support

CONTACT: Tip | COMMENT: Respond | FOLLOW: | EMAIL: Newsletter

promo

Locktopia Escape Room Houston

Thursday, September 29, 2016

FOX 26's Scarlett Fakhar engaged


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

Two Houston TV anchor engagements in the last weeks


After the Mayra Moreno engagement post, I got a tip that FOX 26 KRIV anchor Scarlett Fakhar has joined the ring on her finger club.

"I don't post too much of my personal life on this page...but I just can't seem to wipe this smile off of my face so I thought I'd share...I'm engaged," posted Fakhar on Facebook. "Three years later and we're still having adventures every single day. Feel free to leave married life tips PLEASE! I'll be back to work next week!"

With all of these Houston TV anchor engagements, I thought I would share a story I recently posted on social media that really got some folks depressed. According to the New York Post, the era of the giant diamond engagement ring is over. Something tells me guys are not the ones crying over this one.

And before we go, I thought I would leave you with this clip of Fakhar in her lip sync tribute to Snoop Dogg. How many times do we see an anchor doing this?

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







Wednesday, September 28, 2016

VIDEO: New KHOU 11 sports anchor Jason Bristol gets big send-off

New KHOU 11 sports anchor Jason Bristol gets Texas sized tribute from WHP Harrisburg, PA


In early September, I blogged that KHOU 11 had hired Jason Bristol from WHP Harrisburg, PA as its new main sports anchor.

This week, Bristol signed off from Central Pennsylvania television screens, but before he left, his co-workers put together some nice videos for their departing sports anchor which you can watch below.

Bristol will start appearing on Houston's channel 11 in October.



(Thanks Joe!)




KHOU 11 building new set; operating from temporary studio

UPDATE NOVEMBER 08, 2016
KHOU 11's new set 2016

While a new set is being built, KHOU 11's newscasts are now temporarily being done from 'Great Day Houston's' set

photo khoutempset2016_zpshqgxrdeb.jpg

KHOU 11 is getting a newscast set and the temporary one might have fooled some viewers since it looks pretty much the same as before.

"We're in a new location, we've lost our lease," joked new morning anchor Russ Lewis in a video posted to Facebook. "We've had to move out to a new location."

"We've moved next door to the 'Great Day [Houston]' studios," added co-anchor Rekha Muddaraj. "So this is typically where the audience sits for 'Great Day.'"

In the video, Lewis takes us on a tour of the studio. He opens a fridge on the talk show's set and finds a Corona. Fitting since it is actually National Drink Beer Day.

Isn't everyday now some kind of marketing created celebration of a product? Years ago I tried to get in on the action by begging then Houston Mayor Annise Parker to create "Mike McGuff Day." Notice you haven't celebrated my day yet. Anyone reading this have an in with Mayor Sylvester Turner?

We also learned that the weather and traffic green chroma-key wall is now down the hall in its own room.

According to my posts, KHOU 11 launched the last newscast set in 2011. And last year introduced a giant screen that would make any NFL fan drool.

Channel 11 is the only Houston English language television station I've never stepped a foot inside, so I don't have any great insight on its studio. I can say on TV it looks smaller than what the other stations have to work with.

A fellow media watcher wrote me, who appears to know way more about TV studio sets than I do, and offered these scenarios:

It'll be interesting to see whether the new KHOU set will be a carbon-copy of KING and KUSA sets (by Jack Morton PDG), or whether it'll be something original (like Devlin or FX).

The anchor's posts on Facebook say the new set will be ready in November.

UPDATE NOVEMBER 08, 2016
KHOU 11's new set 2016

RELATED
- KTRK abc13 debuts new set
- KPRC 2 launches new set for 2013
- Univision 45 KXLN unveils new set
- Bruce Aleksander, longtime Houston TV lighting director-designer, gets honored



(Thanks Eric and Robin)



Monday, September 26, 2016

KTRK abc13 photographer Jaime Zamora risked life during Houston shooting incident

KTRK abc13 photographer Jaime Zamora was first on the scene during the Houston shooting, and continued delivering TV viewers excellent coverage the rest of the morning

 photo jaimezamora_zpsglef8a91.jpg
(classicconcertphotos.com)

There were lots of heroes in today's Houston active shooting incident. Obviously the Houston, West U and Bellaire police officers and other first responders who ducked for cover, risking their own lives to stop the shooter, are heroes.

Then there was the man who reportedly got out of his car, turned on his flashlight, and waved other commuters away from the shooting area. I'm sure we will hear about more heroes in the coming days.

But since this is a Houston media blog, let me focus on one of the journalists who put his life on the line to bring television viewers coverage.

KTRK abc13 photographer Jaime Zamora was the first journalist on the scene in the West U area.

"Nothing like starting the week in the middle of an active shooter scene," Zamora tweeted a few hours after the scene settled down. "Must have heard 40 shots. Hid behind [a] pillar."

Channel 13 anchor Natasha Barrett said on air that Zamora was at the nearby Randall's supermarket, behind those pillars, trying to photograph what was happening. It was dark and at the time no one knew what was happening, where the gunshots were coming from or how many shooters were involved.

Once daylight broke, Zamora continued reporting from the scene - even on camera which is rare for a TV photog.

Thanks to Zamora's interview with attorney Skip Cornelius, the Houston TV audience first learned about one of the shooting victims. Cornelius' son was shot in the arm while in his car.

TV viewers noticed Zamora's hard work and showered the longtime KTRK employee with praise.




On a lighter note, Zamora was just featured on ESPN last week:






KTMD launches 'Noticiero Telemundo Houston' at 4pm today

Paulina Sodi and Crystal Ayala will co-anchor new half-hour weekday newscast “Noticiero Telemundo Houston” at 4 PM

photo telemundo9-2016_zpsz4fmijf4.jpg

HOUSTON, TX – (September 23, 2016) – Telemundo Houston / KTMD will launch a new half-hour weekday newscast on Monday, September 26.

Paulina Sodi and Crystal Ayala will co-anchor Noticiero Telemundo Houston a las 4 PM. Additionally, news anchor Martin Berlanga will deliver news segments during the new newscast and will continue to anchor the station’s 5 PM and 10 PM weekday newscasts alongside Sodi.

“This local news expansion gives us the opportunity to deliver more local breaking news and up-to-the-minute weather forecasts to our Spanish-language viewers, first,” said Jerry Vazquez, Vice President of News of Telemundo Houston. “With Paulina and Crystal at the helm of the new 4 PM newscast, and our entire team of journalists delivering more news, we will help keep our communities informed about the issues they care about the most.”

The added newscast will bring viewers in Houston an additional 150 minutes of local breaking news coverage and up-to-the-minute weather forecasts each week, more than any other Spanish-language station in the market.

Telemundo Houston is one of 14 Telemundo-owned stations that will add a new half-hour local newscast at 4 PM CT on September 26, to deliver even more local news and information to the communities the station serves.

RELATED
Telemundo Houston 10pm news most watched in market September 2016

(This post was taken from a release sent to me by Telemundo)



Friday, September 23, 2016

The New 93Q wins prestigious Marconi Award for 2016 Country Station of the Year

This is 3rd time The New 93Q KKBQ has received an award as significant as this


HOUSTON – September 23, 2016 – Cox Media Group Houston’s station: KKBQ-FM/The New 93Q was named 2016 Country Station of the Year at the 2016 National Association of Broadcasters' Marconi Radio Awards. This is 3rd time The New 93Q has received an award as significant as this. The awards were announced Thursday night at the annual NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner & Show held during the Radio Show in Nashville, TN.

"Accepting the Marconi on behalf of Cox Media Group and the entire team of KKBQ is truly an honor and privilege," said CMG Houston VP and Market Manager Mark Krieschen. "The nomination and the win are true reflections of the kind of ‘radio’ KKBQ does each day: super-serving our audience, our advertisers, and the local community."

Established in 1989 and named after inventor and Nobel Prize winner Guglielmo Marconi, the NAB Marconi Radio Awards are given to radio stations and outstanding on-air personalities to recognize excellence in radio.

"This incredible honor is a reflection of the fantastic team we have at The New 93Q and the wonderful listeners who support us every single day,” said CMG Houston Operations Manager Johnny Chiang. “I could not be more proud of the passion our folks have for country music, radio, and our community makes The New 93Q a very special radio station and an incredibly rewarding place to work."

The passion KKBQ has for its listeners, talent, community and advertisers is the direct result of The New 93Q reining as Houston’s country music leader and the 1.1M Houstonians who tune in weekly.

(The following post was taken from a release sent to me by Cox Media Group)



Telemundo Houston 10pm news most watched in market September 2016

KTMD also returns as most-watched Spanish-language station in the market during Primetime for third consecutive month

 photo telemundo9-2016_zpsz4fmijf4.jpg

HOUSTON, TX – (September 22, 2016) – Telemundo Houston / KTMD closed out the September 2016 survey period as the most-watched station in the market, regardless of language at 10 PM among Adults 18 to 34.

The station also tied for the top spot in the market among Adults 18 to 49. Additionally, KTMD’s late newscast, Noticiero Telemundo Houston a las 10 PM, delivered the largest local late news audience for the third quarter of 2016 (July, August and September) among Adults 18 to 34 and Adults 18 to 49. Telemundo Houston ranks as the #1 Spanish-language television station in the market, during the late news time period among Adults 18 to 34, Adults 18 to 49, and Adults 25 to 54 for the third quarter of 2016.

In Primetime (Monday to Friday from 7 PM to 11 PM), KTMD was the most-watched Spanish-language station in the market among Adults 18 to 34, Adults 18 to 49, and Adults 25 to 54 during September 2016. This is the third consecutive month that Telemundo Houston ranks as the #1 Spanish-language television station in the market, during the time period among all three demographic groups. Additionally, Telemundo’s super series Señora Acero 3 La Coyote at 9 PM was the most-watched program in the time period, regardless of language,
among Adults 18 to 34 and Adults 18 to 49.

Source: Nielsen (NSI) Houston; September 2016, Q3 AVG (6/30-9/21); Preliminary Live +SD; Arianna Reports; Daypart AQH Impressions M-F 7p-10p (KTMD, KXLN, KFTH, KZJL, KYAZ, KTBU, KHLM, KUVM, KTRK, KHOU, KPRC, KRIV, KIAH, KTXH, KUBE); News Program Average Ratings M-F 9p-1030p (KTMD, KXLN, KFTH, KTRK, KHOU, KPRC, KRIV, KIAH)

RELATED
KTMD launches 'Noticiero Telemundo Houston' at 4pm

(This post was taken from a release sent to me by Telemundo)


Wednesday, September 21, 2016

GM Roger Bare to leave KIAH CW39

After 12 years, Roger Bare stepping down from GM at KIAH 39

 photo rogerbare_zpsr2ni0pev.jpg
Roger Bare
Roger Bare, longtime vice president and general manager of KIAH CW 39, is stepping down from his job after 12 years but looking to stay in Houston.

"It's time for me to challenge myself in a new way," Bare told mikemcguff.com. "I plan to explore sales and marketing opportunities in cycling, running and related businesses that promote a healthy lifestyle; and also opportunities in the local media/advertising community."

Not only has Bare sat in the top chair at channel 39 since 2004, but he's been with the Tribune owned station long before. Prior to the GM position, Bare was the station's general sales manager for six years.

Before that, he worked in the sales department at 104.1 KRBE.

Lots happened at channel 39 during Bare's tenure. Here are some highlights.

Under his leadership, 39 changed call letters from KHWB to KHCW and then to KIAH. Before Bare, the station's calls were KHTV.

The anchorless newscast NewsFix launched in 2011. According to Bare's LinkedIn page, NewsFix improved its time slot ratings, and delivered a 34% margin in less than two years. NewsFix was later expanded into the 10pm slot.

Bare also managed the launch of Tribune morning show Eye Opener in multiple markets. He took a slow day part for the Tribune stations and according to his LinkedIn page, created new demographics, gained market share, increased revenue and profitability.

For a while, Bare took over duties as Senior Vice President/General Manager of the company’s Dallas television station, KDAF, in addition to his Houston duties.

In 2015, Bare was awarded the 2015 Silver Star of Excellence Award by The Media Alliance of Houston (MAH), an affiliate of the Alliance of Women in Media (AWM). Why that's almost 39 Gold (you had to be in Houston in the 1980s to get this one)!

[Thanks Thanks to PR Fairy @farbulous]



Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Got a hot new podcast? Then you could win with Radio Brave

Radio Brave Launches North American Search for the Next Podcast Sensation with $5,000 Cash Prize - Podcast Development and Marketing Firm Hunts for Promising New Talent

 photo radiobrave_zpsh1lid8wo.jpg

HOUSTON, TX—September 19, 2016—Radio Brave, the digital broadcast platform launched in May 2016 by broadcast marketing innovator Doug Harris, is on the lookout for rising stars in the podcast world to support the public’s explosive interest in the platform.

“Radio Brave’s purpose is to bring new content, from new people, to new audiences,” explains Harris. “We began with weekly, one hour shows but since our studios and crew are perfectly suited to produce and distribute shorter formats, we’re making podcasts, podcasting, and podcasters our focus. We are all about ‘the P word’”.

Radio Brave’s Master ‘Caster Talent Search will begin accepting entries on October 3, 2016 at Slam@RadioBrave.com. Submissions must be in English, no longer than four minutes and presented as audio files. Official rules are posted at the bottom of the home page at RadioBrave.com or http://www.radiobrave.com/master-caster/. One grand prize winner will receive $5,000 and a one year development, distribution and promotion contract with Radio Brave. The winning podcast must conform to iTunes and Google Play Music’s terms of service before its worldwide launch by the Radio Brave team.

“The man or woman we select will get the best that Radio Brave has to offer,” says Harris.” If their talent is raw, they’ll get coaching as needed. If their production is amateurish and that’s not part of its appeal, we’ll clean it up. And if they don’t have a name, or an audience, or a sponsor, we’ll make that happen, too. We have the best team and the best studios available to podcasters and our doors are open to established content generators as well as the podcast-curious.”

Doug Harris
Radio Brave’s portfolio of podcasting-related services will be overseen by respected programmer and talent developer Bobby “Slam” Duncan, and will include not only the recording and production of audio episodes, but also the marketing and promotion of the podcast and the pursuit of revenue for its creator.

“America’s podcast superstars are putting out great product, attracting large audiences, and generating advertiser revenue,” Duncan observes. “But most people don’t start out at that level. Unless they already have a national presence or an established brand, they’re going to have to earn their way to popularity and profitability. And we’re here to help them.”

Radio Brave’s current long form broadcasts will continue but each show is also offered as an individual podcast, available for download on iTunes and Google Play Music. In addition, hosts of new podcasts will have their installments placed in rotation on RadioBrave.com’s 24 hour platform, available online and via TuneIn.

“People can tune in to Radio Brave like they would any talk station,” suggests Harris. “If they hear something they like, and want more of it, they can search iTunes and Google Play Music by program name. Podcasters get a one-two punch of exposure.”

Radio Brave’s programming content has been retrofitted to include podcasts, along with the existing longer form broadcasts. “Healthy Kids, Happy Kids” with concierge pediatrician Dr. Barbara Taylor-Cox, “Joy Ride” with the Metaphysical Moms, “Sip, Smoke and Savor” (spirits and cigars show), “Energy Recon with Alan Lammey”, and “The Critics Circle” from the Houston Film Critics Society are all currently offered as podcasts and on Radio Brave’s 24 hour digital platform.

For additional information on podcasting services from Radio Brave contact Bobby Duncan at Slam@RadioBrave.com or (901) 825-0731.

(This post was taken from a press release sent to me by Radio Brave)



News 88.7 KUHF’s Laura Isensee reporting from Pakistan

Houston Public Media’s Laura Isensee selected for fellowship in Pakistan


HOUSTON – (Sept. 16, 2016) – Houston Public Media’s News 88.7 education reporter Laura Isensee is traveling to Pakistan this week for a fellowship with the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) as part of their U.S.-Pakistan Professional Partnership in Journalism program. Over the next two-weeks, Isensee will share interesting aspects of her journey online at www.houstonpublicmedia.org/pakistan.

As part of the fellowship, Isensee will learn the realities of Pakistani journalism and life in Pakistan through site visits and interviews and she will also have the opportunity to interact with journalists, officials and locals. She is then extending her stay to work on a reporting project for News 88.7 focused on education.

"I'm very excited about the ICFJ fellowship to learn more about Pakistan and appreciate the opportunity,” said Isensee. “There are so many ties between Houston and Pakistan -- I think it will be fascinating to bring that story home to Houston."

Eight U.S. journalists from a wide variety of news organizations across the U.S. were selected to participate in this year’s fellowship program.

As the education reporter for News 88.7, Isensee covers K-12 and higher education in Greater Houston. Isensee joined Houston Public Media in 2013. Prior to returning to her hometown of Houston to work at Houston Public Media, she was a staff reporter at the Miami Herald and contributed to South Florida’s NPR affiliate. Isensee has won awards for her work in print and radio, including best specialty/beat reporting from the Texas AP Broadcasters Association in 2015 and best talk show from the Lone Star Awards for a collaboration with KERA in Dallas.

“This is a great opportunity for Laura to not only experience the rich culture and world of reporting in another country, but to bring our listeners along on this exciting journey,” said Jose Jimenez, interim news director of Houston Public Media.

ICFJ is a non-profit, professional organization located in Washington, D.C. that promotes journalism worldwide. Their U.S.-Pakistan Professional Partnership in Journalist program is a multi-year program funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs that aims to bring 230 Pakistani media professionals to the U.S. and send 70 U.S. journalists to Pakistan.

HEAR THE REPORTS

(This post was taken from a release sent to me by Houston Public Media)



Monday, September 19, 2016

Andrea Watkins to leave FOX 26 KRIV

Reporter Andrea Watkins calls it a career at FOX 26 KRIV after 26 years

Andrea Watkins

It looks like FOX 26 reporter Andrea Watkins picked the perfect number of years to close her chapter at KRIV...26 years years, just like her channel's number.

Watkins is a no-nonsense reporter who could easily handle the hard news all the way to stories on how to save consumers money.

The channel 26 staple posted the following message on her Facebook page.

Just letting you know that today is my last day at Fox26. I've enjoyed 26 great years at the station but it's time to relax a bit, enjoy more time with my family, and look for new adventures down the road.
It's been a great pleasure and privilege to tell the stories I have told over the years. Thank you to all for allowing me to share your information, concerns, and experiences with the people in the Houston area and beyond!
I wish all the best to the wonderful friends I've met in my journey. I'm sure we will find ways to stay in touch.

"I have never seen anyone attack a subject like Andrea Watkins," Lanny Griffith, a former co-worker of Watkins at FOX 26 for 15 years, told mikemcguff.com. "Her interviews were piercing and relentless especially when it came to elected officials. She kept the flames turned up under their feet. They don't make 'em like her anymore."

Watkins arrived at KRIV in 1990 as a weekend anchor and producer. She came to Houston from KFDA Amarillo where she reported for four years. It was in her home state where she started her TV career at WVIT in Hartford, CT. She attended the University of Connecticut.

You might remember that in 2011, Watkins battled breast cancer and was working part-time.



Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Lauren Tostenson leaves KHOU 11



Looks like reporter Lauren Tostenson has left KHOU 11. Her bio has been wiped from the channel 11 website sometime in the last week.

Tostenson joined KHOU in November of 2015 from CW39 KIAH's NewsFix where she was a multimedia sports journalist.

Central Texas TV viewers will know Tostenson as Mickler (maiden name) where she spent two years as a Time Warner Cable News MMJ in Austin.

Prior to Texas, Tostenson worked two years at KEZI 9 News Eugene, Oregon. She moved to Eugene from her hometown of San Diego where she worked at NBC 7 San Diego KNSD.

She graduated from journalism powerhouse the University of Missouri where she put in time at KOMU.

I contacted both KHOU and Tostenson last week for this post but never heard back from either party. If I do, the update will be posted here.



Dayna Steele and Earl Slick Collaborate on Sets, Frets & Cigarettes

UPDATE
REVIEW: Earl Slick & Dayna Steele talk David Bowie and John Lennon


Talk, music presentation by two rock luminaries debuts October 2nd in Houston from Ovation Speakers and Talent

 photo slicksteele_zpseuf126dz.jpg

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 7, 2016) – Dayna Steele, the award-winning broadcast personality, entrepreneur, author and professional speaker, will unveil the latest expression of her “find your inner rock star” mantra next month in a live stage production with David Bowie sideman Earl Slick.

The two-person show, which pairs this seasoned interviewer and presenter with the guitarist recruited by John Lennon, Yoko Ono and David Bowie, will include Slick’s music and musings infused with Steele’s inspirational messaging.

The world premiere of this first episode of Dayna Steele’s Rock Talk Series will be presented to audiences on Sunday evening, October 2, 2016, in the historic surroundings of Houston’s Majestic Metro Theatre. The production, orchestrated by Doug Harris through Ovation Speakers and Talent, will benefit TexasMusicHistory.org and its efforts to establish the Texas Music Hall of Fame program in Houston.

For several years, Steele and Harris had flirted with the notion of seasoning her speaking engagements with live music for the entertainment and motivation of business conference, convention, and college audiences. Steele’s longtime friendship with Slick made him the logical first choice and the two began working with Harris in the summer of 2016 to bring the concept to life.

“Some bands play together for years and some implode on their first tour,” observes Steele. “Talent is a factor, but understanding your role and what is expected of you is just as important. That’s a message that business and student audiences can understand. Success takes more than talent. Slick’s going to help me share that wisdom.”

The inaugural installment of Dayna Steele’s Rock Talk Series has been titled “Sets, Frets & Cigarettes”, although its title and content will likely be customized for future audiences.

Harris, whose professional speaking career has taken him to 26 countries on five continents, believes the concept will be well received and will deliver the impact that meeting and convention planners demand.

“There are hundreds of talented speakers with solid material and beautiful PowerPoints who can do a great job for you,” says Harris. “Or, you can hear stories and life lessons from the guy that held his own with the most controversial Beatle, his infamous wife, and Ziggy Stardust, moderated by one of the country’s best motivational business speakers. Which presentation do you think people will be talking about a year later?”

Tickets for Sets, Frets & Cigarettes are available at EventBrite.com for $75, plus fees.

A limited number of VIP seats, which include a post-performance reception with Earl Slick and Dayna Steele, are offered at $125. All tickets include complimentary beverages. The October 2nd event will include a silent auction benefiting TexasMusicHistory.org.

The Dayna Steele Rock Talk Series is available exclusively through Ovation Speakers and Talent. Visit OvationSpeakersandTalent.com.

ABOUT EARL SLICK

From the spacey sounds of seventies David Bowie and the seminal work of John Lennon, to the gritty resurgence of punk pioneers the New York Dolls, Earl Slick has had two hands in shaping the sounds that have come to define legends. Slick got his start in the club scene of his hometown New York City, where he quickly gained a reputation as a unique and talented guitarist. In 1974, friend and film composer Michael Kamen recommended Slick to David Bowie as Mick Ronson’s replacement in the Diamond Dogs tour. Although Bowie supplied most of the guitar work on Diamond Dogs, Slick managed to duplicate and expand on the tracks while injecting his own style into the live show, resulting in one of the greatest live rock guitar albums of all time, David Live. Subsequently, Slick was introduced to John Lennon, contributing guitar work to Double Fantasy, Lennon’s final studio album. Slick also launched a solo career, which included the albums Razor Sharp and The Earl Slick Band. Subsequent Bowie tours brought Earl Slick additional acclaim and sustained his reputation as a world-class musician. In April of 2016, Slick was joined by Rolling Stones backup vocalist Bernard Fowler for the Station to Station Revisited tour in Japan and the UK. Visit EarlSlick.com for additional information.

ABOUT DAYNA STEELE

Dayna Steele has been on a microphone and a stage for the majority of her life. She has worked with the world’s greatest rock stars as a Hall of Fame rock radio personality and has interviewed everyone from Mick Jagger and Jon Bon Jovi to presidential candidates, astronauts and more. Dayna brings the true stories and entertaining success strategies she picked up along the way to business audiences across the country. She is a successful entrepreneur, an author of eight books (including Rock to the Top: What I Learned about Success from the World’s Greatest Rock Stars) and is the lead success strategist for the consulting firm Daily Success LLC.

ABOUT OVATION SPEAKERS AND TALENT

Ovation Speakers and Talent is a dependable resource for professional speakers, trainers, coaches and entertainers in service to meeting and convention planners. Presenters represented by Ovation may also be of interest to those who source and direct employee training and continuing education. Ovation Speakers and Talent maintains a stable of speakers from an assortment of professional backgrounds, with expertise in a variety of disciplines. Visit OvationSpeakersandTalent.com for their current roster.

ABOUT TEXASMUSICHISTORY.ORG

The Texas Music Library and Research Center (TMLRC) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) music heritage and library services organization dedicated to the research, education, preservation, and exhibition of Texas music history. TMLRC has been qualified as a State official “Texas Museum of Music History” by the Texas State Legislature, Texas Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration. The US Senate, the Federal Highway Administration, Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Historical Commission, Museum of American Music History/Texas Music Hall of FameTM, Western Heritage Historical Society, Hispanic Entertainment Archives, Texas Jazz Archives @ Houston Public Library, several distinguished universities, other regional, national and international entities have served in the development of the TMLRC program.

As a coalition of music families, private collectors and organizations with exquisite collections of Texas music, art, artifacts, recordings, photographs, film and music memorabilia, the museum program combines with other institutions dedicated to education and historical interpretations of Texas’ indelible cultural assets. TMLRC has developed several options to coordinate the State’s music history community into a hub-and-spoke network, a heritage trails program and visitor center. With the international tourist destination option, a hub facility would offer approximately 300,000 sq. ft. of educational, exhibition, performing arts, merchandising, and food and beverage space.

This master plan has the scope, definition and purpose to make Texas the Southwest component of a national chain of music museums. In an official “Texas Museum of Music History” program, the hub would serve as the state’s heritage trails gateway to over 20 music museums, 50 historic dance halls, over 120 music heritage historical markers and more. For more information, visit TexasMusicHistory.org.

UPDATE
REVIEW: Earl Slick & Dayna Steele talk David Bowie and John Lennon



Friday, September 09, 2016

Mike McGuff profiled in Health Fitness Revolution

"The joke among TV employees and some viewers is that all the stations are number one in the ratings now"


I know, I know, you don't care what I think. You just come here to read about Houston media news - usually before it is posted anywhere else. I know my strengths.

However, I wanted to thank Health Fitness Revolution's Samir Becic for a nice profile on your humble blogger.

Read my thoughts on Houston media, the new KPRC 2 Houston Life show, all the way to best places to take kids in Houston. The only addition I have to make to this article is that when I was interviewed, Houston was market 10. Days after it was published, Houston moved up to the 8th Nielsen Designated Market Area (DMA).

And based on the title of Becic's site, naturally the state of Houston's fitness comes up.

READ IT HERE

Notice I am still flying the 101 KLOL flag in the photo! Hail to the Runaway Radio. This is actually the photo my 7 year old son took of me! This article was published prior to the death of Jim Pruett.




Thursday, September 08, 2016

Stevens and Pruett 101 KLOL audio clips online + podcast

“The Runaway Radio Hour: The Story and Glory of KLOL" is a treasure trove of Stevens and Pruett audio on Radio Brave and podcast form


Here is my answer to everyone who has emailed me about old Stevens and Pruett clips (especially Uncle Waldo). Radio Brave will be replaying these Houston radio treasures and podcasting them!

More from the release:

Radio Brave, the Houston-based company that combines podcasting with digital broadcasting, will begin airing three hours of vintage, archived audio of the Stevens and Pruett Show, weekdays between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM, starting this Monday, September 12, 2016.

The programming, titled “The Runaway Radio Hour: The Story and Glory of KLOL," will continue until further notice.

This audio episodes, curated and produced by former members of the KLOL programming and marketing teams, will also include short form interviews with former station staff members including GM Patrick Fant and cast members Brian “Eddie the Boner” Shannon, Lanny Griffith, Locke Seibenhausen, Laurie Kendrick and others.

The broadcasts also feature vintage promos and commercials pulled from hours of tape as well as Stevens and Pruett interviews with celebrities as diverse as William Shatner, Ike Turner, and former Houston Astro Jose Lima.

And then, there’s Uncle Waldo. Lots and lots of Uncle Waldo.

The shows may be heard via RadioBrave.com or through a free app available from TuneIn. This audio content will also be available via
iTunes podcasts (search “Runaway Radio”, downloadable at no charge).

Former KLOL listeners and fans of the show who have access to any shows or comedy bits from Stevens and Pruett’s days at KLOL, are encouraged to contact Bobby Duncan Slam@RadioBrave.com.

And don't forget to also send any audio, photos, video from your Rock 101 KLOL days to me for my upcoming documentary. I'm looking for your photos of the DJs at events down to you in a KLOL shirt. Email me here.

HERE ARE THE FIRST THREE EPISODES:





RELATED
- Jim Pruett of Rock 101 KLOL's Stevens and Pruett has died
- AUDIO: Michael Berry's 101 KLOL Jim Pruett tribute



VIDEO: Chita Craft announces pregnancy - sings 'It's Raining Men'


UPDATE MARCH 4TH, 2017
Chita Craft has her baby

KHOU 11 morning meteorologist Chita Craft is having a baby!

 photo chita_pregnant_zps2nkb1ej0.jpg

Before Chita Johnson Craft announced her pregnancy on the morning newscast, the KHOU 11 meteorologist actually revealed the news in a video where she carpools with two pastors. By the way, it's a boy.

Fast forward to five minutes into the video to see Craft, who shows up walking in the sunshine wearing a poncho with an opened umbrella in hand. She meets Pastor Eric Huffman (The Story Houston) and Dr. Tom Pace (St. Luke's Methodist), who in addition to Craft, also pick up Houston rap legend Bun B and fashion designer Preston Boyer.

Pastor Huffman Dr. Tom Pace (Correction) and Bun B both have a connection to Craft's wedding. Huffman officiated it, Bun B performed at the reception with Paul Wall.

Craft tells the pastors she doesn't get nervous going on TV, but did get the butterflies during her wedding ceremony.

Taking a cue from late night TV's James Corden, Craft also belts out the 1982 The Weather Girls hit "It's Raining Men." Extra points for those who know who co-wrote this song!

It's at 7:52 or so when Craft tells the pastors the big baby news while talking about her husband, Lane.

On KHOU 11 this morning, Craft admitted the pregnancy thing, "happened a little fast."

"I know its not a litte Chita, I'm Chita the fifth, I was kinda inside hoping for a Chita the sixth, but it's OK," Craft said.

Instead the Crafts and Houston TV viewers will welcome Les William Craft. Les and William are both family names from each side.

"I am the worst secret keeper of all times, so this has been the hardest thing for me," Craft added.

Craft is close to four months. Little Les is due March 1st, 2017.

"Please don't make fun of me once I start getting really big," Chita pleaded.


The Story Houston: Carpool Karaoke from The Story Houston on Vimeo.






Wednesday, September 07, 2016

Jose Grinan...why aren't you on FOX 26?

Where has FOX 26 KRIV morning anchor Jose Grinan been?

Jose Grinan

I've been getting lots of questions on the whereabouts of one FOX 26 KRIV morning anchor Jose Grinan who has been absent from Houston TV since July.

Well, a FOX Television Stations rep tells me he is recuperating from back surgery.

I'm told Grinan is recovering well.

He's on target to return to the FOX 26 morning news in early October.

Poor Grinan had to go through neck vertebra surgery in 2014. He suffered from a stroke in 2010.

Here's to a speedy recovery for our own Houston Daredevil anchor.



UPDATE 10/10/2016
Jose Grinan returns to FOX 26 KRIV after back surgery.

So happy to be back with my morning colleagues... and You!

A photo posted by Jose Grinan (@josegrinan) on





Jason Bristol Joins KHOU 11 Sports Team

UPDATE
VIDEO: New KHOU 11 sports anchor Jason Bristol gets big send-off

Jason Bristol from WHP Harrisburg, PA joining KHOU 11 sports team

Jason Bristol

KHOU 11 has announced a sports anchor to replace Pablo Alsina who left the TEGNA station earlier this summer. Jason Bristol from WHP Harrisburg, PA is will be taking over the role and he is quite accomplished according to his bio.

Bristol has been the WHP sports director for almost 11 years. While there he received the following honors:

-20-time Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award Winner
-2014 Edward R. Murrow Regional Award Winner, Feature Reporting, "6-year-old Motorcycle Champ"
-2009 Edward R. Murrow Regional Award Winner, Continuing Coverage, "Harrisburg's Hall of Shame"
-Numerous 1st place awards, Pennsylvania Associated Press Broadcasters Association

Before WHP, Bristol was a sports anchor for the Empire Sports network for almost two years. Prior to that he was a sports anchor/reporter at WSTM Syracuse, NY. He is a graduate of the State University of New York College at Oswego.

Here is the official KHOU 11 release for Jason Bristol:

HOUSTON –– KHOU 11, Houston’s CBS affiliate, announced Wednesday that Jason Bristol has been hired as the new sports anchor for KHOU 11 News. Bristol will be seen on air beginning in early October. He will appear weekdays on KHOU 11 News and he will host KHOU 11 Sports Extra on Sunday nights.

Jason has won twenty Mid-Atlantic Emmy awards and three Edward R. Murrow Regional awards as a sports reporter and anchor. The Pennsylvania Associated Press Broadcasters Association awarded him first place in sports casting three years in a row. Bristol graduated from State University of New York at Oswego with a degree in broadcast and mass communications.

“We are so pleased to welcome Jason to KHOU. We believe his passion for sports, in combination with his top-notch journalistic and investigative skills, will make him a great addition to our newsroom,” said Susan McEldoon President and General Manager of KHOU 11.

Jason will give Houstonians more than just sports scores and highlights. He has a proven track record of producing original, compelling sports news stories and investigations for over 15 years.


UPDATE
VIDEO: New KHOU 11 sports anchor Jason Bristol gets big send-off






Tuesday, September 06, 2016

Deborah Wrigley returns to KTRK abc13

UPDATE AUGUST 2020
Deborah Wrigley to leave abc13 KTRK

After exiting in June, longtime KTRK abc13 reporter Deborah Wrigley returns to KTRK abc13


Call me a little stunned right now, but after leaving in June, longtime KTRK abc13 reporter Deborah Wrigley is back at the station.

Wrigley's bio has reappeared on the station's website after being removed at the beginning of the summer.

Her departure was shocking to viewers. That post about her leaving is in my top 6 of all time in terms of page views.

After 37 years or so on the air, it was hard to imagine channel 13 without Wrigley. Well, it appears you will have to imagine no more. Wrigley is back at channel 13.

I contacted KTRK for comment but have not heard back. If/when I do, the station's response will be posted here.

Deborah Wrigley back live for the first time! #abc13 #ktrk

A photo posted by mike mcguff (@mikemcguff) on





AUDIO: Michael Berry's 101 KLOL Jim Pruett tribute

Hear the stories of radio legend Jim Pruett

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 08, 2016
Stevens and Pruett 101 KLOL audio clips online + podcast

photo RoxanaMarxCollins_jimpruett_zpsik8nzdds.jpg

Michael Berry on 740 KTRH had a big Jim Pruett tribute.

Listen to 101 KLOL analysis and stories from yours truly, Outlaw Dave, Steven and Pruett cast members Lanny Griffith and Locke Siebenhausen.

LISTEN HERE


UPDATE SEPTEMBER 08, 2016
Stevens and Pruett 101 KLOL audio clips online + podcast








Saturday, September 03, 2016

Jim Pruett of Rock 101 KLOL's Stevens and Pruett has died

Jim Pruett, along with Mark Stevens, defined comedy for a generation of Houston radio listeners on 101 KLOL and other stations


UPDATE SEPTEMBER 08, 2016
Stevens and Pruett 101 KLOL audio clips online + podcast

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 06, 2016
AUDIO: Michael Berry's 101 KLOL Jim Pruett tribute

photo jimpruett_zpsrido99ms.jpg
Jim Pruett from upcoming 101 KLOL documentary filmed at his gun store (2010).

Jim Pruett, the comic genius and half of the legendary 101 KLOL Stevens and Pruett morning team, died Friday evening at the age of 72.

He is survived by his wife Joy and his children. No cause of death has been released at this time. His family has updated us that Pruett died due to heart failure.

Pruett, who along with his longtime broadcasting partner, Mark Stevens, helped define morning radio in their decades together.

Born in nearby Bay City, Pruett fell in love with radio at a very early age. In interviews for my upcoming Rock 101 KLOL documentary, Pruett told me he began his career at the age of 15 at KBWD in Brownwood, Texas.

"And then I begun my kilowatt climb to incredible markets from Brownwood to Snyder, Texas to Frederick, Oklahoma and so forth," Pruett told me. "And then finally I got Merkel, Texas. Abilene, Texas. Also I ended up in Midland, Texas. And from Midland I got to do all nights in Oklahoma City, so that put me into a big market. Oklahoma City is a big market."

After serving in Vietnam, Pruett was hired by KNUZ-AM program director Buddy McGregor and Houston radio would never the same. In those days, Pruett went by the name Tony Raven on the Night Flight show playing the "hippie" style music that would define rock and roll.

In the early 70s, KLOL founding program director Pat Fant hired Pruett to work mornings on the newly signed on 101 KLOL. He would eventually become program director. It was a chance to work as the iconic 610 KILT morning show characters Hudson and Harrigan with Fort Worth DJ Mark Stevens that took Pruett away from KLOL in the mid-70s.

Eventually the duo realized they wanted to be themselves on air and worked stints at KULF-AM and 97.1 KEGL The Eagle in Dallas-Fort Worth.

In the early 80s, with an intense radio war against 97 Rock KSRR, KLOL made the move to bring Steven and Pruett back to Houston and a generation of Groove Dawgs was born.

"There is only one Stevens and Pruett," Fant told me in an interview for my documentary. "And it is radio genius, I think. The guys were just remarkable, and they made a lot of money. And I paid them a lot of money, because they made us a ton of money. Stevens and Pruett is, I think, one of the best radio combinations ever."

With bawdy humor that spawned such memorable segments as Uncle Waldo and the Sex Survey Hour, Stevens and Pruett became the staple of many Houstonians' morning routines.

"It was something you would sit in the car in the parking lot, with the motor running at 8:30, not go up to work and you were late and it was OK because you were going to hear the end of what they just started," Fant told me.

Pruett told me he heard the same statement over and over again in his post-radio life from former listeners, "Man, you made me late for all of my classes and I got into a butt-load of trouble!"

But for all of the shocking humor, Pruett was a religious man who wanted to help people. He worked tirelessly on his passion project, The Stevens & Pruett Foundation for Children and Animals, a ranch that helped abused children and animals.

"Well, I was given the opportunity to do it," Pruett told me. "I don't really take any credit for that I am a better person or anything. But I do think God loves me obviously, hopefully directs me and sometimes you can do a better job with that. I thank God that I am given the opportunity to help kids and animals. Not everybody gets that chance. So by being in radio, I had that chance and did it."

After radio, Pruett, a strong Second Amendment believer, opened a gun store off Highway 290.

It was at his store, I had the opportunity to interview Pruett for hours. He was a quick wit with a mind that worked extremely fast, it was hard to keep up with him. Pruett was an entertainer through and through.

In listening back to old Stevens and Pruett broadcasts, I forgot how many jokes the dynamic duo rapid fired at us back in the day. If you rewind the tape, you hear jokes you didn't catch the first time around.

There will never be anything like S&P on Houston radio ever again.

Below is a clip we shot the day of the interview of Pruett...being Pruett.

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 06, 2016
AUDIO: Michael Berry's 101 KLOL Jim Pruett tribute



photo RoxanaMarxCollins_jimpruett_zpsik8nzdds.jpg
Jim and Joy Pruett - a photo taken by Crash's wife Roxana Marx Collins at a charity benefit.

RELATED
- Stevens and Pruett remembered by a Rock 101 KLOL insider
- Former KLOL DJ 'Crash' Collins, 69, has died
- RIP: Stevens and Pruett player Jake Ray aka "Tito"
- Former 101 KLOL Stevens & Pruett producer Thomas E. ‘Tubby’ Lawler III died


UPDATE SEPTEMBER 08, 2016
Stevens and Pruett 101 KLOL audio clips online + podcast






Friday, September 02, 2016

VIDEO: Best Hurricane TV News Bloopers Ever


We have some Hurricane Ike ones in here including the infamous KHOU 11 bear suit incident.



Thursday, September 01, 2016

Texas TV & radio job moves August 2016


DALLAS - FORT WORTH

WFAA 8's Shelly Slater leaving as anchor to spend more time with children.

Mike Garber out as CBS11 KTVT news director.

WFAA's Carla Wade joins KTNV.

NBC 5 KXAS adds Wayne Carter to its consumer investigative unit from WREG Memphis.

NBC 5 KXAS has hired Larry Collins from WBFF in Baltimore.

Homa Bash is leaving WEWS in Cleveland to work at KXAS in Dallas.

Reporter Philip Townsend leaving WFAA 8 for return to WVEC Norfolk, VA.

CBS11 KTVT adds Brittany Jeffers to reporting team.

WFAA 8 Producer Amanda McNew leaves to become Grapevine PD Media Manager.

HOUSTON

Bill Worrell planning retirement, Craig Ackerman to take over road TV duties.

Univision-owned KXLN Houston (DMA 10) has added meteorologist Anthony Ortíz Rodríguez to its news team.

Former KPRC 2 weekend sports anchor Simone Eli joins The Steve Shannon morning show with Simone Eli on Tuscaloosa, Alabama's 95.3 THE BEAR mornings 5-10am.

Former SportsRadio 610 KILT morning host Josh Innes out at 94.1 Sportsradio WIP.

Phaedra Cook will soon be the former Houston Press food editor.

- KPRC 2 Houston Life anchors Derrick Shore and Jennifer Broome
- Phil Archer hits 40 years at KPRC 2
- Dave Ward to move on from abc13 KTRK
- Jace Larson leaving KPRC 2
- Blake Mathews joins KHOU 11 weather
- Dave Ward on KTRK abc13: "They seemed like they really wanted me to make my exit."
- Josh Marshall joins KHOU 11
- Lance Roberts Radio Show Moves to Mornings on AM 700-KSEV
- Michael Saunders named 93.7 KQBT The Beat program director; Urban Brand Coordinator
- Susan Schiller named FOX 26 KRIV news director
- Jason Miles joins KHOU 11
- Keli Rabon joins KHOU 11
- Paul Pendergraft retires from News 88.7 KUHF

SAN ANTONIO

Brian Alonzo, meteorologist/weather and Traffic producer for KSAT-TV, has become the Weekend Meteorologist for KETK-TV/KFXK-TV in Tyler, TX.

AUSTIN

Joe Barlow named The CW Austin entertainment reporter.

Former KPRC 2 EP (current KVUE assistant news director) Jenelle Shriner named news director at KPLC Lake Charles, La.

AROUND TEXAS

KLBK Lubbock sports reporter/anchor Gene Dumont moves to become a sports reporter for Razorback Nation.

KETK Tyler anchor/reporter Brittni Thomason leaves to become a reporter at KWCH 12 Wichita, Kansas.

After 20 years on the Nightbeat, News Channel 25 KXXV’s Ann Harder stepped down as the 10 p.m. news anchor. Harder will continue to co-anchor the 5 p.m. and the 6 p.m. newscast.

Tashara Parker has been hired by TEGNA-owned Tyler, Texas, CBS affiliate KYTX as an evening anchor.

KCBD Channel 11 Lubbock Weather Anchor/Reporter Niku Kazori joins WCBD Charleston, SC.

KFXK Tyler weekday morning anchor/reporter Kristen Chapman moves to WPEC West Palm Beach as a reporter/MMJ.

KYTX Tyler reporter Destiny McKeiver is leaving the station for WJXT Jacksonville.

David Tillery Named GM Of KTEN.


REMEMBERING

Galveston Daily News mourns death of Managing Editor Scott Williams.


============================================================================

As good as people think I am at tracking Texas media job moves, my image is better than reality. Don't expect that I see every Twitter or Facebook post about your new job. Don't get mad at me, contact me below to make sure I don't miss your big career move!

- Contact here for job changes
- Looking for TX TV jobs?

RELATED
- Texas TV & radio job moves July 2016
- Texas TV & radio job moves June 2016
- Texas TV & radio job moves May 2016
- Texas TV & radio job moves April 2016
- Texas TV & radio job moves March 2016
- Texas TV & radio job moves February 2016
- Texas TV & radio job moves January 2016
- Texas TV & radio job moves December 2015
- All the new and disappearing faces on Houston TV screens in 2015




FOX NFL SUNDAY broadcasting from Houston 9/11/2016

FOX NFL SUNDAY crew coming to Houston in preparation for Super Bowl LI

 photo foxnflsundayhouston_zpskllxanrv.jpg

If you didn't live in Houston for Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004, then you are in for a treat/surprise.

In the week leading up to the big game, the streets of downtown Houston looked like Manhattan. Celebrities were walking around going to VIP parties. Clubs and bars popped up out of nowhere. “Human sacrifice! Dogs and cats living together! Mass hysteria!" (whoever gets the movie right on this one first in the comments wins for the day)

Well, we are gearing up for 2/5/2017 when Super Bowl LI takes over and there are some special events already taking place.

In the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee newsletter, I found out that Michael Strahan, Terry Bradshaw and the gang are coming to H-Town September 11th for FOX NFL SUNDAY:

The NFL’s regular season will kickoff the same way the playoffs will end for the Fox Television Network, with their award-winning FOX NFL SUNDAY crew in Houston. FOX, the network that will broadcast Super Bowl LI is bringing their FOX NFL SUNDAY cast - Curt Menefee, Terry Bradshaw, Jimmy Johnson, Michael Strahan, Howie Long and Jay Glazer, to Houston on Sept. 11 for the first weekend of the NFL’s regular season. This will be the first time FOX NFL SUNDAY will broadcast from Houston.

Fox will broadcast their pregame, halftime and postgame shows from a set on Discovery Green in Downtown Houston. The public is encouraged to come and join them for this free event as they celebrate the first weekend of the NFL season. The pregame show begins at 11 a.m.

The set will be located in Discovery Green Park, the same place FOX will have a set next February when Super Bowl LI will be played. Discovery Green will also be the location of Super Bowl LIVE, the 10-day fan festival before Super Bowl LI, will be located. Strahan, who graduated from Westbury High School in Houston and attended Texas Southern University, will get a special treat when the TSU band, the Ocean of Soul, will be at Discovery Green and will perform.
The Houston Super Bowl Host Committee be at Discovery Green as well with exhibits and games from its Touchdown Tour to entertain fans as well.



The New 93Q KKBQ staff is partying likes its Rodeo time!

The New 93Q KKBQ gets Country Music Association (CMA) and Marconi Award nominations


Some Houston radio stations might be sitting back looking at The New 93Q KKBQ, and to use the old When Harry Met Sally line saying, "I'll have what [they're] having."

That's because the Houston country station has been nominated for some big time stuff in the last months.

It's pretty rare for a radio station to get nominated for two Country Music Association (CMA) awards and a National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Marconi Award for Country Station of the Year award at the same time.

Congrats!

Here are more from releases they sent me:

The New 93Q gets nods for two prestigious award nominations from The Country Music Association

HOUSTON – (August 31, 2016) – Cox Media Group Houston announced today that the Country Music Association (CMA) has nominated KKBQ-FM, The New 93Q, as a finalist for two prestigious awards: Major Market Station of the Year and Major Market Personality of the Year
for The Q Morning Zoo with Tim Tuttle, Kevin Kline and Erica Rico.

“I'm extremely proud of the accomplishments by the entire team of The New 93Q,” said CMG Houston VP and Market Manager Mark Krieschen. “Receiving a nomination in two categories is truly a reflection on the dedication of our radio stations to our listeners and our local communities.”

The CMA Broadcast Awards are among the most prestigious awards given out in the field of Country Radio. The CMA Award winners are chosen in three rounds of voting. Votes are cast by industry professional members of the Country Music Association – meaning Awards
winners are honored by their peers in the music industry.

"Today’s nomination represents the hard work and commitment of the entire 93Q team,” said Johnny Chiang, Cox Media Group Operations Manager. “Day in and day out, 93Q serves the Houston community by providing our dedicated listeners with top-rated country music, entertainment, personalities and talent. I want to thank all the staff here and in the Houston community whose passion for country music and radio makes The New 93Q a very special station.”

The 50 th Annual CMA Awards Show will be hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood and broadcast live on ABC-TV from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Wednesday, November 2 nd at 7pm.
Houston’s Country Music Station: The New 93Q nominated for prestigious Marconi Award for Country Station of the Year

HOUSTON – (July 26, 2016) – Cox Media Group Houston announced today that the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has nominated KKBQ-FM, The New 93Q, as a finalist for the prestigious Marconi Award for Country Station of the Year.

“I'm extremely proud of the accomplishments by the entire KKBQ team,” said CMG Houston VP and Market Manager Mark Krieschen. “The Marconi is the radio industry’s Academy Award, so even being nominated is the highest of honors.”

Part of the selection process, entries must include innovative programming, revenue generation and station’s commitment to the community. Highlights also include audience involvement, promotion and how the station serves its audience.

"The 93Q team is the best in the business at delivering excellence in live and local content to our listeners,” said Johnny Chiang, Cox Media Group Operations Manager. “Today’s nomination represents the hard work and commitment of the entire team and I am proud to be a part of this team.”

The winners will be announced on Thursday, September 22, 2016 in Nashville, TN at the NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner & Show. The prestigious awards recognize radio's outstanding personalities and stations. Marconi finalists were selected by a task force of broadcasters, and the winners will be voted on by the NAB Marconi Radio Awards Selection Academy.





Paul Pendergraft retires from News 88.7 KUHF

After working for such stations as KQUE, KNUZ, 740 KTRH and News 88.7 KUHF Paul Pendergraft turns off his microphone

 photo paulpendergraft_zpsrmpotpau.jpg
Paul Pendergraft
After 31 years in Houston-area radio, Houston Public Media radio station News 88.7 KUHF's Paul Pendergraft called it a career yesterday.

He told Houston Matters Craig Cohen that it was KPRC 2 weatherman Doug Johnson and his wife that got him is big break at KFRD-FM Rosenberg where he did a little bit of everything. From there, he says his broadcasting life was one of happy accidents.

That led him to a distinguished news career at a variety of Houston stations.

He was a news anchor from 1988-1992 for KNUZ and KQUE when they were together at a old house on Caroline. From there he went to 740 KTRH from 1993-1996.

And in 1996, he capped off his career at KUHF where he would wear many hats. Starting out as a reporter, he moved up the org chart to assistant news director, then news director and finally changed course to his last title of Senior Producer for News & Public Affairs.

In his latest role, you heard Pendergraft make station announcements and his work on the long running segment Engines of Our Ingenuity with Dr. John Lienhard. A Houston public radio institution with thousands of segments under its belt.

According to his bio, Pendergraft has been recognized by his peers and has earned many prestigious awards for news reporting and excellence in journalism. In 1998, he was the first KUHF News Reporter to be named the Press Club of Houston’s "Radio Journalist of the Year".

A year later, his reporting skills gained KUHF its first regional Edward R. Murrow award for his extraordinary use of sound in telling a story. Pendergraft has been recognized by the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters, The Press Club of Dallas, The Harris County Medical Society, The Texas Medical Society, The American Cancer Society, The Mental Health Association of Greater Houston and many other organizations for excellence in journalism.


Here is an email obtained by mikemcguff.com that Pendergraft sent to his colleagues about his retirement:

Friends…

Over time, I’ve been called many things…”Eagle Scout,” “Marine,” and even “The Ghost of Radio Past.” I’ve also been called “Reporter,” “News Director,” “Station Ambassador,” “Senior Producer,” and “Artistic Advisor.” My old friend and colleague Kathy Rogers (RIP) called me, “Pepe Le Pew.” I was never quite sure why. Well, as of September 1st, you can also call me “Retired.”

After more than 31 years in radio, 20 ½ of them here at KUHF and News 88-7, it’s time to stand down. During my time here, our small public radio station grew into a big-time multi-media operation. I literally helped us move into our 3rd floor space from the cramped radio studio in the U-H School of Communications. Daily news defined my early years here. During that time, I was honored to receive many broadcast awards including the station’s first Houston Press Club “Radio Journalist of the Year” Award (1998), and the station’s first Radio and Television News Directors Association “Edward R. Murrow” Award (1999). More than 40 on-air fundraising campaigns occurred during my time. In recent years, my work on StoryCorps, This I Believe, Engines of Our Ingenuity, Texas Originals, UH Moment and the daily Events Calendar, has been pure fun. All in all, it’s been a remarkable journey and my life is better for it. Best of all, I leave with a full heart.

I’ll undoubtedly miss the work and I’ll certainly miss you. Our daily tasks bring us together, but the relationships bind us. I’m grateful for your friendship and for all the kind gestures you’ve sent my way. In the coming days, I’ll stop by your desk and thank you personally.

I regard my time with KUHF and News 88-7 as my highest professional honor.

As I move in to the next season of my life, I’ll be following your work. And I’ll be proud to see and hear friends doing great things. I did my best to help make this place better than when I found it. That remains your challenge…treat each other well, do work that exceeds the high expectations of our listeners and members and extend a hand to the next generation of professionals, who follow in our footsteps.