Shel Winkley to leave KBTX News 3 Bryan-College Station

Shel Winkley announced he is leaving his KBTX News 3 Bryan-College Station chief meteorologist in April of 2024.

Here is what Winkley posted on Facebook: 

"After almost 15 wonderful, exceptional years at KBTX, my last day on-air in the Brazos Valley is April 25th.

From my intern days while at Texas A&M, to walking back in as an employee in 2009, to gaining your trust to lead the PinPoint Weather Team since 2013, this really has been a dream job that I honestly never imagined stepping away from. Know that it had to be an incredible opportunity to further the science of weather and climate that would take me out of your TV. This opportunity is exactly that.

I have grown so much both professionally and personally in my time at KBTX. I cannot say thank you enough for allowing me to earn your trust to cover the storms, hurricanes, historic temperatures, impacts of a changing climate, and just the day-to-day weather of Central and Southeast Texas. But also thank you for the conversations, the questions, and most importantly the support and friendships you have gifted me over this decade and a half.

We can talk about this new chapter and the work I will be doing at another time – but the good news is that I get to do it from right here in Bryan-College Station. While we may not see each other inside of an app or on-air anymore, please do say hello if you see me around town. 

My success as a meteorologist has come entirely from you. So sincerely…thank you, Brazos Valley."

Winkley joined KBTX in 2009 as its morning meteorologist.  He was promoted to chief meteorologist in August 2013.

"Going to miss working with this guy," morning anchor Karla Castillo posted.  "He’s so talented and passionate for what he does. Most importantly, he’s a wonderful dude and amazing friend."

He started his TV news career with KFDA NewsChannel 10 Amarillo as a weekend meteorologist and storm chaser.

The Texas A&M University grad interned with KBTX.  According to his LinkedIn, Winkley has been a meteorologist liaison with A&M since 2014 and a visiting lecturer since 2013.

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Farrah Walton leaves KTXS 12 Abilene

Farrah Walton is signing off KTXS News 12 Abilene as weeknight co-anchor. 

"It is very bittersweet for me to announce this is my final week at KTXS News," Walton posted on social media. "For the last almost three years, I have had the honor of being one of your news anchors and the privilege of telling your stories.  Thank you for welcoming me into your homes every evening and for making Abilene a home for me."

Walton was promoted to weeknights from weekend anchor in April 2022.

She joined KTX in July 2021.

The Pasadena, California native graduated from San Francisco State University.

Dave Ward presents award at Crime Stoppers Annual Houston’s Heroes Awards Luncheon

(Photo Credit: Quy Tran Photography)

The Crime Stoppers of Houston's annual Houston’s Heroes Awards Luncheon took place April 3, 2024, at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. 

Former ABC13 KTRK anchor Dave Ward presented his media award, and Deborah Duncan, host of KHOU Great Day Houston, served as the mistress of ceremonies with other media figures also earning honors.

The event recognizes outstanding community members whose remarkable efforts have significantly contributed to public safety.

The luncheon concluded with a poignant award presentation by Ward, who presented his Dave Ward Excellence in Media Award to Kim Nordt-Jackson, ABC13 Vice President of Programming and Community. This recognition highlighted her exceptional contributions to media and community endeavors.

(Photo Credit: Quy Tran Photography)

The following individuals were also honored:

The Johnny Klevenhagen Award – Larry Baimbridge, Spring Branch ISD Police Chief: Chief Baimbridge was recognized for his significant impact throughout his career in law enforcement. After serving 31 years at Houston Police Department, Larry Baimbridge now serves as the Chief of Police for the Spring Branch Independent School District where he works diligently to keep over 35,000 students in SBISD, as well as the faculty, families, and other officers safe. In creating solutions, he has called upon community partners, including Crime Stoppers of Houston Safe School Institute, to bring additional assets and tools to SBISD. His goal to keep all campuses safe and secure has been felt by all.

The Fenner Weller Award – Robert Arnold, KPRC CH 2: Robert was recognized for his significant contributions as an investigative reporter for over 24 years who has investigated everything from corruption to terrorism, to major storms, to gang violence, to our criminal justice system, to immigration and our southern border with Mexico. Over the years, Robert has worked closely with the Crime Stoppers’ team on countless cases and stories and with victims who need to tell their story or are in search of justice.

The Leiv Platou Award – Griselda Castillo, Grizzy Hood News: Known as Grizzy from “Grizzy’s Hood News” is a Houston native doing enormous things. After falling into the wrong crowd, circumstance took her though the criminal justice system in 2003 and eventually led her to serving a prison sentence. Coming from a great home and a wonderful community, she decided to focus her efforts on volunteering in a way that brought justice to crime victims and uncovered criminal activity. “Grizzy’s Hood News” was born in 2019 and comprised of Grizzy simply showing – literally everywhere as criminal activity was breaking. Today, her “Hood News” platform’s philosophy is for the community to “love one another”, bring unbiased coverage on pressing issues to the community and engage her massive following for solutions and good.

The Corporate Citizen Award – Aramco Americas: Recognized for their philanthropic commitment and support of many community causes. Through their corporate citizen program, they partner with others to enhance STEM education, the environment, and vital social needs. Their spirit of service extends to each employee who shows up willing to volunteer and serve. Crime Stoppers has seen this firsthand through this Houston Heroes luncheon but also through Aramco’s commitment to expand the reach of the Crime Stoppers Safe School Institute. Ultimately, the reach of Aramco goes beyond what any of us can fathom and we remain deeply thankful for their culture, their values, their service, and commitment to Houston.

The Safe School Award – Wendy Dawson – CEO Spectrum Linx, Michelle Heinz – Crime Stoppers of Houston Board Member and Colleen “Coach” Russo – ED The HUB Houston:

As parents and teachers, Wendy, Michelle and Colleen “Coach”, have made an incredibly significant contribution to keeping all kids, now including neurodiverse students, safe in all situations. The three came to Crime Stoppers of Houston last year with a dream and a plan and because of them, the NEEDS Program was created. With a mission to champion the safety, well-being, and empowerment of the neurodiverse community, they brought issues, solutions and a powerful team behind them. Of course, their passion comes from their heart as mothers and teachers.   

The Women Who Shape Houston Award – Joy Sewing, Houston Chronicle: Recognized for her incredible contributions throughout her career in journalism. Joy has served as Houston Chronicle’s culture columnist and fashion editor, interviewing everyone from Oscar de la Renta to Beyonce. Named Houston Chronicle’s First Black Woman News Columnist, her focus is to cover social justice issues who has a long-standing relationship with many charities including Crime Stoppers of Houston.

Partner of the Year Award – Astoundz: Steve Winter and Leisa Holland-Nelson were recognized for their dedication, commitment, and significant contributions to our city and communities. They have helped Crime Stoppers shape their web and digital footprint to better serve and reach our community with the latest safety information, news, free programming, events and more that regularly come out of the organization. Two years ago, they stepped up to help Crime Stoppers create a website for The Glenda Gordy Research Center to provide Houstonians a user-friendly hub for real time crime analysis. 

“Such a special event honoring some of Houston’s finest! This year’s honorees were truly a reflection of the many men, women and institutions who share a common goal to make Houston the best place to live, work and play. We were thrilled to honor all of the Houston Hero honorees and look forward to continuing to work together," Crime Stoppers CEO Rania Mankarious said. "It was also absolutely moving to see so many familiar faces in the room as well as an array of Houston City Council Members, Harris County Commissioners, Harris County Judges, the Harris County District Attorney, Chief of Police and others in attendance."

Notable guests include Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg; Harris County Commissioners Leslie Briones and Tom Ramsey; Harris County Judge Erika Ramirez, Harris County Constable Alan Rose, Houston City Council Members Twila Carter, Mario Castillo, Mary Nan Huffman, Amy Peck, Julian Ramirez; Houston Police Department Chief Troy Finner, Assistant Chief Adrian Rodriguez, and Commander Jim Dale; Katy Police Chief Noe Diaz, Houston Independent School District Chief of Police Shamara Garner, and command staff of Texas Rangers.

Among supporters were Crime Stoppers Chairman Lindsay Aronstein, Jim McIngvale ‘Mattress Mack’, Laura Ward, Ilona Carson, Barnet Gershen, Sam Gershen, Amy Leibman, Brenda Love, Genny McIntyre, Melanie Meeks, Maria Moncada Alaoui, Mayte Weitzman, Tena Lundquist Faust, Tama Lundquist, Larry and Linda Levy, Cora Robinson, Patricia Ritter, Ricardo Nazario, Wendy Baimbridge and many more.

www.crime-stoppers.org

Sara Donchey saved by Brock Purdy?

Sara Donchey leads a life filled with adventure, and now, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy claims to have rescued the CBS News Bay Area KPIX anchor from a perilous situation!

"We're shooting this commercial on a hill on the outside of the city," Purdy said on The Pat McAfee Show. "I see this thing trotting by that has a big tail. I was like, 'That looks like a mini wolf.' No one else was gonna scream, so I screamed, 'Yo, there's a coyote!' That thing went running off. It could've been an ugly day on the shoot, but we saved her (referencing Donchey)."

Donchey featured the commercial shoot on a newscast in February (watch below). 

"I was walking my dog when this happened," Donchey said on-air. "I was watching from Bernal Heights Park when I suddenly heard Brock scream, 'Coyote!' I turned around and saw the biggest coyote I've ever seen sneaking up behind me and my dog. ... When I walked down the hill, one of the film crew guys said, 'Hey, Brock Purdy saved your life.' Not exactly, but it's a good story to tell next season."

This isn't the first time the news anchor was near danger.

She was working for KPRC 2 Houston while in Hawaii during an errant missile strike warning. Later, as an anchor for KCAL9 Los Angeles, Donchey was live on the air during a 7.1-magnitude earthquake.

Donchey left KPRC 2 in 2018, but still has love for H-Town.

Ashley Paredez starts at FOXSA 29 Puro San Antonio

Ashley Paredez is now on-air with FOXSA 29 Puro San Antonio. Evening co-anchor Ryan Wolf and chief meteorologist Alex Garcia kicked off her arrival with an interview.

As I wrote in March, Paredez is returning to her hometown roots and stepping into anchor FOX News at Nine on KABB San Antonio.

A native of San Antonio, Paredez will take over the anchor position previously held by Camilla Rambaldi, who bid farewell to FOXSA 29 Puro San Antonio in January 2024.

Paredez has been a nightside news reporter at ABC 15 KNXV Phoenix since December 2020. Before her stint in Phoenix, she was a familiar face to viewers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area as a morning reporter for FOX 4 KDFW's "Good Day" morning newscast from 2018 to 2020.

Before her time in the DFW Metroplex, Paredez worked as the weekend evening anchor for FOX 7 KTBC Austin. Her journey in Texas media began in Amarillo, where she worked as a morning anchor, reporter, and executive producer for KFDA NewsChannel 10.

Paradez has family in San Antonio, Boerne and Helotes.

And like Rambaldi, Paredez will also anchor the 6pm and 11pm news for sister station WXLV ABC 45 Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Texas 2024 NAB Crystal Radio Award Winners including one from Houston

93Q Country KKBQ Houston was one of 10 winners of the 37th annual NAB Crystal Radio Awards held by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB).

"I'm unbelievably proud right now," Travis Moon, Radio-One Houston Director of Operations, told mikemcguff.com. "Our community in Houston deserves our local best every day. I'm blessed with a fantastic team that lives this focus 24/7."

Another honoree from Texas is Candy 95 KNDE College Station. This was Candy 95’s 9th time as a finalist, with wins in 2012, 2016, and 2019.

Winners were announced at the 2024 NAB Show in Las Vegas and were chosen from 50 previously announced finalists.

The NAB Crystal Radio Awards have recognized radio stations' exceptional year-round commitment to community service since 1987. 

To see a complete list of winners, click here.

Gloria Walker leaves 12News KBMT Beaumont

Gloria Walker signed off 12News KBMT Beaumont as a reporter/fill-in anchor on April 5, 2024, and, according to the station, is apparently continuing in TV news.

"Even though I shed lots of tears yesterday, I am so proud of all my progress," Walker posted on Instagram. "I am thankful for all the wonderful journalists whose paths I have crossed with. And I have a feeling this is just the beginning."

Will we see Walker at another Texas TEGNA station? 

Walker joined the 12News team in November 2021.

The University of Houston grad, who was also raised in Houston, previously worked with the Astros as an "Astros Pre-Game Show" host.  She also worked in promotions for 104.1 KRBE.

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Verne Lundquist stories from CBS to WFAA as he retires

Brad Sham, "Voice of the Cowboys," shares insights on the retirement of the esteemed sports broadcaster Verne Lundquist with 365 Sports. 

Sham delves into Lundquist's profound impact on the broadcasting realm, analyzes his distinctive style as a play-by-play commentator, and further explores the CBS sportscaster's legacy.

A Texas broadcasting legend, Lundquist started as a KTBC 7 Austin weekend sports anchor in the Lone Star State. 

He then spent a little time as a news anchor for WOAI San Antonio and, most famously, was the sports director for WFAA 8 Dallas-Fort Worth before leaving for ABC Sports.

Houston gets recent network TV attention

Texas broadcasters are winning awards!

2024 TBNA Winners

Broadcasters from all over Texas came to Austin on Saturday, April 13, 2024, to celebrate the Texas Association of Broadcasters' Third Annual Texas Broadcast News Awards winners.

Announcing the 2023 IRE Award winners & finalists

Texas winners are among those selected from more than 450 entries announced in April 2024.

Texas winners of the 2024 Gracie Awards

The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation honors women across television, radio and digital media.

Austin Alliance for Women in Media Foundation

Trailblazer & Awards of Excellence 2024 Enchanted Garden Gala, took place Thursday, April 11. 2024, at the Archer Hotel in The Domain.

SPJFW First Amendment Awards banquet honors past, present and future professional journalists.

The Fort Worth chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists hosted its 21st SPJ-FW First Amendment Awards and Scholarship banquet in the Texas Ranger’s Golf Club.