Erica Simon, an abc13 KTRK Houston weekend morning co-anchor, announced Sunday that she's moving to "Monday through Friday in the evenings." Now, for the rest of the story, as multiple sources tell mikemcguff.com that means Simon has been promoted to channel 13's 10pm newscast.
"Congratulations on your new assignment," tweeted 10pm anchor Gina Gaston.
UPDATE
Gina Gaston to leave the 10pm news
Now, Simon did not coordinate this announcement with me since I was out of town and couldn't post about it, but she clearly has a loyal fan base as many of her viewers let me know about her big news! Thanks to everyone who reached out.
No surprise Simon is popular, as she always ranked in the top five of abc13 employees back when I tracked Houston TV social media metrics.
Here is what Simon told her fans live on-air Sunday morning:
"I wanted to share some exciting news with you guys. This is my last day anchoring weekend mornings. Don't worry. It's not goodbye, though. It's just see you weekdays instead of a super early alarm clock, you can now catch me Monday through Friday in the evenings.
Honestly, this is a dream come true for me. I'll still be doing what I love for you and with abc13, but getting some more sleep and having some much needed weekends with my family.
Now to all you weekend morning loyalists, you know who you are. Thank you. Your support and friendship truly means the world to me.
Jeff [Ehling] and Kevin [Roth] have been the best team one could ask for, and thankfully, I still get to see them in the newsroom and I'll still be sending them those annoying group texts about crazy news or our latest adventures.
Again, not goodbye, just a great new beginning Mondays through Fridays with ABC 13 and again, more sleep. Yes."
Early this year, Simon was honored as one of CORE's "100 Most Influential Blacks Today." She has also been elected to the board of The Houston Association of Black Journalists (HABJ).
Simon joined abc13 Houston in 2017 from Action News Jax WJAX-WFOX Jacksonville, Florida where viewers then knew her as Erica Bennett.
She previously worked for KTAL NBC 6 Shreveport, Louisiana and KOMU Columbia, Missouri.
The University of Missouri grad and Dallas native interned with NBC 5 KXAS DFW.
I have some news. 📣 @abc13houston is stuck with me … just at a different time. 📺 pic.twitter.com/3unubOrqjS
— Erica Simon (@EricaOnABC13) May 21, 2023