Collin Myers debuts on WFAA 8 DFW

My old meteorologist Collin Myers blog posts started shooting up the charts today as Dallas-Fort Worth television viewers saw him on WFAA 8's Saturday morning newscast.

Myers previously worked for the CBS Station innovation lab in DFW on the syndicated CBS 'NOW,' with current KHOU 11 weekend morning anchor Trason Bragg, which shut down a few years ago. He has also filled in on CBS News Texas.

He was a popular Houston TV fixture, working for four years at ABC13 KTRK, followed by FOX 26 KRIV.

Before Houston, Myers worked for CBS Austin KEYE.

The University of Oklahoma grad began his career with WIBW 13 in Topeka, Kansas.  He interned at KOCO 5 in Oklahoma City.

- Collin Myers to be contestant on 'Millionaire'

Dave Ward's funeral service was a touching tribute to a Houston icon

ABC13 Houston KTRK Anchor Emeritus Dave Ward was laid to rest today, starting with his funeral service at St. Martin's Episcopal Church on Sage. 

Ward, 86, died Saturday evening after several years battling medical challenges culminating in a bout of pneumonia.

I was asked to be an honorary pallbearer for the service, which meant a lot to me.

Many in the crowd felt this day marked the end of an era for television news, but even amid the sadness, the palpable celebration of a man who had impacted Houston in so many ways was evident.

The touching ceremony began with biblical readings from his stepdaughters, Rachelle Rowe and Corey Flores, with an additional reading from his granddaughter, Sarah Heatley.

Three emotional eulogies were offered by friends of Ward's who all saw a different side of the iconic Houston journalist: Dave Strickland, his former producer and eventual news director; Jim McGrath, his biography's co-author; and restaurant magnate, Houston Rockets owner, and current United States Ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta.

A surprise recording Ward made a year ago played through the church's speakers as the anchor's last goodbye. Hearing that familiar booming voice echo through the sanctuary was as close to an in-person goodbye as attendees could get.

The white gloved pallbearers were Dr. Mohammed Attar, Jim McGrath, Jeff Bagwell, Jim McInvale, Gary Becker, Dan Pastorini, Anthony Buzbee, Dave Strickland, Tilman Fertitta, and Houston Mayor John Whitmire.

Honorary pallbearers included Tom Abrahams, Ted Oberg, Mike McGuff, Elvin Bethea, John Mubarak, Wayne Dolcefino, Don Nelson, Tony Gracely, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Tim Heller, Dr. Tom Sawyer, Bob Jackson, Justin Sternberg, Don Kobos, Bob Slovak, and Tom Koch. 

The Rev. Dane E. Boston and The Rev. Lisa R. Neilson oversaw the funeral.

The funeral was aired live on Channel 13 and live-streamed on ABC13+. You can watch the service with the additional KTRK coverage here.

- Dave Ward honored at ABC13 and Crime Stoppers

Karys Belger joins FOX 26 Houston

Karys Belger joins FOX 26 Houston as a reporter in December 2025.

Here is what Belger posted on social:

"If you care to find me… look to the western sky. 

I’m so excited to share that I’ve joined the team at FOX26 in Houston, Texas!

I love this work and cannot wait to see what The Space City has in store for me!"

Belger comes to Houston from 11Alive WXIA in Atlanta, where she shot, wrote, and edited all her own stories as a multi-skilled journalist for 11Alive Morning News.

Her career also includes MSJ roles at WGRZ 2 Buffalo and FOX 4 WFTX Southwest Florida, along with political reporting experience on Capitol Hill through Medill’s Washington Program.

A native of Washington, D.C., Belger grew up in a household of news enthusiasts. 

She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Spelman College and a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School.

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(Thanks Taylor)

Haley Hernandez is author of School Makes You Super

Haley Hernandez is the KPRC 2 health reporter, but she can add a new title to her resume...author of School Makes You Super!

The mother of two boys was inspired to write her upcoming book for her son. It is published by Greenleaf Book Group Press and is geared toward 3- to 5-year-olds.

According to its description, School Makes You Super is meant to prepare and excite young heroes about going to school. With a wonderful message that hopes to inspire and empower new students, this book is a source of encouragement and positivity for kids beginning their schooling journey. It illustrates the potential that awaits them in this big life transition. 

Hernandez was kind enough to answer some of my questions about her new book, which will be released on January 13, 2026. But on Amazon, you can pre-order it now.

Mike McGuff:  Tell us about "School Makes You Super" and what was the inspiration behind writing it?

Haley Hernandez:  I wrote this book for my son. He struggles with transitions, and when he was first heading off to school, it was a little bit difficult to convince him why it was so important to go. There's lots of books out there that explain how to go to school for the first time: you pack a lunch, you ride a bus, and you meet new friends. But I couldn't find something on why they needed to go and discover skills that they wouldn't otherwise learn without an education. So, I decided to create my own book!

MM: As a medical reporter, you have to translate complex science into 'plain English.' Do you find that writing for children requires a similar type of translation or simplification?

HH: Yes, I'd say one of my strongest skills is explaining complicated subjects in ways that are easy to understand, and it's very similar when trying to explain to kids why something is important. A lot of things that seem matter-of-fact to adults (like why you go to school) are foreign concepts to a kid. We underestimate how overwhelming that transition is; they have to leave their guardians, their safe spac,e and stay somewhere for longer than many of them have ever had to stay before. There can be new sounds, smells, routines, and strangers. We often forget to explain the "why" when emphasizing the importance of going to school. The truth is, their superpowers have yet to be discovered and it's going to take years of schooling to find out what those are, and that's a journey that begins as a child and have to chart on your own. 

MM: In TV, you’re always thinking about the 'visuals' for a segment. How did that influence how you collaborated with your book's illustrator?

HH: The illustrations were some of the first things I was dreaming up when I wrote the book. I was thinking about how my son loved building with Magnatiles. I thought, I wish there was a book that could show a little boy building with toys and how that manifests his future into being an architect. Then that led me to thinking about how playing doctor might mean a child has a true skill to save lives one day, and the ideas just kept coming from there, thinking about all these natural skills we are born with that really get fine-tuned with an education. I worked closely with the illustrator on my vision for every single page and Tammie Lyon really did something extraordinary in bringing my book to life. I'm thrilled with how they turned out!

MM: In the news, you can’t make things up. Was it liberating or challenging to suddenly have the freedom to write a fictional story?

HH: Yes, the book definitely shows my playful side. You'll be able to see how I talk to my kids! But in some ways it was still kind of similar to reporting, right, because I had this factual objective of wanting kids to be inspired to go to school but I had to write it a language they can understand.

MM: Reporting on health can be heavy, especially in a major city. Does writing children's stories serve as a form of 'self-care' or emotional processing for you?

HH: I never thought of it that way, but you're right that it's been one of the happiest times of my life getting to have this side hobby of working with the publisher and illustrator to write for children. Now that I think about it, yes, working in news can bring a heaviness to it and getting to go home and talk about superheroes did bring me a lot of joy. I guess for that, I'm thankful to get my book out into the world for many reasons.

School Makes You Super is available via Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

I will have to add the new book to my Texas TV, radio and media holiday gifts guide.

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Dave Ward honored at ABC13 and Crime Stoppers

Before his body lay in repose at the Crime Stoppers of Houston headquarters named in his honor, Dave Ward's hearse took the legendary anchor to the studios of ABC13 Houston KTRK on Wednesday morning, his home for five decades, for the last time.

- Watch Ward's funeral service
- Shara Fryer and Melanie Lawson remember Dave Ward

Ward died Saturday at the age of 86 after several years battling medical challenges culminating in a bout of pneumonia.

"We have been deeply moved by the outpouring of support, kind words, and heartfelt tributes from so many of you," KTRK posted to social media.  "Your messages have reminded us of the impact Dave had on countless lives, both within and beyond our organization."

His former ABC13 colleagues were able to pay their respects at the station.

Houston Chronicle reporters Michael Garcia and Elizabeth Conley wrote of Ward's time at the Crime Stoppers of Houston Dave Ward Building, "Ward's signature cowboy hat and a belt buckle bearing the ABC13 logo rested on top of his casket, with his cowboy boots sitting nearby. The casket was flanked by two containers filled with examples of Ward's work throughout his lengthy career, and a wall display showed more highlights and memories."

“The greatest thing about Dave is he loved everybody and saw everybody equally,” Ward's stepdaughter, Rachelle Rowe, told the Houston Chronicle. “He could talk with presidents and people of all walks of life...he really was the everyman."

- Dave Ward honored on "ABC World News Tonight with David Muir"

Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Ward's public visitation will be held at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors on 1010 Bering Drive.

His funeral, which is open to the public, will take place at noon on Friday at St. Martin's Episcopal Church.

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Tom Llamas broadcasts from Houston for NBC Nightly News

Tom Llamas, the new NBC Nightly News anchor, broadcast the network's newscast from Houston on Wednesday evening. Above is the full newscast in case you missed it.

- Tom Llamas on carrying the legacy of 'NBC Nightly News'

It's a part of a tour around the country for Llamas.

But before Llamas appeared on NBC's national airwaves, he sat down with a former ABC correspondent and now KPRC 2 evening anchor, Keith Garvin, for a round of questions.

- Dave Ward honored on "ABC World News Tonight with David Muir"

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Houston Media Roundtable December 2025

The legendary Houston Media Roundtable returned in December 2025 after a few years' absence. 

Phil Archer, Wayne Dolcefino, Robert Eckels, and Bob Martin organized the Christmas luncheon at Molina’s on Bellaire on December 16, 2025.

As the official media blogger for Houston, I was honored to snap a few photos.  Special thanks to Ceci Twachtman for letting me use her phone photos when I had to step out for a bit.

It was a reunion of KPRC 2, KHOU 11, ABC13 KTRK, FOX 26 KRIV, and WB39 KHWB staffers, as well as 740 KTRH staffers (some of whom had worked at several of the above stations).

In attendance in no particular order were Deborah Wrigley, Mary Benton, Ford Atkinson, Bill Sadler, Bill King, Margaret O'Brien-Nelson, Shara Fryer, Fran Fawcett, Annise Parker, Patti Knudson Joiner, Bob Borocoff, Mike McGuff, Amy Davis, Pat Lykos, Ceci Twachtman, Janice Evans-Davis, Dan Cogdell, Tom Koch, Andy Williams, Chris Tritico, Joe Nolan, Doug Miller, and Diana Sanders.

In light of Dave Ward's death, the previously scheduled lunch became an event honoring the legendary Houston anchor.

The last time the Roundtable reconvened was for the retirement party for Phil Archer, Deborah Wrigley, and Tom Koch in 2022.

Stephania Jimenez joins KPRC 2 from KSAT12

Stephania Jimenez is joining KPRC 2 Houston as the station’s weekday 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. evening co-anchor with Keith Garvin, effective January 19, 2026.

Her last day with KSAT12 San Antonio will be January 9th.

“Houston is a city with energy, heart, and incredible stories,” Jimenez said. “I’m honored to join the KPRC 2 team and continue doing the kind of journalism that serves people, asks the questions they’re asking at home, and reflects the communities we live in.”

Jimenez replaces Daniella Guzman, who recently moved into a morning co-anchor role with Sofia Ojeda following Owen Conflenti’s departure in October.

She comes to KPRC 2 from KSAT 12 San Antonio, a fellow Graham Media Group station, where she anchored the station’s flagship Nightbeat newscast and became one of South Texas’ most trusted and recognizable news voices. Known for her calm authority, clarity in breaking news, and strong connection to the community, Jimenez has built a reputation for focusing on issues most important to viewers while holding leaders accountable and centering the people most affected.

“Stephania is the kind of journalist viewers immediately trust,” said Ana Lastra, News Director at KPRC 2. “She brings credibility, warmth, and a deep respect for the audience, and she isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions on their behalf. Her experience leading major newscasts, combined with her connection to diverse communities, makes her a perfect fit for Houston and for the future of KPRC 2 News.”

Jimenez joined the KSAT Nightbeat anchor team in September 2021 from NBC10 Philadelphia WCAU. She was hired at WCAU in July 2018, working as a weekend morning anchor and reporter.

Her previous experience also includes serving as an evening news anchor at KRIS 6 News in Corpus Christi and as an investigative and consumer reporter and anchor at NBC Connecticut (WVIT). Jimenez began her on-air broadcast career in Texas at KTSM 9/KDBC in El Paso.

Former KPRC anchor Dan O'Rourke, who worked with Jimenez in El Paso, says she is a great coworker and a serious-minded journalist.

A Syracuse University graduate, Jimenez started her journalism career behind the scenes as a producer and writer at Fox News Radio in New York City before transitioning into on-air roles.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Jimenez is bilingual in English and Spanish, allowing her to connect authentically with a wide range of audiences.

Stephen Goin joins Gray Media as a Washington correspondent

Stephen Goin is joining Gray Media as a Washington correspondent in December 2025, following two years as a reporter at KHOU 11 in Houston.

"When I started my reporting career, I always hoped I’d have the opportunity to return to my hometown market," Goin told mikemcguff.com. "So I’m grateful I was able to do that at KHOU 11, where I learned from some of the best journalists and had the privilege of serving my community every day. Now, I’m excited to take on a new challenge in Washington, D.C., covering national issues and helping people understand how it all impacts them."

In his new role, Goin will cover Congress, the White House, and the U.S. Supreme Court, delivering national political and legal reporting to Gray’s 113 local television markets nationwide.

Goin joined KHOU in 2023, marking a return to Texas. He grew up in Kingwood and later lived in Livingston. During his time at Channel 11, he covered city government, criminal justice, and community issues, and earned an Emmy nomination for his reporting on extreme weather in Texas.

Prior to KHOU, Goin worked as a multimedia journalist for FOX News, traveling across the country to cover breaking news for FOX affiliate stations, FOX Weather, and Fox News Channel. His earlier career stops include WAVE 3 News in Louisville, Kentucky, and MSNBC, where he served as a communications coordinator, managing the network’s PR Twitter account and acting as the primary media monitor for the cable news division.

Goin is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Government. He also holds a master’s degree in Strategic Communication from Columbia University in New York.

Shannon Ryan just joined Spectrum News as a Washington, D.C. reporter after leaving ABC13 Houston KTRK in November 2025.

Tim Hinson named president-GM of CBS Texas KTVT DFW

 

DALLAS – Dec. 17, 2025 – CBS Stations has named Tim Hinson as the new president and general manager of CBS Texas, overseeing CBS News Texas and all local news operations in Dallas-Fort Worth. He will report to Jennifer Mitchell, president of CBS Stations and CBS News and Stations Digital.   

Hinson, a Texas native, brings more than two decades of leadership experience in broadcast technology, news operations, strategic innovation and content development. Most recently, he served as vice president of technology for KTRK in Houston, and led streaming operations for ABC Owned Television Stations, including transformative initiatives in AI, FAST channel development and cloud-based production systems. In addition to his technical leadership, Hinson chaired KTRK’s news operations committee, served on the news strategy team and assisted with synergy initiatives between local stations and the ABC network to foster collaborative storytelling and improved operational alignment. 

“Tim is a visionary leader with a rare blend of technical expertise and strategic insight,” said Mitchell. “At CBS Stations, we are committed to integrating emerging technologies to better serve our viewers and deliver critical stories across our markets. Tim’s technical background, coupled with his experience leading high-performing teams, makes him the ideal leader to guide CBS Texas into its next chapter.”  

Hinson’s track record includes launching 19 FAST channels, leading a master control transition and implementing AI captioning across multiple stations – efforts that have enhanced the viewer experience while prioritizing operational efficiency.  

“Local journalism is more important than ever, and I’m honored to join CBS Texas to help deliver the stories that matter most to the Dallas-Fort Worth community,” said Hinson. “I look forward to using my experience in technical operations and news leadership to innovate how we deliver the news, while honoring the station’s tradition of impactful storytelling.” 

Hinson’s career also includes leadership roles at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where he managed live television operations for the International Space Station. Hinson holds an MBA from LeTourneau University and dual bachelor’s degrees from the University of Texas at Austin. He recently completed the Strategic AI Certification Program at Houston Christian University and serves on its advisory council.  

(Taken from a release sent to me by CBS)