Don’t miss the opportunity to train up your news staff and interns on cutting-edge broadcast news practices presented by award-winning broadcast journalists on Oct. 17 in Round Rock!
TAB’s day-long Annual Newsroom Workshop is open to pros for $51 and to interns, students, and educators for $36. Rates increase by $10 on Oct. 8. Deadline: Oct. 14.
· Two different AI sessions – essentials for individual journalists and tools for general newsroom use
· FOI request basics and “tricks of the trade” presented by award-winning IRE member journalists AND a former head of the Texas Attorney General’s Open Records Division
· The crisis of audience trust / what newsrooms can do to rebuild it
· An MMJ masterclass with national Murrow, DuPont, and Peabody award winner Brendan Keefe
· Best practices for better stories on deadline
· Al Tompkins on techniques for getting memorable and compelling story interviews
· Mastering live shots and stand-ups
· RTDNA past president Kevin Benz on making good editorial choices at the speed of journalism
· Tools to sustain yourself and your mental well-being in today’s high-pressure newsroom
· Deconstructing national Edward R. Murrow award-winning stories produced by Texas journalists
· Practical guidance for covering the fallout from the upcoming general election
One thing I am honored to do each year for the Texas media world is judge the Texas Association of Broadcasters Awards.
It's nice to give back to the community that has given me so much.
Now the TAB has asked me to announce the new members of the Texas Association of Broadcasters Board of Directors for the next three years.
New directors were installed at TAB’s Annual Business Meeting on August 5. The meeting was held alongside the organization’s annual convention and trade show at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Round Rock, the largest state or regional industry gathering in the country.
“I’m delighted to welcome these experienced local broadcasters and community leaders to the TAB Board of Directors,” said TAB Board Chairman Brian Purdy, senior advisor for Audacy, Inc. “They and the entire 37-member Board are key to our organization’s delivery of direct services critical for station operations.”
“We are fortunate that so many local broadcasters from throughout the state are willing to dedicate themselves to TAB’s efforts to advance the industry’s public policy interests which include Open Government, Free Speech, and an even competitive and regulatory playing field,” said TAB President Oscar Rodriguez.
New Board Members
Steve Eberhart, KGAF AM-FM Gainesville Eberhart has spent more than five decades in broadcasting, beginning his career at KGAF in Gainesville, Texas, in 1973. His career has included KVIL, KLUV, KDMX and ABC Radio Network. In 2008, he returned to KGAF as an owner-operator, helping transform it into a thriving small-market station. Eberhart remains deeply involved in the station and is passionate about sharing his experience to help small-market broadcasters succeed.
Evan Chance, KITY/KHUK Highland Lakes Chance is a small-market Radio owner and broadcaster serving the Highland Lakes through KITY and KHUK. With a background in advertising, marketing and Radio creative. He is passionate about helping local businesses grow while keeping Radio deeply connected to the communities it serves. Chance’s stations focus on local programming, community involvement and the unique role small-market Radio plays in the Texas Hill Country.
Humberto Hormaza, KIAH Houston Hormaza is Vice President and General Manager of KIAH-TV/CW39 in Houston and brings more than 20 years of broadcast leadership experience to the TAB Board. His career includes leadership roles in Miami, Orlando and Hartford and his stations are known for expanding local news and developing new digital platforms. Hormaza is focused on local broadcasting, community service and creating meaningful connections with viewers and advertisers.
Britt Milstead, KLBK/KAMC Lubbock Milstead is Vice President and General Manager of KLBK-TV and KAMC-TV in Lubbock. A longtime Texas broadcaster, he has built his career in broadcast sales and leadership, with a strong track record of growing revenue, developing teams and creating innovative solutions for local advertisers. A graduate of Midwestern State University, Milstead is also a longtime member of the Texas Association of Broadcasters.
Ashley Parker, KSAT San Antonio Parker is Vice President and General Manager of KSAT-TV in San Antonio. During more than 20 years with the station, she has advanced through roles in sales and management before being named VP/GM in 2022. Parker is committed to local broadcasting, innovation and strengthening KSAT’s connection with the San Antonio community.
Derek Rogers, KXII/KXIP Sherman-Denison Rogers is Vice President and General Manager of KXII-TV in Sherman and brings more than 25 years of broadcasting experience. His career spans production, promotions, sales and station leadership, including previous General Manager roles in Mississippi and Georgia. An Emmy-nominated producer and award-winning broadcaster, Rogers is dedicated to strong local journalism and serving the communities of Texoma.
Kelly Trevino, ICA Radio Corpus Christi Trevino is General Manager of ICA Broadcasting in Corpus Christi, overseeing KPUS, KAJE and KKPN, and co-host of the popular Pretty Fugly Morning Show. With more than 35 years in broadcasting, she brings extensive experience in on-air talent, promotions, sales and station leadership. A well-known voice in the community, Trevino has received multiple local honors, including recognition as one of Corpus Christi’s top Radio personalities.
Mark Grubbs, Ranch Radio Group Kerrville Grubbs began his Radio career while attending Oklahoma State University and has spent more than five decades in broadcasting. After working in Corpus Christi, New Orleans, San Antonio and Austin, he found his home in the Texas Hill Country, launching The Ranch in Kerrville in 1994. Grubbs went on to build The Ranch Radio Group into a strong network of local stations known for its programming and deep community involvement. That commitment to serving the Hill Country has earned the group TAB’s Bonner McLane Public Service Award seven times.
The Texas Association of Broadcasters represents more than 1,300 local Radio and Television stations licensed to serve distinct communities throughout the state of Texas. TAB works to promote and protect a favorable economic and regulatory climate for broadcasting at the state and federal levels and to educate members and the public at large about the opportunities available and advances possible through the efforts of free, over-the-air broadcast operations.
Victor Lopez, the longtime morning anchor at NewsWest 9 KWES in Midland-Odessa, has died following a lengthy battle with cancer.
The station announced Lopez passed away on September 17, 2026, surrounded by friends and family.
A native of Lamesa, Lopez graduated from West Texas State University, now known as West Texas A&M University. He began his television career at NewsWest 9 in 2003 behind the scenes and in 2007 as a reporter before moving to the anchor desk in 2011.
Lopez became a familiar face to viewers across the Permian Basin as part of the station's morning newscast. The program earned the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters' "Best Morning Show" award in 2011.
Beyond the anchor desk, Lopez was known for his commitment to the community. Friends, family, and community members described him as strong, passionate, and a natural leader. He was particularly proud of being a community advocate and speaking up for those who needed a voice, while making sure the people around him felt supported and appreciated.
Lopez publicly shared his cancer journey with viewers after being diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer in August 2024.
"I was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma stage 4A colon cancer," Lopez said in an interview published on the KWES website. "Being told that you have cancer... it makes you just get a whole new mindset and look at life."
What initially began as a routine checkup led to the discovery of a large tumor in his colon and a lesion on his liver.
Lopez underwent surgery in October 2024 and began chemotherapy the following month. He ultimately went through 12 rounds of treatment.
In July 2025, Lopez celebrated a major milestone when he rang the bell marking remission. He also used his experience to encourage others, particularly men, to take cancer screenings seriously and catch potential problems early.
But the celebration was short-lived. By September 2025, Lopez learned that the cancer had returned.
Even as the disease took a greater toll on his body, Lopez continued working and showing up for NewsWest 9 viewers. Through additional surgeries and chemotherapy, he continued to arrive bright and early to deliver the day's headlines and weather updates from across the Permian Basin.
His determination to continue serving his viewers became another chapter in a career defined by his connection to the community.
Lopez's family is asking for privacy at this time. They are requesting that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to organizations and causes important to him, including the Texas Oncology Foundation, Permian Basin Gifts of Hope, Midland Community Theatre, Safe Place of the Permian Basin, and the Crisis Center of West Texas.
KHOU 11 Houston reporter Anayeli Ruiz wrote a touching tribute to her former colleague. KENS 5 San Antonio morning anchor Audrey Castoreno also shared a touching tribute.
Isabella Martinez has announced that she has joined NBC 6 South Florida WTVJ in Miami as a freelance reporter.
Here is what Martinez posted on socials:
"I’m homeeee! All I can say is WOW. Thank you, God. You truly work in mysterious ways. What I thought was going to be a quick trip home before I had to pack my bags and move again ended up getting extended a little longer… I’m so excited to announce I’m joining the @nbc6 team! Feels real good to say that. So grateful for the opportunity to serve my community while doing what I love most."
Earlier this summer, in June 2026, Martinez left KVIA ABC-7 in El Paso after joining the station in July 2023. During her time in El Paso, she worked as the Good Morning El Paso reporter, anchored the noon newscast, and most recently hosted the station's "7 in the City" feature series.
Martinez is not the only KVIA journalist to leave for the east and work for an NBC-owned and operated station. Mauricio Casillas left KVIA for NBC4 Washington WRC a few years ago and has since returned to the El Paso TV station.
When she announced her departure from ABC-7, Martinez said she was returning home to Miami to spend time with family while considering the next chapter of her career.
Now, that next chapter has taken her to NBC 6.
Martinez was born and raised in Miami. Her Hispanic heritage comes from her parents, with a Bolivian mother and Colombian father.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Journalism, with a minor in Sociology, from Suffolk University in Boston.
While at Suffolk, Martinez worked as a student reporter for the university's NECN segment, "Suffolk in the City." She also created and produced her own show, "Suffolk Fusion," which highlighted international students' experiences on campus.
Jasmin Caldwell announced in September 2026 that she is jumping to KWTX 10 Waco-Temple-Killeen as an anchor-reporter from competitor KCEN 6.
Caldwell shared the news on social media:
"NEW CHAPTER. SAME COMMUNITY. NEW STATION!
I’m so excited to share that I am officially joining the KWTX News 10 team!
After nearly a decade of telling stories across Central Texas, it means so much to me that I get to continue doing what I love in a community that has truly become home.
I’m grateful for every person who has supported me, encouraged me and followed my journey over the years. Your messages, prayers and kind words during this transition have meant more than you know.
I’m excited for what’s ahead — more breaking news, and more community stories.
Central Texas, I’m not going anywhere! I’m just changing the channel.
See you on KWTX News 10!"
Caldwell was a longtime anchor of KCEN 6 and its Texas Today morning newscast. She announced that August 11, 2026, would be her final day at the station after nine years.
She joined KCEN in 2017 and eventually became part of the station's anchor lineup after working as a weekday reporter and weekend evening anchor.
In 2022, Caldwell was part of a historic anchor team alongside Taheshah Moise and Ashley Carter. NBC News reported at the time that the trio formed the first Black female anchor team of its kind in the country.
When she announced her departure from KCEN, Caldwell made it clear that viewers won't have to say goodbye to her altogether.
“Just to be clear, I will still be living here in Central Texas. I’m not moving. So you will still see me around,” Caldwell wrote on Facebook.
Caldwell is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she earned a degree in Broadcast Journalism.
Parker Cox joins KCEN 6
With Caldwell leaving KCEN, the NBC affiliate is also adding a new face to its weather team.
Parker Cox has joined KCEN 6 as the station's evening meteorologist.
Former KPRC 2 News Director shares chance encounter following Dolly Parton’s passing.
With more than 35 years of leadership in the music, broadcasting, media, and entertainment industries, Ernest Walker, General Manager of KTSU at Texas Southern University, has been invited to join the Recording Academy, the organization behind the GRAMMY Awards, as a member of its 2026 New Member Class.
Isaac Yu is now covering City Hall for the Houston Chronicle. Abby Church says she will be moving to a new role with the newspaper.
Hope Media Group, the ministry behind KSBJ, WayFM, Vida Unida, Worship 24/7, and Hope Nation, announced Nicholas “Nick” Skytland has been named Chief Impact Officer, a newly created executive leadership role designed to accelerate the ministry’s mission reach across platforms. Skytland began his role on August 17.
ABC lawsuit says FCC singled out Houston’s ABC13 over James Talarico interview.
KSAT 12's Sarah Spivey is set to appear in a new Discovery Channel documentary revisiting the deadly floods that swept across the Texas Hill Country on July 4, 2025.
“93.3 KGSR HD2” relaunched as “Radio Austin” as it begins airing on 103.5 KBPA-HD3 Austin ahead of the loss of its home on KGSR-HD2 and the call letters.
The Waco–Temple–Killeen television market has experienced turnover over the past several months, with changes involving anchors, reporters, meteorologists, and station management.
I wasn't blogging when some of these happened, so let's go.
One of the biggest departures is Jasmin Caldwell, a longtime face of KCEN 6 and its Texas Today morning newscast. Caldwell announced that August 11, 2026, would be her final day at the TEGNA-owned station after nine years.
Caldwell joined KCEN in 2017 and worked her way into the station's anchor lineup after previously serving as a weekend evening anchor and weekday reporter. She became part of a historic moment in 2022 when she, Taheshah Moise and Ashley Carter formed what NBC News described as the first Black female anchor team of its kind in the country.
During her career at KCEN, Caldwell covered some of Central Texas' biggest stories. She was among the first to report that skeletal remains discovered in a Killeen neighborhood were those of missing Fort Hood soldier Gregory Morales, who had been classified as AWOL before his death was discovered nearly a year later.
Caldwell also provided extensive coverage of the funeral of former President George H.W. Bush as Texas A&M University prepared to bury him at his presidential library and museum. Her investigative reporting included a look at Bull Hill Cemetery, a historic burial ground used for enslaved people in Texas dating to 1849.
Her reporting has also earned appearances on programs including Dateline, Nancy Grace, Investigation Discovery and Daily Blast Live.
In announcing her departure, Caldwell emphasized her connection to Central Texas, telling viewers that journalism was about more than being on television and that some of her most meaningful experiences came from connecting with people throughout Waco, Temple, Belton, Killeen and surrounding communities.
Caldwell also made clear on Facebook that she is not leaving Central Texas: "Just to be clear, I will still be living here in Central Texas. I'm not moving. So you will still see me around."
Caldwell is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she earned a degree in Broadcast Journalism.
KCEN has seen additional changes to its morning lineup. Lindsay Liepman moved from the station's evening newscasts to Texas Today in February 2026. Liepman previously appeared on KCEN's 5, 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts alongside Baylee Bates and Adrian Carbajal. She moved to mornings, where she joined the Texas Today team.
Meanwhile, Micah Wilson, who joined Texas Today as a co-anchor in 2023 and became known for the "JustAKidFromTheCreek" branding, departed KCEN. Wilson subsequently joined the News 9 team in Oklahoma in April 2026 as a weeknight reporter, where he is covering stories across the state.
Julieanna Jackson leaves KCEN
KCEN 6 also said goodbye to Julieanna Jackson, who announced her departure in August 2026 after two years at the station.
Jackson joined the 6 News team in August 2024 as a multimedia journalist. During her time in Central Texas, she covered a wide variety of stories, including the military, transmission lines, data centers, crime, fires, investigations, ranching, economics and education.
In announcing her departure, Jackson reflected on beginning her professional television career at KCEN immediately after college.
Jackson graduated cum laude from the University of Mississippi with a bachelor's degree in Journalism and a minor in Law. While at Ole Miss, she worked as a reporter and anchor for the student-run NewsWatch Ole Miss.
Leh joined KXXV in August 2023 and served as the Neighborhood Reporter for Waco and Baylor University. Before coming to Central Texas, she spent two years at KBMT in Beaumont as a reporter, editor and producer.
A native Texan, Leh moved to Kingsville when she was six, then later settled in Kirbyville, where she graduated from high school in 2017. She attended Lamar University, where she played four years of women's tennis and earned a degree in broadcasting in 2021.
KXXV added Thomas Patrick earlier in 2026. Patrick joined 25 News and 15 ABC as a weekend meteorologist and Neighborhood Reporter in March 2026. He arrived in Central Texas after forecasting in Spokane, Washington, at KREM.
Before his time in the Pacific Northwest, Patrick worked at WICS in Springfield, Illinois. His television broadcast meteorology career began at KNBN in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Patrick brings approximately 13 years of weather experience and has worked in television markets across the country before landing in Central Texas.
Mike Lee, a longtime Texas television executive and former KXXV general manager, retired from his role with Nexstar's FOX 44 KWKT Waco-Temple-Killeen after a career spanning more than five decades in broadcasting.
A retirement party honoring Lee was held at the Greater Waco Chamber in June 2025.
Lee had been promoted by Nexstar in 2020 to vice president and general manager overseeing the company's broadcast and digital operations serving the Waco, Temple and Bryan markets, including KWKT-TV and KYLE-TV.
His career in Waco television dates back years before that. Lee served as vice president and general manager of KXXV for 11 years before leaving the station in 2016.
He previously spent decades with KFDA-TV in Amarillo, beginning his broadcasting career there in 1971 while still in high school. He eventually rose through the ranks to become KFDA's vice president and general manager in 1987.
By the time of his retirement, Lee had accumulated more than 50 years of experience in broadcast management, sales, marketing and television operations.
Big news for the museum as it has bought a 21,000-square-foot building next door to make room for its growing collection of donated broadcast equipment.
Museum founder Chuck Conrad told KLTV's Jamey Boyum that FOX 4 KDFW has already contacted the museum about donating equipment as the station plans to move to its new Las Colinas studios. He also said WFAA 8 DFW has inquired about donating a live truck.
The new building won't be a part of the museum proper, but a retail store and repair shop. The museum also plans to sell the type of electronic items that Radio Shack once sold.
Joel Robinson is leaving KYTX CBS19 Tyler, where he has served as the Morning Y’all meteorologist alongside anchors Dana Hughey and Jesus Martinez.
"I am so thrilled to announce that I will be transferring to Grand Rapids, MI as the newest meteorologist for WZZM 13 On Your Side, a sister station of CBS19, where I will be working weekend evenings and portions of the morning newscast Wednesday through Friday," Robinson posted. "It’s been a pleasure to have served East Texas on weekday mornings and I want to thank everyone who has watched me for inviting me into their homes and allowing me to give your forecast and traffic each morning."
He will be replaced on CBS19 by Houston native and meteorologist Raul Garcia.
Robinson joined the CBS19 Weather Team in June 2025 as the station’s weekend meteorologist. By July, he moved to the morning shift after Sara Blue's departure.
Robinson earned a bachelor’s degree in meteorology from the University of Oklahoma in May 2025. While at OU, he was active with OU Nightly, the university’s student-led newscast, and the Oklahoma Weather Lab. He also interned at WLNS in Lansing, Michigan, during the summer of 2024.
Robinson became interested in broadcast meteorology at 16 after shadowing Jamie Kagol, the former chief meteorologist at WEYI in Flint, Michigan. That experience inspired him to pursue a career in television weather.
He initially attended Central Michigan University, where he contributed written forecasts for the Genesee County Sentinel and delivered on-air weather reports for News Central 34. He later transferred to the University of Oklahoma to continue his studies in meteorology.
RAUL GARCIA JOINS KYTX CBS19
Taking over the Morning Y’all weather desk is Raul Garcia, a Houston native who graduated from Texas A&M University in May 2026. Garcia previously served as a broadcast meteorologist shadow with KBTX News 3 in Bryan-College Station and interned at News Channel 6 KAUZ in Wichita Falls.
Mauricio Casillas is returning to KVIA ABC-7 El Paso to join Marcel Clarke as co-anchor of the weekday 5, 6, and 10 p.m. newscasts at the end of September 2026.
“El Paso is home. There is no place like it anywhere else. The opportunity to come back to my community and tell stories was one I couldn’t pass up,” Casillas said in a release. “El Paso is where my wife and I met. It’s where our families live. And it’s where we want to raise our son. "The privilege to report on a community I love, surrounded by people I love, is one that I will be eternally grateful for. I can’t wait to help tell the story of El Paso, Las Cruces and Juárez. ¡Nos vemos pronto!
“KVIA is a legacy station — one that the Borderland has trusted for nearly seven decades now — and I want to help carry that legacy forward."
Casillas returns to El Paso after four years at NBC4 Washington WRC, where he worked as a reporter and anchor since 2022. He also reported for Telemundo Washington in Spanish. His work in the nation’s capital earned him two Emmy Awards and an Edward R. Murrow Award.
“His Emmy Award-winning journalistic work will continue to build on the in-depth reporting that viewers have come to expect from ABC-7 on all platforms,” said ABC-7 News Director Sean Flanagan.
The El Paso native began his television career at KVIA in 2016 as the station’s first-ever morning traffic reporter before moving into reporting and anchoring. During his six years at ABC-7, Casillas anchored Good Morning El Paso, ABC-7 at 4 and ABC-7 at 10 before becoming anchor and executive producer of Good Morning El Paso.
“This is a great full-circle moment for Mauricio,” said KVIA-TV General Manager Brenda De Anda-Swann. “KVIA is where he started his career. He then left to work at one of the top stations in the country, and now he comes back home to put all that knowledge to work right in his community. I couldn’t be more excited to have him back in the newsroom. Mauricio and Marcel will make an incredible team.”
His coverage of border issues earned two Associated Press awards, while his work on the morning newscast earned him an Emmy Award for Best Morning Newscast in the small-market category.
A graduate of Arizona State University, Casillas earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in mass communications.
Casillas takes over for Paul Cicala, who left in February 2026.
The married couple and KRIS 6 Sunrise morning co-anchors were among those laid off by KRIS owner The E.W. Scripps Company, which is reportedly cutting 268 positions across the US.
The Hoffmans joined KRIS 6 in 2022, with Michelle originally hired as an evening anchor and Bryan as the chief investigative reporter. They were married in June 2024 and then were assigned as morning co-anchors.
At the time of Scripps' layoffs in early August, MySA reported that more than a dozen KRIS staffers were cut.
The voting members of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame (TRHOF) have selected twenty (20) radio professionals for induction in the Class of 2026. Those broadcasters, including those in the inaugural “Small Markets/Big Voices” category, are presented below in alphabetical order. All will be honored on Saturday, November 7th at the TRHOF’s Annual Induction Ceremony at the Texas Broadcast Museum in Kilgore, TX.
Doug Abernethy
Brenda Adriance-Fox
“Lisa Lisa” Bonnani
Bruce Buchanon
Jay Creswell
Dave E. Crockett
Diane Day
Anna De Haro
Paris Eley
Jimmy “JD” Gonzalez
Jojo & Patches
Joyce King
Kevin Kline
Eric Raines
Clyde “Kooter” Roberson
Chrissie Roberts
JD Rose
Dr. J. Thomas Smith
Pam Wells
Barry Wolverton
Jerry and Wanda Hanszen, who were recognized with the introduction of the Small Markets/Big Voices category at the 2025 Induction ceremony, will be formally inducted during the 2026 ceremony.
In addition, five heritage broadcasters will be posthumously inducted as Lone Star Legacies in a category first introduced in 2025. In alphabetical order, those broadcasters are:
Unlicensed and Unchecked WFAA Dallas, TX “Unlicensed and Unchecked.” What started as breaking news grew into something much bigger. This investigation exposed a hidden network of unlicensed facilities operating with little oversight, and the largely unregulated system of placement agents who helped fill them with elderly and disabled residents. WFAA’s reporting led Texas Governor Greg Abbott to sign two new bills into law aimed at protecting elderly and disabled residents from exploitation and neglect (description provided to me by TEGNA).
"Our journalists tell stories that make a difference and enrich the lives of the people we serve," said Raquel Amparo, senior vice president of content at TEGNA. "Every day, our news teams show up for their communities: holding power accountable, asking the questions that matter most, and celebrating the people and places that make a community special. If there's a meaningful and relevant story to be told, our teams bring it to our viewers."
Digital
KXAN Investigates | kxan.com KXAN Austin, TX KXAN’s winning entry was a collection of investigative projects that combined reporting with digital storytelling, video, and other multimedia elements to hold the powerful accountable and give viewers a deeper understanding of important issues across Texas (descriptions provided by Nexstar Media Group, Inc.)
“We are grateful to the Radio Television Digital News Association for recognizing the outstanding work of our newsrooms,” said Andrew Alford, President of Nexstar’s broadcasting division. “Nexstar remains committed to investing in strong local journalism and providing the free, trusted news and information that viewers across America rely on and deserve. We are steadfast in our support of local news and the vital role it plays in informing, connecting, and strengthening communities. Thank you again to RTDNA for the national Edward R. Murrow Awards.”
Large Market Radio
Excellence in Sound
‘El más dulce recuerdo’: 30 years later, Selena’s presence still felt in Corpus Christi Texas Standard Austin, TX
Excellence in Writing
Three Black Texans were lynched 130 years ago. How can Austin preserve their memory? KUT Austin, TX
Small Market Television
Feature Reporting
The Bladesmith KWTX Waco, TX
KWTX in Waco, Texas, earned the Feature Reporting award for “Master Knife-maker Bill Smith Makes the Knives the Old-fashioned Way” in the Small Market category. The feature profiles retired art teacher Bill Smith, now in his early 80s, who handcrafts knives in Salado, Texas, and teaches the trade to veterans to help them find peace of mind.
“At Gray, our mission is to deliver exceptional, high-impact
journalism that informs, protects, and strengthens the communities we
serve,” said Gray Chief Executive Officer Hilton H. Howell Jr. “These
nine National Murrow Awards, including the prestigious Overall
Excellence honor for WANF, represent the very best of broadcasting. We
are very proud of our dedicated journalists who work tirelessly to bring
this vital coverage to light.”
“Receiving a National
Murrow Award is one of the highest honors in journalism, and it reflects
the deep trust our stations build with their audiences every day,” said
Gray Chief Operating Officer Sandy Breland. “These teams have
demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence, and we congratulate
all of our winners on this well-deserved recognition.”
Small Market Radio
News Series
A Whole Other Country Marfa Public Radio Marfa, TX
Small Digital Organization
Continuing Coverage
Uninsured in America Public Health Watch and Stateline Austin, TX
News Series
Fumed Public Health Watch and N+ Univision 45 Austin, TX
The RTDNA will honor the 2026 national winners at the
annual Edward R. Murrow Awards Gala on October 12, 2026, at Gotham Hall
in New York City.
Jayden Ramkissoon joined KFDA NewsChannel 10 in Amarillo as a morning and News at Noon meteorologist on Wednesday through Friday in February 2026.
The Sugar Land native is forecasting the weather for viewers in the Texas Panhandle after graduating from Texas A&M University in December 2025 with a Bachelor of Science degree in meteorology.
While at Texas A&M, Ramkissoon was actively involved in several student weather organizations and broadcasts. He served as a broadcaster for TAMU Weather Radio, a producer for TAMU Weather TV, and later as a team lead for the student-run weather program. He was also a member of the Texas A&M Student Chapter of the American Meteorological Society (TAMSCAMS), gaining hands-on experience in forecasting and broadcasting throughout his college career.
