Austin PBS KLRU announced the launch of "Austin InSight," a new weekly half-hour news and feature program covering issues impacting central Texans while highlighting the region’s vibrant cultural and creative diversity.
The 30-minute program, co-hosted by Danielle Banda and Laura Laughhead, airs on Thursdays at 7 p.m., debuting on October 31, 2024.
The program takes a primarily magazine-style approach, with occasional lengthy interviews with newsmakers and episodes that explore a single topic.
“In today’s media landscape, Austin PBS has a special opportunity as well as an obligation to provide our community more local journalism – analysis and storytelling about issues that matter, and showcasing the people and places that make Austin and central Texas so special,” said Luis Patiño, CEO, Austin PBS.
“Consistent with our mission, we want to amplify the voices and concerns of underserved communities,” said Sara Robertson, chief content officer, Austin PBS. “Through engaging features on arts, culture, food and more, we also will highlight the unique beauty and creativity that surround us in the Austin area.”
Danielle Banda is an experienced broadcast journalist who joined Austin PBS from CBS 4 KGBT Rio Grande Valley, where she served as a correspondent, anchor, and host of news and lifestyle programs. She has produced and hosted several lifestyle and entertainment programs airing in multiple Texas markets, as well as in California and northern Mexico. Banda’s career began in 2012 at KMBH PBS 38 in Harlingen. She graduated from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and earned a Master of Arts degree in contemporary communications from Notre Dame of Maryland University.
Laura Laughead has been an anchor/reporter for CBS 42 WIAT Birmingham, Alabama, and KAMC News Lubbock. Houston TV viewers will recognize Laughead's mother, former abc13 KTRK, KPRC 2, and KHOU 11 reporter Christi Myers. A graduate of the University of Texas, where she was named the Gene Burd Top Scholar in the journalism program and won college awards in the Lone Star Emmys, Laughead interned for Good Morning America. She returned to Austin PBS, where she began her career as an intern.
