Lauren Talarico joins KHOU

Lauren Talarico

Lauren Talarico is joining KHOU as an multi-media journalist after working at News19 WLTX Columbia, South Carolina since 2008 where she is currently the station's morning anchor.

UPDATE JUNE 2023
Lauren Talarico to leave KHOU 11 Houston

"Although I am really going to miss my current station WLTX in Columbia, SC, I am thrilled to be staying with Gannett and joining KHOU," Talarico tells mikemcguff.com. "I know that with this company I am able to tell good stories about good people who don’t always get the recognition that they should."

Talarico worked her way up the WLTX newsroom. According to her bio, she started at the station as a producer/assignment editor, one man band reporter and then weekend anchor. In 2012 she became the CBS affiliate's morning anchor.

She is an Associated Press award winner and two time Emmy nominee. Talarico's sense of style was also celebrated by Wink Magazine who named her one of Columbia's most fashionable people.

One thing that stuck out to me in Talarico's bio is that she authored the children's book, Teatime with Tigers.

Talarico graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. After college she worked for an Academy-Award winning company in London.

"The thought of exploring a new city and making it my home is really exciting to me," Talarico told me. "Spending the past several years in Gamecock country, I also come with extensive knowledge of Jadeveon Clowney! So at least I can easily converse about one Texan.

"The time I have spent in Houston while visiting has been amazing. Great people, great food and so many things to do. My husband and I are ready to get this next chapter started!"

Being a massive Aerosmith fan, the name Talarico stood out to me. That's because it's lead singer Steven Tyler's real name. Both he and Lauren are originally from New York so I just had to ask because I Don't Want to Miss a Thing.

"Nope! Not related to Steven 'Talerico,'" Talarico told me with an LOL. "I'm surprised you know that, you must be a fan. We spell our names differently. He uses an "e" as the 4th letter and mine in an "a". It would be pretty cool if I were though."

Call me Crazy but that would be Amazing.

Even though Talarico is still working mornings at WLTX as of now, she is already soliciting Houston story ideas for her next month start. If you have one for her, she says contact her on Facebook at Lauren Talarico.

Lauren Talarico to leave KHOU 11 Houston

Lauren Talarico announced that she's leaving her KHOU 11 weekend morning anchor/reporting job and Houston on June 21, 2023.

UPDATE MAY 2024
Trason Bragg joins KHOU 11 Houston

UPDATE
WATCH: Lauren Talarico signs off KHOU 11 weekend mornings

Here is a portion of what Talarico posted on social:

"This career has given me so much...passion, focus, meaning. Some of the stories I’ve been trusted to tell have broken my heart and kept me up at night, while others have filled me with so much hope seeing the love that we can have for one another.    

The one thing this job can’t give me is my family. I’m leaving KHOU to move closer to them. I miss them and want my children to have the joy of those daily interactions.    

 

This was not an easy decision. It took months of soul searching and tears to decide. Walking into Liz’s office (my news director) to deliver that news was so hard and I’ll never forget the kindness and support she showed to me.   

This job is important. Ethical journalists are important. KHOU is special. The way we tell stories is special. The empathy and compassion that is considered in every story we tell is special. The way we treat each other in this newsroom is special. It’s been an honor to work alongside you all."

Weekend anchor Cheryl Mercedes posts that Talarico is moving back to New York. 

The award-winning journalist recently changed her reporting schedule from nights to days last January.

In January 2020, Talarico and then meteorologist Addison Green (now Kim Castro) launched the new KHOU Sunday morning newscast.  When Brandi Smith became the KHOU 11 digital anchor and left the Saturday morning anchor gig open, Talarico took those duties to anchor both weekend mornings. 

And speaking of Castro, the meteorologist and Talarico post expertly choreographed dance moves every weekend in the empty 5718 Westheimer dance studio. 

More importantly while in Houston, Talarico and husband Charlie Briffitt welcomed children Ella Annmarie in 2017 and Jack in 2020 to the family. As an author of children's book Teatime with Tigers, Talarico can read her own book to the kiddos!

Talarico joined KHOU 11 in July 2014 from WLTX News19 Columbia, South Carolina where she was the morning anchor. 

When Talarico was hired at channel 11, I got excited by her last name, because it sounded like the actual last name of Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler. Both are from New York, so I had to ask were they related, because I Don't Want to Miss a Thing.

"Nope! Not related to Steven 'Talerico,'" Talarico told me with an LOL. "I'm surprised you know that, you must be a fan. We spell our names differently. He uses an 'e' as the 4th letter and mine in an 'a'. It would be pretty cool if I were though."

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville grad also worked for an Academy-Award winning company in London.

Houston television viewers tell me they can't believe how many personnel changes there have been in local news over the last years, but weekend mornings have been fairly stable as of late. That started changing in 2023, when Cathy Hernandez and Brittany Jeffers took over weekend mornings on KPRC 2 and Erica Simon recently left the shift at abc13 KTRK. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lauren Talarico (@laurentalaricokhou)

(Thanks Shad!)

Lauren Talarico welcomes new baby

KHOU 11 weekend morning anchor Lauren Talarico has baby number 2!

 

Some good news for Houston TV viewers during Tropical Storm Beta rains, KHOU 11 Sunday morning news anchor Lauren Talarico announced the birth of her son Jack.

UPDATE JUNE 2023
Lauren Talarico to leave KHOU 11 Houston

"Welcome to the world Jack Frederick James," Talarico tweeted.  "Born 9/18/20. A little early and a bit of a scary entrance but thanking God we are now safe and healthy at home."

Talarico made the announcement of her second child last Easter.

The family's first child was Ella who was born in 2017.

Speaking of TV babies, remember when KPRC 2 meteorologist Britta Merwin had her daughter during Tropical Storm Imelda?!

Welcome to the world Jack Frederick James! Born 9/18/20. A little early and a bit of a scary entrance but thanking God we are now safe and healthy at home. 💙💙 #FamilyofFour #boymom #girlmom #kids #khou11 #htownrush pic.twitter.com/2o6jWbdscQ

— Lauren Talarico (@KHOULauren) September 22, 2020

 

Lauren Talarico announces baby #2

KHOU 11 anchor/reporter Lauren Talarico announces second baby

It was an Easter surprise for KHOU 11 viewers as anchor/reporter Lauren Talarico announced baby number two for her family.

UPDATE JUNE 2023
Lauren Talarico to leave KHOU 11 Houston

"Wishing you all a #HappyEaster," Talarico tweeted. "It’s an exciting one for us... our 2nd little miracle is on his way and will be here in early Fall."

First born Ella came into the world in 2017.

Another new addition this year for Talarico, was a new weekend morning channel 11 newscast.

Talarico joined KHOU in 2014 as an multi-media journalist after working at News19 WLTX Columbia, South Carolina where she was the station's morning anchor.

RELATED
Stephanie Whitfield is pregnant

Wishing you all a #HappyEaster! It’s an exciting one for us... our 2nd little miracle is on his way and will be here in early Fall. 💙💕❤️ #KHOU11 #htownrush pic.twitter.com/OpTpb4JtOH

— Lauren Talarico (@KHOULauren) April 12, 2020

Lauren Talarico makes KHOU 11 Houston changes

Lauren Talarico will still be anchoring weekend mornings for KHOU 11 Houston, but is moving from reporting at nights during the week to the day shift.

UPDATE JUNE 2023
Lauren Talarico to leave KHOU 11 Houston

"Balancing motherhood and a career is hard, as I know, so many of you understand. As my children get older working nights has become harder to balance for my family.

I often feel exhausted, guilty for missing bedtime, and like I am moving nonstop from dawn to dusk with very little time to just breathe.

It started taking a real toll on my body and mind.

So, I asked my name my new[s] director if she consider changing my schedule and she agreed. She barely took a beat. She told me she understood that both career and family are important.

I felt incredibly lucky. I wish more people had that experience.

So, from now on, you’ll see me on the dayshift! Here’s to rush-hour and doing what I love during three shows in a row, and then, hopefully most nights, being able to tuck my children into bed."

Talarico joined KHOU in 2014 from News19 WLTX Columbia, South Carolina.

Lauren Talarico signs off KHOU 11 weekend mornings

Lauren Talarico signed off KHOU 11 Houston with a tearful goodbye as the weekend morning anchor on Sunday, June 18, 2023.  

Talarico announced she was leaving KHOU 11 earlier in the month. 

UPDATE MAY 2024
Trason Bragg joins KHOU 11 Houston

Two KHOU 11 reporters give birth

KHOU 11 reporter Lauren Talarico welcomes baby Ella Annmarie to the family.

UPDATE JUNE 2023
Lauren Talarico to leave KHOU 11 Houston

And KHOU 11 reporter Stephanie Whitfield also delivered:

Our baby boy, Patton, was born on Tuesday night! I'll be hanging out with him on maternity leave for the next 12 weeks, but I'll be back at KHOU 11 News in October. Wish me luck! All parenting tips are appreciated!

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

KHOU launches Sunday morning newscast

KHOU 11 launches its first ever Sunday morning newscast


KHOU 11 quietly launched #HTownRush Sunday morning today at 7am with anchor Lauren Talarico and new meteorologist Addison Green.

UPDATE

Addison Green leaves KHOU 11

I say quietly because if my readers hadn't alerted me, I wouldn't have known this debut was coming.

It's big news because I never remember channel 11 having a Sunday morning newscast.

"Our first Sunday morning newscast ever by the way," Talarico echoed on a Facebook video. "We are going to be on every Sunday, KHOU will have a newscast every Sunday morning starting at 7 o'clock."

I wasn't the only one not expecting this change.

The ontvtonight.com TV schedule site listed a broadcast of First Baptist Church Houston in that time slot for today.

#HTownRush Sunday morning runs ahead of CBS' "Sunday Morning" with host Jane Pauley...in my opinion one of the best network news shows on the air.

UPDATE
A channel 11 viewer asked me where this leaves anchor Ron Trevino. Talarico said in the video that Trevino would be anchoring the weekend evening news like normal. What this means for his Saturday morning anchor gig...I am not sure yet.

(Thanks Kevin)

Texas TV news and radio job moves September 2020

Send tips for the monthly Texas media job list here. 

DALLAS - FORT WORTH 

NBC 5 KXAS anchor/reporter Katy Blakey returns to work after her daughter, Harper Jane, was born in May.

A Big D Upgrade In Play For WFAA 8.

'Kidd Kraddick Morning Show' Co-Host Big Al Mack Launches 'Let's Be Single... Together!' Podcast.

Dallas Weekly’s Best of Black Dallas 2020 media.

Former ‘Bachelorette’ and Dallas native Rachel Lindsay named ‘Extra’ correspondent.

From its origins airing the banter of bored firefighters to its robust classical programming today, Dallas’s WRR-FM has filled an unusual niche on the airwaves for nearly a century.

- Bria Bell returns to Dallas as a reporter

- Snake bites KXAS' David Finfrock

HOUSTON 

94.5 The Buzz KTBZ Rally’s Around Former Rod Ryan Show Cast Member Dinah Powers And Her Fight Against Cancer.

After 30 years, Marilyn Marshall retires as the Houston Defender editor. (Thanks Susan Farb Morris)

100.3 The Bull KILT's Erin Austin was let go from Entercom Radio in a nationwide restructuring of the company.

KPRC 2’s Frank Billingsley honored with Admiral’s Commission in Texas Navy.

VYPE/KPRC Local 2 Sports enter content partnership.

KPRC 2's Houston Life executive producer Katie Rae Meyers leaves for a new job at WPIX New York. 

SportsTalk 790 KBME morning host Sean Salisbury starts new evening show on 95.7 The Game KGMZ San Francisco.

Emily Foxhall takes over the environment beat at the Houston Chronicle. 

Former Houston TV reporter/personality Roseann Rogers has moved to Nashville, TN and is joining the sales team for iHeart Media-Nashville. 

Former KPRC 2 reporter Brendan Keefe is profiled in this TVNewsCheck profile showing his leadership of the investigative team at WXIA Atlanta, and his work as a corporate trainer for all 60 Tegna stations.

John McClain is closing in on 4 1/2 decades covering the NFL for the Houston Chronicle. 

Freddy Cruz celebrates my 15 years at 104.1 KRBE.

Comedian Chinedu Ogu marks three years at KHOU 11.

Lauren Gilley moves from directing at CW39 KIAH to KHOU 11. (Thanks Susan Farb Morris)

- FOX 26 KRIV debuts 6pm newscast

- Haley Hernandez expecting baby #2

- "Deborah Wrigley Day" in honor of the longtime abc13 KTRK reporter's last day

- Maria Sotolongo leaves CW39 KIAH
- Collin Myers exits abc13 KTRK

- Bob Slovak leaves abc13 KTRK
- CW39 Houston has been quickly making big changes
- Randy McIlvoy's journey to KPRC started in Meyerland
- A sad morning for FOX 26 
- ESPN 97.5 on-air verbal fight goes viral
- Mike McGuff on iHeartMedia's Houston P. A. talking Alzheimer's advocacy
- Lauren Talarico welcomes new baby

- Houston Public Media Announces $8 Million Anonymous Gift

- Ron Stone reporting in 1962 for KHOU

- Julia Morales has her baby

- Rashi Vats's 5pm anchor journey is a Texas story of hard work and love

SAN ANTONIO 

MMJ Holly Stouffer announced she is officially a KENS 5 traffic anchor now.

KENS 5's Bill Taylor voted the San Antonio Current's Best Meteorologist 2020.

KABB Taps Blackmagic to Report Weather From Home.

WOAI's Martha Buchanan becomes 1st woman prime time TV news anchor in Texas back in 1972.

- Mayde Gomez joins FOX 29 San Antonio KABB

- Jessica Hunt leaves KSAT 12

AUSTIN 

93.3 Austin Flips To CHR “New Music Now.”

Educational Media Foundation To Acquire KFMK Austin.

John Aielli, host of the iconic KUT turned KUTX program Eklektikos has temporarily signed off after suffering a stroke.

- Meteorologist Adam Krueger to join CW39 KIAH Houston from Spectrum News Austin and Spectrum News San Antonio 

- KXAN's CW Austin debuts weather and traffic AM news

AROUND TEXAS 

FOX 44 KWKT Waco-Temple-Killeen's Loving Living Local Central Texas host Brian Glenn (formerly of WFAA 8 DFW) contacted me to say he was fired from the station after posting about COVID-19 numbers on social media. Nohely Mendoza takes his spot to host with Amanda Tatom.

KWTX 10 Waco-Temple-Killeen has parted ways with sports anchor Tyler Bouldin. 

KXXV 25 Waco-Temple-Killeen news director Josh Eure has left the station. 

Donnie Tuggle joins KBTX Bryan-College Station as a reporter/MMJ.

KEWL/Texarkana, TX Flips From Classic Hits To '90s Alternative.

On Texas Campuses, Student-Run Newspapers Have Become Crucial Sources of Coronavirus News.

- KVEO Brownsville debuts first-ever Latina anchor team

- Lee Sausley announces KRIS 6 retirement

- KBTX has a married anchor team

- KETK Tyler launches new 4 and 4:30pm newscasts

- Laura Laughead joins KAMC Lubbock

- KRGV adds Azteca America, hires new anchors
- FOX 26's Chelsea Edwards and her Beta kitten rescue

REMEMBERING

Remembering Richard Connelly, Former Houston Press Staff Writer and Columnist.

Remembering Jan Reid, the longtime Texas Monthly contributor who introduced the Austin music scene to the rest of the world.

Remembering Wick Allison, Founder of D Magazine, a Fierce Critic and Champion of Dallas.

- Scott Crowder, 740 KTRH anchor, reportedly passes away

It's break time, 101 KLOL and where is Dave Ward?

See you soon and subscribe to my social media accounts below to keep informed

Mike McGuff and 101 KLOL Runaway Radio

Wow! The summer started off slow for about two weeks and then the Houston media news went full throttle.

Right now we are waiting to see who will be named KTRK abc13 news director, if there will be an interim named in the meantime, has someone already been hired or will a certain KTRK reporter's husband be waiting in the wings to assume the position. Try saying all of that five times fast.

Also where the heck is anchor Dave Ward?

I think the other stations are fairly stable right now...or at least more stable than KTRK at the moment. KPRC will have to hire a new assistant news director, but that's about all I remember. Oh yeah, and KHOU could name a new consumer reporter soon.

If we get any answers, well, they will have to wait to be put on this blog. I'm taking some time off. Got too much going on!

I am putting the finishing touches on my Rock 101 KLOL documentary script. By the way, if you have any KLOL related photos/videos (like you with a KLOL DJ or even in a KLOL shirt) or stories email me!

I'm also building websites for clients to help pay for the cost of this amazing documentary.

And most importantly, I have my two kids with me who have no more organized activities.

Make sure to follow me on Twitter and Facebook and Instagram to keep up with what's going on while I'm away. I'll still feature some news there that won't be on the blog like usual.

BTW, I have some great blog material coming up when I return. New Houston media job announcements and some TV talent acting naughty. I think mikemcguff.com might have to come in and spank them!

IN CASE YOU MISSED SOME BIG HOUSTON MEDIA SUMMER NEWS
- Demond Fernandez moves to WFAA from KTRK abc13
- Bill Young, broadcasting legend, is gone
- 'Live Well Network' plug pulled by Disney-ABC Television Group
- Darby Douglas to return to KHOU 11
- Lauren Talarico joins KHOU from WLTX Columbia, SC
- Mary Benton is leaving KPRC 2
- Former KHOU 11 reporter Brad Woodard has died
- Katherine Whaley leaving KHOU 11
- Courtney Zubowski leaving KHOU 11
- Rhonda Errer LaVelle is new KPRC 2 news director
- Tracy Clemons heads to KTRK abc13
- KTRK and ABC stations to start central master control hub
- Simone Eli is new KPRC 2 weekend sports anchor
- Jacob Rascon now at NBC News
- KTRK abc13 news director Dave Strickland resigns
- Bob French files lawsuit against KBTX

KPRC anchor girls' night, SA TV anchors engaged plus more

MORE VIDEO
- TV reporter gets guys motorcycle taken away
- ‘Oops!’: Reporter splits his pants on live TV
- Reporter’s purse swiped from TV truck – near police HQ
- KVUE Reporter's Notebook: Shannon Murray
- CNN Anchor Erupts in Laughter on Live TV After Hearing Hillary Clinton’s Latest Wealth Remarks
- KHOU 11 weather special "Hurricanes: Who Knows Best?"
- KEYE PM Anchor ID's
- KPRC's Ready, Set, Ruben! special
- News 4 SA Congrats Spurs

Jocelyn Lockwood Joins KXAS-TV
Jocelyn Lockwood has joined Dallas/Fort Worth NBC affiliate KXAS-TV as a freelance reporter. She was most recently with New Orleans ABC affiliate WGNO-TV.

Baby on the way for KHOU-TV's Andrew Horansky
KHOU-TV reporter Andrew Horansky will soon be able to add "daddy" to his list of accomplishments.

Girls’ Night IN with KPRC’s Courtney Zavala
Wanna get to know your neighbors better? Host a wine tasting! Just ask KPRC Anchor Courtney Zavala.

Tom Abrahams gets 'Allegiance' from critics
In late May, Yahoo Voices named Tom Abrahams as one of five Texas authors to discover. Then, The Houston Press named him among the top ten Houston authors.

Discovering Houston on the Cheap
Coppelia Rivera, KSBJ 89.3 Morning Show Host

Dish Network: CSN Houston fees still too 'exorbitant'
Dish Network's chief marketing officer said Tuesday that subscriber fees for Comcast SportsNet Houston remain too "exorbitant" for the satellite provider to carry it other than on a voluntary basis for customers.

Pacifica Radio update
In Houston, KPFT-FM is still operating under “special temporary authority” (STA) because its license has not been renewed.

S.A. anchors get engaged before baby’s birth
San Antonio anchors and lovebirds Isis Romero of KSAT and Phillip Anaya of KENS now have another big occasion to plan for besides the birth of their baby boy in August.

KENS 5 First Alert Weather unveils a new forecasting tool, HourCast
The FIRST ALERT HOURCAST gives viewers an hour-by-hour forecast to plan their day.

KEYE bringing back 'We Are Austin' morning show, ditches '700 Club'
Austin CBS affiliate KEYE will relaunch its “We Are Austin” one-hour lifestyle program on June 30, slotting it at 9 a.m. to replace syndicated airings of “The 700 Club.”
- KEYE's morning news to start at 4:30 a.m.

Daniel Armbruster Set to Join KHBS-KHOG
Daniel Armbruster is joining KHBS-KHOG, Hearst’s ABC and CW affiliates in Fort Smith, Ark., on August 4. Armbruster comes from KTBC, the Fox-owned station in Austin.

REMEMBERING

Remembering the late former Post editor David Burgin
David Burgin died this week. He was the editor of the Houston Post when I worked there in the late '80s.

Dallas-area ESPN reporter Durrett dies at age 38
The Rangers are mourning the loss of ESPN Dallas writer and blogger Richard Durrett.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Deborah Wrigley in accident on way home from KTRK abc13
- Lauren Talarico joins KHOU from WLTX Columbia, SC
- Ron Trevino's DWI case dismissed

Kris Gutierrez returns to Texas, Rekha Muddaraj's fill-in? plus more

MORE VIDEOS
- KTVT’s New Anchor Is A Face For Radio
- Pearland, Texas' Bunny Meyer is a YouTube star
- Anchors break down on air
- When the Information Superhighway Was Just an Exit Off Memorial Dr.
- Ryan Chase does the Raw Egg Wedgie!
- Be advised, if you are a serious Journalist, this will make you sick to your stomach

Kris Gutierrez returning from Chicago to be NBC5's new 5 p.m. co-anchor
Kris Gutierrez is circling back to North Texas to become co-anchor of NBC5’s 5 p..m. weekday newscasts.
- NBC 5/KXAS-TV Hires Kris Gutierrez to Co-anchor NBC 5 News at 5 p.m.

Turbulent times at CBS11 news, where anchor departures and relocations are suddenly commonplace
OK, it’s not entirely fair to say that CBS11 has had more movement lately than a Belly Dancing 101 class.  There’s been a whole lot of shakeups going on, though.

Better than a time machine
NBC5, UNT digitizing and posting decades-old news footage
- Want to time travel? UNT, KXAS have a new portal

D/FW Radio: KKDA, DeDe McGuire Staying Together
DeDe McGuire will continue to wake up Dallas-Fort Worth listeners on the “DeDe in the Morning” show on KKDA 104.5 FM K104.

KLIF Puts Zann Into Nights
CUMULUS Top 40/Rhythmic KLIF (NEW HOT 93.3)/ DALLAS names ZANN as its new nights host.

Dallas programming VP Davis adds Austin duties
IHeartMedia-Dallas VP of programming Patrick Davis has expanded his oversight to include Austin in addition to Dallas.

Rebutting some of the quick trigger fingers on Twitter and Facebook when it comes to commenting on two recent unclebarky.com posts
It’s ridiculously easy in these times to cross-check the web -- or even read the original story -- before firing off an impulsive Tweet or Facebook.

Where’s My Carol Burnett?
Carol Burnett & Friends on MeTV/KTXA 21.2 - why it is not being shown locally even though there are promotional spots airing?

#6 Houston-Galveston TX
Holiday 14 Portable People Meter 6+ Mon-Sun, 6a-12mid (Updated: 01-20-15)
- Research Director, Inc. Presents Exclusive Holiday PPM Analysis For Houston

Who is filling in for KHOU's Rekha Muddaraj?
I told you how KHOU weekend anchor Rekha Muddaraj is on maternity leave. So readers have been asking who will fill in for her? KHOU 11 Executive News Director Philip Bruce tells mikemcguff.com that the fill-in anchors will be Lauren Talarico, Grace White and Malini Basu.

Tricks of the Trade
Houston TV anchors and hosts reveal beauty secrets on how to look your best — on camera or off.

"Que Te Perdone Dios" wins
The premiere of Univision's new Novela, "Que Te Perdone Dios," racked in 4 million total viewers and outperformed all English and Spanish language stations with key demos across several markets including Houston in that time period on KXLN.

The rarely seen Kitirik photo
Kitirik, Channel 13's black cat mascot, is shown here riding the baggage chute into the plane she took off in this morning from the Houston International Airport.

Radar the weather dog's life-saving surgery
Radar the Weather Dog underwent surgery.

New hope for Houston's oldest African American radio station
Former Houston mayoral candidate Ben Hall is the new owner of KCOH with big plans for keeping the legacy of the legendary station alive and on the air.

Radio One Houston turning around
In an 8K outlining a proposed amendment to its credit agreement, Radio One says its Houston cluster is pacing up 11%.

Arbitron Trends, 74-76
Five Houston radio book trends, October/November, 74 to October/November 76.

Justice (Network) to be served starting Tuesday
KHOU has started running promos for the new Justice Network, which Gannett stations are picking up across the country.
- Justice Network Debuts With John Walsh

Fox O&Os Game For Latest Diginet: Buzzr TV
Buzzr TV will showcase FremantleMedia’s library of game show content in all 17 Fox O&O markets, including nine out of the top 10, and 14 out of the top 20 DMAs.

And The Authors Are…
A couple of weeks ago Tom Abrahams revealed his new project; a pair of post-apocalyptic novellas set in the world of author Steven Konkoly’s The Perseid Collapse series. It launches February 3rd, exclusively in Amazon’s Kindle Worlds.

S.A. TV pioneer getting major arts award
San Antonio’s Spanish-language TV trailblazer Emilio Nicolas Sr., who founded the network that became Univision, are among amazing and talented Texans in the arts who will be honored at next month’s prestigious 2015 Texas Medal of Arts Awards.

S.A. TV vet in hospital after undergoing surgery
Colorful San Antonio TV and radio veteran Gary DeLaune is recovering after undergoing triple bypass surgery Tuesday in Methodist Hospital.
- Former KENS broadcaster recovers from triple bypass

JB and Sandy now heard mornings and afternoons on The Fringe
If you’re not up early enough to catch morning radio hosts Sandy McIlree and JB Hager, don’t fret.

Emmis Asks FCC For KROX Signal Boost
EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS is asking the FCC to sign off on the relocation of one of its antennas to boost the signal Alternative KROX.

Shot Texas television meteorologist returns to air
KCEN Meteorologist Patrick Crawford returned to the airwaves on Monday morning, even as the search for the person who shot him continues.

New Valley TV news set
KGBT Action 4 News for the Rio Grande Valley is getting a new set.

Houstonian on Steve Harvey airing on FOX 26 KRIV
Serena Gordillo, a 34 year old banker from Houston, TX will be a guest on “Steve Harvey,” in the episode airing Friday, January 23. Serena turned to Steve for help in turning her dating life around. Serena gets a BIG surprise on the show, when Steve reveals that her sorority sisters, family members and even her pastor are all there to help crowd source her next date! They get to ask questions to three potential bachelors and will make the final decision as to which one she will go on a date with! Tune-in to see if her friends and family end up choosing the right bachelor for Serena!
Locally, “Steve Harvey” can be seen on FOX 26 (KRIV), weekdays at 3:00PM. Check local listings or go to http://www.steveharveytv.com/ for time and channel in other markets.

NEW TV #CASTING: Cash In Your Life
A new television series is seeking out couples and families for a chance to cash in their lives for a fresh start! Have you always wondered, what if? What if you had followed your dreams? What if you no longer had the job you don't love? Maybe your real calling is to open up a bed & breakfast, a boutique, or run a yacht charter. Whatever your dream may be, we are ready to pull out the stops, appraise your life, and offer you a check to cash in and start the life you have always wanted.
Doron Ofir Casting is on a nationwide search for couples that are tired of being in the same old rut, with the same old job and want to find out what their lives are really worth!
If you are finally ready to roll the dice and turn your fantasy into reality then apply now at:
www.cashinyourlifecasting.com


MOVING

Longtime KTRK abc13 engineer Tom Kline is now the FM Chief Engineer for Clear Channel IHeartMedia Houston handling all five FM station’s studio and transmitter facilities.

WFAA photographer Tim Auman retired after 38 years at WFAA and got a camera out of it.

FOX 26 KRIV Senior Digital Content Producer Kathryn Yglecias has moved to the The Lake District, UK. Cheerio! Alexander Supgul takes over.

KWTX Waco Sports Anchor/Reporter Brian Kaufman moves to WWMT-TV West Michigan in the same position.

KSBJ's Jessica Arrendell joins Christian Music Broadcasters
CMB has hired Jessica Arrendell in the newly created position of Multimedia Manager. She comes from KSBJ.

Former abc13 KTRK intern Brooke Wellborn lands first TV gig at KBTX College Station.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Two Houston media pregnancies; KPRC 2 & KTRK abc13
- New 'Telemundo Responde' Consumer Investigative Unit Launched in San Antonio
- KTRK and ABC owned stations will 'LAFF' on tax day
- Caitilin Espinosa to leave FOX 26 & going digital
- Josh Chapin joins KHOU 11
- Irene Sans leaves Telemundo Houston KTMD
- Brandon Walker joins KPRC 2

James Starks joins KPRC 2 as sports anchor/reporter

UPDATE FEBRUARY 03, 2016
James Starks exits KPRC 2



James Starks comes to KPRC 2 as a sports anchor/reporter from WLTX Columbia, South Carolina

James Starks

James Starks follows Lauren Talarico from WLTX Columbia, South Carolina to Houston. But instead of KHOU 11, Starks has joined KPRC 2 as sports anchor/reporter.

His arrival happened week ago, while I was away.

What makes Starks standout is his time in the NFL. According to his bio, in 2008, Starks signed a free agent contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. An injury led him to play in Italy for the Ancona Dolphins. Before going pro, Starks was a two-time All-American at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. In 2007, he was the Ohio Athletic Conference's defensive back of the year.

Post football, while earning a broadcast masters degree at Kent State University, Starks jumped into TV part-time at WOIO and Fox-8 in Cleveland as a sideline reporter and anchor.

Starks follows another KPRC recent sports hire, Simone Eli, who was also a college athlete.

UPDATE FEBRUARY 03, 2016
James Starks exits KPRC 2

UPDATE
I forgot to mention that Starks replaces Nick Giovanni who left the KPRC sports department for WUSA in Washington DC. You know who else works at WUSA? Jan Jeffcoat. Houston TV viewers will remember her from the 2000s as the Fox 26 KRIV morning anchor.

Brandi Smith new KHOU 11 digital anchor

Brandi Smith announced she will be the new KHOU.com digital anchor starting July 5th.

Currently she is the TEGNA Houston station's social media anchor for the #HTownRush morning newscast.

RELATED
- Kimberly Davis joins KHOU 11
- Brandi Smith appears on The Ellen DeGeneres Show
- Brandi Smith and the viral storm
- Yes, Justin Stapleton and Brandi Smith are a couple

"I have this idea for a digital anchor role," Smith said in a Facebook video.  "And the way it's different is this is not reporting...this isn't reporting on social media, it's reporting on social media. So when there's breaking news anchoring our coverage on KHOU.com, anchoring our coverage, that streams on our Facebook page...doing Instagram lives, Twitter, even TikTok.

"Being that digital presence, because there are so many of our viewers throughout the day who don't have the time to sit down and watch a 30 minute newscast, but who can when a big story comes up, open up social media. Open up their favorite platform, pop on to KHOU.com and see the latest."

Smith leaves mornings 

This new KHOU digital anchor job means Smith is leaving the #HTownRush morning newscast and her Saturday morning anchor duties.  And she is pretty happy about the new daytime work hours.

"I feel most days like I do a pretty good job of hiding the fact that I'm not a morning person," Smith said. "But a lot of you have picked up on that fact. I am actually a night owl. For four years, I have worked the exact opposite schedule of what my body tells me it wants. So, I am super excited to share with you that I will get to sleep in."

So who is taking over Saturday morning anchor duties? Smith said Sunday morning anchor Lauren Talarico will now anchor both weekend morning shows. 

What Smith thinks about Ivory Hecker's FOX 26 revelations

During her Facebook video announcement, Smith was asked about and gave her thoughts on FOX 26's Ivory Hecker teaming up with Project Veritas which led to the KRIV reporter's termination.

"I don't think there was anything bombshell in what Ivory Hecker shared with Project Veritas. I watched it. I mean, yeah, when we know that mostly suburban moms are going to be watching, say, the 4:00 p.m. newscast, it's going to be geared toward that audience and issues and topics that they'll be interested in, what will get them to tune in.

This is speaking from my perspective. I've been in TV news for 20 years. The way it was phrased, the way it was handled, by the management Ivory worked with, I can tell you that that would not fly in in my shop and actually violates a lot of TEGNA's, our ownership company's, guiding principles, just the way things were referenced. 

Also, in 20 years in this business, only once have I ever felt forced to do a story. And that was back when I lived in Boise. I had a really aggressive news director and I was young and I didn't know to push back. 

But most journalists in this market, and I am so proud of so many of the journalists, I work with a KHOU 11. If they feel like something's not right, they will speak up. They will push back. I'm sure it's not always appreciated, but we have some really experienced journalists here. And so I've never...here been forced to...I don't know...carry the corporate dialogue, or message, so that's  what I will say on that."

Where Smith worked before KHOU

Smith has been with KHOU since February 2017.  

Before channel 11, Smith worked for:

- weekday anchor/investigative MMJ KBMT 12 Beaumont  

- fill-in anchor/producer at CW39 KIAH's NewsFix and EyeOpener

- evening anchor, MMJ, producer at KEZI 9 

- producer KOIN Portland, Oregon

- reporter, weekend weather anchor, producer for KIVI Boise, Idaho

- MMJ - fill-in anchor, producer for KPIC Roseburg, Oregon