-- One odd thing, during the 6:25pm or so sports break, the signal just stopped on a graphical scoreboard. Don't know if that had to do with the station not having the clearance to show certain sports video online. That sports video online world is a murky one legally.

Eyewitness News at 6pm was on when I started watching. The commercials that ran during the news through the app were different than what aired on TV because for the most part they were all ABC promos, a shiny abc logo or a we'll be right back graphic. I wish I could have watched Dave Ward and Gina Gaston on set talking during the break.

To watch KTRK, you have to be in Houston. That's why you have to "authenticate" yourself through your TV service. If you are not in a market with an ABC owned TV station (like KTRK), then I would guess you are limited to ABC network content. The schedule for KTRK showed programming in the future from network shows to syndicated to overnight infomercials. I wonder if you will be able to watch, for example, Houston Texans pre-season games through the app or is that a program that won't have online clearance.  We'll have to see...

Speaking of the network, ABC shows are on-demand ready for your viewing pleasure anytime. I'm guessing there will be some extra video for the online world too if there isn't already.

Watching Disney properties through apps is nothing new for the House of Mouse. 'WATCH Disney Channel,' 'WATCH Disney XD' and 'WATCH Disney Junior' launched in June 2012.

watchabc.go.com/

Paulina Sodi joins Telemundo Houston KTMD from TV Azteca

UPDATE
Paulina Sodi leaves Telemundo Houston

Telemundo Houston grabs Paulina Sodi from TV Azteca’s “Proyecto 40” in Mexico City


Telemundo Houston KTMD released a video celebrating the arrival of TV Azteca anchor Paulina Sodi joining the anchor desk with Martin Berlanga (video embedded above).

Release below:

TELEMUNDO HOUSTON NAMES PAULINA SODI NEWS ANCHOR OF “NOTICIERO TELEMUNDO HOUSTON”

Paulina Sodi Joins Martin Berlanga as Co-Anchor of the Fastest-Growing Local Newscast in Houston

Telemundo Houston- KTMD-TV today announced that Paulina Sodi has been named News Anchor for “Noticiero Telemundo Houston,” effective immediately. In her new role, Sodi will coanchor the 5pm and 10pm weekday newscasts along with Martin Berlanga.

Paulina Sodi

“I am happy to join the Telemundo family,” said Sodi. “I look forward to contributing to ‘Noticiero Telemundo Houston’ and providing our viewers not
only with the news stories of the day, but also in-depth coverage of social and community topics that impact their lives.”

“We are very excited to welcome Paulina Sodi to Houston, as a key member of our growing ‘Noticiero Telemundo Houston’ team,” said Tony Canales, President and General Manager of KTMD. “We anticipate incorporating Paulina’s extensive television news experience, as well as her strong journalistic background, in all of our news platforms.”

Prior to joining Telemundo Houston, Sodi served as anchor for TV Azteca’s “Proyecto 40” in Mexico City, where she worked for the national television network as news anchor and contributed to the development and production of documentaries and special investigative stories for seven years. During this time, Sodi also displayed her journalistic talents on both radio and print, having anchored at Radio 13 Noticias and Grupo Imagen Radio, while also writing for Diario La Razon, Reforma and El Universal newspapers. She also held various roles at TV Azteca since 2001.

Sodi received a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from the Intercontinental University of Mexico in Mexico City. She has been honored with a Golden Mike award by the Mexican Radio and Television National Association and an Excelsis award from the Global Quality Foundation’s, Mexican chapter.

SOURCE: The Nielsen Company, Jan-June 2013 AVG; M-F News TP 5p-530p & 10p-1030p; Spanish-Language Stations defined as KTMD, KXLN, KFTH, KZJL, KYAZ, KTBU, KHLM; English-Language Stations defined as KTRK, KHOU, KPRC, KRIV, KTXH, KIAH, KUBE.

97.9 The Box's Madd Hatta becomes a cartoon

Madd Hatta of the 97.9 The Box KBXX morning show gets animated for social media

Big time radio morning hosts usually have animated personalities and that's why people listen in droves, but one Houston DJ has gone totally cartoonish...for real.

Madd Hatta

Madd Hatta of the 97.9 The Box KBXX morning show and recent Texas Radio Hall of Fame inductee is now appearing in cartoon form on the station's social media accounts. I've never seen a radio station doing this!

"We produce all videos in house," Operations Manager/KBXX Program Director Terri Thomas tells mikemcguff.com. "We’ve gotten a GREAT response thus far."

Thomas says the concept is a collaborative effort between her, Jimbo of the Madd Hatta Morning Show and online editor Leon [no last name given].

Based on the watermark on the video, it looks like the Radio One station is using a site called Go! Animate to create the cartoon. I'll have to check that out.

One day there could be an animated Mike McGuff (that would resemble this character) on this blog telling you the latest about Houston media news.

goanimate.com

CSN to air more than 50 college football games

Coaches Shows, Insider Access, and More Give Viewers a New Home for Their College Football Fix

Comcast SportsNet Houston (CSN), a partnership between the Houston Astros, Houston Rockets and the NBC Sports Group, announced details of the network's schedule of more than 50 NCAA football games in 2013, featuring weekly match ups with schools from around the region.

The network will also debut a new college football recap show, College Football Central, airing live at 10:30 p.m. each Saturday from CSN's studios starting August 31.

CSN's 2013 live college football schedule features schools competing in the SEC, Conference USA, the Lone Star Conference, the Southland Conference, as well as independent games featuring New Mexico State and others. Multiple appearances by Sam Houston State, UTSA, Rice, UTEP, and New Mexico State highlight the schedule.

The 2013 college football slate on CSN also features at least 26 more games airing on a delayed basis, including five Texas Southern home games, eight Southland Conference matchups, and seven Notre Dame contests.

The full schedule is available at www.csnhouston.com.

CSN will provide college football fans with even more insight through shows like Inside LSU Football, SEC Football Tonight, Houston Cougar Football Central, Rice Owls Football Central, plus additional coaches and insider shows from UTSA, McNeese State, Lamar, and more.

Coverage will also include daily updates, analysis, and special guests on both SportsTalk Live (5 p.m., M-F) and SportsNet Central (Daily at 6 p.m., 10 p.m. and midnight, weekends at 10 p.m. and midnight).

CSN is available in both standard and high definition to all local cable, satellite and telco TV providers and today is carried by:

---Buffalo Cable (Buffalo, Grapeland, Jewett, and Kennard - Launching August 2013, channel number TBA)
---Coastal Link (channels 31/131 in Brazoria County, Texas)
---Comcast Cable (channels 39/639 in the Houston area; 86/1688 in Houma, La Place, Monroe and Shreveport, La.; 269/1687 in Little Rock, Ark.)
---Consolidated Communications (channels 42/723 in the Houston area)
---EnTouch (channels 73/473 in the Houston area)
---Ozona Cable (channel 19.1 in Sterling City, Eldorado, and Mertzon, Texas; channel 26.1 in Ozona, Texas)
---Phonoscope (channels 35/293 in the Houston area)
---Telecom Cable (channel 23 in Freeport, Texas; channel 33 in Fulshear, Texas)
*Visit http://www.csnhouston.com/channel-finder for compete channel listings

2013 College Football on CSN (schedule and channel locations subject to change)
Day Date Time (CT) Teams Network
Tuesday 9/3 10 a.m. Temple at Notre Dame Delay CSN
Tuesday 9/3 noon Prairie View A&M at Texas Southern University Delay CSN
Saturday 9/7 2:30 p.m. Alcorn State at Mississippi State Live CSN-Plus
Saturday 9/7 6:30 p.m. Austin Peay at Vanderbilt Live CSN-Plus
Saturday 9/7 7:30 p.m. Univ. Arkansas-Pine Bluff at McNeese State Live CSN
Sunday 9/8 8 a.m. Minnesota at New Mexico State University Delay CSN
Friday 9/13 1 p.m. LSC Football Festival: Sul Ross State vs. Eastern New Mexico Live CSN
Friday 9/13 5 p.m. LSC Football Festival: Delta State vs. Texas A&M-Commerce Live CSN-Plus
Friday 9/13 9 p.m. LSC Football Festival: Monterrey Tech-Puebla vs. Monterrey Tech-Mexico City Live CSN-Plus
Saturday 9/14 2 p.m. Texas Southern at Sam Houston State Live CSN
Sunday 9/15 12:30 a.m. Memphis at Middle Tennessee State Delay CSN
Sunday 9/15 8 a.m. UTEP at New Mexico State University Delay CSN
Monday 9/16 1 p.m. Fall Festival: Monterrey Tech vs. Texas A&M Kingsville Delay CSN
Tuesday 9/17 1 p.m. Fall Festival: Tarleton State vs. Midwestern State Delay CSN
Wednesday 9/18 1 p.m. Fall Festival: Colorado State-Pueblo vs. Angelo State Delay CSN
Saturday 9/21 11 a.m. Middle Tennessee State Univ. at Florida Atlantic Live CSN
Tuesday 9/24 10 a.m. Michigan State at Notre Dame Delay CSN
Saturday 9/28 2 p.m. Eastern Washington Univ. at Sam Houston State Live CSN
Sunday 9/29 8 a.m. San Diego State at New Mexico State University Delay CSN
Tuesday 10/1 10 a.m. Oklahoma at Notre Dame Delay CSN
Saturday 10/5 3 p.m. Florida International at Univ. Southern Mississippi Live CSN
Saturday 10/5 7 p.m. Texas A&M-Kingsville at Midwestern State Live CSN Plus
Sunday 10/6 8 a.m. McNeese State at Central Arkansas Delay CSN
Tuesday 10/8 10 a.m. Arizona State at Notre Dame Delay CSN
Tuesday 10/8 noon Alabama State at Texas Southern University Delay CSN
Saturday 10/12 6:30 p.m. Univ. of Alabama-Birmingham at Florida International Live CSN Plus
Saturday 10/12 7:30 p.m. Abilene Christian vs. HBU (BBVA Compass Stadium) Live CSN
Sunday 10/13 8 a.m. Northwestern State at Nicholls Delay CSN
Saturday 10/19 6 p.m. Central Arkansas at Lamar Live CSN
Saturday 10/19 7 p.m. Rice at New Mexico State Univ. Live CSN-Plus
Sunday 10/20 8 a.m. Nicholls at Stephen F. Austin Delay CSN
Tuesday 10/22 10 a.m. USC at Notre Dame Delay CSN
Tuesday 10/22 noon Alcorn State at Texas Southern University (Homecoming) Delay CSN
Saturday 10/26 2:30 p.m. UTEP at Rice Live CSN
Saturday 10/26 6:30 p.m. SEC Teams TBD Live CSN
Sunday 10/27 8 a.m. Stephen F. Austin at Central Arkansas Delay CSN
Saturday 11/2 2:30 p.m. UTSA at Tulsa Live CSN
Saturday 11/2 6:30 p.m. SEC Teams TBD Live CSN-Plus
Sunday 11/3 8 a.m. Sam Houston State vs. Stephen F Austin (from Reliant) Delay CSN
Tuesday 11/5 10 a.m. Navy at Notre Dame Delay CSN
Tuesday 11/5 noon Southern at Texas Southern University Delay CSN
Saturday 11/9 11 a.m. UAB at Marshall Live CSN
Saturday 11/9 2:30 p.m. UTEP at UNT Live CSN
Saturday 11/9 2:30 p.m. Boston College at New Mexico State Univ. Live CSN-Plus
Sunday 11/10 8 a.m. Lamar at Northwestern Delay CSN
Saturday 11/16 11:30am Florida Atlantic at Univ. Southern Mississippi Live CSN
Sunday 11/17 8 a.m. Sam Houston State at Southeastern Louisiana Delay CSN
Tuesday 11/19 noon Howard University at Texas Southern University Delay CSN
Saturday 11/23 2:30 p.m. Middle Tennessee St Univ. at Univ. Southern Mississippi Live CSN
Sunday 11/24 8 a.m. Wild Card Selection - TBD Delay CSN
Tuesday 11/26 10 a.m. BYU at Notre Dame Delay CSN
Saturday 11/30 2:30 p.m. La. Tech at UTSA Live CSN
Saturday 11/30 2:30 p.m. Idaho at New Mexico State Univ. Live CSN-Plus

Viewers with other TV providers should visit IWantCSNHouston.com for the latest distribution developments and to tell their cable, satellite or telco TV provider to add Comcast SportsNet to their channel lineup. Follow Comcast SportsNet Houston on Twitter: @CSNHouston for the latest news and information about the network.


(This post taken from a release sent to me by Comcast SportsNet Houston)

KTVT CBS 11 and KTXA 21 get new Dallas CBS Tower

Newly Renamed “CBS Tower” Will House Stations’ Dallas Operations

Beginning Monday, Aug. 26, CBS 11 and TXA 21’s Dallas newsroom and advertising sales offices will occupy the top floor of the office tower at 12001 North Central Expressway.

The 13-story building will be renamed “CBS Tower,” with signage at ground level, top-of-building and internally to reflect the new moniker in the coming weeks.

“We’re extremely pleased with our new space and the visibility this will provide our stations,” said CBS 11 and TXA 21 President and General Manager Gary Schneider. “In addition, the tower’s proximity to both Central Expressway and LBJ Freeway is key for our Dallas operation.”

“The addition of such an iconic American company to our roster of fine tenants raises the profile of our building and brings with it a new energy,” said Scott Dew, President of building owner and manager RPD Catalyst. “We are delighted to welcome CBS 11 and TXA 21 and appreciate the opportunity to re-name the building CBS Tower.”

The move follows the sale of the stations’ former Dallas building at 10111 North Central Expressway.

CBS 11 and TXA 21’s primary studios and other technical and business operations will remain in east Fort Worth on Bridge Street.

(This post from a release sent to me by CBS Dallas-Fort Worth)

Ruben Galvan joins KPRC 2 from XETV San Diego 6

UPDATED MARCH 01, 2016
Ruben Galvan announced departure from KPRC 2

Ruben Galvan to become KPRC 2 morning feature reporter from XETV San Diego 6 CW

Ruben Galvan

KPRC is getting itself a morning feature reporter.

Ruben Galvan, who most recently spent 10 years at XETV San Diego 6 News (CW affiliate) as the morning entertainment/feature reporter, is returning to Houston to offer his skills here.

"I'm so THRILLED to be joining KPRC and reporting back in my hometown of Houston," Galvan told mikemcguff.com. "This town has a whole lot to offer and I can't wait to feature some of the most amazing people and attractions... so get ready for take off! My first day on air is Monday, August 26."

Galvan left the San Diego station at the end of May. He must have been popular there because the station gave him seven minutes to talk about his departure weeks in advance.

Before that Galvan worked at KXXV in Waco (a side note, I think Ruben took my slot there when I left for KTRK in 2001).

He is a a graduate of Spring Branch's Northbrook High School and the University of Houston.

As he told us, Galvan starts at channel 2 Monday morning.

An interesting Houston note, a few years ago Galvan made San Diego Magazine's 50 People to Watch in 2009. In the list above Galvan was then San Diego Unified School District superintendent Terry Grier (for those who do not know, Grier is now the Houston Independent School District’s superintendent).

I leave you with a video of Galvan falling off a horse during a live shot. The Californians probably felt, as a Texan, he would automatically be a skilled horseman and know how to strike oil:

UPDATED MARCH 01, 2016
Ruben Galvan announced departure from KPRC 2

KTRK abc13 had job cuts

Disney announces cuts in its Disney/ABC Television Group which owns KTRK - 10 or so Houston employees gone either by layoffs or resignations

News is all over major newspaper and TV industry sites that Disney is having layoffs and The Disney/ABC Television Group, is getting a 2% reduction.

That business segment contains the ABC owned stations which includes KTRK abc13 in Houston.

The news going around is that 175 jobs will be eliminated from that unit. So it is unknown to us how many of those job cuts, if any, will affect KTRK personnel.

“As technological advances continue to alter the competitive landscape and viewer habits, it’s incumbent upon us to stay ahead of the curve,” ABC said in a statement to the press. “To that end, we’ve undergone a review of our organizational structures and processes.”

In the last months, Disney has been moving through units and making cuts in places like ESPN and the movie studio.

The Disney/ABC Television Group includes WABC New York, KABC Los Angeles, WLS Chicago, WPVI Philadelphia, KGO San Francisco, KTRK Houston, WTVD Raleigh-Durham and KFSN Fresno.

Reports say new jobs with different skill requirements could open up as a result.

UPDATE
I have heard of up to 10 people who were cut today or resigned. These were not on-air people. Because they are not in front of the camera types I will not publish names. If any anchors or reporters are cut, I will feature that.

HERE IS MORE COVERAGE:
- Disney To Eliminate 175 Jobs At ABC Television Group
- Layoffs expected primarily at ABC Owned Stations
- Disney to cut 175 jobs at ABC TV group
- Disney Said Cutting 2.3% of Positions at ABC TV Division
- Layoffs to hit Disney/ABC TV Group

Jay Michaels named 102.1 KDGE program director

Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Dallas Names Jay Michaels Program Director for KDGE-FM

Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Dallas announced today that Jay Michaels has been named Program Director for KDGE-FM, effective immediately.

Michaels, who already oversees programming for KDMX-FM, will now also oversee all programming operations for KDGE-FM. He will continue to report to Patrick Davis, Vice President of Operations for Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Dallas.

“Its an honor to program such a legendary station,” said Michaels. “I look forward to continuing to build the momentum on KDGE with our incredible staff and the entire Clear Channel Media and Entertainment team.”

“Jay has earned this opportunity and has been a major contributor to the station's programming since the beginning," said Davis. “He and the Edge staff have done an outstanding job this year and are seeing the benefits of their hard work.”

(This post taken from a press release sent to me by Clear Channel Dallas)

Can you imagine Houston TV after Dave Ward?

Dave Ward wants to hit 50 years with KTRK abc13 - but what happens to us after that?

UPDATE NOVEMBER 10, 2014
Dave Ward to step down from KTRK ABC13's 10pm news
Dave Ward to start 2015 with reduced workload

Bob Allen, Laura Ward, Dave Ward

While I was on my blogging break, David Barron wrote about Dave Ward's latest contract extension. Ward's goal is to stay on KTRK abc13 for 50 years.

Then it hit me...we will one day have Houston TV without Dave Ward (I guess we had David Ward for a spell, but that's a different story).

As I said on the radio a few weeks ago, on the day I was born, The Houston Chronicle listed Ward, Ed Brandon and Bob Allen as the talent on that day's Live at 5 in the TV section.

From hurricanes to wars, Ward has been there giving us the details for decades. Others like me only know life with Dave Ward on TV! Seriously, he's probably been more consistently in the lives of Houstonians than family members.

Just on this blog alone, I've watched Ward hit the 40 year milestone, 45 year milestone to last year just announcing, "They’ll probably carry me out of [KTRK abc13] feet first."

All good things must come to an end though (unless Ward can become virtual like Max Headroom).

So that leads us to who will take over Ward's main anchor chair at Houston's top rated station KTRK?

Will it be?
A) Tom Koch
B) Art Rascon
C) Tom Abrahams
D) Erik Barajas
E) Another internal candidate
F) Someone from the outside

If I were a betting man, I'd pick D. Why? You never bet against the Barajas TV Dynasty. It is their destiny!

If this prognostication becomes true, I will link back to this post over and over again forcing you to call me by the snazzy name "The Newstradamus of H-Town." If it doesn't happen, you'll never see a link to this post again.  This is preparing me for a life as a political pundit one day.

UPDATE NOVEMBER 10, 2014
Dave Ward to step down from KTRK ABC13's 10pm news
Dave Ward to start 2015 with reduced workload

RELATED
- VIDEO: KTRK 13 anchor Dave Ward's movie performance
- Original KTRK news team reunites: Ward, Lovett & Dungan
- Ward and other Houston radio DJs of the 1960s talk about era
- News 92FM's Mike Barajas & Bonnie Petrie honored by Texas AP
- Mike Barajas drops the microphone for baton
- Bill Barajas joins KSAT from KRGV
- Gina Gaston supports the kids

Former KTRK photographer Marshall Jard's legacy

L. "Marshall" Jard III Feb. 19, 1944 - July 3, 2013

L. Marshall Jard

In early July, I had a note that former abc13 KTRK photographer L. Marshall Jard III, 69, had passed away.

What I didn't have a chance to tell you about was his impact on Houston TV.

With the passing of Jard, also passes a TV journalist who didn't need an assignments desk editor for a story. Jard was one of those old school guys who management trusted to unleash on the streets and find his own breaking news. He rarely worked with a reporter towards the end of his career.

Jard worked at the ABC owned station for nearly 36 years - starting in 1974. Depending on the year, he worked overnights or daytime hours. Co-workers say he had sources in the Houston-area police, fire, constable and sheriff's departments. He was usually the first journalist on a breaking scene because of that.

"We worked together at KTRK, and he was the first photographer I worked with there," former KTRK anchor Van Hackett wrote on Jard's Legacy page. "He had great street smarts, an outstanding sense of humor and was always a delight to work with. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and worked with him."

Jard was a larger than life character who friends remember having a twinkle in his eye and a certain calming presence when the big stories broke.

"Marshall taught me how to load film in a CP-16 camera, and how to sniff out a news story," former KTRK photographer Dave Davis, who became WABC's general manager, wrote on Legacy. "He was a smart, funny, kind man. I will always be grateful for his influence on my career."

I hear Jard had battled some health issues leading up to his death.

Some of Jard's Houston television colleagues that attended his memorial service include: Tim Melton, Melanie Lawson, Chris Swanson, Phil Grant, Dave Strickland, Don Kobos, Lori Reingold, Don Nelson, Paul Mills, Gene Miller, John Mizwa, Mary Ellen Conway, Steve Osmon, Larry Mullins and Bill Balleza.

Chita Johnson and Mia Gradney get tacky, Kraddick tribute & more

- Pam Oliver gets hit in the face
- ‘WHAM!’ WSPA Sports Anchor Acts Out Game Highlights
- Best News Bloopers 2006
- Best News Bloopers 2007
- Wendy's Training Video From The '80s. It Is Gold
- Steve McCauley's final forecast on WFAA
- KWTV Gary England's Departure Promo, 2013

Kraddick's daughter remembers her father
In her first public interview since her famous father's death, Caroline Cradick says her father did not know he had heart disease.
- Tribute to Kidd Kraddick gives Dallas fans a chance to say goodbye

Dallas Morning News Will Get Rid of Its Paywall and Debut New Premium Site in September
Dallas Morning News Will Get Rid of Its Paywall and Debut New Premium Site in September D Magazine reports.

Big fish landed
KTXD-TV (Ch. 47) gets broadcast station rights to late season Cowboys game

KTXD parts ways with D but otherwise shifts into expansion mode with The Broadcast still very much in play
D Magazine’s initial visions of a local TV empire have turned into sand castles with the announcement that it no longer will be a part of KTXD-TV’s (Ch. 47) centerpiece morning show.

Big feature from Gary Cogill and Lascaux Films to get gala treatment at Toronto Film Festival
Former WFAA movie critic-turned-movie-producer Gary Cogill flew up to Vancouver earlier this year to shoot Words and Pictures, the first big feature from Lascaux Films.

Photos: Chita, Mia at Bad Pants Open
KHOU’s Chita Johnson and Mia Gradney took to the runway in their wild, wacky pants for the 16th annual Bad Pants Open at the Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women.

Appreciation of BOOTED NEWS WOMEN Blog
Rita Garcia Of Fox 26 In Houston Makes Her Blog Debut In Folded Black Leather Boots

Former KPRC met 'Chief Chuck' leaving KOLD to pursue doctorate
Chuck George, former KPRC 2 morning meteorologist and now chief at KOLD-TV, has decided to resign and devote his time to his pursuit of a doctorate.

Jan Jeffcoat leaves The List
Based on the of buzz I'm hearing, Houston misses former Fox 26 KRIV anchor Jann Jeffcoat. She really is #fox26forlife.

Perry appoints former reporter new chief of staff
Gov. Rick Perry has appointed former Houston Chronicle reporter Kathy Walt as the new chief of staff.

KTSU 90.9, The Last of the Great Radio Stations
Of all the radio stations in Houston, Free Press Houston's Rob McCarthy found that the only one he consistently enjoys is 90.9 FM The Choice KTSU.

CSN Houston to air Texas Southern home games
Comcast SportsNet Houston (CSN), a partnership between the Houston Astros, Houston Rockets and the NBC Sports Group, announced a partnership with Southwestern Athletic Conference member, Texas Southern University, to air five home football games on a delay basis.

KXAN expanding its morning newscast
KXAN is adding two more hours to its morning newscast beginning Sept. 3.

KTBC Names Lauren Petrowski Weekend Anchor
Fox 7 KTBC announced Lauren Petrowski will join meteorologist Scott Prinsen and sports anchor John Hygh as anchor of the weekend evening news.

Austin Photojournalist In The Middle Of Egypt
Caught in the middle, Cliff Cheney, a Baylor/University of Texas graduate and photojournalist.
- Former Press Writer Mike Giglio Detained, Beaten and Released During Egypt Protests

Ryan Crowe joins Herald staff
The newest member of the Herald staff is no stranger to newsrooms, or to Plainview. Ryan Crowe joined the Herald as special projects coordinator from KTVT CBS 11.

MOVING

Evan West joined KPRC 2 as a sports producer and MMJ according to Twitter. He formerly worked as a sports anchor at KBTV Beaumont.

Crystal Solomon is leaving her assignments manager gig at CW 39 KIAH's NewsFix. She takes over the same gig at Fox 26 KRIV.

REMEMBERING

Kracker Nuttz DJ Passes Away
If you’ve ever listened to 97.9 The Box in Houston in the past you have likely heard of the Kracker Nutz.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Rashi Vats moves to Fox 26 KRIV from KBTX 3
- Breeanna Malik named Clear Channel Houston Vice President of Sales
- KPRC 2's Lauren Freeman delivers baby boy
- Jennifer Lindgren joins KTVT CBS 11 from WKYC Ohio
- Colonel St. James returns to 93.7 The Arrow KKRW after surgery
- Houston TV has paid internships now

Houston TV has paid internships now

KTRK abc13 is offering paid TV news internships

TV interns are not known for their money making potential. In fact, they usually never make money. Their payment is generally school credit and the all important real-life TV station experience.

That has changed in Houston though. KTRK abc13 has a post on its job listings page for a paid internship in its newly revived program.

NEWS INTERN

KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned station located in Houston, TX is accepting applications for a paid NEWS INTERNSHIP for the fall semester. Internships are available to currently enrolled college students in their junior or senior year pursuing careers in the television/media field and must receive college credit for the internship. The internship program is designed to provide students with an on-site educational experience that complements their academic studies. Interns will have an opportunity to observe and participate in the daily work and operations of a major market, television station.

As an intern you will attend production meetings, assist the assignment desk, research news topics, view and log tapes, transcribe interviews and edit video along with other duties. Interns also will also have an opportunity to, on occasion, travel with reporters and field crews for stories and live remotes. Applicants must be currently enrolled in college and supply written verification of eligibility to receive academic credit for the internship at the start of the internship. Additionally, applicants must be able to work at least one day per week and the hours may vary depending on scheduling and will include some weekend and early morning and evening hours.

All interested applicants must apply online at www.disneycareers.com, Job Reqs 118520BR, 118521BR, 118522BR, 118523BR. Please upload a cover letter, your resume outlining other internships, degrees earned, work experience, related clubs and organizations, current major course of study, expected graduation date and extra curricular activities. No phone calls please. Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D

Now the post does not talk about pay, but a few of the other ABC owned stations that pay interns (not all apparently do) are offering minimum wage.

As far as the rest of Houston TV, the other stations are not listing money as an option on intern postings. So running to get an anchor coffee will still pay in experience.

Off the top of my head, here are some former KTRK interns in the Houston TV news biz - Katherine Whaley, Samica Knight, Mia Gradney and Tiffany Craig.

 I also interned at KTRK but don't hold that against the station's internship program - there are always a few bad apples.

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Colonel St. James returns to 93.7 The Arrow KKRW after surgery

Colonel St. James back on air after successful surgery

Colonel St. James

Good news! Houston radio icon and Texas Radio Hall of Fame inductee Colonel St. James is back on the radio tonight!

The Colonel has been missing in action for the past weeks because of double bypass surgery.

"I feel much better, though not yet 100%," Colonel St. James told mikemcguff.com. "I guess it's kind of a slow process, but I'm getting stronger every day."

Nothing including surgery will keep him off the air so catch St. James back on 93.7 The Arrow KKRW tonight.

"I want to thank everybody for the incredible outpouring of well wishes and prayers," St. James told me. "I'm overwhelmed and extremely blessed!! Also, I return to 937 the Arrow this Monday night at seven and I hope everybody will listen!"

St. James is a survivor. He's recovered from two strokes - his second in 2011.

The Colonel has been delivering great radio to Houston and beyond since 1974 at stations like Rock 101 KLOL, 97 Rock KSRR, Oldies 94.5 KLDE, XM Satellite Radio, 610 KILT and a lot more.

colonelstjames.com