Texas TV news and radio job moves May 2026

 

MAKING UP FOR WHEN I WAS ON BLOGGING BREAK!

Send tips for the monthly Texas media job list here.

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

Radio One To Acquire KKDA/KRNB Dallas; Sells KZMJ To Fuzion Dallas.

Javier David departed The Dallas Morning News, where he served as business editor since December 2024.

Encouragement Media Group (EMG) announced it will launch its Spanish Christian format, Fuzión, on 94.5 KZMJ.

Robyn Key joins WFAA 8 as a news producer.

HOUSTON

FOX 26 KRIV Morning Executive Producer Jonathan Chastain retires.

Dayna Hayman joins FOX 26 Houston team as Morning News Executive Producer from FOX 7 Austin.

Sonya Villamagna Hamilton becomes VP of Sales at iHeartMedia within the Team Accelerate program from KHOU 11.

Chris Shepherd's TV show Eat Like a Local ends its run after 3 years.

KHOU 11 Great Day Houston reporter and NLGJA leader Carlos Hernandez champions representation and collaboration.

Producer Frank Espinoza returns to ABC13 KTRK after working at KPRC 2 for decades.

Houston Chronicle ends Dwight Silverman's personal technology column.

KTSU 90.9 FM Breaks into Top 20 in Houston-Galveston Radio Market.

SAN ANTONIO

Longtime San Antonio TV host Tanji Patton wraps up popular food show.

After a health scare, every day’s a best day ever for KENS 5 anchor Sarah Forgany.

News 4 San Antonio meteorologist Joe DeCarlo welcomes baby girl.

Texas Public Radio to merge operations with nonprofit San Antonio Report.

AUSTIN

Texas Monthly senior editor Aaron Parsley published his survival story in "Where the River Took Us" and has won the Pulitzer Prize for feature writing.

KXAN explores ‘everything’ it has to offer viewers in promo series.

  

AROUND TEXAS

Rusty Surette named sole winner of 2026 Jason Hightower Award.

Ward Huey, vice president and general manager of KETK/FOX51/KTPN, Nexstar Media Group’s Tyler-Longview stations, has been named the 2026 Television Broadcaster of the Year by the Texas Association of Broadcasters.

Reporter Lidia Herrera leaves KIII 3 News.

 99.9 KLUR Wichita Falls midday host ‘Big Jim’ Russell has moved to mornings following the retirement of Brad Austin on May 15.  

REMEMBERING

Benjamin Bernheart Amato, 94, who built KSTAR Country KVST from the ground up, passed away.

Texas TV news and radio job moves April 2026

 

MAKING UP FOR WHEN I WAS ON BLOGGING BREAK!

Send tips for the monthly Texas media job list here.

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

WFAA 8’s Cynthia Izaguirre has been shaped by “Wednesday’s Child,” her first-grade teacher — and one small, strange slip-up about a mountain climber whose viral clip made her the queen of bloopers.

Hannah Lane left New South Radio "US 96.3" WUSJ Jackson, MS, for Cumulus Media "New Country 96.3" KSCS Dallas, to host nights.

iHeartMedia announced Vince Richards as the new Program Director of 97.1 The Eagle and Lone Star 92.5.

Salem Media turned in the license of 620 KTNO Plano/Dallas.

HOUSTON

Houston Chronicle named Newsroom of the Year by Texas Managing Editors.

Tom Abrahams named 2026 Dave Ward Excellence in Media Award recipient by Crime Stoppers of Houston.

93Q Country in Houston has parted ways with midday host Gerardo Sproet.

Farewell from the Fort Bend Star.

Caroline Ghisolfi named Houston Chronicle data editor.

KHCB Media announced Ivette Zamora as Director of Community Engagement.

A new program at Rice University is giving students a front-row seat to the stories shaping Houston and putting them behind a microphone to tell them. The Houston Newsroom, launched this spring through Rice’s Program in Media Studies, is an audio-first reporting course designed to mirror the rhythms and expectations of a professional newsroom. 

SAN ANTONIO

KENS5 sports reporter Vinnie Vinzetta shared his experience surviving childhood abuse.

Cox Media Group has appointed Jay Shannon as Operations Manager for its San Antonio cluster starting May 4.

AUSTIN

JB Hager and Sandy McIlree have reunited for "The JB And Sandy Morning Show" on iHeartMedia's KVET 98.1.

Austin Business Journal assistant managing editor Bob Sechler has retired.

Ethan Love joins KXAN Austin as a digital content producer from KCEN 6 Waco-Temple-Killeen.

AROUND TEXAS

KBTX General Manager Lori Bruffett retired after nearly 40 years at the station, leaving behind a legacy of community service, excellence and leadership.

After two years in East Texas, reporter  Auyana Aird sayid farewell to CBS19 KYTX Tyler.

Richard "Heatwave" Berler, chief meteorologist at KGNS in Laredo, was presented a key to the city for his four decades of service.

Townsquare Media silenced Talk 103.9 in Lubbock, ending the station's run more than seven years after flipping the format.

Jim Bob Breazeale, who served as the news director for KRIS 6 News in Corpus Christi since 2021, has left the E.W. Scripps Company-owned television station.

KSTA-AM Radio, long known as “The Voice of Coleman County,” signed off the air April 30, bringing an end to decades of local broadcasting.

Mariah Williams joined 25 News in February of 2026.

Landon joined 15 ABC as a Sports/Neighborhood Reporter for the Brazos Valley in February 2026.

REMEMBERING

Glenn Eric Jones, Sr. departed this life and transitioned to eternal rest on April 17, 2026, in Houston, Texas. He was a former ABC13 KTRK Houston executive producer.

Longtime meteorologist Dan Robertson, a veteran of more than three decades in TV news, died April 1. His Spectrum News colleague John Salazar shared the news in a Facebook post.

Longtime radio host Chad Hasty dies; friends, state leaders share memories.

CBS Austin to change morning news, two anchor positions eliminated

CBS Austin KEYE is revamping its morning newscast, the station tells mikemcguff.com, and with that change, I have learned, come job cuts for anchor John-Carlos Estrada and traffic anchor Jenna Wilson.

"Beginning September 14, CBS Austin will debut a refreshed format for 'CBS Austin This Morning,' designed to better serve our audience while continuing to deliver the local journalism and community coverage our viewers expect," a CBS Austin representative told mikemcguff.com.  "As part of that transition, the station has made the difficult decision to eliminate two positions. We are grateful to the talented employees whose positions were impacted and thank them for their contributions to the newscast."

A source tells me that the recent departure of reporter Farrah Walton is unrelated to the morning newscast changes.

At the same time, the station has made recent summer 2026 hirings while I was on my blogging break, including multimedia journalist Audrey Wong and Live Desk Reporter Alexia Stanbridge.

John-Carlos Estrada

Estrada is leaving CBS Austin after seven years as the station's weekday morning anchor.

He joined CBS Austin in August 2019 to anchor CBS Austin This Morning, airing weekdays from 4:30 to 7 a.m. During his tenure, he also created and produced the weekly Central Texas history segment Turning Back Time, while earning honors from the GLAAD Media Awards, Telly Awards, Texas Association of Broadcasters, Texas Associated Press, and other journalism organizations.

Before arriving in Austin, Estrada anchored and reported at WINK-TV in Fort Myers, Florida, where he covered Hurricane Irma, major wildfires, and other breaking news. Earlier stops in his career included serving as lead anchor and managing editor at KTRE in Lufkin, Texas, news anchor at KAVU in Victoria, Texas, and producer roles with NBC News and ABC News in New York City and Washington, D.C.

In addition to his television career, Estrada is an award-winning filmmaker. He co-directed and produced the documentaries Barbette + Fontaine and This Is Texas, both of which received national recognition. He is also writing a biography of Texas entertainer Vander Barbette for the University of Texas Press, with publication expected in 2027.

A Dallas native who was raised in Garland, Estrada holds degrees from Columbia Journalism School and The George Washington University. He is also active in the Austin community, serving on nonprofit boards and mentoring students interested in journalism.

Jenna Wilson

Wilson joined the CBS Austin KEYE team in August 2025 as the station's morning traffic anchor.

She arrived in Austin from Fox 26 KNPN in St. Joseph, Missouri, where she spent more than three years as a multimedia journalist before being promoted to Friday evening anchor. During her time at KNPN, she earned 2025 Missouri Broadcast Awards for her reporting on the city's most dangerous intersections and its growing homeless population.

A graduate of the University of Kansas with a degree in journalism.

Farrah Walton

Walton joined the CBS Austin KEYE news team as a reporter in May 2024.

Before moving to Austin, Walton spent nearly three years at KTXS News in Abilene, where she joined the station in July 2021 as a weekend anchor and reporter before being promoted to weeknight evening anchor. Her coverage of the tornado that devastated the West Texas town of Matador earned a nomination in the General Assignment category at the 2023 Texas Broadcast News Awards.

A Pasadena, California native, Walton is a graduate of San Francisco State University.

Texas TV news and radio job moves July 2026

 

Send tips for the monthly Texas media job list here.

- 2026 Lone Star Regional Sports EMMY Nominees

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

Steve Pickett has won awards over his 30 years at CBS 11, but has he told you about Earth, Wind & Fire? 

Spanish Christian “Fuzion Radio” debuted Tuesday, July 7, as the former Adult R&B “Majic 94.5” KZMJ becomes KFZN.

Radio One Begins Dallas Changes With Rickey Smiley Move & KZMJ Sign-Off.
Radio One Sets New Dallas Market Leadership.
Radio One Acquisition Triggers Dallas Staff Cuts.

John Clay Wolfe Celebrates 20 Years on Radio with New iHeartMedia Deal.

Univision has broken the Spanish Rhythmic Latino Mix simulcast on 107.1 KQBU-FM Benbrook/Fort Worth and 107.9 KDXX and launched Spanish AC Amor 107.1 KAMV.

After 28 great years at WFAA, senior director Aaron Butler signs off.

Farewell Cody Marcom, WFAA's photography director.

Derik Lattig has been hired as a producer for Point of View Radio. He previously worked for Dr. Phil's Merit Street Media.

Sarah Blaskovich, Dallas Morning News restaurant reporter, wins food journalism award.

Texas Rangers flee Victory+, create new DTC option mid-season.

Former FOX 4 KDFW reporter Calvert Collins named CEO of Klyde Warren Park.

- Brianda Villegas Debuts on Florida Tonight After Leaving WFAA
- Tiffany Liou leaves WFAA 8 for ABC7 San Francisco
- Sophia Beausoleil named NBC 5 DFW weekend morning anchor
- Erin Heft joins WFAA 8
- CW33 KDAF DFW gets a 9pm newscast again
- Morgan Young returns to WFAA 8 from maternity leave
- Drew Davis leaves Hawaii News Now
- Lauren Crawford leaves CBS News Texas

HOUSTON

Chuck Tiller Exits Salem Houston.

Checking The Odds on Audacy’s Sports Betting In Houston.

Mike Morris named Houston Chronicle local government editor.

KKBQ-HD2 Partners To Become Pasadena Rodeo Radio.

The Houston Chronicle’s local politics team is expanding with the addition of reporters Sam González Kelly and Isaac Yu. 

KHCB Media Group announces Shawn Farrington as Vice President of Content & On-Air Operations. 

Matthew Antonitis joins KHOU 11 as a producer from KPRC 2.

Holly Galvan joins KHOU 11 as Story Desk Editor.

Mike Horton leaves KPRC 2 to join Houston First Corporation as Manager of Media Relations.

Adrian Ashford joins Houston Chronicle as new religion reporter covering faith in Texas.

SuiteRadio's Rowdy Yates continues to add affiliates for his nightly "Ridin' with Rowdy" program, with Connoisseur Media adding the show on KAYO-FM Wasilla, AK; KLGR-AM/K240CJ Redwood Falls, MN; and KAUS-FM Austin, MN. With these new clearances, Rowdy's weekday show affiliate count rises to 75. In other Rowdy news, his longtime weekend program, "The Original Country Gold," has returned to Connoisseur-owned KKUS-FM in Tyler.

- Will Kunkel to work for ESPN
- Brheanna Berry debuts on KHOU 11 Houston
- Joe McCoy joins ABC13 Houston
- Texas TV anchoring is a family affair!
- Gage Goulding Joins CNN as Seoul-Based International Correspondent
- Trevor Birchett Joins KHOU 11 Houston
- Melanie Camp to leave KPRC's 'Houston Life'
- What happened to MeTV Toons on KPRC 2.5?
- Bryanna Moore joins CW39 Houston
- KPRC 2 Houston alters weekend morning news and programming
- Jennifer Reyna is fill-in anchoring
- KHOU 11 to provide CW39 9pm newscast
- Mo Haider departs ABC13 Houston
- SportsRadio 610 becomes 95.7 The Fan Houston
- Rachel Briers joins KPRC 2 Houston
- Tessa Barrera joins Sunny 99.1 Houston afternoons
- Shelby Rose joins Houston Public Media
- Zach Lashway shares about life after KPRC 2 and TV
- Kelly Wiley joins KPRC 2 Houston
- Ajay Patel joins KPRC 2 Houston
- Vida Unida expands weekday live programming, announces new on-air lineup
- Daniella Guzman suspended from KPRC 2 during 'ticket' investigation
- Sherman Desselle joins CenterPoint Energy
- Caroline Brown goes on maternity leave 2026
- Chelsea Edwards on Divorce, Motherhood & Reinventing Her Career

SAN ANTONIO

Former San Antonio TV host Tanji Patton shares cancer diagnosis.

Melissa Andrade joins KSAT 12 as General Sales Manager.

- Emma Allen leaves San Antonio for KATV Little Rock
- Bella Popadiuk joins KENS 5 in San Antonio
- Olivia Dague joins KSAT 12 San Antonio

AUSTIN

- Chase Franks joins KVUE Austin
- Shay Lawson joins KVUE Austin
- Esmeralda Zamora leaves KXAN Austin

AROUND TEXAS

‘Voice of Bears’ headlines 2026 Hall of Fame Class.

Travis Bubenik is stepping into a new leadership role at Marfa Public Radio. 

Ashley Henderson joins KCEN 6 Waco-Temple-Killeen as a Multiskilled Journalist/Reporter.

Reporter Tori Garcia leaves KTXS Abilene.

CBS19 Sports Anchor Dan Mallea announces engagement.

- NewsChannel 6 KAUZ Wichita Falls purchased by Gray Media
- KVIA ABC-7 El Paso summer 2026 changes
- Leslee Lacey joins KXXV as Good Morning Texas meteorologist
- Derick Garcia signs off CBS4 Rio Grande Valley
- Ashley Bowerman joins KBTX Bryan-College Station
- Isabella Garriga named First Alert 7 KOSA evening anchor
- Parker Rehm leaves FOX 44 KWKT Waco
- RGV TV comings and goings in the past months

REMEMBERING

Susan Starnes, fmr. KHOU 11 and KPRC 2 reporter, dies at 73

Esmeralda Zamora leaves KXAN Austin

Esmeralda Zamora announced she has left KXAN Austin as of July 2026.

Zamora joined the KXAN team in July 2024 as the KXAN+ Digital Anchor and Digital Reporter.

After college, she took on her first role as a Telemundo Bilingual Multimedia Journalist in Corpus Christi, Texas. At that station, she wore many hats, serving as a Producer, Photographer, Anchor, Weather Anchor, and filling in as a Reporter for KRIS 6 News.

She was born and raised in McAllen, Texas, and graduated from Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, with a degree in Electronic Media Journalism and a minor in Spanish.

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A post shared by Esmeralda Zamora (@esmeraldazamoratv)

Shay Lawson joins KVUE Austin

Shay Lawson is joining KVUE in Austin, with her first day at the TEGNA ABC affiliate set for July 21, 2026.

Lawson comes to Central Texas from KESQ News Channel 3 in Palm Springs, California, where she has worked as a multimedia journalist (MMJ) in the Coachella Valley since May 2024. 

A native of Overland Park, Kansas, Lawson is a graduate of the University of Missouri's renowned School of Journalism, where she earned a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism with an emphasis in television reporting in 2024.

While at Missouri, Lawson gained extensive hands-on newsroom experience as a multimedia journalist with the university-owned NBC affiliate KOMU 8, covering local news and producing stories across multiple platforms. She also anchored newscasts while completing her studies.

In addition to her reporting duties, Lawson was active on campus as a member of the Journalism Student Council executive board, a Journalism Ambassador, a JAM Mentor, a Journalism FIG teacher, and a member of Delta Delta Delta.

- Chase Franks joins KVUE Austin
- Allison Hill joins KVUE Austin
- Kelsey Sanchez leaves KVUE Austin
- Laura Sather named KVUE Austin assistant news director

Chase Franks joins KVUE Austin

Chase Franks has joined KVUE Austin as the station's weekend morning meteorologist. In addition to forecasting on weekend mornings, he will also deliver weather for the midday and 4 p.m. newscasts Monday through Wednesday.

Franks arrives in Austin from WLBT 3 On Your Side Jackson, Mississippi, where he has served as the morning meteorologist since January 2024.

Before joining WLBT, Franks worked at Gray sister station WTOK 11 Meridian, Mississippi, as the weekend meteorologist from March 2022 through January 2024, launching his broadcast career while still in college.

A Dallas native, Franks developed a passion for weather at an early age and has been storm-chasing across the Great Plains since he was 14. His fascination with severe weather ultimately led him to pursue a career in meteorology.

Franks earned his degree in broadcast meteorology from Mississippi State University, where he was active with the East Mississippi chapter of the National Weather Association and the American Meteorological Society. Before transferring to Mississippi State, he was a kicker on the football team at the University of the Incarnate Word.

- Jordan Darensbourg leaves KVUE Austin
- Grace Thornton joins WUSA9 Washington, D.C.

Jessica Rivera leaves FOX 7 Austin

Jessica Rivera is leaving FOX 7 Austin KTBC, where she has served as the station’s education reporter since joining in December 2022.

Here is what Rivera posted:

"Today is my last day at FOX 7 Austin. It’s been a ride the past 3.5 years. To my community thank you for trusting me in telling your stories.

What’s next? I’m taking a break, finally catching up on some sleep and spending much needed time with my family"

Before arriving in Austin, Rivera worked at FOX 44 News KWKT Waco as a multimedia journalist from November 2020 to December 2022.

Rivera began building her journalism experience while attending the University of North Texas, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Converged Broadcast Media with a minor in Spanish. During college, she worked as a Spanish news producer and reporter for North Texas Television, helping produce the station’s weekly Spanish-language newscast.

She also participated in the Proyecto U program through Univision Communications, gaining hands-on experience reporting, shooting, editing, and producing news content while being mentored by industry professionals.

Fluent in Spanish, Rivera is also a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.

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A post shared by Jessica Rivera (@jessicarivera_tv)

Kelsey Sanchez leaves KVUE Austin

Kelsey Sanchez left her KVUE Austin multiskilled journalist (MSJ) and reporter position back in March 2026.

- Allison Hill joins KVUE Austin
- Laura Sather named KVUE Austin assistant news director

Sanchez started with the TEGNA Texas station in February 2023.

Before joining KVUE, Sanchez spent two years as a multimedia journalist at WACH FOX in Columbia, South Carolina.

Sanchez began her professional television career at WSVN 7News in South Florida, where she worked as a writer and associate producer from 2017 to 2021, helping produce newscasts.

Her journalism roots trace back to the University of Florida, where she gained hands-on newsroom experience across multiple platforms. Sanchez reported for NPR affiliate WUFT-FM 89.1 and PBS affiliate WUFT News, served as a cut-in producer, interned at WCJB TV20 and WSVN, and contributed entertainment coverage to The Independent Florida Alligator. She also worked as a general assignment reporter for The Gainesville Sun, covering local news, arts, and community events.

A graduate of the University of Florida, Sanchez earned a bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications with a concentration in news.

Fmr. Austin reporter apologizes after 'effort to have a little fun with World Cup competition'

Abigail Velez, who is now a reporter and fill-in anchor for ABC7 KABC Los Angeles and just left CBS Austin KEYE in October 2025, is apologizing for a live report in which she tried "to have a little fun with World Cup competition."

Now the newly hired Southern California TV journalist is going viral from the pages of the New York Times to the New York Post.

Watch her report where Velez says she could not point out where Team USA's next FIFA opponent, Bosnia and Herzegovina, was located on a map.

My goodness, the stereotypes write themselves……🤷‍♂️ #FIFAWorldCup 🇧🇦🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/UGj3uudcYL

— Bosnian Football (@BosniaNTBall) June 27, 2026

The KABC reporter later issued an apology "to the people of Bosnia," which some on social media and the media trade outlet FTVLive said should not have happened. 

Velez is married to former NBC 5 DFW KXAS reporter Keenan Willard, who now works for KNBC 4 NBC Los Angeles.

pic.twitter.com/089PyrIaQz

— Abigail Velez (@abc7abigail) June 27, 2026

Allison Martinez is also doing KVUE Austin weather

When Allison Martinez joined the KVUE Daybreak team in July 2025, she was hired as a reporter and multi-skilled journalist (MSJ).

While I was away on my blog break, an Austin TV viewer let me know that Martinez also started forecasting the weather.

This week, she let us know that she has been reporting, anchoring, and doing the weather!

"Three very different jobs three work days in a row," Martinez posted. "If anyone puts me in the director’s chair we’re toast though."

I agree with Martinez.  As someone who worked various jobs in news and production over the years, I wouldn't have dared touch the director's board either.  I am no Will Borg 25.

Heck, one time I accidentally routed color bars over "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" during ABC's TGIF!  Sorry, Central Texas TV viewers and Melissa Joan Hart!

- Allison Hill joins KVUE Austin
- Laura Sather named KVUE Austin assistant news director

Allison Hill joins KVUE Austin

Allison Hill joined KVUE Austin as a reporter in June 2026.

- Laura Sather named KVUE Austin assistant news director

Hill arrives in Austin from KXXV 25 News in Waco–Temple–Killeen, where she spent two years covering Central Texas and most recently served as Lead News Reporter. She originally joined KXXV in June 2024 as the Neighborhood Reporter covering Gatesville and Lampasas County.

Before joining KXXV, Hill worked at KCBD NewsChannel 11 in Lubbock, starting in 2022, where she gained experience both in front of and behind the camera. She started as a newscast producer, producing the station’s noon and 4 p.m. newscasts before moving into a reporting role in early 2024.

Hill also interned at KSAT in San Antonio during the summer of 2023.

While working at KCBD, Hill attended Texas Tech University and graduated in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.

Beyond academics, Hill held several leadership roles in Kappa Alpha Theta, including Vice President of Operations and Director of Fundraising, and participated in both the Society of Professional Journalists and the National Society of Leadership and Success.

Continuing her education while building her journalism career, Hill also earned her Master of Business Administration from Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business in May 2026.

As Hill joins, multi-skilled journalist (MSJ) Daniel Gomez leaves KVUE.

Laura Sather named KVUE Austin assistant news director

Laura Sather was promoted to assistant news director at KVUE Austin in June 2026 after nearly a decade of helping lead and shape the station’s newsroom operations and editorial coverage.

- Allison Hill joins KVUE Austin

“Laura is someone who consistently steps up, leads by example, and helps make the KVUE news team better every day,” KVUE news director Travis Sattiewhite said when announcing the promotion. “This promotion is well-deserved and reflects her hard work and dedication.”

She takes over for Andrew McKibbin, who left the station in June after nearly 17 years for "an amazing opportunity outside of commercial television." 

McKibbin joined KVUE in August 2009 as an associate news producer and was promoted to news producer in 2010. In 2013, McKibbin advanced to executive producer, overseeing KVUE’s Daybreak and Midday newscasts. He was elevated to assistant news director in September 2019

Sather joined KVUE in June 2018 as a producer and was elevated to executive producer in 2021. 

“Can’t even begin to express how grateful I am to Travis Sattiewhite, Jr., MBA for the opportunity, and I can’t wait to formally start a new adventure at KVUE,” Sahter added.

Before arriving in Austin, Sather spent two years at First Coast News in Jacksonville, Florida, producing the 6 a.m. hour of Good Morning Jacksonville and helping coordinate content across the station’s morning newscast. Earlier in her career, she worked as a daybreak producer at WOWT in Omaha, Nebraska.

A graduate of The University of Kansas, Sather earned bachelor’s degrees in Journalism and English. During college, she built experience across print, digital, and broadcast platforms through leadership roles at The University Daily Kansan and KUJH-TV. She also studied abroad at the University of Leicester in England.

WITHIN THE LAST YEAR OF AUSTIN TV MANAGEMENT
Erin Garza named CBS Austin news director

Sydney Gray joins KXAN Austin

Sydney Gray joined KXAN Austin in January 2026 as the station’s weekend morning anchor and reporter, marking a return to Texas television.

- Jala Washington joins NBC DFW KXAS

Before arriving in Austin, Gray spent three and a half years at WMC Action News 5 in Memphis, Tennessee, where she anchored weekend mornings. 

Gray previously worked in Texas as the morning anchor at NBC 23 KVEO in the Rio Grande Valley. She joined the station in August 2020 to help launch a brand-new morning newscast and remained there for two years.

Prior to her move to South Texas, Gray worked at KMTV 3 in Omaha, Nebraska, as a multimedia journalist and fill-in anchor.

She began her television career at Gray Television in Ada, Oklahoma, serving as a reporter and multimedia journalist before gaining additional experience as an intern at KTUL Channel 8 in Tulsa.

Gray is a graduate of Oklahoma State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sports Media in 2016.

Where is Scott Fisher?

Scott Fisher, the FOX 7 Austin KTBC chief meteorologist, took to social media to let us know where he has been since going missing in 2026 and to thank viewers for their support.

While I was on my blog break, I received inquiries from Austin TV viewers about Fisher's whereabouts.  One viewer told me that he had not seen Fisher since around February.

Unfortunately, he has been missing from the Central Texas airwaves after having a pancreatectomy procedure, which means part of his pancreas was cut out.

Fisher says he is tired and his stomach constantly hurts.  He can only eat white toast and white rice.

Pancreatectomies SUCK!
0 out of 10 stars.
Do not recommend.
But I'm getting a little stronger every day!@fox7austin pic.twitter.com/Bot2j8IWHj

— Scott Fisher (@ScottFisherFOX7) June 11, 2026

Here is a transcription of what Fisher said on social:

"I sure hope you remember me. It's chief meteorologist Scott Fischer from right here in Austin, Texas at Fox 7. Just when everything seemed to be going great. It wasn't. I've been out of action for a little while after undergoing something called a pancreatectomy. Trust me, I had never heard that word until recently. Basically, it's where they gut you right about here, and they root around. And after a while they find your pancreas and they cut part of it out. Let me tell you, the recovery has been rough. I'm tired all the time. My stomach hurts pretty much all day, every day. And right now all I eat is white toast and white rice. I do have some great doctors. I'm getting a little stronger every day and I'm working my way back. I miss the TV station and I hope to see you soon. Back at Fox 7 forecasting the weather once again. Until then, thank you for the support and I'll see you soon, I promise."

 

KXAN Austin's 'Everything' promo campaign

Texas TV news and radio job moves March 2026

Send tips for the monthly Texas media job list here.

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

This Texas Media Mogul Owns the Local News: Irving-based Nexstar controls more TV stations than any other company. CEO Perry Sook aims to grow it even bigger.

Dallas officials feared WFAA-TV would leave downtown over parking dispute, emails show.

After nearly 13 years, the WFAA newsroom said goodbye to assistant news director Sheena Autin.

KERA breaks ground on headquarters, prepares to launch local news show.

Audacy names Erik Bradley Brand Manager of 98.7 The Spot in Dallas.

Ricky Cody renewed his contract as Chief Meteorologist with Spectrum News and will be staying in Texas for the next three years.

FOX 4 KDFW Chief Photographer Bob Hawman retired in March 2026.

Cumulus Media’s New Country 96.3 and 99.5 The Wolf Raise $360,000 for Cook Children’s Medical Center at 5th Annual Texas Independence Jam at Billy Bob’s Texas.

- Damien Lodes joins CBS News Texas
- Ana Mafud joins Telemundo 39 DFW
- Nelly Carreno joins CBS News Texas
- Nicole Nielsen leaves CBS News Texas
- Steve Pickett celebrates 30 years with CBS 11 KTVT
- Nexstar + Tegna, what about Texas stations, plus the dissent
- Mariel Ruiz caught a meteor over Texas breaking apart while live on air

HOUSTON

iHeartMedia Houston Director of Promotions & Marketing, Rob Skinner, is celebrating his 30th year with the radio company.

The Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2026 was announced, and Bruce Logan, Vice President of Programming for Audacy/Houston, with direct oversight of 100.3 KILT, is an inductee.

After 70+ years of telling the stories that make our neighborhoods feel like home, The Leader will close its doors. 

Nielsen Acknowledges Houston PPM Encoder Misuse From Illegally Operating Translators.

Space City Home Network announces Astros legend Ryan Pressly joining the broadcast

Meet the 96-Year-Old Texas Legend and iconic broadcaster, René Cárdenas, who helped solidify Houston as a baseball town.

After seven years at the Houston Chronicle covering state politics, Taylor Goldenstein joins the Texas Tribune.

Demarcus Ellis joins KPRC 2 as a technical director.

Rowdy Yates continues to expand his national footprint. The SuiteRadio program “Ridin’ with Rowdy” has been added to the nightly lineup on 96.1 KWS-FM in Charleston, West Virginia. Yates is also now heard weeknights on WUUQ-FM in Chattanooga. A special Saturday-only edition of the show has been picked up by KPXZ-FM in Las Cruces, New Mexico, while his afternoon-focused program “The Rowdy Ride Home” has landed in Butte Falls, Oregon on KWWL-FM. With the latest additions, Yates’ weekday reach now climbs to an impressive 70 affiliate stations.  

- Bill Barajas gets married
- Texas 2026 NAB Crystal Radio Award Winners
- Deanna Schultz to lead Houston Times and Dallas Herald Magazines
- KPRC 2 Houston has layoffs
- Haley Hernandez interviewed by Houston Moms
- Maggie McKethan Memorial Scholarship named after FOX 26 producer
- Coppelia Acevedo on trusting God in every season
- Tim Geraghty named KHOU 11 news director
- Pat Cavlin joins WPIX New York City
- Coffee House Houston moves to The Heights
- Jillian “JJ” Simmons joins 89.3 KSBJ Houston and Worship 24/7
- Owen Conflenti after KPRC 2 Houston
- Nicole Nielsen joins KPRC 2 Houston
- Tessa Barrera to leave Houston Life
- Houston Children’s Charity Makes History with Largest-Ever “Chariots for Children” Van Distribution
- Wayne Dolcefino profiled by Houston Chronicle
- Texas CBS News correspondent reportedly laid off
- Re'Chelle Turner is pregnant
- Remember Michelle Merhar from FOX 26 Houston KRIV?
- “Frito & Katy” no longer on 100.3 The Bull KILT Houston
- Ryan Shoptaugh on KHOU 11 Houston

SAN ANTONIO

Sam Pieprzyca rises to 102.7 Jack-FM KJXK Program Director.

WOAI anchor Mandy Noell plans a perfect day in S.A.

Graham Media Group's KSAT 12 has removed the bios of producer Hardy Meredith, Content Gatherer Avery Meurer plus digital journalists Ivan Herrera, Mason Hickok, Andrew Wilson and Ryan Cerna from its website.

Landon Lowe has been promoted to KSAT12's Nightside All-Platform Executive Producer.

- KSAT 12 San Antonio layoffs
- KSAT 12 meteorologist arrested, accused of assault
- Roxy Van Ruiten is engaged

AUSTIN

101X KROX goes local in mornings with the debut of “Morning X” featuring Trevin Smith and Sawyer Stull.

Texas Monthly Contributor Elliott Woods Wins Overseas Press Club Award for Migrant Series.

Sarah Smith joins KVUE as a producer.

- CBS Austin responds to viral video
- Scott Braddock on the new Quorum Report Radio
- Where is KVUE's Rob Evans?
- Sam Stark leaves KXAN for Austin Current
- Jordan Darensbourg leaves KVUE Austin

AROUND TEXAS

After four decades on 710 KURV Rio Grande Valley, Davis Rankin is retiring. He says he'll still fill in from time to time.

Most Stations In Country’s Top 20? Texas Holds ‘Em.

KWTX 10 Waco engineer Mike Jugert is retiring after 26 years.

NewsWest 9 Anchor Victor Lopez opens up about cancer setback.

KXII 12 Sherman added multi-media journalists (MMJs) Taylor Brooks, Maresa Sisk and Mia Medellin in the last year.

TEGNA's KCEN 6 Waco-Temple-Killeen news director Jim Hice leaves the TEGNA station.

KCEN 6 Waco-Temple-Killeen director and "Director's Chair with Shawn Hobbs" host, Shawn Hobbs ' bio has been removed from the station website, with no new movie critic since January 2026.

TEGNA's 12News Now - KBMT Beaumont Nightside Executive Producer Korbyn Lee and Digital Producer Sharinna Byrd are no longer listed on the station's website bio page.

12 News KBMT Beaumont producer Nick Northrup has been announced as leaving the station.

ABC 7 KVIA El Paso reporter Tyaun Marshburn has left.

KCBD NewsChannel 11 Lubbock's Madeleine Hall has been promoted to full-time reporter.

ABC 7 KVIA El Paso adds Katrina Villarreal and Alberto Silva as producers.

Twenty Cumulus & Townsquare Media Stations cease operations, Texas included.

Emily Paulson joined KBTX as a multimedia Journalist in November 2025.

MMJ Adam Beam leaves KRIS 6 Corpus Christi for 7 News WKBW Buffalo.

KTEN 10 Sherman reporter Ryan Thorpe leaves.

Connoisseur Media has sold one of its three stations in the Sherman/Denison market.

Al Caldwell turns 90: Watch this 'PM Magazine' story from 1980 featuring radio legend.

Sarah Howard joins KBTX 3 Bryan-College Station as a Meteorology Fellow.

Emily Schmalz joins KFOX-TV/CBS4 El Paso as a weekday reporter and the weekend meteorologist.

KBTX’s Rusty Surette and Kayleigh Thomas arrested...for a good cause.

- Kellianne Klass joins KIII 3NEWS Corpus Christi
- Cristina Rodda leaves KTSM 9 News El Paso
- Lisely Garza leaves KGNS Laredo
- Priscilla Meza leaves News Channel 6 KAUZ Wichita Falls
- Lauren Margolis joins FOX 35 Orlando
- Recent Texas anchor baby announcements
- Brayel Brown joins WREG Memphis

REMEMBERING

Remembering Gary Stricklin: Former KTXS Sports Director Dies at 71.

89.7 KACC Alvin's Paula Guidry passed away after a battle with Colon Cancer. 

Rene Vasquez, a longtime radio personality on Majic 104.9 FM and known as "The Voice of Robstown" for decades, has died.

Jordan Darensbourg leaves KVUE Austin

Jordan Darensbourg announced he is leaving his KVUE Austin meteorologist position.

Here is a portion of what Darensbourg posted on social:

"My time at KVUE is coming to an end, but I owe a debt of gratitude to a lot of people.

To our GM Byron Wilkinson and our News Director Travis Sattiewhite, THANK YOU. Your wisdom and guidance were very helpful and I continued my career at this great station.

To former GM Kristie Gonzales and former News Director Christina Ginn, THANK YOU for taking a chance in 2022 on a guy who was only in Texas for 16 months prior to KVUE.

To every reporter, producer, anchor and editor I’ve worked with here, THANK YOU. I’m grateful that I had the pleasure of working with some of the most amazing people in our industry.

To my chief meteorologist Hunter Williams, THANK YOU. Your wisdom and advice is second to none of any chief I’ve had in this business."

Darensbourg joined the KVUE Austin Storm Team in April 2022 from TEGNA sister station KCEN 6 in Waco/Temple/Killeen, where he had been part of the weather team since November 2020.

He began his career in December 2018 at WDTV 5 in Clarksburg, West Virginia, serving as a morning meteorologist.

Darensbourg holds a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology from Jackson State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a broadcast emphasis from Mississippi State University. While at Mississippi State, he worked as a meteorologist and multimedia journalist for the school’s Take 30 News on MSTV.

He is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists' Weather & Climate Task Force and the American Meteorological Society.

According to his bio, Darensbourg has Asperger’s, a form of autism, and uses his diagnosis to inspire others to pursue their goals.

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A post shared by Jordan Darensbourg (@jdarensbourgwx)

Sam Stark leaves KXAN for Austin Current

Sam Stark left KXAN Austin in December 2025 to join the Austin Current as a government and communities reporter.

The Austin Current is a newsroom affiliated with The Texas Tribune that focuses on community-centered journalism in the Austin, Texas area. In his role, Stark covers issues across Travis County and Austin, focusing on how local policy decisions affect residents.

He first arrived at KXAN in May 2022 as an investigative intern with the station’s Investigations Team, one of the few interns to have his work featured on-air. After completing the internship and earning his graduate degree, he joined the newsroom full-time in September 2022 as a digital reporter.

In January 2024, Stark transitioned into a reporter and multimedia journalist role, covering a range of local stories impacting Central Texas. During his time at KXAN, he developed experience reporting on city government, community issues, and public policy affecting Austinites.

Before joining KXAN, Stark reported for the Austin Monitor as a freelance journalist, covering local government and civic issues in the Austin area. 

Stark earned a Master of Arts in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin in 2022. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from San Francisco State University.

When MTV covered Austin (1993)