Breanna Barrs leaves FOX 29 KABB

Fox News 29 San Antonio KABB morning anchor Breanna Barrs had her last day on air today along side Ernie Zuniga and Meteorologist Brad Sowder.

UPDATE 2021
Breanna Barrs is married

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

Mayde Gomez joins FOX 29 San Antonio KABB 

Here is what Barrs said on Facebook the night before her final Fox News First newscast:

I've been a rainbow of emotions, and emotionally I don't think I'm prepared to say goodbye. Which is why I haven't responded to many messages, because I'm trying to keep it together, so I can make it through tomorrow!

San Antonio you have been so good to me and I have felt love as big as Texas because of you!

There's so much more to say and so much more to write, I could fill a book (hey, there's an idea). But that 2:00 a.m. alarm comes early and I need to get my beauty sleep.

I promise to respond to your messages and fill you in, but for now... thank you...

Barrs joined KABB in July 2017.

Before that she spent almost four years at Sinclair Broadcast Group sister station News 4 San Antonio WOAI as a multi-media journalist (MMJ).

She started her TV career at WDHN 18 Dotham, Alabama as an MMJ in 2014, eventually moving to an anchor position.

Growing up outside of Dallas, the North Mesquite High School graduate earned her Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism at Texas Tech University.

Fellow KABB anchor Camilla Rambaldi tweeted, "Wishing @breannabarrs an amazing last show, I always had a blast co-anchoring with you when I was on mornings! San Antonio is going to miss you."

KABB reporter Gloria DeLeon posted on instagram, "Happy last day to my fellow Red Raider & friend‼️ You’re destined for amazing things, can’t wait to see what you do next."

As for what Barrs will do after her KABB anchor job, she responded to a tweet asking where she was going next, "No where! Hahaha I’m here for a bit trying to figure out what’s next!! Ahhhhh!"

As a parting gift to her loyal viewers and television news fans, Barrs posted a montage of KABB morning news bloopers.

Mix 96.5's Jessie Watt launches Houston foodie podcast

Entercom, a leading media and entertainment company and the #1 creator of live, original, local audio content, announced the launch of I’m Sorry for What I Said When I Was Hangry!, an epicurean foodie podcast featuring Mix 96.5 (KHMX-FM) morning show personality Jessie Watt and food influencer, Hangry Houstonian, Danielle Dubois.

I’m Sorry for What I Said When I Was Hangry! will air every Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. CT on sister station CBS Sports Radio 650 (KIKK-AM) beginning July 18, and will be available to listeners nationwide on RADIO.COM, the fastest-growing digital audio app in the U.S.

“The amalgamation of cultures in Houston has created a place where limitless food combinations are created, and the sheer quantity of excellent new endeavors has catapulted us onto the national stage,” said Sarah Frazier, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Entercom Houston. “Houston food is second to none, and we believe it deserves dedicated attention. I’m Sorry for What I Said When I Was Hangry was created to serve as a unique and special celebration of the Houston food scene and fulfill our listeners’ craving for their local favorites.”

I’m Sorry for What I Said When I Was Hangry! was founded on the premise of bringing people who love food together to talk about food. Like the melting pot that makes up the Houston food scene, Watts and Dubois have roots spanning from the Midwest to the Southern Creole of Louisiana. The show will combine Dubois’ food expertise with Watt’s enthusiasm for food to create a show that features where to go for the best food, reviews of new restaurants, some of the best happy hour spots in town and the best takeout.

“Since my arrival to Houston in January, I have been able to experience the vast array of food options the city has to offer,” said Watt. “I look forward to teaming up with Danielle to use food as a vehicle for connecting with our listeners every weekend.”

Jessie Watt has served as an on-air personality for Mix 96.5’s “The Morning Mix” since January 2020. Prior to that role, she was a morning show producer and on-air personality for sister station 99.5 WYCD (WYCD-FM) in Detroit. She joined Entercom in 2017 as a promotions coordinator and was previously a board operator.

“I’m excited to showcase why and how I fell in love with the city of Houston and to give locals and transplants like myself and Jessie a resource to utilize to get the most out of the city,” said Dubois. “Houston has such a diverse culinary and bar scene and we look forward to doing the leg work and let listeners know our findings.”

Danielle Dubois, a Louisiana native, launched Hangry Houstonian in 2017 to share the best of her food experiences with the Houston community.

Listeners can tune in to CBS Sports Radio 650 (KIKK-AM) in Houston on air, as well as nationwide on the RADIO.COM app and website. Fans can also connect with the station on social media via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

(This post was taken from a release from Entercom)

KVUE's Mike Rush reminisces about Bellaire High School cheer days

As I reported last week, KVUE Austin shifted evening anchor Mike Rush to the morning show and morning anchor Bryan Mays to the evenings.

Rush is getting to know morning anchor Yvonne Nava and meteorologist Mariel Ruiz.

His revelation has a Houston connection, since Rush is originally from the Bayou City.

Turns out he was a Bellaire High School cheerleader.

The University of Houston graduate also interned at FOX 26 KRIV.

UPDATE MARCH 2021

Mike Rush exits KVUE Austin

Lots of changes in Texas TV world summer 2020!

I'm not saying BIG Texas TV station changes don't happen during the slow summer time, but June and July 2020 were pretty wild compared to most years.

Starting at the end of June, KHOU 11 Executive News Director Sally Ramirez announced her departure from the TEGNA station and her husband, KHOU 11 anchor Russ Lewis, announced retirement from the TV biz.

Right before the 4th of July, three on-air staffers exited KRIS 6 Corpus Christi.

In mid-July in the Victoria market, Danny Aguilar took over as Newscenter 25 KAVU general manager and James Munoz became the new official news director.

That change led to a KAVU anchor line-up change announcement around a week later.

Just last week, KVUE Austin swapped the morning and evening news anchors.

Is this all COVID-19 related? Maybe some of it, but most of it probably would have happened anyway.

And July isn't even officially over yet!

What's next?

As always, take a bite out of Texas media news by sending McGuff the media blog dog a tip!

Bailey Vaughn joins KTEN 10

Bailey Vaughn joins KTEN Sherman/Denison as a morning anchor from CBS19 News WCAV Charlottesville, VA


Bailey Vaughn has joined KTEN 10 in the Sherman - Denison, TX market.

"So excited to join the morning crew @KTENnews," Vaughn tweeted. "Wake up with us every morning @ 4:30!"

Vaughn comes to Texas from her MMJ (multi-media journalist) duties at CBS19 News WCAV Charlottesville, VA which also provides news for ABC 16 and FOX 27.

She previously worked as a video editor for the The Cavalier Daily in Charlottesville.

The University of Virginia grad interned at the school's athletics marketing and promotions department and at Dave Campbell's Texas Football.

Mary Kate Hamilton joins KOSA Midland-Odessa

Mary Kate Hamilton is heading to the Texas Permian Basin to work for CBS7 KOSA in the Midland-Odessa market.

"I’m headed to Texas," Hamilton tweeted. "I’m thrilled to be joining @CBS7News in Odessa as their Weekend Sports Anchor & Reporter. I can’t wait to get to work doing what I love. If you have any West Texas recs for this Hoosier, send them my way!"

The 2020 graduate of Indiana University Bloomington ranked fourth in the 2020 Jim Nantz Sports Broadcasting Awards. Hamilton earned the fourth position as a 2020 STAA All-American.

The annual awards spotlight the nation’s most outstanding collegiate sports broadcaster by the Sportscasters Talent Agency of America (STAA).

As an IU student, Hamilton handled duties for Big Ten Student U and IU NewsNet.

She interned for WISH-TV Indianapolis, Indiana and WTIU Public Television - Indiana Public Media.

abc13 KTRK hosts 'COVID-19 and Our Schools' town hall

ABC13, Houston’s news leader, presents, “COVID-19 and Our Schools” a two-night town hall highlighting how school districts are preparing to welcome back students amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event is hosted by ABC13’s Eyewitness News anchors Gina Gaston and Erik Barajas.

As COVID-19 infections surge across southeast Texas, concerns are mounting about how the pandemic could affect classes, sports and extracurricular activities, STAAR testing and college admissions. In attempt to find solutions for Houston communities, ABC 13’s investigative team surveyed 125 school districts that are home to about 2.5 million students to understand what fall will bring and to give viewers the most complete back-to-school picture possible.

Gaston and Barajas are joining school superintendents and medical experts to address the issues Texas school systems and students are facing, as well as answer your questions about what to expect as Houston and Harris county health officials order schools to delay in-person learning and uncertainty mounts as families are navigating the start of the school year with online learning.

Wednesday’s town hall


Panelists for Wednesday’s town hall include the following:

• Dr. Grenita Lathan, Houston ISD superintendent

• Dr. LaTonya Goffney, Aldine ISD superintendent

• Dr. Rodney Watson, Spring ISD superintendent

• Dr. Umair Shah, Harris County Public Health executive director

• Zeph Capo, Texas Federation of Teachers president

Thursday’s town hall


Panelists for Thursday’s town hall include the following:

• Dr. Charles Dupre, Fort Bend ISD superintendent

• Dr. Greg Smith, Clear Creek ISD superintendent

• HD Chambers, Alief ISD superintendent

• Zeph Capo, Texas Federation of Teachers president



(This post was taken from a release by KTRK-TV)

Faith Woodard joins KVEO Brownsville

Faith Woodard joins the Rio Grande Valley's KVEO as a weekday evening news anchor from WBOC 16 Salisbury, Md 

Weekend anchor/reporter Faith Woodard announces she's left WBOC 16 Salisbury, Md, "Delmarva's News Leader," and moving to Texas join KVEO Brownsville-Rio Grande Valley as a weekday evening anchor.

"God is good, I’m blessed and ready to hit the ground running," Woodard tweeted. "Thank you to my news directors for such an amazing opportunity."

Woodard joined WBOC in June 2018 as a reporter.

This was just after graduating from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism of May the same year.

While at Columbia, the Florida native served as the president of the Association of Black Journalists. She also interned at NBC Universal, USA Today and Starfish Media Group.

Woodard graduated from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. with a bachelor's degree in English.

As an undergrad, Woodard was a four year starter and captain on the Georgetown Women’s Basketball Team.

SportsMap Radio launches from SB Nation Radio

SportsMap Radio officially launched Monday morning - July 27, 2020 - transitioning from SB Nation Radio.

Owner Gow Media says it is the country’s largest national sports radio networks providing a 24/7 lineup and sports updates to more than 500 stations.

Wake Up Call with Tony Desiere and Ronn Culver was the debut program.

The daily lineup will include shows from Scott Ferrall, Tony Bruno, Jake Asman, Scott Wetzel, Matt Perrault, Anthony Pepe, Gabe Morency and Eytan Shander.

Craig Larson, SportsMap Radio Program Director and Gow Media COO, said the launch was extremely successful.

“We have been overwhelmed by the tremendous response to this exciting endeavor," Larson said. "With a solid infrastructure in place, and led by a dynamic innovator in David Gow, SportsMap Radio is well positioned to be an industry leader for many years to come.”

“What we have now with SportsMap Radio is not only our own brand, but the chance to have more partnerships and more relationships in the sports media industry and a better lineup of
total content," Chairman and CEO of Gow Media, David Gow said on The Jake Asman Show.

Gow has owned the network for over ten years, originally acquiring the assets of Sporting News Radio. The network was re-branded as Yahoo Sports Radio for five years and then SB Nation Radio for four years.

“We have more talent top to bottom than we ever had in the history of our network," Gow told Shander. "We really could not be more delighted with our lineup!”

Founded in 2007, Gow Media, LLC is a multi-platform media company based here in Houston.

In addition to the SportsMap Radio Network, Gow also owns ESPN 97.5 KFNC and CultureMap.

Erika Lopez interviewed by GMA's Ginger Zee

KVUE Austin Chief Meteorologist Erika Lopez interviewed by GMA's Ginger Zee

ABC News Chief Meteorologist and Good Morning America host Ginger Zee talks with KVUE Chief Meteorologist (formerly of KHOU 11) Erika Lopez about her return to Austin and being hired for the top weather job at the TEGNA station.

Every Thursday at 11am EST, Ginger Zee celebrates females in STEAM via her STEAMALE chat on Instagram.

The two meteorologists talk everything from haboobs, microbursts and monsoons to how women, especially women of color, are not usually chief meteorologists.

If you want even more weather talk, then listen to Lopez's friend and KHOU 11 meteorologist Addison Green being interviewed on the "Joe & Joe Weather Show" podcast.

View this post on Instagram

She’s the newest chief meteorologist in Austin, Texas and here we get to know her a little better. 💚

A post shared by ginger_zee (@ginger_zee) on Jul 23, 2020 at 8:19am PDT

Texas Scripps TV stations currently not available on DISH

The E.W. Scripps Company stations across the country and in Texas are not available on DISH at the moment.

In Texas, Scripps owns Corpus Christi stations KRIS, KRIS-CW, KAJA, Telemundo and KDF-TV plus KXXV and KRHD in Waco, Temple, Killeen and Bryan/College Station.

Here is more from the Scripps press release:

The local television stations in 42 markets owned by The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ:SSP) are no longer accessible for DISH subscribers as Scripps attempts to reach a new contract agreement with DISH that includes fair and reasonable terms for both parties.

"Without an agreement in place, DISH subscribers are now missing out on our stations' essential news, weather and entertainment programming," said Brian Lawlor, president of Local Media for Scripps. "DISH's refusal to negotiate to a fair agreement is preventing its customers from accessing pressing news during a global pandemic, a period of social unrest, an active political year and severe weather season for many parts of our country.

"Our impasse, after five months of discussions, is not about the rates DISH pays us but their inability to agree on other distribution terms. We hope DISH will recognize the importance of our programming to its customers and our viewers and help us to resolve this dispute."

Since launching its first TV station in Cleveland in 1947, Scripps has never gone dark with a pay TV distributor, and the company is ready and able to make an agreement with DISH.

In addition to providing important programming, Scripps maintains a culture of service to its local communities. Employees live locally, and companywide station initiatives include community campaigns such as "We're Open," "Take Out Tuesday," and "The Rebound" that help our viewers navigate the economic crisis. Its venerable local station brands also provide a trusted, objective platform through which local businesses can reach their customers.

Viewers can learn more about the dispute and how to access this local programming without DISH by visiting www.scrippsviewerinfo.com.

DISH has not issued a release that I could find at the time of posting this.

Darren Lyn reports internationally on Hurricane Hanna

Former abc13 KTRK and ESPN reporter Darren Lyn was called back into duty this weekend for Turkish state international news channel TRT World!

How HBO changed TV

2020 Lone Star Regional Sports EMMY Nominees announced

The 2020 Lone Star Regional Sports EMMY Nominees have been announced for the Texas TV world.

SEE THE LIST

The Virtual 2020 Lone Star Sports Awards Show is scheduled for Saturday, August 22, 2020.

Congrats to all of the nominees.

Astros TV's Todd Kalas to miss beginning of season after positive COVID-19 test

Incredibly disappointed to have to miss the start of the 2020 season! Here’s why: pic.twitter.com/jSt9XDKsm6

— Todd Kalas (@RealToddKalas) July 21, 2020

Todd Kalas, Houston Astros TV play-by-play broadcaster, posted on Twitter he will be missing he start of the 2020 season due to a positive COVID-19 test result.

Fortunately for Kalas, he reports he is feeling fine, but is asymptomatic.

Here is what he said on Twitter:

"With the season approaching, I decided at the end of last week to go ahead and take a COVID-19 test, even though I feel 100% perfectly fine and I have no symptoms.

Unfortunately, and to my shock, it returned positive. I am asymptomatic.

I couldn't believe it, but now I have to self quarantine and follow MLB's health and safety protocol, which will cause me to miss the beginning of the Astros season.

It crushes me not to be there with Blummer, Julie and the rest of our AT&T crew, but that is what I have to do for now.

And for all those people out there, continue to wear your mask to continue to social distance, continue to be as safe as possible.

And I know while I don't have symptoms, a lot of people are suffering with COVID-19, much worse than me. And I send out my heartfelt wishes for a full and speedy recovery.

It crushes me not to be there for you on opening day. I cannot wait to get back in the booth. Until then, stay safe and go Astros."

Houston sportscaster Kevin Eschenfelder will serve as the club’s play-by-play broadcaster in Kalas's absence alongside Geoff Blum. Julia Morales will be the Astros sideline reporter.

A native Houstonian, Kalas is the son of Hall of Famer and former Astros broadcaster Harry Kalas (Astros broadcaster from 1965 to 1970). Todd joined the Houston Astros TV broadcast as the play-by-play announcer for the 2017 season.

With 25 seasons as a professional baseaball broadcaster, Kalas spent 19 seasons from 1998 to 2016 with the Tampa Bay Rays broadcast team. He also worked for New York Mets radio from 1992 to 1993 and the Philadelphia Phillies broadcast teams from 1994 to 1996.

(Thanks Susan Farb Morris!)

KVUE Austin shifts Bryan Mays and Mike Rush

KVUE Austin announced that morning Daybreak anchor Bryan Mays is swapping roles with 5, 6 and 10pm evening anchor Mike Rush starting July 27.

UPDATE MARCH 2025
Bryan Mays returns to KVUE Austin mornings

UPDATE MARCH 2021

Mike Rush exits KVUE Austin

RELATED
Mike Rush has revelations for new morning colleagues

"KVUE anchors are shifting seats to keep the news we bring you informational, entertaining, and when we can – fun," the station said on its website.

A few months ago there were big changes when KVUE chief meteorologist Albert Ramon left for Nexstar Media Group's News Nation on WGN America and KHOU 11 meteorologist Erika Lopez returned to fill Ramon's duties.

RELATED
Erika Lopez interviewed by GMA's Ginger Zee

The Central Texas ABC affiliate also says meteorologist Jason Mikell will move to the 4:30am anchor role and eventually traffic anchor when that need returns.

In the meantime, meteorologist Hunter Williams will work both weekend mornings and nights until Mikell's weather team slot successor is hired.

Mays joined KVUE in 2004 as weekend sports anchor. Before returning to Austin (he studies journalism at the University of Texas at Austin), Mays was Sports Director at News 9 San Antonio and Sports Director at KTRE Lufkin.

Rush, a native Houstonian, joined KVUE in 2017 from KSDK NewsChannel 5 Saint Louis, Missouri after six years.

He previously worked at:
- WPMI Mobile, AL Weekend Anchor
- WGNO New Orleans, LA General Assignment Reporter
- KPLC Lake Charles, LA Weekend Anchor
- The University of Houston grad interned at FOX 26 KRIV.

Mikell joined KVUE in 2018 as the weekend Daybreak meteorologist. Befor Texas, he served as the chief meteorologist at WLIO in Lima, Ohio.

Williams joined KVUE as a meteorologist in 2020. Prior to Austin, Williams worked for WMAZ Macon, Georgia.

Steve Campion does weddings

Whoever thought love and TV news went together?

UPDATE APRIL 20, 2022

Steve Campion leaves abc13 KTRK

I've always heard stories the long and weird hours just led to divorce.

Turns out, one post about abc13 KTRK morning anchor Tom Koch officiating weddings has opened the door to more blog posts about television news and marriage.

Next, I found out that KIII Corpus Christi 3News First Edition Anchor John-Thomas Kobos is performing viewer weddings.

John-Thomas is the son of former KTRK assistant news director and reporter Don Kobos.

The channel 13 and wedding connection doesn't end there.

Then I found out abc13 multi-media journalist and top Houston social media star Steve Campion also officiates weddings!

"I've done three in fact," Campion posted on my Facebook page. "I like to say I'm retired now."

Campion joined abc13 KTRK as the station's first MMJ from WBBH Fort Myers way back in 2014.

Taniya Wright talks about surgery recovery

Earlier this month, former KPRC 2 morning anchor Taniya Wright told us about her fibroid and myomectomy experience.

"I had a large fibroid removed in July 2020 after putting it off for 3 years," Wright wrote in the video's description. "I wanted to share how I felt after my surgery was done and what I experienced recovering at home leading up to my 2 week post-op [appointment]."

Click on the above video for more.

Addison Green appears on the "Joe & Joe Weather Show" podcast

KHOU 11 meteorologist Addison Green appeared on the "Joe & Joe Weather Show."

If you are into TV meteorology, this is the podcast for you.

Emmy award winning meteorologist Joe Cioffi has spent the last 30 years forecasting for New York market. He has worked for WNBC, WPIX, Fios1 News and News 12 Long Island.

Meteorologist Joe Rao previously worked for Fios 1 News and Cablevision News 12 Westchester/Hudson Valley.

Green came to channel 11 Houston in December 2019 after his FiOS1 News New York and Northern New Jersey job ended since the channel signed off.

Newscenter25 KAVU's announces new anchor lineup

VICTORIA, Texas – One of the longest serving sports anchors in the country and the second longest serving sports journalist in Texas is passing the torch to the next generation. Don Brubaker joined the sports department at KAVU-TV in 1984. Brubaker is now serving as the main 6 and 10 p.m. news anchor.

“Don Brubaker is a huge part of the rich history at this legacy station”, said news director James Muñoz. “Don has guided our viewers through the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to be an integral part of this entire organization.”

"Back in March, our news director, James Munoz, asked if I would be interested in switching from sports to news anchor," Brubaker added. "I was honored to be asked. We tried it and with a lot of help from our great news team, it turned out well. Then the pandemic hit, and sports events got canceled. The news anchoring continued, and the response from viewers has been fantastic. I can't thank you enough for that. I am now making a permanent transition from sports to news anchoring, and I look forward to that, especially in an election year."

Don Brubaker Day in Victoria, Texas is August 27, 2020 as declared by Mayor Rawley McCoy last year.

KAVU-TV did not have to look far for Brubaker’s replacement. Sunrise morning anchor Geno Perez expressed interest in the position and accepted an offer this week.

“I am extremely grateful to have this opportunity. Sports has been a part of my life since the age of four and continuing to my college career as a wide receiver. The fact that I get to cover the sports I love for a living is a blessing and a dream come true. I hope my love for sports will be shown in my work. Victoria has been my home for a short time, but I am looking forward to growing here and seeing what else Victoria has to offer,” Perez said.

Geno Perez joined KAVU-TV last October. He joins weekend sports anchor Tania Tchalikian. This team is already planning a 30-minute pre-season football program and preparing for Friday Football Fever this fall.

Don Brubaker and Geno Perez join co-anchor Ozzy Mora and chief meteorologist Brian Alonzo on Newscenter25 at 6 and 10 p.m.

RELATED
KAVU Victoria has new leadership

About KAVU-TV: Newscenter25 is the flagship station to five low-power stations in Victoria, Texas. All stations are under one studio along North Navarro Street west of downtown Victoria. KAVU-TV was founded on December 7, 1981 and took to the airwaves in the Crossroads on July 21, 1982.

About Morgan Murphy Media:
Morgan Murphy Media has been family owned and operated since its founding in 1890. Headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, Morgan Murphy Media operates television and radio stations, a print magazine, websites, apps and a digital marketing agency across its seven locations: Spokane, WA, Madison, WI, Yakima-Pasco-Richland-Kennewich, WA, La Crosse-Eau Claire, WI, Joplin, MO/Pittsburg, KS, Victoria, Texas, and Platteville, WI/Dubuque, IA.

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

The Real Reason Soap Operas Look So Different

Houston TV has most famous bug in mouth reporter...but there are others

I don't have to tell you that Houston has the most famous bug-in-mouth television news reporter of all time: FOX 26 KRIV Isiah Factor: Uncensored host Isiah Carey.

The above video has racked up 4.5 million views. To compare numbers, Harris County had a population of 4,698,619 residents as of July 1, 2018.

"I was walking along Hollywood Boulevard in LA one night while covering Empire and out of the blue two Californians came up to me [and] asked if I was the bug reporter," Carey told mikemcguff.com in 2015. "They were so excited and asked to take pictures. A third person also approached me in Los Angeles that same night with the same question. That video gets new life every month."

RELATED
- Houston's new bug in mouth reporter?

- Isiah Carey's mural
- Two Houston TV reporters remixed by famed PBS remixer

But other TV news reporters are also having their own insect fights on camera.

Take KVUE Austin reporter, anchor & digital producer Pattrik Perez, who had his own TV bug battle this week!

If you can't laugh at yourself, you should quit while you're ahead!

I'm sharing this highly unflattering video of me reacting to a LARGE bug flying toward my face in case someone needs a reason to smile or laugh today. Enjoy my nightmare! (This happened on Tuesday.) pic.twitter.com/F7IY0I7xHm

— Pattrik Perez (@PattrikPerez) July 16, 2020

Perez's tweet led to WNBC New York reporter Adam Harding sharing his own encounter.

I’m with you, man. pic.twitter.com/fNSeFcHbvt

— Adam Harding (@HardingReports) July 16, 2020

Then Ian Pirich shared this moment.

You mean this time?! 😂 Nevermind that there's an exploded house in the background 😂 that bug tho pic.twitter.com/JDEjZyJBC3

— Ian Pirich (@Icpirich) July 16, 2020

You never know where the annoying moment will take you.

Carey told me he was initially upset when the old KARK 4 Little Rock, Arkansas video surfaced in the early days of YouTube. Now, he embraces it, which has put him on the cover of The Houston Press and in a guest spot on Comedy Central's TOSH.0.

"It's a badge of honor now because it allows people to see me as a regular person just like them...a person who could also lose it from time to time," Carey told me.

Fmr. KSAT 12 San Antonio anchor Rosenda Rios has died

Former KSAT 12 San Antonio anchor/reporter Rosenda Rios, died in Houston Thursday after a year long battle with cancer the station reports.

The San Antonio Express-News reports her age as 62.

Rios worked for the San Antonio ABC affiliate from 2000-2010 where she anchored weekend newscasts and reported for the KSAT Defenders Investigative Team.

“Rosenda is one of the kindest, most generous women I’ve ever worked with," KSAT News Director Bernice Kearney said on KSAT.com. "She lived her life with gusto, fiercely loved her family and friends, and never stopped being a member of the extended KSAT family. I will miss her beautiful smile and her infectious laugh, and will always be grateful for the time she spent as part of the KSAT12 News team."

Before that, Rios worked for KEYE Austin.

Rios left the TV news business to work at USAA where she was the lead digital content strategist.

The station reports Rios is survived by her husband, former KSAT photojournalist Larry Burns, and sons Gabriel and Noah.

KENS 5 reported the email address friendsofrosenda@gmail.com has been established as a way to share condolences with the family.

Re’Chelle Turner joins KPRC 2

Reporter Re’Chelle Turner is joining KPRC 2 from KARK 4 Little Rock, Arkansas.

"DREAM COME TRUE✨Beyond excited to finally announce that I’m joining the AMAZING @KPRC2 News Team, the NBC affiliate in Houston, Texas as a Reporter," Turner posted on Instagram. "I worked so hard and prayed so much about this opportunity! God is so good! 🙌🏾This is a HUGE step! I’m thrilled to work alongside some of the best journalists at KPRC and continue to do what I love! HOUSTON, I’m here to stay and ready to work for you!"

Turner joined KARK in August 2018.

She previously worked as an MMJ at KSWO 7News in Lawton, Oklahoma.

Before that, Turner was a producer for CBS 12 News WJTV / WHLT 22 in Jackson, Mississippi.

The University of Alabama grad interned at the following stations:

-WVUA Tuscaloosa, Alabama
-WBRC FOX 6 Birmingham, Alabama
-WIAT CBS 42 Birmingham, Alabama
-ABC 33/40 WBMA Birmingham, Alabama

She also worked as a correspondent for ESPNU Campus Connection.

Turner is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).

Video shows what led to Wayne Dolcefino's arrest in court

Former abc13 Undercover KTRK investigative reporter Wayne Dolcefino was held in contempt of court in Judge Darrell Jordan's Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 16 at the end of June and now the above KPRC 2 report shows what led to the arrest:

Dolcefino recorded the video with a pen camera while pressing Harris County Criminal Court Judge Darrell Jordan for answers regarding legal documents Dolcefino requested from the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. He said he hadn’t received the documents.

Dolcefino now runs Dolcefino Consulting, a “wartime” media consulting firm.

UPDATE JUNE 28, 2022
Wayne Dolcefino arrest leads to judge arrest

UPDATE JULY 17, 2020
Dolcefino Consulting has released a video saying the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals announced it would review the conviction and ordered the judge’s bond conditions removed.

CBS Stations Group of Texas to pay Tammy Dombeck $215,000

UPDATE FEBRUARY 25, 2021
Ron Corning of CW33 KDAF's Morning After interviews Tammy Dombeck about her CBS federal age discrimination lawsuit concerning her time at CBS 11 DFW KTVT.
Part 1

Part 2



===ORIGINAL POST===

Former CBS11 KTVT Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex freelance traffic reporter Tammy Dombeck Campbell will be paid $215,000 and furnished "significant equitable relief" to settle a federal age discrimination lawsuit, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has announced.

Here is more from the EEOC press release:

The EEOC charged that CBS violated federal law when it refused to hire Tammy Dombeck Campbell for a full-time traffic reporter position at the Dallas/Fort Worth station because of her age. The EEOC said that Campbell had worked for CBS 11 as a freelance, non-staff traffic reporter.

When the station’s morning full-time traffic reporter resigned in October 2014, the company initiated a search for a replacement. The CBS job announcement stated that “the ideal candidate” would have a strong knowledge of local traffic in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and that the “applicant must have at least five years professional broadcasting experience.” The EEOC said that CBS 11 hired a 24-year-old applicant for the full-time traffic reporter position. The younger applicant was a former NFL cheerleader, and the EEOC maintained that the she did not meet the hiring criteria CBS had advertised. CBS 11 also had made an offer to a 27-year old applicant who accepted and then withdrew from the hiring process.

Such alleged conduct violates the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), which prohibits discrimination against people age 40 or older. The EEOC filed suit (EEOC v. CBS Stations Group of Texas; Television Station KTXA and KTVT-TV, Civil Action No. 3:17-cv-02624) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, after first attempting to reach a voluntary pre-litigation settlement through its conciliation process.

Under the consent decree signed by U.S. District Chief Judge Barbara M. G. Lynn, resolving the suit, CBS Stations Group of Texas will pay will pay $215,000 to Ms. Campbell and commits not to engage in age discrimination. The company will also provide training on the ADEA, publish a notice of employee rights, and report to the EEOC on its compliance with the requirements of consent decree.

“Tammy Campbell was clearly qualified for the position of traffic reporter,” said Joel Clark, EEOC senior trial attorney for the Dallas District Office. “The EEOC argued to the court that CBS 11 preferred a younger, less qualified applicant, and that the employer defaulted to unfounded stereotypes about female reporters.”

EEOC Regional Attorney Robert A. Canino added, “In explaining its decision, the company relied on what was called the ‘it’ factor. The EEOC was prepared to prove that, for Ms. Campbell, ‘it’ was her age. We hope that the resolution of this case will be another step forward in moving past ageist attitudes that can limit opportunities in the field of broadcast television.”

RELATED
An exclusive interview with former CBS11 traffic anchor Tammy Dombeck and her EEOC attorneys, who are taking the station to court on charges of age discrimination (2017)

According to her bio, Dombeck has covered DFW traffic on radio for such station as KLIF, KPLX, KZPS and KKDA. In addition to TV news traffic on KTVT, she also covered it for NBC 5 KXAS in Dallas for 12 years.

UPDATE JULY 17, 2020
KTVT released a statement on the settlement to the Fort Worth Star Telegram which said, “We are pleased this matter has been resolved to the satisfaction of all parties.”

Deneige Broom returns to WFTV 9

Former FOX 26 KRIV Houston reporter Deneige Broom has announced she is returning to WFTV 9 Orlando to be the station's traffic reporter.

The Seminole County native came to Houston and channel 26 in July of 2017 from WFTV where she had worked since 2013.

Broom signed off KRIV in August 2019.

Before WFTV, Broom covered news for WCTV Tallahassee's Valdosta, Ga. bureau.

Broom attended Florida State University and covered football as an ESPNU sideline reporter.

(Thanks Taylor)

SB Nation Radio to become the SportsMap Radio Network

Gow Media Announces Rebrand of Sports Radio Network


Gow Media, owner of one of the country’s largest sports radio networks, announced it will now operate the network under its own brand, SportsMap Radio.

Gow has owned the network for over ten years, when it acquired the assets of Sporting News Radio.

Shortly thereafter Gow re-branded the network through partnerships to become Yahoo Sports Radio for five years and then SB Nation Radio for four years.

Effective July 27th, 2020, Gow will continue to provide the same shows and sports updates to affiliates across the country but will now do so with its own name.

“We have benefited from brand partnerships with great companies such as Yahoo and SB Nation but have ultimately concluded that we no longer want to be subject to the fate of another brand. Strategically, it is important to build our own brand,” said David Gow, CEO of Gow Media. “For our sponsors, we maintain our large audiences, with a network of over 500 affiliate stations. For our affiliates, our strong lineup remains. What is different, though, is that by operating as SportsMap, we can partner with multiple entities (vs. a single brand partner) in the development of new content and the expansion to digital platforms,” added Gow.

In the past 90 days, Gow has already tapped into partnerships that have enhanced its 24/7 lineup. The company added top industry talent such as Scott Ferrall through Sportsgrid and Tony Bruno and Eytan Shander through Jakib Media.

“Top to bottom our lineup has never been stronger. We have gotten great feedback from our affiliates,” said Craig Larson, Program Director of the SportsMap Radio Network. “We have recognized that we don’t need to create every show ourselves. Through partnerships, such as Sportsgrid and Jakib Media and others soon to come, we can assemble a lineup that is best-of-breed,” said Gow.

About Gow Media
Founded in 2007, Gow Media, LLC is a multi-platform media company based in Houston. The company owns one of the country’s largest national sports radio networks, now called the SportsMap Radio Network, which provides a 24/7 lineup and sports updates to over 500 stations across the country. Additionally, Gow owns a couple of radio stations in Houston, and a portfolio of digital content sites.

CultureMap.com is the leading online destination for lifestyle content in Texas, with localized sites in the five major cities of Texas. SportsMap.com is a leading Houston sports site, and InnovationMap.com covers stories of innovation in Houston. Late last year Gow launched AutomotiveMap, positioning the company with four content sites under a common “map” identity.

Gow Media, LLC is backed by a private 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 was taken from a release sent to me by Gow Media)

KAVU Victoria has new leadership

Daniel Aguilar takes over as Newscenter 25 KAVU Victoria GM, James Munoz as news director


Some big changes at Newscenter 25 KAVU Victoria with a newly named general manager and news director.

Daniel R. Aguilar has confirmed to mikemcguff.com that he is the new KAVU GM.

“I’m excited to be a part of a great company, Morgan Murphy Media and am eager to become a part of a treasured community like Victoria and its surrounding communities," Aguilar told mikemcguff.com. "The Victoria Television Group will expand our reach within the communities we serve daily.”

He takes over for Jeff Pryor who retired earlier this year after more than 20 years of service.

Former KRIS Corpus Christi general manager Greg McAlister has been serving as interim GM until the permanent hire was made.

Aguilar comes from TENGA station Fox West Texas KIDY - KXVA San Angelo where he served as president and general manager for nearly three years.

He worked for KIII Corpus Christi for nearly 8 years before that.

KAVU morning anchor James Munoz can now take the interim part of his news director title off because he officially has the job. Munoz added interim news director duties to his job back in February.

"I am honored to take on this new role with Morgan Murphy Media," Munoz told mikemcguff.com. "I look forward to serving our team of bright journalists and expanding KAVU's presence in the Crossroads and online. I enjoyed working alongside interim General Manager Greg McAlister and I am excited to have our new General Manager Danny Aguilar on board."

Munoz replaces Roxann Fisher who left earlier this year.

Since 1998, Muñoz has had a very Texas television news focused career having worked at KVII Amarillo, KIII Corpus Christi, KTRE Lufkin, KSAN San Angelo, KENS San Antonio and KWES Midland.


UPDATE JULY 20, 2020
Newscenter25 KAVU's announces new anchor lineup

KHOU 11 legal analyst Gerald Treece has died

KHOU 11 is reporting that Gerald Treece, who served as the TEGNA station's legal analyst, has died.

Treece provided legal analysis for channel 11 for more than three decades.

In addition to his help with legal stories, Treece also had his own segment on the station's Saturday morning news where he broke down viewers' legal questions in an easy way to understand.

Treece's full-time job was as the Vice President, Associate Dean of Advocacy, Special Counsel to the President, Professor of Law, and the W. James Kronzer, Jr., Distinguished Professor of Advocacy at the South Texas College of Law Houston.

He earned both his BA and JD at the University of Houston.

His areas of expertise were Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Torts and Trial & Appellate Advocacy.

Treece's devoted viewers are saying goodbye to him and leaving memories on my Facebook page.

UPDATES
Former KPRC 2 morning anchor Dan O'Rourke tells me that Gerald Treece replaced the "People's Lawyer" Richard Alderman on channel 2's AM newscast. I would guess this is when Alderman left KPRC for abc13 KTRK.

Former KHOU 11 morning traffic anchor Darby Douglas tweeted about Treece, "One of the kindest giants I’ve ever had dealings with. A piece of my heart goes with you Gerald. Thank you for imparting not only your wisdom, but your generosity and love. Rest In Peace my friend."

Former KHOU 11 meteorologist Brooks Garner tweeted regarding Dean Treece, "This is very sad. Gerald was so kind and I loved any chance to work with him. With compassion, he helped Houstonians navigate the legal waters from small things to larger matters of Harvey. May his family be at peace and may he rest well. Houston lost a good one."

In a Facebook post, the South Texas College of Law Houston wrote, "Dean Treece left a profound and lasting mark on countless individuals who crossed his path. Whether it was baseball or advocacy, Coach Treece loved the game. But he loved the players more. At his 40th anniversary celebration, he said of his past and present advocates, “You have made my life. Painters and conductors have great works they’re proud of. I am proud of you.” We invite you to share your stories and fondest memories of Dean Treece by visiting www.stcl.edu/CoachTreece #CoachTreece"

In a Facebook post, former KHOU 11 anchor Lisa Hernadez (now KPRC 2 morning anchor) writes, "This absolutely breaks my heart. We were always so excited to see Gerald Treece in studio. This man always had a smile, always a kind word, always made your day brighter. He knew the law like no other. You could toss to him with the most nonsensical line and he would graciously take it, straighten it out, and somehow make it sound like you knew what you were talking about (I must have thanked him a million times for this!) A true gentleman and an absolute pro. We were lucky to have a seat next to him. Thank you for your kindness and your wisdom, Gerald. You made our world a better place."

Shannon LaNier gets ripped in #CutUpCovidChallenge

"Morning Dose" anchor Shannon LaNier hits the gym and eats right in workout challenge



CW39 KIAH Houston "Morning Dose" anchor Shannon LaNier let the Houston Defender Network cover his workout transformation for the #CutUpCovidChallenge.

LaNier spent six weeks trying to shed weight gained during the coronavirus quarantine.

His goal was to be able to show off those 6-pack abs by his 41st birthday at the end of June.

How did he do?

Results speak for themselves which are embedded below via Instagram.

RELATED
- Shannon LaNier is a descendant of Thomas Jefferson
- Shannon LaNier launches Daddy Duty 365 podcast

View this post on Instagram

He did it! 🔥 🔥 🔥 Wow! Look at our guy now! 👀 @mrshannonlanier took us up on our Defender #CutUpCovidChallenge to reclaim his 6-pack in 6 weeks! From #DadBod to #Ripped!! Looking good, Mr. LaNier. Our hats off to you! Check us out at DefenderNetwork.com on Friday for the return of ‘Fit & Fine’ where Shannon will share just how he did it. * * Body by: @Jamaicanmuscle @DarkSkinnedJermaine @BodyShopHTX @BeeFitFoods @redsjuicejoint Photo credit: Dean Greene www.DGPhotographies.com

A post shared by DefenderNetwork (@defendernetwork) on Jul 1, 2020 at 9:33am PDT

Former TV photographer German Cortez has died

Former Texas TV photographer German Cortez has died according to posts on social media.

His friends have set up a gofundme for his funeral expenses. The gofundme explains the circumstances of his death.

According to social media, Cortez was currently working for an oil company.

He previously worked as a photographer for Telemundo Houston KTMD, KEYE Austin, Lamar University athletics and KFDM 6 and FOX 4 Beaumont.

He was a graduate of Lamar University.

Best Summer TV News Bloopers

Lily Jang loses her father

Our sympathies go out to former KHOU 11 morning anchor Lily Jang who announced the sad news her father has died.

Here is what she posted this week on Facebook:

After a hard fought battle that began with COVID-19 nearly five weeks ago, my beloved father has passed away. While my family and I could not be by his side this entire time, and as incredibly heartbreaking it has been for us, I am comforted by the compassionate acts of the doctors and nurses at Kindred Hospital, who all gently held his hand as he took his last breath. Thank you for your calls, texts, kind messages, and words of support. Dad is no longer suffering. Love you forever, dad.

Back in 2012 when Jang returned to Houston to work at KHOU from KCPQ Q13 Morning News Seattle, she told me she was excited, "excited to finally be home where I grew up and my parents can watch me."

Dayna Steele's "The Woman in the Mirror" debuts

The Woman in the Mirror to Debut This Week as a Caregiver’s Story of Love, Laughter and Wine

Media Personality backs book adaptation with 10-episode YouTube series


Entrepreneur, author and Texas Radio Hall of Famer Dayna Steele announced the July 10, 2020 YouTube premiere of her one-woman play, “The Woman in the Mirror.”

“The Woman in the Mirror” is an adaptation of Steele’s 2016 book titled “Surviving Alzheimer’s With Friends, Facebook and a Really Big Glass of Wine,” in which she candidly chronicled her mother’s journey with Alzheimer’s on Facebook with unfiltered observations and occasional dark humor. Originally written for stage performance, the play has since been reworked to a 10-episode video series and filmed as a Zoom table read with co-star Chris King and director Marley Singletary. Each episode will conclude with an interview featuring a subject matter expert on that episode’s topic.

Viewers will be met with Steele’s signature refreshing honesty laced with biting humor that stands testament to her personal strength and resiliency in the face of extraordinary and unexpected circumstances. When her mother, Fran Nicholson, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2013, Steele began posting Facebook messages detailing the family’s alarming and shocking struggles, which turned into a therapeutic support and information community encompassing thousands of followers.

As a continuation of her humor and raw emotion in navigating a heartbreaking Alzheimer’s journey, Steele uses “The Woman in the Mirror” as an on-stage caregiver’s manual for navigating the disease from diagnosis through an inevitable end, and she does so with love, laughter, wit and wine. Steele extends her compassion for helping families better understand critical issues associated with Alzheimer’s care by incorporating interviews with experts in neurology, long-term care insurance, care-giving, documentation, elder care legal issues and assisted living.

“Throughout my mother’s Alzheimer’s journey, I needed to live, laugh, love, cry and even rage at the disease,” said Steele. “Through this project, the audience is given permission to have those same fluctuating emotions and also to benefit from practical information and the insights offered by subject matter experts.”

“I’m both humbled and grateful to share this incredibly poignant and important story with audiences,” said co-star King. “With more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, Dayna’s candid insight through this 10-episode YouTube video series is sure to touch the lives of countless families and caregivers.”

“The Woman in the Mirror” was written by Dayna Steele with Heather Rossiello, directed and adapted to the stage by Marley Singletary and produced by Steele, Singletary and public relations professional Melissa Stevens, whose husband succumbed to Alzheimer’s in 2010.

Episodes will launch on YouTube at youtube.com/daynasteele every Friday morning at 11:00 CST a.m. beginning July 10 with “Meet Fran” and culminate with “And a Really Big Glass of Wine” on September 11, Fran Nicholson’s birthday.


About Dayna Steele
Dayna Steele is the CEO of JFA INC, managing diverse interests including real estate, Broadway investments, corporate aviation safety consulting, electric urban air and ground mobility projects, and emerging greenhouse gas technologies. She is a longtime successful entrepreneur, professional business speaker, and the author of twelve books. Dayna started the first NASA and space-
themed e-commerce operation, was a top Texas rock radio personality inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame in 2010 and ran for the US Congress in 2018. She and her husband, former NASA research pilot Dr. Charles Justiz, reside in Houston, Texas. Together, they raise entirely too many rescue dogs.

About Chris King
Chris King is a native Houstonian artist and performer with a San Antonio address and his heart set on New York City.

About Marley Singletary
Marley Singletary (Director/Playwright) is an award-winning director, producer, and writer. She holds a MA in Theatre Studies from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama-University of London and a BFA in Performance from Baylor University. Upon completion of her MA, Marley began her professional directing career in London where she worked for two years. In 2011, Marley
moved to Houston, and in 2012, she began working for Theatre Under the Stars in various roles before becoming the Associate Artistic Director in 2014. While at TUTS, she co-created the new series with a focus in new works, TUTS Underground. She later joined HITS Theatre as the Director of Artistic Production. In 2017, she served as the Producing Executive Director at Queensbury
Theatre where she developed a professional season which included two world premieres and one regional premiere. Marley’s directing credits include: The Music Man (Side Show, For Tonight (World Premiere), Breaking Out of Sunset Place (World Premiere), Elf, Violet, Unlock’d (Regional Premiere), The Sweet Potato Queens (World Premiere), Bonnie & Clyde, Striking 12, First Date,
Footloose, The Evils of Tobacco, James and the Giant Peach, Jr., The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Zombie Prom, and Elf Jr. Her associate directing credits include Oliver, A Christmas Story, Music Man, Waiting for Johnny Depp, Reefer Madness, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Murder Ballad, Elf, Man of La Mancha, and Edward II. Marley will direct the new musical, Greyson
Matters, in London in July 2020. Marley’s upcoming projects include the World Premiere of The Woman in the Mirror (Director/Playwright) and the World Premiere of the new musical LADY OF AGREDA (Director/Bookwriter). Marley is a proud member of SDC.

(This post was taken from a release)

KGNS Laredo reports 8 COVID-19 staff cases

Not only is KGNS 8 covering COVID-19 in Laredo, but now it's becoming the story.

The Gray Television owned station reports it has eight active cases among its staff at the moment.

"To our KGNS family who are all fighting the virus, we wish you a very speedy recovery," the station wrote on its website.

That's a lot of cases in one station, especially in a smaller TV news market that already has a lesser number of employees than those in Austin, San Antonio, Dallas or Houston for example.

RELATED
- Houston media members affected by novel coronavirus
- KOKE Austin's Bob Cole recovering from COVID-19

KOKE Austin's Bob Cole recovering from COVID-19

99.3 "KOKE in the Morning Show" radio host Bob Cole tested positive for COVID-19 in late June.

KVUE's Tony Plohetski reports the longtime Austin radio personality is at home recovering, and back on the air.

Cole said he had been very careful, but admitted he let his guard down a couple of times, including attending a mask-free party.

He had symptoms two days after that.

Cole previously worked as the morning host 98.1FM KVET until 2011.

He and others revived KOKE-FM in 2012 after the station had been off the air for many years.

Cole is an Austinite through and through, owning Austin’s Hill’s Café and formerly The Tavern and Frisco Nighthawk restaurants.

He is also the voice of The University of Texas Longhorn Band and the stadium announcer.

Cole was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2003 and the Texas Radio Hall of Fame in 2008.

Taniya Wright reveals why she had to put her health first

Former KPRC 2 morning anchor Taniya Wright talks about her fibroid and myomectomy experience.

She's been to three doctors in two states and just had the procedure during COVID-19.

On YouTube, she reveals how she found out there was a problem and what it was like taking care of it during the pandemic.

Here is a partial transcript of Wright's video which addresses this important medical issue:

UPDATE JULY 21, 2020
Taniya Wright talks about surgery recovery

I first discovered I had a fibroid when I lived in Raleigh, North Carolina. I went for my yearly doctor's appointment and I was slightly anemic and she did my exam. And as I mentioned, said my uterus was the size of a 14 week pregnancy. I didn't know what to think about that. I wasn't pregnant. So she told me she wanted to send me for an ultrasound to see what was going on.

After that ultrasound, she called me with the results and she told me I have a fibroid. I had no idea what a fibroid was, of course. Like most people, I grabbed my computer and I Google it and I learned that a fibroid is a tumor that grows inside of a woman's uterus. Totally freaked me out. So she also told me that they can range in a lot of different sizes from the size of a tiny seed to the size of a melon. My fibroid was seven centimeters, which is pretty big. It is the size of this Mac compact. So I have something this size growing inside of my uterus right now. I didn't really know what to think.

So I asked her what this all meant. What were my options? Do I have to get it removed? Does it go away? I had no idea. She said there is a surgery option, but since I wasn't actively trying to get pregnant or I haven't tried to get pregnant and had difficulties, she said, to just monitor it for now. And they would check me again in a year when I get my next appointment.

A year goes by before I know it, I get another ultrasound and she tells me my fibroid is still seven centimeters, which is good news. It has not grown. It's still seven centimeters. But then she really started asking me if I did want to have children because again, I'm in my mid thirties. I need to start thinking about that. I was about to move out of state for a new job. So at that time, I wasn't thinking about children. I was getting ready for a move. So I kind of just pushed this to the side. You know, life gets in the way, work gets in the way. So many things happen and just get in the way. And a lot of us just push our health to the backburner, which I was doing. So I moved to Houston and I didn't want to start any job and be like, "Hey, it's my first day. I might need surgery. I need to take six weeks off work," because that's how much time they told me. My doctor in Raleigh told me the recovery would be if I did, in fact, have to get surgery for this.

So I blink and another year goes by. It's time to get my yearly doctor appointment. Schedule my appointment with my new doctor here. And I told her going into it, I did have a fibroid. I knew about it. And could you just check it and see if it grew? See what my options were now at this point. It's been a few years. I got an ultrasound here and she told me my fibroid is still seven centimeters. But if I do want to have children, I really need to start thinking about getting it removed.

So I went home after that appointment and really thought about it and I figured it's time. I've been dealing with this thing for about three years now. It's really time to take my health and put it in front. Put it first. I needed to really do this for myself. So I asked her the different options about surgeries and she told me she recommended that I get an open myomectomy, which is basically they're giving me a C-section and removing the fibroid because my fibroid is so big that she wanted to make sure she could get it all out and preserve my uterus. So if I did want to have children, it would be the best option.

After telling me her recommendations, my doctor, of course, said you can talk with other doctors and see their opinions or their recommendations on what you should do with this. I've been dealing with this for a few years now, so I've pretty much heard the same thing from each doctor I've spoken to about it. So I finally decided to put my health first and get it done.