KHOU 11 and CultureMap team up

Previously CultureMap Houston teamed up with KTRK 13's website abc13.com in a content sharing agreement. However today, I received this release from KHOU 11 about teaming up with Culturemap:

KHOU 11, the CBS affiliate in Houston, and CultureMap, Houston’s daily digital magazine, announced today that they will embark on a content sharing partnership spanning television, web, digital and social media platforms.

“We are very excited to kick-off this collaboration with CultureMap,” said Susan McEldoon, KHOU 11 President and General Manager. “We are always looking for fresh, new ways to better serve our local audience. This relationship provides both of our organizations the opportunity to enhance our product with quality content that is relevant, unique and local.”

“CultureMap is pleased to work with KHOU 11 on such a dynamic partnership with such a great partner,” said Stephen Newman, CEO of CultureMap. “Our goal as Houston’s daily digital magazine is to provide the most up-to-date news and information on Houston culture, lifestyle and quality of life. As a result of this partnership, we will heighten our audience experience of the site, providing deeper insider intelligence and a platform for discussion.”
Starting immediately, KHOU 11 will feature CultureMap content in live programming, including the “CultureMap Moment” in newscasts and segments on its morning talk show Great Day Houston. KHOU 11 will also expand its digital offerings by linking to CultureMap content.

“KHOU 11 digital users will have immediate access to the latest information from CultureMap, including what’s hot on the social scene, the best in local cuisine, home & design, fashion – the list goes on. Headlines will be updated daily and available with a click on KHOU.com and by downloading the KHOU 11 app for smartphones and iPad,” added Christine DiStadio, KHOU 11 Director of Digital Media.
Likewise, CultureMap will feature the latest news and featured videos from KHOU 11 on its homepage and throughout the site. Plus, breaking news from KHOU 11 will be updated instantaneously on CultureMap as it happens. Culturally relevant content from the TV station will appear on the site in other areas such as fashion, art, sports and food/drink.

“Our highly regarded editorial team and contributors will work closely with KHOU 11’s award-winning news teams to report on stories, places and people that matter in the greater Houston area,” said Clifford Pugh, Editor-in-Chief of CultureMap. “Our goal is to establish a network of information sharing that is mutually beneficial to both news organizations.”

“We both know Houston and are dedicated to telling compelling stories about this great city,” said KHOU 11’s Executive News Director Philip Bruce. “It’s really like two old friends coming together to share things they’ve learned about a place they love. And the great thing about it is that we’ll never run out of stories to tell.”

CultureMap revamps editorial team

Arden Ward named editorial director and Steven Devadanam replaces Clifford Pugh as Houston editor

Arden Ward

December 4, 2017 (Houston, TX) — CultureMap.com, the leading digital provider of lifestyle content in Texas, has revamped its editorial department, announcing Arden Ward as statewide editorial director and Steven Devadanam as Houston editor.

“I am delighted to announce the promotion of Arden Ward to run editorial for CultureMap statewide,” said David Gow, CEO of Gow Media. “Arden has leadership qualities, strong editorial skills, and a deep understanding of the content that resonates with our audiences.”

Ward joined CultureMap in 2011, during its expansion to Austin. She served as executive editor in Austin before becoming network managing editor, where she played an integral role in the brand’s expansion to the Fort Worth and San Antonio markets.

Steven Devadanam

Devadanam brings a diverse set of experiences to his new role as editor of Houston. His background includes strategic roles at Village Voice Media, Modern Luxury, and NFL Network.

“We are excited to welcome Steven to the CultureMap team,” Ward said. “He is a champion of the brand and brings great enthusiasm for the city and its culture — which we look forward to sharing with our readers on a daily basis.”

Devadanam replaces Clifford Pugh, who served as editor-in-chief of CultureMap Houston since the company’s inception in 2009.

“Clifford has been instrumental in the development of CultureMap,” said Gow. “We are very grateful for his leadership and the mark he has made over the past eight years.”

Devadanam is just the latest in a series of strong additions to the CultureMap editorial team. In May, the company announced the hiring of Ken Hoffman, the longstanding popular columnist from the Houston Chronicle. And more recently, under Ward’s leadership, CultureMap hired Stephanie Allmon Merry as managing editor in Dallas, and Katie Friel as editor in Austin and Brandon Watson as food editor in Austin.

“We have been investing in the editorial team across the state,” said Gow. “With these additions, we are poised to extend our leadership position.”

About Gow Media
Gow Media, LLC is a leading sports media company founded in 2007 and based in Houston. The company owns two sports stations in Houston: ESPN 97.5 and SportsMap 94.1, as well as local sports website SportsMap.com. The company also owns one of the country’s largest sports radio networks, SB Nation Radio, which it runs in partnership with SBNation.com. SB Nation Radio provides 24/7 sports shows and sports updates to over 500 affiliate radio stations across the country, Sirius Satellite Radio, and mobile and digital partners. Gow Media, LLC is backed by a private investment group with significant experience in media ownership. The investor group includes Steve Webster, co-manager and co-CEO of Avista Capital; Patrick Dugan, vice president and general counsel of Nortex Corporation; and David Gow, chairman and CEO of Gow Media, LLC.

About CultureMap
CultureMap, founded in 2009 by Lonnie Schiller, Tod Eason, and other notable Houstonians, is the leading provider of lifestyle content in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio. CultureMap was acquired by Gow Media in February of 2017. The company provides local intelligence on dining, events, arts, real estate, society, fashion, and more, as well as fun tidbits about what's happening around Texas.

(This post taken from a release sent to me by Culturemap)

CultureMap and KTRK abc13 team up

Years ago, CultureMap.com and KTRK abc13 teamed up online. Then CultureMap teamed up with KHOU 11 in 2012. Now CultureMap and KTRK are back together.

(Houston, TX) – Gow Media, owner of CultureMap.com, the leading digital provider of lifestyle content in Texas, and ABC13 KTRK-TV, the leading news provider in Houston, announced a new partnership to share and cross promote content. The
partnership will allow both companies to leverage additional resources, and reach a wider, complementary audience.

“This is an exciting opportunity for us,” said David Gow, CEO of Gow Media. “We have long respected ABC13’s leading voice in our market, and are delighted to add their content to our site. We are also excited to have our CultureMap stories featured on
ABC13.com, which will undoubtedly enable us to reach new audiences.”

“CultureMap is a leader in covering restaurants, events and the many exciting cultural developments in our city,” said Henry Florsheim, President and General Manager of ABC13. “We think their stories are a good fit for our TV viewers as well as our digital
audiences on the ABC13 news app and abc13.com. We also see the partnership as a great opportunity for ABC13 stories to get in front of new audiences on CultureMap.com.”

In addition to CultureMap.com, Gow Media owns two sports radio stations in Houston, KFNC 97.5 FM and KGOW 1560 AM, and one of the country’s largest national sports radio networks, SB Nation Radio. CultureMap was acquired in February 2017, and shortly thereafter, Gow hired Ken Hoffman, the popular columnist from the Houston Chronicle.

“We are committed to providing market-leading sports and lifestyle content,” said Gow.

About Gow Media
Gow Media, LLC is a leading sports media company founded in 2007 and based in Houston. The company owns two sports stations in Houston: ESPN 97.5 and SB Nation Radio 1560. The company also owns one of the country’s largest sports radio networks, SB Nation Radio, which it runs in partnership with SBNation.com. SB Nation Radio provides 24/7 sports shows and sports updates to over 500 affiliate radio stations across the country, Sirius Satellite Radio, and mobile and digital partners. Gow Media, LLC is backed by a private investment group with significant experience in media ownership. The investor group includes Steve Webster, co-manager and co-CEO of Avista Capital; Patrick Dugan, vice president and general counsel of Nortex Corporation; and David Gow, chairman and CEO of Gow Media, LLC.

RELATED
- Charlie Pallilo heading to SB Nation 1560 AM KGOW and ESPN 97.5 KFNC
- Ken Hoffman leaves Houston Chronicle for CultureMap
- AUDIO: Ken Hoffman talks move to CultureMap from Houston Chronicle

CultureMap hires fmr. O Magazine publisher Alyce Alston

CultureMap, LLC, a leading-edge digital media services company today announced that Alyce C. Alston has been appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Alston brings top-level executive leadership experience in building brands and successfully launching and growing companies across multiple industries to CultureMap. Her 25-year history of outstanding achievement is highlighted by her meteoric rise to the upper echelon in the magazine, publishing, and digital products industries, most notably as Publisher of O, The Oprah Magazine – the biggest magazine launch in history in ad revenue and circulation. She also has served as Vice
President, Group Publisher for Fairchild/Condé Nast Publicationsʼ W magazine, among others; and as President of Emerging Businesses for Readerʼs Digest Association, a $3 billion global multi-channel direct marketer of content products and services.

In addition, Alston launched De Beers Diamond Jewellers in the U.S., serving as CEO of a joint venture between De Beers and Louis Vuitton - Moët Hennessy (LVMH), the worldʼs leading luxury goods company. Most recently, she served as President and CEO of Commemorative Brands, Incorporated / American Achievement Corporation, a privately held consumer goods company located in Austin.

Having launched and expanded some of the worldʼs most recognizable brands, Alston has restructured and revived organizations, launched new businesses and dramatically increased the impact and profitability of start-up and large companies. Entrepreneurial in nature, her consumer product and brand-building efforts have catapulted revenue, profits and market share for major organizations, and her vast resources and contacts within the publishing and media industries will establish CultureMap on a national level.

CultureMap, LLC is parent company to CultureMap.com, the daily digital magazine with a network of sites throughout Texas. CultureMap.com presents users with a curated guide to each cityʼs best in class offerings in art, fashion, dining, music, events, politics,sports, social scenes and more.

Eliminating noise and providing users with only the best of what each city has to offer, ultureMap.com affords its users a greater opportunity to become more deeply rooted within their community through local intelligence and insight that shines a light on stories, places and happenings. The siteʼs highly regarded editorial staff forges relationships with local establishments in order to bring together the cityʼs most cultivated outlets into a single network.

“We are thrilled that Alyce has joined CultureMap, where she will be a leader and catalyst for our future success and unparalleled growth. We are enthusiastically committed to dramatically ʻupping the stakesʼ with Alyce at the helm,” said John F. Thrash, speaking on behalf of a majority of the financial partners who have invested more than $5 million dollars. “From the investor perspective, we are fully prepared to support our new Chairman and CEO in her vision to take CultureMap to levels heretofore beyond our own imaginings, including an immediate multiple large-markets launch throughout Texas.”

“I am extremely excited to join CultureMap,” stated Alston. “CultureMapʼs reputation for a great editorial product, and an outstanding web and mobile publishing platform that is aligned with a sea of change in consumer trends and preferences, provides a foundation for success. I look forward to working with such a talented and dedicated team.”

Alston holds an M.B.A. from Pepperdine University and a B.A. from Southern Methodist University. She regularly speaks at industry events on changing markets and the impact on company growth. She also serves as an Advisory Board Member for The Eudora Welty Literary Foundation, the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame, Texas Women of Wall Street and The Odyssey Advancement Learning.


(This was from a press release sent to me from CultureMap)

CultureMap opening in Dallas

In 2009, CultureMap opened its digital doors in Houston and now the site is moving to Dallas in September. It has already expanded to Austin.

Many of the folks behind CultureMap are big names in Houston journalism. The site has reportedly raised a lot of cash and found a TV partner by recently teaming up with KHOU 11. Recently however, the most notable news from CultureMap, in my opinion, was hiring the former publisher of O, The Oprah Magazine.

Here is who will be leading the new DFW effort:

Phyllis Cole - Senior Vice President and General Manager
Most recently Cole served as Vice President of National Sales at Blue Calypso, a patented mobile social marketing and advertising platform. Cole also has served in strategic leadership roles at D Magazine, Childrenʼs Medical Center of Dallas and WSJ.com.

Jessica Baldwin - Community and sponsor relations efforts/local strategic marketing initiatives
Baldwin, an expert event marketer who held a similar position at D Magazine, has a talent for executing successful integrated marketing campaigns and generating revenue.

Jennifer Chininis - Editor in Chief
Chininis spent more than 10 years at D Magazine, where she held key positions such as online Editorial Director, Executive Editor of special interest publications and Managing Editor. An expert in digital media, Chininis also helped launch Central Marketʼs e-commerce site and iPhone app. She was also a key player in rebuilding centralmarket.com prior to joining CultureMap.

Teresa Gubbins - Senior Editor
Restaurant reporter and food critic Gubbins has held staff positions at the Dallas Morning News and Pegasus News, as well as freelance roles for D Magazine and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Claire St. Amant - Managing Editor
St. Amant was recently honored by Editor and Publisher as one of the top 25 newspaper journalists under 35. The former Peace Corps volunteer and People Newspapers Assistant Managing Editor has written for the Wall Street Journal, Houston Chronicle and D Magazine.

Rachael Abrams - Associate Editor
Abrams, a culinary school grad, covers the society beat for CultureMap Dallas. The former Huffington Post blogger and an assistant editor at PaperCity also founded YMAP, the Young Jewish Altruist Movement of Dallas.

“Hiring a stellar team in Dallas ensures that CultureMap serves the city with the same creativity and fervor as our teams in Houston and Austin,” Alyce C. Alston, Chairman and CEO of CultureMap, LLC said in a statement. “Dallas is teeming with sophistication and style, but the city needs a clear and discerning voice to make sense of all the noise. CultureMap is that voice and we have the team to deliver it. Our rich content and userfriendly experience, combined with first-rate local intelligence, will revolutionize the way users discover their community.”

Culturemap vs Houstonia Magazine

Houstonia Magazine issues statement concerning Culturemap articles: Round One!

I talk about Houston radio wars here, but now we seem to be in the midst of Houston online news site vs magazine wars. Two of the biggest, and most well-funded, are going toe to toe. In one corner, it's the first to the table Culturemap vs newcomer magazine/site Houstonia.

Time for us to sit back and butter up the popcorn.

Culturemap has published articles that seem to take delight in pointing out problems over at Houstonia. So Houstonia is trying to set the record straight from its perspective with the following press release:

Of late, CultureMap has published a series of misleading articles about Houstonia. It’s time we set the record straight.

1. Robb Walsh is not leaving Houstonia.

Robb Walsh, the author of 14 cookbooks, has now been presented with the opportunity to write several more. Even so, he will continue to be Houstonia’s monthly restaurant critic/reviewer and contribute to our food-related cover stories and events to the exact same degree as in the past.

CultureMap’s headline read, "Houstonia suffers another big loss: Super hyped, food writer hire leaves full-time position”.

It’s simply not true.

2. There has been no staffing turmoil and no series of big losses.

In its first year Houstonia has lost exactly one editorial employee and gained exactly one editorial employee. Here is the list of editorial employees since the launch of Houstonia:

Scott Vogel
John Wilburn (departed May 2013)
Catherine Matusow
Kerry Howley
John Nova Lomax
Michael Hardy
Peter Holley
Robb Walsh
Dan Derozier
Chris Skiles
Alese Pickering
Chesney Fuller
Katharine Shilcutt (joined May 2013)

CultureMap headlines:

1/31/14: “It’s another shakeup for Houstonia magazine…” (Or as the caption of an accompanying photo puts it: “Houstonia’s seen plenty of change and turmoil in its first year.”
6/21/13: “…Shakeups continue at new magazine”
3/9/14: “Another big loss…”

Again, it’s simply not true.

3. Diane Caplan, Houstonia’s new Publisher, is a seasoned Sales & Marketing executive.

Over the past seven years, as Marketing & eCommerce Director at Momentum Motors, Diane has bought media from nearly every major media outlet in Houston, making her a perfect fit for Houstonia’s customer-focused advertising efforts.

In the January 31 article referenced above, CultureMap derided Caplan as someone with “no experience” and as a “car salesman.”

Again, it’s simply not true.

We built this company from the ground up over the last 10 years, from publishing one magazine to publishing over 40 magazines. We have done it with honesty and integrity and we hoped others would do the same. In the absence of that, we felt it was time you heard from us.

Houstonia has had astonishing success in its first year due to the unparalleled contribution of its staff as well as the incredible support of the advertising community. We look forward to serving this remarkable community for many years to come.

Houston is now on the Culturemap - Web site that is

I told you in October how Houston Chronicle society columnist Shelby Hodge left the newspaper for a new Web site called Culturemap.com (former Chron fashionisto Clifford Pugh is also there).

Well the new site debuts today and it looks...well different. I don't know what to think of it yet. I've never seen a site like it. They are calling it a "mapazine" which aptly describes it. There is a freakin' huge map in the middle of a page. Click on an article photo and it shows a point on the map where the story takes place with a link to read more. BTW, now we know what U2's Bono was up to while in Houston.

Here is what the inaugural Culturemap.com email blast said:

Everyone wants to know what's going on. We want the inside scoop on the latest, the newest, the greatest. But in a world of non-stop information, it's often confusing to know where to turn.
We're here to change that.

More than a year and a half ago, a group of Houstonians talked about creating a digital media company that would sort through the clutter and offer a place for lively, intelligent discussion. That idea has evolved into CultureMap, which debuts today. It's Houston's—and we believe the nation's—first "mapazine," with all sorts of interesting features.

Our definition of "culture" is all encompassing, from high-brow events to pop culture happenings that dominate conversations. We'll concentrate on food, fashion, the arts, music, real estate and society. But just about anything Houstonians are talking about is fair game.

I actually was in talks to be a contributor for the site. It all went south while we were eating lunch at Tony's and I asked for the mustard instead of the Grey Poupon. I never got a call back. :)

http://culturemap.com

RELATED
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- Houston Chronicle society columnist Shelby Hodge exits

Culturemap.com has raised cash in the “low seven figures”

Houston's own Culturemap.com was featured on paidcontent.org with this nugget of info:

A spokesman tells us that the company raised an amount in the “low seven figures” from a group of investors who are mostly from the Houston area. READ THE REST

The entry goes on to say that Culturemap will be expanded to other cities.

RELATED
- Houston is now on the Culturemap - Web site that is
- Houston Chronicle society columnist Shelby Hodge exits

SportsMap 94.1 FM to be new home for 1560 AM

Gow Media announces launch of SportsMap 94.1 FM

September 13, 2017 (Houston, TX) – Gow Media, a leading multi-platform media company, announced today it will launch a new sports radio station, SportsMap 94.1 FM, on October 1st. The new station will be Gow’s second signal on the FM band, as the company also runs ESPN 97.5 FM. As part of this launch, Gow will lease 1560 AM to another party, and move the lineup of 1560 AM to SportsMap 94.1 FM.

“We are excited to add a second sports station to the FM band,” said David Gow, CEO of Gow Media. “Listenership has been migrating to the FM dial, and we have now secured a strong strategic position with both ESPN 97.5 FM and SportsMap 94.1 FM.”

The lineup on SportsMap 94.1 FM will feature exceptional local talent, including the company’s most recent addition, Charlie Pallilo, who joined Gow Media last month and hosts a show from 11 am-1 pm each weekday. Other Houston-based hosts on the station include Nate Griffin, Patrick Creighton, Barry Warner, Sean Salisbury, Brian Barrett and Robin Carlin. SportsMap 94.1 FM will also air leading national shows from Gow’s own national sports radio network, SB Nation Radio.

Later this month Gow will be announcing details of a new sports site, SportsMap.com, which shares the name of the new station. “We have more sports content creators in our building than anyone in the city, and we have a strong digital platform with CultureMap.com — launching SportsMap.com is a great next step for us,” said Gow.

Gow has tapped Fred Faour, an afternoon drive show host on ESPN 97.5 and former Houston Chronicle Sports Editor, to serve as Editor in Chief of Sportsmap.com.

Gow is bullish about the site’s prospects: “The combined promotional power of all our platforms will propel SportsMap.com to become the leading sports site in Houston.”

The imminent additions of SportsMap 94.1 FM and SportsMap.com are the latest in a series of significant moves by Gow Media in 2017, including the acquisition of CultureMap.com; the launch of a new national TV show, The Sean Salisbury Show on BeInSports TV Network; the hiring of Ken Hoffman as a columnist for CultureMap.com and contributor on sports radio; a new content-sharing and cross-promotion partnership with ABC13 KTRK-TV in Houston; and the recent hire of Charlie Pallilo for Gow Media’s sports platforms.

“With a focus on sports and lifestyle content, we are building the leading multi-platform media company in Texas,” said Gow.

About Gow Media
Gow Media, LLC is a multi-platform media company founded in 2007 and based in Houston. The company runs two sports stations in Houston: ESPN 97.5 FM and SportsMap 94.1 FM, which will operate with a base station of KFNC-HD2 and be heard on 94.1 FM (K231CN). The company also owns one of the country’s largest sports radio networks, SB Nation Radio, which it runs in partnership with SBNation.com. SB Nation Radio provides 24/7 sports shows and sports updates to over 500 affiliate radio stations across the country, Sirius Satellite Radio, and mobile and digital partners. In February, Gow Media acquired CultureMap.com, the leading online destination for lifestyle content in Texas. Gow Media, LLC is backed by a private, Houston-based investment group with significant experience in media ownership. The investor group includes Steve Webster, co-manager and co-CEO of Avista Capital; Patrick Dugan, vice president and general counsel of Nortex Corporation; and David Gow, chairman and CEO of Gow Media, LLC.


(This post taken from a release sent to me by Gow Media)

KTRK on FAIL Blog, KHOU old school, evil coworkers and more

KHOU 11 News Promos and Opens (1995)
- KHOU 1993 Promos

Media co-workers out to get you
The Grape chronicles how some media colleagues like to derail the careers of co-workers with email bombs.

KIAH 39's Eye Opener gets some big changes
According to Uncle Barky, Tribune's Chicago-based Eye Opener (first aired exclusively on KIAH 39) will soon be produced out of Dallas. The show will also air in more markets than just Houston.
- KIAH 39 to start morning news with Eye Opener; Mia Gradney returns
- KIAH 39's Marci Izard and Mayra Moreno return to anchor

Hurricane Path FAIL
KTRK 13 chief weather guy Tim Heller gets posted on the FAIL Blog for his Lee computer models. In his defense, I'm sure he did not come up with these projected paths himself. (Thanks Bill)

HISD hires former city spokesman
The Houston Independent School District’s media department has hired Patrick Trahan, the former press secretary for Mayor Bill White and a spokesman for the Houston Fire Department.  He replaces Norm Uhl as a spokesman for HISD (officially, he’s a senior media relations specialist). Before PR, Trahan was an assignments desk editor at KTRK when I started there in 2001. (Thanks Trent)
- HISD Press Secretary Norm Uhl's departure shocks Houston media

Anchors tweak grooming routines to fit KABB’s new HD
There are drawbacks to delivering the news in HD, as KENS-TV morning anchorwoman Sarah Forgany pointed out with humor in a Facebook post last week.
- Will San Antonio embrace a third local lifestyle show on TV in the mornings?

Univision KXLN 45 news director out
KXLN-TV Isabel Gonzalez left this Univision o-and-o last month, so the search is on for her replacement.

Halftime for TXA21 prime-time news, with the 8 to 9 p.m. hour being dropped
The 8 to 9 p.m. hour of TXA21 News: First in Prime will be supplanted in September by the syndicated version of America's Funniest Home Videos.

Drama over departure of Chron and Culturemap staffers
Culturemap Facebooks opinion piece from Free Press Houston that slams outgoing staffers from Culturemap and Houston Chronicle. It is filled with drama.
- Rick Casey retiring from Chronicle, to be replaced by Patricia Kilday Hart

KHOU Visits the Shelter
Photos of KHOU 11's Mario Gomez and Katherine Whaley visiting a Houston SPCA shelter.

Houston sports talker followers
Houston Media Watch tracks how many Twitter followers the Houston sports radio talk show hosts have.

Arrival of Al Jazeera Reporter Sends Texas School Into Panic
Al Jazeera reporter Gabriel Elizondo supposedly freaked out Booker, Texas officials.

Texas Watchdog celebrates three years of journalism
Since first pushing the "on" button at the Texas Watchdog website in August 2008, the group has published nearly 120 original, featured reports and hundreds more daily stories.

Charlie Hodge, Matt Sadler gone from KLBJ-FM
More music, less talk. That’s what research shows listeners want middays on 93.7 KLBJ-FM, so the station has dumped the “Charlie Hodge Rock ‘n’ Roll Halftime Show” featuring Charlie Hodge and Matt Sadler. The show aired weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Joint UT/A&M network discussed 3-4 years ago
As Texas and Texas A&M deal with the PR fallout from their impending conference split, athletic directors DeLoss Dodds and Bill Byrne offered separate versions of a conversation three to four years ago about the TV venture that became the Longhorn Network.
- Longhorn Network adds cable distributor, Kansas game
- Longhorn Network inks deal with Grande Communications
- UT trots out fancy new TV ads

Carrera joins Telemundo Austin
Lourdes Carrera has joined Telemundo Austin as a news producer for the station’s weekdays 5 and 10 pm news.

Chinese Radio Targets Expats And Those Learning Mandarin
The airwaves in Houston are filled with ethnic programming — and not just in Spanish. There are radio shows for the Expat Indian community, as well as Vietnamese programs and Chinese broadcasts — all targeting specific audiences. For example, the Chinese community is served on radio and television with programs in Mandarin and English.

The Grind of the News Business
“Retirement Day 1: gym, guitar, write something that lasts. Life is good.”—Today’s post by former Austin American-Statesman editor Fred Zipp. Zipp retired at the age of 56.

El Paso media moves
More reporters coming and going in the El Paso TV market.

KUBE switches on high-def signal
KUBE, channel 57, has switched its main signal from sandard-definition (480i) to high definition (720p).

MOVING
ANTONIO LUJAN JUMPS 56 markets to ABC AFFILIATE KTVX in SALT LAKE CITY where he will be a general assignment reporter. ANTONIO who is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin comes to KTVX from KNVO in Harlingen.

Bri Winkler, a meteorologist at KAMR in Amarillo, is jumping 129 markets to join KABC in Los Angeles as a meteorologist.

REMEMBERING
Former WFAA reporter Bert Lozano dead at 42
WFAA lost a member of the News 8 family. Former reporter Bert Lozano died after suffering cardiac arrest. He was just 42 years old.
- Former KSAT reporter Lozano dies at age 42
- Former KRGV Anchor Bert Lozano Died Wednesday

Saying goodbye to Cactus Pryor
Austin broadcast legend Cactus Pryor laid to rest Friday.
- Remembering Cactus Pryor, a selection of radio and TV clips

NATIONAL
- Regis Philbin’s Last Day on ‘Live!’ Will be Nov. 18
- Marysol Castro Out at ‘The Early Show’
- ‘GMA’ Returns To Ground Floor of Times Square
- A Look Back At The 'CBS Morning News' From 1973 (VIDEO)
- Katie Couric to Interview Sarah Jessica Parker in First ABC News Appearance
- ‘Real Housewives,’ The Family of Amy Winehouse Are Among Anderson Cooper’s First Daytime Guests
- Your Nostalgia Is Killing You: The 30 Worst TV Theme Songs Of All Time (Thanks Will-E)
- Susan Lucci: 'All My Children' Star Memoir Rips ABC, Brian Frons For Cancellation
- Here’s Glenn Beck’s New Set for GBTV
- Making Use of Decades-Old News Footage
- Eddie Murphy to host Academy Awards
- America's Most Wanted returning on Lifetime
- The TV Watch: No Jerry Lewis, but Telethon Still Offers Suspense
- Disney Abruptly Loses Its Licensing Chief
- We’re Starting to Think Newspapers Do Not Have a Bright Future

DIGITAL
- Apple Puts Old Version of Final Cut Pro Back on Sale
- Q&A with Jenni Hogan, Twitter’s top local TV journalist
- iHeartRadio taps The Echo Nest for custom music channels
- Inside NBC Philadelphia’s Foursquare efforts

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- KRIV 26's 40 years celebrated with cake
- How to give a great media interview: 5 tips
- KXAS 5 launching new newscast
- 1560 KGOW's David Nuno now hosts RIVALS on Yahoo! Sports Radio
- Texas TV market changes for 2011-2012 - Nielsen
- KIAH 39's NewsFix is bringing revolution to schools

InnovationMap launches from Gow Media

New Digital Media Outlet Covers Stories of Innovation in Houston

November 15, 2018 (Houston, TX) – Gow Media, a leading multi-platform media company that includes ESPN 97.5FM, SB Nation Radio, CultureMap and SportsMap, today launched a new digital media platform, Innovationmap.com. The content site will cover innovation spanning startups, tech, health, energy, social impact and more, and immediately becomes the leading online destination for stories of innovation in Houston.

“Houston is on a great trajectory,” said David Gow, CEO of Gow Media. “The efforts of many are coming together to develop a strong entrepreneurial and innovation economy. We think the time is right for a media outlet that focuses on innovation in Houston. We also want to highlight the vision of our presenting sponsor, BBVA Compass, a longtime leader in developing the innovation economy in Houston.”

“BBVA Compass has made its way to the front of the financial industry's digital revolution on the strength of its technology and its vision,” said BBVA Compass Houston CEO Mark Montgomery. “We embrace disruption, innovation and unique approaches that elevate vibrant cities like Houston. Highlighting these ideas through this new endeavor aligns perfectly with our mission.”

Gow Media has tapped Natalie Harms to serve as Houston Editor of InnovationMap.

Harms is a native Houstonian, graduate of the University of Houston, and worked for several years at the Houston Business Journal. In her new role, Harms will report to Arden Ward, Vice President of Editorial for Gow Media statewide.

Gow also announced that joining him on the board of InnovationMap will be Patrick Schneidau, a highly-regarded software executive and current chair of the Talent Committee of Houston Exponential; Jarred King, CEO of Swagger Agency and President of Entrepreneurs’ Organization in Houston; and Brad Deutser, President of Deutser LLC, a management consulting firm, and Deutser Clarity Institute, a think tank and learning lab, and author of the book Leading Clarity.

The new site launches with a strategic group of sponsors who have been leaders in developing Houston’s innovation economy. In addition to BBVA Compass as the presenting sponsor, other sponsors include Baker & Botts, Briggs & Vaselka, Accenture, Tony’s Restaurant, Murrah and Killough, Acme Party and Tents and others.

“We are grateful to these sponsors who have joined us here at the launch,” said Gow.

InnovationMap is the second recent addition to Gow Media’s ever-growing portfolio.

Last month, the company launched Giftingmap.com, a new ecommerce site, that is being marketed aggressively by Gow’s media platforms.

“With the growth of GiftingMap and SportsMap, and the impressive success of CultureMap, we are now in a position to launch InnovationMap. With InnovationMap, we are leveraging our digital platform, editorial approach, and our cross-platform promotional power to establish the leading voice for innovation in Houston,” said Gow.

About Gow Media
Gow Media, LLC is a multi-platform media company founded in 2007 and based in Houston. The company owns CultureMap, the leading online destination for lifestyle content in Texas; SportsMap, a leading sports site in Houston; GiftingMap, a new ecommerce site for gift-giving; two Houston sports stations, ESPN 97.FM and Sportsmap 94.1FM; and one of the country’s largest national sports radio networks, SB Nation Radio, which it runs in partnership with SBNation.com. Gow Media, LLC is backed by a private investment group with significant experience in media ownership. The investor group includes Steve Webster, co-manager and co-CEO of Avista Capital;
Patrick Dugan, vice president and general counsel of Nortex Corporation; and David Gow, chairman and CEO of Gow Media, LLC.

(This post taken from a release sent to me by Gow Media)

Houston Chronicle society columnist Shelby Hodge exits

Richard Connelly of the Houston Press informs us that Houston Chronicle society columnist Shelby Hodge has left the newspaper!  How will I know anything about the balls, fundraisers and society gatherings of Houston's rich and famous:

If there was some outrageously "elegant" ball to help the beleaguered opera, she was there. If rich people threw a party to honor rich people, she got the details. If there was wacky fun to be had from a ball with a motorcycle theme, she relayed the laffs.

If there was any dirt that occurred at any of these events, and gossip that might pass as even halfway-interesting, it was safe with Hodge. There was never a bit of information that wasn't safely scrubbed and approved by the people she chronicled. READ THE REST

Hodge helped me keep up with the after work activities of my KTRK co-workers back in the day!

Connelly adds that Hodge is going to work for a new Web site called Culturemap.com. He also reports that former Houston Chronicle fashionisto and current Examiner fashion guy Clifford Pugh is also joining the Culturemap.com empire.

RELATED
- CultureMap Scores Top Talent: International Society Scribe Shelby Hodge Joins Team
- Former Houston Chronicle fashion guy Clifford Pugh lands new gig

Ken Hoffman #4 Houston Chronicle columnist?

A year later, CultureMap columnist Ken Hoffman is still tops with his former newspaper, the Houston Chronicle

Today, it has been a year since columnist Ken Hoffman left the Houston Chronicle for CultureMap.

I remember last year, I was on hiatus from this blog at the time, but that news got me back in the old blogger seat!

"While Culture Map obviously isn't as established as the Houston Chronicle, it can offer me different challenges and opportunities," Hoffman told mikemcguff.com at the time in 2017. "I have history with Culture Map's new owner David Gow and that played a big role in my decision to leave the Chronicle. I spent 22 years with the Chronicle. It was the best job I ever had. I hope the Chron appreciated me as much as I enjoyed working there. I feel a little cheated, actually. I didn't get to fulfill the employee's fantasy of telling my bosses to shove this job. I liked my bosses."

And clearly Hoffman's bosses liked him and still do.

Former journalist, turned PR pro Alan Bernstein, tweeted a few weeks ago that Hoffman is still listed on the Houston Chronicle website as its number four columnist a year after his departure!

TRENDING: @KenCultureMap listed as #4 columnist at @HoustonChron @ChronOpinion. #soon3? pic.twitter.com/1kk5UeO6bn

— Alan Bernstein (@AlanBernstein) April 17, 2018

Hoffman must still be able to pull in the page views for Hearst Houston, even in his absence.

Well, I had to go ask Hoffman about his unknown side gig.

"Of course I was surprised to read on Twitter that I'm the No. 4 columnist at the Houston Chronicle - especially since I left the Chronicle a year ago," he told mikemcguff.com. "The best I ever did when I actually worked there was No. 12. Maybe I should ask for a raise now."

Hoffman was always number one in my book. When I started writing this blog, I pretty much was just channeling my inner Ken Hoffman. Ken, thank you for letting me rip you off all these years.

Read Hoffman over at CultureMap.com.

Ken Hoffman leaves Houston Chronicle for CultureMap

Ken Hoffman reveals to mikemcguff.com where he is going after announcing Houston Chronicle departure

Here is a big update to my earlier post about Ken Hoffman quitting the Houston Chronicle.

The news that shocked Mother's Day in Houston. That's what my readers are certainly telling me at least.

Turns out Houston's most popular columnists is leaving the Chronicle for CultureMap. He will also make occasional appearances on ESPN 97.5 KFNC.

I reached out to Hoffman and here is the email I received from him updating us on the new gig:

I quit the Chronicle for a position with the Culture Map website, and I will pop in occasionally on ESPN 97.5 FM radio to promote Culture Map and yuk it up with the hosts.

While Culture Map obviously isn't as established as the Houston Chronicle, it can offer me different challenges and opportunities. I have history with Culture Map's new owner David Gow and that played a big role in my decision to leave the Chronicle.

I will pretty much bring my column intact to Culture Map, plus some ideas I have that fit Culture Map's personality better than the Chronicle's. If you read my column in the Chronicle, please continue to read me at culturemap.com. It's free. No paywall or subscription required. No limited number of views per month. Click away.

I spent 22 years with the Chronicle. It was the best job I ever had. I hope the Chron appreciated me as much as I enjoyed working there. I feel a little cheated, actually. I didn't get to fulfill the employee's fantasy of telling my bosses to shove this job. I liked my bosses.

I have mixed emotions about leaving, but it was time. Managing editor Vernon Loeb and I hugged it out at dinner at Union Kitchen. I had the meatloaf and mashed potatoes, while he had a shrimp and pasta dish. Best part of the meal? He paid. I should have ordered a dessert to go.

AUDIO: Ken Hoffman talks move to CultureMap from Houston Chronicle

RELATED
Ken Hoffman leaves Houston Chronicle for CultureMap

Houston 's Buffalo Speedway becomes a graphic novel

From Austin, Houston native Yehudi Mercado is producing a three-volume graphic novel called Buffalo Speedway. As Culturemap says it's the story of a pizza delivery guy in Houston during a perfect storm of events one day in 1994—Game 5 of the Houston Rockets' NBA Finals series with the New York Knicks, World Cup soccer and O.J. Simpson and his white Bronco in a low-speed car chase with police.

Oh I remember the time that happened. The Houston Rockets finally had the national spotlight, but OJ's Bronco chase split the screen for game viewers. To channel Rodney Dangerfield -- Houston can't get no respect.

Sarah Rufca of Culturemap has a full interview with Mercado plus a video trailer.

www.turbopizza.com

Lance Zierlein reunites with John Granato on ESPN 97.5

The “Undisputed Kings of Houston Sports Talk Radio” Return to Morning Drive, Monday November 27th

November 22, 2017 (Houston, TX) – Lance Zierlein and John Granato, whose top-rated morning show led Houston’s sports talk radio market for years, will once again share a broadcast studio starting on Monday, November 27, 2017.

The talented duo will cover morning drive on ESPN 97.5 FM from 7:00 to 9:30 AM each weekday.

“Reuniting John and Lance is a homerun”, said David Gow, CEO of Gow Media. “For years, people have asked me when those two could do a show again, and now the stars have aligned.”

Recognized by the Houston Press for Best Radio Show and as Best Radio Host, and a longtime analyst for NFL.com, Zierlein began his career at rival KILT-AM, before joining Granato for the launch of Gow Media’s 1560 AM in 2007. Zierlein left his most recent post at KBME-AM in June of this year, and has been counting the days until his sanctioned return to terrestrial airwaves.

"I'm really excited about getting back together with John Granato and being part of what David Gow is building with 97.5, Sports Map and Culture Map," says Zierlein. “John and I had the most talked-about show in Houston because of our chemistry and the fun we had on the air. That's missing from a lot of the radio shows out there today. It's time to bring that back in the mornings."

John Granato, who was been a key player in the growth of Gow Media’s sports properties, enjoyed a successful ten-year run with Zierlein at KILT-AM, where the two shared morning show duties. He shares Zierlein’s enthusiasm for this new chapter in their personal and professional relationship.

“It’s huge for me to have Lance back,” reports Granato. “Not only is he a great friend but I owe a lot to him in my career. And he’s one of the funniest guys I know. A lot of people woke up to us over the years. Hopefully they’ll be back and we’ll get a bunch of new people as well. I’m really excited about being in morning drive again (Except that whole waking up early thing).”

Zierlein’s recruitment, and his pairing with former “mic mate” Granato, represents another bold talent acquisition engineered by Gow Media CEO David Gow. Earlier this year, Gow lured Houston broadcast veteran Charlie Pallilo to the Gow Media family. Pallilo now hosts a weekday show on SportsMap 94.1 FM, following a signal switch from 1560 AM.

Reflecting on a 2017 that included Gow Media’s acquisition of CultureMap and the launch of SportsMap.com, David Gow predicts a great future for his Houston-based multi-platform media company.

“Lance caps off a great year for us”, observes Gow. “With Ken Hoffman, Charlie Pallilo and now Lance Zierlein joining our already-strong roster of talent, we believe we’ve built the ‘dream team’ that Houston’s sports fans are looking for”.

About Gow Media
Gow Media, LLC is a multi-platform media company founded in 2007 and based in Houston. The company has two sports stations in Houston: ESPN 97.5 and SportsMap 94.1FM. The company also owns one of the country’s largest sports radio networks, SB Nation Radio, which
it runs in partnership with SBNation.com. SB Nation Radio provides 24/7 sports shows and sports updates to over 500 affiliate radio stations across the country, Sirius Satellite Radio, and mobile and digital partners. In February Gow Media acquired CultureMap.com, the leading online destination for lifestyle content in Texas. And in October the company launched SportsMap.com, a leading sports site in Houston. Gow Media, LLC is backed by a private investment group with significant experience in media ownership. The investor group includes Steve Webster, co-manager and co-CEO of Avista Capital; Patrick Dugan, vice president and general counsel of Nortex Corporation; and David Gow, chairman and CEO of Gow Media, LLC.

(This post was taken from a release sent to me by Gow Media)

AutomotiveMap launched by Gow Media

New Digital Media Outlet to Become a Leading Source for Automotive Content

(Houston, TX) — Gow Media, a large multi-platform media company with sports radio properties ESPN 97.5 FM and SB Nation Radio and leading online destinations CultureMap, SportsMap, and InnovationMap, announced today the launch of its newest outlet, AutomotiveMap (www.automotivemap.com).

The new site will cover industry news, provide auto reviews, feature the Houston auto scene, showcase innovation, and serve as a thoughtful guide to consumers.

“We are excited to add AutomotiveMap to our portfolio of media platforms,” said David Gow, CEO of Gow Media. “We now have four content categories — culture, sports, innovation and automotive — all under the ‘map’ brand identity. And we love that each of these categories taps into the passions of our audiences.”

Gow Media has tapped Eileen Falkenberg-Hull to become editor of AutomotiveMap.

Falkenberg-Hull brings 10 years of digital publishing experience to her new position. She has covered the automotive segment exclusively for five years, with regular bylines in Trucks.com, U.S. News & World Report, and American City Business Journals. She
is a co-host of Let’s Talk Wheels on SB Nation Radio.

In her new role, Falkenberg-Hull will report to Arden Ward, vice president of editorial for Gow Media statewide.

“Eileen is an outstanding addition to our team,” said Ward. “Her enthusiasm for the auto industry is unmatched, and, as editor, she blends her extensive knowledge with an approachable voice that connects to our readers.”

“I am thrilled to become part of Gow Media,” said Falkenberg-Hull. “I have been impressed with the creative energy, professionalism, and commitment to storytelling that the team has. AutomotiveMap will be both informative and highly engaging; it will educate consumers and delight enthusiasts.”

AutomotiveMap is the latest addition to Gow Media’s ever-growing portfolio. Since acquiring CultureMap, Texas’ leading online destination for lifestyle content, in February of 2017, Gow has launched SportsMap; InnovationMap; and GiftingMap, an ecommerce
site.

“Our other site launches are going very well — we are experiencing tremendous audience and revenue growth — enabling us to step out again with AutomotiveMap,” said David Gow.

(This post was taken from a release sent to me by David Gow)

KXAS reporter photo blogger threat, fmr. KPRC met in LA, Norm Uhl rocks and more

Bird Bites TV Reporter - I missed this one when it came out

Photographer Threatens to Sue Blogger Over Pole Dancing Photo of KXAS Reporter Kim Fischer
A photographer threatened to sue Dallas media blogger Ed Bark last week after he posted a photo of KXAS‘s Kim Fischer simulating a pole dance, an image that the reporter had apparently begun using as her Facebook profile picture.
- From the mind of NBC5 reporter/anchor Kim Fischer...

Former KPRC meteorologist Byron Miranda will join LA's KNBC
Former KPRC 2 meteorologist Byron Miranda will join NBC OandO KNBC Los Angeles as a weekend meteorologist on May 2.
- Full coverage of Byron Miranda through the years

KBTX Media General Sales Manager Passes Away
KBTX 3 Bryan-College Station General Sales Manager and former anchor Jon Boaz died after a cancer battle.

100.3 KILT Now Much Less Rowdy
After 16 years of driving you home, Texas Radio Hall of Fame inductee Rowdy Yates (may not be actual birth name) is retiring from CBS Country KILT/Houston and is relocating to Tulsa. (Scroll down to see story)

What makes a successful anchor?
Yes, you need to be competent reading the prompter and it sure helps your credibility if you can pronounce the name of the Iranian president, but there are a lot of intangibles that can make or break your time on the desk.
- Now's the perfect time to send those resume tapes

Texas Neurosurgeon Loses Libel Suit Against Local TV Reporter & Station
A KEYE 42 Austin news report that focused on malpractice suits and disciplinary actions taken against a Texas neurosurgeon may have cast him in a negative light, but it did not constitute libel, a state appeals court has ruled. Not giving up, the surgeon has asked the state Supreme Court to further review the case.

HISD media dude Norm Uhl is rocking with his band Brother2Brother Friday night
Houston media knows him as an HISD PIO by day, but by night he's got soul.
Friday, April 15th, 2011 | THE BIG EASY SOCIAL & PLEASURE CLUB | 9pm-1am | 5731 Kirby Dr
Houston Texas 77005 | 713-523-9999 | Price: $5
- The most rocking school district PIO

Budget cuts? Not in the Big 12
Fox Sports strikes 13-year, $1.1 billion deal for football games

Houston Media Watch calls local sports talker 'idiot'
Houston Media Watch goes after Sports 610 KILT host.

From "The Bro/manzier" on Seinfeld to a "bra for the booty" on Good Morning Texas
WFAA 8's Good Morning Texas recently aired a pre-paid, in-studio segment about a line of products that can have butts bubbling up in no time.

Is former FOX 26 reporter the ghost in the machine?
Isiah Carey AKA The Insite noticed that former Fox 26 KRIV reporter Duarte Geraldino's image still lives in the station.
- Another CW33er -- reporter Duarte Geraldino -- gets out of Dodge

KABB debuting zany signature news piece, ‘Street’s Corner’
Fox 29 San Antonio KABB video journalist/movie previewer J.T. Street is aiming to put a smile on your face with a new Monday-through-Friday feature.

KVIA's Valle expecting
KVIA reporter/anchor Stephanie Valle is expecting her second child in September.

Maximizing web site buzz
Keeping users coming back for fresh web content requires a delicate balance.
- 5 Tips for Developing News Stories Via Social Media
- Four ways to make social technologies relevant to your business

Grass Valley is in it for the long haul
The owners of TV equipment supplier Grass Valley want to quell any uncertainty about its future and unveil a number of new products and improvements, including the its new Stratus media flow application suite.

Dr. Steve Launches in Houston and Dallas
On April 16 and 17, 2011 Tribune Broadcasting will launch Dr. Steve, a 30-minute health, wellness and lifestyle program for families on KIAH 39 and KDAF 33.

CultureMap plans Austin expansion
Houston lifestyle website CultureMap has inked a joint venture with a publicly traded company that will allow it to expand its brand outside Houston.

NATIONAL STORIES
- Who’s afraid of Arianna Huffington?
- Telemundo President Don Browne to retire
- Attendance is up for the NAB Show in Las Vegas: 92,000-plus
- Front-Runner for CBS Anchor Is ‘60 Minutes’ Reporter
- Glenn Beck 2.0: What Happens Next?
- Hulu is popular, but that wasn't the goal
- WSJ: Univision Planning 24 Hour Cable News Channel

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- KIAH 39 photog Scott Goldsmith moves on to Florida
- KIAH 39 News: The last days in photo
- Houston-based national radio show Chris X's Chris Blayney talks with Mike McGuff
- KTRK 13 anchor Art Rascon's son Jacob now at KFOX 14 El Paso

KTVT's Miller married, WOAI's 'Rosebud' retires, KTRK 13 staffers documentary and more

CBS 11 KTVT sportscaster Gina Miller's wedding announcement in the New York Times
Gina Miller, 36, will continue to use her name professionally. She is a sports anchor at the Dallas television stations KTVT and KTXA, which are owned by CBS. She graduated cum laude from the University of Houston.

"106.9 The Zone" KHPT Houston gets new leader from Miami
Kevin Vargas heads to Houston as PD of Cox Media Group Classic Alternative KHPT (106.9 The Zone). He comes in from the same post at Active Rock sister WHDR (93 Rock)/Miami.

After 38 years, reporter at WOAI radio retires
One of San Antonio's talk radio’s most distinctive voices has hung up his mike after 38 years on WOAI. Bud “Rosebud” Little, whose vintage, deep-throated delivery always recalled a radio era gone by, retired last week at age 72.

Texas Watchdog Offices Broken Into: Begin The Paranoia?
​Texas Watchdog, the website that does a lot of digging into the spending of governments and politicians, was burglarized over the weekend.

KTRK 13 editor Alex Luster talks about upcoming documentary
Director Alex Luster talks Stick 'Em Up.
- KTRK 13 gets a PR!MO editor in Fox 26 KRIV's Alex Luster
- VIDEO: Houston documentary Stick ‘Em Up!'s latest trailer

Al-Jazeera: KPFT Puts Them On The Houston Airwaves
KPFT staffers have been informed that an English-language Al-Jazeera segment will be part of the news lineup.

Waning Support for College Radio Sets Off a Debate
Like many college radio stations across the country, Rice University’s KTRU and Vanderbilt University’s WRVU play a broad swath of music — from undiscovered indie bands and obscure blues acts to ’60s garage rock and ’80s postpunk.

All eyes on David Nuno
"Cool" is back in sports talk and credit David Nuno of 1560 The Game with the return of "cool" to the sports talk airwaves.

Becca Cason Thrash: Star Of CultureMap, Which Doesn't Mention She's Married To An Owner Of It
In many ways, a recent post was a typical CultureMap item: headlined "Becca Cason Thrash, Scott McClelland, Gina Gaston (KTRK 13) & more share their living lean strategies," it was a hard(ly)-hitting look at the holiday diet tips of Houston's wealthy social types.

Former charter KDAF-TV news director Anthony Maisel finds new news home in Texoma
Anthony Maisel, who launched Dallas-based KDAF-TV's (Ch. 33) inaugural prime-time newscast in 1998, has been named the first full-time news director at CBS/Fox's Texoma area station, KXII-TV.

Fran Harris is ‘GMA’ finalist
Former University of Texas basketball star Fran Harris is a finalist to become the Dear “GMA” Advice Guru on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

NBC Local Media to Target Twitter Tastemakers
'20' most influential tweeters in each market to help shape local content.

Ben Oldag - RIP
Dr. Ben Oldag, a long time, very familiar voice on Houston radio, has passed. He will be most familiar from his long-time work on KTRH on garden and farm programs but he started his career on KFRD in Rosenberg and worked also on Armed Forces Radio.

KTRH's "Most Influential Houstonian Of 2010": KTRH's Michael Berry
By far the most influential Houstonian this year has been Michael Berry, talk-show host on KTRH. At least according to a listener poll of KTRH listeners.

Oprah Winfrey Channel Gears Up for Its Debut
OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, the cable channel from Ms. Winfrey and Discovery Communications, nearly three years in the making, is only one month away from its debut.

ESPN Says Study Shows Little Effort to Cut Cable
Seeking to understand the cutting of cable cords, ESPN has waded into the Nielsen Company’s audience sample and concluded that the cancellations are currently a “very minor” phenomenon.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- KPRC 2 alum gets CBS Early Show host gig
- KTRK 13 reporter Gene Apodaca calls it quits
- New KXAS 5 anchor promo spots
- News 8 Austin’s news director Kevin Benz is gone
- KIAH 39 news management change, KHOU 11 gets new executive producer
- Houston TV and newspaper websites profiled
- Houston Chronicle hypertext: What's up with the linked article text on chron.com?