Television anchors working from home is now the norm.
And if you have ever wondered where they get the graphics and animations for the TV sets behind them in their home studio like I have (well we know I'm geeky), here is the answer in one case.
FOX 4 KDFW Good Day anchor Hanna Battah revealed on Instagram that she gets her show animation right from YouTube (embedded above)!
The animation video has already received 1,500 plus views.
So now you can access YouTube via your TV and pretend to be anchoring for FOX 4 Dallas!
In reply to his loyal listeners, Chase said he has symptoms like, "All the usual suspects. High fever, body aches, chest congestion, headaches, loss of smell and taste."
Thankfully he hasn't lost his sense of humor as shown in this follow up Instagram post.
Other media members who have publicly talked about their positive COVID-19 diagnoses include abc13 KTRK general manager Wendy Granato, Producer Hoss on 93Q and abc13 KTRK anchor Chauncy Glover.
The way things are going, someone today told me I might not be able to keep up with all of the members of the media testing positive.
The announcement was made to the station's staff in an internal memo obtained by mikemcguff.com from KHOU 11 President and General Manager Robert Springer:
After 32 years in journalism, 22 of them with TEGNA, Russ Lewis has informed me he will be retiring from broadcasting at the end of his current contract.
Russ has had an amazing career that comes full-circle here in Texas. Russ began his reporting and anchoring career in El Paso and went on to work in Tucson, Sacramento and Portland, Oregon prior to returning to Texas and joining KHOU in Houston in 2016.
At KHOU, Russ has distinguished himself as a part of the KHOU morning team and most recently as an Anchor and Producer of our 4pm newscast The 4-1-1. Working alongside Fallon Davenport, Erika Lopez, Rachel McCubbin, and Rekha Muddaraj they started with some innovative ideas and have seen our audience grow as a result. Russ shared with me that his experience starting and growing The 4-1-1 has been one of the highlights of his career.
Russ’ next move will take him back to Oregon to expand his role in the family business, developing property with his Dad.
Please join me in thanking Russ for his efforts on behalf of KHOU and congratulate him on his new adventures. Russ’ last day with KHOU will be Friday, August 28th.
Bobby
Lewis arrived at KHOU a few months after Ramirez in 2016. He came from TEGNA sister-station KGW Portland where he had been a morning anchor for 15 years.
He started his TV news career at KTSM El Paso.
Later Lewis worked as a reporter/anchor for KVOA Tucson, Arizona and KTXL Sacramento, California before heading to KGW.
He is a New Mexico State University grad.
Ramirez and Lewis have two daughters who recently graduated high school.
Executive News Director Sally Ramirez to leave KHOU 11
Executive News Director Sally Ramirez will leave KHOU 11 at the end of the summer 2020 according to an internal memo from channel 11 President and General Manager Robert Springer obtained by mikemcguff.com:
This was a difficult headline to write and I am sure it is equally difficult to read.
After 22 years at TEGNA, Araceli (Sally) has decided to leave KHOU.
In the four-plus years she has led our journalistic efforts, she has left an indelible mark on KHOU.
While she will be forever remembered as one of the leaders who carried the station through the upheaval of Hurricane Harvey, our time at Houston PBS’ facilities that graciously gave us a temporary home and the triumphant move into a brand-new state of the art facility – I firmly believe Araceli’s greatest contribution to our news operation is the culture she fostered as our leader. It is this legacy that she should be most proud of.
The KHOU newsroom is much, much stronger today as a result of Araceli’s leadership.
We have a culture of innovation and the courage to try new things thanks to Araceli.
We have the technology and tools in our operation thanks to Araceli’s vision for how we could best cover all the incredible stories of the Houston region.
Araceli has offered to continue leading the newsroom through COVID and hurricane season, until I hire our next news director.
We will find ways celebrate and thank Araceli over the course of the summer. In the meantime, reach out to her and share your memories and gratitude, I know she would love to hear from you.
Ramirez started her television news career as a producer at KTSM El Paso.
Her producing career took her to KVOA Tucson, Arizona and WRC Washington, DC.
She later worked as an executive producer at WGN Chicago and a special projects producer at KCRA Sacramento, California.
Ramirez joined KGW in 1998 as an executive producer working her way up to management.
A Chicago native, Ramirez graduated from DePaul University.
UPDATE JULY 17, 2020
Russ Lewis tells Kristi Turnquist of the The Oregonian that while he is retiring, his wife, Sally Ramirez is not:
“As anyone who’s worked with Sally can tell you, she has journalism in her blood. She is committed and passionate and the hardest-working person I’ve ever known. She feels so badly about leaving during a pandemic AND hurricane season that she resigned, and then offered to stay another three months to lead her staff through the most dangerous stretch of storm season. That’s the type of person she is. So, she’ll probably stay in Houston a bit longer than me. Yes, she will stay in the news business. Sally gets lots of unsolicited calls and opportunities. Once the right fit comes along, she’ll be ready to conquer the next challenge.”
KPRC 2 reporter Bill Barajasannounced Sunday night on Facebook that he has returned to work after testing positive for COVID-19:
Most of y’all don’t know but I recently tested positive for the coronavirus and have been in quarantine ever since.
I have now been retested and cleared to return to work!
I’m not quite sure where I contracted covid but I am thankful I only had mild symptoms and that my family, friends and co-workers are all ok!
For those that don’t believe the virus is real... it is. I now have firsthand experience and it’s not something I want anyone else to have to go through.
Other members of the media who have publicly announced they have tested positive include abc13 KTRK general manager Wendy Granato, Producer Hoss on 93Q and abc13 KTRK anchor Chauncy Glover.
Actor and singer (Frozen) Josh Gad reunited the Ferris Bueller's Day Off cast on YouTube for a discussion on the 1986 hit John Hughes film.
Back in 2009, I wrote a post about the original version of the film that nearly clocked in at three hours and included Bueller siblings. You can catch a few seconds in the original trailer at Ferris Bueller deleted scenes you haven't seen.
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) has appointed Ramon Pineda to lead its operations in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he will serve as vice president and general manager of Scripps' NBC affiliate, KRIS, its CW station and its independent station KDF, effective June 29.
Pineda has over 30 years of experience in broadcast and sales. He served most recently as president and regional director for Univision Communications Inc., where he led news and sales teams in Puerto Rico, Atlanta, Philadelphia and Raleigh, North Carolina.
While at Univision, Pineda held senior leadership roles at several TV and radio stations, including KTVW and KFTU in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, and WXTV and WFUT in New York City, before being promoted to senior vice president and regional director covering New York, Chicago, Arizona and Philadelphia.
"Ramon is a highly skilled broadcast leader whose vast industry experience and dedication to serving the community make him an ideal candidate to lead our Corpus Christi operations," said Local Media President Brian Lawlor. "I'm thrilled to have someone with Ramon's talents joining Scripps."
Having launched his career in sales at Telemundo Group, Vivamerica Group and GEMS Television, Pineda later served as president of Caballero Spanish Media and vice president and general manager of Telemundo station WNJU-47 in New York before joining Univision in 2002.
"I am thrilled to bring my experience serving Hispanic America to the team at KRIS," said Pineda. "I look forward to helping the station further expand its audience and deepen its commitment to the Corpus Christi community."
Pineda holds a bachelor's degree from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut.
About Scripps
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) advances understanding of the world through journalism. As the nation's fourth-largest independent TV station owner, Scripps operates 60 television stations in 42 markets. Scripps empowers the next generation of news consumers with its multiplatform news network Newsy and reaches growing audiences through broadcast networks including Bounce and Court TV. Shaping the future of storytelling through digital audio, Scripps owns top podcast company Stitcher and Triton, the global leader in technology and measurement services. Scripps runs an award-winning investigative reporting newsroom in Washington, D.C., and is the longtime steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Founded in 1878, Scripps has held for decades to the motto, "Give light and the people will find their own way."
Houston sports stories including Dave Ward interviewing Rudy Tomjanovich, Smokin Joe’s Driving Range returns to 650am and CW39 Houston to air 2015 Peach Bowl featuring the Houston Cougars vs. Florida State Seminoles
From discussing what Michael Jordan thought about a Houston Rockets vs. Chicago Bulls championship match up, to what Coach Rudy thinks of coaching James Harden and today’s team, see what the man who led Houston’s first championship team has to say.
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Houston radio maven Joe Pogge let us know that after being off the radio since March 13th, the Smokin Joe’s Driving Range returns this Saturday, June 27, 2020 at 8am on CBS Sports Radio 650am.
KHOU 11 News weekend sports anchor and sports reporter Matt Musil and Pogge will be producing a one hour golf oriented program featuring updates on the PGA with guest interviews.
To kick off the return to CBS Sports Radio 650 am this Saturday, the Black Knight – Mr. Gary Player will sit in for the one hour program.
CW39 Houston KIAH is airing the 2015 Peach Bowl featuring the Houston Cougars vs. Florida State Seminoles on Saturday, June 27th from 6:00pm – 9:00pm.
The 48th edition of the Peach Bowl game took place at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia.
In this game, the Cougars are coached by Tom Herman and feature dual-threat quarterback, Greg Ward Jr.
The Seminoles are coached by Jimbo Fisher and led by quarterback Sean Maguire.
“We’re proud to support the University of Houston and thrilled that everyone can relive this incredible game.” said Chris Pruitt, KIAH Vice President & General Manager. “This is one that Cougar fans and Houstonians remember well. The win capped off a magical season and a top 10 finish in both polls.”
ABC13, Houston's most-watched television station, presents a one-hour virtual town hall on THURSDAY, JUNE 25 (7:00 – 8:00 p.m. CDT), highlighting the increase of fatal violence against Black transgender women and transgender women of color.
ABC13's Eyewitness News anchor Chauncy Glover will explore the sobering statistics behind these deaths, and how community activists and law enforcement are working to dismantle this culture of violence.
In 2019, Texas led the nation in murders of transgender women of color. The Human Rights Campaign says at least 15 transgender or gender non-conforming people have been fatally shot or killed by other violent means this year. HRC has been tracking reports of fatal anti-transgender violence for the past several years.
Rev. Troy Treash, Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church
ABC13 urges viewers to join the town hall and submit their questions online at ABC13.com or through the ABC13 news app for possible inclusion in Thursday’s town hall.
The virtual town hall will air on THURSDAY, JUNE 25 at 7:00 p.m. CDT, on ABC13.com, streaming on ABC13's Facebook Live, YouTube, ABC13's app, and ABC13's connected TV apps on Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV and Roku.
(This post taken from a release sent to me by abc13 KTRK)
New Internet Radio Station Founded by “Dream Team” of Radio Personalities IT, Finance, and Radio Pros Combine to form new company
HOUSTON, TX, June 25, 2020 — TNCRadio.LIVE, announced today that some well-known radio personalities along with others have come together to help create a new Internet Radio and Mixed-media company focused on those who spend their day driving the streets of Houston.
TNCRadio.LIVE an Internet Radio station launching July 1, 2020, provides Houston TNC, delivery, repair service and other full-time drivers up-to-the-minute details they need to be safer, smarter, and more successful. They do this by providing accurate and timely traffic, weather, and emergency information along with driver-designed programming throughout the broadcast day.
Managing Partner, Tom Kelley said, “This team came together in a remarkable way. We have IT professionals, social media experts, and finance support all focused on the same goal. We are also
excited that several radio personalities have joined the team. As a mixed-media information distribution company, we hope to disrupt the Houston Internet Radio market in a way that is positive for our listeners and our advertisers.”
Kelley went on to discuss some of the on-air personalities who have joined the company as partners. Jim Kovacik, Vice President of Programming (formerly, ‘Jimbo,’ 97.9 The Box) has been a ratings leader in the Houston market for years. Author, on-air personality and mixed-media journalist, Shelley Johnson is the Vice President of Business Development. Additionally, Houstonians will recognize the strong and trusted voice of Vice President of Operations, Ron Samuels.
“Combined, that’s nearly 100 years of broadcast experience right there. It is a real ‘Dream Team’ of radio broadcasters moving into the new world of Internet Radio and mixed-media communications. As the market moves to an Internet based format, these radio greats have kept up with the times and made the move as well,” said Kelley.
Jim Kovacik, who also manages the station’s strategic business relationships, announced the new station has developed partnerships with a variety of companies. “We have teamed with WAZE to
power our Traffic Navigation Center. Plus, we are working closely with TranStar and other digital broadcasters to create a system that provides information and entertainment across multiple
formats focused on our core audience.”
Shelley Johnson said, “We are positioned to be a strong leader in the Houston Mixed-media advertising market. It is not like the old days at all. While our goal is to allow drivers to keep their
‘eyes on the road and their ears on us,’ much of our advertising and our information content is available on our app, videos, website, podcasts, and streaming. Our advantage is that we can bring
real-time information across multiple platforms while concentrating on the health and safety of our drivers. This brings a level of security that they have not had in the past. It also gives our
sponsors a place to deliver their message directly to those who need their goods and services.”
Known for his powerful voice on several San Francisco and Houston area radio stations, Ron Samuels is no stranger to the Houston market. When asked about why such a well-known radio
personality would jump into the world of Internet Radio at this point in his career, Samuels said, “My family keeps asking me when I plan to retire. I’m not sure that’s in my nature. These guys
have done their research and we are almost ready to launch. I am excited to be part of something that brings the power of Radio to the Digital age."
Our audience delivers people, car-parts, food, furniture and groceries. Others drive from site-to-site doing repairs, etc. It won’t be long before the professional drivers of Houston have a new
favorite radio station.”
TNCRadio.LIVE, scheduled to launch July 1, 2020, provides on-going weather, traffic, and emergency information to Houston area drivers. The station is privately owned.
TNCRadio.LIVE is a DBA of IMSICO, LLC, a Texas Company and can be accessed via Alexa, a number of Internet Radio Directories or by visiting the company website.
(This post was taken from a press release sent to me by TNCRadio)
Well, he's not the only Texas morning anchor involved in nuptials.
Turns out KIII Corpus Christi 3News First Edition Anchor John-Thomas Kobos is also helping couples to get married!
"I’ve been performing marriages since November 2018 after family members (in-laws) paid for me to get ordained online," Kobos told mikemcguff.com. "I mentioned this marriage once on air and that led to a firestorm of viewers asking me to perform ceremonies (custom tailored to their wishes) for them and loved ones."
So far, he has performed close to a dozen ceremonies.
"I performed a gay marriage, a ‘Lord of the Rings’ themed ceremony, and more traditional marriages between couple both young and old," he added. "I also just recently performed a FaceTime service during this pandemic (a first of its kind here in the Coastal Bend)."
I get the sense that Kobos doesn't feel like Koch is moving in on his territory. In fact, John-Thomas' dad, Don Kobos, is a friend and former channel 13 Houston colleague of Koch's going back to the early 1980s!
"I never knew how close we all were until the early 2000s, when I was in my early 20s, and Tom showed up to take my mom on a station sponsored dinner date," John-Thomas Kobos recalled. "When Tom arrived to pick up my mother, I asked him ‘Are you my daddy now?’ My father had to work that night and my mother wanted to represent the station on my dad’s behalf. Well, since then, Tom has been my unofficial dad! I’m happy he’s ordained too and I knew I or he would be following in each other’s footsteps. We’re both in news, both anchor a morning show, and now performing ceremonies!"
As for getting ordained, Kobos says it is not as hard as you might think.
"There’s a website, you fill out the info (anyone can do it) and I paid the $80 to be legally allowed to marry couples in all 50 states," Kobos said. "I don’t charge but only ask my manager, aka wife, who is allowed to accompany me. Every service I perform makes me appreciate my wedding to my wife with even more gusto!"
Speaking of Don Kobos, the former reporter and assistant news director, just celebrated 50 years of marriage to his wife Kathy last weekend!
John-Thomas surprised his parents with a renewal vow celebration last Saturday.
He and his wife, Krystie, surprised his folks with an outdoor ceremony complete with rose pedals in the grass as an isle. Krystie made a bouquet and boutonnière.
And Leslie Whittle, Vice President of Hot AC and 104.1 KRBE Program Director Cumulus Radio Station Group|Houston, won the "Station Programmer" award.
"The KRBE team is truly privileged to begin and end each day by being the platform for what Houston wants," Whittle told mikemcguff.com. "Recognitions like this are made possible because we have the most amazing listeners on the planet! We're so honored to represent this great city and legendary station on a global level."
Whittle joined KRBE in 2000 as assistant program director from KHFI Austin where she had worked her way up to program director. She was named the KRBE program director in 2006. In 2019, she was promoted to Cumulus' vice president of Hot AC Formats for the company's nationwide stations.
As for KRBE, the legendary Houston radio station has recently taken home National Association of Broadcasters' (NAB) Marconi Radio Awards in 2017 and 2019.
In other 2020 Worldwide Radio Summit Industry Awards news, Entercom Communications won "Radio Company of the Year." Entercom owns several radio stations in Houston.
Houston Chronicle reporter Jay R. Jordan covers breaking news for Chron.com.
And maybe listing himself as the "Mayhem reporter" for the Houston newspaper's website on his Twitter bio is attracting the forces of breaking news to his own home like a magnet!
Talk about #workingfromhome. News came crashing into my apartment about 30 mins ago. All the cats and dogs are OK thankfully. Two were sleeping on those gray cussions. Landlord says they’ll have plywood up before the rain today
“I am a 17 year old high schooler who has a little experience in journalism," Brandon Mora told mikemcguff.com via email. "I have gotten multiple compliments along with a lot of 'WHAT!!! You’re so young! Great Job!!!' I have surprised multiple people."
Founder and editor of HTX Breaking News Brandon Mora, along with editor Adrianna Solomon, have amassed more than 30,000 Facebook page followers in less than a year.
“I just wanted to inform my small community, Denver Harbor and other surrounding areas, of incidents that were occurring or have occurred in and around our area," Mora said. "At first the page was called East Houston Breaking News, but the name got out there and that’s when I decided to expand throughout the WHOLE HARRIS COUNTY area including parts of Galveston County.”
Mora tells me he has always been the type of person who gets calls from friends and family for the latest news in this area.
As his follower count grows, Mora is already receiving attention from the mainstream media.
American University School of Communication's Current reports that Houston Public Media (News 88.7 KUHF/Houston PBS 8 KUHT) is among the latest public broadcaster cutting staff due to budgetary shortfalls stemming from the coronavirus pandemic.
Current confirmed Monday that the station will eliminate eight full-time positions in the new fiscal year. Fifteen part-time staff will also be affected.
“Houston Public Media, like many organizations, is addressing budgetary constraints due to the impact of COVID-19, including revenue shortfalls from fundraising,” GM Lisa Shumate told Current in an email. “We’re projecting this impact to continue through fiscal year 21 which begins September 1, 2020.”
Another 15 part-time staffers associated with weekend and evening radio shifts and production “will not be scheduled for the foreseeable future,” Shumate said. READ MORE
The station told the site that its core services of news and information will continue as normal for the listener/viewer.
Proof that when NPR and PBS stations hold pledge drives, they really need the donations to fully operate.
In other KUHF news, longtime Houston radio/TV broadcaster, Jarrod Carroll, has been announced as the new host for the weekday Morning Edition time slot along side Eddie Robinson delivering news.
Shumate tells mikemcguff.com that former morning host, David Pittman, is still with the station and is now working a daytime shift and leading the station's "expanded daytime talk programming."
Pittman will now be heard during "Houston Matters" shows at 9am and 3pm.
KPRC 2's show "Houston Life" moves to 3pm starting Monday, August 17, 2020 - swaps time slots with "Dr. Phil" which moves to 1pm
HOUSTON – June 22, 2020 – KPRC 2’s HOUSTON LIFE, Houston’s #1 rated daytime lifestyle program, is making a bold move to weekday afternoons at 3:00 p.m. serving as the lead-in to KPRC 2 News at 4:00 p.m., starting Monday, August 17, 2020, station management announced internally on Wednesday.
Co-hosted by three-time Emmy Award-winner Derrick Shore and former KPRC 2 anchor Courtney Zavala, HOUSTON LIFE has quickly become the city’s go-to program for honest and witty conversations about all things H-Town, including family, community, food, fashion, entertainment and of course, the perfect mixed drink to go with whatever you do.
During the recent COVD-19 pandemic, HOUSTON LIFE’s popularity exploded among viewers, consistently winning its time period against national programming and consistently outperforms all other locally produced lifestyle/talk shows.
“We’re so confident in the direction and growth of the show,” says KPRC 2 Vice President/General Manager Jerry Martin. “It’s an essential part of KPRC 2’s community-based brand, and the move to the coveted 3:00 p.m. time slot will provide viewers with a fresh local perspective leading into our news at 4:00 p.m.”
Along with its new time slot, the HOUSTON LIFE team promises some fresh, new elements for the show that will appeal to current viewers and newcomers alike.
Now in its fourth year, HOUSTON LIFE launched in August 2016 from its first studio in the Galleria. After two seasons the decision was made to build HOUSTON LIFE its own home inside the new, state-of-the-art KPRC-TV Channel 2 studios on the Southwest Freeway.
Graham Media Group is comprised of 7 local media hubs, Graham Digital and Social News Desk delivering local news, programming, advertising solutions and digital media tools for television, online, mobile, OTT, podcasts and audio devices. We are dynamic, local brands that extend well beyond the traditional TV set. Our work helps inform, celebrate and knit together the communities we serve.
GMG operates in 6 states: KPRC–Houston, WDIV–Detroit and WSLS–Roanoke (NBC); KSAT–San Antonio (ABC); WKMG–Orlando (CBS); WJXT–Jacksonville (fully local), and WCWJ–Jacksonville (CW). Based in Detroit, Graham Digital is a digital media and technology development group widely recognized as a leading industry innovator. Social News Desk, headquartered in Atlanta, provides its 2500+ worldwide newsroom-customers with a single dashboard to publish, measure, curate and monetize local news content on social platforms.
(This post taken from a release sent to me by KPRC)
Fox 26 KRIV morning meteorologist Mike Iscovitz shared a scary story over Facebook concerning his dog:
Our fragile little 15 1/2 year old, blind and mostly deaf Sammy got out of the house and we didn’t notice. He somehow managed to walk four houses down, get through the fence and fall into their pool! Bella the chihuahua was the hero because she started barking like crazy and our neighbor was alert enough to look at the pool and saw Sammy sinking. She jumped in a saved him. We feel terrible because she is pretty upset about it, but who would have ever thought he could even find his way to a pool? Anyway, we’re taking extra good care of him now.
Channel 13 is reporting that its legendary anchor, Melanie Lawson, conducted interviews for some short documentary films focused on Houston's historical celebrations of Juneteenth.
The station says the films were originally shown in 2016 and 2018 at Houston's annual Juneteenth celebrations at the Miller Outdoor Theater.
"Being a Cypress native, it is disappointing KPRC management decided not to offer me a full time contract," Mackenzie told mikemcguff.com. "I’m back on the job hunt now, looking forward to my next chapter. My time here has allowed me to grow and learn as a journalist and who knows, hopefully you’ll see me back on the small screen in Houston in the not-so-distant future! In the mean time, stay safe, healthy and keep up with me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.”
The Edward R Murrow award-winning journalist previously worked as an anchor/reporter for WEAR Pensacola, FL.
“It’s been an amazing six months covering breaking news in the city I call home," Mackenzie added. "Explosions, water main breaks, protests, tornadoes and tropical storms...and perhaps the biggest news of my career: a global pandemic. It’s safe to say I’ve covered the gamut in the news world during my time in Houston."
Here are some other stops in Mackenzie's TV news career:
FOX 2 News KFXV
News Anchor/Reporter/Producer
McAllen, Texas
Aug 2013 – Jun 2016
YNN Austin (now Spectrum News Austin)
News Intern
Jan 2013 – May 2013
She is a UT Austin grad with a Bachelors degree in Journalism.
*updated with Mackenzie's channel 2 departure date
12News KBMT Beaumont weekend meteorologist James Brown has left the TEGNA station in what the Beaumont Enterprise reports as, "citing a difference of opinion with the station on their coverage of racial tensions."
“I will not go into detail of my resigning, as not to get ‘caught up’ in this revolution or whatever you want to call it,” he said in his letter of resignation, which was shared by local media personality Kevin Steele. “My opinion does not make any difference to anyone but me, however, I still believe … Red, Yellow, Black, and White, we are precious in His site. Adding fuel to a fire that is out of control is not in me to associate with.”
Brown previously worked for KFDM Beaumont for more than 25 years.
He left the television business in 2013 to open a restaurant called James Brown’s Gumbo House & Grill in Vidor.
Recently Brown returned to TV at KBMT.
According to his bio, Brown started his broadcasting career in radio working in that medium in the 1970s and 80s.
No doubt abc13 KTRK morning anchor Tom Koch has proved to be a utility player in the 38 years he has been with channel 13.
But now he is letting us know about his latest ability...performing weddings:
So honored over the weekend to perform my first wedding! Uniting Holly, who I’ve known since kindergarten with Zach. They are a match made in heaven. Thank you Holly and Zach for asking me to help seal the deal! #abc13
Broadcasting Executive with Nearly Two Decades of Management, Sales, and Marketing Experience to Lead KMID-TV and yourbasin.com
Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NXST), announced today that it has named Mark Garcia as Vice President and General Manager of its broadcast and digital operations serving the Midland and Odessa, TX, markets (DMA #145), including KMID-TV, yourbasin.com, and their associated mobile applications. Mr. Garcia will assume his new responsibilities immediately and report to Julie Pruett, Senior Vice President and Regional Manager for Nexstar Broadcasting.
Mr. Garcia brings nearly two decades of expertise in broadcast management, sales, and marketing to his new position, serving most recently as Senior Vice President and General Manager at Entravision Communications, a diversified global media, marketing and technology company that reaches and engages Latino consumers in the United States and other markets around the world. At Entravision, Mr. Garcia was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company’s television, radio and digital operations in McAllen, TX, including KFXV-LD (FOX), KNVO-TV (UNIV), KTFV-CA (UNIMAS), and KCWT-CA (CW). Mr. Garcia has established a track record of sales and marketing success by developing new business, innovative cross-platform solutions for advertisers and marketers, and creating unique sponsorship opportunities for his clients.
During his tenure at Entravision, Mr. Garcia and his team launched a major rebranding of the radio stations under his supervision, including format and programming upgrades, resulting in a 50 percent growth in ratings and significant improvement in revenue and profitability in key dayparts. Mr. Garcia also helped spearhead a first-of-its kind radio partnership with the University of Texas/Rio Grande Valley, securing the exclusive rights to carry the university’s basketball games and a weekly coach’s show. The television stations for which Mr. Garcia was responsible were repeatedly honored for their journalism, with the news teams winning more than 20 local Emmy Awards and KNVO-TV’s early 5 p.m. newscast ranking #1 in the market. He also was responsible for rethinking Entravision’s coverage of the McAllen Holiday Parade, the largest community event in the area, to include an exclusive Spanish-language broadcast on KNVO-TV. Under Mr. Garcia’s leadership, Entravision’s McAllen media properties delivered significant digital growth, with substantial increases in users and page views resulting in revenue growth of approximately 50 percent.
Prior to joining Entravision, Mr. Garcia served in a variety of sales positions of increasing responsibility, including Sales Director for KTSM-TV (NBC), the Nexstar television station in El Paso, TX, and National Sales Manager for Entravision’s Dallas-based media operations of 11 radio stations. Mr. Garcia began his sales career at Southwest Golf, in El Paso, where he oversaw all aspects of sales, inventory, and personnel.
“Mark’s successes as a General Manager of multiple media properties, sales expertise and ability to build strong relationships with viewers, advertisers, and the communities in which he has worked, along with his deep connection to Texas makes him an excellent choice to lead our broadcast and digital operations in the Midland/Odessa market,” said Julie Pruett, Senior Vice President and Regional Manager for Nexstar Broadcasting. “His leadership has produced outstanding results at the media properties he has overseen, and he has grown ratings and revenue successfully throughout his career by expanding local content and developing unparalleled solutions for his advertising and marketing clients. I am greatly looking forward to working with Mark in his new role within Nexstar.”
Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Garcia said, “I am grateful to Nexstar for giving me this opportunity and happy to be returning to the company to work with the talented and experienced broadcast and digital professionals at KMID-TV and yourbasin.com. Texas is home for me, and Nexstar’s commitment to serving its viewers with exceptional local content on-air and online coupled with the unique advertising and marketing opportunities we offer gives us a significant advantage in the market. I am excited to get started in my new role.”
Mr. Garcia is originally from El Paso, TX, and has lived his entire life in Texas. He has been deeply committed to the communities in which he has lived, partnering most recently with the Rio Grande Valley Down Syndrome Association and the Chamber of Commerce for the city of McAllen and nearby Edinburg, TX. Mr. Garcia graduated from the University of Texas/El Paso with degrees in both Marketing and Management.
About Nexstar Media Group, Inc.
Nexstar Media Group is a leading diversified media company that leverages localism to bring new services and value to consumers and advertisers through its traditional media, digital and mobile media platforms. Nexstar owns, operates, programs, or provides sales and other services to 196 television stations and related digital multicast signals reaching 114 markets or approximately 38% of all U.S. television households (reflecting the FCC’s UHF discount). Nexstar’s portfolio includes primary affiliates of NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, MyNetworkTV and The CW. Nexstar’s community portal websites offer additional hyper-local content and verticals for consumers and advertisers, allowing audiences to choose where, when, and how they access content while creating new revenue opportunities. Nexstar also owns WGN America, a growing national general entertainment cable network and a 31.3% ownership stake in TV Food Network, a top tier cable asset. For more information please visit www.nexstar.tv.
KIAH-TV is proud to showcase the 2009 Fiesta Bowl featuring the Texas Longhorns vs. Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, June 20th from 6:00pm – 9:00pm on CW39 Houston.
The 38th edition of the Fiesta Bowl game took place at the University of Phoenix stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
The Longhorns are coached by Mack Brown and feature standout quarterback Colt McCoy. The Buckeyes are coached by Jim Tressel and led by quarterback Terelle Pryor.
“Houstonians have a huge thirst for sports, and we love football.” said Chris Pruitt, KIAH Vice President & General Manager. “We wanted to bring the community a classic college football game. The 2009 Fiesta Bowl featuring Texas vs. Ohio State is a great battle between two well-coached teams.”
(This post taken from a release sent to me by KIAH)
NBC 5 Launches Texas Today, Dallas-Fort Worth’s New Lifestyle Program Tuesdays and Thursdays Weekly at 11:30am
NBC 5 / KXAS officially launches its lifestyle show, Texas Today beginning June 23 airing Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. on NBC 5. Texas Today is created by Texans for Texans featuring the BEST of DFW. The show showcases what makes North Texas unique with an emphasis on food, fitness/health, fashion, beauty, parenting and entertainment.
Dickerson is an accomplished journalist with 16 years of experience telling stories about her community, while serving as an anchor, reporter, videographer and editor.
Her work has been recognized with a National Edward R. Murrow Award, two Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards, three National Gracie Awards and eight Regional Emmy Awards. She’s also served as a guest faculty member for the National Press Photographers Association.
“Texas Today will take viewers on an adventure around North Texas to reveal what makes our state great,” said Jessica Grose, Texas Today Executive Producer. “The show will introduce viewers to celebrities, local business owners and people making a difference in the community.” You can find Texas Today on Instagram @nbctexastoday and Facebook @NBCTexasToday.
Since March 10, several mini-episodes of Texas Today segments have aired at 11:45 a.m. after NBC 5 Midday. You can watch this content online at www.nbcdfw.com/texas-today/.
About NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth / KXAS
NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth / KXAS is the NBC Owned television station serving the communities of North Texas with quality news and entertainment programming on NBC 5, COZI TV (Digital 5.2), online at NBCDFW.com and our other digital and social media platforms.
As the nation grapples with race relations following George Floyd’s death, abc13 KTRK’s Melanie Lawson moderates an interfaith discussion on how religious leaders are addressing the crises of racial inequality and violence.
Panelists for the Houston town hall include:
Pastor Remus Wright, The Fountain of Praise
Co-Pastor Mia Wright, The Fountain of Praise
Bishop James W.E. Dixon II, The Community of Faith
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Galveston-Houston Archdiose
Rabbi David Lyon, Congregation Beth Israel
Imam Tauqeer Shah, Islamic Society of Greater Houston
Rev. William Lawson, founding pastor, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church
Nexstar Broadcasting Promotes Mike Lee to Vice President and General Manager of its Waco/Temple/Bryan, TX, Broadcast and Digital Operations
Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NXST), announced today that it has promoted Mike Lee to Vice President and General Manager of its broadcast and digital operations serving the Waco, Temple, and Bryan, TX markets (DMA #82), including KWKT-TV (FOX), KYLE-TV (MyNetworkTV) and their associated digital and mobile operations, including EstrellaTV and fox44news.com. Mr. Lee will assume his new responsibilities immediately and report to Julie Pruett, Senior Vice President and Regional Manager for Nexstar Broadcasting.
Mr. Lee brings more than 45 years of broadcast management, sales, and marketing experience to his new role. Since March 2017, he has served as Vice President and General Manager of Nexstar’s broadcasting and digital properties in Midland/Odessa, TX, (DMA #145) including KMID-TV (ABC) and yourbasin.com.
Throughout his career, Mr. Lee has consistently demonstrated the ability to grow revenue and profitability by identifying new streams of revenue, cultivating new business, developing a variety of innovative cross-platform solutions for advertisers and marketers, creating sponsorship opportunities, and deepening his ties to the communities in which he has worked.
During his tenure at KMID-TV, Mr. Lee and his team expanded service to the viewers of the greater Midland and Odessa communities in a variety of ways, including the launch of two new newscasts, “First News @11 AM” and a 30-minute newscast at 6 p.m., which have become the station’s highest rated shows in daytime and early evening. Mr. Lee helped create and deploy KMID-TV’s multi-point “SkyTracker Weather Camera Network,” with live broadcast and online cameras in Midland, Odessa, and Big Spring, TX. The station also developed the “Storm Interceptor,” a state of the art mobile weather lab equipped with live weather instrumentation that has become a highly-recognized source of severe weather information in the Permian Basin. Mr. Lee also developed important innovations for “The Final Score,” an exclusive high school football highlight show featuring a live mobile sports desk from which to anchor Friday night football coverage. Under Mr. Lee’s leadership, KMID-TV partnered with multiple community organizations and served as the primary media sponsor of the Odessa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Permian Basin Alzheimer’s Association, and the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
A native of Texas, today’s announcement marks a homecoming for Mr. Lee, who served as Vice President and General Manager of KXXV-TV (ABC) in Waco for 11 years until 2016. Prior to joining KXXV-TV, Mr. Lee held a series of sales positions at KFDA-TV in Amarillo, TX, rising through the ranks to become the station’s Vice President and General Manager in 1987. Mr. Lee began his broadcasting career at KFDA-TV in 1971, while still in high school, serving in various roles in production and news.
“Mike is a highly engaged leader who has deep roots in Texas and Waco,” said Julie Pruett, Senior Vice President and Regional Manager for Nexstar Broadcasting. “Throughout his career, he has delivered ratings and revenue growth and expanded operational service to viewers and advertisers alike. His depth of experience as a broadcast executive, lengthy track record of success, creation and development of local content, and deep familiarity with Central Texas make Mike the ideal candidate for promotion to lead our broadcast and digital operations in Waco, Temple, and Bryan. He has consistently built exceptional sales teams that produce creative and effective marketing solutions to drive growth for Nexstar’s local advertising and marketing partners. I am very much looking forward to working with Mike in his new role within Nexstar.”
Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Lee said, “I am grateful to Nexstar for giving me this opportunity and very excited to be returning to the Waco area, where I spent many years developing wonderful professional and personal relationships. I look forward to getting started and to working closely with the talented and dedicated staff at KWKT-TV and KYLE-TV, as well as re-engaging with the viewers of Central Texas. Nexstar’s commitment to hyper-local content both on-air and on-line, coupled with the unique and customized advertising and marketing solutions we offer and my years of experience and local market knowledge will help provide a distinct advantage for our viewers and advertisers in the Waco, Temple, and Bryan area.”
Mr. Lee is originally from Amarillo, TX, and has lived almost his entire life in Texas. He has been deeply committed to the communities in which he has lived and worked, serving most recently as a member of the board of directors for the Odessa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and as a consultant for the Permian Basin Walk to End Alzheimer’s Disease. He is a past Chairman of the Texas Association of Broadcasters.
Mr. Lee earned his degree in Mass Communications from Eastern New Mexico University. He and his wife, Melody, have a grown daughter, Kyndel, who lives in South Carolina. He will be immediately relocating to the Waco area.
About Nexstar Media Group, Inc.
Nexstar Media Group is a leading diversified media company that leverages localism to bring new services and value to consumers and advertisers through its traditional media, digital and mobile media platforms. Nexstar owns, operates, programs, or provides sales and other services to 196 television stations and related digital multicast signals reaching 114 markets or approximately 38% of all U.S. television households (reflecting the FCC’s UHF discount). Nexstar’s portfolio includes primary affiliates of NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, MyNetworkTV and The CW. Nexstar’s community portal websites offer additional hyper-local content and verticals for consumers and advertisers, allowing audiences to choose where, when and how they access content while creating new revenue opportunities. Nexstar also owns WGN America, a growing national general entertainment cable network and a 31.3% ownership stake in TV Food Network, a top tier cable asset. For more information please visit www.nexstar.tv.
KHOU 11 noon and 4pm meteorologist Erika Lopez re-joins KVUE Austin as chief meteorologist
Well that was fast! KVUE Austin just announced that KHOU 11 meteorologist Erika Lopez is moving back to the Austin TEGNA station and becoming its chief meteorologist beginning Monday, June 22.
“I am so excited to be back serving the Austin and Central Texas community," Lopez told KVUE. "Austin and KVUE always felt like home, and I am so thankful for this opportunity to lead the KVUE Storm Team in keeping us all prepared and safe during severe weather."
“Erika is one of the most talented and dedicated meteorologists in the business,” Ramon told KVUE. “With experience in multiple TV markets in Texas, including Austin, KVUE viewers will be in good hands under Chief Meteorologist Erika Lopez’s leadership at KVUE.”
Lopez joined KVUE in 2017 from Weather Nation TV located Denver, Colorado.
She previously worked for KAVU Victoria.
Raised in Phoenix, Lopez graduated with a BS in Meteorology from Arizona State University.
Morning traffic anchor Chrisdyann Uribe leaves FOX 26 KRIV Houston
FOX 26 KRIV morning traffic anchor Chrisdyann Uribe has left the station after her contract ended.
"I moved to Houston exactly 3 years ago and found a city with a huge heart and lots of passion," Uribe told mikemcguff.com. "I met the most supportive and kind-hearted coworkers and will miss them the most! As for the next chapter, I will be stopping back home for a moment to hug my family tight and then head for London, UK with lots of exciting news to come."
Uribe promises us an update once the world gets "a moment to heal and the timing is more appropriate."
Even KPRC 2's hard hitting investigative reporter, Mario Diaz, has a soft, human side.
Questions are coming in asking me what happened to Diaz's eye.
Channel 2 viewers have noticed a big bruise around it.
Now, here is a guy who has sparred with legendary boxing champ Julio César Chavez, but this black eye did not happen in the ring.
Nor did it happen while he was grilling a Houston politician for an upcoming investigative expose.
Turns out, Diaz's son has a good arm according to his tweet.
There have been some questions about the shiner I was sporting on air the last few days.. this image tells it all.. frozen vegetables and laughter with my 8-year-old son after he whacked me with an unexpected line drive during batting practice Wednesday night.. ⚾️ pic.twitter.com/3KLBAAWGjk
"There have been some questions about the shiner I was sporting on air the last few days.. this image tells it all.. frozen vegetables and laughter with my 8-year-old son after he whacked me with an unexpected line drive during batting practice Wednesday night.. ⚾️"
