Mike McGuff #17 on Houston’s Top 25 Social Media Power Influencers – 2017 list

I am very excited about the Houston’s Top 25 Social Media Power Influencers – 2017 list that came out today in conjunction with Houston Social Media Day 2017.

Why?

I came in at number 17!

Who can believe that?

I want to thank you for following my social media presence. Most importantly hopefully you have fun and get something out of it once in a while too.

Thanks to Madalyn Sklar who ran the analytics and compiled the list. And a shout out to Eric T. Tung for originally starting the list.

Make sure to follow me on Twitter and Facebook and Instagram!

Telemundo Houston continues to be Houston’s most-watched station at 10 PM

Telemundo Houston delivers the market's largest late news and primetime audiences, in any language, during the first half of 2017

KTMD continues to be Houston’s most-watched station at 10 PM, regardless of language, among key demographic groups over the past twelve months

HOUSTON, TX – (June 29, 2017) – Telemundo Houston / KTMD closed out the June 2017 survey period as the most-watched station in the market with “Noticiero Telemundo Houston a las 10 PM,” regardless of language, among Adults 18 to 49 and for the first six months of 2017. In addition, KTMD’s local late news continues to deliver more Adults 18 to 34 and Adults 18 to 49 over the past twelve months.

In Primetime, Telemundo Houston delivered the market’s largest Adult 18 to 49 and Adult 25 to 54 Spanish-Language audiences. Year-to-date, KTMD delivered more Adult 18 to 49 primetime viewers regardless of language.

Local Spanish-language late news viewers represented half of Houston’s total 10 PM local news Adult 18 to 49 audiences in June. Attributable to its audience delivery success, KTMD continues to be the only Spanish-language local television station in Houston that continues to deliver year-over-year audience growth during Primetime and at 10 PM among Adults 18 to 34, Adults 18 to 49 and Adults 25 to 54, year-to-date.

Source: Nielsen (NSI) Houston; Prelim Live +SD; Arianna Reports; June 2017; 2017 vs. 2016 YTD (1/1-6/28); % change YTD 2017 vs. 2016; 12 mos. AVG (7/1/16-6/28/17); TP AQH Impressions M-F 7p-10p (KTMD, KXLN, KFTH) (KTRK, KHOU, KPRC, KRIV, KIAH, KTXH); Late News PAV & TP Impressions M-F 9p-1030p (KTMD, KXLN, KFTH, KTRK, KHOU, KPRC, KRIV, KIAH)

About Telemundo Houston
Telemundo Houston / KTMD is Telemundo’s local television station serving Spanish-speaking viewers in Houston, the fourth largest Hispanic television market in the country. Telemundo Houston aired the market’s first-ever Spanish-language television newscast more than 25 years ago. Owned by NBCUniversal, today, the station locally produces approximately 12 hours of news and information programming and delivers viewers the most up-to-date local news, weather forecasts and sports and entertainment headlines across all platforms, including online at TelemundoHouston.com, via its dedicated mobile app and through its social media channels. Telemundo Houston is the Spanish-language television home of the Houston Texans and the Spanish-language television sponsor of the world’s largest rodeo, Rodeo Houston. Viewers can find Telemundo Houston on local channels XFINITY 6 or 606 in HD, Dish and DIRECTV 47 and over the air 47.1.

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

Charlie Pallilo's new radio home announced

Charlie Pallilo heading to SB Nation 1560 AM KGOW and ESPN 97.5 KFNC

Ken Hoffman has broken the news he has been promising as of late. Thursday on Twitter, Hoffman said:

I can break it now. Charlie Pallilo back on radio - M-F on 1560 AM, pop-ins on @espn975. Details to follow. Now stop bugging me everybody!

As you might remember last October, Josh Innes returned to Houston and took over Pallilo's slot on Sports Talk 790 AM KBME. (Innes since has moved to 790's morning show.)

Pallilo listeners were outraged. They have been emailing me ever since asking where he will show up.

Hoffman now works for CultureMap, which is owned by Gow Media now, who also owns 1560 KGOW and ESPN 97.5 KFNC.

Me, I work for no one. By the way, can you spare a dime?

I can break it now. Charlie Pallilo back on radio - M-F on 1560 AM, pop-ins on @espn975. Details to follow. Now stop bugging me everybody! https://t.co/g7Jol0tdn3

— Ken Hoffman (@KenCultureMap) June 29, 2017

VIDEO: Best News Bloopers June 2017

Fmr. Chron staffer Alan Bernstein joins mayor's office

Former Houston Chronicle reporter, columnist and editor Alan Bernstein is going to work for Mayor Sylvester Turner.

Here is his part of the press release:

Mayor Turner also selected strategic communications leader Alan Bernstein to lead the Communications team.

Bernstein is a highly recognized change management executive who is uniquely qualified to synthesize information from trends, culture, survey data, news reporting and other sources into advantage-producing insights.

He has experience in media relations, crisis communications, social media tools, policy and executive messaging. He will fill the vacancy left by Janice Evans and has been filled by Interim Director Darian Ward since mid-April.

“I am familiar with Alan’s work in media relations, strategic planning and team building. He will be a welcomed addition to lead our communications team,” said Mayor Turner. “We are counting on his ability to develop a comprehensive and effective communications strategy highlighting my administration’s efforts to move Houston forward.”

Bernstein comes to the city from the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office. He was special assistant to Constable Alan Rosen, attracting worldwide coverage of selected cases handled by the agency. Previously as the director of Public Affairs with the Harris County Sheriff's Office, Bernstein was in charge of media and government relations for the agency.

Bernstein’s background also includes 29 years of experience as a reporter, columnist and editor with the Houston Chronicle, largely covering local and national political campaigns and elections.

He was honored by the 2009 Texas House of Representatives for “Integrity, thoroughness, objectivity and attention to detail, characterized by strict adherence to the facts and a sharp wit.” Bernstein earned a bachelor of science degree in journalism at Northwestern University.

FOX 26's Dr. Jim Siebert could be in the next 'Partridge Family' only with real talent #hymnselfie

FOX 26 Chief Meteorologist Dr. Jim Siebert and family getting praise for heavenly voices


I always knew FOX 26 Chief Meteorologist Dr. Jim Siebert could bust a groove, but now he has even gone up a few more notes in my opinion.

Seems Dr. Siebert and his family are quite the acapella hymn singers.

In fact, their YouTube performance videos are racking up the views and getting them written up by LDS Living:

“One of the most beautiful expressions of the soul is acapella singing,” says Debbie. “And our hymnbook is compiled exactly for this. With the exception of just a few hymns, they are arranged for voice part singing. The hymns are sophisticated and simply stunning in their most raw form, just as they are when sung acapella in parts.”

Music is an important part of Debbie and Jim’s relationship. “My husband and I were in BYU Singers, so we began our relationship with singing,” Debbie shared. Singing continues to play a significant role in their marriage and family life, and they often sing together with their children.

“We sing a song each night before we pray (in parts), and sing spontaneously all the time (in parts). We have a great time. I have a testimony and have witnessed that singing together prevents contention and builds strength.”

Now I referenced The Partridge Family in the title. Of course that fictional TV group played instruments.

That got me thinking.

I'd like to perform with the Siebert's. The only problem, I can't sing.

Do you think they'd let me in for one video playing tambourine just like Tracy Partridge?

Yeah, I didn't think so either.

Greg Hurst lands new TV anchor gig

Post KHOU 11, longtime Houston anchor Greg Hurst WREG News Channel 3 Memphis, TN


Now I wasn't posting back in March when Greg Hurst left KHOU 11. However I did post the big news on my Facebook page.

It was shocking.

Good news to report, Hurst has a new gig with WREG News Channel 3 Memphis, TN:

WREG News Channel 3, the number one station in Memphis, welcomes one new face and adds anchor responsibilities to a familiar one. Veteran newsman Greg Hurst joins the prime time news lineup, and Meteorologist Todd Demers becomes the permanent anchor at Daybreak, a role he has been filling on an interim basis since December.

Greg Hurst joins Stephanie Scurlock on the 5, 6, and 10PM news starting in July. Before joining WREG, Greg spent 10 years as an anchor at WABC in New York, and was most recently the primary anchor at KHOU, the CBS affiliate in Houston, Texas. His broadcast career started in Little Rock, but Greg has deep roots in Memphis.

Evening anchor team Stephanie Scurlock and Greg Hurst. Photo: WREG

“In many ways, this is a homecoming,” Hurst said. “My wife grew up and went to school here. We got married in Memphis at the Quince Road Church of Christ. Our oldest daughter went to the University of Memphis, and now she, her husband and their beautiful baby—my granddaughter—live here. So I’ve always felt at home in Memphis. I look forward to continuing News Channel 3’s proud legacy of being the voice of the voiceless—the eyes and the ears—of those who deserve a seat at the table.”

Greg has been recognized for work on and off the news set, and has taken viewers with him around the world to see the streets of Baghdad, Iraq; the Kremlin in Moscow; and ruins of war in Vietnam. He’s been on the scene of some of the biggest stories in recent history, and he brings that trusted storytelling ability to the anchor chair in Memphis.

Todd officially joins Markova Reed on the anchor desk from 4:30-7AM weekdays, where he’s been filling in since December. He will continue to pull double duty, working at the weather desk too. He is the longest-serving morning meteorologist in Memphis, joining News Channel 3 in 1986. Todd has helped viewers plan their day on Daybreak, the number one Memphis morning newscast, since WREG launched the show.

“I’ve always loved doing both, and I’ve gotten to fill in several times over the years,” Demers said. “But it wasn’t until recently that I considered doing both jobs permanently. This gives me the chance to help people in and around Memphis in a variety of ways.”

President and General Manager Ron Walter said, “We are delighted to announce these changes. We welcome Greg to both the WREG family and the Memphis community. We were impressed by his extensive journalistic experience, but found his commitment to community involvement equally remarkable. He will embrace the Memphis story fully, in the same way we have come to expect from Todd Demers, who is just as good at telling news stories as he is at predicting and explaining weather.”

“Change can be a good thing, added News Director Bruce Moore. “Greg is a great newsman, but more importantly, his history of community service shows how much he cares. He and Todd are both experienced and engaging, and committed to making Memphis a better place.”

Greg Hurst joins Stephanie Scurlock, meteorologists Tim Simpson and Jim Jaggers, and sports anchor Glenn Carver as a team on July 3rd at 5, 6, and 10PM.

Todd continues in his dual role as Anchor/Meteorologist without delay. You can watch Markova Reed and Todd Demers with Traffic Reporter Corie Ventura every weekday starting at 4:30AM.

WREG-TV News Channel 3 is owned by Tribune Media Company (NYSE: TRCO) home to a diverse portfolio of television and digital properties driven by quality news, entertainment and sports programming. Tribune Media is comprised of Tribune Broadcasting’s 42 owned or operated local television stations reaching more than 50 million households, national entertainment network WGN America, whose reach is approximately 80 million households, Tribune Studios, and a variety of digital applications and websites commanding 60 million monthly unique visitors online. Tribune Media also includes Chicago’s WGN-AM and the national multicast networks Antenna TV and THIS TV. Additionally, the Company owns and manages a significant number of real estate properties across the U.S. and holds a variety of investments, including a 32% interest in CareerBuilder, LLC and a 31% interest in Television Food Network, G.P., which operates Food Network and Cooking Channel. For more information please visit www.tribunemedia.com.

Here is the release the station put out with the announcement:

"From the office of Susan McEldoon, KHOU 11 President and General Manager
It is with mixed feelings that I share with you that Greg Hurst is leaving KHOU 11.
During his 18 years at KHOU, Greg has consistently delivered a high level of professionalism, preparation and passion to his anchoring duties.

Greg’s commitment to quality journalism often took him outside of the news studio and into the field. He’s reported live from the Gulf war battle field of Iraq, from national political conventions and he’s interviewed former presidents and other high-profile news makers during his tenure at the station.

When it comes to covering breaking news, Greg is one of the best in the business. He’s the consummate professional who takes great pride in doing his homework and being as prepared as possible to cover any major event, whether it be a hurricane or a plant explosion. Greg provided our viewers with the context and backstory they needed to help them make sense of a breaking news story.
He’s also been very active in “Standing for Houston” through his community outreach efforts. He volunteers his time to support many non-profit organizations in our area.

Greg’s last day at KHOU will be this Friday. He is excited about starting this next chapter of his life and we want to wish him the very best with his next endeavor."

Houston TV anchor subject of art show

CW39 KIAH Morning Dose Houston anchor Maggie Flecknoe inspiration for art show

In all my years of blogging, I cannot remember posting about a Houston anchor being the inspiration for an art show, but now I can add that to my writing bucket list.

CW39 KIAH Morning Dose Houston anchor Maggie Flecknoe is the muse I'm talking about. Imagine you and me wearing berets and deconstructing works like the Mona Maggie, Anchor with a Pearl IFB or Eye Opener Gothic.

Before we go sample some wine and cheese...let's find out how the heck this happened!

It all started when Flecknoe covered the artists at the Rockstar Gallery.

CW 39’s Eye Opener and Maggie Flecknoe came out to ROCKSTAR on St. Patricks day, bright and early! Maggie featured the gallery and our “Luck of the Irish” art show live on TV that morning! It was truly a great experience, and all of the artists in the gallery at that time, felt a connection with her! We all want to do a special art show just for her, so we asked her some questions, and she answered!

This past weekend, those artists displayed their Flecknoe based work.

"Each one of these artists used me as their muse & created masterpieces out of questions I answered," Flecknoe posted. "It was truly magical to walk in Rockstar Gallery and see my life in art! I'm so humbled and touched!"

No word on when the paintings will be available for auction. Artist Cherie Salinas tweeted to me that she is the one to contact if you are interested in buying the Maggie Flecknoe lollipop painting. All else...contact the gallery.

Now I would be remiss if I didn't mention that at least one other Houston TV personality has been featured in paint form. Maring Zindler has been immortalized in HMD STUFF & THANGS's Saint Marvin works. I own the t-shirt version!



As for what the heck is this “morning dose.” stuff replacing "Eye Opener" - well here you go:

TRIBUNE BROADCASTING PARTNERS WITH DOSE TO LAUNCH “MORNING DOSE.”
A DATA-DRIVEN WEEKDAY MORNING NEWS SHOW
MELISSA RYCROFT, BRANDON LONDON AND LAILA MUHAMMAD TO HOST;
RICK JOYCE JOINS AS CREATIVE CONSULTANT

Dallas, June 15, 2017 – Tribune Broadcasting today announced the launch of “morning dose.,” a first of its kind, live social “wake-up” show, in partnership with Dose, a top digital media agency that specializes in data-driven, shareable content. Hosted by television personalities Melissa Rycroft and Brandon London, and news anchor Laila Muhammad, “morning dose.,” will launch on June 29th and will feature compelling and timely news stories powered by Dose’s social storytelling and scientific method to create and distribute content.

“morning dose.” will air weekdays syndicated in six Tribune markets: KDAF/Dallas, KIAH/Houston, WPHL/Philadelphia, WDCW/Washington DC, WSFL/Miami and KRCW/Portland, OR.

Host Melissa Rycroft captured America’s hearts as a contestant on “Dancing with the Stars” in season 8 and was crowned champion of its all-star season in the 15th cycle of the long- running ABC program. Rycroft can currently be seen on CMT’s reality series "Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team" as a mentor as she herself is a former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. Rycroft’s television debut however was as a contestant on the ABC’s beloved show, “The Bachelor.” Rycroft has hosted reality-TV competition shows such as ABC’s "Bachelor Pad" and CMT’s "Redneck Island” and is a frequent contributor to both “GMA” and “Access Hollywood.”

Host Brandon London is a former NFL and CFL football player and New York Giants Super Bowl champion. Most recently, London was on-air conducting interviews & segments for various “Giants TV” shows on the MSG Network. He's also been seen as a co-host on “The Maury Show” and Esquire TVs “Car Matchmaker” among others.

“morning dose.” news anchor Laila Muhammad, is a seasoned journalist, host and television personality with more than a decade of experience. Muhammad was most recently host of Tribune Broadcasting’s daily news program “Eye Opener” which “morning dose.” will replace. Muhammad previously served as an anchor at WTKR/WGNT, Tribune’s CBS/CW affiliate in Norfolk.

Creative Consultant Rick Joyce, an award-winning showrunner, was formerly the Co-executive Producer of “Entertainment Tonight” and was previously the Executive Producer of “The List,” a lifestyle news magazine. He also developed and launched the digital platform CelebTV.com.

“Working with our partners at Dose we’ve developed a morning program that will go beyond the traditional broadcast treatment of ‘trending’ social content,” said Bart Feder, Tribune’s Senior Vice President of News. “The goal of ‘morning dose.’ will be to set the morning agenda by showcasing the content and advancing the stories that will drive the day’s social conversation.”

“The future of broadcast is data-driven creative and we’re excited to partner with Tribune to create a morning news show unlike any other,” said Dose CEO Emerson Spartz. “Dose’s technology minimizes the guesswork of identifying which stories and angles will resonate. For years, we’ve planned to adapt our process to TV, and it’s thrilling to finally be opening up these new frontiers of innovation in storytelling.”

“morning dose.” will air in the following markets:

Station/Market
KDAF/Dallas 5a-8a
KIAH/Houston 5a-8a
PHL/Philadelphia 6a-8a
WDCW/Washington DC 6a-8a
WSFL/Miami 6a-8a
KRCW/Portland, OR 6a-8a
Local time periods

For more information, please visit http://morning.dose.com/

The Deplorables' Guide to Fake News + TV News Grapevine blog is back!

The book that will finally kill fake news: The Deplorables' Guide to Fake News

Randy Tatano (aka The Grape) has lots of experience in news, from local TV to the national network level. Back in the day I used to go through his blog and link his headlines right here.

TV staffers loved it.

With his varied perspective, he was laying stuff out on the table no one else dared talk about.

Good news. After a blog hiatus, he's back writing on the TV News Grapevine blog!

Why has his blog been MIA for years?

Because this grizzled journalist started writing books. I've featured them over the years too. Mostly he is a fiction guy, but the last election really got him going. His latest...as scary as it is...is all non-fiction. Yep, he's tackling the fake news sensation.

You might call this Fifty Shades of Gray Pantsuits.

Nope, this isn't a racy novel. But it's filled with dirty tricks.

It's the playbook used by biased reporters to promote an agenda... or a certain political candidate.

Yes, fake news has become an epidemic. But there is a cure.

Being able to recognize it. Along with the media people who are more interested in creating a narrative than presenting the public with actual facts.

The Deplorables' Guide to Fake News reveals the tricks of the trade... which are basically dirty ones played on the public by a biased media.

Because fiction isn't just for novels anymore.

Randy Tatano is a 30 year veteran of the television news business, having worked as a reporter, anchor and network field producer. He writes political thrillers as Nick Harlow, and romantic comedies for HarperCollins writing as Nic Tatano. He is the co-author of Eyewitness Newsman with television news legend Al Primo and the author of Broadcast Journalism Street Smarts.

He is a native of Stamford, Connecticut and now lives on the Gulf Coast.

Paul Berlin, Houston radio legend, passes away

Paul Berlin will be remembered as one of Houston's greatest broadcasters

From Andy Waldrop
The Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Paul Berlin will be held 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at South Main Baptist Church, 4100 Main St., Houston, Texas 77002. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriner's Hospital for Children at www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org.
It was Paul's explicit request that his Memorial Service be open to "All of Heavenly Houston." His favorite advise to his peers: "Be informative, Be entertaining...or be quiet."

Paul Berlin interviewed in Dan Lovett's Houston radio documentary

When you think of the greats in Houston radio history, one of the first names to enter your mind has to be Paul Berlin.

Unfortunately, the news has been spreading around social media that Berlin has passed away. I believe he would have been around 86.

"He was a gentleman with the sunniest personality," former 740 KTRH reporter Tracee Evans told mikemcguff.com. "I looked forward to seeing him walk in the building when I was at Clear Channel. He was a walking smile."

Brent Clanton has told me this Saturday night from 6pm-8pm on KSEV 700, the last station Berlin still played songs from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s on the weekends, broadcasting greats Scott Arthur, Walter Hammock and Ronnie Renfrow will air a special tribute to the Houston radio legend. (LISTEN HERE: Archived Berlin KSEV broadcasts)

UPDATE: The Texas Radio Hall of Fame will be streaming the KSEV broadcast tonight on its Facebook Group.

Berlin played everything from early rock n roll to big band on Houston stations such as:
- 1230 AM KNUZ
- 102.9 KQUE
- 700 KSEV
- 790 KBME
- Then back to 700 KSEV

So many great articles have been written about Berlin's life through the years, I am linking to some of the best, so you can reminisce about this fantastic broadcaster:

Paul Berlin says goodbye to loyal listeners
December 17, 2004
Louis B. Parks

At one time Berlin was the highest-paid disc jockey in the Houston area. He was offered a job at New York station WABC at $50,000 a year, a $10,000 raise, with the chance of doing TV, but he turned it down.

"I said, 'I've got three little boys. I'm making $40,000 right now, and I'm promoting rock 'n' roll shows. But most of all, I'm happy.' What price do you put on happiness?"

Berlin and Nezzie, his wife of 52 years, had five sons in all.

He's been a nominee for radio's Marconi Award. His face and voice are seen and heard in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. He's in the Texas Radio Hall of Fame. He's proud of the accolades, sure, but adds, "I can take a kick in the butt, too, for screwing up. I've done that." READ MORE

Paul Berlin has entertained listeners for 65 years
March 22, 2013
By David Barron

He also promoted concerts, beginning with big bands at the Plantation Ballroom on South Main, and owned two nightclubs, the Dome Shadows near the Astrodome and a short-lived location on Richmond. His acts ranged from the Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie and Artie Shaw big bands to Nat "King" Cole, Frankie Avalon, Chubby Checker, the Dave Clark Five and Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass.

Perhaps the biggest one, alas, got away in 1964. Berlin said he had just booked a show for Sonny and Cher when he received a call asking if he was interested in bringing the Beatles to Houston on that same date.

"I said I couldn't do it, and I asked them please not to bring the Beatles in on that date, because they would kill Sonny and Cher," Berlin said. "So they booked them in Denver."

Berlin tried to get the Beatles a year later, but KNUZ management insisted that promoters guarantee the Fab Four would show up without sending replacements. The promoter refused, and the Beatles' Aug. 14, 1965, shows at the Sam Houston Coliseum were sponsored by KILT. READ THE REST

HOUSTON BROADCASTERS REMEMBER PAUL BERLIN (email or post your memory)

Michael Garfield KPRC 950
"Sad loss. A legend indeed. Story time: when I started at Clear Channel in 2002 the KPRC studio shared a window with KBME Oldies. Paul was always doing his thing on-air while I was on the other side of the glass just learning radio. Talk about intimidating...staring at the legend whilst he stared back at me. He couldn't have been nicer. Always said "Hey, baby, what's shakin'? You're doing a great job. A superstar!" His stories were amazing. Nevah gonna be anyone like him. RIP, Pablo."

'Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen' coming to Houston and Dallas TV

“Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen” coming to Houston and Dallas TV FOX owned stations


No doubt “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen” has been a hit on cable, so now the Bravo show is going to have a summer run on FOX owned TV stations in Texas.

“I'm thrilled our show has the opportunity to reach a broader audience at all hours of the day,” said Andy Cohen, Host and Executive Producer in an announcement.

If you are in the Lone Star State, you can watch the talk show on Fox 26 KRIV Houston at 11:30pm and KDFI 27 Dallas-Fort Worth at 9:30pm weeknights starting June 26th.

I understand some of the biggest names that have appeared on the 30-minute show will be guests on this summer preview.

“Once again, we’re making it a priority to provide fresh options for our viewers during the summer," said FOX Television Stations SVP Frank Cicha in a statement.

The show will run for four weeks on OTA TV.

Here is a description of the show:

"Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen" is Bravo's late-night, interactive talk show that features guests from the world of entertainment, politics and pop culture. Hosted by Andy Cohen, the series has become a nightly destination for A-listers including Meryl Streep, Cher, Oprah, Jennifer Lopez, Ryan Reynolds, Jennifer Lawrence, Mariah Carey, Will Ferrell and Gwyneth Paltrow. Whether “Pleading the Fifth” or “Opening The Vault,” endless memorable moments have been revealed as host Andy Cohen continues to challenge some of the biggest celebrities and Bravolebrities on the only truly live, interactive series in late night television.

Michelle Choi joins KHOU 11

Michelle Choi joins KHOU as MMJ from KTEN Sherman-Denison, TX

Michelle Choi

KHOU 11 has hired KTEN Sherman-Denison, TX (DMA 162) reporter Michelle Choi as its latest multi-media journalist and she is no stranger to Houston.

"I'm very excited that I get to finally be with my family," Choi told the KTEN audience on her last broadcast. "It's been, gosh, three years since I've been to Houston to live."

The Stratford High School grad was born in South Korea, but was raised in Houston since age three.

She received a degree in Business Marketing at the University of Houston, but the call to television journalism sucked her away from the world of Excel and office buildings.

Choi joined KTEN in 2015. Before that she was an associate producer with FOX 23 KOKI in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Just yesterday, I played catch up and blogged that Rose-Ann Aragon joined KPRC 2.

KTEN.com - No One Gets You Closer

Texas media wins big in national 2017 RTDNA Murrow Awards

The Radio Television Digital News Association has been honoring outstanding achievements in electronic journalism with the Edward R. Murrow Awards since 1971. Award recipients demonstrate the spirit of excellence that Murrow set as a standard for the profession of electronic journalism.

Listed below are the national 2017 RTDNA National Edward R. Murrow Award Texas media recipients, organized by market size/entry division.

RELATED
Houston Press Club 2017 Lone Star Award Winners

Large Market Radio

Excellence in Social Media

KUT Social Media
KUT-FM
Austin, TX

Excellence in Video

One Crisis Away: Rebuilding a Life - Jennifer Anderson
KERA-FM
Dallas, TX

News Documentary

Texas Standard: Out of the Blue: 50 Years After the UT Tower Shooting
KUT - Texas Standard
Austin, TX

Small Market Television

Feature Reporting

A Labor of Love
KCEN-TV
Temple, TX

News Documentary

From the Ashes of Vietnam
KWTX-TV
Waco, TX

Large Market Television

Overall excellence

KXAS-TV
KXAS-TV
Fort Worth, TX

Breaking News

Dallas Officer Ambush
KXAS-TV
Fort Worth, TX

Excellence in Social Media

KHOU-TV
KHOU-TV
Houston, TX

Excellence in Sound

The Mariachi
KXAS-TV
Fort Worth, TX

Investigative Reporting

Big Buses, Bigger Problems: Investigating DCS
KXAS-TV
Fort Worth, TX

Newscast

News 8 at 10: Dallas Police Ambush
WFAA-TV
Dallas, TX

Small Digital News Organization

Overall excellence

The Texas Tribune
The Texas Tribune
Austin, TX

Continuing Coverage
Bordering on Insecurity
The Texas Tribune
Austin, TX

Excellence in Social Media

A Sniper On Campus
The Texas Tribune
Austin, TX

Investigative Reporting

Hell and High Water
The Texas Tribune / Pro Publica
Austin, TX

Large Digital News Organization

Breaking News

Eight Hours of Terror
The Dallas Morning News
Dallas, TX

Rose-Ann Aragon joins KPRC 2

WHILE I WAS AWAY: Rose-Ann Aragon joined KPRC 2 from WCPO 9 Cincinnati, Ohio

Rose-Ann Aragon

Back in the dark days of spring when I was hardly posting here, Houston got a new on air staffer.

UPDATE AUGUST 2022

Rose-Ann Aragon to leave KPRC 2

 

Rose-Ann Aragon joined KPRC 2 from WCPO 9 Cincinnati, Ohio as a multimedia journalist.

Before WCPO, Aragon did a bit of everything as a reporter/photographer/fill-in anchor/fill-in producer at WEEK/WHOI-TV NBC News 25 ABC HOI-19 News Peoria, IL. While doing all of those gigs, she also trained photographers as the Multimedia Director of IMPULSE Magazine.

And here's where her bio gets interesting.

I always joke most reporters/anchors in a Stepford Wives manner prosaically write they like to run and play tennis.

Not Aragon.

She apparently co-founded a Filipino-American young professional network and co-coordinated the largest leadership development/community building Filipino-interest conference in the Midwest.

But that's not all. She also speaks Italian, loves old school jazz and is only recently retiring as the starting fullback in an all-girls football league.

Aragon earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Fmr. Austin anchor Olga Campos releases 'It’s News to Me'

Former broadcast journalist Olga Campos Benz (KVUE) launches her new career as a contemporary novelist with her much-anticipated first book, It's News to Me. The modern fiction novel features a bold and beautiful Latina television news reporter whose life is endangered by criminals, enhanced by sensuous encounters, complicated by loved ones and spiked throughout with shots of tequila and irreverent humor!

Olga Campos Benz is one of the most honored anchor/reporters to grace the Texas airwaves, having spent more than 30 years covering the biggest news stories in Houston, Corpus Christi and Austin. While fictionalized, Campos Benz now brings this experience to the page in It’s News to Me, offering readers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the Texas newsroom.

"During my thirty years as a reporter/anchor, viewers always asked what it’s like to work at a TV station,” said Campos Benz. “‘It's News to Me’ answers that key question by providing an unfiltered look at the intense relationships that are always simmering in every newsroom in America. Readers will also savor the gritty details of the competitiveness, the sarcastic humor, and the never ending drive to break a big story!"

Life in television news is not as glamorous, exciting or entertaining as viewers might think. At least it’s not for anchor-reporter Marissa Cavelo who is tired of being typecast as a feature reporter.

There are only so many ribbon-cutting ceremonies a reporter can handle without going insane! Marissa is determined to break a
big exclusive story to prove she’s a serious broadcast journalist. She also hopes to grab the attention of a national talent scout who’s searching for the next network news anchor.

While out on yet another “fluff’ story, Marissa stumbles upon breaking news and the “live” coverage unexpectedly propels her career forward, but it also angers a violent criminal who has a longstanding vendetta against Marissa’s family. Her bumbling bosses and competitive colleagues don’t want her to succeed for their own selfish reasons, so in an attempt to stop her quick rise to fame, the
Executive Producer hands Marisa an impossible assignment - one she is guaranteed to fail.

Marissa tackles the tough assignment while maneuvering the crazy, often hilarious world of local television news at K-A-T-X in Austin,
Texas. As she digs up dirt on a bogus money-making operation, Marissa finds herself sexually drawn to her handsome partner/photographer. At the same time she is pulled further away from her twin sister who hates being in the expanding shadow of
her celebrity sibling.

It turns out Marissa’s twin sister is living a secret life that puts both women in danger leaving Marissa forced to choose between using her investigative reporting skills to either save her sister or expose her enemies with cameras rolling. Either way Marissa risks her shot at becoming a network anchor. Fortunately for the fans of this savvy Latina, her sarcastic humor and the perfect margarita are always free flowing in “It’s News to Me”!

In addition to her new career as a novelist, former broadcast journalist Olga Campos Benz also holds the role of Community Relations Director for businessman and honored philanthropist, Milton Verret, and his companies. She continues her connection and commitment to the Austin community by serving on several nonprofit boards including The Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM), the Austin Film Festival, the Joe R and Teresa Lozano Long Center, and the Advisory Council of the University of Texas Division of Diversity and Community Engagement. In 2013, the Austin Business Journal named Olga one of the “Profiles in Power: Women of Influence”.

She was inducted into the City of Austin Commission for Women Hall of Fame in 2014.

Olga and her husband Kevin live in Austin are proud parents of 26 year old twin daughters, Corazon and Allegra.

HOUSTON BOOK READING
Thursday, June 22 Casa Ramirez FOLKART Imports, 241 W. 19th Houston, TX 77008 6:30 – 8:30 pm



(This post was taken from a release)

Jennifer Bauer leaves KPRC 2; and she's not the only one leaving

KPRC 2 reporter Jennifer Bauer signed off from KPRC 2 last night. She follows her husband, Mike Guerrieri, to Florida. Guerrieri, who has been head of KPRC promotions, landed a new gig with NBC in Miami:

NBC 6 / WTVJ today announced that Mike Guerrieri has been named Vice President of Creative Services for the station. Guerrieri will lead the station’s on-air and off-air marketing efforts, as well as community outreach and programming. He will report directly to Larry Olevitch, President and General Manager for NBC 6. His first day at NBC 6 will be June 12.

“Mike has extensive experience in developing and executing outstanding marketing campaigns that help to connect local audiences with valuable information and resources,” said Olevitch. “We are very excited for Mike to join our team.”

A five time Emmy-award winning broadcaster, Guerrieri has nearly 20 years of experience working in broadcast and multimedia marketing for local televisions all across the country. He joins NBC 6 after working as the Vice President and Director of Creative Services for NBC’s Houston affiliate, KPRC-TV since 2010. Previously, Guerrieri held various executive roles in marketing and local programming for television stations in Jacksonville, Florida, Detroit, Michigan and Hartford, Connecticut.

“I’m happy to continue being part of the NBC family and look forward to working with the creative team at NBC 6 to support the station’s continued success and growth in the market,” added Guerrieri.

Guerrieri earned a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Connecticut and has served as Chairman of the NBC Station Marketing Council Committee since 2014.

About NBC 6 / WTVJ
NBC 6 / WTVJ is the NBC-owned station serving Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties. NBC 6 was Florida’s first television station and has been covering news in South Florida for more than 60 years. WTVJ was founded on three basic principles: commitment to the community, excellence in journalism and pioneering and innovation. Today, NBC 6 South Florida produces more than 30 hours of local news and programming per week, delivers dynamic multi-platform content on NBC6.com and COZI TV and continues its commitment to the community by cultivating local partnerships and capturing the diversity of South Florida.

Guerrieri will probably most enjoy not having to answer questions from mikemcguff.com at his new station.

Bauer joined KPRC 2 News as a reporter in 2010. She moved to the Bayou City from Jacksonville after spending six years as a reporter at KPRC's sister station WJXT. The Michigan native received her journalism degree from Michigan State University.

Energy Flow Network or EFN launches in Houston

Houston-based Energy Flow Network or EFN launches in Houston


Anytime I feature a TV news operation in Houston that is not a television station, my broadcast working readers suddenly see a career escape strategy. While I have no idea if this place has job openings right now, you might take notice for the future.

Energy Flow Network or EFN is an online video operation that launched months ago in Houston. This new shop is TV news for the energy world. As you probably know, Houston is in the center of the energy universe.

EFN produces U.S. and global energy market information, which covers a wide array of topics from energy commodity insight, daily breaking news, energy price analysis, long-range weather forecasting, geopolitical perspectives, market psychology, cross commodities, currency relationships to energy, economics, upstream, mid-stream, downstream and as I'm typing this I don't even know what all this means, if you are still reading to this point, hopefully you do as this long and winding sentence finally comes to an end.

Now longtime Houston media watchers might know this is not the first time the Bayou City has hosted such an operation.

Natural gas pipeline company, Williams (also the namesake for the tallest Houston building outside of downtown that I still like to call Transco), bowed EnergyNewsLive.com in October 2000 which was way ahead of its time in the pre-broadband days. Remember what it was like trying to watch a 30 second clip of pixelized video back then? Anyways, the site shut down in 2002.

I'd say these days certainly would be more favorable to a niche video network. Hopefully EFN won't have a SnapChat account.

What makes EFN so effin' cool in my book is the addition of one Mr. Pat Fant. Fant has become an inspiration to me over the years. This is why I digitally stalk him to see what he's working on now. Fant was the creator of 101 KLOL. He then restored the station to great heights in the 80s and 90s. Proving lightning can strike twice, Fant also created The Buzz. You will see waaaayyy more about Fant in my upcoming KLOL documentary...in final edit now since you asked.

Fant, along with Alan "PetroDamus" Lammey, who have hosted an energy radio show together, will be contributors to EFN. You can watch some of their work below. It's definitely not your average, boring energy coverage.

You can watch EFN at energyflownetwork.com and now Comcast Houston channel 75.

I just cut the cord so I only get web service now. Upon plugging my TV up to an antenna, I picked up around 100 channels in the Houston airwaves. Most are total crap. What's worse is that all these low power stations have a ton of sub-channels with nothing on them. Some are actual color bars with a rent me sign on them.

I've said it before, if I can find investors like EFN did, maybe I should lease one of these sub-channels for my blog. Mike McGuff TV has a nice ring to it. You, me and five of the viewers who might watch it could have a dandy time together.

The best thing that could happen is that I'd do a live call in show and Richard or Sal would prank me. Hit 'em in the Hein.

Josh Innes moves to mornings on SportsTalk 790; other moves

iHeartMedia Houston Debuts New Lineup for SportsTalk 790

Houston, Texas – June 19, 2017– iHeartMedia Houston announced today its new weekday lineup for SportsTalk 790, Houston’s Home for Your Home Teams, effective July 17.

The new schedule will begin at 6:00 a.m. weekdays with “The Josh Innes Show,” which has been broadcasted in afternoons on SportsTalk 790 since October 2016. Innes is a veteran sports radio personality who first worked in Houston radio in 2009. In January
2013, he moved to Philadelphia, where “The Josh Innes Show” was one of the most listened to afternoon drive sports radio shows in the city.

Josh Innes

“We’ve received a lot of great feedback since Josh joined SportsTalk 790,” said Bryan Erickson, Director of AM Programming for iHeartMedia Houston. “Love him or hate him, he’s one of the most passionate guys on the radio right now and that resonates with sports fans.”

In addition to new time slots for on-air personality Matt Thomas and “In the Trenches with Koch & Kalu,” SportsTalk 790 announced that veteran football scout, writer and fantasy football expert Jayson Braddock will join hosts Adam Clanton and Sean Jones on
“The Bottom Line,” which will now air during the afternoons. SportsTalk 790 will also continue its broadcast partnerships with the Houston Astros, Houston Rockets and the University of Texas football and basketball teams.

“At SportsTalk 790, we have some of the most knowledgeable sports experts and live and local programming in Houston,” said Erickson. “We’re extremely excited for this new lineup, which will provide Houston’s sports fans with even more exciting updates, insights and compelling conversation about the teams they love.”

Full Programming Lineup:

“The Josh Innes Show” 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

“In the Trenches with Koch & Kalu” 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

“The Matt Thomas Show” 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

“The Bottom Line” 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

iHeartMedia Houston has a strong cross-platform presence and includes a number of iconic brands and franchises – both broadcast and digital – including SUNNY 99.1, 94.5 The Buzz, The All-New 93.7 The Beat, KTRH and SportsTalk 790 – and produces legendary marquee events including Buzzfest and The Houston Beat Down.

iHeartMedia is a leading media outlet in the Houston market and its content is available across multiple platforms, including its broadcast station; online via its branded digital site; mobile; and social, with nationwide listening through iHeartRadio, the all-in- one streaming music and live radio service – with its more than a billion downloads and 100 million registered users.

RELATED
Lance Zierlein leaves SportsTalk 790 KBME coverage

LEAVE YOUR COMMENT
What do you think about the move? Talk with Houston radio listeners

(The following post was taken from a release sent to me by IHeartMedia Houston)

LA Guns footage from Reloaded Tour 2017 Houston - 6/15/17

Unfortunately I missed the latest L.A. GUNS with a reunited Tracii Guns And Phil Lewis show in Houston at Proof Rooftop Lounge Midtown.

Still true to my rocking ways, I missed it because I was working on the Rock 101 KLOL documentary. A good excuse if you ask me.

There is a YouTuber named Carlos Melendez who is always bringing us clips of Houston rock shows on his channel. He lets me vicariously be at Bayou City rock shows. Here is some of what he captured at LA Guns this week...including a new song called "Speed" off the bands upcoming album.

It's like 1988 all over again!

RELATED
Metallica rocks Houston and media shows up

Shelby Hodge talks Houston society with "Neal and Libby"

Neal Hamil and Libby Cagle get the scoop from new PaperCity society and lifestyle editor Shelby Hodge


Model mogul Neal Hamil and beauty entrepreneur Libby Cagle host a Radio Brave podcast called "Neal and Libby."

The Houston duo just sat down with PaperCity society and lifestyle editor Shelby Hodge who recently joined the publication after working seven years at CultureMap and 18 years at the Houston Chronicle.

She talks about the Houston society crowd, parties and gossip. And as you might expect, the legendary Maxine Mesinger's name comes up! Also, the new Overheard at Brasserie 19 instagram account and Dave Ward's favorite restaurant.

Houston Media support Astros George Springer's 3rd Annual All-Star Bowling Benefit

Melissa DeAyala, Lara Bell, Kirin Flores, Carolyn Farb, George Springer (Photos courtesy of SAY)

George Springer and SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young hit the ball out of the park at the George Springer All-Star Bowling Benefit held on Sunday, June 11, 2017, at Lucky Strike Houston. Springer along with fellow teammates, other celebrities, Co-chairs Lara Bell and Melissa DeAyala, Junior Chair Matthew DeAyala, Honorary Chair Dr. Carolyn Farb and almost 300 fans raised more than $150,000. Proceeds from the event will send children from families-in-need to Camp SAY, a life-changing summer camp for young people who stutter. Springer, a person who stutters, hosted the Bowling Benefit to provide financial aid help and ensure that children from all socio-economic backgrounds have access to Camp SAY.

Cheryl Martin, Ron Trevino (Photos courtesy of SAY)

Kicking-off the evening, in the Luxe Lounge, was Noah Cornman, Executive Director of SAY, warming up the crowd and cheering them on to provide every young person who stutters access to Camp SAY. For a pre-game celebration Taro Alexander, founder of SAY, led with "Hype" - a pre-game rally with Springer and guests forming a huge circle of support around all of the kids who stutter. Alexander continued with the inspiring story of his experience as a person who stutters and how Camp SAY is saving lives because every voice matters. Springer, national spokesperson for Camp SAY, stepped up to the plate to voice his support for young people who stutter. He welcomed the kids in attendance and all kids who stutter to become a part of his team. He encouraged them to embrace their stutter and find their voice, and was followed by special performance by Director of Programming Travis Robertson and an inspiring speech from SAY teen Reuben Polanco. The Co-chairs and Honorary Chair kept the hype going as they encouraged the crowd to get excited to bowl and raise funds for Camp SAY. The Junior Chair, a person who stutters, scored a home run as he thanked everyone for supporting Camp SAY, a place where everyone can talk without interruptions.

Christian, David and Cruz Nuno (Photos courtesy of SAY)

The event was in full swing when everyone hit the lanes to dance and bowl with Springer, celebrities and young people who stutter. The silent auction provoked friendly competition, but everyone came together to cheer Springer and the celebrity lane captain roster, which included:

KPRC Radio Host Michael Garfield
CultureMap's Ken Hoffman
KPRC's Khambrel Marshall
Houston Texans Whitney Mercilus
KTRK's David Nuno
Former Houston Oilers Dan Pastorini
KHOU's TV Anchor Ron Trevino
ESPN Radio Host Barry Warner

Loading up the bases with support from the Houston Astros were Springer's teammates Alex Bregman, Carlos Correa, Dayan Diaz, Michael Feliz, Mike Fiers, James Hoyt, Dallas Keuchel, Lance McCullers, Jake Marisnick, Francis Martes, Brad Peacock, Josh Reddick and Astros Manager AJ Hinch.

Michael Garfield and Carolyn Farb (Photos courtesy of SAY)

Star players in the game included: Lackland H. Bloom III and Caitlin Davis, Jeff Troncoso, Liz and Dave Unger, Susan and Mike Padon, Natalie DeLuca and Anson Lang, Johanna and Mike Chryssikos, Kathy and Doug Wright, Tandy Camberg Harris and Jon Harris, Roseann Rogers, Rob Todd, Dinah Lin, Guy Yount, Laurette Veres, Tom Flynn, Lanny and Debbie Griffith and Chris Swanson.

George Springer, Charlise Castro and Andre Castro (Photos courtesy of SAY)

Victory was made possible with the support of event sponsors: The Aloft Houston Downtown, Blackhorse Limousine, Ernst & Young, LLP, The Legacy Agency, Mister French's Gourmet Bakery and Stewart Title.

Rob Todd and Dinah Lin (Photos courtesy of SAY)

(Post taken from a press release)

'The Buzz Lady' Roseann Rogers' new title

Stewart today announced the appointment of Roseann Rogers as sales manager of the Houston division of the company. In this role, she will oversee all aspects of sales operations in the Houston region, with responsibility for growth in the local market.

“We are excited to have Roseann join the team and look forward to seeing the impact she will make in her new role,” said Mick Goodenough, sales director, Texas. “With her considerable industry experience and reputation in the Houston community, she will be a valuable asset to the company.”

Roseann assumes this role with extensive experience in sales, marketing and media in the city of Houston. Most recently, she served as the executive director for K9s4COPs, where she oversaw daily operations of fundraising, marketing and branding. Prior to that, she was the director of PR and business development at John Daugherty, Realtors. While working there, she also earned her Texas Real Estate License and signed with the company as a referral agent. Earlier in her career, Roseann also served as vice president of strategic marketing and development for the Houston Chronicle, marketing director for Finger Furniture, sales manager for KTBU-TV and marketing director for KPRC-TV.

“I am thrilled to join the team at Stewart and look forward to being part of a company that values honesty, integrity and innovation as much as I do, ” said Rogers. “I am excited to continue serving the community in this role – leveraging my insight into the city of Houston and its residents.”

Roseann enjoys giving back to the community and holds leadership roles in many local organizations. She is a founding board member of Dress for Success, Houston and a member of The Junior League of Houston, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, American Heart Association’s Heart Guild of Houston and The Houston Ballet Guild. She also served as co-vice president of Trees of Hope.

Roseann is a graduate of Western Kentucky University. She will be working out of the Houston corporate headquarters located at 1980 Post Oak Boulevard and reporting to Mick Goodenough. She can be reached at roseann.rogers@stewart.com

About Stewart
Stewart Information Services Corporation (NYSE-STC) is a global real estate services company, offering products and services through our direct operations, network of Stewart Trusted Providers™ and family of companies. From residential and commercial title insurance and closing and settlement services to specialized offerings for the mortgage industry, we offer the comprehensive service, deep expertise and solutions our customers need for any real estate transaction.

(Taken from press release)

Lance Zierlein leaves SportsTalk 790 KBME coverage

UPDATE JUNE 19, 2017
Josh Innes moves to mornings on SportsTalk 790; other moves

Lance Zierlein to leave KBME's morning sports talk show
Lance Zierlein, one of the stalwarts of Houston sports radio for 20 years, said Tuesday he has elected not to sign a new contract with KBME (790 AM) and will leave the station later this year to focus on duties with NFL.com and other future projects.

SportsTalk 790 To Undergo Drive Time Changes
With Zierlein leaving, Barrett Sports Media has learned that 790 plans to move Josh Innes into morning drive. The change isn’t expected to occur until the summer, just in time for football season.

Lance Zierlein Declines Contract Option at 790, Leaves Morning Show
For those who follow sports radio, Zierlein's decision to decline his contract option is not a shock. Not only had he said he was going to do it sometime ago, but his analysis of the NFL draft has grown in recent months with his work on NFL.com. In his statement on social media, he admits as much and says he is open to new opportunities that fit with his NFL focus.

UPDATE JUNE 19, 2017
Josh Innes moves to mornings on SportsTalk 790; other moves

Houston Press Club 2017 Lone Star Award Winners

The 2017 Houston Press Club winners are announced!

NEWSPAPERS & PRINT

Print Journalist of the Year

First Place: David Taffet, Dallas Voice, “Rehabilitated?”

Second Place: Tammye Nash, Dallas Voice, “Last Call at the Brick”

Third Place: Maria Recio, Fort Worth Star-Telegram/McClatchy, “The Complex World of Ted Cruz”

Print News or Feature Story

First Place: David Taffet, Dallas Voice, “Rehabilitated?”

Second Place: Jeff Prince, Fort Worth Weekly, “Torn Apart”

Third Place: Maria Recio, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, “More Cruz Family Drama: Mother’s First Husband is an Expat Texan in London”

Print Investigative Reporting

First Place: Andrew McElmore, Fort Worth Weekly, “Final Encore”

Second Place: Jonathan Agronsky, Fort Worth Weekly, “Cutting History”

Third Place: Edward Brown, Fort Worth Weekly, “High Waters”

Print General Commentary/Criticism

First Place: Olivia P. Tallet, Houston Chronicle, “My Black-and-White Photo with Fidel Castro”

Second Place: Anthony Mariani, Fort Worth Weekly, “Leon Bridges’ Encore”

Third Place: Cassie Nova, Dallas Voice, “Cassie Gets Serious About Orlando”

Print Photography

First Place: Arnold Wayne Jones, Dallas Voice, “Phoenix Rising”

Second Place: Cody Duty, Texas Medical Center, “Painting by Mouth”

Third Place: Cody Duty, Texas Medical Center, “A Little Extra Love”

TELEVISION

TV Journalist of the Year

First Place: Greg Groogan, KRIV-TV

Second Place: Marvin Hurst, KENS-TV

Third Place: Oscar Margain, KENS-TV

TV Photojournalist of the Year

First Place: Matthew Brawley, Houston Public Media

Second Place: Joe Brueggeman, Houston Public Media

Third Place: Fujio Watanabe, Houston Public Media

TV Hard News Feature

First Place: Michael Humphries, Sue Calberg, KENS-TV, “The Death of Little Joe”

Second Place: Angela Chen,KRIV-TV, “A Reunion: After the Fall of Saigon”

Third Place: Marvin Hurst, Michael Humphries, KENS-TV, “One City, Two Tragedies”

TV Soft News Feature

First Place: Jeffrey Buras, Texas Parks & Wildlife Television, “The Night’s Watch”

Second Place: John Barone, Robert Arnold, Scott Sherman, KPRC TV, “Unlimited Miracle”

Third Place: Daniel Gotera, Kyle Porter, KHOU, “Like A King”

TV Investigative/Series

First Place: Channel 2 Investigates Staff, KPRC-TV, “Rape Victim Jailed: Jenny’s
Story”

Second Place: Scott Noll, Jennifer Cobb, Ty Scholes, KHOU, “Looking for Lead”

Third Place: Keli Rabon, KHOU, “Disabling Dollars”

TV Politics/Government

First Place: KPRC-TV Channel 2 Investigates, KPRC-TV, “Uncovering Cronyism at City Hall”

Second Place: Arnaldo Rojas, KXLN Univision Ch. 45, “CPS: Radiography of a Crisis”

TV Documentary or Public Affairs

First Place: Dawn Campbell, Rick McFarland, Brian Perry, KPRC2, “Road 2 Rio: Hometown Hopefuls”

Second Place: Dawn Campbell, Deborah Strauss, Scott Sherman, KPRC2, “Hurricane and Flood Survival Guide 2016”

Third Place: Staff, Texas Parks & Wildlife Television, “Texas Parks & Wildlife-Water Safari, Shrikes & Woodpeckers”

TV Sports Feature
First Place: Abe Moore, Don Cash, Kyle Banowsky, Texas Parks & Wildlife Television, “A Race to Remember, The Texas Water Safari”

Second Place: Daniel Gotera, Mike Orta, KHOU, “The Recycled Teenagers”

Third Place: Daniel Gotera, Mike Orta, KHOU, “Gavin’s Ride”

TV Feature Photography

First Place: Michael Humphries, KENS-TV, “They Treated My Brother Like a Dog”

Second Place: Michael Humphries, KENS-TV, “Salsa! Salsa! Salsa!”

Third Place: Matthew Brawley, Houston Public Media, “Everyday Strangers”

TV Editing

First Place: Michael Humphries, KENS-TV, “Cyber Security City”

Second Place: Michael Humphries, KENS-TV, “They Treated My Brother Like a Dog”

Third Place: Matthew Brawley, Houston Public Media, “Body Art: The Moving Canvas”

TV Evening News Broadcast

First Place: KENS Staff, KENS-TV, “Eyewitness News at Noon: Murder on Base”

Second Place: Laura Taglialavore, KHOU, “KHOU 11 News at 6PM”

Third Place: Amanda Gamez, Erin Jones, Ricardo Vargas, KPRC2, “KPRC Channel 2 News Today 6AM”

RADIO

Radio Journalist of the Year

First Place: Lauren Silverman, KERA

Second Place: Laura Isensee, Houston Public Media

Third Place: David Martin Davies, Texas Public Radio - KSTX, “David Martin Davies”

Radio Hard News Feature

First Place: David Martin Davies, Texas Public Radio - KSTX, “Lessons Learned from a Night in the Bexar County Jail; Anti-Suicide Effort Is a 24/7 Job”

Second Place: Alain Stephens, Hannah McBride, Texas Standard, “Texas Standard: Adult Crime, Adult Time”

Third Place: Dave Fehling, Houston Public Media, “Texas Has Thousands of Bad Dams, Two in Houston Deemed ‘Extremely High Risk’”

Radio Soft News Feature

First Place: Michael Marks, Texas Standard, “Texas Standard: Pay to Pray”

Second Place: Aaron Schrank, Texas Public Radio - KSTX, “Santa Muerte, Skeletal Folk Saint of Death, Gains Followers in San Antonio”

Third Place: Jerome Weeks, KERA, “The Vanishing Acts of Theater And Memory: Adrian Hall”

Radio Politics/Government

First Place: Andrew Schneider, Houston Public Media, “Will 2016 Be the Year Texas Latinos Vote in Strength?”

Second Place: Christopher Connelly, KERA, “Texas Education Board Candidate Who Called Obama a Gay Prostitute Won’t Back Down"

Third Place: Michael Marks, Texas Standard, “Texas Standard: Angry, Sad & Undecided”

Radio Public Affairs

First Place: Staff, KERA, “THINK: The Refugee Question”

Second Place: Houston Matters Staff, Houston Public Media, “Was the City of Beaumont Intentionally Trying to Restrict People with Disabilities from Living There?”

Third Place: Joey Palacios, Alexis Yancey, Shelley Kofler, Texas Public Radio - KSTX, “Fronteras: Border Citizens Protest Trump Ís Election While His Supporters Cheer”

Radio Series

First Place: Joy Diaz, Texas Standard, “Texas Standard: Pregnant and Homeless”

Second Place: Andrew Schneider, Houston Public Media, “Hate Crimes in Houston Go Underreported, Rarely Prosecuted”

Third Place: Courtney Collins, KERA, “One Crisis Away: Rebuilding a Life “

Radio Use of Sound

First Place: Staff, KERA, “From Peace to Horror to Grief: 24 Hours in Dallas Through Sound and Pictures”

Second Place: Amy Bishop, Houston Public Media, “Quidditch Lands on Earth in a Houston Suburb”

Third Place: Jack Morgan, Texas Public Radio - KSTX, “Refugees Find Refuge in Music”

Radio Talk Show

First Place: Staff, KERA, “THINK: Our Shared Tragedy”

Second Place: David Martin Davies, Kim Johnson, Jan Ross Piedad, Texas Public Radio -KSTX, “The Source: Why Are Preterm Births More Common in Bexar County?”

Third Place: David Brown, Laura Rice, Emily Donahue, Texas Standard, “Texas Standard: Out of the Blue”

MAGAZINES

Magazine Article

First Place: Scott Vogel, Houstonia Magazine, “Gross Anatomy”

Second Place: Jennifer Oakley, The Bellaire Buzz, “Dear Cancer, Love Stacy”

Third Place: Shea Connelly, TMC Pulse (Texas Medical Center monthly magazine), “Conceiving After Cancer”

Magazine Column

First Place: Britni Riley, TMC Pulse (Texas Medical Center monthly magazine), “Curated: The Intersection of Art and Medicine”

Arnold Wayne Jones - Dallas Voice - “Phoenix Rising”

Print Photography

HOUSTON PRESS CLUB

Second Place: Jeff Share, Pipeline & Gas Journal, “Building A New Company, Piece by Piece”

Third Place: Jeff Share, Pipeline & Gas Journal, “Philip Burguieres Was a Man with a Soul”

Magazine Layout

First Place: Alyssum Klopp, Maggie Galehouse, TMC Pulse (Texas Medical Center monthly magazine), “TMC Pulse, August”

Second Place: Leslie Dention-Roach, Benefits Pulse, “Benefits Pulse Issue 2 - 2016”

Third Place: Heidi Bane, City Savvy, “City Savvy Issue 2 - 2016”

PUBLIC RELATIONS

PR Communicator of the Year

First Place: Hannah Rhodes, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth)

Second Place: Robert Cahill, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth)

PR News Release

First Place: Rob Cahill, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), “Smartphones Could
Improve Skin Cancer Detection in Developing Countries”

Second Place: Lisa Merkl, University of Houston, “Sixth Sense Protects Drivers Except When Texting”

Third Place: Lisa Merkl, University of Houston, “Long-term Emotional Effects of Poor Sleep”

PR Feature Article

First Place: Lisa Merkl, University of Houston Magazine, “A Lab in Your Smartphone”

Second Place: Elise Rambaud Marrion, “Old becomes new at the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern”

Third Place: Hannah Rhodes, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), “Stroke of Luck”

PR Annual Report

First Place: Andy Olin, Ronda Wendler, Michael Clark, MD Anderson Cancer Center, “MD Anderson Annual Report”

PR Corporate Video

First Place: Gordon Williams, Shenid Bhayroo, Clinton Rawls, LUTV Productions, “Learn, Love, Live, Lamar University”

Second Place: John Lane, Teresa Schnyder, The University of Texas at Arlington, “Proyecto U”

Third Place: Cody Duty, Texas Medical Center, “Little Inventors”

PR Publication

First Place: Andy Olin, Ronda Wendler, Michael Clark, MD Anderson Cancer Center, “Conquest magazine”

Second Place: Phyllis Gillentine, Amber Mostyn, Houston Press, “Mostyn Law Partner with Us”

Third Place: David Medina, Staff, Rice University, “Rice at Large - Fall 2016”

INTERNET-BASED NEWS-ORIGINAL

Internet News Feature Story

First Place: Nathan Cone, Texas Public Radio - KSTX, “At the Center of Terri Hendrix’s Ambitious ‘Project 5’: Songs of Resilience, Hope, and Strength”

Second Place: Javi Perez, KENS5.com, “Even in San Antonio, Cleveland Fans Ready for Title Drought to End”

Third Place: Stacey Welsh, KENS5.com, “Interactive: Haunted Houses of San Antonio”

Internet Hard News Article

First Place: Emily Porter, Nicholas Zamora, KENS5.com, “Woman Finds Hope in Struggle with ‘Suicide Disease’”

Second Place: Elizabeth Fordham, Brandon Ellett, Energy Marketing Conferences Website, “A Bird in the Hand”

Third Place: Elizabeth Fordham, Brandon Ellett, Energy Research Consulting Group, “Interview with Brandon Ellett”

Internet Collaborative News Reporting

First Place: KENS Staff, KENS5.com, “The CORE: East Side Violence”

Second Place: Tricia Schwennesen, Texas Public Radio - KSTX, “Preparing for Zika in Texas”

Third Place: KENS5.com Staff, KENS5.com, “End of Watch: Remembering SAPD Det. Benjamin Marconi”

Internet Opinion

First Place: Arnold Wayne Jones, Dallas Voice, “David Bowie Allowed You to Be Gay”

Second Place: Elizabeth Fordham, www.buffythebitchyblogger.com, “Aspen, Fairytales and Rhinestones”

Third Place: Arnold Wayne Jones, Dallas Voice, “Winter Is Coming”

STUDENT ENTRY CATEGORIES

Student Print News or Feature Story

First Place: Jessica Babb, The Baylor Lariat, “Kids of Disabled Veterans Share Experiences”

Second Place: Jessica Babb, The Baylor Lariat, “Arlington National Cemetery Workers Strike”

Third Place: Tim Collins, Lamar University Press, “Trump Towers Over Polls”

Student Print Sports Story

First Place: Elizabeth Grimm, Lamar University Press, “Soccer Gets New Leader”

Second Place: Grant Crawford, Lamar University Press, “A Baseball Lifer: Jim Gilligan to Close Out Illustrious Cardinal Career”

Best Student Newspaper

First Place: Lariat Staff, The Baylor Lariat, “The Baylor Lariat 2016: April 29, Oct. 6, Nov. 11”

Student Print Photography

First Place: Kyle Swearingen, Lamar University Press, “State Fair Returns to Southeast Texas”

Second Place: Richard Hirst, The Baylor Lariat, “Rico Blocks Texas Player”

Third Place: Richard Hirst, The Baylor Lariat, “Capsized”

Student TV & Radio News or Feature Story

First Place: Jessica Babb, The Baylor Lariat, “No Limitations”

Second Place: Jacquelyn Kellar, Katie Mahaffey, The Baylor Lariat, “Campus Lockdown”

Third Place: Trevier Gonzalez, Jonathan Tippett, Edward Long, LUTV Productions, “LUTV on Fox - Show A”

Student TV & Radio Sports Story

First Place: Brooke Kirchhofer, Cecilia Flores, German Cortez, Big Red Sports Network, “All IN”

Second Place: Jessica Babb, The Baylor Lariat, “Acrobatics and Tumbling Prepares for Nationals”

Third Place: Hayley Mitchell,

LUTV News, “Jozi Cats”

Alyssum Klopp, Maggie Galehouse - TMC Pulse(Texas Medical Center monthly magazine) - “TMC Pulse, August” - Magazine Layout


Houston Press Club Lone Star Awards

The Lone Star Awards are given each year in recognition of outstanding achievements in journalism and mass communication in the state of Texas. The competition encompasses efforts in the fields of print, radio, television and internet journalism; student publications and broadcasts; and public relations. Awards are given to first, second, and third place entries in each category.

The Houston Press Club is dedicated to fostering growth and interaction in these various fields with the aim of improving the whole business of mass communications. The Houston Press Club also supports the efforts of tomorrow's professionals through achievement awards and scholarship funding for students in these fields.

Angela Chen is leaving FOX 26 KRIV

Angela Chen announces she is leaving FOX 26 KRIV and Houston behind. The reporter/fill-in anchor tells us she's moving to Los Angeles, where her family is from.


The Houston Chronicle reports Chen is moving because her husband has finished his residency at UT Health and has taken a position in California.

Chen appeared on KTRK abc13 in 2014 after being at KOLO 8 Reno News Now as a morning reporter/fill-in anchor. She debuted on Fox 26 KRIV as a reporter in 2015.