Friday, September 29, 2017
Thursday, September 28, 2017
VIDEO: Tropical Storm Allison News Coverage, 6/7/2001
Remembering the last big Houston tropical flooding event before Hurricane Harvey. Here is Tropical Storm Allison coverage from various Houston TV stations fresh from YouTube account Houston TV News.
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Brandi Smith appears on The Ellen DeGeneres Show
After keeping KHOU 11 on the air the Sunday of Hurricane Harvey, and helping get trapped truck driver, Robert Roberson of Durant, Mississippi rescued, reporter Brandi Smith continues her media tour.
Last week, I wrote about Smith appearing on CBS This Morning, today she made her Ellen DeGeneres Show debut.
And Ellen helped with a nice donation.
Ellen and her friends at Cheerios are partnering all season long and want to achieve One Million Acts of Good together. Cheerios decided to donate $25,000 to Hurricane Harvey Relief in Brandi’s name, and they surprised Robert with a check for $10,000 to help him rebuild his life after the hurricane's destruction. They also donated 50,000 boxes of Cheerios to the people of Houston.
Rebecca Spera announces baby #2
UPDATE FEBRUARY 20, 2018
Rebecca Spera shows off baby #2
KTRK abc13 traffic anchor Rebecca Spera has announced baby number two.
"We feel so blessed and are grateful to have a sibling for Gray," she wrote on Facebook. "We're looking for boy names!"
Gray was born in January of 2016.
In the post, Spera, Gray and husband Eric Valentino are fishing.
The family are next to a small chalkboard that reads, "Fishin' Buddy due Feb 2018."
UPDATE FEBRUARY 20, 2018
Rebecca Spera shows off baby #2
Rebecca Spera shows off baby #2
KTRK abc13 traffic anchor Rebecca Spera has announced baby number two.
"We feel so blessed and are grateful to have a sibling for Gray," she wrote on Facebook. "We're looking for boy names!"
Gray was born in January of 2016.
In the post, Spera, Gray and husband Eric Valentino are fishing.
The family are next to a small chalkboard that reads, "Fishin' Buddy due Feb 2018."
UPDATE FEBRUARY 20, 2018
Rebecca Spera shows off baby #2
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Telemundo Houston still tops in primetime and 10pm
Telemundo Houston is the most-watched local station in the market regardless of language during weekday primetime and local late news for 2017
HOUSTON, TX – (September 21, 2017) – Year-to-date, Telemundo Houston continues to provide Houston’s largest weekday primetime and late news viewing audiences among Adults 18 to 49, in any language.
In addition, over the past 12 months, KTMD delivers Houston’s largest average Adult 18 to 49 weekday
viewing audiences in primetime and during local late news with Noticiero Telemundo Houston a las 10PM.
Source: Nielsen (NSI) Houston; Prelim Live +SD; Arianna Reports; 2017 YTD (1/1-9/20/2017 AVG), 12 Month (10/1/16-9/20/17 AVG); TP AQH Impressions M-F 7p-10p (KTMD, KXLN, KFTH, KZJL, KYAZ) (KTRK, KHOU, KPRC, KRIV, KIAH, KTXH); Late News PAV AQH Impressions M-F 9p-
1030p (KTMD, KXLN, KFTH, KTRK, KHOU, KPRC, KRIV, KIAH)
(This post taken from a release sent to me by KTMD)
HOUSTON, TX – (September 21, 2017) – Year-to-date, Telemundo Houston continues to provide Houston’s largest weekday primetime and late news viewing audiences among Adults 18 to 49, in any language.
In addition, over the past 12 months, KTMD delivers Houston’s largest average Adult 18 to 49 weekday
viewing audiences in primetime and during local late news with Noticiero Telemundo Houston a las 10PM.
Source: Nielsen (NSI) Houston; Prelim Live +SD; Arianna Reports; 2017 YTD (1/1-9/20/2017 AVG), 12 Month (10/1/16-9/20/17 AVG); TP AQH Impressions M-F 7p-10p (KTMD, KXLN, KFTH, KZJL, KYAZ) (KTRK, KHOU, KPRC, KRIV, KIAH, KTXH); Late News PAV AQH Impressions M-F 9p-
1030p (KTMD, KXLN, KFTH, KTRK, KHOU, KPRC, KRIV, KIAH)
(This post taken from a release sent to me by KTMD)
Frank Billingsley celebrates 35 years as a meteorologist
This month, we celebrated Tom Koch and Melanie Lawson's 35 years at abc13 KTRK, but don't put the balloons and party favors away just yet.
Over at KPRC 2, chief meteorologist Frank Billingsley is celebrating 35 years on the green screen.
Thanks to anchor Bill Balleza for letting us know on Facebook.
"Who'd a thunk it? Thanks for the shout out, Bill," Billingsley responded on Facebook.
Billingsley might not have been in Houston his entire TV weather career, but he's pretty close.
He arrived at KTRK abc13 in 1989 to handle weather duty on the weekend newscasts.
By 1995, he was the chief over at KPRC 2 where he has been giving us forecasts and easing our fears during hurricanes and tropical troubles for years.
If memory serves, when Billingsley made the switch between channels 13 and 2, he had to be off the air for a time due to contractual obligations.
During his on air break, KPRC started running promos with clouds in the background with a voice over saying something like, "The weather is about to get very 'Frank'" or something to that effect.
Billingsley started his TV career in Roanoke, Virginia and in 1987 he made a career stop in Biloxi before coming to Houston.
Happy 35 Frank!
https://www.frankbillingsley.com/
Monday, September 25, 2017
Lisa Vaughn returns to FOX 26 KRIV
UPDATE MARCH 23, 2019
Lisa Vaughn is pregnant
UPDATE FEBRUARY 22, 2019
Lisa Vaughn back on air at KHOU 11
UPDATE FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2018
Lisa Vaughn exits FOX 26 KRIV
After being off air since July, meteorologist Lisa Vaughn made her return to FOX 26 KRIV
FOX 26 meteorologist Lisa Vaughn hit the airwaves this afternoon after being absent from the station's newscasts since July.
Vaughn made her return appearance on the FOX owned and operated station's noon show with José Griñan. Griñan welcomed her back on the air.
No word on why Vaughn was not around for these past months.
But we can assume that dress is a Weather Lisa original.
She posted about returning in August, but that ultimately did not happen.
Last week and this past weekend, former abc13 KTRK meteorologist Casey Curry did some FOX 26 weather fill-in work.
Welcome Vaughn back here.
Lisa Vaughn is pregnant
UPDATE FEBRUARY 22, 2019
Lisa Vaughn back on air at KHOU 11
UPDATE FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2018
Lisa Vaughn exits FOX 26 KRIV
After being off air since July, meteorologist Lisa Vaughn made her return to FOX 26 KRIV
FOX 26 meteorologist Lisa Vaughn hit the airwaves this afternoon after being absent from the station's newscasts since July.
Vaughn made her return appearance on the FOX owned and operated station's noon show with José Griñan. Griñan welcomed her back on the air.
No word on why Vaughn was not around for these past months.
But we can assume that dress is a Weather Lisa original.
She posted about returning in August, but that ultimately did not happen.
Last week and this past weekend, former abc13 KTRK meteorologist Casey Curry did some FOX 26 weather fill-in work.
Welcome Vaughn back here.
Saturday, September 23, 2017
KTMD and other Telemundo stations hosting hurricane relief help Monday
Audiences can visit www.elpoderenti.com/cruzroja or call 1-800-596-6567 to support relief efforts
As Telemundo-owned stations continue to provide breaking news and information about rescue and rebuilding efforts in Houston, South Florida, Puerto Rico and Mexico after being affected by devastating weather-related events, the Telemundo Station Group today announced that its group of stations will host phone banks on Monday, September 25 with the American Red Cross and its local chapters to raise funds for victims of the recent natural disasters.
Under the banner of Telemundo’s corporate social responsibility initiative, “El Poder En Ti” (The Power in You) the Telemundo stations’ phone banks will collect funds for victims and communities impacted by Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Maria and the earthquake that impacted Mexico earlier this week. Telemundo owned stations will also promote American Red Cross relief efforts across all on-air, digital and mobile platforms. Donations can be made online at www.elpoderenti.com/cruzroja or by calling 1-800-596-6567.
"Our news teams from all across the country including our Telemundo stations in Houston, Miami and Puerto and our news bureau in Mexico City stood in the front lines reporting for their communities as these natural disasters impacted their cities and left a trail of damage. In collaboration with the American Red Cross, our Telemundo and NBC stations raised more than $5 million dollars for victims of Hurricane Harvey. We are joining with our Red Cross partners once again to help raise even more funds for the families and children that need our support right now,” said Manuel Martinez, President, Telemundo Station Group. “We are proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the communities our stations serve to help them recover and rebuild from these devastating events.”
The stations’ “Todos Unidos” ("All Together") phone banks follow Telemundo network’s four-hour primetime special that is scheduled to air on Sunday, September 24 at 7PM / 6 PM central to support victims affected by Hurricane Maria and the earthquake in Mexico. Telemundo Puerto Rico / WKAQ-TV, the Telemundo-owned station that delivers news, weather and entertainment programming for Puerto Rico, continues to deliver local news and weather information to its audiences after Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria impacted the island. NBC and Telemundo stations from across the country have sent teams to Puerto Rico to help WKAQ teams with coverage and backup for both hurricanes.
For more information about the Telemundo owned stations’ “Todos Unidos” September 25 phone banks, please visit your local Telemundo-owned station website or download their individualized and dedicated mobile apps. You can follow the stations’ phone bank efforts on social media using #TodosUnidos and #ElPoderEnti.
About Telemundo Station Group
Telemundo Station Group, part of the NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations division of NBCUniversal, is comprised of 18 local television stations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Producing and broadcasting more than 15,000 hours of unique and relevant local content each year, including award-winning news, public affairs, and entertainment programming, Telemundo Station Group serves Spanish-speaking viewers in the metropolitan areas of Los Angeles, New York, Miami-Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago, San Antonio, San Francisco, Phoenix, Harlingen, San Diego, Fresno, Philadelphia, Denver, Boston, Las Vegas, Tucson and Puerto Rico. In addition, Telemundo Station Group operates TeleXitos, a national multicast network that offers viewers popular action and adventure television series and feature films in Spanish. The group also provides support to 54 Telemundo affiliates across the country and manages dedicated local websites and applications, as well as a robust digital out-of-home operation.
(This post taken from a release sent to me by KTMD)
As Telemundo-owned stations continue to provide breaking news and information about rescue and rebuilding efforts in Houston, South Florida, Puerto Rico and Mexico after being affected by devastating weather-related events, the Telemundo Station Group today announced that its group of stations will host phone banks on Monday, September 25 with the American Red Cross and its local chapters to raise funds for victims of the recent natural disasters.
Under the banner of Telemundo’s corporate social responsibility initiative, “El Poder En Ti” (The Power in You) the Telemundo stations’ phone banks will collect funds for victims and communities impacted by Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Maria and the earthquake that impacted Mexico earlier this week. Telemundo owned stations will also promote American Red Cross relief efforts across all on-air, digital and mobile platforms. Donations can be made online at www.elpoderenti.com/cruzroja or by calling 1-800-596-6567.
"Our news teams from all across the country including our Telemundo stations in Houston, Miami and Puerto and our news bureau in Mexico City stood in the front lines reporting for their communities as these natural disasters impacted their cities and left a trail of damage. In collaboration with the American Red Cross, our Telemundo and NBC stations raised more than $5 million dollars for victims of Hurricane Harvey. We are joining with our Red Cross partners once again to help raise even more funds for the families and children that need our support right now,” said Manuel Martinez, President, Telemundo Station Group. “We are proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the communities our stations serve to help them recover and rebuild from these devastating events.”
The stations’ “Todos Unidos” ("All Together") phone banks follow Telemundo network’s four-hour primetime special that is scheduled to air on Sunday, September 24 at 7PM / 6 PM central to support victims affected by Hurricane Maria and the earthquake in Mexico. Telemundo Puerto Rico / WKAQ-TV, the Telemundo-owned station that delivers news, weather and entertainment programming for Puerto Rico, continues to deliver local news and weather information to its audiences after Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria impacted the island. NBC and Telemundo stations from across the country have sent teams to Puerto Rico to help WKAQ teams with coverage and backup for both hurricanes.
For more information about the Telemundo owned stations’ “Todos Unidos” September 25 phone banks, please visit your local Telemundo-owned station website or download their individualized and dedicated mobile apps. You can follow the stations’ phone bank efforts on social media using #TodosUnidos and #ElPoderEnti.
About Telemundo Station Group
Telemundo Station Group, part of the NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations division of NBCUniversal, is comprised of 18 local television stations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Producing and broadcasting more than 15,000 hours of unique and relevant local content each year, including award-winning news, public affairs, and entertainment programming, Telemundo Station Group serves Spanish-speaking viewers in the metropolitan areas of Los Angeles, New York, Miami-Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago, San Antonio, San Francisco, Phoenix, Harlingen, San Diego, Fresno, Philadelphia, Denver, Boston, Las Vegas, Tucson and Puerto Rico. In addition, Telemundo Station Group operates TeleXitos, a national multicast network that offers viewers popular action and adventure television series and feature films in Spanish. The group also provides support to 54 Telemundo affiliates across the country and manages dedicated local websites and applications, as well as a robust digital out-of-home operation.
(This post taken from a release sent to me by KTMD)
Friday, September 22, 2017
KHOU 11's video tribute to ND Sally Ramirez
After all the hurdles Hurricane Harvey threw at KHOU 11, it's probably really good the staff seems to like news director Sally Ramirez and general manager Susan McEldoon.
In my 12 years of blogging, I don't ever remember a Houston TV station news department producing a video tribute to their news director. If one has been produced, correct me here.
RELATED
- KHOU begins studio rebuild process
- Houston station hires second news director
Thursday, September 21, 2017
Ivory Hecker joins FOX 26 KRIV
Ivory Hecker to join Fox 26 KRIV as a reporter from KARE-TV Minneapolis
Ivory Hecker has joined KRIV as a general assignment reporter, announced station Vice President and News Director, Susan Schiller. Effective October 2nd, Hecker will report for various station newscasts.
Ivory Hecker has joined KRIV as a general assignment reporter, announced station Vice President and News Director, Susan Schiller. Effective October 2nd, Hecker will report for various station newscasts.
UPDATE JUNE 2021
Ivory Hecker Fox 26 Project Veritas on air announcement video and firing
In making the announcement, Schiller stated, “Ivory will make a great addition to the FOX 26 team because she brings a passion and versatility to her reporting, whether she’s covering breaking news, a city council meeting, or a feature story.”
Most recently, Hecker served as a reporter and early morning anchor for KARE-TV in Minneapolis. Prior to that, she held the position of reporter at stations including WLEX-TV in Lexington, KY, WACH-TV in Columbia, SC, and KBJR-TV in Duluth, MN.
A graduate of Syracuse University, Hecker holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism.
Hecker added, “I can’t wait to be a Texan, sharing Houston’s stories and working alongside a great group of professionals who genuinely care about their community and each other.”
KRIV is part of the FOX Television Stations, one of the nation's largest owned-and-operated network broadcast groups, comprising 28 stations in 17 markets and covering over 37% of U.S. television homes. This includes seven duopolies in the top 10 markets: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and Houston; as well as duopolies in Minneapolis, Phoenix, Orlando and Charlotte.
(This post was taken from a release sent to me by FOX Television Stations)
Ivory Hecker Fox 26 Project Veritas on air announcement video and firing
In making the announcement, Schiller stated, “Ivory will make a great addition to the FOX 26 team because she brings a passion and versatility to her reporting, whether she’s covering breaking news, a city council meeting, or a feature story.”
Most recently, Hecker served as a reporter and early morning anchor for KARE-TV in Minneapolis. Prior to that, she held the position of reporter at stations including WLEX-TV in Lexington, KY, WACH-TV in Columbia, SC, and KBJR-TV in Duluth, MN.
A graduate of Syracuse University, Hecker holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism.
Hecker added, “I can’t wait to be a Texan, sharing Houston’s stories and working alongside a great group of professionals who genuinely care about their community and each other.”
KRIV is part of the FOX Television Stations, one of the nation's largest owned-and-operated network broadcast groups, comprising 28 stations in 17 markets and covering over 37% of U.S. television homes. This includes seven duopolies in the top 10 markets: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and Houston; as well as duopolies in Minneapolis, Phoenix, Orlando and Charlotte.
(This post was taken from a release sent to me by FOX Television Stations)
Brandi Smith and the viral storm
KHOU 11 reporter Brandi Smith was caught in the middle of Harvey and then a viral storm too
UPDATE SEPTEMBER 27, 2017
Brandi Smith appears on The Ellen DeGeneres Show
On the last days of Hurricane Harvey coverage, I was asked by Michael Garfield on 740 KTRH, about a media moment that stood out to me during the storm.
One image came to mind.
It was watching reporter Brandi Smith and photographer Mario Sandoval, as I was furiously live blogging the KHOU 11 evacuation story, keep the station on the air and help save a man's life.
The story then went viral.
That man was truck driver Robert Roberson of Durant, Mississippi.
Smith reunited with Roberson. She talked about that experience on an appearance on CBS This Morning.
While there, Smith gave us a look behind-the-scenes of the network morning show.
A story like this propels journalism careers.
You even hear anchor Gayle King tell Smith the same at the end of the CBS video.
It's just like another KHOU reporter, Dan Rather, after Hurricane Carla. Remember him?
Just this week, Smith has been doing fill-in anchor work on the KHOU morning show.
Any guesses on how far her star will rise?
UPDATE SEPTEMBER 27, 2017
Brandi Smith appears on The Ellen DeGeneres Show
UPDATE SEPTEMBER 27, 2017
Brandi Smith appears on The Ellen DeGeneres Show
On the last days of Hurricane Harvey coverage, I was asked by Michael Garfield on 740 KTRH, about a media moment that stood out to me during the storm.
One image came to mind.
It was watching reporter Brandi Smith and photographer Mario Sandoval, as I was furiously live blogging the KHOU 11 evacuation story, keep the station on the air and help save a man's life.
The story then went viral.
That man was truck driver Robert Roberson of Durant, Mississippi.
Smith reunited with Roberson. She talked about that experience on an appearance on CBS This Morning.
While there, Smith gave us a look behind-the-scenes of the network morning show.
A story like this propels journalism careers.
You even hear anchor Gayle King tell Smith the same at the end of the CBS video.
It's just like another KHOU reporter, Dan Rather, after Hurricane Carla. Remember him?
Just this week, Smith has been doing fill-in anchor work on the KHOU morning show.
Any guesses on how far her star will rise?
UPDATE SEPTEMBER 27, 2017
Brandi Smith appears on The Ellen DeGeneres Show
I got to meet First Lady Laura Bush ahead of my appearance on @CBSThisMorning. The former #Houston teacher is incredibly kind! #KHOU11 pic.twitter.com/lwMwy97UZ4— Brandi Smith (@BrandiKHOU) September 18, 2017
Travis Herzog named Broadcaster of the Year by The National Weather Association
Congrats to Travis Herzog on his big honor.
The KTRK abc13 meteorologist was honored as Broadcaster of the Year by The National Weather Association.
"I still can't believe it, and I really see this as an award for our entire weather team. The whole really is greater than the sum of its parts," Herzog posted on Instagram. "I dedicate this award to all of you who have suffered so much through all these floods we've endured together over the past couple of years. I can only hope that what I've done has helped you make better decisions for you and your family."
The NWA page says the Broadcaster of the Year Award is:
For exemplary service by helping to save lives and prevent significant property loss from flash flooding through clear communication, ongoing education efforts and working collaboratively with the weather enterprise as a whole.
Herzog has been with KTRK since 2006. He graduated from Texas A&M with a B.S. in Meteorology and a perfect 4.0 GPR.
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Casey Curry does weather on FOX 26 KRIV
The Houston TV tour continues for Casey Curry!
UPDATE
Where is Casey Curry going to work?
Sunday I broke the news that meteorologist Casey Curry was no longer working for abc13 KTRK.
Monday, Curry exclusively told mikemcguff.com about her appearance on KPRC 2's Houston Life.
Wednesday at noon, she was with anchor Jose Grinan on FOX 26 KRIV doing the weather segment.
Where will this Houston TV tour continue next? I guess every station wants a chance to woo Curry.
Any radio stations interested? The Chronicle?
By the way, anyone know where Lisa Vaughn is?
UPDATE
Where is Casey Curry going to work?
Sunday I broke the news that meteorologist Casey Curry was no longer working for abc13 KTRK.
Monday, Curry exclusively told mikemcguff.com about her appearance on KPRC 2's Houston Life.
Wednesday at noon, she was with anchor Jose Grinan on FOX 26 KRIV doing the weather segment.
Where will this Houston TV tour continue next? I guess every station wants a chance to woo Curry.
Any radio stations interested? The Chronicle?
By the way, anyone know where Lisa Vaughn is?
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
Ubaldo Martinez promoted to Telemundo Houston main sports anchor
Ubaldo Martinez has been promoted to lead sports anchor at Telemundo Houston KTMD.
In his new role, Martinez will be responsible for the daily supervision of the sports department needs and direction.
"He knows and understands our station vision very well and has done a great job in the last couple of years of helping our sports brand grow in the market," said Telemundo Houston Vice President of News Jerry Vazquez in an email to his staff.
I'm told Telemundo Houston is the only local Spanish-language TV station with sports seven days a week and two fill-time sports anchors.
The station is gearing up to send Martinez to cover the World Cup in Russia next summer.
Martinez joined Telemundo Houston in September 2013.
Before Houston, he worked for Telemundo 30 KTUZ in Oklahoma City as a sports and news anchor.
Martinez earned his undergraduate degree in communications from the University of Oklahoma.
Monday, September 18, 2017
Is Casey Curry co-hosting KPRC 2's Houston Life permanently?
A day after I posted she was gone from abc13 KTRK, meteorologist Casey Curry co-hosts Houston Life on KPRC 2
UPDATE SEPTEMBER 20, 2017
Casey Curry does weather on FOX 26 KRIV
--------------
SEND A MESSAGE VIA TWITTER by clicking below:
Tweet: I would like to see @CaseyWeather work for #HoustonLifeTV! https://ctt.ec/RynUO+
--------------
I thought my phone was going to blow up as ex-abc13 KTRK meteorologist Casey Curry showed up as a co-host with Derrick Shore on KPRC 2's Houston Life Monday.
See, I told you in the last post that it would be interesting to see where she showed up next. That was even faster than I anticipated.
As I told you Sunday, Curry is no longer with channel 13, so she is a free agent.
Clearly channel 2 was excited about that possibility.
The show just lost its meteorologist host Jennifer Broome, here comes meteorologist Curry to save the day!
UPDATE: After posting this, I got to the Galleria Houston Life studio as fast as possible.
Houston Life Executive Producer Don Graham tells mikemcguff.com this was a guest spot for Curry.
As I have written before, after the departure of Broome, the show held an online casting call.
Graham tells me they received more than a hundred entries. This Thursday, the show will start featuring those finalists.
He assures me Curry is still a possible candidate though.
Curry was nice enough to fill us in on what is going on through a Facebook Live video with me (embedded below). Pardon the camera work.
She says she hasn't had time to jump on social media as of late because she was busy prepping for her Houston Life appearance.
"I want to thank you guys, because you've been so sweet," Curry told mikemcguff.com concerning Houston TV viewers. "I have loved being a meteorologist for so many of you here in Houston, it's been wonderful, and I hope I'm able to stick around here in Houston and be apart of your TV life. So, now what a wonderful way to start my vacation, hanging out with my friends at channel 2 and do some Houston Life for today."
I'm sure Curry would do very well as a host of this show. She was always great at mixing the serious with the light-hearted news coverage. If the show needs weather coverage...well that's an added bonus.
UPDATE SEPTEMBER 20, 2017
Casey Curry does weather on FOX 26 KRIV
UPDATE SEPTEMBER 20, 2017
Casey Curry does weather on FOX 26 KRIV
 |
| Derrick Shore with Casey Curry on Houston Life Monday |
--------------
SEND A MESSAGE VIA TWITTER by clicking below:
Tweet: I would like to see @CaseyWeather work for #HoustonLifeTV! https://ctt.ec/RynUO+
--------------
I thought my phone was going to blow up as ex-abc13 KTRK meteorologist Casey Curry showed up as a co-host with Derrick Shore on KPRC 2's Houston Life Monday.
See, I told you in the last post that it would be interesting to see where she showed up next. That was even faster than I anticipated.
As I told you Sunday, Curry is no longer with channel 13, so she is a free agent.
Clearly channel 2 was excited about that possibility.
The show just lost its meteorologist host Jennifer Broome, here comes meteorologist Curry to save the day!
UPDATE: After posting this, I got to the Galleria Houston Life studio as fast as possible.
Houston Life Executive Producer Don Graham tells mikemcguff.com this was a guest spot for Curry.
As I have written before, after the departure of Broome, the show held an online casting call.
Graham tells me they received more than a hundred entries. This Thursday, the show will start featuring those finalists.
He assures me Curry is still a possible candidate though.
Curry was nice enough to fill us in on what is going on through a Facebook Live video with me (embedded below). Pardon the camera work.
She says she hasn't had time to jump on social media as of late because she was busy prepping for her Houston Life appearance.
"I want to thank you guys, because you've been so sweet," Curry told mikemcguff.com concerning Houston TV viewers. "I have loved being a meteorologist for so many of you here in Houston, it's been wonderful, and I hope I'm able to stick around here in Houston and be apart of your TV life. So, now what a wonderful way to start my vacation, hanging out with my friends at channel 2 and do some Houston Life for today."
I'm sure Curry would do very well as a host of this show. She was always great at mixing the serious with the light-hearted news coverage. If the show needs weather coverage...well that's an added bonus.
UPDATE SEPTEMBER 20, 2017
Casey Curry does weather on FOX 26 KRIV
Sunday, September 17, 2017
Casey Curry exits KTRK abc13
KTRK abc13 meteorologist Casey Curry disappears from KTRK abc13 website; KEYE Austin's Collin Myers introduced on channel 13 weekend morning news
UPDATE
Where is Casey Curry going to work?
UPDATE SEPTEMBER 20, 2017
Casey Curry does weather on FOX 26 KRIV
UPDATE SEPTEMBER 18, 2017
Casey Curry talks to mikemcguff.com about Houston Life hosting
I'm breaking in on a Sunday morning to report on KTRK abc13 meteorologist Casey Curry leaving the station and KEYE Austin's Collin Myers' arrival in Houston at channel 13.
Sources tell me that Curry is no longer with abc13 and the fact that she has been removed from the station's website confirms that.
My readers are reporting that at 9am this morning, abc13 meteorologist Elita Loresca introduced Myers on air as the new weekend morning met.
Loresca will be moving to the 11am and 4pm newscasts where Curry has worked for several years.
According to her bio, Curry has worked at KTRK since August of 2006. She eventually took Doug Brown's spot on the morning show after he retired.
My blog is by no means an official determination of on-air talent popularity in Houston, but by going on which posts are the most popular here, Curry is in the top echelon.
If you are reading this, most likely you are a big fan.
Then you will probably know that Curry devotes a lot of time to charitable work in Houston. Just follow her on social media and you will see her work and support of charities like Red Collar Rescue, Texas Wildlife Rehab Coalition and Friends of BARC.
She even got a chance to go national as a fill-in on ABC's Good Morning America in 2011.
In 2015, mid-day meteorologist Travis Herzog and Curry swapped shifts.
A few months later, after the station's new set debuted, Curry took a nasty fall on live television which resulted in a broken wrist.
Prior to Houston, Curry most recently had worked places like FOX 4 WDAF Kansas City and KWGN Denver. Before that she worked in Indianapolis, Chicago and Abilene, TX. She got her TV start in Victoria, which for those not in Texas, is very close to Houston.
She is a graduate of the University of Colorado.
Stay tuned.
It will be interesting to see where Curry will end up.
What are your thoughts?
UPDATE SEPTEMBER 18, 2017
Casey Curry talks to mikemcguff.com about Houston Life hosting
UPDATE SEPTEMBER 20, 2017
Casey Curry does weather on FOX 26 KRIV
UPDATE
Where is Casey Curry going to work?
UPDATE SEPTEMBER 20, 2017
Casey Curry does weather on FOX 26 KRIV
UPDATE SEPTEMBER 18, 2017
Casey Curry talks to mikemcguff.com about Houston Life hosting
I'm breaking in on a Sunday morning to report on KTRK abc13 meteorologist Casey Curry leaving the station and KEYE Austin's Collin Myers' arrival in Houston at channel 13.
Sources tell me that Curry is no longer with abc13 and the fact that she has been removed from the station's website confirms that.
My readers are reporting that at 9am this morning, abc13 meteorologist Elita Loresca introduced Myers on air as the new weekend morning met.
Loresca will be moving to the 11am and 4pm newscasts where Curry has worked for several years.
According to her bio, Curry has worked at KTRK since August of 2006. She eventually took Doug Brown's spot on the morning show after he retired.
My blog is by no means an official determination of on-air talent popularity in Houston, but by going on which posts are the most popular here, Curry is in the top echelon.
If you are reading this, most likely you are a big fan.
Then you will probably know that Curry devotes a lot of time to charitable work in Houston. Just follow her on social media and you will see her work and support of charities like Red Collar Rescue, Texas Wildlife Rehab Coalition and Friends of BARC.
She even got a chance to go national as a fill-in on ABC's Good Morning America in 2011.
In 2015, mid-day meteorologist Travis Herzog and Curry swapped shifts.
A few months later, after the station's new set debuted, Curry took a nasty fall on live television which resulted in a broken wrist.
Prior to Houston, Curry most recently had worked places like FOX 4 WDAF Kansas City and KWGN Denver. Before that she worked in Indianapolis, Chicago and Abilene, TX. She got her TV start in Victoria, which for those not in Texas, is very close to Houston.
She is a graduate of the University of Colorado.
Stay tuned.
It will be interesting to see where Curry will end up.
What are your thoughts?
UPDATE SEPTEMBER 18, 2017
Casey Curry talks to mikemcguff.com about Houston Life hosting
UPDATE SEPTEMBER 20, 2017
Casey Curry does weather on FOX 26 KRIV
Friday, September 15, 2017
Three TV 8 KUHT shows to air nationally in tandem with Ken Burn's THE VIETNAM WAR
The Ken Burn’s documentary series THE VIETNAM WAR premieres on Sunday, September 17 at 7pm on Houston Public Media TV 8 and PBS stations across the country
Last April, I wrote about attending a preview of the upcoming Ken Burns and Lynn Novick documentary THE VIETNAM WAR.
Here we are in September already and the series is debuting this Sunday at 7pm on Houston Public Media TV 8 KUHT and PBS stations across the country.
Episodes 1-5: Sun-Thu, Sept 17-22 @ 7 p.m.
Episodes 6-10: Sun-Thu, Sept 24-28 @ 7 p.m.
Trust me when I say this is going to be an unflinching look at a tumultuous time in our history. Very raw and emotional. What makes this docu-series different from the other films I've watched is the access to the North Vietnamese view of the war.
If you are a fan of Burn's work, then you know what you are getting. Just like any of his other covered topics, it will be a very comprehensive and passionate look at a wound in history Burns says we are still healing from as a country.
On a local note, Tran Ngoc Toan, a South Vietnamese soldier who now lives in Houston, is interviewed for the documentary.
Since so many Vietnamese families relocated to the Houston-area after the war, Houston Public Media has produced three accompanying shows that localize the complex history the series will cover.
And I just found out that PBS stations across the country have picked up the Houston produced shows and will be airing them as complimentary programming to the Ken Burns series. VIETV, the largest Vietnamese language TV network in the country, is airing all three as well.
The first show is one I covered on Facebook earlier this year while I was on my blogging break.
Former KHOU 11 anchor Lily Jang hosts and co-produces "Saigon Stories." Houston Public Media Executive Producer Don Geraci, and former KHOU colleague to Jang, approached the former morning anchor about working on the show with the station.
This show will be worth a watch. Not only is it great seeing Jang on television again, but this is a fantastic show from top to bottom. I called Jang after watching an advanced copy and told her submit this for the Lone Star EMMY awards.
Even though Houston is home to one of the largest Vietnamese communities, I don't know much about the Vietnam of today. Jang, Geraci, and crew travelled to Vietnam to provide a look at how Saigon has transformed after the war. She also gives us a glimpse of her personal story as she is originally from Saigon or as it is now known, Ho Chi Minh City.
The next KUHT produced show is “Getting Here: Journeys From Vietnam.”
This show features stories of Houstonians who were Vietnamese refugees. One name many will know is H-Town designer Chloe Dao and winner of Project Runway.
This show will either bring you to tears or make the hair on the back of your neck raise. Dao and others, like VIETV marketing director Jimmy Nguyen, talk about the harrowing experience of escaping their homeland and facing a high probability of death during their journey.
You'll also learn of their experience in coming to America.
There is a third show called “Peace Meals” which I honestly did not have time to preview at the time of this writing. But if it's anything like the other two shows, it will be a worthwhile watch.
Kudos to the entire Houston Public Media team for their excellent work. I know they have been working on these shows for much of 2017.
“Saigon Stories” with Lily Jang – Sept. 18 @ 8:30pm
“Getting Here: Journeys From Vietnam” – Sept. 24 @ 8:30pm
“Peace Meals” – Sept. 21 @ 8:30pm
houstonpublicmedia.org/Vietnam/
 |
| Lily Jang returns to TV for "Saigon Stories" to air on TV8 KUHT and nationally |
Last April, I wrote about attending a preview of the upcoming Ken Burns and Lynn Novick documentary THE VIETNAM WAR.
Here we are in September already and the series is debuting this Sunday at 7pm on Houston Public Media TV 8 KUHT and PBS stations across the country.
Episodes 1-5: Sun-Thu, Sept 17-22 @ 7 p.m.
Episodes 6-10: Sun-Thu, Sept 24-28 @ 7 p.m.
Trust me when I say this is going to be an unflinching look at a tumultuous time in our history. Very raw and emotional. What makes this docu-series different from the other films I've watched is the access to the North Vietnamese view of the war.
If you are a fan of Burn's work, then you know what you are getting. Just like any of his other covered topics, it will be a very comprehensive and passionate look at a wound in history Burns says we are still healing from as a country.
On a local note, Tran Ngoc Toan, a South Vietnamese soldier who now lives in Houston, is interviewed for the documentary.
Since so many Vietnamese families relocated to the Houston-area after the war, Houston Public Media has produced three accompanying shows that localize the complex history the series will cover.
And I just found out that PBS stations across the country have picked up the Houston produced shows and will be airing them as complimentary programming to the Ken Burns series. VIETV, the largest Vietnamese language TV network in the country, is airing all three as well.
The first show is one I covered on Facebook earlier this year while I was on my blogging break.
Former KHOU 11 anchor Lily Jang hosts and co-produces "Saigon Stories." Houston Public Media Executive Producer Don Geraci, and former KHOU colleague to Jang, approached the former morning anchor about working on the show with the station.
This show will be worth a watch. Not only is it great seeing Jang on television again, but this is a fantastic show from top to bottom. I called Jang after watching an advanced copy and told her submit this for the Lone Star EMMY awards.
Even though Houston is home to one of the largest Vietnamese communities, I don't know much about the Vietnam of today. Jang, Geraci, and crew travelled to Vietnam to provide a look at how Saigon has transformed after the war. She also gives us a glimpse of her personal story as she is originally from Saigon or as it is now known, Ho Chi Minh City.
The next KUHT produced show is “Getting Here: Journeys From Vietnam.”
This show features stories of Houstonians who were Vietnamese refugees. One name many will know is H-Town designer Chloe Dao and winner of Project Runway.
This show will either bring you to tears or make the hair on the back of your neck raise. Dao and others, like VIETV marketing director Jimmy Nguyen, talk about the harrowing experience of escaping their homeland and facing a high probability of death during their journey.
You'll also learn of their experience in coming to America.
There is a third show called “Peace Meals” which I honestly did not have time to preview at the time of this writing. But if it's anything like the other two shows, it will be a worthwhile watch.
Kudos to the entire Houston Public Media team for their excellent work. I know they have been working on these shows for much of 2017.
“Saigon Stories” with Lily Jang – Sept. 18 @ 8:30pm
“Getting Here: Journeys From Vietnam” – Sept. 24 @ 8:30pm
“Peace Meals” – Sept. 21 @ 8:30pm
houstonpublicmedia.org/Vietnam/
About KPRC 2's early exit from the Houston Texans game
I'm getting questions about last night's Houston Texans game.
Normally no one in their right mind would ask me about a football game.
Clearly I'm no Charlie Pallilo or Josh Innes.
First of all, there is good news to report that even I can handle. The Texans beat the Cincinnati Bengals 13-9 for their first win of the season. Bad news is that super star J.J. Watt re-injured his finger.
The reason I'm getting questions about the big game is that apparently Houston didn't see the very end while watching it on KPRC 2.
Now KPRC's Facebook page is getting comments asking what the problem was and demanding an apology.
An apology has come from anchor Bill Balleza via Facebook:
Maybe it is not my place, but I'm going to jump in here and apologize for what happened tonight.
Leaving the game with one final play remaining was a mistake, but not a deliberate mistake.
The producer did not hear the announcer say that one second might be added to the game clock, so when the clock hit zero, we began our newscast. We feel terrible about what happened and we sincerely apologize.
We showed the final play during our sports segment and will no doubt show it again multiple times on Friday.
Again, a terrible mistake, but an honest mistake.
Please try to understand how horrible this producer, who is a wonderful individual, feels about his call.
UPDATE
After I posted this item, KPRC did apologize on social media.
At end of last night's #Texans game, #KPRC2 News at 10 started before final play. We sincerely apologize for the error. It is unacceptable.— KPRC 2 Houston (@KPRC2) September 15, 2017
I was also taught on social media about the infamous Heidi Game.
Telemundo Houston shares Hurricane Harvey ratings for Spanish-language TV News
As I have been posting KTRK's and KPRC's Hurricane Harvey coverage ratings, I have been asked about the Spanish-Language TV news channel numbers.
Now, Telemundo Houston KTMD answers the call by sending me its ratings information (click to enlarge below graphic).
"As a TV station, we have a responsibility to our local community, which we respectfully embrace and for whom we proudly strive for excellence everyday," Tony Canales, President and General Manager Telemundo Houston, told mikemcguff.com. "We've been on a multi-year mission to consistently deliver best-in-class journalism, with the strategic plan to build an increasing loyal audience. As if our 2017 year-to-date #1 ranking wasn't testament enough that our efforts are working, Hurricane Harvey further exemplified just how far we've come.
"I'm proud to share the attached audience highlight of the most critical time-span during Harvey's historic rampage, as local Spanish-language viewers chose and depended upon us at Telemundo Houston the most for their severe weather information during this catastrophic and deadly storm."
RELATED
- How did Houston TV stations and employees rank on social media during Hurricane Harvey coverage
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Tom Koch and Melanie Lawson hit 35 years at abc13 KTRK
A big congrats to two legendary Houston anchors - Tom Koch and Melanie Lawson. They have been at KTRK abc13 since 1982!
Koch posted more yesterday on Facebook:
We both started at ABC13 Houston on this day in 1982! Though I have seniority because they called me in two hours earlier on my first day for breaking news... no kidding. Melanie Lawson and I have been close friends ever since. It's been an honor to work with such a great journalist and to work at this incredible TV station. Thank you to all our viewers who've supported us for so many years. I hope we have served you well. Here's to many more at #abc13
Here's to many more great years with channel 13 for this anchor duo!
Pamela B. McKay Joins Radio One Houston
Radio One Houston announced Pamela B. McKay as its new Vice President, General Manager. McKay, a radio veteran with over 20 years of sales leadership and station management experience, will oversee the urban powerhouse cluster of MAJIC 102.1 FM, The Box 97.9 FM, Radio NOW 92.1 FM and Praise.
McKay is a welcomed addition to Radio One Houston. She knows Texas radio. Formerly President at iHeart Media in Austin, TX with a track record of leadership excellence, McKay is known for being client orientated and business savvy. She previously held sales leadership positions at KHMX, KPRC and KSEV of Houston, TX. A community advocate at heart, McKay maintains membership at the Center for Child Protection, March of Dimes and the Alliance for Women in Media.
David Kantor, CEO, Radio One and Reach Media said, 'Today is a good day for Radio One Houston. Our team continues to literally weather the storm, but now can do so with a first class leader who is willing to get into the trenches with them. We're excited to have Pam join our team and look forward to the growth of the market based on her multifaceted skill set and robust experience.'
'Houston is a resilient city of tremendous opportunity and I am thoroughly honored to be returning to Houston to join the Radio One family,' said McKay. 'I look forward to re-connecting with previous clients, colleagues and community leaders while also developing many new and exciting partnerships. I'd like to thank Alfred Liggins and David Kantor for providing me the opportunity to represent this great team and these iconic brands to the Houston community.'
McKay's position is effective immediately and she will report to Kantor.
(This post taken from a release from Radio One)
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
SportsMap 94.1 FM to be new home for 1560 AM
Gow Media announces launch of SportsMap 94.1 FM
September 13, 2017 (Houston, TX) – Gow Media, a leading multi-platform media company, announced today it will launch a new sports radio station, SportsMap 94.1 FM, on October 1st. The new station will be Gow’s second signal on the FM band, as the company also runs ESPN 97.5 FM. As part of this launch, Gow will lease 1560 AM to another party, and move the lineup of 1560 AM to SportsMap 94.1 FM.
“We are excited to add a second sports station to the FM band,” said David Gow, CEO of Gow Media. “Listenership has been migrating to the FM dial, and we have now secured a strong strategic position with both ESPN 97.5 FM and SportsMap 94.1 FM.”
The lineup on SportsMap 94.1 FM will feature exceptional local talent, including the company’s most recent addition, Charlie Pallilo, who joined Gow Media last month and hosts a show from 11 am-1 pm each weekday. Other Houston-based hosts on the station include Nate Griffin, Patrick Creighton, Barry Warner, Sean Salisbury, Brian Barrett and Robin Carlin. SportsMap 94.1 FM will also air leading national shows from Gow’s own national sports radio network, SB Nation Radio.
Later this month Gow will be announcing details of a new sports site, SportsMap.com, which shares the name of the new station. “We have more sports content creators in our building than anyone in the city, and we have a strong digital platform with CultureMap.com — launching SportsMap.com is a great next step for us,” said Gow.
Gow has tapped Fred Faour, an afternoon drive show host on ESPN 97.5 and former Houston Chronicle Sports Editor, to serve as Editor in Chief of Sportsmap.com.
Gow is bullish about the site’s prospects: “The combined promotional power of all our platforms will propel SportsMap.com to become the leading sports site in Houston.”
The imminent additions of SportsMap 94.1 FM and SportsMap.com are the latest in a series of significant moves by Gow Media in 2017, including the acquisition of CultureMap.com; the launch of a new national TV show, The Sean Salisbury Show on BeInSports TV Network; the hiring of Ken Hoffman as a columnist for CultureMap.com and contributor on sports radio; a new content-sharing and cross-promotion partnership with ABC13 KTRK-TV in Houston; and the recent hire of Charlie Pallilo for Gow Media’s sports platforms.
“With a focus on sports and lifestyle content, we are building the leading multi-platform media company in Texas,” said Gow.
About Gow Media
Gow Media, LLC is a multi-platform media company founded in 2007 and based in Houston. The company runs two sports stations in Houston: ESPN 97.5 FM and SportsMap 94.1 FM, which will operate with a base station of KFNC-HD2 and be heard on 94.1 FM (K231CN). The company also owns one of the country’s largest sports radio networks, SB Nation Radio, which it runs in partnership with SBNation.com. SB Nation Radio provides 24/7 sports shows and sports updates to over 500 affiliate radio stations across the country, Sirius Satellite Radio, and mobile and digital partners. In February, Gow Media acquired CultureMap.com, the leading online destination for lifestyle content in Texas. Gow Media, LLC is backed by a private, Houston-based investment group with significant experience in media ownership. The investor group includes Steve Webster, co-manager and co-CEO of Avista Capital; Patrick Dugan, vice president and general counsel of Nortex Corporation; and David Gow, chairman and CEO of Gow Media, LLC.
(This post taken from a release sent to me by Gow Media)
September 13, 2017 (Houston, TX) – Gow Media, a leading multi-platform media company, announced today it will launch a new sports radio station, SportsMap 94.1 FM, on October 1st. The new station will be Gow’s second signal on the FM band, as the company also runs ESPN 97.5 FM. As part of this launch, Gow will lease 1560 AM to another party, and move the lineup of 1560 AM to SportsMap 94.1 FM.
“We are excited to add a second sports station to the FM band,” said David Gow, CEO of Gow Media. “Listenership has been migrating to the FM dial, and we have now secured a strong strategic position with both ESPN 97.5 FM and SportsMap 94.1 FM.”
The lineup on SportsMap 94.1 FM will feature exceptional local talent, including the company’s most recent addition, Charlie Pallilo, who joined Gow Media last month and hosts a show from 11 am-1 pm each weekday. Other Houston-based hosts on the station include Nate Griffin, Patrick Creighton, Barry Warner, Sean Salisbury, Brian Barrett and Robin Carlin. SportsMap 94.1 FM will also air leading national shows from Gow’s own national sports radio network, SB Nation Radio.
Later this month Gow will be announcing details of a new sports site, SportsMap.com, which shares the name of the new station. “We have more sports content creators in our building than anyone in the city, and we have a strong digital platform with CultureMap.com — launching SportsMap.com is a great next step for us,” said Gow.
Gow has tapped Fred Faour, an afternoon drive show host on ESPN 97.5 and former Houston Chronicle Sports Editor, to serve as Editor in Chief of Sportsmap.com.
Gow is bullish about the site’s prospects: “The combined promotional power of all our platforms will propel SportsMap.com to become the leading sports site in Houston.”
The imminent additions of SportsMap 94.1 FM and SportsMap.com are the latest in a series of significant moves by Gow Media in 2017, including the acquisition of CultureMap.com; the launch of a new national TV show, The Sean Salisbury Show on BeInSports TV Network; the hiring of Ken Hoffman as a columnist for CultureMap.com and contributor on sports radio; a new content-sharing and cross-promotion partnership with ABC13 KTRK-TV in Houston; and the recent hire of Charlie Pallilo for Gow Media’s sports platforms.
“With a focus on sports and lifestyle content, we are building the leading multi-platform media company in Texas,” said Gow.
About Gow Media
Gow Media, LLC is a multi-platform media company founded in 2007 and based in Houston. The company runs two sports stations in Houston: ESPN 97.5 FM and SportsMap 94.1 FM, which will operate with a base station of KFNC-HD2 and be heard on 94.1 FM (K231CN). The company also owns one of the country’s largest sports radio networks, SB Nation Radio, which it runs in partnership with SBNation.com. SB Nation Radio provides 24/7 sports shows and sports updates to over 500 affiliate radio stations across the country, Sirius Satellite Radio, and mobile and digital partners. In February, Gow Media acquired CultureMap.com, the leading online destination for lifestyle content in Texas. Gow Media, LLC is backed by a private, Houston-based investment group with significant experience in media ownership. The investor group includes Steve Webster, co-manager and co-CEO of Avista Capital; Patrick Dugan, vice president and general counsel of Nortex Corporation; and David Gow, chairman and CEO of Gow Media, LLC.
(This post taken from a release sent to me by Gow Media)
Kaitlin McCulley leaves KTRK abc13
Reporter Kaitlin McCulley leaves KTRK abc13 for WHDH 7News Boston
After reporting for KTRK abc13 since 2014, Kaitlin McCulley is moving to Boston's WHDH 7News.
“I am grateful to have called Houston home for the last three years and to have worked with such dedicated journalists at KTRK," McCulley told mikemcguff.com. "I’m looking forward to new opportunities ahead at WHDH in Boston.”
The New England station has been in the news a lot lately. After NBC moved its affiliation from WHDH to its own station, 7News has become a news factory.
According to an article in NiemanLab, to make up for the loss of NBC network programming, WHDH now offers 87 hours of local news a week.
McCulley will have plenty of time on air.
Before Houston, McCulley worked as an MMJ/reporter for WIAT in Birmingham, Alabama. She interned at MSNBC's Morning Joe and WWSB in Tampa.
The award winning journalist is a Samford University in Birmingham grad.
Her last day with KTRK is September 21st.
After reporting for KTRK abc13 since 2014, Kaitlin McCulley is moving to Boston's WHDH 7News.
“I am grateful to have called Houston home for the last three years and to have worked with such dedicated journalists at KTRK," McCulley told mikemcguff.com. "I’m looking forward to new opportunities ahead at WHDH in Boston.”
The New England station has been in the news a lot lately. After NBC moved its affiliation from WHDH to its own station, 7News has become a news factory.
According to an article in NiemanLab, to make up for the loss of NBC network programming, WHDH now offers 87 hours of local news a week.
McCulley will have plenty of time on air.
Before Houston, McCulley worked as an MMJ/reporter for WIAT in Birmingham, Alabama. She interned at MSNBC's Morning Joe and WWSB in Tampa.
The award winning journalist is a Samford University in Birmingham grad.
Her last day with KTRK is September 21st.
KPRC 2 ratings during Harvey
KPRC 2 responds to KTRK abc13 Hurricane Harvey ratings information
RELATED
- Telemundo Houston shares Hurricane Harvey ratings for Spanish-language TV News
- How did Houston TV stations and employees rank on social media during Hurricane Harvey coverage
Last week, KTRK abc13 posted its Hurricane Harvey coverage ratings information.
Today, KPRC 2 responded to that post to let us know how many Houstonians were watching its Hurricane Harvey news coverage.
"We really didn’t want to come out with a piece on the coverage because a number of homes were taken out of the sample and KHOU was off the air/or at best impaired during the coverage," KPRC 2 VP/General Manager Jerry Martin told mikemcguff.com. "We felt we had to respond in some form, only when KTRK sent that piece to you.
"We are happy with the numbers, especially post wall to wall coverage. Most importantly, I am both humbled and proud not only of the work of my team but of the work that all of the 'Big Four' television stations along with Univision and Telemundo performed during the storm. Sentiments that I relayed to [Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai] on his visit last week to the station."
RELATED
- Telemundo Houston shares Hurricane Harvey ratings for Spanish-language TV News
- How did Houston TV stations and employees rank on social media during Hurricane Harvey coverage
Last week, KTRK abc13 posted its Hurricane Harvey coverage ratings information.
Today, KPRC 2 responded to that post to let us know how many Houstonians were watching its Hurricane Harvey news coverage.
"We really didn’t want to come out with a piece on the coverage because a number of homes were taken out of the sample and KHOU was off the air/or at best impaired during the coverage," KPRC 2 VP/General Manager Jerry Martin told mikemcguff.com. "We felt we had to respond in some form, only when KTRK sent that piece to you.
"We are happy with the numbers, especially post wall to wall coverage. Most importantly, I am both humbled and proud not only of the work of my team but of the work that all of the 'Big Four' television stations along with Univision and Telemundo performed during the storm. Sentiments that I relayed to [Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai] on his visit last week to the station."
'The Original Country Gold with Rowdy Yates' welcomes Al Farb as guest host
I received this press release about a syndicated show that has Houston all over it.
Former 100.3 KILT and 95.7 KIKK DJ Rowdy Yates hosts “The Original Country Gold with Rowdy Yates.”
While he is away, Al Farb of Country Legends 97.1 KTHT and the The New 93Q Morning Zoo will handle hosting duties.
HOUSTON – (September 11, 2017) – Compass Media Networks Nationally Syndicated Country Request Show, “The Original Country Gold with Rowdy Yates” (TOCG) will welcome special guest host, Al Farb on the show this weekend, while host Rowdy Yates visits Bangor, Maine and his affiliate station WQCB for their first ever New England Ribfest.
Al Farb will be ‘on-loan’ to TOGC from the show’s flagship affiliate in Houston, Texas, KTHT-FM/ Country Legends 97.1 which airs the show Saturday nights from 7p- Midnight Central, weekly.
“This is truly a once in a lifetime experience, being handed the mic from a true radio legend is a dream come true!” Said Al Farb. “Being on the National stage is a daunting task, and I couldn’t be more honored to fill in for not only someone I look up to in this industry, but also a friend in Rowdy Yates.”
"I could not be happier to give this up and coming broadcaster an opportunity to fill in on the nations' number one country request show. I hope that the industry joins me as we celebrate this milestone in Al's career." Said Rowdy Yates, host of The Original Country Gold.
You can hear Al Farb host The Original Country Gold on its affiliate stations across the country this weekend. A live stream of the show is available this Saturday, September 16th from 7p-Midnight Central Time at http://www.countrylegends971.com/stream
About Original Country Gold with Rowdy Yates:
Original Country Gold is a weekend institution in over 75 markets and is the #1 country request show. Rowdy Yates is a 2013 ACM Award Winner and member of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame.
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
104.1 KRBE wins Marconi Radio Award
104 KRBE named CHR Station of the Year 2017 by National Association of Broadcasters
AUSTIN -- KRBE-FM Houston, TX was named CHR Station of the Year at the 2017 National Association of Broadcasters' (NAB) Marconi Radio Awards. The awards were announced Thursday night at the 28th annual NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner & Show held during the Radio Show in Austin. The event was sponsored by Xperi.
The prestigious awards recognize radio's outstanding personalities and stations. Marconi finalists were selected by a task force of broadcasters, and the winners were voted on by the NAB Marconi Radio Awards Selection Academy. The votes were tabulated by an independent firm.
The NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner & Show also featured a performance by Grammy Award-winning country music band Asleep at the Wheel. Top-rated syndicated radio personality Rickey Smiley served as the event’s emcee.
About the Radio Show
The 2017 Radio Show, produced by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), will be held September 5-8 in Austin. This year's show brings radio broadcasters and industry colleagues together to share knowledge, discover the latest innovations, network with industry leaders and explore creative business strategies for the digital age. To learn more about the 2017 Radio Show, visit www.radioshowweb.com.
About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.
(This post was taken from a release by the The National Association of Broadcasters)
AUSTIN -- KRBE-FM Houston, TX was named CHR Station of the Year at the 2017 National Association of Broadcasters' (NAB) Marconi Radio Awards. The awards were announced Thursday night at the 28th annual NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner & Show held during the Radio Show in Austin. The event was sponsored by Xperi.
The prestigious awards recognize radio's outstanding personalities and stations. Marconi finalists were selected by a task force of broadcasters, and the winners were voted on by the NAB Marconi Radio Awards Selection Academy. The votes were tabulated by an independent firm.
The NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner & Show also featured a performance by Grammy Award-winning country music band Asleep at the Wheel. Top-rated syndicated radio personality Rickey Smiley served as the event’s emcee.
About the Radio Show
The 2017 Radio Show, produced by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), will be held September 5-8 in Austin. This year's show brings radio broadcasters and industry colleagues together to share knowledge, discover the latest innovations, network with industry leaders and explore creative business strategies for the digital age. To learn more about the 2017 Radio Show, visit www.radioshowweb.com.
About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.
(This post was taken from a release by the The National Association of Broadcasters)
Monday, September 11, 2017
Houston TV social rankings during Harvey
How did Houston TV stations and employees rank on social media during Hurricane Harvey coverage
Last week, KTRK abc13 sent us its Houston TV ratings data during the Hurricane Harvey coverage.
Now social TV ratings, rankings and analytics company, Share Rocket, gives us the data on how each station and the corresponding air staff members performed on Facebook and Twitter.
Important because according to Pew Research, now 67% of Americans use social media to get some of their news. If you lost power, social media was probably the way you got your news during the storm.
Share Rocket is, "a social media ratings and audience solution providing media companies an easy way to quantify their social media equity, benchmark against peers and turn social market intelligence into insights that drive social success."
These rankings look at the time span of August 25th to September 1st, 2017. The numbers are pulled from station usage on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using Share Rocket's "Share" measurement which is the way to look at weekly data.
First we are looking at every Houston media company in the Share Rocket database. Then I am looking at the top 5 on air staff members at each station in order of channel number.
The top five Houston Chronicle staffers are listed at the bottom. I did not include KIAH 39 because it does not have five full-time on-air employees to make up the list. KXLN does not have a complete top five list because there was an incorrect list of employees in the database, that is being corrected. No Houston radio stations are listed in the Share Rocket database.
KPRC 2
1 Haley Hernandez
2 Sara Donchey
3 Jennifer Reyna
4 Dominique Sachse
5 Anoushah Rasta
KHOU 11
1 Daniel Gotera
2 Brandi Smith
3 Doug Delony
4 Melissa Correa
5 Bill Bishop (Managing Editor)
abc 13 KTRK
1 Travis Herzog
2 Samica Knight
3 Tim Heller
4 Courtney Fischer
5 Mayra Moreno
FOX 26 KRIV
1 Mike Iscovitz
2 Kaitlin Monte
3 Isiah Carey
4 Melissa Wilson
5 Lindsey Henry
Univision 45 KXLN
1 Osvaldo Corral
2 Raul Peimbert
3 Laura Sierra
4 Arnaldo Rojas
5 N/A
Telemundo 47 KTMD
1 Martín Berlanga
2 Ubaldo Martínez
3 Carlos A. Robles
4 Augusto Bernal
5 Antonio Hernández
Houston Chronicle
1 Mark Mulligan
2 Michael Ciaglo
3 John McClain
4 Joseph Duarte
5 Matt Dempsey
RELATED
- Houston charities team up with social media community
- Top social media posts with a #Harvey hashtag
Last week, KTRK abc13 sent us its Houston TV ratings data during the Hurricane Harvey coverage.
Now social TV ratings, rankings and analytics company, Share Rocket, gives us the data on how each station and the corresponding air staff members performed on Facebook and Twitter.
Important because according to Pew Research, now 67% of Americans use social media to get some of their news. If you lost power, social media was probably the way you got your news during the storm.
Share Rocket is, "a social media ratings and audience solution providing media companies an easy way to quantify their social media equity, benchmark against peers and turn social market intelligence into insights that drive social success."
These rankings look at the time span of August 25th to September 1st, 2017. The numbers are pulled from station usage on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using Share Rocket's "Share" measurement which is the way to look at weekly data.
First we are looking at every Houston media company in the Share Rocket database. Then I am looking at the top 5 on air staff members at each station in order of channel number.
The top five Houston Chronicle staffers are listed at the bottom. I did not include KIAH 39 because it does not have five full-time on-air employees to make up the list. KXLN does not have a complete top five list because there was an incorrect list of employees in the database, that is being corrected. No Houston radio stations are listed in the Share Rocket database.
| Media | Share |
|---|---|
| 1 abc13 KTRK | 28.00 |
| 2 KHOU 11 | 18.81 |
| 3 FOX 26 KRIV | 18.01 |
| 4 KPRC 2 | 17.18 |
| 5 Houston Chronicle | 9.36 |
| 6 Univision 45 KXLN | 5.76 |
| 7 Telemundo 47 KTMD | 1.22 |
| 8 CW39 KIAH | 0.73 |
| 9 Houston Press | 0.62 |
| 10 CultureMap Houston | 0.31 |
KPRC 2
1 Haley Hernandez
2 Sara Donchey
3 Jennifer Reyna
4 Dominique Sachse
5 Anoushah Rasta
KHOU 11
1 Daniel Gotera
2 Brandi Smith
3 Doug Delony
4 Melissa Correa
5 Bill Bishop (Managing Editor)
abc 13 KTRK
1 Travis Herzog
2 Samica Knight
3 Tim Heller
4 Courtney Fischer
5 Mayra Moreno
FOX 26 KRIV
1 Mike Iscovitz
2 Kaitlin Monte
3 Isiah Carey
4 Melissa Wilson
5 Lindsey Henry
Univision 45 KXLN
1 Osvaldo Corral
2 Raul Peimbert
3 Laura Sierra
4 Arnaldo Rojas
5 N/A
Telemundo 47 KTMD
1 Martín Berlanga
2 Ubaldo Martínez
3 Carlos A. Robles
4 Augusto Bernal
5 Antonio Hernández
Houston Chronicle
1 Mark Mulligan
2 Michael Ciaglo
3 John McClain
4 Joseph Duarte
5 Matt Dempsey
RELATED
- Houston charities team up with social media community
- Top social media posts with a #Harvey hashtag
Saturday, September 09, 2017
Houston charities team up with social media community
Thanks to Kami Huyse of Zoetica Media and organizer of the Houston Social Media Breakfast for including me in Friday's session where influencers interviewed charities looking to help out after Hurricane Harvey.
Since this is a media blog, I have to mention my surprise when former KTRK abc13 anchor Minerva Perez was there! She was representing the Houston Furniture Bank.
I interviewed many of the good folks behind these charities/agencies.
Here are links if you want to take a look at the services they provide.
Second Servings of Houston
www.secondservingshouston.org
Kids' Meals
http://www.kidsmealshouston.org
FAM (Fondren Apartment Ministry)
https://www.facebook.com/FAMHTX/
Entrepreneurs for Houston/Station Houston
http://stationhouston.com/
PoeticSystems
http://stationhouston.com/station-news/hurricane-harvey-houston-flood-emergency-resources/
FEMA
https://www.fema.gov/region-vi-arkansas-louisiana-new-mexico-oklahoma-texas
Helpers of Houston
http://helpersofhouston.com/
Easter Seals Greater Houston
http://eastersealshouston.org/
Stuff the Sleigh
https://www.thesleigh.org/
Eye Care for Kids
http://eyecareforkids.org/
Growthli
https://growthli.com/
Friends For Life Animal Shelter
http://friends4life.org/
Houston Furniture Bank
http://houstonfurniturebank.org/
BakerRipley (formerly Neighborhood Centers Inc.)
https://www.bakerripley.org/
Friday, September 08, 2017
Dave Ward returns to radio for Houston Children’s Charity
Dave Ward posted on Facebook that he has recorded radio spots along with Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa to promote Houston Children’s Charity Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.
"Radio was actually my first love in broadcasting, but this was my first time back in 50 years so I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it," Ward noted. "Especially since the suit and tie got to stay at home!"
You might remember last year when Ward gave me a fantastic interview about his time behind the AM microphone. In fact, his father had concerns about him moving to television.
"David, you've had a good eight-year, nine-year career in radio. Are you sure you wanna do this TV thing?" Ward replied, "Dad, trust me. I feel good about this."
One of the items from the post that really jumped out at me was his line:
Maybe I'll make radio a part of my next chapter, what do you think?
Well, he certainly has the voice for it.
Ward's wife, Laura, is the CEO, President & Executive Director of the charity. And since he made big news this week with the purchase of the Houston Rockets, I would be remiss if I didn't mention Tilman J. Fertitta is Chairman of the Board for the charity.
Houston TV ratings during Harvey
With 117 hours of coverage during the devastating days of Harvey, KTRK abc13 lets us know how many Houstonians were watching its signal and the other English-language stations from 8/25 to 8/29, 2017.
UPDATE
- KPRC 2 responds to KTRK abc13 Hurricane Harvey ratings information
- Telemundo Houston shares Hurricane Harvey ratings for Spanish-language TV News
You can click on the image to enlarge it.
Clearly local TV played a huge role in keeping us informed during the hurricane.
RELATED
- How did Houston TV stations and employees rank on social media during Hurricane Harvey coverage
- KHOU begins studio rebuild process
- Harvey floods KHOU 11, evacuates building
UPDATE
- KPRC 2 responds to KTRK abc13 Hurricane Harvey ratings information
- Telemundo Houston shares Hurricane Harvey ratings for Spanish-language TV News
You can click on the image to enlarge it.
Clearly local TV played a huge role in keeping us informed during the hurricane.
RELATED
- How did Houston TV stations and employees rank on social media during Hurricane Harvey coverage
- KHOU begins studio rebuild process
- Harvey floods KHOU 11, evacuates building
Thursday, September 07, 2017
KPRC 2 Harvey relief raises millions
HOUSTON – September 7, 2017 KPRC-TV Channel 2 KPRC and Telemundo Houston partnered with the American Red Cross to support the Harvey relief effort. We opened the phone lines and viewers delivered, calling in donations of all sizes!
Between August 30 and 31, individuals called in pledges of more than a million dollars ($1,067,358) and donated another $269,530 online at Click2houston.com. Corporations stepped up to present checks worth nearly $3.2 million ($3,175,000). That’s more than $4.5 million ($4,511,888.00) pledged to help our neighbors in need!
On top of that, a Walmart representative dropped into our studio to present the Red Cross with $10,000,000 to help the Gulf Coast recover.
This relief effort is massive, so remember you can continue to donate by looking for a link on the Click2Houston.com homepage or you can drop your change in the special donation boxes at the register of your local Kroger grocery store. Every bit helps and adds up to a lot of help for victims of Hurricane Harvey.
TOTAL PLEDGED: $4,511,888.00**
*DAY ONE PHONE BANK PLEDGE TOTAL: $1,416,668
PUBLIC DONATIONS: $559,668
CELEBRITY DONATION: George Foreman - $107,000
CORPORATE DONORS: $750,000
Marathon Oil - $100,000
BB&T - $100,000
Graham Holdings - $50,000 (plus additional $50,000 for Houston Food Bank)
McDonald's Owner/Operators Association of Greater Houston - $250,000
McDonald’s Corporation MATCH - $250,000
DAY TWO PHONE BANK PLEDGE TOTAL: $2,825,690
PUBLIC DONATIONS: $400,690
CORPORATE DONORS: $2,425,000
TransCanada Corporation - $100,000
Reliant - $200,000
Macy’s - $100,000
PBK - $100,000
BBVA Compass - $150,000
Houston Golf Association - $50,000
Great American Business Products - $25,000
Mustang CAT - $250,000
Apache Corporation - $250,000
Wells Fargo - $500,000
Transocean - $100,000
Fuel Maxx - $100,000
Sysco - $500,000
*TOTAL FOR Red Cross link on Click 2 Houston.com: $269,530.00 (as of 9/6/17)
(This post was taken from a release sent to me by KPRC 2)
104.5 KISS FM Houston’s Best R&B launches
UPDATE FEBRUARY 28, 2019
iHeartMedia ends lease with 104.5 K283CH Houston bringing an end to “104.5 KISS FM."
New Houston radio station 104.5 KISS FM to feature Urban Adult Contemporary hits
Houston, Texas – September 7, 2017 - iHeartMedia Houston announced today the launch of 104.5 KISS FM - Houston’s Best R&B. The new station will feature Urban Adult Contemporary hits including artists like Mary J. Blige, Luther Vandross, Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Earth Wind and Fire, Anita Baker, and Usher.
Beginning October 9th, mornings will kick off with The Steve Harvey Morning Show, airing in Houston from 5a.m.-9a.m. The syndicated show combines heart, humor, with listener involvement and music, along with celebrity guests from the worlds of sports and entertainment. Harvey is joined on the show by Shirley Strawberry, J. Anthony Brown, Carla Ferrell, his "Nephew Tommy," and Junior.
Weeknights and Sunday nights will feature The Sweat Hotel hosted by Keith Sweat, the legendary R&B singer and music producer. Playing slow jams, with special guests, live in studio musical performances sprinkled with relationship advice, and dedications.
“We have a great opportunity to deliver some of the hottest names and music in the R&B industry to the diverse Houston audience combined with spoken word entertainment from some of the biggest names in show business with Steve Harvey and Keith Sweat” said Urban Brand Coordinator Michael Saunders.
iHeartMedia is the leading media outlet in the Houston market with multiple platforms, including its broadcast stations; live events; data; and its digital businesses and platforms, including mobile, social and its own iHeartRadio, the leading all-in-one streaming music and live radio service – with more than 1.4 billion app downloads and 100 million registered users.
Fans can listen to 104.5 The Beat on the stations' website www.1045kissfmhouston.com, as well as on iHeartRadio.
About iHeartMedia Houston
iHeartMedia Houston owns and operates KBME-AM, KQBT-FM, KODA-FM, KPRC-AM, KTBZ-FM, KTRH-AM, and is part of iHeartMedia. With over a quarter of a billion monthly listeners in the U.S. and over 85 million social followers, iHeartMedia has the largest national reach of any radio or television outlet in America. As the leader in multiplatform connections, it also serves over 150 local markets through 858 owned radio stations, and the company’s radio stations and content can be heard on AM/FM, HD digital radio, satellite radio, on the Internet at iHeartRadio.com and on the company’s radio station websites, on the iHeartRadio mobile app, in enhanced auto dashes, on tablets, wearables and smartphones, and on gaming consoles.
iHeartRadio, iHeartMedia’s digital radio platform, is the fastest growing digital audio service in the U.S. and offers users thousands of live radio stations, personalized custom artist stations created by just one song or seed artist and the top podcasts and personalities. With over 1.4 billion downloads, iHeartRadio reached 100 million registered users faster than any other radio or digital music service.
(This post was taken from a release sent to me by iHeartRadio)
iHeartMedia ends lease with 104.5 K283CH Houston bringing an end to “104.5 KISS FM."
New Houston radio station 104.5 KISS FM to feature Urban Adult Contemporary hits
Houston, Texas – September 7, 2017 - iHeartMedia Houston announced today the launch of 104.5 KISS FM - Houston’s Best R&B. The new station will feature Urban Adult Contemporary hits including artists like Mary J. Blige, Luther Vandross, Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Earth Wind and Fire, Anita Baker, and Usher.
Beginning October 9th, mornings will kick off with The Steve Harvey Morning Show, airing in Houston from 5a.m.-9a.m. The syndicated show combines heart, humor, with listener involvement and music, along with celebrity guests from the worlds of sports and entertainment. Harvey is joined on the show by Shirley Strawberry, J. Anthony Brown, Carla Ferrell, his "Nephew Tommy," and Junior.
Weeknights and Sunday nights will feature The Sweat Hotel hosted by Keith Sweat, the legendary R&B singer and music producer. Playing slow jams, with special guests, live in studio musical performances sprinkled with relationship advice, and dedications.
“We have a great opportunity to deliver some of the hottest names and music in the R&B industry to the diverse Houston audience combined with spoken word entertainment from some of the biggest names in show business with Steve Harvey and Keith Sweat” said Urban Brand Coordinator Michael Saunders.
iHeartMedia is the leading media outlet in the Houston market with multiple platforms, including its broadcast stations; live events; data; and its digital businesses and platforms, including mobile, social and its own iHeartRadio, the leading all-in-one streaming music and live radio service – with more than 1.4 billion app downloads and 100 million registered users.
Fans can listen to 104.5 The Beat on the stations' website www.1045kissfmhouston.com, as well as on iHeartRadio.
About iHeartMedia Houston
iHeartMedia Houston owns and operates KBME-AM, KQBT-FM, KODA-FM, KPRC-AM, KTBZ-FM, KTRH-AM, and is part of iHeartMedia. With over a quarter of a billion monthly listeners in the U.S. and over 85 million social followers, iHeartMedia has the largest national reach of any radio or television outlet in America. As the leader in multiplatform connections, it also serves over 150 local markets through 858 owned radio stations, and the company’s radio stations and content can be heard on AM/FM, HD digital radio, satellite radio, on the Internet at iHeartRadio.com and on the company’s radio station websites, on the iHeartRadio mobile app, in enhanced auto dashes, on tablets, wearables and smartphones, and on gaming consoles.
iHeartRadio, iHeartMedia’s digital radio platform, is the fastest growing digital audio service in the U.S. and offers users thousands of live radio stations, personalized custom artist stations created by just one song or seed artist and the top podcasts and personalities. With over 1.4 billion downloads, iHeartRadio reached 100 million registered users faster than any other radio or digital music service.
(This post was taken from a release sent to me by iHeartRadio)
Wednesday, September 06, 2017
Former Houston journalists return to TV for Harvey coverage
 |
| Mike McGuff talking to presenters Richard Madeley and Ranvir Singh. |
It was all hands on deck for the international, national and other local news media to find Houston journalists to help cover Hurricane Harvey. There were also the sister-station relief crews needed to fill-in on our Houston TV stations.
Here is a list of the former Houston journalists who were called back from the reserves to help out. If you know of others, please email me.
I was hired by UK Network ITV to report live for its Good Morning Britain program through out last week. One of the show's presenters (a term for anchor in the England) Americans will recognize is former CNN host Piers Morgan.
Former KHOU 11 anchor Lily Jang reported for KXAS NBC 5 in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Former KTRK abc13 and ESPN reporter Darren Lyn was tapped to report for TRT World.
Michelle Merhar returned to FOX 26 KRIV to help out on traffic anchor duty.
Doug Miller returned to KHOU 11 and made an appearance to talk hurricanes.
Former KPRC 2 reporter Brendan Keefe, now WXIA Atlanta Chief Investigative Reporter, returned to Houston to help out TEGNA sister station KHOU as a reporter. "Houston gets in your heart and doesn't want to leave," Keefe told me. "I volunteered when I saw my friends at KHOU working so hard without a TV station."
Former KHOU 11 reporter Courtney Zubowski worked for CBS News as a field producer.
Former FOX 26 KRIV reporter Todd Duplantis, now the Director of HCC TV Communications, did live reporting for WFTS Tampa Bay, Florida's ABC Action News.
KFSN Fresno reporter Corin Hoggard, returns to his old station of KTRK abc13 where he was a producer, to help with Harvey coverage.
Dr. Neil Frank made his usual return to KHOU 11 when there is trouble in the tropics.
KXAS NBC5's Courtney Gilmore returned from DFW to KPRC to help cover the storm.
Former KIKK and CBS Radio news reporter Derrill Edward Holly did an interview with the Associated Press broadcast and energy news podcast.
Former FOX 26 KRIV contributor Bob Martin has returned to make appearances on channel 26 and KTRK abc13.
Former FOX 26 KRIV reporter Ned Hibberd, now WCNC Charlotte executive producer of investigations and special projects, has been working for KHOU remotely via WFAA in Dallas.
Houston Radio Broadcasters Band Together to Raise Funds for the Houston Food Bank
Houston, T.X. – September 6th, 2017 – Twenty-five Houston radio stations will simultaneously air a fundraiser to support the Houston Food Bank in order to feed those affected by Hurricane Harvey beginning Friday, September 8th and running through Sunday, September 10th. Houston Radio will run live and recorded promotional announcements asking for monetary donations to aid in Harvey relief efforts.
“Radio’s strength is rooted in its connection to the community, and Houstonians rely on Radio to inform, protect and nourish their spirits. Now, Houston Radio stations come together to literally nourish those harmed by Hurricane Harvey. So starts Houston’s recovery, with the power of its people – and Radio – behind it” said Oscar Rodriguez, President of the Texas Association of Broadcasters.
"Our amazing city has been devastated, but we have an abundance of pride and generosity...we're resilient...and we WILL bounce back" said Eddie Martiny, President, Houston Region, iHeartMedia Markets Group. The Houston Food Bank will provide food and supplies in the short term and for many months to come to residents in southeast Texas who will struggle to rebuild their lives. They will work closely with a network of partner agencies to ensure food is getting to those who need it most.
Mark Krieschen, Vice President of Cox Houston said, “The Cox Media Group team is proud to be working with our fellow Houston Radio broadcasters and the Houston Food Bank to help people affected by Harvey. Together, our efforts will provide food and supplies to our neighbors throughout our listening area.”
“Food is a basic need that will be in short supply for many for a long time” said Sarah Frazier, SVP/Market Manager for CBS Radio in Houston, “We all serve the same community and we need to be as impactful as possible, so it makes sense to start our joint efforts there.”
“The impact of Hurricane Harvey will be felt by many in our city for weeks and months, and in some cases years, to come. Univision Houston is proud to provide a platform for the Houston Food Bank to reach the Hispanic community as we all rally to rebuild our neighborhoods and provide relief to the families we serve,” said David Loving, President & General Manager of Univision Houston.
“Maybe the opportunity here is to show the rest of the country and the world that if we can come together during terrible tragedies, we can come together period…Houston Strong,” said Terri Thomas, Operations Manager/Program Director of Radio One Houston. Alex Cadelago, VP and Market Manager of Cumulus added, “Our first duty as broadcasters is to serve the community…we’re all wearing the same jersey for this cause.”
About Houston Radio:
Houston Radio stations reach 92% of all adults in Houston every week. Combined, they donate over $15 million dollars in cash and airtime annually through fundraisers and promoting non-profit events. During Hurricane Harvey they connected the citizens of Houston to each other and to the information they needed most. They are now focused on helping the citizens of Houston rebuild. They are #HoustonRadio and they are #HoustonStrong
(This post was taken from a release sent to me by CBS Radio Houston)
Monday, September 04, 2017
KHOU begins studio rebuild process
NOVEMBER 16, 2017
KHOU officially moving thanks to Harvey
Looks like KHOU is staying put.
Facebook posts show that channel 11 is returning to its longtime home and Hurricane Harvey flood damaged Allen Parkway studios.
The staff is working out of Houston Public Media's PBS affiliate KUHT TV 8 in the meantime.
Former KHOU 11 reporter Jason Whitely (now at sister station WFAA in Dallas-Fort Worth) posted these photos of the damage. He said, "The flood destroyed the newsroom, control room, and news set."
Owner TEGNA has hired two companies to work on returning the studios to normal. Houston-based Aztec Rental Center and MrRestore out of Lewisville, Texas are already on the scene and posting social media updates concerning the building's restoration.
Sports anchor Matt Musil takes us on a tour of the outside of the operation.
In the following video, Susan McEldoon, General Manager for CBS affiliate KHOU, and Lisa Shumate, GM for PBS station Houston Public Media, share the story of how the two stations came together after the horrors of Harvey.
Longtime media watchers might know that Shumate formerly worked for KHOU and McEldoon. Shumate states in the video that there are KUHT employees that also previously worked for the CBS affiliate.
Both current and former members of the Houston media have talked with me about the KHOU flood in the last days. Many did not think that KHOU would return or maybe even should return since this is not the first flood there.
Clearly TEGNA has fortitude!
RELATED
- VIDEO: Summary of KHOU 11 studio flooding Harvey
- KHOU 11 broadcasting from TV 8 KUHT behind the scenes photos
- Dan Rather's words of encouragement for KHOU
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