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.

Ward died Saturday at the age of 86 after several years battling medical challenges culminated by 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.

“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)

Sarah Spivey named KSAT 12 noon meteorologist

Sarah Spivey announced Tuesday that she has been named KSAT 12 San Antonio’s official weekday noon meteorologist as of December 2025.

Here is what Spivey said on social:

"8 1/2 years ago I started at KSAT by working weekend mornings, and I have been waking up at 2 AM on Saturdays and Sundays ever since. I’ve loved the shift for many reasons, mainly because of the people I’ve been able to work with! Started with Bill Barajas and Stephanie Serna. Loved my time with Max Massey and Sarah Acosta. 

With a baby at home, it’s best for me now to make the switch to weekdays. I’ll miss waking up with you all on the weekends, but I’m looking forward to being on the noon show regularly with Stephanie and Courtney Friedman!"

Friedman moved from the weekend newscast to the noon in April 2025.

Spivey, who for years has worked the weekend morning weather shift, has already become a familiar face on the KSAT noon newscast. On days when she is off during the week, viewers may see meteorologist Shelby Ebertowski or morning meteorologist Justin Horne filling the noon slot.

KSAT has not yet announced who will take over Spivey’s weekend morning duties, though it’s worth noting that meteorologist Elliot Wilson recently joined the KSAT Weather Authority team.

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Spivey, who has been a member of the KSAT 12 Weather Authority Team since 2017, previously sat down with anchor Ernie Zuniga for a May 2025 episode of his Pickup Lines podcast. During the conversation, she shared her deeply personal journey with hearing loss and how KSAT ultimately supported her along the way.

A San Antonio native, Spivey is a graduate of Clark High School and earned her degree from Texas A&M University. She began her broadcasting career at KTEN News in Sherman.

Spivey and her husband, Michael, were married in January 2020 and welcomed their first child in December 2024.

NBC Nightly News to broadcast from Houston Wednesday

UPDATE
WATCH the NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas Houston broadcast

Shara Fryer and Melanie Lawson remember Dave Ward

Former ABC13 KTRK Houston and 740 KTRH news anchor Shara Fryer appeared on Houston Public Media's "Hello Houston," hosted by Frank Billingsley, Ernie Manouse, and Celeste Schurman, to talk about the legacy of her colleague and co-anchor, Dave Ward. 

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

Ward, the longtime anchor at KTRK, died at the age of 86 on Saturday. 

Additionally, after more than four decades at ABC13, longtime anchor Melanie Lawson discusses her upcoming retirement, marking the end of an extraordinary career in local journalism. 

Lawson, who I heard was already scheduled for this day, also shared her thoughts on working with Ward.

A future programming note, Wednesday night from 6 to 7pm, ABC13 will air a special in honor of Ward.

Wednesday, December 17 (Lying in Repose)
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Dave Ward building at the Crime Stoppers Houston building
Address: 3001 Main Street

Thursday, December 18 (Public Visitation)
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: George H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors
Address: 1010 Bering Drive

Friday, December 19 (Funeral Service)
Event: Funeral service, open to the public
Time: 12pm 
Location: St. Martin's Episcopal Church
Address: 717 Sage Road

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

"ABC World News Tonight with David Muir" honored Dave Ward Monday night with a segment following his death on Saturday.  WATCH ABOVE

- Shara Fryer and Melanie Lawson remember Dave Ward

I hear there could be a segment for Ward on the Tuesday edition of "Good Morning America."

Wednesday night from 6 to 7pm, ABC13 will air a special devoted to Ward.

Channel 13 will also carry Ward's Friday afternoon funeral on television and streaming.

Wednesday, December 17 (Lying in Repose)
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Dave Ward building at the Crime Stoppers Houston building
Address: 3001 Main Street

Thursday, December 18 (Public Visitation)
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: George H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors
Address: 1010 Bering Drive

Friday, December 19 (Funeral Service)
Event: Funeral service, open to the public
Time: 12pm 
Location: St. Martin's Episcopal Church
Address: 717 Sage Road