Houston traffic's Vikki Taylor loses cancer battle

Vikki Cummings Taylor Rosenkranz, better known as Vikki Taylor, was a fixture on KTRK abc13 and 104.1 KRBE

Vikki Taylor

Sad news to report about a member of the Houston media.

 Vikki Cummings Taylor Rosenkranz, better known as Vikki Taylor to television viewers, has died after a battle with cancer.

In recent years, Taylor filled in for Don Nelson on KTRK abc13's morning traffic reports. Before that, she was Westwood One's airborne traffic reporter for 104.1 KRBE and KTRK for 14 years according to her LinkedIn profile.

Husband Robert Rosenkranz announced the sad news on Facebook:

It was a very sad day yesterday..
I lost my best friend and my soul mate Vikki...
She lost her battle a little after 10pm last night.
She was a fighter and would never give up..till the very end.
It was a great honor and privileged to be with her for 9 years.
Nine of the very best years of my life..
To everyone that met Vikki knew just what a special person she was.
To all those that never had this honor you were truly robbed of a very incredible experience...
Her ear to ear smile was contagious..
One friend said "If Vikki walked thru an empty field , flowers would pop up in her footsteps".. I agree 100%
I will miss her every single day till the day I die..
She is now an Angel and I know that she is hard at work helping others...
Thank you to all that sent their prayers and healing intentions..
The universe must have needed her more..
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS DONATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AT A "GO FUND ME" PAGE BEING SET UP NOW.. TO SUPPORT FUNERAL AND MEDICAL COSTS ..
Thank you
Services will be on Feb 3rd 2015 @ 3pm
Knesek Brothers Funeral Chapel Sealy Texas
Highway 36 Location Address:
1140 Meyer
Sealy, Texas 77474

RELATED
Don Nelson announces KTRK abc13 departure

Sneak peek of Houston and Texas Super Bowl commercials

See some Houston and Texas Super Bowl TV commercials before anyone else

If you read this blog, you probably like TV, so here is a sneak peek of some Super Bowl television commercials airing locally in Houston and other Texas markets.

Adweek reported a 30-second national spot airing during the big game reportedly costs $4.5 million, so a regional or local buy like the following are much cheaper, but can still reach into the millions. So that will answer your question about that rumored mikemcguff.com TV spot.

First off, Reliant with the help of University of Houston commencement speaker Academy Award winning actor Matthew McConaughey, tells us about its app that lets customers pay their bill, monitor power usage and manage their account.


Next up, Ford tells us how well its doing in the "Most Searched," "Most Purchased" and "Most Loyal" categories.

Hey KPRC 2, where's the 'Local?'

KPRC 2 changes names and drops the 'Local'

New KPRC 2 News logo

KPRC viewer emails are flying into my inbox. Why? The "KPRC Local 2" tagline that's been effect for years seems to have gone away in favor of "KPRC 2 News" or "KPRC Channel 2 News" depending on which anchor you're watching.

Graphically it's the same KPRC logo, just with the "Local" replaced by "KPRC."

I noticed the switch this morning during the 11am newscast, so I immediately contacted the station for comment, but have not heard back from them.

Old KPRC Local 2 logo

Social media wise, the station is slowly replacing the "local" word. The NBC affiliate's Facebook page name was switched "KPRC2" this afternoon, however the talent pages all say KPRC Local 2 on them still. Same for the Twitter account. That's going to be a fun project for someone to go in and make all of those changes!

It's kind of like when Reliant Stadium became NRG Stadium. Can you imagine how much it must have cost to change the name on every sign? It even said Reliant on things as small as trash cans!

I still like the KPRC 90s slogan which was "News 2 Houston" (WATCH HERE). It sounded the best to me, but I'm guessing when the station wanted to distance itself from its tabloidish past, that name was the first gonner.

If I hear back from the station, I will post the response here. Stay tuned.

WFAA uses iPhone to tape half-hour show

WFAA 8 Dallas shows us the future of TV: The reporter and the iPhone


UPDATE
WFAA iPhone show host Mike Castellucci talks how he did it; plus advice on how you can do it

If you work in TV, then you've probably heard someone say at one point there aren't enough photographers around to shoot the day's stories. This means a reporter or producer will have some waiting time until these unsung heroes of the newsroom finish taping and get back to the station to shoot the next stuff.

We've heard stories online of reporters taking matters into their own hands...literally...by shooting stories all by their lonesome with nothing but a phone or iPad.

Well, WFAA Dallas Good Morning Texas host Mike Castellucci has taken it a step further and actually produced an entire half-hour special with only his iPhone aptly called Phoning It In. And if the former "Why Guy," didn't continually point out the iPhone was recording the video, you might not notice because it looks great.

There is even a running joke in the show concerning channel 8 chief photographer Mark Muller waiting back at the station with his $50,000 high-def camera and nothing to do.

This is all kinda ironic if you realize how much WFAA pioneered the use of high definition back in the 1990s. In fact according to a press release, WFAA became the first station in the Dallas/Fort Worth television market and America to broadcast a high definition VHF signal.

Now that pioneering spirit becomes much smaller and cheaper...and well, fits in your pocket. And it certainly fits in the modern newsroom's budget. It's no secret there have been cuts in terms of equipment and personnel throughout the broadcasting industry. What better way to solve these problems than have reporters shoot their own news on a phone?

There are tripods, lenses and other equipment that can make the video quality more professional looking. Once everything is in the phone, apps can be used to fix the lighting and colors of the video or you can touch it up in a real post-production environment. Pull out the USB cable and you're in Final Cut Pro X or whatever else is the flavor of the moment.

But photographers shouldn't be heading to the unemployment office just yet. You have to actually find folks as talented as Castellucci and willing to do the work with just a phone first. That's the hard part.

So make sure to watch the video and see if you agree that phones are the future reporter multi-media journalist (MMJ) cameras of the future!

UPDATE
WFAA iPhone show host Mike Castellucci talks how he did it; plus advice on how you can do it

Opens from bad 70s TV, 80 sci-fi shows and kid television

Ahhh...the memories. From bad 70s TV, 80s sci-fi TV to kiddie shows, the opens you can't forget (or maybe you can actually.)

The cartoons that inspired 'Family Guy' and 'Office Space'

See how these iconic characters got started

Before Family Guy, Seth MacFarlane created its precursor called Larry & Steve (1997). You will notice the Larry and Steve characters are earlier versions of Brian the Dog and Peter Griffin.

And before Office Space, creator Mike Judge put together the animated shorts Milton (1991) featuring two characters from the film, Milton Waddams and Bill Lumbergh.

Watch both embedded below:

Ken Hoffman joins Twitter @KenChronicle & brings unique humor along

Houston Chronicle columnist Ken Hoffman joins Twitter; laughs ensue

Ken Hoffman

Last week, legendary syndicated Houston Chronicle columnist Ken Hoffman (formerly of the Houston Post) finally joined Twitter.

It's the real deal this time, not a parody account. Although one of those was pretty funny too.

So make sure to follow him @KenChronicle.

And since Hoffy is the topic of discussion right now, listen below to this hilarious interview I did with him about his newspaper career.

Or you can read it here.

Kris Gutierrez returns to Texas, Rekha Muddaraj's fill-in? plus more

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- Ryan Chase does the Raw Egg Wedgie!
- Be advised, if you are a serious Journalist, this will make you sick to your stomach

Kris Gutierrez returning from Chicago to be NBC5's new 5 p.m. co-anchor
Kris Gutierrez is circling back to North Texas to become co-anchor of NBC5’s 5 p..m. weekday newscasts.
- NBC 5/KXAS-TV Hires Kris Gutierrez to Co-anchor NBC 5 News at 5 p.m.

Turbulent times at CBS11 news, where anchor departures and relocations are suddenly commonplace
OK, it’s not entirely fair to say that CBS11 has had more movement lately than a Belly Dancing 101 class.  There’s been a whole lot of shakeups going on, though.

Better than a time machine
NBC5, UNT digitizing and posting decades-old news footage
- Want to time travel? UNT, KXAS have a new portal

D/FW Radio: KKDA, DeDe McGuire Staying Together
DeDe McGuire will continue to wake up Dallas-Fort Worth listeners on the “DeDe in the Morning” show on KKDA 104.5 FM K104.

KLIF Puts Zann Into Nights
CUMULUS Top 40/Rhythmic KLIF (NEW HOT 93.3)/ DALLAS names ZANN as its new nights host.

Dallas programming VP Davis adds Austin duties
IHeartMedia-Dallas VP of programming Patrick Davis has expanded his oversight to include Austin in addition to Dallas.

Rebutting some of the quick trigger fingers on Twitter and Facebook when it comes to commenting on two recent unclebarky.com posts
It’s ridiculously easy in these times to cross-check the web -- or even read the original story -- before firing off an impulsive Tweet or Facebook.

Where’s My Carol Burnett?
Carol Burnett & Friends on MeTV/KTXA 21.2 - why it is not being shown locally even though there are promotional spots airing?

#6 Houston-Galveston TX
Holiday 14 Portable People Meter 6+ Mon-Sun, 6a-12mid (Updated: 01-20-15)
- Research Director, Inc. Presents Exclusive Holiday PPM Analysis For Houston

Who is filling in for KHOU's Rekha Muddaraj?
I told you how KHOU weekend anchor Rekha Muddaraj is on maternity leave. So readers have been asking who will fill in for her? KHOU 11 Executive News Director Philip Bruce tells mikemcguff.com that the fill-in anchors will be Lauren Talarico, Grace White and Malini Basu.

Tricks of the Trade
Houston TV anchors and hosts reveal beauty secrets on how to look your best — on camera or off.

"Que Te Perdone Dios" wins
The premiere of Univision's new Novela, "Que Te Perdone Dios," racked in 4 million total viewers and outperformed all English and Spanish language stations with key demos across several markets including Houston in that time period on KXLN.

The rarely seen Kitirik photo
Kitirik, Channel 13's black cat mascot, is shown here riding the baggage chute into the plane she took off in this morning from the Houston International Airport.

Radar the weather dog's life-saving surgery
Radar the Weather Dog underwent surgery.

New hope for Houston's oldest African American radio station
Former Houston mayoral candidate Ben Hall is the new owner of KCOH with big plans for keeping the legacy of the legendary station alive and on the air.

Radio One Houston turning around
In an 8K outlining a proposed amendment to its credit agreement, Radio One says its Houston cluster is pacing up 11%.

Arbitron Trends, 74-76
Five Houston radio book trends, October/November, 74 to October/November 76.

Justice (Network) to be served starting Tuesday
KHOU has started running promos for the new Justice Network, which Gannett stations are picking up across the country.
- Justice Network Debuts With John Walsh

Fox O&Os Game For Latest Diginet: Buzzr TV
Buzzr TV will showcase FremantleMedia’s library of game show content in all 17 Fox O&O markets, including nine out of the top 10, and 14 out of the top 20 DMAs.

And The Authors Are…
A couple of weeks ago Tom Abrahams revealed his new project; a pair of post-apocalyptic novellas set in the world of author Steven Konkoly’s The Perseid Collapse series. It launches February 3rd, exclusively in Amazon’s Kindle Worlds.

S.A. TV pioneer getting major arts award
San Antonio’s Spanish-language TV trailblazer Emilio Nicolas Sr., who founded the network that became Univision, are among amazing and talented Texans in the arts who will be honored at next month’s prestigious 2015 Texas Medal of Arts Awards.

S.A. TV vet in hospital after undergoing surgery
Colorful San Antonio TV and radio veteran Gary DeLaune is recovering after undergoing triple bypass surgery Tuesday in Methodist Hospital.
- Former KENS broadcaster recovers from triple bypass

JB and Sandy now heard mornings and afternoons on The Fringe
If you’re not up early enough to catch morning radio hosts Sandy McIlree and JB Hager, don’t fret.

Emmis Asks FCC For KROX Signal Boost
EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS is asking the FCC to sign off on the relocation of one of its antennas to boost the signal Alternative KROX.

Shot Texas television meteorologist returns to air
KCEN Meteorologist Patrick Crawford returned to the airwaves on Monday morning, even as the search for the person who shot him continues.

New Valley TV news set
KGBT Action 4 News for the Rio Grande Valley is getting a new set.

Houstonian on Steve Harvey airing on FOX 26 KRIV
Serena Gordillo, a 34 year old banker from Houston, TX will be a guest on “Steve Harvey,” in the episode airing Friday, January 23. Serena turned to Steve for help in turning her dating life around. Serena gets a BIG surprise on the show, when Steve reveals that her sorority sisters, family members and even her pastor are all there to help crowd source her next date! They get to ask questions to three potential bachelors and will make the final decision as to which one she will go on a date with! Tune-in to see if her friends and family end up choosing the right bachelor for Serena!
Locally, “Steve Harvey” can be seen on FOX 26 (KRIV), weekdays at 3:00PM. Check local listings or go to http://www.steveharveytv.com/ for time and channel in other markets.

NEW TV #CASTING: Cash In Your Life
A new television series is seeking out couples and families for a chance to cash in their lives for a fresh start! Have you always wondered, what if? What if you had followed your dreams? What if you no longer had the job you don't love? Maybe your real calling is to open up a bed & breakfast, a boutique, or run a yacht charter. Whatever your dream may be, we are ready to pull out the stops, appraise your life, and offer you a check to cash in and start the life you have always wanted.
Doron Ofir Casting is on a nationwide search for couples that are tired of being in the same old rut, with the same old job and want to find out what their lives are really worth!
If you are finally ready to roll the dice and turn your fantasy into reality then apply now at:
www.cashinyourlifecasting.com


MOVING

Longtime KTRK abc13 engineer Tom Kline is now the FM Chief Engineer for Clear Channel IHeartMedia Houston handling all five FM station’s studio and transmitter facilities.

WFAA photographer Tim Auman retired after 38 years at WFAA and got a camera out of it.

FOX 26 KRIV Senior Digital Content Producer Kathryn Yglecias has moved to the The Lake District, UK. Cheerio! Alexander Supgul takes over.

KWTX Waco Sports Anchor/Reporter Brian Kaufman moves to WWMT-TV West Michigan in the same position.

KSBJ's Jessica Arrendell joins Christian Music Broadcasters
CMB has hired Jessica Arrendell in the newly created position of Multimedia Manager. She comes from KSBJ.

Former abc13 KTRK intern Brooke Wellborn lands first TV gig at KBTX College Station.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Two Houston media pregnancies; KPRC 2 & KTRK abc13
- New 'Telemundo Responde' Consumer Investigative Unit Launched in San Antonio
- KTRK and ABC owned stations will 'LAFF' on tax day
- Caitilin Espinosa to leave FOX 26 & going digital
- Josh Chapin joins KHOU 11
- Irene Sans leaves Telemundo Houston KTMD
- Brandon Walker joins KPRC 2

Brandon Walker joins KPRC 2

Brandon Walker joins KPRC 2 from News 12 Connecticut

Yankee Doodle came to Houston, Riding in a news van, Stuck an IFB in his ear, and dropped off two reporters.

UPDATE FEBRUARY 2023
Brandon Walker leaves KPRC 2

I start off with a cheesy version of Yankee Doodle today because it is the state anthem of Connecticut and Houston TV is receiving two reporters in one week from the Constitution State (I am also sick and slightly feverish, but nevertheless still blogging for you).

Brandon Walker joins KPRC 2 as a morning reporter the station has confirmed to mikemcguff.com. The other New England reporter hitting the soon to be steamy streets of the Bayou City this week was Josh Chapin who joined KHOU 11.

Walker arrives from cable outfit News 12 Connecticut where he was a reporter and fill-in anchor. Before that he worked as a reporter and fill-in anchor at YNN, Your News Now, in Albany, New York as a bureau chief.

 From 2008 to 2010, Walker worked on the national desk of CBS New York. Ahead of the network, he worked as news director/anchor/producer for KRLX-FM, Northfield, Minnesota.

No stranger to humidity, Walker actually got his broadcasting start as an assignments editor at WGNO-TV, New Orleans while in high school. He certainly earned his stripes there in the days following Hurricane Katrina.

Walker has degrees from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism and Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota.

Irene Sans leaves Telemundo Houston KTMD

KTMD Telemundo Houston meteorologist Irene Sans says goodbye on Facebook

After two years, meteorologist Irene Sans has left KTMD Telemundo Houston according to a note on her Facebook page.

Friends - Thanks for your comments asking where I’ve gone to
I am infinitely thankful for these past two years in Houston. This is a vibrant city, with great people! It has felt like home since the very beginning. Thanks for making me part of your family, for your love and unconditional support. I am in route to a new phase in my career and hopefully soon I will be able to share the good news, and celebrate with all of you! Let’s keep in contact through social media; you can continue to count on my forecasts. See you and see me soon! THANKS HOUSTON!
Much Love,
Irene Sans

"My last day on air was December 30th, as I left for vacation right after that," Sans told mikemcguff.com in an email after this post was originally published. "Contract was up on the 11th and I am looking into some options on the table now."

A KTMD representative confirmed to mikemcguff.com that Sans is no longer with the station but would not elaborate. The station does say a search for her replacement is underway.

Before Houston, Sans worked for Telemundo 51 Miami WSCV. She has also worked for Weather Services International and has been working for StatWeather since 2013.

Sans is a graduate of Florida State University with a degree in meteorology. She interned at Univision 23 WLTV Miami.

*updated with comment from Sans to mikemcguff.com

Josh Chapin joins KHOU 11

UPDATE JANUARY 18, 2018
Josh Chapin exits KHOU 11

Reporter Josh Chapin joins KHOU 11 from NBC Connecticut WVIT

Josh Chapin

Josh Chapin of NBC Connecticut WVIT is starting as a reporter today at KHOU 11 confirmed station Executive News Director Philip Bruce to mikemcguff.com.

Chapin said on Facebook he is from the Upper West Side of Manhattan. It got me thinking, and I wondered if he was related to musician Harry Chapin. Bruce told me no, but Chapin's mom is an entertainment lawyer. No cats in the cradle here!

According to his bio, Chapin joined WVIT in November 2012 as a reporter in NBC's New Haven bureau. Before that, he worked at News 12 The Bronx and News 12 Brooklyn as an anchor/reporter.

Chapin is a 2009 graduate of Duke University where he earned a degree in classical languages and broadcast journalism.

UPDATE JANUARY 18, 2018
Josh Chapin exits KHOU 11

RELATED
Brandon Walker joins KPRC 2 from News 12 Connecticut

KTRK and ABC owned stations will 'LAFF' on tax day

ABC stations like KTRK will run LAFF network on digital channels

While the Live Well Network will continue for the time being (past its announced cut-off date), KTRK and other ABC owned stations will launch the LAFF network on .3.

The country's first-ever, over-the-air broadcast television network devoted to comedy around-the-clock will launch this spring when Katz Broadcasting debuts LAFF on April 15, 2015, it was announced today.

LAFF will feature a mix of contemporary off-network sitcoms and popular theatrical motion pictures, with a target audience of adults 18-49. The LAFF brand will cross multiple platforms, with the linear network carried on the signals of local broadcast television stations and corresponding cable carriage while companion digital content will be available at LAFF.com and via the LAFF app.

Katz Broadcasting also announced two major distribution agreements for LAFF:

The ABC Owned Television Stations will carry LAFF in New York (WABC-TV), Los Angeles (KABC-TV), Chicago (WLS-TV), Philadelphia (WPVI-TV), San Francisco (KGO-TV), Houston (KTRK-TV), Raleigh (WTVD-TV) and Fresno (KFSN-TV).
The E.W. Scripps Company will also launch LAFF on its stations in Detroit (WXYZ-TV), Phoenix (KNXV-TV), Tampa (WFTS-TV), Denver (KMGH-TV), Cleveland (WEWS-TV), Indianapolis (WRTV-TV), Baltimore (WMAR-TV), San Diego (KGTV-TV), Kansas City (KSHB-TV), Cincinnati (WCPO-TV), West Palm Beach (WPTV-TV), Buffalo (WKBW-TV) and Tulsa (KJRH-TV).
These initial agreements will make LAFF available to more than 35% of the country, with more distribution additions expected to be announced shortly.

LAFF joins GRIT, the first broadcast network targeting men, and ESCAPE, the first over-the-air network designed for women, in the Katz Broadcasting portfolio. Katz Broadcasting was established in 2014 by Bounce TV founder/COO and former Turner Broadcasting executive Jonathan Katz. Katz is President and CEO of the company while also still serving as COO of Bounce TV, the nation's first and only over-the-air television network for African Americans.

"In launching three television networks within ten months, we are clearly very bullish on the renaissance of free broadcast television," commented Katz. "This burgeoning new broadcast ecosystem resembles the early days of basic cable, expanding to offer viewers diverse new choices and complementing the growing number of over-the-top subscription services."

"The ABC Owned Television Stations and E.W. Scripps Company stations are among the strongest players in their DMAs, which include the biggest markets in the country. We are thrilled and proud to have these two preeminent groups as our charter distribution partners for LAFF," commented Katz Broadcasting Chief Distribution Officer Jeffrey Wolf. "We look forward to welcoming more station groups to the LAFF family."

LAFF expects to make more announcements in the coming weeks.

(thanks Mike)

Caitilin Espinosa to leave FOX 26 & going digital

FOX 26 KRIV Weekend morning meteorologist Caitilin Espinosa is retiring from TV and is starting a YouTube channel

UPDATE 1/30/2015
Looks like Caitilin Espinosa has been removed from the FOX 26 KRIV website.

Caitilin Espinosa

FOX 26 KRIV weekend morning meteorologist Caitilin Espinosa is hanging up the green screen and calling it a TV career after eight years.

"The past 6 months I have been dealing with personal health issues, and I took it as a sign to leave the TV industry," Espinosa told mikemcguff.com. "My health is good now but I need a job with fewer environmental stresses. The cold studio, long unusual hours really made things worse for me."

Espinosa tells me she can mark a TV career off her bucket list. The Houston native and Cypress Falls graduate's goal was to work in a top 10 television market and her hometown. Check and check.

Prior to coming back to Houston, Espinosa was the morning meteorologist for KIII-TV in Corpus Christi. Before that she was at KVEO-TV in Brownsville. She is a graduate of Baylor University.

"It was a very tough decision to leave and everyone at FOX has been incredible, begging me to stay," Espinosa told mikemcguff.com. "I am really going to miss my FOX family!"

Espinosa tells me she's staying put in the Bayou City. And this week, she's launching a new YouTube channel called #DearCaitilin. You can call it an advice channel for life.

But don't expect to see the "Caitilin Espinosa goodbye stories" on FOX 26 just yet. She says she signed a contract extension to help out until the station finds a replacement. And I hear other Houston weather folks are interested in her job. Stay tuned.

"I am happy about how and where my TV career is ending," Espinosa told me.

New 'Telemundo Responde' Consumer Investigative Unit Launched in San Antonio

Telemundo stations recover more than $1 million for consumers

KTMD Telemundo Houston staff shot

NBC is heavily investing in its Telemundo stations and the fruits of the network's labor are being seen. Here is the full release:

The Telemundo Station Group today announced that its consumer investigative units – Telemundo Responde (Telemundo Responds) – have recovered more than $1 million for consumers across seven markets only nine months after launching. Consumers who were owed compensation for participating in medical research projects, fell victim to identity theft, got scammed by tax preparers and were owed cell phone rebates are some examples of how the Telemundo Responde teams are fighting for their local communities. The Telemundo Responde consumer investigative teams are charged with standing up for consumers who have been wronged.

The Telemundo Station Group also announced plans to launch four new Telemundo Responde consumer investigative units in 2015 at the following stations: Telemundo Chicago (WSNS), Telemundo Phoenix (KTAZ), Telemundo Tucson (KHRR) and Telemundo Puerto Rico (WKAQ). The local station serving Spanish-language viewers in the San Antonio market, Telemundo 60 San Antonio (KVDA), launched a new Telemundo Responde unit in December 2014.

“We launched Telemundo Responde last year because our local stations feel an obligation to stand up for consumers who have been wronged,” said Manuel Martinez, President, Telemundo Station Group. “The fact that our Telemundo Responde units have collectively recovered more than $1 million for consumers in less than a year is incredible, but we have more work to do. Expanding Telemundo Responde to other markets will help our local stations stand up for even more consumers and give the Hispanic communities they serve a stronger voice.”

Launched in 2014, the Telemundo Responde units have collectively received more than 13,000 tips, produced nearly 700 stories and recovered more than $1 million for consumers in seven markets, including Los Angeles (KVEA), New York (WNJU), Miami-Fort Lauderdale (WSCV), Houston (KTMD), Dallas-Fort Worth (KXTX), San Antonio (KVDA) and the San Francisco Bay Area (KSTS).

Below are the most recent examples of how the Telemundo Responde units have stepped in to help consumers:

The Telemundo Responde team in Los Angeles answered the call of a local viewer who was owed nearly $1,000 after she participated in a medical research project to prove the effectiveness of vitamins. The viewer contacted Telemundo Responde after her numerous calls to the medical research company went unanswered for nearly a year. Telemundo Responde tracked down the company and learned that in addition to owing the viewer her compensation, the company also owed approximately $300,000 to others who had participated in the research project. The viewer has received the funds that were owed to her.

A viewer from the New York Tri-State Area who had fallen victim to identity theft sought the help of Telemundo Responde after his financial institution failed to credit him for an unauthorized charge of $1,200. Although the viewer had followed the proper procedures required by his financial institution, it had failed to provide the viewer with the proper assistance. As a result, Telemundo Responde contacted the viewer’s financial institution and the $1,200 that was owed to the viewer was promptly credited to his account.

A viewer from the South Florida area sought the assistance of a local tax preparer to file her income taxes. After learning about the tax preparer’s high-priced tax filing fees, the viewer canceled the transaction and asked that her taxes not be filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Instead, the viewer sought the help of a different tax preparer. After waiting for nearly 10 months for her federal tax refund check to arrive, which totaled approximately $5,000, the viewer learned from the IRS that her refund check had already been cashed and that there were two tax filings for her for the tax year in question. Exasperated and confused, the viewer contacted Telemundo Responde to get answers about her tax refund. As a result, Telemundo Responde learned that the first tax preparer filed the consumer’s taxes, the viewer’s refund check was cashed by a third-party electronic payment company and $900 were directed to the tax preparer that the viewer had canceled . In the end, Telemundo Responde helped the viewer, who is a single mother, rightfully receive the tax refund she was desperately waiting for.

After moving to a new rental home, a family from the Dallas area had to wait 22 days in the dark to get their electricity up and running. Although the family had complied with their electric company’s requests for documents numerous times, the family could not get their electric service set up. For nearly three weeks, the family couldn’t keep fresh food in the house or feed their baby fresh milk. After running out of options and documents to send, the family contacted Telemundo Responde for help. The same day that Telemundo Responde reached out to the electric company, the electricity was turned on in the family’s new home.

A viewer from the San Francisco Bay Area learned from a cell phone company that he was eligible for two $200 cell phone rebates if he opened two new phone lines. Excited about this offer, the viewer opened two new cell phone lines. After receiving only one rebate, the viewer made several attempts to obtain the second rebate that was promised to him to no avail. Tired of facing red tape, the viewer contacted Telemundo Responde and, as a result, Telemundo Responde learned the cell phone company had made a mistake by processing one of the viewer’s cell phone lines as a contract extension instead of classifying it as a new line. The viewer has since received the $200 cell phone rebate he was promised.

Launched in 2014, the Telemundo Responde consumer investigative units are a result of a major investment made by NBCUniversal to enhance its 17 Telemundo stations and better serve Spanish-language viewers all across the country. Late last year, the Telemundo Station Group expanded their local news coverage by adding a new 30-minute early evening newscast across 14 markets. In addition to supporting local news expansions, the investment has enabled the hiring of over 160 new people, the opening of news bureaus in Washington, D.C., Mexico City and Miami, the purchasing of new vehicles and cameras and the launch of TeleXitos, a new national multicast network that offers viewers a mix of action adventure television series and films in Spanish.

Two Houston media pregnancies; KPRC 2 & KTRK abc13

Baby bumps for KPRC 2's Jennifer Bauer and KTRK abc13's Patricia Lopez

Jennifer Bauer

Is the Houston TV baby wave coming back? We have two media members expecting!

Houston television viewers are a curious bunch. Questions started coming in about KPRC 2 reporter Jennifer Bauer. Is she pregnant? Naturally people are cautious about approaching someone on social media and asking, so they leave it up to me!

In the case of Bauer, their hunches were correct. Baby number 2 is arriving in May and it's a boy.

There is another channel 2 staffer excited about the upcoming birth - Bauer's husband KPRC Vice President/Creative Services Director Mike Guerrieri.

"The move to Houston was big adjustment for us, but when our daughter was born here is probably the moment we would point to as when it started to feel like home," Guerrieri told mikemcguff.com. "Everyone at the station was so great and the outpouring of warm comments on all the social media pages was overwhelming in the best way.

"Now both of our kids will forever be able to say they are Texans and that’s incredibly cool. We’re excited and praying that all goes well and everyone is healthy."

Daughter Aubrey was born in January 2013.

Patricia Lopez

Across the street, it was announced this morning that KTRK abc13's Patricia Lopez is expecting her fourth child.

Her three young daughters apparently aren't excited about the new addition at this point. Her youngest simply said "ewww, disgusting" when told the news. I'm sure they will come around.

Lopez says with a family of six, they are really going to have to stretch their dollar!

And just because she has been gone from the news for the past few days, people are asking me if Casey Curry is pregnant again. I don't know that one at this point.

I do know that Curry's original pregnancy post was my number one blog post of 2013 though!

(Thanks Robin)

Dallas sports guys are quitting, WFAA bulldozed? plus more!

MORE VIDEO
- This Is The Video CNN Will Play When The World Ends | Gremlins 2 parody
- Tim Meadows as Accu-Cast weatherman John John Mackey
- Is This the First Live Shot Interruption of 2015?
- Twiggy the Waterskiing Squirrel Proves Love of Water Sports, Pees on Reporter
- Local promo showcase: Fox4's "Where the Locals Go"
- Police Officer Videobomb News Blooper
- KHOU 11 Surprise Squad
- Reporter Ice Scraper News Blooper
- CNN contributor gets sinking feeling

Babe Laufenberg leaving KTVT-TV after 17 years in sports department
“After 17 years, CBS 11 and I could not reach a new agreement. So tomorrow will be my last show. Please watch. It has been a great 17 years.”

Stalwart D-FW sports reporter George Riba is ready to hang 'em up
George Riba, who joined WFAA8 in September 1977 after much briefer stints at KTVT-TV and KXAS-TV, will be retiring on Feb. 20th.

High-speed rail station could displace Dallas Morning News, WFAA
A high-speed rail station could dramatically reshape downtown Dallas, possibly taking over the Dallas Morning News and WFAA-TV station on Young Street, according to renderings produced by Dallas Area Rapid Transit.
- Bullet train proposal could force WFAA, Dallas Morning News to move

There Was a Dick Pic on WFAA's Homepage This Morning (NSFW)
WFAA "share" is a community engagement tool that allows users of the ABC affiliate's website to upload their photos and videos to potentially be featured on an image carousel on the station's homepage. Tuesday morning, right there on WFAA's front page, just above Dale Hansen's frowning mug, it featured a big, hairy dick.

CBS11's Karen Borta segues into sleep deprivation phase
CBS11’s early morning picture remains a work in progress but its new centerpiece is now in place.

Arkansas Reporter Moving to Dallas ABC Affiliate
Houston native David Goins is leaving Little Rock, Ark. FOX affiliate KLRT to work at WFAA in Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas.

NBC5's new weekend morning meteorologist is Amarillo's Brian James
NBC5 has tabbed Brian James as the D-FW station’s new weekend early morning meteorologist. The Michigan native is scheduled to arrive in March from KVII-TV, Amarillo’s ABC affiliate.

Joangel Concepcion No Longer with KDFW
Joangel Concepcion is out at Dallas-Ft. Worth FOX owned station KDFW.

WFAA Assistant News Director Leaving After A Little More Than Three Months
George Rodrigue is leaving Dallas ABC affiliate WFAA, a little more than three months after being named assistant news director.

Behind A.H. Belo's Buying Spree
Having purchased three marketing companies in January, A.H. Belo, owner of The Dallas Morning News, is making further steps to reduce its reliance on print advertising.

Expecting TV news anchor and friends rock trendy River Oaks bistro at baby shower brunch
Not long before she took a temporary break (maternity leave) from her post as KHOU Channel 11 weekend news anchor, the charming Rekha Muddaraj whooped it up with BFFs at the trendy Brasserie 19.
- KHOU's Rekha Muddaraj announces maternity leave

Radar the weather dog gets ready for surgery
Radar the weather dog is a Houston favorite and part of our Local 2 family. And you may remember back in December, we shared Radar's health scare with viewers after his groomer found a growth on his toe. The growth is cancerous and now Radar is set for surgery to have it removed.

Manor of Speaking
Houston Public Media's Manor of Speaking will be airing across the country starting this weekend - the following is just a partial list... (If your city is not listed, contact your local PBS station - and you can find them at PBS.org). [Thanks Thanks to PR Fairy @farbulous]

Houston bloggers go undercover as secret diners for Best New Restaurant reality TV show
Two popular Houston bloggers will be making a star turn into the upcoming reality show Best New Restaurant. When the show debuts on Bravo Jan. 21 at 9 p.m., look for, the dynamic duo behind Urban Swank, in their role as "Undercover Diners" at four Austin restaurants. [Thanks Thanks to PR Fairy @farbulous]

KYOK Mobile Studio
These pictures are from March, 1978.

Miami Reporter Joins Telemundo San Antonio as Anchor
Arlena Amaro will join Alex Hernandez, weather anchor Lilian Perez and sports anchor Johnathan Solarte on the KVDA 4:30, 5:00 and 10:00 p.m newscasts.

West Coast has the most San Antonio TV news
Sometimes, it requires a trip to the West Coast to catch up with celebrities and shows with San Antonio ties.

Bill Schoening named Texas Sportscaster of the Year
The National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association has announced WOAI's Spurs play-by-play announcer Bill Schoening has been named Texas Sportscaster of the Year.

In key demo, KXAN’s evening newscasts rank No. 1
New demographic data shows Austin NBC affiliate KXAN is the station of choice among evening news viewers in the age bracket advertisers covet most.

KVUE dropping 24-hour weather channel
The forecast is grim for fans of KVUE’s digital weather channel.

Austin’s news chopper war
We head back in time to 1999, when KEYE and KXAN had dueling news choppers.

Grandmother of FOX 7 employee dated Elvis Presley
FOX 7 has a unique connection to the King; the grandmother of an employee was actually his girlfriend in the mid-1950's.

Recovering KCEN met starts doing weather online
KCEN Weather Anchor Patrick Crawford has been off the air since getting gunned down in the station's parking lot. But, now that Crawford is home from the hospital and recovering, he is slowly getting back into is weatherman role.

Ex-El Paso Times editor’s new gig at El Norte won’t mean end of his recently launched El Paso sports site
When Óscar Cantú, owner of the daily newspaper El Norte de Ciudad Juárez, announced he would retire from his duties at the newspaper to focus on personal and philanthropic efforts, Cantú named Chris Lopez to replace him as editor and publisher.

MOVING

Star Tribune Business Editor Todd Stone announced he will be joining the Houston Chronicle as Deputy Managing Editor for business and sports in early March.

Longtime KFDM news director to leave
DAVID LOWELL is leaving KFDM-TV, the CBS affiliate in Beaumont, TX, at the end of the week. He’s been the news director here for 28 years, and at the station (in his second stint there) for 34 years.

KENS 5 San Antonio news director leaves
TRISTON SANDERS is departing Gannett owned KENS 5 after two years as ND. She’s moving to New York, where she will work as a consultant for Frank N. Magid Associates.

KVIA’s new sports director looks forward to providing ‘top-notch coverage.’
Danny Mata, formerly of News 92 KROI, joins KVIA El Paso as sports director.

TWC News Austin sports reporter Lauren Mickler leaves for Houston.
UPDATE NOVEMBER 2015: Lauren Tostenson joins KHOU 11

REMEMBERING

Johnnie Chuoke, San Antonio's 'Happy Handyman' Dies at 84
Johnnie Chuoke, whose hearty laugh and catch phrase 'its a great day to paint' helped San Antonians fix their decks and caulk their bath tubs for twenty years as WOAI's Happy Handyman' has died at the age of 84.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Massive Texas media job moves through late 2014 right here
- Chauncy Glover joins KTRK abc13 as anchor
- PHOTOS: KPRC staff's big Anthony Yanez KNBC send off party

Blind Baytown gymnast on 'Steve Harvey' show Tuesday

Baytown 11-year-old blind gymnast on Steve Harvey January 13


Adrianna Kenebrew, 11, of Baytown will be on Steve Harvey Tuesday. In Houston that airs on FOX 26 KRIV at 3pm. Here is more from the press release.

Tune-in to “Steve Harvey” on TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, as 11 year old legally blind gymnast, Adrianna Kenebrew, from Baytown, TX will be featured as an “Extraordinary Kid!”

Locally, “Steve Harvey” can be seen on FOX 26 (KRIV), weekdays at 3:00PM. Check local listings or go to http://www.steveharveytv.com/ for time and channel in other markets.

11 year old Adrianna Kenebrew from Baytown, TX is a phenomenal gymnast who has won several competitions and recently was named “Female Athlete of the Year” in her region. What makes her truly remarkable is how she’s accomplished her success. Unlike other gymnasts, this sixth grader is legally blind! Tune-in to “Steve Harvey” on Tuesday, January 13 as Steve honors Adrianna as an “Extraordinary Kid!”

By age three, doctors at Texas Children’s Hospital determined that Adrianna was legally blind, due to glaucoma. “With my glasses, I can see shapes, but everything is blurry,” Adrianna tells Steve. For gymnastics, Adrianna says “I use my sense of touch and sound.” “For vault, coaches either clap or say my name so I know it’s my turn to go,” she added.

Adrianna’s mother, Asha, will also appear on “Steve Harvey.” “The one thing about gymnastics, it’s the one place where she feels like everyone else,” Asha tells Steve, adding that her coaches and teammates treat her like any other gymnast. “When she goes to competition, the judges have no idea that she has any disability,” says Asha.

Adrianna’s goal is to be the first visually impaired gymnast to win gold in the Olympics!

As part of Tuesday’s show, Steve Harvey will surprise Adrianna and her mother with a very special gift. Adrianna’s home gym, the Texas Academy of Acrobatics and Gymnastics in Baytown, TX (http://www.taagymnastics.com/), will train Adrianna for free for the next year!

Congratulations to Adrianna and best of luck as she pursues her dream of going to the Olympics!

PHOTOS: KPRC staff's big Anthony Yanez KNBC send off party

KPRC staff and Houston media members send Anthony Yanez off in style at Saint Arnold Brewing Company

UPDATE JULY 19, 2021

Anthony Yanez returns to KPRC 2

The countdown is on for Thursday when KPRC morning meteorologist Anthony Yanez leaves Houston for Los Angeles' KNBC NBC4 (with Daniella Guzman).

So Saturday night, channel 2 staffers and other members of the Houston media said goodbye to Yanez and his wife Rebecca in style at the Saint Arnold Brewing Company. (Click here to see photos from the party if above slideshow is not working for you. You can click on the photo for a photo ID.)

Just imagine, I used to get food from that building as a student. In the past, brewery's building was the HISD food service facility building!

For those outside of Houston, Yanez and anchor Owen Conflenti are known bros. The KPRC staff joked the "bromance" was coming to an end as Yanez heads off to California (I bet they will still Skype). I even got photo evidence as they mugged for the camera as you can see above.

Seriously though, as KPRC's morning news ascends in the ratings, the fact that anchors like each other, is a positive. There are negative vibes being passed around news desks across the nation as anchors don't like each other or just simply don't vibe. These two had chemistry like Tom Koch and Don Nelson before them at KTRK abc13 and it showed in the TV ratings gold.

I also had my first meeting with KPRC chief meteorologist Frank Billingsley who had the best line of the night in my opinion when he told me, "you look more normal in person than on your blog." I don't know Frank, there are others who might think the cartoon character version of me is actually more normal!

So who's taking over for Yanez? The station has announced Britta Merwin is moving to mornings.

I've already hit Yanez up for a tour of KNBC if I'm ever in LA. And by the way, I now have a copy of his officially released book, A Wild Ride on the Water Cycle. He autographed it to my kids and it looks great. I sent an advanced copy to my son's Kindergarten class and the kids and teacher loved it! It just so happens they were studying the water cycle.

Chauncy Glover joins KTRK abc13 as anchor

Chauncy Glover joins KTRK abc13 from KPRC 2 sister station WDIV Detroit

Chauncy Glover

TVSpy broke the news right as I went on my December blogging break that WDIV Detroit's Chauncy Glover is heading to Houston. Glover will be the weekend morning anchor at KTRK abc13.

UPDATE NOVEMBER 2024
Glover has passed away

UPDATE JULY 2023
Chauncy Glover leaves abc13 Houston

That slot has been open since Samica Knight apparently has taken over the seat of Sharron Melton on the Disney/ABC Television Group station's weekday morning show.

So far it has been an explosive 2015 for Glover. Why? Well he started off the New Year watching the fireworks celebration in Rio de Janeiro.

Fireworks in Rio for The New Year celebration was the best I've ever seen!! They do it BIG HERE!! pic.twitter.com/iSeI3LmnTp
— Chauncy Glover (@CCGONTV) January 2, 2015

You could say travelling is in Glover's blood. According to his bio, he has been around the world in productions like A Raisin In The Sun, The Whiz, The Piano Lesson, The Scottsboro Boys and the The Vegas Show.

That musical talent led Glover to perform for the American Idol judges for a "ticket to Hollywood." So if Glover ever has to ambush a Houston politician for a story, he knows how to give 'em the Simon Cowell treatment!

Cowell aside, Glover says he has shared the stage with the likes of Donnie McClurkin, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Hezekiah Walker and even Patti LaBelle.

However, Glover cites his proudest musical moment as the time he sang at Rosa Parks funeral.

Besides singing achievements, Glover has also starred in several independent films such as Time Is Running Out and Mamma's Boy.

When not on the musical stage or screen, you can find Glover writing plays and starring in them. He's currently working on two new plays.

But, one of Glover's most personal projects to date is a new book about the loss of a sibling. Growing Up Glover will be a tribute to his younger brother Marchas.

Always an entertainer at heart, Glover says he was able to mix his strong faith with his vocal work. At age 5, Glover was already singing in his church. That experience would lead him to direct choirs across the United States. Glover's bio states he is a former Minister of Music for the Fourth Street Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia and Big Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church in Madison, Alabama.

As someone who has been blessed with a lot of talent, Glover remembers to give back to the community. The eponymous Chauncy Glover Project - CGP is an extensive hands-on mentoring program in Detroit, MI created to groom inner-city teenage boys into upstanding and accomplished gentlemen. No word if Glover will move the program with him to KTRK and Houston.

Glover has degrees in broadcast journalism, music and theater from Troy University.

No word on his Houston start date, but I would expect Glover to arrive soon since his last day at WDIV was in late December.

Massive Texas media job moves through late 2014 right here

Every Texas media job move I could find happening at the end of 2014

Mike Wilson Named Dallas Morning News Editor
The Dallas Morning News tapped Mike Wilson as its new editor in a day of leadership shakeups that also saw the appointment of a new chief revenue officer and digital chief. Wilson, currently the managing editor for FiveThirtyEight, succeeds Bob Mong, who will retire in February.

The News, A. H. Belo see management changes
A.H. Belo Corporation and its Dallas Morning News subsidiary are restructuring their management team to reflect a smaller North Texas-focused media company. As part of those changes, two current executives — Joe Weir and Nicki Purcell — are being promoted.

Dallas mainstay Terry Dorsey calls it quits
Dallas morning man Terry Dorsey, a constant on country radio for more than 40 years, has announced his retirement.

Reporter Philip Townsend leaves WVEC-TV Norfolk, Virginia and arrives at WFAA Dallas as an MMJ.

Lindsay Riley heads to WTTV Indianapolis from KXAS Dallas
Meteorologist Lindsay Riley joins WTTV from NBC 5 in Dallas/Fort Worth, where she anchored the station’s weekend a.m. news. Riley has also forecasted at LEX 18 in Lexington, Ky. and WIVB in Buffalo, NY. Riley earned her B.S. in Meteorology from Pennsylvania State University, where she graduated with honors. She has also been a member of The American Meteorological Society for more than six years.

News 92 KROI's Andrew Greenstein heads to 1080 KRLD in Dallas and the Texas State Networks.

Greg Rajan is leaving his sports editor job at the Corpus Christi Caller-Times for a Houston Chronicle online sports producer position.

Veteran journalist Carolyn Campbell joins Houston First
Longtime Houston journalist Carolyn Campbell has joined Houston First Corporation as director of communications.

Temp KPRC 2 reporter Melissa Hawkes leaves Houston and returns to Tulsa at News On 6 KOTV.

Jaime Martínez becomes an Assignment Editor at Telemundo Houston KTMD.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Justin Stapleton joins KPRC 2 weather team
- Kaley O’Kelley joins KTVT 11 DFW evenings, Karen Borta to mornings
- Adela Uchida to KEYE Austin
- Britta Merwin to replace Anthony Yanez on KPRC 2
- Top mikemcguff blog posts for 2014

WOAI radio cuts! News vet among casualties
Leading the layoffs was staple Michael Main (photo at right), a solid news journalist and managing editor who’s been with WOAI for nearly 30 years. He was let go this morning.

KZEP PD Craig Chambers OUT
Longtime air personality and program director, Craig Chambers, best known to KZEP 93.3 FM listeners as “Crash,” and a veteran of 14 years-plus at the classic rock station, is now history.

Morning anchor Hunter Ellis leaves KEYE
Hunter Ellis has left KEYE to focus full-time on documentaries.

New KEYE additions
Reporter Nadia Galindo debuts this week on KEYE alongside some other folks. She last worked at KGBT-TV, the CBS station in Harlingen.

Sports Reporter/Anchor Mike Berman leaves Time Warner Cable News Austin to be the main sports anchor for CBS 4 in Indianapolis.

Tyler Paper editor retiring at end of year
After 46 years in the newspaper business, Dave Berry isn’t finished writing his story.

Tyler Paper hires editor, managing editor team
Allison Pollan is the new editor of the Tyler Morning Telegraph.

Reporter David Norris packs up from KBTX in College Station for Tulsa's KTUL.

Longtime AM Host Roger Garrett Departs KORA
For many Bryan College Station, TX residents, the days have started with the sound of Roger W.W.W. Garrett's voice on his Country KORA 98.3 FM morning show.

Find your new job and then let me know about it.

Lily Jang off the market, Radar the Weather Dog's scare, plus more

And now for the rest of the story from the last of 2014


MORE VIDEO
- Ummm...you're on the air
- Houston Chronicle reporter tattoos himself on NewsFix segment
- Revisit the glory daze when WFAA aired a daily teen dance party that was “Sump’n Else”
- Whodunnit? A KENS 5 Christmas mystery
- Dallas Anchor Trips Over NFL Player’s Name. Cam Newton Shows How it’s Done
- WFAA-TV’s Dale Hansen blows secret about Dallas Cowboys DE Jeremy Mincey’s New Year’s marriage proposal
- Paul Lynde doing the Weather at WSPD-TV Toledo 1978
- 2014 KEYE Sales vs News Hoilday Contest
- 97.9 KFMK Houston - Aircheck (1991)
- Behind the Scenes at FOX 7 Austin

A Dallas News Show Had Some Dirty Fun With Play-Doh’s Penis-Shaped Toy — At A Female Anchor’s Expense
No one had more fun with the news though than Dallas’ WFAA.

Dallas’ WRR puts fresh focus on music
One of America’s last remaining commercial classical stations will put a greater focus on the music in 2015 as WRR, Dallas (101.1) will make some changes.

Research Director, Inc. Presents Exclusive Dec. PPM Analysis For Houston
This market was somewhat late to the office holiday party.

KHOU 11's Lily Jang engaged after fairy tale proposal
It was a typical Friday night for KHOU Ch. 11 morning news anchor Lily Jang and her hunky beau, chef Kevin Bryant of Eleven XI restaurant — until something special happened.

Radar the weather dog has health scare
Houston's favorite dog, Radar, visited the KPRC Local 2 studios with some important news. We wanted to let our viewers know that Radar had a health scare.

Fox 26 KRIV news van broken into
The Devil is always busy especially around the holidays.
- Concerned Residents Return FOX Houston Station’s Stolen Laptop

From Ali to A.J. Foyt, Dan Lovett’s book tells stories from a life in broadcasting
“Anybody Seen Dan Lovett? Memoirs of a Media Nomad” is an appropriate title for the longtime newsman’s memoirs. Almost a half-century after sharing the set with Dave Ward at KTRK (Channel 13), Lovett, 74, is as likely to be in Africa or New Zealand, working on freelance film projects, as he is enjoying an active retirement at his Houston home.

Hilarious Engagement Photo Is Worth More Than A Thousand Words!
Lauren, a popular disc jockey on Mix 96.5 KHMX, is the oldest daughter and happily unmarried at age 32. She is the one on the right, drinking champagne. Her sisters from left to right are Melanie, Melissa, and Amy, all engaged or married. Also, Lauren has accepted the nomination for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Woman of the Year. (Thanks to PR Fairy @farbulous)

Classic Hip-Hop Is Spreading on the Radio Dial
Radio One started the trend in October when it introduced Boom 92 in Houston.
- Radio One's Jay Rio Segues To KROI Houston From WHHH Indianapolis

NGEN gets Brant Hansen's show after Air1 departure
Former Air1 jock returns to Houston with "The Brant Hansen Show" on KSBJ's NGEN.

What's up with Gene Norman?
Although the station isn't talking, FTV is blogging that it appears WIAT main Weather Anchor Gene Norman is out the door.

WOAI anchors sad to exit downtown
WOAI-TV's news staffers not only are excited about movin' on up in the latest ratings book — from their long-held rank of third to No. 2 at most news times — but also moving into new state-of-the-art digs on San Antonio's Northwest Side.
- News 4 San Antonio has moved into the Fox San Antonio studios that will now serve as the Sinclair Broadcast Center

San Antonio Station Retracts Stories After Attorney Sues for Defamation
San Antonio CBS affiliate KENS has retracted two stories and apologized for “inaccurate” reports after accusing a San Antonio lawyer of being unprofessional and unethical.
- Retraction of prior story about Jon Christian Amberson
- San Antonio TV News Sued, Accused Lawyer of mishandling a case, never interviewed him

New S.A. TV forecaster has NBC experience, radiant smile
Jeannette Calle, who has done forecasts for NBC and MSNBC, has join Michael Garofalo, Leslie Bohl and traffic anchor Jessica Headley on WOAI.

WOAI Gives New Contract To Joe 'Pags' Pagliarulo
iHEARTMEDIA News WOAI-A/SAN ANTONIO has agreed to a new contract with JOE “PAGS” PAGLIARULO. PAGLIARULO hosts “The JOE PAGS Show” weekdays, 5–8p (CT).

New Year's Day update from Loriana Hernandez
Former Good Day Austin anchor Loriana Hernandez gives an update on her leukemia battle.

Patrick Crawford back home and on the mend
KCEN Meteorologist Patrick Crawford is out of the hospital and home with family more than a week after he was shot in the parking lot of the KCEN studios.

Texas TV reporter proposed to after 'Alphabet Aerobics' rap video goes viral
In the YouTube video, KWES (Odessa) reporter Kim Powell almost perfectly raps to the challenging song “Alphabet Aerobics” by Blackalicious before her live broadcast.

The Washington Post and The Texas Tribune announce new partnership
Beginning in 2015, The Washington Post will enter an exciting new partnership with The Texas Tribune, which will include shared editorial content, collaboration on events and more. The Texas Tribune will also join the more than 220 newspapers currently participating in The Post’s digital partner program, offering their subscribers 52 weeks of free and unlimited digital access to The Washington Post.

REMEMBERING

Loftis, longtime Chronicle editor, remembered as fair, mischievous
Jack D. Loftis, who led the Houston Chronicle newsroom through space shuttle flights, the Enron scandal and the 9/11 terror attacks, has died at age 80 after a long illness.

Remembering KPRC's Ray Sletner
You may not have known him, but you knew his work. For two decades, Ray Sletner was the "man behind the sound" at Local 2.

San Antonio Broadcasting Legend Bill McReynolds Dies
Bill McReynolds, a Texas legend who work as the Farm and Ranch Director at Newsradio 1200 WOAI for fifty years, greeting people across the southern half of the state and beyond with his trademark greeting, "Howdy, friends!" has died at the age of 93.
- Goodbye to a golden-voiced broadcaster

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Justin Stapleton joins KPRC 2 weather team
- Kaley O’Kelley joins KTVT 11 DFW evenings, Karen Borta to mornings
- Adela Uchida to KEYE Austin
- Dave Ward ready to party at end of 10pm news bash
- Britta Merwin to replace Anthony Yanez on KPRC 2
- Top mikemcguff blog posts for 2014
- KHOU's Rekha Muddaraj announces maternity leave