Nicole Hartford to join 11Alive WXIA Atlanta

Nicole Hartford announced she is leaving her CBS Austin KEYE morning meteorologist role to join 11Alive WXIA Atlanta weather department in February.

UPDATE
Avery Tomasco promoted to CBS Austin mornings

Here is what Hartford posted on Facebook:

"Life update...Next week at CBS Austin will be my last. 

It’s bittersweet leaving the place we’ve called home for the past five years. 

I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with the most amazing people, and Austin will always be special to us.

I am so so excited to announce that I’ll be joining the team at 11Alive in February. 

It’s seriously a dream come true to work in my hometown. Plus, we’ll have some built-in babysitters close by."

Even more, the University of Miami grad even interned at 11Alive.

Hartford joined KEYE 42 in April 2017.

Before Central Texas, Hartford worked at KVII 7 Amarillo as a morning meteorologist and KKCO 11 News Grand Junction, CO as a meteorologist/anchor/reporter.

KVUE's Kristie Gonzales leaves for WXIA Atlanta president-GM role

Kristie Gonzales is leaving her role as president and general manager at KVUE Austin to take the same role for TEGNA sister stations 11 Alive WXIA and My ATL TV - WATL Channel 36 Atlanta effective October 23, 2023.

She will continue as vice president, media operations for TEGNA. 

Since 2016, Gonzales has been president and general manager at KVUE, TEGNA’s ABC affiliate and one of the top stations in Central Texas. 

During her tenure, KVUE launched the innovative series “Boomtown,” which highlights Central Texas’s explosive growth. The station received widespread acclaim for their investigative reporting into the school shooting in Uvalde and on the tragic death of Javier Ambler in the custody of the Williamson County Sheriff Department. During her tenure, Gonzales also grew partnerships with advertisers and helped spearhead community engagement efforts, including “All Together ATX,” which raised nearly $8 million for COVID-19 relief, and “Harvey Can’t Mess with Texas,” a benefit concert developed with Google that helped raise nearly $2 million for Hurricane Harvey relief. 

KVUE was recently honored with six wins in the Texas Broadcast News Awards, including for best morning newscast.

Since 2021, Gonzales has also served as vice president, media operations for TEGNA with oversight of the following stations in Texas: KBMT/KJAC in Beaumont; KYTX in Tyler, KCEN/KAGS in Waco and Bryan-College Station; KWES in Midland-Odessa; and KXVA/KIDY in Abilene and San Angelo. Gonzales will continue in this role with new responsibilities.

“Kristie is an innovative thinker with a drive to deliver results, as she’s done in Austin and across the portfolio of stations she’s overseen in Texas,” said Larry Delia, senior vice president, media operations, TEGNA. “She’s an excellent collaborator and community partner with an ability to inspire and motivate those around her. We’re excited to have her join the talented team in Atlanta and continue the stations’ leadership in the market.”

Added Gonzales, “It is a privilege to join and lead the team in Atlanta. My passion is serving our local communities with news and helping clients grow their businesses. I’m excited to get started in Atlanta with a team that’s renowned for their game-changing investigations and award-winning reporting.”

Prior to joining KVUE, Gonzales held various television management roles across the country, specializing in news branding, multicultural marketing and harnessing the power of digital and social media. Before joining KVUE, she was the promotion and digital brand manager at WABC in New York City.

Gonzales graduated summa cum laude with double honors from the University of New Mexico.

She currently serves on the board of directors for the SAFE Alliance, Equidad ATX and United Way for Greater Austin. She previously served on the boards of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas. She is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and Austin Area Research Organization.

Gonzales spends her free time mentoring women and people of color. She received the 2023 Austin Toastmaster’s Communication Achievement Award and was named a Girl Scouts of Central Texas 2020 Women of Distinction Rising Star.

(Post taken from a release)

Jonathan Martin joins 11Alive WXIA Atlanta

(Photo courtesy of Jonathan Martin)

Jonathan Martin tells mikemcguff.com exclusively that he is joining 11Alive WXIA Atlanta as a weekday anchor staring in August 2023.

“I was born and raised in Atlanta, and returning home as an anchor has long been my career goal," Martin told mikemcguff.com. “I’m just grateful everything aligned and I’ll get the chance to soak up a lot more time with family.”

Martin, who signed off from the evening anchor desk of FOX 26 KRIV last April, had one last big Houston celebration Thursday night at the The Ivy House to celebrate the city and friends he made since coming to H-Town in May 2016.

Former channel 26 co-anchors Melinda Spaulding and Kaitlin Monte were in attendance as well as former reporter Maria Salazar. Also seen were current FOX 26 reporters Damali Keith and Natalie Hee. Newly named abc13 weekday anchor Erica Simon was also there to toast Martin. 

Mayor Sylvester Turner was also present to declare June 8, 2023 “Jonathan Martin Day” in Houston. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and now Houston mayoral candidate, also made an appearance.

Jonathan Martin debuts on 11Alive WXIA Atlanta

Jonathan Martin revealed he was joining 11Alive WXIA Atlanta to me on mikemcguff.com back in June 2023.

Last week, he made his A-Town TV debut.

The former FOX 26 KRIV Houston anchor signed-off the station in April. 

Former KPRC reporter talks "Disrupting The News"

TVNewsCheck's Michael Depp talks with Brendan Keefe, chief investigative reporter at Tegna's WXIA Atlanta (and former KPRC 2 reporter), about how local news can rediscover creativity at every level — even day-turn stories — by looking at stories with fresh eyes.

RELATED
Former Houston TV producer talks hyperlocal news

Molly Oak joins 11Alive Atlanta

Molly Oak is joining 11Alive News WXIA Atlanta after leaving her KVUE Austin reporter role in December 2021.

"Next stop: ATLANTA! I’m excited to announce I accepted a job with 11Alive," Oak tweeted.  "Special shout out to my mentor, friends, and family who all cheered me on throughout this process. I can’t wait to get started in April! Until then, I’m taking a break from freelance and going to soak up as much Florida sunshine and family time as possible."

Oak is not the only one heading to Atlanta from Austin.  In February 2022, morning meteorologist Nicole Hartford also joined 11Alive Atlanta from CBS Austin KEYE.

Oak came to KVUE Austin from WECT News/Fox Wilmington WSFX Wilmington, North Carolina.

She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

"It’s always hard to say so long to someone you care about...but it’s on to bigger and better things for our Molly Oak," KVUE 6 and 10pm anchor Quita Culpepper posted. "During her time at KVUE she’s grown into such a good reporter, and a real friend."

Here is what Oak posted to Instagram when she left KVUE Austin in December 2021:

"After the winter storm in February 2021, I volunteered to work two overnight shifts at a shelter for people experiencing homelessness. I remember meeting a man who, throughout my shift, always had a new joke to tell me. He was kindhearted and had a laugh that echoed through the quiet, dark hallways of the events center. It’s a moment when I thought “Austin is it”. This is where I’m going to stay. I love my job, I love the people, I love the community.

Sometimes God has other plans though. Friday was my last day at KVUE. It’s hard to put into words what the last four+ years have meant to me, so let me just say thank you, Austin. Thank you for trusting me with your stories—a privilege I never took for granted. Thank you for your kindness: whether it was when we met in person or through emails or messages on social media. Mostly though, thank you for being a community I called home for so many years. Thank you for the friendships that will last a lifetime. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your lives. Thank you for being part of mine."

Next stop: ATLANTA! I’m excited to announce I accepted a job with @11AliveNews.

I can’t wait to get started in April! Until then, I’m taking a break from freelance and going to soak up as much Florida sunshine and family time as possible❤️

Full post: https://t.co/9SkpEpMakV pic.twitter.com/ur55wmlNS2

— Molly Oak (@MollyAndAMic) March 15, 2022

*updated with Molly Oak 11Alive Atlanta hiring

 

Texas TV news and radio job moves June 2023

Send tips for the monthly Texas media job list here.

- Best TV News Bloopers June 2023
- TAB Salutes 2023 Leadership Award Winners

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

Billy The Kidd resurfaces on mornings for Mix 102.9 KDMX. 

The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show's Ana Castillejos Weds.

Before WFAA 8's Pete Delkus was known for joshin’ it up on the news, he was a sidearm pitcher who nearly made it to the major leagues. 

Fox 4 News KDFW photographer/journalist Phil Fleming retired after 39 years.

HisAir Checks In With KLTY’s John Hudson.

David Rancken celebrates 14 years with NewsRadio 1080 KRLD.

Notes From the Underground Newspaper: Dallas in the 1970s wasn’t ready for a wild, countercultural newspaper like the Iconoclast.

iHeart’s ‘97.1 The Freak’ Dallas Adds UNT Mean Green Football.

Johannah Grenaway joins CBS News Texas KTVT as a digital content producer from Scripps News. 

- Paige Ellenberger joins FOX 4 KDFW
- Hanna Batta is married
- Peyton Yager talks about "worst news blooper of entire life"
- Demond Fernandez leaving WFAA 8 DFW
- FOX 4 Good Day team tries pickleball
- KLUV becomes 98.7 The Spot KSPF, Mix 102.9 returns in DFW
- Norm Hitzges retires from 1310 The Ticket DFW
- Shannon Murray gets her ring
- Joe Trahan celebrates 20 years with WFAA DFW
- Bernadette Valles named VP of Brand-Strategic Marketing for NBC 5 KXAS and Telemundo 39 DFW

HOUSTON

Elita Loresca celebrates 8 years with abc13 KTRK. 

Nonprofit Houston Landing launches full website to cover daily local news with no paywall.

Houston Astros Sideline Reporter Julia Morales Pulls Off a Fashion Double Play, Growing Her Baseball y’all Clothing Line as a Busy Working Mom.

Chris Alan's Chesty Nostalgia for Houston Radio Stations.

Houston Chronicle assistant city editor Matt Schwartz leaves the paper after 26 years to join the Houston Landing to edit local government and politics.

Hannah Dellinger leaves the Houston Chronicle to join Chalkbeat Detroit as a reporter.

Rebecca Hennes joins the Houston Chronicle as  Deputy Audience Director for Subscriber Engagement.

After eight years reporting in New Orleans, Matt Sledge joins Houston Landing to cover City Hall and neighborhoods.

How a Houston columnist's coming out and firing ignited the community.

Taylor Berry joins KHOU 11 as morning executive producer. 

Gow Media powers up new site, EnergyCapitalHTX.com, to report on Houston's energy transition news.

Ken Hoffman catches up with the Houston face of famed American Gladiators series now focus of 2-part ESPN doc.

KPRC 2 Assignment Editor John Steiger retired after 40 years with channel 2!

abc13 KTRK photojournalist Mario Segura celebrates 30 years with the Disney station.

abc13 KTRK Producer/Photographer/Editor Brian Schack celebrates 25 years with the Disney station.

FOX 26 KRIV's Sherman Desselle celebrates 15 years in the TV news business.

abc13 KTRK Programming Executive Producer Laura Berryhill Taglialavore celebrates five years with the Disney station.

Ed Kilgore remembers leaving KTRK 13 in 1973 to join WGR(Z)-TV in Buffalo.

SuiteRadio's Rowdy Yates celebrates 1 year of daily syndication with the addition of FOUR new affiliates.  KJCS-FM Nacogdoches/Lufkin, Texas adds “The Rowdy Ride Home” from 2pm-7pm.  WFAY-AM (and translator 100.1 W261CX) in Fayetteville, North Carolina adds “Ridin’ with Rowdy” for it’s 9am-12 noon slot.  WTCM-FM Traverse City, Michigan commits to  “Ridin’ with Rowdy”for 7p-12 midnight and KWWR-FM Mexico, Missouri adds repurposed Rowdy segments as part of their new “The Wild and Rowdy Morning Ride” from 6-10am.  Doug Lawrence signs on as Producer of the programs, after spending the past 2+ decades in various capacities at CMG Houston. 

- Marcelino Benito to take leave from KHOU 11
- Jonathan Martin joins 11Alive WXIA Atlanta
- Lauren Talarico to leave KHOU 11 Houston
- Mark Berman signs-off FOX 26
- KHOU 11 switches anchor schedules?
- TJ Parker joins KPRC 2 Houston
- Is this the new abc13 Houston anchor?
- 97.9 The Box changes schedule in 2023
- KPRC 2 honored by Society of Professional Journalists
- Anthony Antoine on his way to FOX 26 Houston, signs off 12 News WWBT
- Troy Kless joins KHOU 11
- Lauren Talarico signs off KHOU 11 weekend mornings
- Houston Life's Derrick Shore revisits trip to Titanic two decades ago
- José Griñan signs off FOX 26 KRIV
- Crystal Ayala explains absence from Telemundo Houston
- Travis Herzog taken to hospital, Forgany back home
- Anavid Reyes is pregnant
- Caroline Collins offers career advice

SAN ANTONIO

San Antonio sports radio host Mike Taylor leaves AM radio show for YouTube.

Russell Rush Memorial Scholarship honors legacy of beloved San Antonio DJ Russell Rush.

“94.1 San Antonio’s Sports Star” KTFM Floresville/San Antonio revamped its lineup.

San Antonio’s ‘Y100’ Hits A Three-Year High.

Breaking news reporter Taylor Pettaway leaves the San Antonio Express-News.

- KENS 5 anchor Sarah Forgany out of ICU
- Niccole Caan leaves KENS 5 San Antonio
- Megan Reyna joins KENS 5 San Antonio
- Avery Everett joins KSAT San Antonio

AUSTIN

Chief meteorologist David Yeomans celebrates 11 years with KXAN Austin.

KVUE tracks ‘Boomtown’s’ growth in Austin.

Honors for Two Texas Monthly Food Writers.

End of an era: 80 years of the Pryor family on the air in Austin comes to a close When Don Pryor retired from talk radio, he effectively ended his family's 120-year run in Austin show biz, including 80 years on radio.

Luz Moreno-Lozano joins 90.5 KUT as Austin City Hall reporter.

Best of Austin 2023 - politics and media - readers poll
Best of Austin 2023 - politics and media - critics picks

- Alzheimer's training HB 1673 sent to Governor's desk
- The Austin American-Statesman's history
- FOX 7 Austin anchor Libbi Farrow out of hospital
- Hema Mullur leaves CBS Austin

AROUND TEXAS

Telemundo 48 El PasoKTDO unveiled its new, 12,000 square-foot media center, during the station’s 4 p.m. weekday edition of “Noticias Telemundo 48” giving audiences an inside look at its new facility. Featuring IP and cloud-based technology and advanced newsroom tools that improve newsgathering and content publishing across multiple platforms - built exclusively by NBCUniversal Local - at launch, KTDO’s new facility became the most advanced TV station in the El Paso DMA.

KXXV 25 News Anchor Todd Unger has covered the Couch case since week one when he was with WFAA 8 DFW, and in his reporter's notebook, reflects on the 'Affluenza' case 10 years later.

Morning meteorologist Max Crawford celebrates 8 yeas with KBTX Bryan-College Station.

Dominique Leh, the 12News Midday and The Beat producer, leaves 12News KBMT Beaumont.

The Texas Bucket List Receives Four Telly Awards for TV Excellence.

Conroe arts group wants to build downtown statue of longtime KVST radio host Mary McCoy.

 “Willy 103.3” KJCS Nacogdoches/Lufkin hires Steve Rixx as Station Manager.

Candy 95 KNDE Bryan-College Station hires Ryan Star as its new midday air personality from 104 KRBE Houston.

Reporter Andrew Lamparski leaves KXXV 25 News Waco/Temple/Killeen for LEX 18 News Lexington, Kentucky.

El Paso Telemundo moves into new IP, cloud-focused broadcast facility. 

- Brianna Chavez leaves KVIA 7 El Paso
- Berkeley Taylor joins KBTX 3 B-CS
- Leslie Adami is engaged
- Andy Andersen exits KCEN 6 Waco
- Matt Lively joins CBS News Bay Area KPIX
- Micah Wilson joins KCEN 6 Waco
- Ozzy Mora joins KLAS 8 Las Vegas
- Hannah Fresquez joins KFOX 14 El Paso
- Chandlor Jordan joins WIS News 10 Columbia, South Carolina
- Monica Diaz-Meek is pregnant

REMEMBERING

Former 94.5 The Buzz KTBZ Houston PD/Personality Don Jantzen Passes Away.

Wade Goodwyn, longtime correspondent for NPR’s Texas beat, has died.

San Antonio radio personality Diana Castillo, known as “Lady Di,” has died.

Longtime Lubbock media figure Dave King passed away after a brief battle with cancer. 

Former A&M announcer, KBTX news director Chace Murphy dies.

- Dave Brown, formerly of KRGV, has died

Former Houston journalists return to TV for Harvey coverage

Mike McGuff talking to presenters Richard Madeley and Ranvir Singh.

It was all hands on deck for the international, national and other local news media to find Houston journalists to help cover Hurricane Harvey. There were also the sister-station relief crews needed to fill-in on our Houston TV stations.

Here is a list of the former Houston journalists who were called back from the reserves to help out. If you know of others, please email me.

I was hired by UK Network ITV to report live for its Good Morning Britain program through out last week. One of the show's presenters (a term for anchor in the England) Americans will recognize is former CNN host Piers Morgan.

Former KHOU 11 anchor Lily Jang reported for KXAS NBC 5 in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Former KTRK abc13 and ESPN reporter Darren Lyn was tapped to report for TRT World.

Michelle Merhar returned to FOX 26 KRIV to help out on traffic anchor duty.

Doug Miller returned to KHOU 11 and made an appearance to talk hurricanes.

Former KPRC 2 reporter Brendan Keefe, now WXIA Atlanta Chief Investigative Reporter, returned to Houston to help out TEGNA sister station KHOU as a reporter. "Houston gets in your heart and doesn't want to leave," Keefe told me. "I volunteered when I saw my friends at KHOU working so hard without a TV station."

Former KHOU 11 reporter Courtney Zubowski worked for CBS News as a field producer.

Former FOX 26 KRIV reporter Todd Duplantis, now the Director of HCC TV Communications, did live reporting for WFTS Tampa Bay, Florida's ABC Action News.

KFSN Fresno reporter Corin Hoggard, returns to his old station of KTRK abc13 where he was a producer, to help with Harvey coverage.

Dr. Neil Frank made his usual return to KHOU 11 when there is trouble in the tropics.

KXAS NBC5's Courtney Gilmore returned from DFW to KPRC to help cover the storm.

Former KIKK and CBS Radio news reporter Derrill Edward Holly did an interview with the Associated Press broadcast and energy news podcast.

Former FOX 26 KRIV contributor Bob Martin has returned to make appearances on channel 26 and KTRK abc13.

Former FOX 26 KRIV reporter Ned Hibberd, now WCNC Charlotte executive producer of investigations and special projects, has been working for KHOU remotely via WFAA in Dallas.

Chris Henao exits KHOU 11 from Assistant ND role

Chris Henao, who had served as KHOU 11's assistant news director since 2019, announced on social media that he was laid off from the TEGNA-owned station last week.

UPDATE: I have heard that Wiley Post, who joined KHOU in 2017 as an assistant news director and executive producer, is now serving as the assistant news director.

Here is a portion of what Henao said on Linkedin (with his permission to post here):

"Well, I'm choosing to see this as a blessing in disguise - an opportunity to embrace new challenges, step outside my comfort zone, and continue growing! Leaving behind an amazing newsroom full of talented journalists and friends is bittersweet, for sure.

 On my last day at work, I felt nothing but appreciation, gratitude and support from everyone on my team. It filled my heart and fueled my drive with passion and purpose as I look for the next step in my career. 

Will the next chapter be as a journalist? I'm not 100 percent sure right now. 

If this marks the end of my 34 years in news, I will forever treasure every moment - so many stories, memories, friendships and accomplishments! 

To all who have recently received the notice that you are being laidoff - you are not alone. 

I am here to support you in any and every way possible. Let's keep moving forward with resilience, optimism and the belief that something great is ahead!"

Henao’s 34-year career in journalism has earned him prestigious honors, including duPont-Columbia, Peabody, Polk, IRE, RTDNA Murrow, Scripps Howard, and EMMY awards.

His tenure at KHOU was a homecoming, having previously worked at the station under former owner Belo. During that time, he served as an investigative photographer and later a producer, spanning from the Anna Werner era to the Jeremy Rogalski years.

Before his return to KHOU, Henao served as assistant news director at KSAT 12 in San Antonio, a Graham Media Group sister station to Channel 11's cross-town rival, KPRC 2 in Houston.

Between his stints at KHOU, he worked as an executive producer for investigations at KCTV 5 News in Kansas City, Missouri, and later spent nearly three years as an investigative producer for KNBC in Los Angeles.

A University of Texas graduate, Henao began his career as a photojournalist at WXIA Atlanta, KXAN Austin, and KGBT Harlingen.

UPDATE JUNE 2025

Chris Henao joins the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) as Chief of Media & Communications.

Austin Burkes joins CBS Austin KEYE

Austin Burkes is joining the CBS Austin KEYE weather department as weekend meteorologist from Sinclair Broadcast Group sister station KTXS News 12 Abilene.

"I want to thank everyone in the Big Country for the amazing 3 years here," Burkes tweeted.  "March 25th will be my last day at KTXS News. I’m super excited to announce that I will be joining CBS Austin at the end of the month! Excited for this new chapter in life!"

Burkes joined KTXS in 2019 and has been the weekend meteorologist at the station.

The Western Kentucky University grad worked for the university station WKU NewsChannel 12 as a weather anchor.

The Hot Springs, Arkansas born and raised Burkes interned with KAIT 8 Jonesboro, Arkansas.

CBS Austin Meteorologist Avery Tomasco says Burkes will likely be on the air the first weekend of April 2022. 

Tomasco moved to mornings from weekends at CBS Austin KEYE when morning met Nicole Hartford left for 11Alive WXIA Atlanta.

Jonathan Martin signs off FOX 26 Houston

Jonathan Martin officially signed off FOX 26 KRIV Houston on April 27, 2023 with the above video.

UPDATE JUNE 2023
Jonathan Martin joins 11Alive WXIA Atlanta

UPDATE MAY 2023
Anthony Antoine joins FOX 26 Houston as evening anchor

Here is the transcription of the touching words Martin said on his final Fox 26 newscast:

"Well, after seven years, tonight is my final broadcast at Fox 26. 

My pastor often says people don't have to be kind to you, so when they are, always say thank you. And I want to thank you, all of you, for embracing me since the day I started here as a clean shaven young man, just eager and a bit nervous to take on this role in such a big city from Hurricane Harvey, a pandemic, three World Series. You know, we've been through a lot of ups and downs together. 

And truly, with so many options every night that you choose to stop and watch our newscast, it is a privilege. 

If you know me, you know, I've always believed in being anchored to my community and not just anchored to this news desk. So to everyone who opened doors and created spaces for me to serve in this community, I thank you. 

I must also thank my Fox 26 general manager here, D'Artagnan Bebel, who believed in me and hired me for this role and my colleagues, many you never get to see the producers, the photographers, the editors, so many, they are the nucleus of our newsroom. 

You know, this week it's been so touching. I've received hundreds of messages from many of you and a lot of you have said, 'Jonathan, you're like family. We consider you a Houstonian.' 

And for someone who moved here with no friends or family, that means more than you know. 

So next for me, some rest. I'm going to chill out a little bit and then start a new chapter that I'll be sure to announce soon. But honestly, truly, serving this city will always be one of the honors of my life."

"Leaving FOX 26 is incredibly tough," Martin told mikemcguff.com last week.  "I fell in love with this community and after seven years, I truly feel like a Houstonian. The station and my colleagues have been so supportive. But I’m looking forward to growing and pursuing some other professional and life goals."

The day before he signed off, Martin acknowledged this three co-anchors during his time at channel 26 -  Melinda Spaulding, Kaitlin Monte and Rashi Vats.

Martin joined FOX 26 in May 2016.

Jonathan Martin to leave FOX 26 Houston

Jonathan Martin tells me he is leaving FOX 26 KRIV Houston after seven years as an evening anchor.

UPDATE JUNE 2023
Jonathan Martin joins 11Alive WXIA Atlanta

UPDATE MAY 2023
Anthony Antoine joins FOX 26 Houston as evening anchor

VIDEO UPDATE
Jonathan Martin signs off FOX 26 Houston with touching speech

"Leaving FOX 26 is incredibly tough," Martin told mikemcguff.com.  "I fell in love with this community and after seven years, I truly feel like a Houstonian. The station and my colleagues have been so supportive. But I’m looking forward to growing and pursuing some other professional and life goals."

Martin signs off FOX 26 next week, but assures mikemcguff.com readers he will still be around to emcee events in Houston through May and June. 

Here is what Martin posted to socials:

"My heart swells with gratitude as I share this...

After 7 incredible years, I'll be leaving FOX 26 Houston at the end of this month.

Oh what a privilege it has been. In 2016, FOX GM D'Art Bebel took a chance on me...hiring 'the young guy' to be the station's primetime anchor. He gave me space to grow into the role, and many of you rooted for me along the way.

From Hurricane Harvey to George Floyd's funeral, 3 World Series, a Super Bowl and a Pandemic...We navigated so much together. It was an honor and responsibility to tell your stories.

I'm most proud of the work we did together in the community. My "Beyond The Game" tour and SWEAT TX program was only a success because of so many who supported me.

H-town has shown me love in a way I could never have imagined, and I'lll forever be grateful.

I've always trusted God's timing for my life, so I'm eager to stretch and grow. What's next? I'll be sure to share more soon, but for now I'm taking time to rest and recalibrate."

Martin joined FOX 26 in May 2016 to work with then co-anchor Melinda Spaulding.  He would later be joined by Kaitlin Monte and now Rashi Vats.

While in Houston, Martin worked to inspire students with his "Beyond the Game" initiative.  He would also hype Houston viewers with his dance moves!  

Before Houston, Martin previously worked for Al Jazeera America as a national correspondent.

His previous local TV jobs were as: 

- weekend anchor and general assignment reporter for WSMV 4 Nashville, Tennessee

- weekend evening anchor and daily reporter for WRDW 12 Augusta, Georgia

- news reader WFXA-FM Radio Augusta, GA

The Auburn University grad interned for WSB Atlanta.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jonathan Martin (@jmartintv)

*Post corrected with who Martin now anchors with and his arrival date had a typo.

 

Avery Tomasco promoted to CBS Austin mornings

Avery Tomasco is the new CBS Austin News KEYE morning meteorologist, moving from weekend evenings.

Tomasco will be taking the place of meteorologist Nicole Hartford who is leaving for 11Alive WXIA Atlanta  and will hit the air there in February 2022.

RELATED
Avery Tomasco's baby announcement for the win!

Here is what Tomasco posted to Twitter:

"Life update and exciting news to share with you, friends... I have accepted a promotion to become the full-time morning meteorologist for CBS Austin News beginning next week (January 24th.) To say this is a dream come true would be an understatement... 

I grew up in Austin utterly fascinated by the weather. I’d fall asleep to “weather on the 8’s” as a kid, always glued to Mark Murray and Jim Spencer during every storm chance, running quickly from the TV to the back deck with my dad to observe and learn while monitoring my rinky-dink weather station I got for Christmas one year. I discovered quickly after my first internship that I wanted to be a morning meteorologist, and I wanted to do so in Austin... to finally be stepping into that role 10 years later is surreal and difficult to put into words.

I get to continue doing what I love, keeping you ahead of our wild Texas weather while (hopefully) teaching you something new along the way. I get to stay in Austin, raise my little girl in the town I grew up in surrounded by friends and family, and teach her all of the things that made me fall in love with meteorology to begin with. 

A huge thank you to my news director, Rob, and our general manager, Amy, for taking a chance on me four years ago and for taking another chance on me now. And thank YOU for coming along for this incredible ride. I truly have you, your trust, and your viewership to thank. I am beyond honored, and I can’t wait to get started!"

As he mentioned his Central Texas upbringing, the Houston born and Austin raised Tomasco attended Eanes Elementary, Hill Country middle school and Westlake High School.

While in school, Tomasco visited KEYE 42 Chief Meteorologist Troy Kimmel which drove his desire to forecast weather.

Before returning to Austin at KEYE, Tomasco was the morning meteorologist for KTAB/KRBC Abilene.

The Texas A&M University Bachelor of Science (BS) Meteorology grad interned across the street at FOX 7 Austin KTBC.

Tomasco, a self-described "true weather nerd" earned his Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation from the American Meteorological Society right before joining CBS Austin.

Karys Belger joins FOX 26 Houston

Karys Belger joins FOX 26 Houston as a reporter in December 2025.

Here is what Belger posted on social:

"If you care to find me… look to the western sky. 

I’m so excited to share that I’ve joined the team at FOX26 in Houston, Texas!

I love this work and cannot wait to see what The Space City has in store for me!"

Belger comes to Houston from 11Alive WXIA in Atlanta, where she shot, wrote, and edited all her own stories as a multi-skilled journalist for 11Alive Morning News.

Her career also includes MSJ roles at WGRZ 2 Buffalo and FOX 4 WFTX Southwest Florida, along with political reporting experience on Capitol Hill through Medill’s Washington Program. Guess who  Belger worked with at WGRZ who now works at another Houston station??

A native of Washington, D.C., Belger grew up in a household of news enthusiasts. 

She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Spelman College and a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School.

- Jonathan Mejia leaves FOX 26 Houston
- Peyton Galyean joins FOX 26 Houston
- Angie Rodriguez joins FOX 26 Houston
- Abigail Dye leaves FOX 26 Houston

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Karys Belger (@karysbelger)

(Thanks Taylor)

Texas TV meteorologists are changing like the weather!

In the last weeks, I've been tracking lots of job changes in the Texas television meteorologist world.

DALLAS

Keisha Burns leaves NBC 5 DFW KXAS

SAN ANTONIO

Greg Pollak leaves News 4 SA - FOX 29 San Antonio

Joe DeCarlo joins News 4 SA - FOX 29 San Antonio

AUSTIN

Nicole Hartford to join 11Alive WXIA Atlanta

Avery Tomasco promoted to CBS Austin mornings

Hunter Williams moves to KVUE Austin mornings

Christopher Nunley, Ph.D. to join KING 5 Seattle

CORPUS CHRISTI

Kristin Walla joins KIII 3 Corpus Christi

AROUND TEXAS

This one happened in December 2021, but Michael Bohling became Chief Meteorologist at KFDX TV 3 & KJTL, Wichita Falls. Around the same time, Kevin Selle left KFDX 3 Wichita Falls and joined NewsChannel 10 KFDA Amarillo.

Doug Miller returns to KHOU 11 for Hurricane Harvey

Former KHOU 11 reporter Doug Miller returns to his old TV gig to help out during Hurricane Harvey coverage

Houston is filled with talented former TV news staffers who have left the news business, but feel compelled to help out once a major hurricane threatens our area.

Case in point, former chief meteorologist Dr. Neil Frank usually returns to KHOU 11 when the Gulf threatens.

And speaking of channel 11, you might have noticed another familiar face returning to the TEGNA station.

Former 11 reporter and executive editor Doug Miller has been called in from the reserves to help out with Hurricane Harvey coverage.

"It would have been weird, sitting at home watching after chasing hurricanes all of these years," Miller told mikemcguff.com. "I feel like a retired firefighter watching a building burn...hand me a hose."

No doubt Miller has years of experience and know how on how to cover a Houston-area storm.

Last year, when he took a buyout from the station, Miller told me he was willing to return if/when needed.

"I've got a closet full of rain gear decorated with old KHOU logos," Miller told me in 2016. "If they need me in a pinch, God help me, I'd probably still meet the live truck halfway."

In fact, Miller's outstanding weather reporting lasted all the way till his final days with the station.

I wrote on this very blog in April of 2016 how Miller and photographer Sergio Soto excelled in their coverage of the Tax Day floods.

If you know Miller personally, then you will know the depths he is willing to go to get the story.

"One of the moments I'll never forget was waking up in the middle of the night during Tropical Storm Allison and turning in the TV to see our newsroom was flooding," Miller recalled to me. "I knew my car would never make it through the streets. so I started walking to the station. As luck would have it, Jeff McShan happened to drive by in a live truck and picked me up."

So what has Miller been up to in his post TV life?

He is now a member of the Houston Chronicle editorial board.

UPDATE
Former KPRC 2 reporter Brendan Keefe, who is now the Chief Investigative Reporter at WXIA Atlanta, tells me he is returning to Houston to help out TEGNA sister station KHOU.

Dawn White joins CBS News Texas

Dawn White joined CBS News Texas KTVT Dallas - Fort Worth as a multiskilled journalist in February 2024.

White came from 11Alive WXIA Atlanta where she was also a multiskilled journalist (MSJ) starting in November 2021. 

The regional Edward R. Murrow Award winner previously worked as a:

- Hybrid news/sports reporter at First Coast News WTLV - WJXX Jacksonville, Florida 

- Anchor/reporter/traffic anchor/Baltimore Ravens feature reporter for WBAL News Radio Baltimore, Maryland 

- Reporter/fill-in anchor for ABC27 WHTM Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

- Fill-in traffic anchor at WGAL Lancaster, Pennsylvania

- Weekend evening anchor NBC25 WHAG Hagerstown, Maryland

- Assignment editor at WPMT FOX43 York, Pennsylvania

The classically trained pianist and former competitive swimmer and figure skater adopted a Hurricane Harvey rescue dog named "Houston" so he is now back in his home state. Now you might say White is in the wrong part of the state because of this fact.  But no, she named her new shelter rescue dog "Dallas" last March!

White graduated magna cum laude from the University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism. The Native American Journalists Association member also graduated summa cum laude from Carroll Community College while working full-time as a single mother to her son David.

Day 1 at @CBSNewsTexas. I'm so thrilled to join an amazing group of journalists and tell stories in the north #Texas community. ❤️#newbeginnings #texasgirl #dallastexas #fortworthtx #tvnews #journalists pic.twitter.com/euutvHbo2l

— Dawn White (@DawnWhiteNews) February 12, 2024

 

Valerie Guyton named Pres.-GM of KWES, KIDY and KXVA West Texas

TEGNA Inc. announced that Valerie Guyton has been appointed president and general manager at KWES, the NBC affiliate in Midland-Odessa, and KIDY and KXVA, the Fox affiliates serving Abilene and San Angelo, effective July 31, 2023. 

Guyton will be responsible for overseeing the stations’ operations across platforms, as well as leading community service efforts and driving results for advertisers.

A native Texan, Guyton has nearly 30 years of experience in television news, most recently as assistant news director at KXAS/NBC 5 in Dallas. While at NBC 5, Guyton developed the “Conversations: Call for Change” franchise, which highlights social justice changemakers throughout the North Texas community. She also served on NBCUniversal’s Diversity Council championing local stations’ Diversity, Equity & Inclusion efforts. Valerie volunteers with the NBCU Academy, which is a collaborative learning initiative that builds a pipeline from classrooms to newsrooms and other media industries.

Previously, Guyton was executive producer at TEGNA stations WXIA/11Alive in Atlanta and assistant news director at KENS 5 in San Antonio. Earlier in her career, Guyton was executive producer at CNN/HLN and spent time developing programming and show teams at The Weather Channel. One of her first jobs was producing the morning show at TEGNA station KHOU in Houston.

“Valerie is a dynamic leader with an impressive background in local and national news,” said Kristie Gonzales, vice president, media operations, TEGNA. “Valerie’s superpower is connecting with people, and she has a long track record of innovation and collaborative team building. We are proud to have her back at TEGNA to help us tell diverse stories, serve clients and support our neighbors across the entire West Texas community.”

Guyton grew up in Dallas and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and a second B.A. in Radio/TV/Film studies from the University of Houston.

(Post taken from a release)

Houston Press Club winners, SA anchor breaks down, plus more

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Lone Star Awards
The Houston Press Club presents its 2014 Lone Star Award winners.

The News will shut down paid website
As newspapers try new ideas to attract more digital readers in a changing media world, some are destined to stick and others to fail.

Direct from Hollywood, FOX Television Stations to Air Fresh New Entertainment Show, Hollywood Today Live
FOX Television Stations will air Hollywood Today Live a daily one-hour entertainment magazine show that delivers the hottest celebrity, red carpet and pop culture headlines, social media and red carpet coverage. Hollywood Today Live began July 14, and will air on top FOX Television stations in several markets like Dallas on FOX 4 from 2-3 p.m. and in Houston on MyNet 20 from 9-10 a.m.

Mary Benton gets her own day
Congratulations to former KPRC reporter Mary Benton. She officially has her own day in the city of Houston.
- Watch her in the city chamber
- PICS: Mary Benton's KPRC goodbye party packed with Houston TV celebs

Houston Chronicle Live Tweeted the Stay Funeral
The Chron sent not one but two reporters who live tweeted the funeral, complete with photos.

HOUSTON-GALVESTON: The Song Remains The Same
Research Director, Inc. Presents Exclusive June PPM Analysis For Houston.

Sports Radio 610 misplayed Travis Johnson
Houston Media Watch puts money on former Texans first-round draft pick, Travis Johnson.

The Daily Craig
Odd Request From a Former Co-Worker

$100,000 in 10 weeks? No problem for one young fundraising femme
Former TV reporter Hasti Taghi raised $107,000 to win the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's "Woman of the Year" honors.

Radio host resolves legal dispute with AM station
The legal dispute between Houston radio host Michael Harris and his on-again-off-again boss, KCOH 1230 AM president Jesse Dunn, has been resolved.

Houston teen will compete on ‘Jeopardy!’ for $75K
William Golden, 13, is a 7th grade student at Harmony School of Excellence in Houston and will be participating in the tournament.

Get ready for Houston Restaurant Weeks
Brunch is on the menu for the highly anticipated annual food fest known as Houston Restaurant Weeks.

Barbizon Updates Houston’s Telemundo Lighting
For KTMD-TV Telemundo in Houston, TX the challenge was to take a brand new space with video walls, LCD displays and Chroma-key elements and design a daylight balanced, fully functioning studio that was easy to maintain without causing delay in the studio’s packed programming schedule.

Former KPRC reporter Brendan Keefe gets new gig
Brendan Keefe to Leave WCPO for WXIA and Gannett Teaching Gig

Popular KSAT anchor breaks down in tears over child injury reports
Who says journalists have no heart? An anchor for KSAT-TV Channel 12 in San Antonio was overcome with emotion during a newscast.

S.A. anchor’s TV swan song — and upcoming book
Jacqueline Ortiz is waving goodbye to 16 years of newscasting/reporting to devote more time to her family. As it turns out, however, her own children, ages 6 and 9, aren’t the only young people who will benefit from her newly freed-up energies.

Meteorologist who sued KXAN lands new job
A meteorologist who filed a racial discrimination suit against KXAN after she was let go by station management has landed a new job with a nationally televised cable network.

Gannett completes acquisition of six London Broadcasting Company TV stations from SunTx Capital Partners
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Lazy TV anchors are just doing what the job description says
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Texas Cable Operator Fined $2.25 Million for Retrans Violation
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Texas Monthly names new editor in chief
Texas Monthly has named Brian Sweany its next editor-in-chief.

REMEMBERING

Kuyk Logan
The Hobby family brought Kuyk Logan to Houston in 1969 as assistant managing editor of The Houston Post. He was named managing editor in 1976, a job he held until the paper was sold in 1983. From there, he became managing editor of news at the Houston CBS affiliate, KHOU-TV.

Charles "Chuck" Paul Pharris Sr.
Charles “Chuck” Paul Pharris Sr., 85, of Marietta died Friday, July 11, 2014. He joined KPRC-TV in Houston in 1956 as chief cameraman. He was later named Director of Newsfilm Operations, and became a member of NPPA. Chuck and the KPRC staff won several NPPA and AP awards for spot news and features, and in 1962 KPRC was named “Newsfilm Station of the Year.”

Young Telemundo employee killed in car wreck during holiday trip
A Houston family is mourning the loss of a young woman killed in a car crash out of state. Vanessa Morales was an employee at the Telemundo TV station in Houston.

Former KHOU 11 reporter Brad Woodard remembered
Friends gathered Saturday to remember the life of former KHOU 11 reporter Brad Woodard. Those in attendance included Jeff McShan, Carolyn Mungo, Greg Groogan, Chau Nguyen, former KHOU news director Keith Connors and wife Karla Barguiarena, Woodard's two sisters and many current and former KHOU employees.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Courtney Zubowski leaving KHOU 11
- PICS: Mary Benton's KPRC goodbye party packed with Houston TV celebs
- Ashley Paredez anchored at FOX 7 KTBC Austin
- Darby Douglas' father dies hours before his KHOU return
- Rhonda Errer LaVelle is new KPRC 2 news director

Byron Wilkinson named KVUE Austin President and General Manager

Byron Wilkinson has been named president and general manager of KVUE Austin.

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Wilkinson has been serving as interim general manager at KVUE, and previously served as interim general manager at TEGNA-owned duopoly KBMT/KJAC in Beaumont, Texas. 

He will be responsible for the station’s operations across all platforms, as well as community outreach efforts and driving results for advertisers.

Wilkinson was most recently director of sales at KVUE for the past seven years. The Center for Sales Strategy named Wilkinson a 2020 “Talent Superhero” award winner. 

Prior to his role at KVUE, Wilkinson was director of sales at KTHV in Little Rock, Arkansas, and local sales manager at KHOU in Houston, both TEGNA sister stations.

“Among an outstanding pool of candidates, Byron stood out for his commitment to KVUE and the Austin community, and his track record of leadership and results,” said Brad Ramsey, senior vice president, media operations, TEGNA. “From sales leadership roles in Houston and Little Rock, to interim general manager roles in Austin and Beaumont, Byron has demonstrated the importance of developing strong teams and leaders. He will continue KVUE’s momentum and build on our commitment to Central Texas.”

Added Wilkinson, “As a native Texan and someone whose family has fallen in love with Austin, I am deeply honored and excited to take on this new role at KVUE. Together with our talented team, we will continue to strive for excellence in all that we do, while making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.”

Wilkinson is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree. He is an active volunteer in the Austin community with Mobile Loaves and Fishes, Coats for Kids, and the Austin Chamber of Commerce, where he is a past member of the Nominating Committee.