Fred Cantú CBS Austin sign-off special

Fred Cantú was given a fantastic sign-off special by CBS Austin KEYE overing this 53-year media career.

I have communicated with Uncle Fred over the years via social media but was lucky enough to meet him at the Sound Unseen Austin screening of my 101 KLOL documentary "Runaway Radio" in December 2023.

Although I have never officially lived in Austin, I might as well have during the late 1990s and early 2000s, when Cantú was a top-rated morning anchor at KVUE 24. 

So, I was awestruck getting to finally meet him in person that night at the Austin Film Society, which made the event even more special. And speaking of AFS, my wife thinks they have the best popcorn in the business! Thank you, Richard Linklater, for your legendary movies, theater, and delicious kernels of goodness.

KPRC 2 GM Phil Lane is retiring

Phil Lane announced in a video to staff today that he is retiring from KPRC 2 Houston as Vice President and General Manager effective April 11, 2025.

I have not personally seen the video, but multiple sources confirm the information to mikemcguff.com. 

He joined KPRC, succeeding Jerry Martin from Graham Media Group's sister station, KSAT 12 in San Antonio, in 2022, where he held the same position.

KPRC did not respond to my inquiries. If I receive a response, I will add it here.

When I asked Dave Strickland, the first KPRC news director to work under Lane, for a statement on the GM's upcoming retirement, he replied, "No comment."

During his nearly two-year tenure with the station, it created streaming offerings and added then cancelled television newscasts. Last year, KPRC debuted a new studio. 

More likely coming top down from the Graham Media Group, if you've been reading this blog or other trade publications, KPRC has recently seen a significant number of longtime employees leave.  Just last year, the station had buyouts, along with KSAT, of notable figures such as chief meteorologist Frank Billingsley and news director Bernice Kearney, among many other longtime managers.  Staffers say this has affected the morale of those who remained.  My readers have also commented on social media that the station has also experienced a high rate of turnover among anchors and reporters. 

The TV company also changed the management structure of the newsroom and publicly said that cutting anchors might be a way to trim expenses. 

If I were Lane, I would have retired, too!

Joining KSAT in 2011, Lane led the station to market dominance in news ratings and oversaw the number one local media website in San Antonio, according to Graham Media Group. Under his leadership, KSAT launched local programming, including “SA Live,” a daily live lifestyle show, and “Texas Eats,” a food series now distributed statewide.

Lane also spearheaded KSAT’s digital expansion, including the streaming news series “KSAT Explains,” the KSAT Plus content stream, mobile and OTT apps, and the KSAT Big Game Coverage high school sports network. Additionally, he created Graham Media’s first membership program, KSAT Insiders.

Before joining KSAT, the Furman University grad served as Vice President and General Manager of:

WSPA and WYCW in the Greenville/Spartanburg/Asheville/Anderson, NC, market (2004-2011)

WJBF in Augusta, GA (2000-2004)

WRBL in Columbus, GA (1997-2000)

Now that KPRC will be getting a new general manager, it will add to the list of new leaders who have joined Houston TV in the last year.  David Loving was hired by KHOU and Humberto Hormaza by CW39 KIAH in May 2024, with Mike Carr by ABC13 KTRK in September 2024.

Chris Henao exits KHOU 11 from Assistant ND role

Chris Henao, who had served as KHOU 11's assistant news director since 2019, announced on social media that he was laid off from the TEGNA-owned station last week.

UPDATE: I have heard that Wiley Post, who joined KHOU in 2017 as an assistant news director and executive producer, is now serving as the assistant news director.

Here is a portion of what Henao said on Linkedin (with his permission to post here):

"Well, I'm choosing to see this as a blessing in disguise - an opportunity to embrace new challenges, step outside my comfort zone, and continue growing! Leaving behind an amazing newsroom full of talented journalists and friends is bittersweet, for sure.

 On my last day at work, I felt nothing but appreciation, gratitude and support from everyone on my team. It filled my heart and fueled my drive with passion and purpose as I look for the next step in my career. 

Will the next chapter be as a journalist? I'm not 100 percent sure right now. 

If this marks the end of my 34 years in news, I will forever treasure every moment - so many stories, memories, friendships and accomplishments! 

To all who have recently received the notice that you are being laidoff - you are not alone. 

I am here to support you in any and every way possible. Let's keep moving forward with resilience, optimism and the belief that something great is ahead!"

Henao’s 34-year career in journalism has earned him prestigious honors, including duPont-Columbia, Peabody, Polk, IRE, RTDNA Murrow, Scripps Howard, and EMMY awards.

His tenure at KHOU was a homecoming, having previously worked at the station under former owner Belo. During that time, he served as an investigative photographer and later a producer, spanning from the Anna Werner era to the Jeremy Rogalski years.

Before his return to KHOU, Henao served as assistant news director at KSAT 12 in San Antonio, a Graham Media Group sister station to Channel 11's cross-town rival, KPRC 2 in Houston.

Between his stints at KHOU, he worked as an executive producer for investigations at KCTV 5 News in Kansas City, Missouri, and later spent nearly three years as an investigative producer for KNBC in Los Angeles.

A University of Texas graduate, Henao began his career as a photojournalist at WXIA Atlanta, KXAN Austin, and KGBT Harlingen.

UPDATE JUNE 2025

Chris Henao joins the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) as Chief of Media & Communications.

Kathy Saunders, former FOX 4 KDFW GM, has died

Kathy Saunders, the esteemed former Senior Vice President and General Manager of FOX 4 KDFW and KDFI 27 in Dallas-Fort Worth, passed away at her home in California on March 26, 2025. She was a trailblazer in the broadcasting industry, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and excellence.

Saunders dedicated nearly three decades to FOX Television Stations, beginning her tenure in 1995. She served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the FOX-owned duopoly in Dallas for 26 years before retiring in June 2023. Her successor, Jeff Gurley, took the helm following her departure.

Before her influential role in Dallas, Saunders was Vice President and General Manager of FOX 25 WFXT Boston. She previously held leadership positions at KDAF Dallas, where she was Vice President and General Sales Manager before being promoted to Vice President and General Manager. Her career also included roles at WPGH Pittsburgh as National Sales Manager and later General Sales Manager, and she began her broadcasting journey as an Account Executive at KCTV in Kansas City, Missouri.

Saunders earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from the University of Kansas. Her contributions to the industry were widely recognized, including being named Texas Association of Broadcasters' (TAB) Pioneer Broadcaster of the Year in 2022 and Broadcasting & Cable's General Manager of the Year in 2019.

A respected leader beyond broadcasting, Saunders was Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association, a member of the North Texas Final Four Local Organizing Committee Board of Directors, and an active figure within the Texas Association of Broadcasters. She also served on the Board of Directors and as Vice President of Resource Development for Girls Inc., in addition to her longstanding support and recognition from the Alliance for Women in Media.

The Cotton Bowl Athletic Association and our Cotton Bowl family join the North Texas community in mourning the loss of longtime CBAA Board of Directors member Kathy Saunders. We extend our condolences to her family, friends and loved ones.

She was truly #LikeNoOther. pic.twitter.com/ZtusQSwNCK

— Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic (@CottonBowlGame) March 29, 2025

Jaime Peluffo, Univision 41 San Antonio reporter, has died

Univision 41 San Antonio KWEX mourns the passing of Jaime Peluffo, 53, a prominent reporter and journalist with a career spanning more than two decades in media, following a battle with cancer.

Peluffo, born in September 1971, was a bilingual journalist who focused on financial news, investigative reporting, immigration, politics, and legal issues affecting Hispanic audiences.

During his time at Univision, he worked as a reporter, news anchor, and producer, earning recognition in various cities across the country, including San Antonio, Laredo, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Throughout his career, Peluffo received 10 EMMY Awards and was recognized for his journalistic excellence with the Peninsula Press Club's Best Television Story award.

At Univision 14 San Francisco KDTV, he worked as a reporter and video journalist. He also anchored the 10 p.m. newscast.

Univision 41 San Antonio celebrating 70th anniversary

Univision 41 San Antonio, KWEX, celebrated its 70th anniversary on March 18, 2025, as the first Spanish-language television station in the United States. 

The event was attended by prominent figures who have shaped and continue to shape the network's history, as well as local leaders who recognized the positive impact the channel has had on the city's Hispanic community.

KWEX was originally signed on by radio and television Spanish language pioneer Raoul Cortez as KCOR-TV Channel 41.

A Texan on what it takes to run 50 local TV Stations

NBCUniversal Local Chairman Valari Staab has led local news stations across the United States for over 40 years, helping to increase the amount of locally produced programming and expanding digital coverage through social media and streaming newscasts. 

And get this: she grew up in East Texas!

In Texas, Staab worked in marketing and research for KPRC 2 Houston and KLTV 7 Tyler, where she began her broadcast career as a student.  

She received her Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) from the University of Texas at Tyler and her Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from the Hankamer School of Business at Baylor University.  Sic 'em!

'Hello Houston' debuts on 88.7 KUHF

'Hello Houston' debuts on Monday, March 31, 2025, on Houston Public Media's News 88.7 KUHF weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the slogan, "Your connection to the heart of the Bayou City."

The new radio show and podcast is hosted by former KPRC 2 chief meteorologist Frank Billingsley, Ernie Manouse, and Celeste Schurman, with former 97.9 The Box KBXX Madd Hatta Morning Show producer James Kovacik, also known as Jim Beazy, serving as executive producer. The hosts will also take on executive producing.  William Menjivar and Garrett Bohlmann will also serve as producers.

'Hello Houston' promises to take a dive deep into the stories that matter to Houstonians, from breaking local news to cultural happenings, community voices, and the everyday joys and challenges of H-Town life, which includes everything from local politics and city events to Houston’s ever-changing food scene to feel-good stories from your neighborhood. 

"Of course, I'll still get to talk about the weather, but Celeste, Ernie and I will have fun and fascinating discussions about politics, arts, concerts, restaurants, clubs, people: everything that makes this city so great," Billingsley said when the show was announced in November 2024.  "We have a great team behind us, and I'm really looking forward to the challenge!"

'Hello Houston' takes over the mid-day slots held by "1A" and "Here and Now," which will be shifted to after the new local show (1:00 pm: Here and Now and 2:00 pm: 1A).

With the new show starting to air, "Town Square with Ernie Manouse" appears to have been replaced by NPR's "All Things Considered" in the 3 p.m. hour.

Jane McGarry leaves WFAA's "Good Morning Texas"

Jane McGarry has apparently left her co-hosting position on the morning lifestyle show "Good Morning Texas" at WFAA 8 Dallas-Fort Worth.  Her bio has been erased from the TEGNA station's website, and my email to management asking bout McGarry was not returned after several days.

UPDATE APRIL 2025
She addresses Good Morning Texas viewers

On WFAA.com, a recently published page states that "Good Morning Texas" is hosted by Erin Hunter, with contributor Paige McCoy.

Other recent departures from Channel 8 include weekend morning anchor Cleo Greene and meteorologist Kyle Roberts.

A veteran journalist and television personality with more than 30 years of experience in the DFW broadcast market, McGarry began co-hosting "Good Morning Texas" in April 2013. Over the years, she has co-hosted with the likes of Alanna Sarabia, Hannah Davis, and, recently, Hunter.

Throughout her career, McGarry has conducted in-depth interviews with some of the most prominent figures in politics, business, and entertainment, including former President George W. Bush, former First Lady Laura Bush, Jerry Jones, Roger Staubach, Mark Cuban, Willie Nelson, and Ellen DeGeneres.

Before joining WFAA, McGarry spent 30 years at NBC 5 KXAS, where she was an evening news anchor. During her tenure, she earned several prestigious honors, including:

- The National Gracie Award for "Best Local News Anchor in the Country"

- An Edward R. Murrow Award

- A Lone Star EMMY Award for "Best Newscast in Texas"

McGarry’s broadcasting career began at WRAJ-AM & FM radio in her hometown of Anna, Illinois. She later transitioned to television as the Illinois Bureau Chief for WPSD Local 6 Paducah, Kentucky, before anchoring the evening news at KFVS 12 Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Beyond journalism, the Southern Illinois University graduate is the founder and president of Jane McGarry Media, a media training and on-camera coaching company.

She is also involved in philanthropy, serving on the board of the AiRS Foundation and contributing to the Dallas Museum of Art’s Communications Committee.

Charly Edsitty wins 2025 Gracie Award

Charly Edsitty won a 2025 Gracie Award, which for 50 years, has been "celebrating five decades of amplifying women’s voices, stories, and achievements in media."

Here is a portion of what the ABC13 KTRK Houston weekend morning anchor posted on social:

"I am so grateful to the entire team who worked for months to make this incredibly important podcast come to life. It required the talents of many at ABC Audio (and beyond!) & I’m so humbled/appreciative that I had the opportunity to contribute.

Also, a huge thank you to every single person who shared personal thoughts, stories & interviews with us. We could not have tackled this very complex issue without your important voices! Ahéhee!"

Edsitty won in the national category "Audio Podcast Host – News" for her work on "Reclaimed: The Lifeblood of Navajo Nation," via her work with ABC Audio. 

A Navajo Nation citizen, Edsitty chronicles the Navajo Nation’s generations-long water rights fight. This battle reaches all the way to Washington, DC, where a proposed bill, if passed, would create infrastructure that diverts water to Navajo communities.

In 2018, Edsitty joined ABC13 Houston as a multi-media journalist (MMJ) from 12News KPNX Phoenix, Arizona.  In 2021, she hosted the streaming show Our America: Indigenous and Urban.  Edsitty was promoted to KTRK weekend morning anchor in 2023.

“For 50 years, the Gracie Awards have honored the storytellers who push boundaries and redefine what’s possible,” said Becky Brooks, President of AWMF. “This is more than an awards show—it is a movement that has championed inclusion, representation, and truth in the media. The women we celebrate today are shaping the next 50 years, ensuring that our narratives are not just seen or heard, but felt and remembered. And we are excited to have Fortune Feimster join us as the host for our Golden Anniversary Gala in Los Angeles, bringing her incredible wit and energy to this unforgettable celebration.”

Previous Houston media Gracie winners include Ilona Carson, Christine Dobbyn, Keli Rabon and Roula Christie.

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Ernie Zuniga joins "Good Morning San Antonio" KSAT crew

Wow, did I call that one or what!  KSAT 12 San Antonio announced today that recent hire Ernie Zuniga is now "a permanent fixture on Good Morning San Antonio."

Hired initially as a community-based journalist in February, you could not convince me that KSAT would use a popular former morning anchor at a competing SA station as just a "community-based journalist." Zuniga left the FOX 29 San Antonio KABB "FOX News First" morning anchor chair back in May 2023.

It just goes to show that if I keep making enough guesses, I will eventually be right...just like a TV consultant! ;)

The station says Zuniga will join anchors Japhanie Gray, RJ Marquez and meteorologist Justin Horne every morning from 5-7 a.m. on KSAT12. He will also appear on the digital GMSA+ on KSAT+ from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. Back on Channel 12, Zuniga will join anchor Stephanie Serna for news updates throughout the morning from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.

“GMSA has been a leader in our market for decades, waking viewers up with the most up to the minute traffic and weather updates, and information they need to get the day started,” said KSAT12 News Director Mario Orellana. “Adding Ernie to this trusted team of local journalists gives KSAT12 more resources to bring the viewers what they need each and every morning, wherever they watch.”

“In the short time I’ve been at KSAT12, it’s evident how much this team cares and invests in the community,” Zuniga added. “I am thrilled to become a regular part of this morning team and its goal every morning to wake the viewer up with what they need to prepare for the day ahead.”

No word if Zuniga continues with the "Pickup Lines" video podcast, but it sounds like he will be busy enough already. Maybe the answer lies in the fact that the video has been deleted from his KSAT debut of the podcast. UPDATE:  It is still going.

Bruce Smith promoted to FOX 4 KDFW news director

 

Bruce Smith has been promoted to news director at FOX 4 KDFW Dallas-Fort Worth, following an 18-year tenure as assistant news director.

He takes over the vice president/news director role from Robin Whitmeyer, who retired this month after 13 years with the FOX-owned station.

Smith, who has three decades of experience in television, will help oversee the future KDFW studios' move from downtown to a new facility in Las Colinas currently under construction.

Smith has over three decades of experience in television.

His journey at FOX 4 began in 1996 as a producer. He later became the Executive Producer of Good Day, leading the morning show for over seven years before stepping into his assistant ND role in 2006.

Before joining KDFW, the Texas A&M University graduate worked as a producer at KING 5 Seattle and KTBC 7 Austin.

Allison Gargaro is pregnant

Allison Gargaro surprised the FOX 26 Houston KRIV morning crew with her pink-themed pregnancy announcement, which the anchors thought was a typical story.

Melissa Wilson and DaLaun Dillard read the introduction to a story about a dog eating cake, warming hearts.  The video appears on the screen of Gargaro, her husband, Gilbert Gilmore, and their dog, featuring a gender reveal.  The KRIV production crew even threw a box on screen over the video of the AM anchors so we could see their surprised reaction [WATCH BELOW].

"Best surprise in a long time," Wilson told mikemcguff.com.  "I was so busy concentrating on what the dog was going to do so that I could respond to the 'dog story' (watching our small monitor), I wasn't paying attention to the humans to realize it was our Allison!" 

"We are forecasting a little ray of sunshine," the weekend morning meteorologist posted. "A baby girl will be joining our family in September! We are so excited to share this news. Ryder is going to be the BEST big brother!"

"We had no idea, we just happened to be wearing pink today! lol," co-anchor DaLaun Dillard added. "Congrats Allison!"

Gargaro joined FOX 26 in December 2023 from  FOX 35 Orlando WOFL, where former KHOU 11 meteorologist Brooks Garner now works.

She has since filled in for FOX Weather twice.

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Fred Cantú goodbye special airing on CBS Austin

Mark your calendar for Monday, March 31, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. on CBS Austin KEYE for the Fred Cantú goodbye special.

I told you last month how Central Texas media icon Uncle Fred is signing off from the Austin airwaves after 50 years.

WATCH THE FRED CANTU SPECIAL HERE

Danielle Grossman, from KPRC 2 to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Danielle Grossman, whom you may remember from KPRC 2 Houston, is interviewed by Brandi Smith for Houston Moms about her post-TV job as Director of Strategic Communications at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

"I loved chatting with Danielle and learning all about what she does to balance work and family, plus some of the things she does to keep herself happy and healthy," Smith told mikemcguff.com.

Grossman discusses her transition from TV news to her current role and the challenges of balancing motherhood with her demanding job. 

You learn something new every day.  Grossman says during the rodeo season, she moves into a hotel near NRG Stadium!

She also reflects on how motherhood has shifted her priorities, making her value family time more and the importance of self-care and maintaining her identity outside of being a mom.

RELATED

Deborah Duncan talks TV and motherhood

25 News KXXV Waco turns 40

740 KTRH turns 95 on March 25, 2025

740 KTRH Houston turns 95 years old today on March 25, 2025.

Believe it or not, KTRH originally began as KUT Austin, affiliated with the University of Texas at Austin. However, unlike the 90.5 KUT-FM Austin of today, this version was sold to Houston Chronicle owner Jesse H. Jones, who sought to compete with the Houston Post's KPRC-AM, which signed on in 1925. UT Austin wanted to exit the radio business at the time due to the Great Depression.

RELATED
950 KPRC AM turns 100

In a 1994 KTRH anniversary special on "Houston Hotline" with Lana Hughes and J.P. Pritchard, former owner John T. Jones says all of the station's equipment was sent to Houston via two trips in the back of a red Model A Ford pickup truck. 

KTRH was initially housed in a single room at the Rice Hotel in downtown Houston, which was also owned by Jesse Jones. The luxury hotel charged the Chronicle no rent for the room but requested hourly announcements about it on air.  To illustrate the connection between the two entities, the call letters stand for 'Kome to the Rice Hotel.'

I feature KTRH's early days through an interview with Jay Jones in my 101 KLOL documentary, "Runaway Radio," now streaming on Tubi, VOD, and available on DVD.  

John T. Jones said KTRH was one of only three or four stations on the air in Houston at the time of its sign-on.  KPRC is the only other station that has operated alongside KTRH from that time to the present day, with both now owned by iHeartMedia.

Programming was largely local until the emergence of broadcast networks.

That 1994 anniversary special features an interview with Dan Rather, a young man who grew up in The Heights with limited broadcasting experience.  Obviously, Rather went on to KHOU 11 and become the main evening anchor for CBS Evening News. 

"This news makes me feel incredibly old," former KTRH host Wayne Dolcefino told mikemcguff.com.   "When you worked there in the late 70s, it was a great investigative news team.  I learned from the late Garvin Berry.  One of the best. Great memories.  I did the morning talk show, too.  I owe that radio station a lot."

After his years at KTRH, Dolcefino became a legendary investigative reporter for ABC13 KTRK Houston, which, upon its 1954 sign-on date, was a sister property to KTRH and the Houston Chronicle. Dolcefino now runs the investigative firm Dolcefino Media.

Charlie Peña 1 · KTRH's 64th Birthday Celebration 3.24.94

KBTX 3 Bryan-College Station MMJ changes

We saw some multimedia journalist changes at KBTX 3 Bryan-College Station as of very late December 2024.

First, Caleb Britt, who joined KBTX Brazos Valley This Morning as a multimedia journalist in October 2021, announced that December 20th was his last day. Britt graduated from Shorter University and interned with WSB Atlanta. 

Incoming are two MMJs who both joined KBTX in December 2024.

Born and raised in Houston, Lillian Kosh graduated from the University of North Texas in December 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Communications. She interned with KBTX.

Dylan Chryst Watkiss graduated from St. Lawrence University, and then then pursued her Master's Degree in Media and Public Relations at Newcastle University in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England.

Jacob Rascon joins KHOU 11 Houston

 

Jacob Rascon is joining KHOU 11 Houston as an on-air morning co-anchor starting April 7, 2025, after leaving ABC13 KTRK from the same position in December 2024. I told you back in December I knew he was staying in Houston and on television. 

RELATED: Lisa Foronda and Jerome Gray reunite on TV!

Surely, KHOU is looking for Rascon to bring a ratings boost to its lagging morning newscast (which has undergone many changes in the last few years) from the number one-rated ABC13 AM news. Speaking of channel 11 changes, I assume more are to come since owner TEGNA has installed new management in the last year.  And then there is the question about the stability of TEGNA at this point anyway. Will it be sold, merged...etc?

This puts Rascon in the same club as his new colleague, Shern-Min Chow, who has also worked for KHOU, KTRK, and KPRC. KHOU morning traffic anchor Jennifer Reyna also worked for KPRC.

Rascon will take over for Ron Treviño, who has been filling in on mornings since Kimberly Davis left.

The station says he will not only anchor but also take "on an active role covering breaking news and compelling stories across Greater Houston."

“What an awesome opportunity and privilege this is,” Rascon said. “I’m so grateful and so proud to join the outstanding KHOU 11 team. I look forward to the work we will do together for the good people in my hometown.”

"Jacob brings the perfect combination of hometown knowledge and world-class journalism experience to our team," said David Loving, KHOU 11 Vice President and General Manager. "His proven track record covering local news and major national stories will be an incredible asset to our audience as we continue to deliver the most comprehensive news coverage in Houston."

Rascon joined ABC13 in January 2022 after anchoring weekend mornings across the street for KPRC 2. His first day at ABC13 coincided with the farewell of his legendary father, Art Rascon, longtime anchor of "Live at Five." The duo made national headlines as they co-anchored the 11 AM newscast together.

At ABC13, Rascon helped launch the "First at 4AM" newscast alongside meteorologist Elita Loresca and co-anchored with Samica Knight and Rita Garcia until 7am.

Before joining KTRK, Rascon worked at KPRC 2 Houston from 2017 to September 2021, where he served as a weekend morning anchor and reporter.

Before his return to his hometown of Houston, Rascon worked as an NBC News correspondent. He previously worked for KNBC 4 Los Angeles.

The Woodlands High School and Brigham Young University graduate started his TV career with KFOX 14 El Paso.

"Jacob is that rare journalist who combines an extensive national and international resume with deep Houston roots," said Kathryn Bonfield, KHOU 11 News Director. "His connection to our community and his world-class reporting experience make him the perfect addition to the KHOU 11 family. We're thrilled to welcome him home."

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Jonathan Bujosa leaves Univision San Antonio

Jonathan Bujosa left his multimedia journalist position with Univision San Antonio 41 KWEX in February 2025 for Noticiero Telemundo 49 Tampa WRMD where he will hold the same position.

“We are excited to welcome Jonathan to our newsroom,” said Meredith Veloz, News Director for Telemundo 49 Tampa. “His passion for storytelling, strong multimedia skills, and dedication to engaging with the community will be a great asset to our team.”

Prior to that, he was News Producer and Journalist at NotiCentro WAPA TV, where he developed coverage plans, led editorial meetings, and helped shape news content.

Bujosa also was part of Telemundo Puerto Rico, where he worked as a Production Assistant for "Jay y sus Rayos X" and as Director of Photography for "Borinqueando". In these roles, he contributed to content development, social media strategies, and audiovisual production.

A native of Puerto Rico, he holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a minor in psychology from the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in political and government communication at George Washington University. 

93Q Houston with DJ Mike Snow - March 23, 1991 - live from Detour

What was happening in Houston on March 23, 1991?  DJ Mike Snow was spinning remixes live from Detour on then Top 40/CHR 93Q KKBQ months before the station transitioned to 92.9 Easy Country. 

It would later target younger country listeners by returning to the 93Q name.

You can listen to the four-hour-plus broadcast above!

Just last week, I interviewed Joe Pogge about his time working with John Lander and the Q-Morning Zoo.

Detour was located at 5164 Richmond Avenue and Sage Road in the Windsor Plaza. I believe it was Cooter's before that. I believe it was Cooter's that Moby once told me he used to broadcast from in his 97 Rock days. 

Mars Madness from Third Rock Radio

Just in time for the season, RFC Media has created a radio special for Third Rock Radio called MARS MADNESS. 

Third Rock puts a unique, out-of-this-world spin on March Madness with Third Rock’s very own Mars Madness – an action-packed, slam dunk of a week featuring the wild and mysterious science of the Red Planet.

Cheer on one of our favorite neighbors in the sky and tune into this special radio event to learn more about Mars and its incredible impact on human history and culture. We’ll also take a deep dive into NASA’s multiple mind-blowing explorations and look at the potential future for humans on the fourth rock from the sun.

Mars Madness lifts off from Third Rock Radio on Monday, March 24, and lands with MARS ROCKS on March 28, a two-hour live broadcast hosted by Third Rock’s Steve Robison, Pam Kelly, and Donna McKenzie.

So climb on board with Third Rock Radio beginning March 24, and join us for The Big Dance. No rocket (or brackets) required. Third Rock streams live 24/7 from the NASA app, NASA.gov, TuneIn and www.ThirdRockRadio.net.

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

How Nightcrawlers Really Make Money

Brianna Willis joins ABC13 Houston

Brianna Willis announced she is leaving her role as an ABC30 Action News KFSN Fresno, California, reporter, and from a now-deleted social media post from a KTRK employee, we learn she is joining ABC13 KTRK Houston. 

"What I’ve learned recently is that you can have a plan, but God has another, and I’m listening to what he has in store for me," Willis posted on her birthday yesterday without mentioning anything about KTRK.  "I’m ready for what this next year and chapter of my life holds. See you next week for my last week on air in Central California, a place I’ve grown to love over the last year and a half."

Willis joined ABC30 Action News in June 2023.

Prior to her role at KFSN, Willis served as a weekend anchor and multimedia journalist (MMJ) for 23ABC KERO in Bakersfield, California.

Willis' journalism journey began at Pepperdine University, where she gained hands-on experience with NewsWaves32, serving as an executive producer, field reporter, and associate producer. She also contributed as a digital editor for Pepperdine Graphic Media.

In addition to her newsroom experience, the Los Angeles native has held various roles in digital media and broadcasting, including internships with Fox News Media, Spectrum News 1 SoCal, and Crown Media Family Networks. 

Another notable move was the recent hire of Mike Carr, ABC13's president and general manager, from KFSN to KTRK.

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River City News launches on KCWX2 San Antonio

San Antonio television is getting a new morning newscast on KCWX2, featuring anchor Atiana San Miguel, starting March 31, 2025.

"River City News" will air weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. KCWX2 promises the new newscasts will be "San Antonio news reimagined," bringing the latest in community news, weather updates, sports highlights, and in-depth coverage. 

The new San Antonio AM newscasts will replace "Pawn Stars" and "The Liquidator" in the 7:00 a.m. hour and "We the People with Judge Lauren Lake" and "Justice for All with Judge Cristina Perez" in the 11:00 a.m. hour.

A MyNetwork TV affiliate, KCWX2, is a Corridor Television-owned station that does not currently air newscasts. 

San Miguel was hired in January 2025 by FOX 7 Austin KTBC to serve as the morning traffic anchor for "Good Day Austin," so she is likely anchoring the new SA newscast remotely from Central Texas.

She arrived in Austin from KAMC Lubbock, where she had been since 2023.

Houstonians may recognize the Texas Tech University and Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA) graduate from her numerous commercials, print ads, and billboards throughout her hometown and beyond, which she has appeared in since she was 7 years old. In 2016, San Miguel even appeared in a Super Bowl commercial.

In Austin, she succeeded Jane Lonsdale, who departed FOX 7 Austin in October 2024.

Kennedi Walker joins Law and Crime network

Kennedi Walker joined Law&Crime in January 2025 as a daily reporter for the network’s primary news channel after leaving CBS News Texas KTVT Dallas - Forth Worth last summer.

Walker spent three years as a reporter at CBS 11 and was named Best Multimedia Journalist by the Texas Association of Broadcasters in 2024 for her work in North Texas.  She also contributed to CBS national news.

Before her time in Texas, Walker reported and anchored for WVLA NBC Local 33 Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 

Walker’s journalism career began at Louisiana State University, where she graduated from the Manship School of Mass Communication. As the first African-American News Director for the university's KLSU 91.1FM on recorded, she hosted "The Kennedi Show" and won multiple awards for her storytelling. 

She also interned at Good Morning America, where she made history as the first intern to host the Facebook live show "GMA Wake Up Call." She also conducted a one-on-one interview with Robin Roberts and worked as an associate producer for the anchor's Rock’n Robin Productions.

For those keeping score, Chris Stewart from Scripps News and Kristin Thorne of WABC 7’s Eyewitness News New York City joined Law&Crime at the same time as Walker.

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Savannah Hale leaves CBS19 KYTX Tyler

Savannah Hale left her weekend weather forecaster and multi-skilled journalist (MSJ) position with CBS19 KYTX Tyler in February 2025.

Here is what Hale posted on social:

"I never imagined all the opportunities I’d get, relationships I’d build, challenges I’d overcome and how much I could grow in just two years. 

I’ve without a doubt been blessed to have ended up on such a great team serving such a great community. Here’s some pictures of my last few days with people I’ll truly miss working with. 

Here’s to the next chapter!"

Hale joined the CBS19 weather team in 2023.

The Baylor University grad interned with KWTX 10 Waco-Temple-Killeen. While at Baylor, Hale was a member of the co-ed cheer team. 

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