KTRK abc13 EP Jerry Vazquez to be KTMD news director

mikemcguff.com exclusive: From KTRK to KTMD, executive producer Jerry Vazquez becomes Vice President of News

Jerry Vazquez 

Executive producer Jerry Vazquez is leaving the ABC owned station for the Telemundo KTMD Vice President of News chair effective immediately.

"I am excited to be joining a great team of professionals that are established in the market," Vazquez told mikemcguff.com. "Together we are going to do some great things and grow the station."

I know I said I was on break, but come on, we don't have someone cross the street to be an ND everyday in Houston TV.

Gerardo “Jerry” Vazquez is an award-winning broadcast journalist, with over 28 years of experience. He's been at KTRK for the past 13 years as an executive producer where he has overseen the 5, 6 and 10pm newscasts through that time period. Before that, Vazquez was the news director for KMID Midland, TX. He tells me during that time the station jumped from 5th place to number one.

"I want to thank KTRK for the last 13 years of my career," Vazquez added. "I will miss my friends who I worked along side, and not only worked with, but also learned from."

This will not be Vazquez's first time with Telemundo. In 1989, he helped launch Telemundo San Antonio’s “Noticiero 60.” There he served as its first Assignments Editor/Assistant News Director. He was later recruited to join KMOL (now WOAI).

Vazquez is a two-time EMMY winner, a seven-time nominee and won an Edward R. Murrow Award for producing a 30-minute news documentary about “Juan Diego” in 2003. He has won numerous AP awards for Best Newscast, a 2013 Station Emmy for overall News Excellence and various other community service awards throughout his career.

His first day will be August 4th.

Naturally this isn't the only high profile KTRK manager to leave the station in the last week. Last Friday I broke the story that KTRK news director Dave Strickland resigned.

Lest you think that Vazquez bolted because of that, I doubt it. One would think applying/interviewing for a news director gig with an NBC owned station would take longer than that!

While I'm here...Telemundo's competitor Univision sent me a release today claiming the title of July 2014 sweeps winner:

KXLN UNIVISION 45 NO. 1 IN HOUSTON DURING THE JULY 2014 SWEEP REGARDLESS OF LANGUAGE

HOUSTON – July 31st, 2014 – KXLN Univision 45 finished the July 2014 sweep ranked as the No. 1 broadcast station among Adults 18-49 and Adults 25-54 in major dayparts including: daytime, early evening news, primetime, late news and total day regardless of language.

Primetime Ratings Highlights:

· During the July sweep, KXLN achieved a higher primetime rating than all other broadcast stations, including all the major English-language network affiliates: KPRC-NBC, KTRK-ABC, KHOU-CBS, and KRIV-FOX.

LOCAL NEWS RATINGS HIGHLIGHTS

· “Noticias 45 a las 5” weekdays at 5 p.m. is the No. 1, most watched, early evening local newscast among Adults 18-49 and Adults 25-54, averaging 50,000 (1.7 rating) Adult 18-49 viewers and 55,000 (2.1 rating) Adult 25-54 viewers, ahead of local KTRK-ABC, KPRC-NBC, KHOU-CBS, KRIV-FOX affiliates in Houston.

· Airing weekdays at 10 p.m., “Noticias 45 Edición Nocturna” also ranked No. 1, averaging 116,000 (4.0 rating) Adult 18-49 viewers, 127% more than No. 2 KHOU-CBS. Additionally, among Adults 25-54, “Noticias 45 Edición Nocturna” also ranks No. 1, averaging 115,000 (4.3 rating), 58% more than No. 2 KPRC-NBC.

ADDITIONAL KXLN UNIVISION 45 HIGHLIGHTS:

In Daytime (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.), KXLN is the No. 1 station, averaging 39,000 (1.3 rating) Adult 18-49 viewers.

· KXLN’s was also the top ranked broadcast station in total day viewing, averaging 49,000 (1.7 rating) Adults 18-49 viewers, 133% more than No. 2 KTRK-ABC.

Source: The Nielsen Company, NSI, July14 (07/03/14-07/30/14). Live+Same Day. Primetime based on KXLN, KTRK, KHOU, KPRC, KTMD M-Sat 7:00p.m.-10:00p.m./Sun 6:00p.m.-10:00p.m. and KRIV, KIAH M-Sat 7:00p.m.-9:00p.m./Sun 6:00p.m.-9:00p.m.; early evening local news based on KXLN, KPRC, KRTK, KHOU M-F 5:00p.m-5:30p.m.; KRIV, KIAH, M-F 5:00p.m.-6:00p.m.; late local news based on KXLN, KPRC, KTRK, KHOU M-F 10:00p.m.-10:30p.m.; KRIV, KIAH, M-F 9:00p.m.-10:00p.m.; total day based on M-Sun 6:00a.m.-2:00a.m, all stations.

Also, I got word that KPRC had a "historic" sweeps in a good way. The NBC affiliate won every margin newscast for the first time in decades.


* This post has been updated with quotes from Vazquez and new bio info.

It's break time, 101 KLOL and where is Dave Ward?

See you soon and subscribe to my social media accounts below to keep informed

Mike McGuff and 101 KLOL Runaway Radio

Wow! The summer started off slow for about two weeks and then the Houston media news went full throttle.

Right now we are waiting to see who will be named KTRK abc13 news director, if there will be an interim named in the meantime, has someone already been hired or will a certain KTRK reporter's husband be waiting in the wings to assume the position. Try saying all of that five times fast.

Also where the heck is anchor Dave Ward?

I think the other stations are fairly stable right now...or at least more stable than KTRK at the moment. KPRC will have to hire a new assistant news director, but that's about all I remember. Oh yeah, and KHOU could name a new consumer reporter soon.

If we get any answers, well, they will have to wait to be put on this blog. I'm taking some time off. Got too much going on!

I am putting the finishing touches on my Rock 101 KLOL documentary script. By the way, if you have any KLOL related photos/videos (like you with a KLOL DJ or even in a KLOL shirt) or stories email me!

I'm also building websites for clients to help pay for the cost of this amazing documentary.

And most importantly, I have my two kids with me who have no more organized activities.

Make sure to follow me on Twitter and Facebook and Instagram to keep up with what's going on while I'm away. I'll still feature some news there that won't be on the blog like usual.

BTW, I have some great blog material coming up when I return. New Houston media job announcements and some TV talent acting naughty. I think mikemcguff.com might have to come in and spank them!

IN CASE YOU MISSED SOME BIG HOUSTON MEDIA SUMMER NEWS
- Demond Fernandez moves to WFAA from KTRK abc13
- Bill Young, broadcasting legend, is gone
- 'Live Well Network' plug pulled by Disney-ABC Television Group
- Darby Douglas to return to KHOU 11
- Lauren Talarico joins KHOU from WLTX Columbia, SC
- Mary Benton is leaving KPRC 2
- Former KHOU 11 reporter Brad Woodard has died
- Katherine Whaley leaving KHOU 11
- Courtney Zubowski leaving KHOU 11
- Rhonda Errer LaVelle is new KPRC 2 news director
- Tracy Clemons heads to KTRK abc13
- KTRK and ABC stations to start central master control hub
- Simone Eli is new KPRC 2 weekend sports anchor
- Jacob Rascon now at NBC News
- KTRK abc13 news director Dave Strickland resigns
- Bob French files lawsuit against KBTX

Kidd Kraddick anniversary, Houston TV job moves plus more

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S.A. radio ex gets KSAT-TV host gig
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San Antonio TV executive named to national Emmy board
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MOVING

Former CNN producer Kysha Reid exits the FOX 26 KRIV morning executive producer chair after nearly eight months. Reid told me the departure was a mutual decision between her and the station. She says she is excited about her next opportunity which she declined to talk about
it.
UPDATE 7/30/2014
Kysha Reid has notified me that this article about her is incorrect. That is all I know at this point. I have re-contacted her via Twitter and telephone to find out which part is incorrect. Will update when I hear back from her.

Did you know that TV director Rick Herring has been at KTRK abc13 for almost 42 years? Now his son, Chris, is directing at KPRC 2. Chris started at KSAT (San Antonio) after college, moved to WDIV (Detroit) and now is with KPRC.

Speaking of KPRC 2, Vice President/Director of Creative Services Mike Guerrieri adds the NBC Strategic Marketing Council Chairman role to his list of duties.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Tracy Clemons heads to KTRK abc13
- Fox 26 meteorologist arrested in the studio?
- KTRK and ABC stations to start central master control hub
- Simone Eli is new KPRC 2 weekend sports anchor
- Jacob Rascon now at NBC News
- KTRK abc13 news director Dave Strickland resigns
- Michelle Merhar delivers baby boy
- Bob French files lawsuit against KBTX

Bob French files lawsuit against KBTX


Former KBTX meteorologist Robert “Bob” French files federal lawsuit against Bryan/College Station television station

Many of you have been asking for an update on the claims of discrimination and retaliation former KBTX meteorologist Bob French made against his former station.

Today, representatives for French's attorney issued a press release (read below) that says French is filing a federal lawsuit against KBTX.

Here is the release:

Bob French

Bryan/College Station, TX. July 28, 2014: Robert “Bob” French, Chief Meteorologist and Weathercaster employed by CBS affiliate KBTX in Bryan and College Station for 23 years has filed a federal lawsuit against KBTX claiming breach of contract, age and disability discrimination, harassment and retaliation as well as violations against the Federal Medical Leave Act.

The federal lawsuit filed in Houston, Texas alleges that KBTX targeted French in early 2013 because of his age and because he was placed in inpatient hospital care due to exhaustion and depression following overwork over the 2012 Christmas and New Year’s holidays. French alleges that employees under the age of 40 were allowed time-off while French was not. While away on FMLA leave that would protect his job until his return, the lawsuit alleges that French was reprimanded for the effects of his exhaustion and depression and KBTX openly sought to replace him. In what KBTX General Manager Mike Wright referred to as a “coincidence”, KBTX advertised an open meteorologist position at the same time Bob French was away from work on protected medical leave according to the suit.

Bob French’s return to work on air was short lived as within days after his return, French was fired from KBTX in July, 2013 and was replaced by Shel Winkley a weathercaster under 40 years of age and without a disability, according to the suit.

French had previously filed a charge of Age and Disability Discrimination as well as Retaliation with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The charge named KBTX and its parent company, Gray Television Group, Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia as respondents. The EEOC investigation was completed and notification of right to sue was mailed on May 29, 2014 prompting the filing of the federal lawsuit by French.

Bob French is represented by Houston Employment Lawyer Charles H. Peckham.

“For KBTX to have violated Bob’s legally-protected rights is offensive” Peckham explains. “If KBTX can fire a beloved man such as Bob French for being over the age of 40 or for simply exercising his right to disability leave, no employee in Texas is safe from similar treatment. Bob is standing up to send a message to KBTX that folks over 40 with temporary or permanent disabilities are not second-class citizens.”

Bob French was employed by a written contract that governed his activities at the station. According to the contract, French could not be terminated without cause. Bob French claims that none of the reasons given for his termination from employment were “for cause”, but instead were for illegal reasons related to his age, disability, and in retaliation for having taken FMLA leave.

Charles Peckham of the Houston-based law firm of Peckham PLLC is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. No stranger to high profile cases, Peckham is currently working as the civil attorney for Dr. Conrad Murray, the doctor accused of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson and nationally-syndicated radio host and comedian, George Willborn. Charles Peckham concentrates in many areas of litigation including employment, real estate and commercial law.

A statement by KBTX parent company Gray Television, Inc. should be out later today. When I get it, I will post it here.

Michelle Merhar delivers baby boy

FOX 26 KRIV's Michelle Merhar has second child on National Parent's Day

Michelle Merhar

FOX 26 KRIV anchor and Traffic Authority Michelle Merhar has delivered her second baby.

Fittingly enough on National Parents Day, Merhar and hubby brought James Daniel into the world at 5:15 pm. He came in at seven pounds 8.5 oz and was 20 inches long.

First child Abigail was born in March of 2013.

Perfect for #NationalParentsDay ... James Daniel was born at 5:15 pm ... 7 lbs 8.5 oz ... 20 inches! @MyFoxHouston pic.twitter.com/0f6an59WGg
— Michelle Merhar (@FOX26Michelle) July 28, 2014

KTRK abc13 news director Dave Strickland resigns

UPDATE JULY 19, 2016
Fmr. KTRK news director Dave Strickland joins KPRC 2

************************************


mikemcguff.com exclusive: After 14 years, KTRK abc13 news director Dave Strickland announces resignation

Dave Strickland

This afternoon, KTRK abc13 news director Dave Strickland announced to the staff in an email he is leaving the ABC owned station.

Rumors have been swirling the last few weeks that Strickland was leaving the station. He had not been at the station during that time.

In the memo, Strickland cited the job was affecting his family, life and personal relationships.

"Dave Strickland is one of the country's greatest news directors and a friend for life," former KTRK 13 Undercover reporter Wayne Dolcefino told mikemcguff.com. "He supported my investigative reporting until the very end. He was the brainchild behind the kind of in-depth aggressive news coverage Channel 13 used to be known for. I know my colleagues are devastated as they watch what is happening to a once great television institution."

Strickland was news director for 14 years. He started at KTRK as an intern, worked his way up to sports producer, then news producer. In between his KTRK time, Strickland was news director of WAVY-TV 10 Norfolk, Virginia.

"I hired Dave out of college after he interned for me in sports at 13," former KTRK sports director Bob Allen told mikemcguff.com. "I'm proud of him for turning into a terrific news director. It was an honor to work for and with him at 13. It's a big loss for them. The best news director they ever had, and I worked for all but 2 of them. He'll find out as I did that change can be good. And like me, probably be much happier. MUCH happier."

KTRK general manager Henry Florsheim sent a staff email thanking Strickland for his service and recounting all of the advances Strickland made to the station during his tenure.

No interim news director has been named.

For those not in Houston, Strickland or "Strick" as he was called in the newsroom, was the longest serving news director in the market currently. If you read my blog with any regularity, you will see news directors at other stations come and go every few years. KTRK on the other hand, has had a consistent management team for a very long time. This probably means more changes will be on the way.

On a personal note, Strickland hired me into his news department in 2001. I learned a lot about television under his leadership. He was a tough, but fair boss. He expected you to work and do a good job. In this public forum, I would like to thank him for the opportunities he gave me.

Here is part of the nice email that GM Henry Floresheim sent to the staff about Strickland:

It’s almost impossible for me to express the impact Dave Strickland has had on Eyewitness News over the nearly decade and a half he has served as News Director. During his tenure, he’s overseen the greatest and most rapid expansion of news programming in the station’s existence. He has guided coverage of unique once in a decade -- or even once in a career -- news events and has helped positioned Eyewitness News for the future as we evolved from analog tape to HD to digital news production.

Dave’s tenure covers a highlight reel of the top news events in Houston and around the country/world. He arrived just in time for Tropical Storm Allison. He directed coverage for the station and the Station Group during Hurricanes Rita and Ike. He dispatched crews to New York on 9/11 and sent reporters and photographers to Kuwait and Iraq to cover the War. He watched one Texas Governor run and become President and a second fail to go to the White House. Dave put us live in Chicago when the Nation elected President Obama and shivered with the Houstonians on the Mall when President Obama took the oath. Dave witnessed the first Houston Texans football game, the Astros first World Series appearance, and the birth of the Dynamo. Under Dave’s direction, Eyewitness News was live in Rome for the selection of two Popes, in Mexico and Cuba for Papal visits and in London for a Royal Wedding.

When Dave returned to ABC 13 in early 2000, the first newscast started the day at 5:00 am. There was a half hour newscast that played coming out of a Soap at 11:30 am and Sally Jessie Raphael at 4:00 pm led into the 5:00 pm newscast. On weekend mornings, news ended at 7:00 am so the station could clear kids programming; and no station produced one hour late news on Saturday or Sunday evening. Amazingly, Dave has overseen the creation of an additional sixteen and half hours of news a week.

Dave led the surge through the alphabet as we moved from iNews to ENPS to Ignite. Today we Tweet and post on Facebook and live shots move around the World on 3 and 4G Networks.

Perhaps most importantly, Dave has connected with all of us at the station. He stood in the newsroom at 2:00 am dealing with the latest crisis. On far too many occasions, Dave was the first at the ER to help a colleague in stress. Over the years, he has touched all parts of KTRK-TV -- hiring new team members, directing coverage, and lending support to other departments around the building. I’ve come to rely heavily on his even-tempered approach and sound advice.

As he steps down, I can’t thank him enough for everything he has done for the station, the members of Eyewitness News and the support he has given the rest of the building. Please join me in wishing Dave the best in his future endeavors.

Stay tuned to mikemcguff.com for more...


UPDATE JULY 19, 2016
Fmr. KTRK news director Dave Strickland joins KPRC 2

Jacob Rascon now at NBC News

KTRK abc13 anchor Art Rascon's son, Jacob, now NBC News correspondent

UPDATE AUGUST 16, 2017
Jacob Rascon joins KPRC

Jacob Rascon

If you see what appears to be a young Art Rascon on NBC News, you are not seeing things, it is his son Jacob Rascon.

"He's been a great mentor and a better dad, never pushing me to follow in his footsteps, but when I decided to try it out, he was right there with endless advice and encouragement," Jacob Rascon told mikemcguff.com in the past.

I've been covering young Jacob's career since he was at KFOX El Paso. That was back in 2011.

In 2012, the younger Rascon (or "Ras-clone" as a commenter called him) moved to KNBC Los Angeles.

Then a week ago, my old post about Jacob started moving up the charts to be the number one post on this blog as of this writing. That's because Jacob is now an NBC correspondent...at least temporarily as he tweeted (see embedded below).

Art Rascon

Jacob follows in Art's national correspondent footsteps. Before KTRK, the elder Rascon was a CBS correspondent. As Art told me in the past, he is excited about his son's career.

"He's a solid journalist, has a bright future, and as a father I couldn't be more proud," Art Rascon told mikemcguff.com a few years ago. "I look forward to continuing our near daily conversations about his journalistic adventures."

It was apparent Jacob had his old man's reporting chops early on. It really is like watching a younger Art in terms of appearance, speaking manner and storytelling.

And don't think Art's national days are in the past. As I just recently blogged, a few weeks ago, Art filed a report for ABC News' This Week.

UPDATE AUGUST 16, 2017
Jacob Rascon joins KPRC

UPDATE 10/3/2014
Jacob Rascon officially joins NBC News

Joining @nbcnews as a correspondent based in Dallas! pic.twitter.com/RcsVTfpE43
— Jacob Rascon (@Jacobnbc) October 2, 2014

Simone Eli is new KPRC 2 weekend sports anchor

UPDATE MAY 24, 2016
Simone Eli to leave KPRC 2


Simone Eli leaves Fox 10 WALA Mobile, Alabama for KPRC 2 weekend sports anchor chair

Simone Eli

Sports director, anchor and reporter Simone Eli, who just left Fox 10 WALA Mobile, Alabama, started today at KPRC 2 today as the station's new weekend sports anchor/reporter.

Eli tells me she is excited about being in Houston.

"We're really excited that we got her out of Mobile and we think she will be a great asset," KPRC senior executive producer Rick McFarland tells mikemcguff.com. "Not only does she have great sportscasting experience, but I think people are going to be interested in watching her."

Previously Eli worked as a sports photographer/reporter for BCSN/WTOL 11 in Toledo, Ohio from August 2012 – May 2013 according to her LinkedIn.

She graduated from Bowling Green State University in 2012. While a student, Eli played on the Women’s Division 1 basketball team. On her personal website, Eli wrote she played on teams that won three Mid-American Conference Championships in 2010, 2011 and 2012, appeared in two NCAA Tournaments and made two WNIT Tournament appearances. In one of those WNIT appearances her team advanced to the Sweet-16.

Eli wrote she is currently finishing her Master’s of Education in Human Movement, Sports and Leisure Studies.


(Thanks Taylor)

UPDATE MAY 24, 2016
Simone Eli to leave KPRC 2

KTRK and ABC stations to start central master control hub

Following the NBC stations lead, ABC will hub master control operations

Alleged MIA management aside, sources at KTRK abc13 tell me the station's master control department is going the way of outsourced automation.

The staff announcement yesterday noted KTRK and other Disney ABC Television Group owned stations (like WABC, KABC, WLS, WPVI...etc.), will outsource master control operations to Encompass Digital Media, Inc. in Atlanta.

The NBC owned and operated stations started doing the same with Encompass back in 2011.

The change is expected to start in September along with a rumored ABC O&O traffic department hub in Philadelphia.

No word on how many jobs will be cut at the local stations as a result.

RELATED
KTRK abc13 news director Dave Strickland resigns

Fox 26 meteorologist arrested in the studio?

Mike Iscovitz in hand cuffs with Melissa Wilson in shock

UPDATE OCTOBER 09, 2014
Where is FOX 26's Mike Iscovitz?

Post by Fulshear Police.

OK, Fox 26 KRIV meteorologist Mike Iscovitz was indeed cuffed in the studio by Fulshear Police Officer Jen Covillo, but luckily it was only a stunt for social media. Officer Covillo was there talking about her "Super Safe Sunday Sundae" initiative.

UPDATE OCTOBER 09, 2014
Where is FOX 26's Mike Iscovitz?

Tracy Clemons heads to KTRK abc13

MMJ Tracy Clemons leaves KSDK St. Louis for KTRK abc13

Tracy Clemons 

Multimedia Journalist Tracy Clemons is leaving St. Louis' KSDK for Houston's abc13 KTRK he announced on Facebook Monday.

I'm assuming he will be an MMJ at KTRK.

"Now that my pastor knows, I can say publicly on social media that my last day at KSDK is Friday," Clemons posted on Facebook Monday. "My family and I are relocating to Houston, Texas. I've accepted a position at the ABC affiliate, KTRK."

Clemons has been with the Gannett station since August 2012. According to his LinkedIn profile, he previously worked at KSLA Shreveport as a reporter/anchor for two years. He got his television start at the NBC affiliate in Charlottesville, Virginia according to KSDK's website.

Clemons is a graduate of the University of Virginia and the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland where he earned a masters degree in broadcast journalism.

No word on a start date in Houston.

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Who says journalists have no heart? An anchor for KSAT-TV Channel 12 in San Antonio was overcome with emotion during a newscast.

S.A. anchor’s TV swan song — and upcoming book
Jacqueline Ortiz is waving goodbye to 16 years of newscasting/reporting to devote more time to her family. As it turns out, however, her own children, ages 6 and 9, aren’t the only young people who will benefit from her newly freed-up energies.

Meteorologist who sued KXAN lands new job
A meteorologist who filed a racial discrimination suit against KXAN after she was let go by station management has landed a new job with a nationally televised cable network.

Gannett completes acquisition of six London Broadcasting Company TV stations from SunTx Capital Partners
Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) announced that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of six of London Broadcasting Company's television stations in Texas for $215 million in an all-cash transaction.

Lazy TV anchors are just doing what the job description says
Nexstar owned KAMC and KLBK (Lubbock) have posted a job for main Anchors. Now, if you're thinking this is a job you can do, you better think again.

John Walton-Owned KFFX To Air Walton & Johnson Morning Show
yndicated Classic Rock and Talk morning show WALTON AND JOHNSON picks up KFFX/BEAUMONT-PORT ARTHUR, TX, which coincidentally is owned by show host JOHN WALTON.

Texas Cable Operator Fined $2.25 Million for Retrans Violation
A Texas cable operator has been fined $2.25 million for violating retransmission consent rules. The Federal Communications Commission issued the Forfeiture Order this week to TV Max of Houston for “willfully and repeatedly” violating Section 325 of the Communications Act “by retransmitting the signals of six Houston, Texas area full-power commercial television broadcast stations without ‘the express authority’ of the originating stations.”

Texas Monthly names new editor in chief
Texas Monthly has named Brian Sweany its next editor-in-chief.

REMEMBERING

Kuyk Logan
The Hobby family brought Kuyk Logan to Houston in 1969 as assistant managing editor of The Houston Post. He was named managing editor in 1976, a job he held until the paper was sold in 1983. From there, he became managing editor of news at the Houston CBS affiliate, KHOU-TV.

Charles "Chuck" Paul Pharris Sr.
Charles “Chuck” Paul Pharris Sr., 85, of Marietta died Friday, July 11, 2014. He joined KPRC-TV in Houston in 1956 as chief cameraman. He was later named Director of Newsfilm Operations, and became a member of NPPA. Chuck and the KPRC staff won several NPPA and AP awards for spot news and features, and in 1962 KPRC was named “Newsfilm Station of the Year.”

Young Telemundo employee killed in car wreck during holiday trip
A Houston family is mourning the loss of a young woman killed in a car crash out of state. Vanessa Morales was an employee at the Telemundo TV station in Houston.

Former KHOU 11 reporter Brad Woodard remembered
Friends gathered Saturday to remember the life of former KHOU 11 reporter Brad Woodard. Those in attendance included Jeff McShan, Carolyn Mungo, Greg Groogan, Chau Nguyen, former KHOU news director Keith Connors and wife Karla Barguiarena, Woodard's two sisters and many current and former KHOU employees.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Courtney Zubowski leaving KHOU 11
- PICS: Mary Benton's KPRC goodbye party packed with Houston TV celebs
- Ashley Paredez anchored at FOX 7 KTBC Austin
- Darby Douglas' father dies hours before his KHOU return
- Rhonda Errer LaVelle is new KPRC 2 news director

Rhonda Errer LaVelle is new KPRC 2 news director

KPRC made it official: Rhonda Errer LaVelle is new KPRC 2 news director

UPDATE JUNE 06, 2016
KPRC 2 ND Rhonda LaVelle heading to WXYZ Detroit

Rhonda Errer LaVelle

Rhonda Errer LaVelle is the new KPRC 2 news director a station source has confirmed.

LaVelle came to the Post-Newsweek aka Graham Holdings station earlier this year as assistant news director.

Since May, LaVelle held the interim ND duties after former news director Deborah Collura bolted for the general manager gig at WCNC Charlotte.

Before Houston, LaVelle worked at sister station WDIV Detroit for 16 years. She left there as an executive producer.

According to her LinkedIn profile, LaVelle attended Central Michigan University.

UPDATE JUNE 06, 2016
KPRC 2 ND Rhonda LaVelle heading to WXYZ Detroit

Darby Douglas' father dies hours before his KHOU return

UPDATE JUNE 13, 2018
Darby Douglas exits KHOU 11


Darby Douglas' father dies after long illness

Darby Douglas

Just as Darby Douglas was set to return to the KHOU 11 morning traffic chair Monday morning after five years away, tragedy struck his family.

Hours before the morning news, Douglas' father passed away Sunday after a lengthy illness according to an internal KHOU 11 memo obtained by mikemcguff.com.

As you saw, Douglas still made his debut and plans to be there the rest of the week.

"No one expects this kind of personal sacrifice, but we thank Darby for his commitment," wrote KHOU 11 Executive News Director Philip Bruce in the memo. "Please let him know that he and his family, including his mother, are in our thoughts and prayers."

I reached out to Douglas, but did not hear back from him which is totally understandable in this case. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Ashley Paredez anchored at FOX 7 KTBC Austin

Ashley Paredez named new FOX 7 KTBC Austin weekend anchor

Ashley Paredez

Ashley Paredez has been named weekend anchor for “FOX 7 News Edge,” announced Pam Vaught, the station’s Vice President and News Director. Effective immediately, Paredez will anchor the Saturday and Sunday newscasts at 5 and 9 p.m.

In making the announcement, Vaught stated, “During Ashley’s tenure filling in on the weekend newscasts, it was clear she was the best choice to be our weekend anchor. She connects with our viewers and is always looking for stories that will have an impact on our community.”

Most recently, Paredez has been reporting for KTBC on “FOX 7 News Edge.” Prior to that, she served as a morning anchor, reporter and executive producer for KFDA-TV in Amarillo, TX.

Added Paredez, "Since interning at FOX 7 Austin in 2008, I knew this is where I wanted to work. Becoming a reporter here was a dream come true. Becoming the weekend anchor is more than I could have ever imagined."

A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Paredez holds a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism.

(This post taken from a release sent to me by the FOX Television Station group)

PICS: Mary Benton's KPRC goodbye party packed with Houston TV celebs

UPDATE JANUARY 26, 2018
Mayor names Mary Benton interim press secretary

See all the Houston TV news stars who showed up to celebrate Mary Benton's KPRC 2 career

Mary Benton

Saturday night at Cafe Adobe Marq*e Center, 20 year veteran KPRC 2 reporter Mary Benton said goodbye to a packed house of friends, Houston TV colleagues and competitors. There was even a surprise appearance by Houston rapper Bun B.

Benton announced she will be working as a public information officer for Harris County.

In early July, Benton announced she would be leaving channel 2 and TV. No doubt, she will be missed.

Above are my photos from the event in a slideshow. If you can't see that for some reason, click here to see them on flickr.

Isiah "Factor" Carey AKA The Insite showing his blogging prowess, got video (embedded below) and has been throwing multiple picture posts up on his blog. SEE THEM HERE

UPDATE JANUARY 26, 2018
Mayor names Mary Benton interim press secretary

Courtney Zubowski leaving KHOU 11

mikemcguff.com Exclusive: KHOU 11 I-Team reporter Courtney Zubowski will be investigating life outside of TV news

Courtney Zubowski

After six years, KHOU 11 I-Team investigative reporter Courtney Zubowski is leaving the CBS affiliate and the TV world.

"It has been a difficult decision, but after significant consideration, I have decided to leave my KHOU family to pursue new and exciting opportunities," Zubowski told mikemcguff.com. "I am grateful for all of the wonderful experiences I've had at Channel 11."

Originally starting at KHOU as a general assignments reporter, Zubowski joined the 11 News I-Team in July of 2012.

The award winning reporter came to Houston from former Belo sister station KTVK in Phoenix. Before that she both anchored and reported at KFDM Beaumont.

She is graduate of the University of Southern California's Annenberg School of Communication, but is a Houston girl at heart. How do I know? We sat next to each other in second grade! According to Zubowski's bio, years later she got her broadcasting start by anchoring the news for fellow students at Bellaire High School!

Zubowski will be out the Gannett station's door later this month.

So what will Zubowski be up to now concerning those "new and exciting opportunities?" A source close to Zubowski tells me that starting a family might be in the cards. Zubowski was married to Dr. Eric Haas last year.

Here I thought it was going to be a slow summer concerning Houston media, but in the last week I've blogged that KPRC's Mary Benton is also leaving TV and Katherine Whaley first told me she's also leaving KHOU 11.

Here is the internal memo that went out to the KHOU 11 staff from KHOU 11 Executive News Director Philip Bruce:

She’s always been one of our go-to reporters, whether we needed someone to crack open a scandal or bounce on a trampoline for the debut of our brand-new 4pm newscast. Courtney Zubowski is a great team player, most recently as one of our I-Team reporters, where she did some EMMY award-winning investigative work. Now, Courtney tells me she wants to try something new for a while---life outside of TV news. And while I would love her to stay here forever, I totally understand her desire to shift gears and have a normal life for a change. Her last day at KHOU will be later this month. We’ve loved having her in our newsroom and on our air---Courtney’s a game changer. Very sorry to lose her day to day, and she knows this. But Courtney also knows she has all our support and best wishes for whatever comes next.

Dallas sends Houston an investigative TV reporter, plus best June TV news bloopers!

MORE VIDEOS
- Darby Douglas Returns To KHOU 11 News This Morning
- Unaired Married with Children - Pilot
- Man throws esky full of water on news reporter
- Joan Rivers Refuses To Suffer Through CNN Interview, Comedienne Storms Out
- Meteorologist gets a bit of a surprise while doing his weathercast
- TV crews dance like the King of Pop...sort of
- TV anchor likes reporter in a bikini
- Reporter Talks About Celebrity’s Failed Kiss Attempt
- Plane Makes Emergency Landing on Live TV
- Gilley's 1980 Channel 2 news story
- Squirrel Leaves Oregon Station in the Dark
- Reporter blasted by dust storm

Ayala leaves KUVN anchor job for reporter gig in Houston
Crystal Ayala has left the anchor desk at KUVN-23, the Univision O&O in Dallas, to become an investigative reporter at KXLN-45, Univision Houston.

KTXD-TV's The Broadcast will be without Suzie Humphreys after July
Suzie Humphreys, the resident firecracker on KTXD-TV’s (Ch. 47) locally produced The Broadcast, will be leaving the program at the end of July.

New afterlives for Gloria Campos, Rebecca Miller
Two former and familiar D-FW news personalities, Gloria Campos and Rebecca Miller, have new positions without TV station backdrops.

Mariachi band trails Dallas Morning News editor
When the mariachi band played themselves into the Friday morning news meeting at The Dallas Morning News, Mark Edgar didn’t realize they were really there for him. At least not at first.

The Dallas Morning News launches online citizen journalism program
The Dallas Morning News has launched an online citizen journalism program to engage new audiences by focusing on readers’ passion areas.

NBC 5 KXAS studio gets props
Adolfson & Peterson Construction (A&P) was recently awarded the first place Distinguished Building Award for its work on the NBC 5 Studios at CentrePort project from TEXO and the Associated General Contractors Texas office.

On June 30, 1989, The Edge changed Dallas radio
Back when The Edge was at 94.5.

Houston radio icon Jim Pruett is back to rockin’ airwaves
Who says you can’t go back? If you grew-up in Houston in the 80′s and 90′s, chances are your radio dial was locked on Rock 101 KLOL, where the “Radio Gawdz”, Mark Stevens and Jim Pruett ruled the airwaves.

Michael Harris talks radio return
Michael Harris talks to Isiah "Factor" Carey AKA The Insite about why he's back on KCOH.

Phillip Mena: Sports lover, star gazer with easy style
Armed with a broadcast journalism degree from Arizona State University, Phillip Mena knew he was ready for the workforce.

Get inspired by Chronicle music critic’s 70-pound weight loss
Chronicle music critic Joey Guerra got healthy, fit and dropped 70 pounds in the last year.

Party watch
Houston TV news stars turn out in force to see Houston's Gucci-wearing Gayby Boom baby.

93.7's Beat Down Ups the Ante In H-Town's Rap-Radio Feud
Whether they want to admit it to one another or not, KQBT 93.7 The Beat and KBXX 97.9 The Boxx are embroiled in a war. A cold war, but a war nonetheless.

News 88.7 Schedule Update
Beginning July 7, Houston Public Media News 88.7 will be making some changes to the midday and evening schedule.

Mark Clegg Leaving KSHB for Houston PR Job
Kansas City NBC affiliate KSHB announced anchor Mark Clegg is leaving the station and moving to Houston to work as director of media relations and communications at real estate company Hines,

WOAI-TV anchor exits to be full-time mom
After 16 years of anchoring and reporting at WOAI-TV, Jacqueline Ortiz is leaving to concentrate more on kids and family.

Man charged with threatening KLBJ staff
Police charged a man after he posted a series of Facebook messages threatening KLBJ staff members, court documents said.

Meet new KEYE anchor Hema Mullur
On her first day at KEYE, amid all the balloons and treats from co-workers eager to welcome her, Hema Mullur spotted a handwritten note on her desk.

Is Acevedo Stonewalling Fox 7?
Friction between the two stems from arrest of jaywalking jogger

Fox 7 to launch 10 p.m. newscast
Austin’s already competitive 10 p.m. news landscape is heating up. Fox-owned KTBC will debut a 30-minute newscast in that time slot weeknights this fall.

Diario de El Paso editor resigns, cites family dispute
Ivan Rodriguez Fierro, the editor of El Diario de El Paso, has resigned his position at El Paso's Spanish-language daily.

REMEMBERING

Former KHOU 11 reporter Brad Woodard has died
Former KHOU 11 reporter Brad Woodard leaves many friends and fans; plus a great body of TV work

Long Time WOAI Talk Host Wiglesworth Dies
Carl Wiglesworth, who was a talk show host on Newsradio 1200 WOAI for two decades and helped create the conservative talk radio format which became standard in AM radio, has died at the age of 73, family members tell WOAI.

MOVING

Longtime KTRK abc13 employee Ted Markus is leaving the TV world for a gig with Insperity as a Creative Marketing Writer and Producer.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Mary Benton is leaving KPRC 2
- Texas Radio Hall of Fame for 2014 inductees
- Katherine Whaley leaving KHOU 11
- Mike Garber new KTVT - KTXA news director

Mike Garber new KTVT - KTXA news director

Mike Garber named KTVT/KTXA Vice President and News Director

Mike Garber has been named Vice President and News Director for KTVT (CBS 11) and KTXA (TXA 21), the CBS-owned stations in Dallas-Fort Worth, it was announced today by President and General Manager Gary Schneider.

"I am thrilled to have someone of Mike's caliber and expertise join us,” said Schneider. “He is a proven leader with a great track record, and we look forward to having him oversee the outstanding team of news professionals here at CBS 11 and TXA 21."

Garber joins KTVT/KTXA from WPTV/WFLX in West Palm Beach, Fla., where served as News Director since 2012. During his tenure, WPTV was honored with a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall Excellence and a regional EMMY Award for News Excellence.

“I am pleased to be joining the smart and experienced team at CBS 11 and TXA 21,” Garber said. “My new colleagues have long done a terrific job of putting the community first, and I look forward to making sure that we keep that focus and provide the Dallas-Fort Worth area with the highest quality local news coverage in the market."

Garber was News Director at WTLV/WJXX in Jacksonville, Fla. from 2008 to 2012. Under his leadership, WTLV received the 2011 regional EMMY for News Excellence. Prior to that, Garber was News Director at WLTX in Columbia, S.C., and before that, he was Assistant News Director at KGUN in Tucson, Ariz.

A graduate of the University of South Florida, Garber began his career as a Sports Producer at WTVT in Tampa, Fla. He later held the same position at WFTS in Tampa and CBS-owned KPIX in San
Francisco.

Garber will join KTVT/KTXA later this month.

(This post taken from release sent to me by CBS DFW)

Katherine Whaley leaving KHOU 11

KHOU 11 traffic anchor Katherine Whaley is exploring other opportunities

UPDATE OCTOBER 05, 2014
Katherine Whaley joins KTRK abc13

UPDATE OCTOBER 09, 2014
Katherine Whaley debuts on KTRK abc13

Katherine Whaley

KHOU 11 morning traffic anchor Katherine Whaley tells me her last day reporting on the Houston commute was last Friday, July 4th, and she will be leaving the CBS affiliate later this summer.

"KHOU offered me a different position, which I ultimately determined was not the right fit for me," Whaley told mikemcguff.com. "I will be with the station through most of August."

In June, KHOU announced the return of Darby Douglas, who Whaley originally replaced in 2009. Douglas will once again perform morning traffic duties. According to the KHOU release about Douglas, Whaley was to move out of his way, but stay on as a reporter.

However Whaley tells me she is currently engaged in conversations for some upcoming opportunities. She also has a side passion.

"You may remember I am an active blogger, covering Houston food, my original recipes, and travel," Whaley told me. "I am planning to relaunch the site later this month. Stay tuned!"

I wrote about Whaley's blog, Dash of Decadence, last September.

According to her bio, Whaley previously worked in Las Vegas at KVBC as an anchor, reporter and weathercaster. Before rolling the dice in Vegas, she anchored and reported at KLFY Lafayette, Louisiana and KAVU Victoria.

Whaley grew up in West Houston, attended Memorial High School and is a Rice University grad.

Stay tuned for more on what Whaley does next.

Now Darby Douglas doesn't start his old/new gig until July 14th, so who was doing the traffic honors this morning? The answer is weekend morning anchor Sherry Williams.

UPDATE OCTOBER 05, 2014
Katherine Whaley joins KTRK abc13

UPDATE OCTOBER 09, 2014
Katherine Whaley debuts on KTRK abc13

Texas Radio Hall of Fame for 2014 inductees

Texas radio greats to be honored in hall of fame ceremony

The Texas Radio Hall of Fame, an organization dedicated to honoring the greats in Texas radio, has a big announcement.

The voting members have spoken, the Board of Directors have approved, and its Chairman Bud Buschardt has affirmed the following individuals as the newest Inductees to the Texas Radio Hall of Fame for 2014.

Vandy Anderson-Galveston
Dave Moreland-Tyler
Johnny Chiang-Houston
Tom Allen-Austin
Outlaw Dave Andrews-Houston
Brent Clanton-Houston
Jose Jaime Garcia-Austin
John Hiatt-Houston
Jerry King-San Antonio
John Lander-Houston
Chet Maxwell-Dallas
Mike Wade-Dallas
Mike Rhyner-Dallas
Walter Hammock-Houston
Rio and Reyes-San Antonio
Irene Runnels-Dallas *SAMMY* Award Recipient for Trailblazing Female in the Industry

The Texas Radio Hall of Fame induction celebration and ceremony will be held in Galveston, Texas at the Hotel Galvez on November 1st at 12pm. As mentioned on this blog before, the program will be dedicated to the life and work of broadcasting pioneer Bill Young.

trhof.net/

RELATED
- Texas Radio Hall of Fame nominations 2013
- The 2012 Texas Radio Hall of Fame inductees

Former KHOU 11 reporter Brad Woodard has died

Former KHOU 11 reporter Brad Woodard leaves many friends and fans; plus a great body of TV work

UPDATE
The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences lists Woodard's manner of death as natural.

Brad Woodard

News came in Wednesday afternoon that former KHOU 11 reporter Brad Woodard had died earlier in the day. His former station is now confirming the news.

"He was a kind, talented man who wrestled with some unkind problems," KHOU 11 Executive News Director Philip Bruce told mikemcguff.com. "It’s very sad over here."

The station told me Woodard was 52 years old. Published reports say he was 51.

According to KHOU, authorities discovered Woodard's body Wednesday morning after a relative called police to check on him. He had failed to return several phone calls and investigators say there was no evidence of foul play.

"With a sublime story telling voice that frequently reached the exquisite Brad Woodard used his craft and tremendous heart to protect and defend all creatures, human and otherwise," friend and Fox 26 KRIV reporter Greg Groogan told mikemcguff.com. "I mourn him and will remember him well."

Last February I reported that Woodard had been let go from KHOU.

As I posted back then, Woodard joined KHOU in 2006 from KARE-TV, the NBC affiliate in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Prior to that he worked for WTVF-TV, the CBS affiliate in Nashville, TN and WSAV-TV in Savannah, GA, where he anchored, reported and produced documentaries.

He also appeared in the HBO film, "Vietnam War Stories," and on the short-lived ABC television series, "Breaking Away." The bio also notes his work appeared on NBC's "Today" show nearly 200 times.

In the last 24 hours, social media has been full of tributes to the award winning reporter. He was known as a top rated journalist and talented writer.

UPDATE 7/10/2014
Brad Woodard was laid to rest yesterday in Hayesville, NC. Reporters Kevin Reece of KHOU, Jason Whitely of WFAA, Alex Sanz of AP, and KHOU photographers Tom Empey and Gregg Hamilton attended.

UPDATE 7/7/2014
Here is Woodard's online obituary:

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, July 9, 2014 in the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church with the Revs. Chad Chandler and Lewis Walker officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Stan Woodard, Gregg Hamilton, Jason Whitely, Kevin Reece, Tom Empey, and Tom Gasparoli. Jake Empey will serve as honorary pallbearer.

@Christineonfox7: Very sad to hear about the death of one the best journalists I've known. RIP Brad Woodard. God Bless your soul.
— Christine Haas (@Christineonfox7) July 3, 2014

Just not a good day. Reporter Brad Woodard passed away. I can still see him sitting at his desk saying "living the dream." RIP Brad.
— Butch Alsandor (@ButchAlsandor) July 3, 2014

Sickened to hear of the death of former KHOU reporter Brad Woodard. I've always viewed him as among the most talented TV reporters - ever.
— Scott Packard (@ScottiePackard) July 3, 2014

Mary Benton is leaving KPRC 2

UPDATE MARCH 14, 2018
Mary Benton appointed press secretary

UPDATE JANUARY 26, 2018
Mayor names Mary Benton interim press secretary

After 20 years, Mary Benton is leaving KPRC and the TV biz

Mary Benton

After 20 years at the station, KPRC 2 reporter Mary Benton is calling it quits.

--------------------------------------
PHOTOS: See all the Houston TV stars who showed up to celebrate Mary Benton's KPRC 2 career
--------------------------------------

"It is certainly with mixed emotions at I am leaving," Benton told mikemcguff.com. "I'm going to miss my co-workers at channel 2. Most importantly I will miss interacting with viewers that have become like friends and family. I was so blessed that I had the opportunity to tell their stories over two decades. I think what I will miss most is being a voice in the newsroom and represent those that did not have a voice in the media."

Name a big story, and Benton has probably covered it. Plus, she has the reputation for always getting the story right. She's won awards for her work, was named a YMCA Top Achiever, Best TV News Reporter by the Houston Press and one of Houston's Top 25 Women by Rolling Out Magazine.

Before KPRC, Benton worked as a reporter at Fox 7 KTBC Austin and KCEN Waco/Temple/Killeen.

Texas runs in Benton's blood. She is a Harlingen native and a University of Texas at Austin grad. She currently serves on the Texas Exes Black Alumni Advisory Committee, was appointed to the Elections Advisory Committee by Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and serves on the national board of the National Association of Black Journalists.

You might remember that Benton had a health scare earlier this year and missed a few months of work. She fully recovered in April.

Benton is leaving the TV news world for a new gig that has yet to be announced. As they say in her longtime profession...stay tuned for that news coming up.

Her last day is July 11th.

UPDATE JULY 14, 2014
Mary Benton is heading to work in media relations as a public information officer with Harris County.
PICS: Mary Benton's KPRC goodbye party packed with Houston TV celebs


UPDATE JANUARY 26, 2018
Mayor names Mary Benton interim press secretary