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101 KLOL documentary Runaway Radio Houston screening
WATCH: Mike McGuff's "Runaway Radio" 101 KLOL documentary - now streaming!

Friday, March 29, 2024

Colin Deaver leaves KTSM 9 El Paso


Colin Deaver left his KTSM 9 El Paso sports director role on March 26, 2024. 

"Rarely have I ever felt as overwhelmed with love as I have the last few weeks," Deaver posted.  "It has been the honor of my life to be the Sports Director at KTSM. Thank you so much to my friends, family and coworkers, especially Andy Morgan KTSM and everyone who was a part of this beautiful send-off for me last night. It’s far more than I deserve. Thank you, El Paso, for allowing me to mean just a little bit to a place that has meant the absolute world to me."

Deaver joined KTSM 9 in May 2018 as the weekend sports anchor/reporter. In 2022, he became the sports director. 

He worked for KAGS College Station from 2015 to 2016 as a sports anchor/reporter and then as the sports director.

Deaver got his first full-time broadcasting job as a weekday sports anchor/reporter for KSWO 7 Lawton, Oklahoma. Before that, the University of Oregon grad worked as a part-time sports videographer/reporter for KMTR NewSource 16 Eugene, Oregon, while he was in school. 








Thursday, March 28, 2024

Lauren Freeman talks Christian parenting with Keith and Lisa Garvin


Former KPRC 2 anchor Lauren Freeman worked with co-anchor Keith Garvin , and they have remained friends after Freeman left Channel 2 in 2022. 

Now, the former news team reunites on Freeman's video podcast to share their professional and personal experiences with raising children in today’s world.

Garvin was Freeman's co-anchor for years, and she writes they chatted daily about life, raising children, the world, and Christianity. 

Freeman watched courtside as Garvin and his wife Lisa raised their four daughters. As a result, Freeman turns to Garvin for parenting advice. 

Garvin has recently completed his master's in cultural apologetics. He is now pursuing his doctorate in ministry while continuing to anchor the evening news with Daniella Guzman.

One addition to this post, Garvin recently added to the family with a son-in-law!






Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Anita Martini, the first female TV sports anchor in the US


Anita Martini is a true pioneer in Houston sports broadcasting and is still remembered after her death in July 1993.

For Women’s History Month, KPRC 2 looked back at how the station hired Martini in the early 1970s as the first female sports anchor in the United States.

Her groundbreaking achievements continued as Martini became the first woman to cover a Major League Baseball All-Star Game in 1973.  

A year later, in 1974, she was the first female broadcaster granted access to a sports locker room when Los Angeles Dodgers manager Walter Alston allowed her in the team's clubhouse following a victory over the Astros in the Astrodome.

Martini had learned to be strong as a child in Galveston.  According to a previous blog post, Martini immersed herself in baseball, following the New York Yankees on the radio due to asthma complications that kept her bedridden during her early years.

According to the New York Times, that love of radio led Martini to begin her broadcasting career with 740 KTRH (the eventual sister station to 101 KLOL) in the 1960s. 

After her time with Channel 2, Martini worked for stations such as KHTV 39 (now CW39 KIAH) and KRIV 26. 

She returned to radio at 790 KULF and 950 KPRC, hosting popular sports radio talk shows into the early 90s.

A brain tumor diagnosis in 1989 couldn't stop Martini from broadcasting in her hospital bed, but unfortunately eventually took her life in 1993 at the age of 54. 

Martini was posthumously inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame in 2015.

On October 13, 2017, the K-TOR radio studio at Ball High School was renamed "The Anita Martini K-TOR Studio."





Houston media in-person events for you to do!


Here are some in person, real-life events concerning Houston media!

Tonight at 7pm, the Texas Archive of the Moving Image (TAMI) is holding a special screening of "Tonight at 7" Houston Television From The Archive at the Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston: MATCH.


FREE TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE


The non-profit TAMI created what it promises is a captivating and amusing showcase of Space City television highlights from 1961 to 2004. This exclusive program presents content from TAMI's extensive KPRC 2 and KHOU 11 collections.

This screening features footage contributed by KPRC-TV, Austin History Center, Houston History Research Center at the Houston Public Library, Travis Boles, Steve Candelari, Paul and Elizabeth Nelson, Lois Perucca, Kenny Ryman, and Larry Weidman


"Runaway Radio" 101 KLOL documentary screenings start this Friday around the Houston-area


What kind of blogger would I be if I wasn't hyping my stuff?  Yes, my new documentary, "Runaway Radio," the long-awaited 101 KLOL story, will start playing this Friday, March 29th, through April 3rd at select Star Cinema Grill locations.

We kick things off with a live Q&A Friday and Saturday night (see below).

You can catch regular screenings at Star Cinema Grill theaters in Baybrook, Richmond and Springwoods starting March 29th through April 3rd. BUY TICKETS HERE



Friday 3/29
Baybrook 

702 Baybrook Mall
Friendswood, TX 77546 

The show starts at 6:30 p.m., and then there will be a Q&A with Lanny Griffith, Pat Fant, Doug Harris, and director Mike McGuff.

BUY TICKETS


Saturday 3/30
Richmond 

22125 FM 1093
Richmond, TX 77407 

The show starts at 6:30pm with a Q&A to follow with David Sadof, Pat Fant and director Mike McGuff.

BUY TICKETS






Former Houston TV journalists thriving in post-media life

Taisha Walker, Foti Kallergis, Ilona Carson (courtesy Comcast)



In recent years, I've received many questions about TV news and just as many about what to do after leaving the ever-changing industry.

TV news is a unique world full of quick deadlines and adrenaline rushes.  While the latter might not be as potent in the corporate world (that's what energy drinks are for, I guess), skills learned while in the news trenches can continue helping journalists make a living in a post-broadcast life. 

Today, we look at some Houston anchors and reporters who successfully left the television news world and are using the many skills they have learned in their new careers. 

In the case of Comcast Houston, the public relations office is comprised of familiar abc13 KTRK and KPRC 2 faces. 

Instead of working sources, these former journalists are now the sources for news departments as media relations for the cable and internet provider.  Breaking news for them is now managing it in a crisis communications role. Writing stories now comes as a press release to help the company's public relations and external communications across Texas.

As for social media, that might be the same for both journalists and PR pros...I'm guessing a burden.  

Foti Kallergis joined ABC13 KTRK in September 2013 as a reporter/fill-in anchor. The four-time Emmy Award and 13-time Texas Associated Press Broadcasters Award winner started his TV journalism career in 2005, working for KFDM 6 Beaumont and then Austin stations KVUE 24 and FOX 7 KTBC.  

When the University of Houston grad left Channel 13 and the Houston TV news in 2018, he moved into the PR world, first working for a marketing/advertising firm, then as Director of Communications and Public Relations for the Houston Airport System. In 2021, he joined Comcast as Senior Director of External Communications and Public Relations.

Kallergis recently hired former KPRC 2 reporter Taisha Walker and his former ABC13 colleague, anchor Ilona Carson, because of what they bring to this new form of corporate storytelling.

"I’m honored to have such a well-respected, award-winning team with nearly 50 years of combined journalism experience," Kallergis told mikemcguff.com.   "Taisha and Ilona are passionate journalists who have earned the trust of the southeast Texas community. As a part of the Comcast Texas communications team, Taisha and Ilona get to continue doing what they love -- telling stories that make a difference. We know the media landscape is changing, and it's important to have a communications team that understands the needs of the ever-changing modern-day newsroom. This perspective helps us to be a more effective partner to local news organizations, which ultimately helps to better serve viewers, community partners and customers alike."

Walker was hired by KPRC 2 in 2018 after her tenure with KMBC 9 in Kansas City, Missouri. Upon earning a degree from Clark Atlanta University and a master's from Syracuse University, she also reported for WCHS 8 in Charleston, West Virginia, and KOTA Territory TV in Rapid City, South Dakota. 

She left Channel 2 in May 2023, quickly joined Comcast, and is now a Public Relations Manager.

"I’m thrilled I get to continue telling stories – ones that are centered around Comcast’s network expansion efforts," Walker told mikemcguff.com.  "Internet connectivity is essential in this digital world, in every industry, including the news business. Comcast is doing so many wonderful things in our own backyard, and I get to help bring those stories to life while also finding balance in my own life following an amazing career as a journalist." 

Carson joined ABC13 KTRK in 2005 to take over the 4 p.m. anchor duties from a newly promoted Gina Gaston. The University of Pennsylvania graduate would also take on additional newscasts at the 6:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. timeslots.

A winner of a Lone Star EMMY, National Headliner award, and a Gracie award, Carson previously worked for FOX 10 KSAZ Phoenix and KAMR Local 4 News Amarillo. 

In June 2021, Carson left Channel 13 to escape "the daily whirlwind of live news" and focus more on her family.

"When I departed from ABC 13, I thought I was retiring," Carson admitted to me.  "While it was a much-needed sabbatical, I learned a lot about myself and the importance of finding a new challenge, the next step in my career. The opportunity at Comcast was simply the right fit — not just for my own professional development but also for the flexibility that my family needs. Everyday, I get to do some amazing work for one of the nation’s biggest technology and media companies.  I still get to tell impactful stories and share them with Houston area viewers - which will always be in my DNA. There really is a wonderful life after news!" 

I should add that former abc13 KTRK multi-media journalist Steve Campion recently left Comcast Houston for a new role as director of public relations at the company's West Palm Beach, Florida office.

So, for those wondering about life after TV news, here are examples of successful converts to what journalists jokingly call the PR "dark side."

It is anything but for some media types ready to move to regular hours and potentially better pay. 

And if you're a Comcast or NBCUniversal employee, you get resort and theme park discounts to Universal properties!  Hey Foti, are you hiring?




Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Ralph Cooper celebrates 55 years on-air in Houston


Ralph Cooper, a true Houston sports media icon, is celebrating 55 years on air this March 2024.

"Since 1969...started with pen, paper, tape recorder...all obsolete [in] 2024," he posted on Facebook.

Cooper has interviewed legends such as Hank Aaron, Muhammad Ali, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Jesse Owens, and George Foreman. But, he is known to be just as plugged-in to the Houston high school and college sports worlds, even helping younger middle school athletes with his “Stars of the Future” program.

His radio career began with 1590 KYOK, where he was hired by program director Rick Roberts.

"There was a time when I was the only Black guy in the press box during a game at the Cotton Bowl, and now you look around and see the Stephen A. Smiths of the world in the business," Cooper told the Houston Chronicle's David Barron in 2020. 

In 1984, Cooper moved to 1430 KCOH (now 1230AM), where he remains to this day, now in a 6 p.m. timeslot.

"(Station owner) Mike Petrizzo gave me the chance at KCOH," Cooper told Barron. "When I came to KCOH, they signed off at 5 p.m. and had just gotten permission to go to 7 p.m. I worked from 5 to 7 and didn’t have any commercials for a month or two, and it took a moment to build it up. But he believed in me, too."

For many years, starting in 1992, the Worthing High School graduate also worked on television with Westbury High School grad Bob Allen for various ABC13 KTRK sports shows. 

When asked the most unforgettable sports stories he has covered in his career, Cooper told the Defender's Marilyn Marshall, "One was in 1975 when Astros pitcher Don Wilson was found dead in his car inside his garage. The other was in 1980 when Astros pitcher J.R. Richard suffered a stroke that ended his Major League Baseball career."

Cooper was honored by the Houston Association of Black Journalists (HABJ) in 2010. He was inducted into the 2020 Texas Radio Hall of Fame class a decade later.




abc13 KTRK to debut "First at 4AM"


Yes, you might think it is an April Fool's joke, but no, abc13 KTRK Houston is adding a 4am newscast with Jacob Rascon and Elita Loresca.

"First at 4AM" will add an extra half-hour to its morning news block to put KTRK in competition with FOX 26 KRIV, which launched its 4am newscast in 2010. KRIV's 4am newscast was relaunched as "Wake Up! With SallyMac & Lina" in 2018.

This 30-minute addition to channel 13's morning news contrasts KPRC 2, which canceled its 4:30am news in early 2023.

"First at 4AM" will take the place of ABC News' "America This Morning."

After this one launches, you can watch Dominique Sachse launch "Morning on Merit Street" April 2nd at 7am.



Ashley Sutton gives birth

Ashley Sutton


Ashley Sutton welcomed baby #2, a son named Jonah Beau, born March 8, 2024.

The FOX SA, Puro San Antonio KABB morning anchor, told new co-anchor Andrew Capasso and Kristina De Leon, that big brother Noah has been very helpful with the new baby. 

Sutton will return in June. She was promoted to morning anchor in 2023.







Monday, March 25, 2024

Hannah Burbank joins WIS 10 Columbia, South Carolina


Hannah Burbank left her CBS7 KOSA Odessa-Midland morning anchor to join Gray sister station WIS 10 Columbia, South Carolina, as an evening anchor in March 2024.

"After nearly three amazing years in West Texas, it's time to say goodbye," Burbank posted on Facebook.  "It's a bittersweet feeling leaving a place where I have come to know and love the people so much. I am so grateful for the community here who embraced me and trusted me to share their stories. From sharing stories, to sharing a few laughs on the desk, I will forever cherish these moments."

Jakob Brandenburg moves from evening sports director to mornings to take the open anchor chair.

Burbank joined CBS7 in July 2021 as an MMJ/reporter.  She was promoted to anchor of CBS7's 9pm show on West Texas KCWO and later the KOSA morning anchor in March 2022.

The University of Texas at Austin grad worked for Texas Student Television in college.