Courtney Zubowski leaving KHOU 11

mikemcguff.com Exclusive: KHOU 11 I-Team reporter Courtney Zubowski will be investigating life outside of TV news

Courtney Zubowski

After six years, KHOU 11 I-Team investigative reporter Courtney Zubowski is leaving the CBS affiliate and the TV world.

"It has been a difficult decision, but after significant consideration, I have decided to leave my KHOU family to pursue new and exciting opportunities," Zubowski told mikemcguff.com. "I am grateful for all of the wonderful experiences I've had at Channel 11."

Originally starting at KHOU as a general assignments reporter, Zubowski joined the 11 News I-Team in July of 2012.

The award winning reporter came to Houston from former Belo sister station KTVK in Phoenix. Before that she both anchored and reported at KFDM Beaumont.

She is graduate of the University of Southern California's Annenberg School of Communication, but is a Houston girl at heart. How do I know? We sat next to each other in second grade! According to Zubowski's bio, years later she got her broadcasting start by anchoring the news for fellow students at Bellaire High School!

Zubowski will be out the Gannett station's door later this month.

So what will Zubowski be up to now concerning those "new and exciting opportunities?" A source close to Zubowski tells me that starting a family might be in the cards. Zubowski was married to Dr. Eric Haas last year.

Here I thought it was going to be a slow summer concerning Houston media, but in the last week I've blogged that KPRC's Mary Benton is also leaving TV and Katherine Whaley first told me she's also leaving KHOU 11.

Here is the internal memo that went out to the KHOU 11 staff from KHOU 11 Executive News Director Philip Bruce:

She’s always been one of our go-to reporters, whether we needed someone to crack open a scandal or bounce on a trampoline for the debut of our brand-new 4pm newscast. Courtney Zubowski is a great team player, most recently as one of our I-Team reporters, where she did some EMMY award-winning investigative work. Now, Courtney tells me she wants to try something new for a while---life outside of TV news. And while I would love her to stay here forever, I totally understand her desire to shift gears and have a normal life for a change. Her last day at KHOU will be later this month. We’ve loved having her in our newsroom and on our air---Courtney’s a game changer. Very sorry to lose her day to day, and she knows this. But Courtney also knows she has all our support and best wishes for whatever comes next.

Courtney Zubowski returns to Houston TV

 

Courtney Zubowski has returned to Houston TV as host of the weekly Public Affairs program "Texas & Me" airing on MeTv Houston KYAZ 51 Sundays at 7am.

Houston television viewers will recognize Zubowski from her time working as a reporter for KPRC 2, CBS News and KHOU 11. 

How did I find out about the "Texas & Me?"  Zubowski was kind enough to ask me on as a guest for my efforts in battling Alzheimer's disease.  By the way, you can support Dayna Steele's and my "Steeleworkers" Alzheimer's Association Walk team by clicking here!

Zubowski has been the first-ever host of the Houston show since the Spring of 2022 which not only features non-profits like the Alzheimer's Association Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter, but also Crimestoppers of Houston,  Heroes for Children, the SPCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston and the Children’s Museum of Houston.  There are similar shows on MeTV stations in other states like California, Seattle and Colorado. 

Mike McGuff: How is it going from being a local TV/network reporter to hosting your own show? 

Courtney Zubowski: The show is an incredible opportunity because outside of a few parameters I can choose the topics, the guests and really highlight all the wonderful and quite frankly heroic efforts of the many non-profits in Houston.   Plus, I am still able to continue with other freelance work. 

MM: Is hosting your own show something you have ever wanted to do?

CZ: Yes. I’ve always loved a little bit of everything when it comes to TV news- reporting, anchoring, field producing, etc.  This is different in that it’s 26 minutes on one topic. You really get to dive into the ins and outs of the organization and at the same time let others know how they can help. Plus, the heart of the show comes from the guests. They share their personal stories about how a particular organization has in some cases changed their lives or at least given them a better quality of life. 

It has inspired me to do more for our community. Listening and learning to the work some of these volunteers do and the differences that they make in people’s lives motivates you to do more. 

There are so many amazing non-profits in Houston that deserve attention. In a typical news story they may get one or two 12 second sound bites. This show allows the stories to breathe.

MM: Looking back in your news career, are there any particular stories that stand out as the most memorable ones?

CZ: July 27, 2007 working at KTVK in Phoenix, AZ. We were at lunch and all photographers received a page to call the assignment desk. We were sent to Steele Indian School Park where our news helicopter crashed after a mid-air collision with another news helicopter. Four of our friends and colleagues died that day. For the next several hours we stood at the park covering the story with the mangled helicopters behind us. I will never forget that day. 

And of course I will never forget hiding behind a Walmart in a satellite truck covering Hurricane Ike, the mass shootings in Las Vegas, Sutherland Springs and Sante Fe, jailhouse interviews which led to confessions of now convicted killers, and the story of the Berry Children who have turned tragedy into triumph. 

MM: Do you have any funny stories from your career that come to mind? 

CZ: When I was working at KHOU, my photographer (Keith Tomshe) and I were on our way back from a news story when I got a call from my boss (Bill Bishop) telling me we had to go to a northwest Houston hospital. There was breaking news involving a big rig truck. I remember being annoyed because it was the end of the day and I was ready to go home. When I got to the hospital there were no police, no breaking news, nothing except my future husband down on one knee. That’s what you call teamwork! 

Courtney Zubowski joins KPRC 2

Courtney Zubowski is joining KPRC 2 Monday as a temporary reporter mikemcguff.com has confirmed.

After leaving KHOU 11's I-Team investigative unit in 2014, Zubowski has been freelancing for CBS News since 2017.

"Stories need to appeal to a broader audience so you have to find angles that speak to not only the community you are reporting from, but also the rest of the country," Zubowski told mikemcguff.com in 2017 concerning the transition from local TV to national. "There is definitely a lot more travel, so finding local contacts is a bit more challenging, but there are extra hands to help. The end goal is the same: find the story and get it right."

In between freelance assignments, Zubowski told me she has been busy working with several non-profit organizations and raising her children.

The University of Southern California's Annenberg School of Communication grad started in TV as an anchor/reporter at KFDM Beaumont.  

Zubowski then reported at KTVK Phoenix until returning to hometown of Houston in 2008 to work for channel 11.

The last time the Bellaire High School grad spent time at KPRC 2, was when she was an intern with reporter Roseann Rogers. 

RELATED

Courtney Zubowski's amazing looking wedding

Courtney Zubowski working for CBS News

Courtney Zubowski left KHOU 11 and TV News back in 2014, but as Michael Corleone said in The Godfather: Part III, "Just when I thought I was out... they pull me back in."

As I wrote in September, lots of former Houston TV journalists were called back into duty for Hurricane Harvey, and Zubowski was one I mentioned as working for CBS News' Newspath (which provides stories and live shots to CBS newscasts, owned stations and affiliates).

"Houston is my hometown," Zubowski told mikemcguff.com. "I couldn't sit back during Harvey and I had been thinking about going back to news for awhile. Once the news business is in your blood, it's always there."

Except, even as the rains of Harvey have long moved on, she hasn't stopped.

Now the former channel 11 reporter has been on camera correspondent for CBS News' Newspath.

"Stories need to appeal to a broader audience so you have to find angles that speak to not only the community you are reporting from, but also the rest of the country," Zubowski says of the transition from local TV to national. "There is definitely a lot more travel, so finding local contacts is a bit more challenging, but there are extra hands to help. The end goal is the same: find the story and get it right."

Immediately after Harvey, Zubowski was called by the network to help cover Irma.

"Many of the stories I've been covering for Newspath are hurricane related, but I've also had a chance to do some lighthearted features," Zubowski said.

That lighthearted included a story on crazy fried food from the State Fair of Texas.


According to her Facebook account, this week, Zubowski has been in Las Vegas covering the shooting massacre.

Zubowski tells me she hopes to continue working with CBS, but even if she doesn't, it sounds like there is still a lot on her plate.

"Since leaving the new business, I've been working with several non-profit organizations helping raise money," Zubowski added. "I also had a baby, Jagger, who is now 14 months old."

KHOU's Courtney Zubowski's amazing looking wedding

Courtney Zubowski's biggest investigation yet...married life

Credit: Tomas Ramos 

KHOU 11 investigative reporter Courtney Zubowski married Dr. Eric Haas last Saturday at The Corinthian in downtown Houston.

More than 300 guests attended the black tie wedding, including Houston TV folks from just about every station in town. About a dozen current and former KHOU 11 staffers were there too. KTRK abc13's Miya Shay was a bridesmaid and weekend morning anchor Katie McCall was in the house party.

Meteorologists Frank Billingsley, Casey Curry, and Chita Johnson attended and they all predicted a strong front of love coming in from the west (OK, I added that last part in, but they were probably thinking it).

I hear Randi Zubowski, Courtney's mother, planned the entire event which had an art deco theme to echo the architecture of The Corinthian. Courtney's dress was by Lazaro, the bridesmaids wore Amsale and Houston's own Scott Gertner provided the music.

The honeymoon is in St. Lucia. A rehearsal dinner for 160 guests was held the night before at Hotel ZaZa.

KHOU has photos here and here, but I have one photo I don't think made the station's website below.

Congrats to the new couple.

KHOU's Chita Johnson, KTRK's Miya Shay, KHOU's Lily Jang, KTRK's Katie McCall, KHOU's Katherine Whaley, KTRK's Casey Curry, KHOU's Sherry Williams, KHOU's Rekha Muddaraj - Credit: Tomas Ramos

Credit: Tomas Ramos

KHOU 11's Courtney Zubowski joins the I-Team

The KHOU I-Team is adding a new reporter to its ranks and station management didn't have to go far to find her.

Current KHOU reporter Courtney Zubowski will step into the new slot a KHOU publicity representative has confirmed to me.

"I'm looking forward to this new opportunity," Zubowski told mikemcguff.com. "KHOU has some of the best talent around and I'm proud to be part of the team."

Zubowski joined KHOU 11 in January of 2008. She came from another Belo station, KTVK in Phoenix. Before that she anchored and reported at KFDM in Beaumont. She graduated from the University of Southern California's Annenberg School of Communication and Houston's Bellaire High School.

I'm personally excited about Zubowski's promotion. Why? I think I might have mentioned before that Zubowski and I were in the same elementary class together!

The KHOU I-Team has gone through some changes over the last few years. We saw the unit add a bunch of reporters in 2010 (the unit's members were eventually dropped down to the original number). Then the award winning Mark Greenblatt left for ABC News to be replaced with Scott Noll ‏from WREG Memphis.

RELATED
- PICS: KTRK 13's Miya Shay & Gene Wu's engagement party
- Houston media members dress up as toys

Dave Ward to have a building named after him - Crime Stoppers of Houston Gala

Houston media, society and political world show up to honor Dave Ward at Crime Stoppers of Houston Gala 2015


Houston media icon Dave Ward, was honored at the 2015 Building the Block Crime Stoppers of Houston Gala on Thursday, October 29, 2015 at the Omni Houston Hotel. The Annual Gala, which serves as the organization's largest fundraiser, welcomed more than 560 guests and raised over $510,000 for Crime Stopper's Tip Line and crime prevention programs, which empower, educate, and engage the community in important conversations about crime, public safety and the protection of society's most vulnerable citizens.

Chita Johnson, Gala Auction Chair Courtney Zubowski Haas (Photo Credit: Michelle Watson)

Chairs Joella and Steve Mach, along with auction chairs Courtney Zubowski Haas and Dr. Eric Haas, led the grand effort and celebration that marked a significant achievement and announced plans for the future. The evening began with a VIP reception with keynote speaker, best-selling author and Emmy award winning journalist, Ted Koppel. VIP guests were able to mingle with Koppel and then continued in to the silent auction and big board, all in support of the Crime Stoppers' mission. The cocktail reception opened up with a warm welcome from Rania Mankarious, Crime Stoppers Executive Director and invocation by Monsignor Frank Rossi, followed by emcee Melanie Lawson of KTRK abc13 taking the stage to kick off the night's festivities and surprise performances - all of which Ward knew nothing about!

Dave Ward, Laura Ward, Ted Koppel (Photo Credit: Michelle Watson)

The entire evening was weaved together perfectly with the direction and guidance of the visionary, Laura Ward.

The focus of the evening was to honor Ward for playing an instrumental role in creating the "media" reach of Crime Stoppers of Houston back in the early 1980s. It was his creativity and ingenuity that contributed to the famous (and internationally recognized) Crime Stoppers' reenactments. Thanks to his vision, Crime Stoppers of Houston has created a model that now leads the nation. Koppel was honored to be in Houston to celebrate Ward's contributions to Crime Stoppers and his incredible achievement of being the only news anchor to stay almost 50 years on one anchor chair, in one station, in one city, in one state. Surprise video tributes from two very special friends of Ward, former First Lady Barbara Bush and NASA Astronaut Scott Kelly all the way from outer space, were played during the night.

The celebration continued with messages from several 'Friends of Dave', Governor Mark White, 43rd Governor of the Great State of Texas, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Founder, President and CEO of The Richland Companies and John Eddie Williams, founding partner of Williams Kherkher.

One of the biggest highlights of the night was a surprise visit from a very special friend of Ward who insisted on flying to Houston for this special occasion - Grammy and Emmy Award-winning artist and producer Steve Tyrell who sang "You've Got a Friend in Me" live on stage for his friend.

Before the night was over, the surprises continued as a well-kept secret was finally revealed. Because of Ward's dedication to his city, career and Crime Stoppers, Mankarious announced that the first-ever Crime Stoppers of Houston headquarters will forever be named The Dave Ward Building Crime Stoppers of Houston. Ward was astonished by the big unveil and was lost for words as he stood in front of the podium. He compared the extraordinary moment to his wedding day and birth of his children.

The evening left Ward speechless, but the celebration continued on the next day, Friday, October 30, 2015 at the 3000 Block on Main Street for the Crime Stoppers of Houston Headquarters Groundbreaking Ceremony. Koppel along with the Board of Directors, elected officials, men and women in blue and others joined in for photos to commence the city's first Public Safety and Crime Prevention Block. Welcoming remarks were made by Crime Stoppers Executive Director Rania Mankarious, Capital Campaign Co-Chairs Kathryn Stasney Childers and Fenner Weller, Franco Valobra of Harris County Sheriff's Office Foundation, Dave Ward, Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson, Houston Police Department Chief Charles McClelland and Harris County Sheriff Ron Hickman. State Representative Gene Wu presented a resolution honoring the work of Crime Stoppers and recognition of Dave Ward at the 2015 Gala. Closing remarks were made by Crime Stoppers Vice Chairman of the Board Hazem Ahmed.

Dave Ward, Laura Ward, Rania Mankarious, Ted Koppel (Photo Credit: Michelle Watson)

Future Crime Stoppers Office (Courtesy Crime Stoppers of Houston)

The new home of Crime Stoppers of Houston will be a state-of-the-art facility serving as a hub for crime prevention, housing centralized operations, staff, volunteers, law enforcement, safe school, safe community and media teams in a single 28,000-square-foot building. Outside the facility, a 12,800-square-foot Harris County Sheriff's Officers Memorial Garden will pay tribute to heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

John and Wendy Granato (Photo Credit: Michelle Watson)

Henry Florsheim, Rebecca Campbell, Mayor Annise Parker & Doe Florsheim (Photo Credit: Michelle Watson)

Thursday's celebration (Gala) was supported by many individuals, community partners and generous underwriters, including The Mach Family, Ellen and Paige Cokinos/The Higginbotham Community Foundation, Dr. and Mrs. C. Richard Stasney/Mr. and Mrs. Staton Childers. Among guests were, Trini Mendenhall, Cora Sue and Harry Mach, Maria and Neil Bush, Maria and Christopher J. Pappas, Wendy and John Granato, Henry Florsheim, Katherine and Bobbie Hatcher, Stephanie and Ernie Cockerall, Roula Christie, Leisa Holland-Nelson, Michelle Heinz and Vicki Rizzo.

Rania Mankarious, Steve Tyrell, Roula Christie (Photo Credit: Michelle Watson)

Notable guests include Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson, Harris County Sheriff Ron Hickman, Harris County Commissioner Jack Cagle and Harris County District Clerk Chris Daniels, Mayor Annise Parker, City Council members Brenda Stardig, Jack Christie, Dave Martin, David Robinson, Robert Gallegos and Ellen Cohen, State Representatives Jim Murphy, Gene Wu and Sylvester Turner, plus Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland, Jr.

Miya Shay and State Representative Gene Wu, Gina Gaston Ellie (Photo Credit: Michelle Watson)

Others celebrating with Ward included Linda Heatley, Jim Holley, Rachelle Rowe, Shelby Hodge and Shafik Rifaat, Dan Pastorini and Pam Morris, Carol and Tom Sawyer, Roz and Alan Pactor, Pamela and Jack Wright, Lindsey and Scott Aronstein, Cathy and John Crapitto, Melissa Davis, Paula Goldstein, Nancy Sims, Allison and Stephen Lewis, Sidney Evans II, Bryan Beene, Gina Gaston Elie, Toni and Bob Lawrence, Bob Meehan, Sonya and Jeff Vaden, Yvette Webb, David Wilson II, Mike Wilson, plus many more!

If you would like to learn about Crime Stoppers of Houston and our prevention programs, visit www.crime-stoppers.org or call 713-521-4600.

(This post is taken from a press release sent to me by Crime Stoppers of Houston)

Ignore those Houston media people behind the curtain!

ESCAPE Celebrity Serve Benefit to Take Guests to OZ and Back at April 13th Emerald City, There’s No Place Like Home!

KTRK abc13's Tom Koch

The 2014 ESCAPE Celebrity Serve Benefit will take guests to OZ and back Sunday, April 13, 6 p.m., with “Emerald City. . . There’s No Place Like Home!” the theme for its 33rd annual fundraiser. The ever-so-lively dinner and auction will feature an array of costumed TV, radio, sports and society celebrity servers at the award-winning Tony’s restaurant, 3755 Richmond Avenue.

The personalities serve up sparkling conversation with guests in the spirit of raising much-needed funds for ESCAPE Family Resource Center (ESCAPE) programs that help prevent child abuse and neglect in the greater Houston community.

“We look to children’s themes to inspire us for our ESCAPE Celebrity Serve. We’re always mindful that while this is a fun, spirited event for adults, we’re here to help ESCAPE promote happy childhoods by providing intervention, education and support programs to families in crisis,” said Joan Schnitzer Levy, Celebrity Serve Co-Chair with Gerald Franklin for an unprecedented 32 consecutive years.

According to Schnitzer Levy, celebrities who have signed up for emerald-laden serving duties to date include KTRK-TV News Anchor Tom Koch, KHOU-TV reporter Courtney Zubowski Haas, Buzz Lady Roseann Rogers, KPRC Radio Host Michael “High Tech Texan” Garfield, News 92FM’s Bonnie Petrie, mystery writer and foodie radio host John DeMers, Absolutely! Memorial Magazine editor Lara Bell and stylists extraordinaire Edward Sanchez and Todd Ramos.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to meet these personalities in an up-close and personal party atmosphere,” said Franklin. Attire for the evening will be Emerald . . . or anything OZ, just because.

The ESCAPE Celebrity Serve Benefit is a major annual source of funding for the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is held in April as part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. ESCAPE’s mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect before a child is harmed. Founded in 1983 by the Houston-area chapters of The National Exchange Club, the organization relies on private support to prevent and combat emotional, physical and sexual violence towards children.

KHOU's Chita Johnson and Courtney Zubowski Haas
 at a previous ESCAPE event

According to ESCAPE CEO Lidya K. Osadchey, in fiscal year 2013, the organization collaborated with 93 organizations to provide 363 deliveries of child abuse prevention programs and parenting classes in 81 locations in Harris, Fort Bend, Galveston, Chambers and Liberty counties in English and Spanish. In the last 13 years, ESCAPE has increased its program delivery from 116 to 375 and increased the number of parents
and children who benefit from these programs from 2,316 to 5,515.

ESCAPE is committed, both locally and globally, to providing child abuse and neglect prevention programs, court-ordered and CPS-approved parenting classes, parenting support groups, parenting tips and professional training tools that anyone can use to develop positive parenting and co-parenting, appropriate discipline, anger management and conflict resolution skills.

CBS Houston, a division of CBS Radio Inc., has named ESCAPE Family Resource Center the Best Resource For Single Parents In Houston and the Houston Chronicle has designated ESCAPE as one of Houston’s top workplaces for three years in a row.

Tickets to the “Emerald City. . .There’s No Place Like Home!” ESCAPE Celebrity Serve Benefit start at $400. Table sponsorships range from $4,000 to $15,000. For those interested in purchasing tickets or tables, or donating to the live auction, please call Chris Rambeaux at 832-367-9117 or ESCAPE, Sandi Mercado, (713) 942-9500, ext. 14, or go to http://www.learntoparent.org and click on the “Celebrity Serve Benefit.”

(This post taken from a release sent to me by the ESCAPE Family Resource Center)

Best TV Reporter falls, Chita Johnson on Family Feud and more

MORE VIDEOS
- Cat Attacks Live News Reporter, Draws Blood
- Best Reporter Falls News Bloopers Ever
- Best News Bloopers Of 2012 (Part 2)
- TV anchor gets punk'd LIVE
- TV reporter caught sexting?
- New WGN Promo: ‘We Put the Suck in Succeed’
- Fake News Reporter Gets People to Believe Fake News by Looking Like a Real News Reporter
- ‘Friendly’ Cat Attacks Fresno Morning Anchor
- Teenagers Pour Water Over KBOI’s Alana Brophy During Her Live Shot
- Weatherman caught sleeping during newscast
- Cloudy with a Chance of Godzilla
- Classic Houston TV show hosts

WFAA8 reporter Craig Civale leaving for Baylor corporate
WFAA8 reporter Craig Civale, who joined the Dallas-based station in January 2007, is leaving to take a position in "the corporate world," his colleague, Jonathan Betz, tweeted Tuesday afternoon.

Meteorologist loves game shows
When Channel 11 anchorman Len Cannon turns to weathercaster Chita Johnson on the 4 p.m. news and asks, "So is it going to rain this weekend?"

'Morning Zoo' legend deserves radio hall of fame
Well, if there's ever a Mount Rushmore of Houston radio legends, John Lander should be the first one chiseled.

NBC 5 Breaks Ground on New Facility
NBC 5 / KXAS-TV broke ground on construction Friday on its state-of-the-art broadcasting and multimedia news facility located in The CentrePort Business Park just south of the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in Fort Worth.
- NBC5 KXAS Announces Construction Of State-of-the-Art Media Facility

Steve Smith's big movie debut
Former KHOU 11 anchor Steve Smith hits the big screen.

Rangers broadcaster speaks about mystery malady
exas Rangers TV broadcaster Dave Barnett still doesn't know if a migraine led to his bizarre babbling during a game.

Univision Launches CHR "Radio H2O" In Dallas
Univision-Dallas has flipped Spanish Adult Hits KESS to CHR as "Radio H2O."

KIKK (650 AM) to become city’s fifth all-sports station as part of new CBS network
CBS announced it will launch CBS Sports Radio next January, challenging ESPN Radio with a 24-hour, seven-day programming lineup that will air in Houston on KIKK (650 AM), a daytime-only signal that has hosted a variety of formats in recent years.
- Ranking Houston's Sports Radio Personalities
- Josh Innes with his 'I'm A Dumbass' sign in traffic

Col. St. James on the Texas Radio Hall of Fame and Naked Strippers on the KLOL Console
Getting into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame is a big deal when you consider the company includes Wolfman Jack and George Carlin among others. One local dee jay, Colonel St. James of 93.7 the Arrow, is among them. He has been on air since the 1970s and has worked at just about every rock and roll station imaginable including the legendary 101 KLOL.

Courtney Zubowski's big birthday bash
KHOU Channel 11 news ace Courtney Zubowski put aside her microphone, donned a party dress and kicked up her heels at a rocking birthday bash hosted by her steady squeeze Dr. Eric Haas.

KUHF's Paul Pendergraft on Engines of Our Ingenuity, Talking Pigs and Steely Dan
If you pay attention to local radio, you know Paul Pendergraft, but despite his receiving numerous accolades including an Edward R. Murrow award and appearing virtually every day on the radio in Houston for over 20 years, you might miss him.

Brown leaves FSN to launch CSN
Thirty years ago, Brown was part of the team that launched Home Sports Entertainment, Houston's original sports network.

Jim Kovacik of 97.9 The Box Talks About Being White and The Atascocita Thugz
It is difficult surviving local music radio in any city, but Houston in particular.

Chron Admits Journatic Stories May Have Had Fake Bylines
A "Note to our readers" detailed the Chron's recent discovery that stories provided to them by Journatic and affiliate Blockshopper had used pseudonyms instead of actual writer names.

'Such a great ride': KENS 5's Fred Lozano says final goodbye
After more than 30 years in news, anchor Fred Lozano has signed off from behind the KENS 5 newsdesk for the very last time.
- Good morning: KENS' Garcia nails first day on job

TV weather vet Linscomb leaves; what about Siobhain?
After more than 12 years of TV forecasting in San Antonio, Steve Linscomb left WOAI this week for a new venture that will free him up on Saturdays and Sundays.

Ex-Spurs announcer to be tested for stroke
A former San Antonio Spurs announcer is to undergo testing for a possible stroke, WFAA-TV is reporting.

Melissa Gale Signs Off from KVUE-TV Mornings
Veteran morning news anchor Melissa Gale and KVUE-TV parted ways.

KVUE-TV Hires New Award Winning Investigative Reporter from Florida
As the Austin TV news investigative wars heat up, KVUE is back in the ball game after doing without a chief investigative reporter since March when former birddog Keli Rabon left for Denver after just eight months on the beat.

KXAN-TV Fills Sports Staff With Kentucky, Lubbock Imports
The happiest guy at KXAN these days may just be Brian Sanders

TV ratings, numbers show Rangers have eased Astros' grip on Central Texas
TV ratings favor Texas; Houston to switch to new cable channel.

KUT wins prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award
Congrats to the crew at 90.5 KUT-FM, who received a super-prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award this week.

KLRU, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame partner to preserve ACL shows
The Austin City Limits TV show has been a big part of the city's music scene for 38 years.

Waco Tribune-Herald Bought By Warren Buffett
Another Texas paper has been bought by billionaire Warren Buffett, meaning more good news in the world of Texas journalism.

Tough time for Tribune stations auction
Biz keeps close eye on fate of stations crucial to syndie sales.

Texas Supreme Court agrees to review libel law
The Texas Supreme Court agreed Friday to review a libel case that could substantially affect the way news media report on controversies.

Missing paperwork costs a Texas station a total of $40K in FCC fines
"Providing incorrect factual material to the Commission" is a very bad thing to see in a Notice of Apparent Liability, and in this case, there are two.

MOVING

Fox 26 KRIV editor Damian Reed becomes Director of Creative Services at Fox 4 KBTV-TV.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- KPRC 2 steals Nick Giovanni, the WJXT 4 utility guy
- KHOU 11's Courtney Zubowski joins the I-Team
- 93.7 The Arrow adds to Walton and Johnson Show
- Fox 26 KRIV adds new weekend newscasts
- 740 KTRH's Samantha Jordan leaves for WDBO 96.5
- KPRC 2 lands Andy Cerota from KTRK 13
- New faces of Houston TV
- Mia Gradney to KHOU 11
- Houston Rockets land on Sportstalk 790 KBME
- Fox 7 KTBC adds Greg Kerr as morning anchor
- Fox 4 KDFW scoops Jennifer Myers from KVIA
- KIAH 39's David Solano to WXYZ Detroit
- KHOU 11 grabs Doug Delony from Fox 26 KRIV
- Original KTRK news team reunites: Ward, Lovett & Dungan
- Mia Gradney talks new KHOU 11 role
- New Fox 26 weekend morning show's MacDonald & Dawson talk
- KHOU 11 launches morning show app

PICS: KTRK 13's Miya Shay & Gene Wu's engagement party

I told in April how KTRK 13's Miya Shay got engaged to Gene Wu. Wu is a prosecutor in the Harris County District Attorney’s Office and Democrat for Texas State Representative, District 137.

Friday night, the private wine cellar of Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House was buzzing with a good bit of the Houston media crowd to celebrate the couple's engagement.

KHOU 11’s Courtney Zubowski (a bridesmaid) was there with her boyfriend Dr. Eric Haas. Channel 13’s Tom Koch and wife Brenda, Channel 2’s Mary Benton, Channel 8’s Ernie Manouse, Jackson Hearn, the reality family of Dr. Franklin and Erica Rose, Galveston Daily News’ T.J. Aulds and Culturemap’s Clifford Pugh rounded out the media heavy crowd.

About 80 people showed up in total. The whole affair was orchestrated by bridesmaid Kim Padgett and co-hosted by several of Miya and Gene’s friends.

Seems like the media wedding season is in full swing!




Jessica Michan, KTRK 13's Miya Shay and KPRC 2's Mary Benton (Photo: Roswitha Vogler)


KTRK 13's Brenda and Tom Koch (Photo: Roswitha Vogler)


Chau and Rob Todd (Photo: Roswitha Vogler)


KHOU 11’s Courtney Zubowski (a bridesmaid) with boyfriend Dr. Eric Haas (Photo: Roswitha Vogler)


Kim Padgett, Tom Flynn, KUHT 8’s Ernie Manouse, Jackson Hearn (Photo: Roswitha Vogler)


RELATED
- Houston media members dress up as toys

Houston TV news moms honored by LCAHouston

Publication hosts International Mother’s Day Soirée to Celebrate Diversity and Culture including Houston TV Moms

Media guests - Daniel Gotera, Rashi Vats, Ruchi Mukherjee (Host), Rekha Muddaraj (Co-Chair), Justin Stapleton (Emcee) (Photo by Sonya Abid)

The LCAHouston 7th Annual International Mother’s Day Soiree was held at Asia Society Texas Center, May 17th, 2019 with “Crazy Rich Asians” as this year’s theme.

International journalist and TV Host, Ruchi Mukherjee who started her career as a crime beat reporter in India, is also the host and founder of The Annual International Mother’s Day Soirée. KHOU 11 anchor Rekha Muddaraj served as co-chair.

The event's inspiration came from a series of stories Mukherjee wrote for The Statesman and The Times of India on the Fabulous and Philanthropic Mothers of Houston.

“The mission behind this event is to bridge the gap between the ethnic and mainstream communities,“ explains Mukherjee. "Each year, a dozen mothers of various ethnicities and professions are honored to showcase diversity and celebrate motherhood. The Asia Society Texas Center, which is an architectural marriage of east and west, is the perfect venue for the Soiree’s vision."

This year’s list of Honorees included Sadaf Aslam, Liza Bailey, Tammy Gee Su, Courtney Zubowski Hass, Samantha Holsomback, Sheekha Sethi Khan, Fadila Kibsgaard, Peta Gay Ledbetter, Sofia Ojeda, Escarle Silvia, Melissa Wilson, and the 2019 showstopper, Hallie Vanderhider.

Dr. Sippi Khurana and KPRC 2 meteorologist Justin Stapleton, served as the event's emcees.

Past Honorees from the Houston media includ Dominique Sachse, Britta Merwin, Rashi Vats, Casey Curry, and Miya Shay.

LCA Houston 2019 International Mother's Day Soirée Honorees (Photo by Sonya Abid)

FOX 26 KRIV anchor Melissa Wilson (Photo by Sonya Abid

KPRC 2 anchor Sofia Ojeda KPRC with daughters (Photo by Sonya Abid)

Former KHOU 11 reporter Courtney Zubowski Haas (Photo by Sonya Abid)

Houston media folks ready to serve food, "Want fries with that?"

KHOU 11's Chita Johnson & Courtney Zubowski at last year's event

Lots of Houston media types will be on hand for the ESCAPE Family Resource Center's 32nd Annual ESCAPE Celebrity Serve Benefit including one really wealthy dude.

Texas energy tycoon T. Boone Pickens will serve as CEO (Celebrity Executive Officer) at the event where he will direct the Houston celebrity servers who will be mingling with guests to help raise funds to help prevent child abuse and neglect in the Houston area.

Joining Pickens will be: “Live” Auction Auctioneers KTRK-TV News Anchor Tom Koch and Houston PBS TV Host Ernie Manouse; Celebrity Servers KTRK-TV Reporter Sonia Azad and “Live Well Network ‘Deals’ Host Kat Cosley; KPRC-TV Anchor Andy Cerota; Bob Allen of Bob Allen Media; KHOU-TV Reporter Courtney Zubowski, Meteorologist Chita Johnson and Morning Traffic Reporter Katherine Whaley; KTRH Radio Morning Anchor Shara Fryer; Lopez Family Taekwondo Olympic Champions; The 9-5-0 Radio Host Michael Garfield, Astronauts Walt Cunningham and Gene Cernan; KRBE Radio/FOX 26 Personality Dave Morales; CBS Radio/FOX 26 Personality Cleverley Stone; Buzz Lady Roseann Rogers; “Delicious Mischief” Radio Host John DeMers, Celebrity Stylists Ceron, Todd Ramos and Edward Sanchez and Houston icons in the world of philanthropy and business, Lynn Wyatt and Robert Sakowitz.

The Celebrity Serve Benefit is a major annual source of funding for the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is held in April as part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. ESCAPE, whose mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect before a child is harmed, helps promote happy childhoods by providing intervention, education and support programs to families in crisis. Founded in 1983 by the Houston-area chapters of The National Exchange Club, ESCAPE relies on private support to prevent and combat emotional, physical and sexual violence towards children.

Tickets to the “Color My World” ESCAPE Celebrity Serve Benefit start at $400 and table sponsorships range from $4,000 to $15,000. For those interested in purchasing tickets or tables, or donating to the live auction, please call Chris Rambeaux at 832-367-9117 or ESCAPE, Sandi Mercado, (713) 942-9500, ext. 14, or go to learntoparent.org and click on the “Celebrity Serve Benefit.”

RELATED
Houston media members dress up as toys

Houston media members dress up as toys

KHOU-TV's Chita Johnson, KTRK-TV's Andy Cerota, KHOU-TV's Courtney Zubowski, Event Co-Chair Joan Schnitzer Levy, KUHT-TV's Ernie Manouse, KTRK-TV's Miya Shay, KTRK-TV's Tom Koch (emcee and head auctioneer) and kneeling is KTRK-TV's Casey Curry at the 31st Annual ESCAPE Celebrity Serve Benefit at Tony's. 

Who let the toys out? Houston media personalities were out “toying around” as Barbie Doll, Sesame Street and Toy Story characters at Tony’s for the 31st Annual “Toy Box” ESCAPE Celebrity Serve Benefit Sunday night. But the monies raised meant serious business for the ESCAPE Family Resource Center, whose mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect before a child is hurt. No “play money” here: corporate and individual sponsorships, topped by a high-bidding “live” auction and limited edition raffle, generated a whopping $323,000 for ESCAPE coffers.

With Co-Chairs Joan Schnitzer Levy and Gerald Franklin at the helm and Janice and Bob McNair, founder, chairman and CEO of the HOUSTON TEXANS, as the “Hometown Superstar” headliners, the colorful, fun-filled dinner was destined for “To Infinity and Beyond” success. Tony’s was transformed into a virtual toy box, with curly-Q and toy-animal balloons and play toys as centerpieces and local media celebrities and personalities decked out in creative Toy Box togs and ESCAPE aprons. The celebs’ mission: to sell “Buzz Lightyear” specialty drinks, limited edition raffle tickets and various trinkets and candies to support ESCAPE’s bottom line.

Longtime, deeply committed ESCAPE supporters Kristi (who previously worked in radio and had a mini reunion with News 92 FM Radio’s Lanny Griffith, a celebrity server) and John D. Schiller Jr., (Executive Committee member of ESCAPE), whose Energy XXI company was the top (“Starship”) sponsor of the benefit, were the high bidders on more than one “live” auction items, including an NFL Football autographed on-the-spot by Bob McNair, and a spur-of-the-moment package offered up by actor Lee Majors and his wife, Faith. -- dinner for six with the Majors! The Majors, who are new Houstonians, were table guests of Joan Schnitzer Levy and husband Irvin. Majors is famous for his role as TV’s “$6 Million Man.”

Restaurateur Tony Vallone welcomed an overflow crowd of 300 ESCAPE supporters who filled the entire restaurant. Guests raved about the exquisite menu complemented by wines generously donated by Becker Vineyards. In addition to the 25 or so media celebrities lined up by Celebrity Chair Kim Padgett and make-believe action figures like G.I. Joe (Stylist Todd Ramos) and adorably made-up Toy Soldier Edward Sanchez, there were some very real-life action heroes in the house, namely NASA astronauts Gene Cernan (and wife, Jan), and Walt Cunningham (and wife, Dot). KHOU-TV anchor Chita Johnson, KHOU-TV Reporter Courtney Zubowski, KTRK-TV Meteorologist Casey Curry and KUHT-TV Host Ernie Manouse (who assisted KTRK-TV Anchor and Emcee Tom Koch with auctioneer duties) were centers of attention in their Barbie Doll, Woody (sans “Buzz Lightyear”), Candyland and Ernie (sans “Bert”) personas. Other Celebrity Servers on tap: Buzz Lady Roseann Rogers, KTRK-TV reporter Andy Cerota, KIKK/FOX 26’s Cleverley Stone, Absolutely! Memorial’s Lara Bell, Shara Fryer, The 9-5-0 Radio’s Michael Garfield, Houston Chronicle Society Writer Lindsey Love and KTRK-TV Reporter Miya Shay. Susan Farb Morris, a.k.a. the PR Fairy, came dressed as a PR Fairy Princess, complete with a tiara.

According to Lidya K. Osadchey, CEO of the ESCAPE Family Resource Center, the Celebrity Serve Benefit is a major annual source of funding for the 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is held in April as part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. For more info about ESCAPE, call (713) 942-9500, ext. 14, or go to http://www.learntoparent.org.

This post was written by guest blogger Susan Farb Morris.

Houston media members don feather boas and are ready to serve

KHOU-TV Sports Anchor Bob Allen with KHOU-TV celebrity servers:  Lily Jang, Katherine Whaley and Courtney Zubowski with Chita Johnson

Houston media was out in force Sunday night at Tony's. It was to raise funds for the ESCAPE Family Resource Center at the 32nd Annual ESCAPE Celebrity Serve “Color My World” Benefit. ESCAPE is a non-profit that's mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect in the Houston area.

These TV and radio personalities joined folks from the worlds of sports, philanthropy, politics, business and space exploration by donning aprons and feather boas to be charitable celebrity servers.

Texas energy tycoon T. Boone Pickens served as CEO (Celebrity Executive Officer) at the event and directed the Houston celebrity servers who mingled with guests.

Some of the 30+ celebrities were:
- Astronauts Walt Cunningham and Gene Cernan
- Newly named KHOU-TV Sports Anchor Bob Allen
- Stylish Lynn Wyatt
- Tae Kwan Do Silver and Bronze Olympic Medalists/siblings Mark and Diana Lopez
- Parents-to-be Miya Shay, KTRK-TV reporter, and her husband, Texas State Rep. Gene Wu

Wu presented a House Resolution commending ESCAPE’s work that was read in the Texas Legislature.

Also on tap was KHOU-TV reporter and newlywed Courtney Zubowski - a scene-stealer with her rainbow-hued locks, eyelashes and furry boots. Other notables on tap included KHOU's Chita Johnson, Lily Jang and Katherine Whaley, KTRK abc13's The Buzz Lady Roseann Rogers, KPRC AM 950's Michael Garfield, singer Scott Gertner, KPRC-TV Anchor Andy Cerota, pro basketball player Jonathan Bender, CBS Radio/FOX 26 TV’s Cleverley Stone, pro football player Devard Darling and stylist Edward Sanchez.

Tony’s stunning interior design was a canvas of balloon-laden tables bursting in primary colors. The room’s centerpiece was an impressive four-foot tall balloon sculpture on the table of Texas energy tycoon T. Boone Pickens, special guest of dear friends Schnitzer Levy and her husband, Irvin.

The party crowd included: ESCAPE Board Chair Dennis Price and wife Vicki, Irvin Levy, Evelyn Franklin, Faith and Lee Majors, Hon. Bonnie Crane Hellums and her husband, former Houston Oiler Carel Stith, Louise and Dr. Denton Cooley, Hon. Meca Walker, Commissioner R. Jack Cagle, Erica and Charles Harris, Regina Rogers, KTRH Radio Anchor Shara Fryer and husband, Barry Silverman, Marjorie Evans, Shantel and David Ferdman, Dene Hofheinz Anton, Celebrity Chair and ESCAPE Board Member Kim Padgett, Susan and David Morris, Clemencia and Jordan Larimore and ESCAPE CEO Lidya K. Osadchey.

Co-Chair Gerald Franklin, who personally greeted all the guests at the door, said close to 300 guests attended and brought in $288,000 $300,000 for ESCAPE. Franklin is a co-founder of ESCAPE, which dates back to 1983.

Miya Shay and husband, State Rep. Gene Wu, with ESCAPE CEO Lidya Osadchey

Actor Lee Majors ($6-Million Man who is now on "Dallas"), his wife, Faith, Texas energy tycoon T. Boone Pickens (he's on the far right -- special guest for the Celebrity Serve Benefit evening) and his date, Toni Brinker.  

 Bob Allen, Tom Koch, Todd Ramos, Houston Chronicle's Lindsey Love, Ernie Manouse and Roseann Rogers

http://www.learntoparent.org

Bill Bishop retires from KHOU 11 Houston after 42 years, colleagues reflect on his impact

Ron Treviño, Kim Castro, Bill Bishop (credit: Courtney Zubowski Haas)

Bill Bishop may not be a name Houston television viewers immediately recognize, but they sure know the longtime KHOU managing editor in the industry.

IN OTHER HOUSTON TV RETIREMENT NEWS
Jeff Ehling signs off ABC13 Houston

Known in the Houston journalism world as "The Bishop" on his well-followed X account, he announced last week that he is retiring after 42 years with the station:

 

"After 47 years in Houston news, 42 of those at my home away from home, KHOU, I'm retiring tomorrow.  News is in my blood. I'll still be active on social media, but it's time for carefree highway.  Here's to the sunny slopes of long ago and to the future."

His four decades of impact were celebrated Friday at a KHOU luncheon in his honor, attended by former KHOU 11 anchor Jerome Gray.

"Old school journalists from the 80s and 90s talked about Bill’s impact, as did current KHOU reporters who weren’t even born when we former KHOU reporters walked into the newsroom and benefited from Bill’s expertise," Gray told mikemcguff.com.   "I think of Bill Bishop as a sports team manager/coach who was able to put all the pieces in place for a news team win. Viewers may appreciate the work of the on-air talent, but they should know Bill and others behind the scenes make the magic happen. I am having a hard time imagining the KHOU newsroom without Bill, given his contact lists and newsgathering expertise. Fortunately, there are plenty of newsroom staffers who have learned a lot from Bill." 

"When it comes to his knowledge? Truly a walking encyclopedia of Houston history," KHOU 11 anchor Ron Treviño told mikemcguff.com.  "And not just news. Sports! Oh, and movies! Godfather quotes endlessly. To my amusement and the bemusement of the younger staff members. We just shook our heads and laughed."

Hopefully, in Bishop's case, the TV industry won't pull him back in just when he thought he was out.

"Bill was the glue of KHOU's newsroom," former KHOU 11 anchor Brandi Smith told mikemcguff.com.  "Not only did Bill grow up in Houston, he went to college at the University of Houston and he spent his entire professional career here. I find it hard to believe anyone knows Houston the way Bill knows Houston. He always had a finger on the pulse of the city. He worked under so many different news directors and so many different news 'philosophies,' but as long as I've known him (which is almost 10 years now), his goal was always the same: to serve the city he loves so much. This is a guy who has had Texans season tickets forever -- just because his team was down and out, he never gave up. And that philosophy carried into the newsroom too. And it wasn't just the newsroom employees who trusted Bill. Sources all over the city trusted him because he'd earned their respect over decades. It's tough to build up that kind of credibility in a community -- especially behind the scenes -- but Bill did that. With the turnover at stations today, I'm not sure anyone in this market will be able to replicate what he built." 

It is no surprise Bishop knows Houston as well as his colleagues say he does. The UH grad started his professional journalism career with 740 KTRH Houston. 

"I've known him since I used to have hair," former ABC13 KTRK investigative reporter Wayne Dolcefino told me.   "He is a solid guy, and knows the town. The actual number of journalists who actually know this town is getting pretty small." 

Bishop and Dolcefino formed a tight group at KTRH in the early 80s with other longtime Houston TV journalists, including former KHOU 11 reporter Doug Miller and former ABC13 KTRK managing editor Chris Hanson.

Around 1984, Bishop moved from radio to television with KHOU.  It was a reset for both Bishop and Channel 11 as the station was transitioning from Corinthian Broadcasting to its new owner, the A.H. Belo Corporation.

Turns out Bishop outlasted Belo, as the station is now owned by TEGNA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nexstar Media Group.

Saturday night at the Kirby Ice House, former KHOU 11 reporter Courtney Zubowski Haas helped organize a party for Bishop, packed with KHOU employees past and present.  The man of honor appeared to an adoring crowd with his wife, Denise Bishop, who also worked at 740 KTRH and eventually became a FOX 26 Houston KRIV news director. 

"He was the nucleus of the newsroom, connecting people and information and keeping the whole operation moving," Hass told me.  "When you needed to know something, you went to Bill. He didn’t just work in the newsroom; in many ways, he was the newsroom." 

"He's the context we all needed. The Astros record — Bill knew it," former KHOU 11 reporter Melissa Correa told mikemcguff.com.  "The history of Sunnyside, Bill had a story for you. Why don't you drive parts of the Westpark toll during heavy rain, Bill explained why." 

Correa called Bishop her compass, which gave her the context she needed to succeed. 

"He often pointed me in the right direction of whom to call so that I could beat the deadline on a breaking story," Correa added.  "Bill knows everyone and every organization across the greater Houston region. That guidance was needed as an MMJ logging miles and miles on Houston's roads solo. I always appreciated his willingness to pick up the phone and help schedule a shoot or an interview, so that I could get it all done as a team of one."

"In short, Bill was the newsroom," KHOU 11 meteorologist Kim Castro told me.  "It's one thing to research a story or weather event, it's another to speak to the man who lived through it. To have Bill was to have live archive access. And not the boring AI kind. Bill's humor, his movie quotes, his whole demeanor of hard news man with a soft heart was the pulse of this newsroom."

While it may sound like Bishop was the brain of the newsroom, his heart also touched his colleagues over the years.

"Professionally, Bill is unmatched. The man knows everything...news, weather, traffic...most times before the news, weather, traffic people know themselves," added Castro.  "You can't help but have the deepest admiration and respect for that alone. But it's his heart that has made Bill such an important and staple part of our lives. Gone on assignment? You'll get a text from Bill. 'Is everything going ok, do you need anything?' How about just gone on vacation? You'll also get a text from Bill just checking in. Somehow, he always had time for it all."

"Bill Bishop was the heart and soul of the newsroom," added Treviño.  "You could talk forever about his cool head under pressure, his leadership skills, journalistic integrity and judgment. But the man himself is what I will miss. My best friend, and possibly the best person I know in terms of decency. And that is the true measure of a man."

"He was my dear friend," Correa added.  "The early months of the pandemic were really hard. He'd often call just to make sure I was doing okay. Bill was always one to ask about my family, send me a photo of his cat, Colby, or make a reference to one of his favorite Seinfeld episodes. That's rare—to have a managing editor who is focused on running a 24/7 news operation and who also slows down enough to make sure you're okay. I left television news in August 2022. I was burned out. But I still love journalism so much. I'll never forget talking to Bill on my last day at the station and apologizing for not being able to be more resilient or stronger or tougher — to be able to stick it out through that really difficult time. He said, 'Do not apologize. You did good, kid.'" 

"I hope Bill takes pride in all the help he has provided to hundreds of reporters and other colleagues over the years [and] takes pride in all his contributions to awards for KHOU and its peeps," Gray added.  "And he really needs to take pride in all his work to inform this community."

"Assume nothing," Bishop told KHOU Digital Director Randy Klein concerning advice for today's and future journalists. "Just because a politician or an official says that’s the way it is, doesn’t mean they’re right. Ask for everything. You may not get it all, but you may get something. The worst they can say is no. Consider all the angles, all the possibilities of what may have happened on a story. Having contacts and sources is important. You must develop them. Get right out the door every day. The story isn’t in the newsroom. Saying please and thank you goes a long way."

Some personal news.
After 47 years in Houston news, 42 of those at my home away from home, KHOU, I'm retiring tomorrow. News is in my blood. I'll still be active on social media, but it's time for carefree highway. Here's to the sunny slopes of long ago and to the future. pic.twitter.com/oTdwT3RpL5

— The Bishop (@BillBishopKHOU) September 17, 2026

 

Will KTRK take a hit from Disney layoffs, plus Courtney Zavala's and Casey Curry

The LA Times reported the Walt Disney Co. started laying off employees across its ABC Television Group on Thursday. KTRK is owned by Disney. Will we see layoffs in Houston?

Plus, Courtney Zavala returns to Houston TV and naturally viewers started asking about Casey Curry. Plus, surviving small market TV.


Here are links to items discussed in the video:

Layoffs begin at Disney's ABC amid pressures in TV market

Courtney Zavala to host Houston Life on KPRC

Houston moves up to TV market #7

Jacob Rascon debuts as anchor on KPRC 2

Courtney Zubowski working for CBS News

Telemundo Houston’s President and GM Tony Canales honored by NFL

Anita Martini to have K-TOR GISD studio dedicated in her name

Joe Gazin hits 40 years at KIII Corpus Christi

Get well Derrick Shore

This is Derrick Shore's actual bio photo from the KPRC website.

Derrick Shore was absent from KPRC 2's "Houston Life" Wednesday and the station posted a message on Facebook with a get well message for the show host (embedded below).

UPDATE
Derrick Shore returns to 'Houston Life' with Reagan Bregman

RELATED
Stephanie Gilbert returns to Houston Life on KPRC 2

At first I was a concerned based on the Facebook post, but as you will see in the below clip, Shore was well enough to send a video message to guest hosts Melanie Camp and Christina Wells.

Based on the messages I'm receiving from "Houston Life" viewers, they are a little on edge since Courtney Zavala left the show in January and then published this video.

Maybe this Facebook message was intended to assuage viewers' fears about Shore leaving too.

Shore was on the air the day before with another Courtney, guest host Courtney Zubowski (formerly of KPRC 2, CBS News and KHOU 11).

RELATED
Katherine Whaley guest hosting "Houston Life"

KRIV's Grinan stroke, new KTVT anchor, KHOU Zubowski and more

Jose Grinan recovering
Fox 26 KRIV anchor Jose Grinan suffered a stroke, but is recovering says The Insite.
- VIDEO: Fox 26 KRIV anchor Jose Grinan's movie scene

How Valid Are TV Weather Forecasts?
New York Times says don't plan your weekend activities based on the television weather forecasts unless it is already Thursday — but waiting until Friday would be even better. (Thanks Rorschach)

Fred Cantu hopes he won't be off the air for long
'Uncle Fred" is signing off, but he hopes it won't be for long.

Station's move to drop fleet vehicles craters morale at the TV station
The call came from a longtime employee at WFLA-Ch. 8 who was so angry the words came spilling out, a river of anger and resentment over a management decision that seemed like a swift kick when things were already down. (Thanks Stephen D.)

Sharrie Williams joins KTVT/Channel 11 and KTXA/Channel 21
Sharrie Williams will be weekend anchor/reporter beginning Jan. 10.

Changes at Sporting News Radio
New PD, two new shows.

And to all a good night
D-FW's list of 2010 TV departures.

What prompted KHOU 11's Courtney Zubowski to change her hair color?
What you see is what she got naturally says Ken Hoffman.

Patriotism on the air
Houston radio show aims to bring comfort to the families of those in military service.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- A young TV journalist's guide to first jobs
- Merry Christmas from Rock 101 KLOL