Chita Johnson's European fun, TV news anchor screw ups and more

MORE VIDEO
- Brand New TV News Anchor's First Words On-Air: The F-bomb
- Local Reporter Admits ‘I Don’t Know Sh**’ Live on NBC
- News Anchor Lose It Over Ryan Lochte's Hilarious Interview
- KEYE morning Image Final 2
- Barry Kaye interviewed by Texas Country Reporter
- Crazy ESPN 97.5 segment (audio)
- Harrison Ford Warming Up For Han Solo?
- Fox 26 KRIV reporter Isiah Carey AKA The Insite's bloopers
- 1977 pirate TV message from space alien

2013 Regional Edward R. Murrow Award Winners
the 2013 RTDNA Regional Murrow Award recipients for Texas.

Zooey Deschanel Was A Boston Bombing Suspect?
Zooey Deschanel got quite the shock when she was mistakenly identified as one of the two suspects in the Boston Marathon bombings on Fox 4 KDFW.

J-Kruz joins Tribune's Eye Opener
Radio One personality J-Kruz of 97.9 the Beat in Dallas recently joined CW Network’s “Eye Opener Morning Show” as the host and co-producer of the new music segment “The Underground.“

Chita's European fun
Photos of KHOU 11's Chita Johnson living it up in Europe.

Here comes Brooks
KHOU 11's future meteorologist Brooks Garner signed off Tampa's WFLA last night with plenty of cowboy and oil jokes. He starts in Houston May 6th. Hopefully no UFOs get in his way.

Houston radio ratings
ALL ACCESS presents MARCH PPM market highlights for the Houston radio market.

Appreciation of BOOTED NEWS WOMEN Blog
- We're Lucky To See Katherine Whaley in Boots
- Boots in Bloom for Chita Johnson
- Say Hello to Shern-Min Chow of KHOU-TV
- Tiffany Craig Begins Our KHOU-TV Houston Boot Bonanza

Robert Bazell joins Rice University’s Baker Institute
Award-winning American science and health journalist Robert Bazell has been named the nonresident fellow in science and technology policy at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, the institute announced today. Bazell, who is currently the chief science and health correspondent at NBC News, will focus on the intersections of science and health journalism and public policy.

Blame for TV blackouts begins with the teams
This year, most Rockets, Astros and Dynamo games are being broadcast on Comcast's fledging Houston sports network, Comcast SportsNet Houston, which is available only to about 40 percent of the local TV-viewing market. Negotiations to get the network carried by other distributors have been fruitless as the parties hurl accusations at each other.
- Suddenlink executive says CSN Houston has limited regional appeal outside Houston

New 93Q studio
See a photo of the new under construction 93Q KKBQ radio studio. Nice view.

Slip Slidin’ Away: My Life as a Rock Journalist With the Houston Press
As he leaves The Houston Press for the Houston Chronicle, Craig Hlavaty remembers the fun times.

The updated list: Houston sports talk radio shows since 1997
In July 2007, with KGOW (1560 AM) about to become the city’s fourth sports talk station, David Barron compiled a list of talk show hosts whose shows either debuted or ceased to be dating back to January 1997. Needless to say, that total has increased considerably in the almost six years that have passed since that original list, with 57 announcers and show combinations in the mid-60s.

TV veteran named KOVR news director
WOAI news director (and actress Kristin Bell's dad) Tom Bell moves to KOVR Sacramento.

Austin Ratings: CC’s KVET, KASE Dominate Country Audience
Country KVET-FM, continues to skyrock upward.

Behind the scenes: KVUE in West, TX
Frank Volpicella of KVUE shows us behind the scenes from the explosion coverage in West, TX.

Educa Radio helps keep parents involved in kids education
Every Sunday morning Alex Sanchez hits the airwaves, broadcasting live on Austin's top radio station, 104.3 "La Que Buena."

El Paso chef Sara Horowitz accused of assaulting weatherman boyfriend
TV chef Sara Horowitz, 38, was arrested April 10 on suspicion of assault causing bodily injury of a family member for allegedly hitting her boyfriend, Mark Mathis, the morning weatherman for Channel 9-KTSM.

Dan O'Rourke out at KTSM
Former KPRC 2 morning anchor Dan O'Rourke, a reporter and anchor at Channel 9-KTSM, is out at the station, according to his Facebook page.

Becoming the Texas Tribune
Evan Smith’s project isn’t exactly as envisioned, but it matters and it’s here to stay. Now, how good can it be?
- Texas Tribune to refine its model for sustainability in nonprofit news with $1.5 million in funding from Knight Foundation

MOVING

Gene Norman to WIAT CBS42 Birmingham
Gene Norman, formerly of KHOU 11, heads to WIAT CBS42 Birmingham.

Mario Alberto takes over Mega 101 KLOL mornings
CBS Radio Houston announces that KLOL Mega 101 launches its new morning show “Mega in your mornings with Mario”, hosted by Mario Alberto Gonzalez.

REMEMBERING

Legendary KONO DJ and ‘Swingtime’ host Don Couser dead
Don Couser, a legendary KONO on-air radio personality and deejay in the 1960s and 1970s, died early Thursday morning. He was 72.

Flynn, veteran newsman, dead at 65
George Flynn, a veteran journalist who never lost his love of news, died early Saturday of an apparent heart attack. He was 65.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- NewsFix's Marci Izard describes Boston Marathon blasts
- KHOU 11’s Kevin Reece named ‘Best Reporter’ by Headliners Foundation of Texas
- 88.7 KUHF reveals details about 'Houston Matters' talk show

VIDEO: KPRC's Doug Johnson recalls Houston's worst hurricanes

What is KPRC 2's Ron Stone without Doug Johnson?


We continue our look at classic KPRC 2 and Ron Stone videos this week that have recently surfaced on YouTube thanks to Houstonian Josh Burdick.

But how can you cover Stone without mentioning his partner in TV gold, weatherman Doug Johnson? In 1991, KPRC produced a still current staple in the Houston TV market, the hurricane special. The The Greatest Storm on Earth takes a look back on the big storms to hit our area like the Galveston storm of 1900, Hurricanes Carla and Alicia plus more.

I have to take a moment to mention, this show was totally sponsored by the Bob Lanier for Mayor campaign. And check out the hilarious Houston Post commercial before the show starts!

Channel 2 pulled out some great historical photos from the past, along with its vast video archive. In fact, check out how Alicia turned Johnson literally blue during the station's non-stop coverage.

Also featured our members of the KPRC weather team including Ted Shaw, Roland Galvan and Dave Dickson. Reporters and anchors who get some face time are Ken Fairchild, George Nelson, chief photographer Fred Edison, Dan O'Rourke and Bill Balleza.

RELATED
- WATCH: Ron Stone covers the 80s in 'So Long Urban Cowboy'
- What is KPRC 2's Ron Stone without Doug Johnson?
- VIDEO: KPRC 40 Years - A Houston Essay with Ron Stone
- WATCH: Ron Stone's last KPRC 2 newscast
- VIDEO: KPRC 2's Ron Stone and Doug Johnson sure had on air chemistry
- VIDEO: Classic Houston TV hosts talk about golden age

Jacqueline Crea joins KHOU from KTSM El Paso

UPDATE JANUARY 31, 2017
Jacqueline Crea to exit KHOU 11

Weekend anchor Jacqueline Crea moves from KTSM El Paso to KHOU Houston as reporter

Jacqueline Crea

Jacqueline Crea jumps 81 markets from weekend anchor at El Paso's KTSM to Houston's KHOU 11 as a reporter (see video below).

 This and other news is my Christmas present to you. Lots of readers have been asking when I'm going to post again, so I thought I would gift wrap this news for you before the blog starts back up.

There has been lots of Houston media news still going on while I've been taking a break and I'm still putting it all on Twitter and Facebook so start following me there for all the action. Now back to the post.

"I am thrilled and cannot wait to start," Crea posted on Twitter.

According to her bio, Crea was born in Los Angeles and graduated from the University of California in San Diego. Instead of getting an agent at that time, Crea actually worked for one at Creative Artists Agency (CAA). She also worked as a freelance writer at KNSD San Diego before heading to KTSM.

She credits watching local news as a child with creating her passion for journalism.

Crea left KTSM last Tuesday and starts at KHOU in mid-January.

@mikemcguff We'll miss you @jcrea08 so proud of my friend! She's heading to @KHOU :) Won't be the same here! pic.twitter.com/miRwBIXgTh
— Marisol Gonzalez (@MarisolKTSM) December 17, 2013

KTSM is a special station for me because my favorite meteorologist Mark Mathis works there, KPRC 2 weekend anchor Phillip Mena came from there and former KPRC 2 morning anchor Dan O'Rourke just worked there.

Now for those who aren't following me on social media, Josh Innes has left Houston, Atom Smasher is returning to Houston and the Dallas Morning News dumped WFAA for KXAS. Time to hit me up on Twitter and Facebook to get the news as it happens! If you want to just get my blog posts, like my Facebook page.

Also another update, to the person who is asking where Fox 26 KRIV's Ford Atkinson has been, Fox Television Stations tells me he is on vacation.

UPDATE JANUARY 31, 2017
Jacqueline Crea to exit KHOU 11

KHOU 11 legal analyst Gerald Treece has died

KHOU 11 is reporting that Gerald Treece, who served as the TEGNA station's legal analyst, has died.

Treece provided legal analysis for channel 11 for more than three decades.

In addition to his help with legal stories, Treece also had his own segment on the station's Saturday morning news where he broke down viewers' legal questions in an easy way to understand.

Treece's full-time job was as the Vice President, Associate Dean of Advocacy, Special Counsel to the President, Professor of Law, and the W. James Kronzer, Jr., Distinguished Professor of Advocacy at the South Texas College of Law Houston.

He earned both his BA and JD at the University of Houston.

His areas of expertise were Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Torts and Trial & Appellate Advocacy.

Treece's devoted viewers are saying goodbye to him and leaving memories on my Facebook page.

UPDATES
Former KPRC 2 morning anchor Dan O'Rourke tells me that Gerald Treece replaced the "People's Lawyer" Richard Alderman on channel 2's AM newscast. I would guess this is when Alderman left KPRC for abc13 KTRK.

Former KHOU 11 morning traffic anchor Darby Douglas tweeted about Treece, "One of the kindest giants I’ve ever had dealings with. A piece of my heart goes with you Gerald. Thank you for imparting not only your wisdom, but your generosity and love. Rest In Peace my friend."

Former KHOU 11 meteorologist Brooks Garner tweeted regarding Dean Treece, "This is very sad. Gerald was so kind and I loved any chance to work with him. With compassion, he helped Houstonians navigate the legal waters from small things to larger matters of Harvey. May his family be at peace and may he rest well. Houston lost a good one."

In a Facebook post, the South Texas College of Law Houston wrote, "Dean Treece left a profound and lasting mark on countless individuals who crossed his path. Whether it was baseball or advocacy, Coach Treece loved the game. But he loved the players more. At his 40th anniversary celebration, he said of his past and present advocates, “You have made my life. Painters and conductors have great works they’re proud of. I am proud of you.” We invite you to share your stories and fondest memories of Dean Treece by visiting www.stcl.edu/CoachTreece #CoachTreece"

In a Facebook post, former KHOU 11 anchor Lisa Hernadez (now KPRC 2 morning anchor) writes, "This absolutely breaks my heart. We were always so excited to see Gerald Treece in studio. This man always had a smile, always a kind word, always made your day brighter. He knew the law like no other. You could toss to him with the most nonsensical line and he would graciously take it, straighten it out, and somehow make it sound like you knew what you were talking about (I must have thanked him a million times for this!) A true gentleman and an absolute pro. We were lucky to have a seat next to him. Thank you for your kindness and your wisdom, Gerald. You made our world a better place."

Stephania Jimenez joins KPRC 2 from KSAT12

Stephania Jimenez is joining KPRC 2 Houston as the station’s weekday 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. evening co-anchor with Keith Garvin, effective January 19, 2026.

- WATCH her KPRC 2 Houston debut
- Myra Arthur joins KSAT 12 Nightbeat

Her last day with KSAT12 San Antonio will be January 9th. (WATCH HER SIGN OFF)

“Houston is a city with energy, heart, and incredible stories,” Jimenez said. “I’m honored to join the KPRC 2 team and continue doing the kind of journalism that serves people, asks the questions they’re asking at home, and reflects the communities we live in.”

Jimenez replaces Daniella Guzman, who recently moved into a morning co-anchor role with Sofia Ojeda following Owen Conflenti’s departure in October.

She comes to KPRC 2 from KSAT 12 San Antonio, a fellow Graham Media Group station, where she anchored the station’s flagship Nightbeat newscast and became one of South Texas’ most trusted and recognizable news voices. Known for her calm authority, clarity in breaking news, and strong connection to the community, Jimenez has built a reputation for focusing on issues most important to viewers while holding leaders accountable and centering the people most affected.

“Stephania is the kind of journalist viewers immediately trust,” said Ana Lastra, News Director at KPRC 2. “She brings credibility, warmth, and a deep respect for the audience, and she isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions on their behalf. Her experience leading major newscasts, combined with her connection to diverse communities, makes her a perfect fit for Houston and for the future of KPRC 2 News.”

Jimenez joined the KSAT Nightbeat anchor team in September 2021 from NBC10 Philadelphia WCAU. She was hired at WCAU in July 2018, working as a weekend morning anchor and reporter.

Her previous experience also includes serving as an evening news anchor at KRIS 6 News in Corpus Christi and as an investigative and consumer reporter and anchor at NBC Connecticut (WVIT). Jimenez began her on-air broadcast career in Texas at KTSM 9/KDBC in El Paso.

Former KPRC anchor Dan O'Rourke, who worked with Jimenez in El Paso, says she is a great coworker and a serious-minded journalist.

A Syracuse University graduate, Jimenez started her journalism career behind the scenes as a producer and writer at Fox News Radio in New York City before transitioning into on-air roles.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Jimenez is bilingual in English and Spanish, allowing her to connect authentically with a wide range of audiences.

Houston TV news from snow storm 12/22/1989

KHOU 11 News at Noon Clips & Close, 12/22/1989
Brief montage of stories from the midday edition of KHOU's newscast, just before Christmas 1989. The top story this day, naturally, is the snow and ice slickened roadways around the Houston area. Features the late Sylvan Rodriguez, Meteorologist Mario Gomez and reporters Susan Starnes, Bill Jeffreys and John Getter.

MORE HOUSTON TV STATION VIDEO FROM THAT DAY


Clips from the KPRC 2 midday show Nearly Noon from just before Christmas 1989 where the topic of the rare snowfall, cold temperatures and traffic tie ups are covered. Features Dan O'Rourke, Gail Anderson, Ted Shaw and Amy Huggins as well as an appearance from Santa Claus.

KHOU 11 News at 6 Long Close, 12/22/1989
Here's the close to KHOU's 6 PM newscast from the Friday just before Christmas, 1989. It features a montage of scenes from around the area, mostly of people enjoying the rare snow fall and it's after effects at Hermann Park, specifically around the Miller Outdoor Theater. It's set to a version of "Let it Snow" performed by Leon Redbone.

KTRK 13 Eyewitness News 6PM Friday Close, 12/22/1989
Here's most of the close to the 6 PM edition of 13 Eyewitness News, featuring an instrumental version of "Winter Wonderland" as well as a montage of cold and snowy neighborhoods around town after the winter storm which had taken place earlier that day.

VIDEO: Dominique Sachse doing traffic on KPRC 1993 #TBT

Throw yourself back to 1993, when Dominique Sachse was starting off at KPRC 2 as the morning traffic anchor


I broke social media's rules this week by posting a Throwback Tuesday with Dave Ward interviewing President George Bush, so I'm correcting things with a real Throwback Thursday. Now way am I getting a #TBT citation!

Here is a #TBT people are always jonesing for...early video of Dominique Sachse's television career.

That's right, Ms. Sachse started off at KPRC 2 doing morning traffic and you can see it for yourself in this clip. She was on the air with anchor Dan O'Rourke and meteorologist Roland Galvan who died at the age of 48 back in 2005.

I've probably told this story before, but I met Sachse back then when I was picking up some tape at KPRC for my boss. She was very nice and showed me around the channel 2 studio a bit.

Sachse first got some fame in the Houston market as a DJ on Mix 96.5 KHMX.

Another famous KPRC traffic anchor, you might have heard of her, Jennifer Reyna, also got her start in radio at 101 KLOL. You'll see people occasionally posting photos of her Miss Rockwear 2003 win.

By the way, if you have any audio, photos, paraphernalia from the 101 KLOL days, email me! I need to see them for my documentary on the iconic Houston rock station! I'm also looking for 97 Rock and 100.3 KILT rock stuff too!

KPRC 2 dumps 4:30am newscast

KPRC 2 Houston has done something you rarely see anymore...cancel a newscast. Starting today, the channel 2 4:30 morning newscast has been replaced with NBC's "Early Today."

Most TV stations around the US just keep adding newscasts, usually without adding staff.

Newish morning anchor Sofía Ojeda took to social media to console KPRC morning viewers:

"I have been getting some emails from you guys at home. We today...we are no longer on at 4:30 in the morning. So from 4 to 5 'Early Today' show will be on and then we will pop up right at 5am. And we will go all the way through until 8:00 on the KPRC2+ app. So join us. I know it's a little bit of a change, but change is good, right?"

Former KPRC 2 morning anchor Dan O'Rourke pointed out to me that Phillip Mena, a former KPRC 2 weekend anchor, anchors "Early Today."

If it weren't for my own blog, I would have no memory, so let's hit my archives to learn that KPRC 2 launched the 4:30am newscast all the way back in August 24, 2009. KHOU 11 also launched a 4:30am around that time, too.

In fact at the time, I wrote a post offering my services at 4am.  For some reason I featured a photo of me on the NBC 5 KXAS DFW news desk where I pitched Houston stations the following:

"It will consist of me in my pajamas reading my blog aloud to the camera.

No additional staff will need to be hired. I will produce it myself. All you have to do is show me how to setup the lights and camera (I have TV production experience). Your master control operator can punch me live on air and go to commercial break." 

No station ever reached out to take me up on the offer.  I'm sure their emails just got marked as spam.

Back then, you will never guess who handled anchoring and meteorologist duties?  That's right Owen Conflenti and Anthony Yanez.  Some things never change I guess.  

In 2009, Conflenti and Yanez were later joined at 5am by Lauren Freeman and Jennifer Reyna.  Ok, that has changed.

"Lifestyles are changing and people are waking up earlier; we are happy to be there for them," said KPRC Local 2 Vice President and General Manager, Larry Blackerby in a staff announcement back then.

So does this mean the 4:30am cancellation signals a 2023 lifestyles change that people don't get their lazy asses out of bed early anymore?  And if you are old school Houston, you get a gold star if you recognize that is a 97 Rock Moby reference. In fact, he had a whole song “Get your lazy asses out of bed!" he played every morning. 

We kicked off our newscast at 5am- we will no longer be on at 4:30am. But we will go on from 5-7am on KPRC2 on your TV on then 7-8am on @kprc2 + app. Download it where you get your apps! pic.twitter.com/N3kCfWJHPh

— Sofía Ojeda (@KPRC2SofiaOjeda) January 9, 2023

VIDEO: Dominique Sachse doing KPRC 2 traffic in summer 1993

Going back in time with KPRC 2 anchor Dominique Sachse as she does morning traffic in 1993


I got such a huge reaction last time I posted some early 1990s footage of now KPRC 2 anchor Dominique Sachse doing traffic at the Houston NBC affiliate. How about some more!

TV archivist Josh Burdick has posted a montage of clips from the summer of 1993 of Sachse doing morning traffic, but you'll also catch glimpses of then anchors Dan O'Rourke, Bob Nicholas and meteorologist Dave Dixon. How about the open of The Today Show with Katherine Couric?