Texas TV news and radio job moves October 2022

Send tips for the monthly Texas media job list here.

Best TV News Bloopers October 2022
Newsrooms Start Prepping for 2023 Texas Broadcast News Awards

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

New Country 96.3 KSCS named the National Association of Broadcasters Country Radio Station of the Year. 

The Dallas Bar Association awarded the NBC 5 KXAS Investigates team with the Philbin Award at its annual Fellows Luncheon for the accuracy, resourcefulness and initiative pursing the extensive coverage over the past year uncovering widespread issues plaguing the state’s Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) temporary license plate system; identifying how criminals infiltrated the system and obtained hundreds of thousands of temporary tags illegally for profit. 

Jay Cresswell exits program director chair at 98.7 K-LUV.

Lesley James joins 91.7 KKXT as assistant program director.

Former Staffers Of KLIF-A/Dallas - Fort Worth celebrate reunite.

A DFW radio DJ charged with producing child pornography has been sentenced to 24 years in federal prison.

97.1 The Freak DFW debuts in place of The Eagle
Madison Sawyer of CBS DFW is pregnant
NBC DFW anchors on the TODAY Show
Megan Mitchell joins WFAA 8 Dallas

HOUSTON

Astros, Rockets and Comcast reach settlement on CSN Houston dispute.

Former abc13 KTRK reporter/Vice President of Community Affairs, Cynthia Cisneros, is the Houston Association of Hispanic Media Professionals (HAHMP) winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award for the 2022 Sylvan Rodriguez Scholarship Gala.

CW39 Sharron Melton receives award from Greater Houston Women's Chamber of Commerce.

People magazine features the wedding of Fox Weather's Stephen Morgan (former FOX 26 KRIV) and NBC News Correspondent Steven Romo (former abc13 KTRK).

Sarah Smith joins Houston Chronicle as senior enterprise reporter.

Houston Biz Journal hires Nair as tech and innovation reporter.

Ralph Green is the new suburban reporter for the Houston Chronicle.

Charlie Haldeman has left his KHOU 11 Assistant Digital Director role to join the Sinclair Broadcast Group as Regional Content Director.

Paul McKenna, who has worked at abc13 KTRK for 37 years, is retiring from the station as a Digital Graphics Producer.

Felix Cortez, who worked at abc13 KTRK for 24 years as an audio engineer/director, has left the station.

Anthony Reed, who has been the abc13 KTRK lead photographer since February 2022, and a photographer since 2009, is leaving for sister-station ABC11 WTVD Raleigh-Durham, NC to become the operations manager.

Sean Vaughn leaves 90.5 KJIC as program director/morning host to join Cox Media Group Houston as chief engineer. Andy Hudack retired from there in September.

Dave Strickland exits KPRC 2
Houston TV helicopter illegal incident
Houston and San Antonio Radio clips 1980s
Felix Hernandez joins Telemundo Houston
"The Nightcap" debuts on FOX 26 (VIDEO)
Mike O’Neill talks being on both sides of the press release
Rachel McNeill reveals her favorite
Xavier Walton and Eden Checkol are engaged
Justin Stapleton, Caroline Brown go head-to-head in Battle of the Halloween houses
Lena Maria Arango talks Astros sweep with actual broom on TV
Maggie Flecknoe gives birth
Lauren Kelly is married
Mo from 100.3 The Bull is pregnant
Ted Oberg to join NBC Washington WRC
Houston TV reporter gets Astros tattoo!
Raúl Brindis Commemorates 30 Years as a Radio Host in Houston
Where is Chauncy Glover?
Cathy Hernandez gives birth to baby #2
Kimberly Davis is engaged
Houston Halloween fun
DeJonique Garrison joins CW39 Houston
Jonathan Martin gets Houston ready for World Series
Big KPRC 2 2022 anchor changes!

SAN ANTONIO

KENS 5 anchor Henry M. Ramos celebrates five years with the TEGNA station.

San Antonio Express-News health care reporter Laura Garcia named Texas Tribune's afternoon/evening editor.

San Antonio Biz Journal hires McCandless to cover real estate.

KSAT Meteorologist Sarah Spivey receives certification from American Meteorological Society.

Tim Spence named Director of Sports Operations for San Antonio Sports Star, 94.1 FM, 1250 AM KTFM/KZDC.

Kevin Hyson, who has been with KSAT 12 production team for 21 years, has left the station.

San Antonio Report biz/tech reporter Cunningham named Evans fellow.

KTSA raises $163,893 in Radiothon For Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner.

Hannah Tiede joins KENS San Antonio
KSAT 12 meteorologists terrorized
Andrew Moore joins KENS San Antonio

AUSTIN

Sonal Shah to take over Texas Tribune CEO role from Evan Smith.

Audrey Allen joins The Mix 94.7 KAMX Morning Show.

KXAN and Corpus Christi Caller-Times win 2022 Spirit of FOI Awards.

KXAN morning producer Katie Bosnjak promoted to EP.

KUTX Austin adds Deep House Music Show, 'The Groove Temple' Friday Nights.

Tanvi Varma leaves KVUE Austin
Hunter Williams named KVUE chief meteorologist
Fred Cantú celebrates 50 years on-air
Ford Sanders joins KVUE Austin
Eric Pointer joins KVUE Austin
Lindsey Ragas joins FOX 10 Phoenix KSAZ
Shane Hinton moves to KVUE Austin mornings
Gianella Ghiglino joins Spectrum News 1 Texas

AROUND TEXAS

Raul Castelán retires after dedicating 38 years to KRGV 5 Rio Grande Valley as a photojournalist/assignments editor. 

Anchor Terri Furman celebrates 17 years with KLBK Lubbock.

KBTX News 3 Chief Meteorologist Shel Winkley celebrates 13 years with the Bryan - College Station station.

Former KCEN 6 Waco/Temple/Killeen "Texas Today" producer Mark Lewis needs is a kidney transplant as he battles end stage kidney disease.

Peace 107 KPWJ Bryan-College Station celebrates 10 years.

91.7 KBNJ was voted as "Best Radio Station" by Corpus Christi Caller-Times readers.

Concetta Callahan becomes morning anchor for KXTV Sacramento from KDBC in El Paso.

Alex Cammarata promoted to NewsWest 9 KWES 10pm anchor
Breanna Molloy gives birth
Emmanuel Esparza joins Telemundo 48 El Paso
Shaley Sanders rejoins KCBD NewsChannel 11 Lubbock
Former KFDA NewsChannel 10 Amarillo anchor Madison Alewel
Rusty Garrett of KWTX 10 Waco battling cancer
Kayleigh Thomas joins KBTX 3
Nick Canizales leaves 12News KBMT Beaumont
Brennon Gurley joins KYTX CBS19 East Texas
Brenda Medina gives birth to baby #4
Leslie Adami dances for charity
Brady Brewster joins KKTV 11 News Colorado Springs, CO

REMEMBERING

Jerry Vazquez, Telemundo Houston ND, loses cancer battle
Lewanda Sullivan, abc13 KTRK editor, passes away

93Q KKBQ and Country Legends 97.1 KTHT DJ Pat Middleton has passed away after a fight with cancer. 

Former KENS 5 General Manager (1987 to 1997) Mike Conly has passed away. 

San Antonio radio host Russell Rush, 44, dies after cancer battle.

The changing faces of Houston media 2019

The comings and goings of the Houston media world 2019.

RELATED
Top Houston media stories 2019

January 2019

- Grego joins 95.7 The Spot KKHH

- Cheryl Mercedes joins KHOU 11

- Ryan Korsgard is leaving KPRC 2

- Travis Herzog new abc13 KTRK chief meteorologist; Elita Loresca to mornings

- David Tillman named Chief Forecaster for abc13 KTRK

- Craig Roberts remembers times at KPRC 2

- Mark Medici Promoted to President of the Houston Chronicle

- Former KPRC 2 anchor Sara Donchey joins KCBS 2 and KCAL 9 in LA

- Vincent Crivelli joins KPRC 2


February 2019

- Brooks Garner gone from KHOU 11

- Doug Harris aka Jr. Mintz elected Houston Film Critics Society president

- Mike McGuff appears on KPRC 2's Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall

- Brian Rogers to depart from the Houston Chronicle

- Former KHOU GM Susan McEldoon to offer professional coaching

- Lisa Vaughn back on air at KHOU 11

- Brheanna Berry joins abc13 KTRK

- Suzi Hanks exits 106.9-107.5 The Eagle

- Christine Noël starts at KPRC 2


March 2019

- Butch Alsandor working Houston Astros and Rockets coverage

- Christine Dobbyn ‏to leave abc13 KTRK

- Denise Middleton joins FOX 26

- Stephen Morgan promoted to FOX 26 weekend morning weather anchor

- Leti Aguilera named General Sales Manager CMG Houston


April 2019

- Anchor Denise Middleton and meteorologist Stephen Morgan to work FOX 26 KRIV weekend mornings

- KHOU 11 assistant news director Josh Hubbard is leaving Houston for the same job with Disney/ABC Television Group owned KGO San Franciso

- Former KPRC 2 features reporter Ruben Galvan joins KHOU 11

- Deilia Ray Williams named KTRK abc13 Marketing Creative Director

- Steve Riley named Houston Chronicle Executive Editor

- David Arkin to lead digital at KPRC 2

- KTRK GM Henry Florsheim announces retirement


May 2019

- Deilia Ray Williams named KTRK abc13 Marketing Creative Director

- Steve Riley named Houston Chronicle Executive Editor

- 91.7 NGEN debuts new lineup May 13, 2019

- Darby Douglas enters next chapter

- Michael Berry renews agreement with 740 KTRH

- Kelly Ryan Joins Dean & Rog on 106.9-107.5 Houston’s Eagle


June 2019

- Russ Lewis to anchor KHOU 4pm newscast

- Reporter/fill-in anchor Mycah Hatfield joins abc13 KTRK as reporter/MMJ from KJRH Tulsa, Oklahoma


July 2019

- KVOA Tucson, Arizona weekend sports anchor Ari Alexander joins KPRC 2

- Levi Ismail exits KHOU 11

- After John Walton's death, the "Walton and Johnson" show will continue with Ken Webster Jr. as Steve Johnson's co-host

- WNCN Raleigh's Taniya Wright joins KPRC 2 as morning anchor

- Brooks Garner joins FOX 31 Denver

- Rich Lord and Mike Meltser exit SportsRadio 610 KILT

- WLWT Cincinnati reporter Vanessa Richardson joins KPRC 2 sports team

- Remembering 99.9 FM KSHN Liberty

- Patricia Buchanan named Vice President of Sales Telemundo Houston KTMD

- Telemundo Houston KTMD reporter Eduardo "Yusnaby Pérez" Rodriguez leaves for Telemundo 51 Miami WSCV

- Emily Akin retires from FOX 26


August 2019

- Deneige Broom leaves FOX 26 KRIV

- Josh Marshall to leave KHOU 11

- Wendy Granato named KTRK President and General Manager

- Ryan Korsgard joins Million Air Austin

- Janet Shamlian joins CBS News as Houston-based correspondent

- Xavier Walton joins KHOU as morning anchor; Lisa Hernandez moves

- Lee Meier named FOX 26 KRIV assistant news director

- Lainie Fritz to leave KPRC 2

- TX Radio Hall of Famer on new Houston online station

- Chris Costa joins KHOU 11

- Leslie Adami named KIII Corpus Christi evening anchor

- "Red, White & Blue" and "Party Politics" return with new co-hosts

- John Donnelly to leave FOX 26

- Natasha Barrett joins the Memorial Hermann Health System

- Roxann Fisher joins KAVU Victoria as news director


September 2019

- Rehan Aslam named abc13 KTRK news director

- Tiffany Justice joins FOX 26 KRIV

- GM David Loving exits KXLN Univision 45

- Mike Glenn leaves Houston Chronicle for Washington Times

- abc13 anchors celebrating some big anniversaries

- Lainie Fritz appears on WDSU New Orleans


October 2019

- Melissa Wilson celebrates 19 years at FOX 26 KRIV

- Cynthia Cisneros announces retirement from abc13 KTRK

- MaryAnn Martinez joins KPRC 2

- Chelsea Edwards joins FOX 26 KRIV

- Caitlin “CJ” Johnson joins The New 93Q KKBQ

- John Hannon named President and General Manager of Univision 45 Houston KXLN

- KPRC legendary anchor Bill Balleza to retire

- Jennifer Reyna is leaving KPRC 2

- Jennifer Reyna breaks silence after leaving KPRC

- Lindsey Henry leaves FOX 26

- Tom Abrahams celebrates 20 years at abc13 KTRK


November 2019

- KiTiRik - Houston's greatest TV host?

- Famous media HISD graduates

- Bo Corona launches Puro Tejano Fierro 101.1 HD2

- abc13 KTRK anchors switch schedules


December 2019

- Addison Green joins KHOU

Texas TV news and radio job moves October 2019

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

KXAS NBC 5 anchor Meredith Land will leave the 10 p.m. anchor chair.

Reporter Tim Ciesco leaving NBC5 as 2019 TV newsroom exodus continues.

Gilma Avalos Named WNBC Weekend Evening News Anchor.

FOX 4 KDFW promoted Blake Hanson to weekend evening anchor.

WFAA8 tabs Tashara Parker as Daybreak traffic anchor.

FOX 46 WJZY Charlotte reporter David Sentendrey leaves for FOX 4 KDFW.

DFW sports radio landscapes changes with departure of Ben and Skin from 105.3 The Fan KRLD.

KVIL (ALT 103.7)/Dallas MD Lindsey Martin Exiting November 15th To Join Atlantic Records.

Matt Yurus moves to Phoenix and joins KPNX as weekend anchor and reporter. He leaves KTVT in Dallas where he reported and was the first digital anchor for CBS. - Napoli

- WFAA morning anchors better know how to dance
- NBC 5 KXAS anchor Kris Gutierrez appears on "The Kelly Clarkson Show"


HOUSTON

Ken Hoffman gets up close and really personal with longtime Houston TV anchor Bill Balleza.

KHOU’s Big Lease – Plus a $10 Million Redo – Generates Upswing at Westheimer Office Tower.

San Antonio Express-News reporter Allie Morris will succeed Ryan Poppe on the Houston Chronicle's Texas Take podcast with Scott Braddock of The Quorum Report.

Former KPRC 2 anchor Irika Sargent has Hawaiian wedding.

MIX 96.5 KHMX host Lauren Kelly officially joins the KPRC Houston Life team.

90.1 FM KPFT has been broadcasting from Montrose for half a century.

Talk radio host Rick Kamla leaving SportsRadio 610.

Mike Snyder: I worry about the stories the Chronicle can no longer cover.

Maria Douglas Reeve will become The Houston Chronicle’s managing editor for content on Nov. 12. Mark Lorando, will become managing editor for audience on Oct. 29.

Alex Stuckey joins the Houston Chronicle investigative team.

Radio Ink’s 2019 Radio Wayne Local Sales Manager of The Year, from Cumulus’ KRBE in Houston, Tim Gratzer.

Night Host JC Exits 100.3 KILT The Bull.

Bryan Luhn joins KPRC as Executive Producer of Special Projects and Investigations. He left FOX 26 KRIV earlier this year where he was a senior executive producer.

- Melissa Wilson celebrates 19 years at FOX 26 KRIV
- Cynthia Cisneros announces retirement from abc13 KTRK
- Owen Conflenti is ruling TikTok
- Dominique Sachse celebrates 1 million subscribers with TODAY Show appearance
- Lizzo is a Houston success story!
- Dominique Sachse's Today Show appearance video
- Christine Noël engaged
- MaryAnn Martinez joins KPRC 2
- Houston TV stars support Crime Stoppers
- Chelsea Edwards joins FOX 26 KRIV
- Caitlin “CJ” Johnson joins The New 93Q KKBQ
- Chelsey Hernandez is engaged
- John Hannon named President and General Manager of Univision 45 Houston KXLN
- KPRC legendary anchor Bill Balleza to retire
- Jennifer Reyna is leaving KPRC 2
- Rachel Briers is expecting
- Brhe Berry is pregnant
- Jennifer Reyna breaks silence after leaving KPRC
- Lindsey Henry leaves FOX 26
- Tom Abrahams celebrates 20 years at abc13 KTRK
- Lisa Hernandez has her baby!


SAN ANTONIO

Vanessa Martin will permanently return to the traffic desk for both FOX-29 and WOAI.

KENS 5 reporter Adi Guajardo joins KMGH Denver.

Reporter David Caltabiano leaves WOAI and KABB for KTVK and KPHO Phoenix, AZ.


AUSTIN

Longtime NewsRadio KLBJ afternoon host Jeff Ward gone after 20 years on the air.

Josh French moves to KVUE in a digital position from Tulsa.

- Why is "Adios, Mofo" famous in Texas?


AROUND TEXAS

Joshua Eure joins KXXV Waco, Temple, Killeen as news director.

Alyssa Faykus joins the Brenham Banner Press as a reporter.

Florencia Giménez-Levit returns to Telemundo El Paso as weekday weather anchor.

Joey Carrera moves to KTVK Phoenix as a freelance reporter. Previously, he was weekend anchor and reporter at KVIA in El Paso. - Napoli


REMEMBERING

Country Radio Legend Bob Kingsley Dead at 80.

Texas TV news and radio job moves September 2019

RELATED
Best TV News bloopers September 2019


DALLAS - FORT WORTH

Jeff Jamison, the longest standing meteorologist at DFW’s CBS11, announces departure.

CBS11 KTVT adds Caroline Vandergriff to reporting staff from KOKH Oklahoma City.

Reporter Jay Wallis joins WFAA 8 from KVUE 24 Austin.

John Trevino Named VP-GM Of KDAF Dallas.

Nexstar Media Group promotes William “Bill” Sally to executive VP of sales.

- "TV News: Life & Live shots" WFAA Off Air


HOUSTON

Astros extend broadcasters Todd Kalas, Geoff Blum through 2021.

Former abc13 KTRK medical reporter Christi Myers tells me her daughter is following her into the TV news biz. Her daughter, Laura Laughead, is interning with Good Morning America. Check the show's website and you will see her bylines!

Former SportsRadio 610 KILT host Paul Gallant joins 710 ESPN Seattle.

Tessa Barrera joins "The Rod Ryan Show" on 94.5 The Buzz KTBZ from KFI AM 640 Los Angeles.

Mizanur Rahman named Houston Chronicle’s new Senior Editor for Local News.

Rockets sideline reporter Michelle Margaux to leave TV broadcasts.

Former MIX 96.5 KHMX morning host Larry 'Moon' Thompson prepares for his final radio broadcast in St. Paul/Minneapolis.

Bill Spencer has a new contract with Houston’s KPRC-TV as investigative/consumer. - Eatman Media Services

Nicole Jones moves to KHOU-TV in Houston as 5 p.m. Producer (from WNCN-TV, Charlotte).
- Represented by Steve Swienckowski at DCA Talent. http://www.dcatalent.com.

Rice Radio KTRU buys back original call sign.

2019 National Association of Broadcasters' (NAB) Marconi Radio Awards bestow honors on 104.1 KRBE and MEGA 101 KLOL.

Entercom rebuilds Houston Cluster.

- Rehan Aslam named abc13 KTRK news director
- Britta Merwin has her baby during a tropical disturbance!
- Cynthia Cisneros announces retirement from abc13 KTRK
- Melissa Wilson celebrates 19 years at FOX 26 KRIV
- Haley Hernandez and Sophia Beausoleil have babies same day!
- Melanie Lawson's car broken into, a look at car break-ins in Houston
- Tiffany Justice joins FOX 26 KRIV
- GM David Loving exits KXLN Univision 45
- Mike Glenn leaves Houston Chronicle for Washington Times
- abc13 photographer Damion Smith shares cancer fight
- Doug Miller talks KHOU and media career
- KPRC 2 expands 4pm news to one hour, Extra moves to 12:30pm
- Downtown Houston architecture
- Erika Lopez is married
- abc13 anchors celebrating some big anniversaries
- Owen Conflenti adds a boy to the family
- Where is Lisa Hernandez?
- Lainie Fritz appears on WDSU New Orleans


SAN ANTONIO

Camilla Rambaldi joins Fox News at Nine KABB with Ryan Wolf.

Mariah Medina becomes KENS 5’s new investigative reporter.

KENS-5 Great Day SA co-host Roma Villavicencio celebrates 10 years of being cancer free.


AUSTIN

KVUE’s Kristie Gonzales, Marketer Turned General Manager.

KATV 7 Little Rock, Arkansas reporter Matt Mershon joins Spectrum News.


AROUND TEXAS

Zoltan Csanyi-Salcedo is the new News Director for KRGV Channel 5 News and Somos Noticias.

Paul Alexander is moving up to become Director of Local Content Development at KRIS Corpus Christi.

East Texas news anchor Dana Hughey returns to CBS19 KYTX to host several hours of newscasts and have a leading role on all of the station's digital and social platforms.

Troy Clingerman joins Townsquare Media as Market President and Chief Revenue Officer for Wichita Falls, Texas cluster - Country 102.3 The Bull (KWFS-FM), Rock 106.3 The Buzz (KBZS-FM), CHR 92.9 NIN (KNIN-FM) and News-Talk 1290 (KWFS-AM).

Beaumont TX Radio: Joe “Flu Season” Lewis Arrives At KTCX-FM.


REMEMBERING

CBS 4 KGBT Meteorologist Alex Herbst dies at 26.

Cynthia Cisneros announces retirement from abc13 KTRK

Cynthia Cisneros has been with abc13 KTRK since 1989 and is announcing her retirement on Facebook.

I am announcing my retirement from ABC13. Yes, it’s true! After 30 years, I am retiring! It’s been a thrill of a lifetime to travel to all corners of our city and beyond, to meet extraordinary people and to be trusted to tell their unique stories.

I’ve been inspired, joyful, fearful and even horrified yet always aware that I was part of a team doing our very best to inform. Meeting new people every day and creating lasting relationships led me to become Vice President of Community Engagement. On behalf of ABC13, we offered a home to our diverse communities, giving voice to their culture.

“For 30 years, Cynthia has served ABC13 and the Houston community. She has touched projects big and small, worked with non-profits and community outreach organizations, forged friendships and life-long connections both inside and outside of ABC13 and the Walt Disney Company. We wish her the best and are certain her love and passion for service will continue for years to come.” said KTRK President and GM Wendy Granato.

While I am grateful for being recognized as an award winning journalist, I’m most grateful and humbled by the community accolades. Here are a few: honored by the Mexican American Bar Association as a Media Pioneer, LULAC 402 Woman of the Year, Texas LULAC Woman of Distinction, Fiestas Patrias Distinguished Hispanic, Solo Mujeres Journalist of the Year, Mujer Legendaria by Empresarios Latinos, Outstanding Community Leader by the Sharpstown Rotary Club, also a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow, recognized as a Hero of Houston by Shell Oil for community work in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, APAHA Outstanding Community Partner, twice awarded the Star Award for Community Affairs Director by the Media Alliance of Houston, member of the Harris County Elections Hispanic Advisory Committee, APAHA Advisory Board, COH Citizenship Month Executive Committee, Aga Khan Southwest Advisory panel, Catholic Charities Advisory board, Houston Galveston Institute Counseling board, COH Mayor’s Hispanic Advisory Board, and AAMA school board.

My last day is Friday, October 4th. I look forward to the next chapter of my journey and wish everyone at ABC13 the best!

Cisneros started with channel 13 as a reporter. She started her career at radio station in Jacksonville, TX. She then worked as a reporter at KLMG Longview and KBAK Bakersfield, California.

In 2012, she was promoted to Vice President of Community Affairs.

(Thanks Susan Farb Morris!)

Ted Oberg takes home first Dave Ward Media Excellence Award

Ted Oberg, Rania Mankarious and Dave Ward at the Crime Stoppers Houston’s Heroes Awards Luncheon 2019.

Dave Ward handed his eponymous Media Excellence Award to longtime abc13 KTRK investigative reporter Ted Oberg this week at the Crime Stoppers Houston’s Heroes Awards Luncheon.

CLICK HERE to watch Dave's speech or read the transcript. Plus see Oberg's surprise reaction!

CRIME STOPPERS OF HOUSTON PRESS RELEASE ABOUT THE EVENT

Crime Stoppers of Houston Honors Distinguished Community Members at Annual Houston’s Heroes Awards Luncheon

Over $200,000 raised to fund critical crime prevention and public safety initiatives and official announcement of the inaugural Fenner Weller Award, Women Who Shape Houston, Partner of the Year and the Dave Ward Media Excellence Award

HOUSTON (April 30, 2019) – More than 400 guests joined Crime Stoppers of Houston on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel for their annual Houston’s Heroes Awards Luncheon to honor and celebrate outstanding community members who have made incredible contributions to make Houston and surrounding counties a safer place to live, work, learn and play.

The gathering, which serves as a vital fundraiser for Crime Stoppers, raised over $200,000 to directly fund the critical crime prevention programs and public safety initiatives delivered by the non-profit in our communities and schools.

Dana Tyson, host of Sunny 99.1 Morning Show lent her support as the mistress of ceremonies and led the afternoon festivities which included opening remarks from Crime Stoppers CEO Rania Mankarious and ended with Houston Media Icon Dave Ward unveiling the winner of the inaugural Dave Ward Excellence Award.

Each December through early January, the community has the opportunity to submit their Houston Hero nominations of those who have gone above and beyond to make our communities safer. The following 2019 Heroes were presented with distinguished awards for being positive contributors to our community through their long-standing support of crime prevention and public safety initiatives that make Houston, and Texas, safer for all:

The Johnny Klevenhagen Award - The Harris County Violent Crime Unit & The DPS Texas Anti-Gang Center Violent Crime Unit: Lieutenant Ralph Ohland, Special Agent Louie Verdeja and Sergeant Jeff Thomas were recognized for being instrumental in creating a great partnership between the Department of Public Safety and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office which led to the dismantlement of over 135 robbery crews (responsible for 600+ robberies) and arrest and removal of over 400 violent crime criminals.

The Corporate Citizen Award - Phillips 66: Recognized for their commitment to public safety, especially the Crime Stoppers of Houston Safe School Institute which educates students, teachers and school personnel on the Tip Line and critical safety issues to keep them safe while at school. They are also the first funders of the Crime Stoppers Statewide Initiative what was implemented in 2018 after the Santa Fe High School shooting.

The Fenner Weller Award - Glenda and Russell Gordy: Recognized for making a significant difference in the Crime Stoppers of Houston Capital Campaign which allowed the organization to break ground and begin construction on their building. With a family history in law enforcement, it’s important for them to give back to crime prevention and public safety initiatives which honor their family’s legacy.

The Leiv Platou Award - Michael D. Wilson: Recognized for his significant contribution to public safety as a volunteer, board member and tireless advocate for Crime Stoppers of Houston for over 22 years now.

The Safe School Award - Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner R. Jack Cagle: Recognized for his involvement and support of the Crime Stoppers Tip Line Program and Safe School Institute; providing tremendous guidance that has allowed the program to grow and reach over 1 million students with critical safety information related to reporting weapons on school campuses, cyber safety, teen dating violence and much more.

Inaugural Partner of the Year Award - Houston Police Department, Chief Art Acevedo and Assistant Chief Bobby Dobbins: Recognized for their incredible support as the Crime Stoppers of Houston Tip Line Program’s host agency since its inception in 1980. Each month, the seasoned investigators assigned to the Law Enforcement Detail Office vet anonymous tips that are then communicated to investigators out in the field; this investigative work helps solve between 30-60 criminal case per month, sometimes more.

Inaugural The Women Who Shape Houston Award - The Houston 20, Jennifer Hohman and Amy Pierce: Recognized for their determination and commitment to do whatever they can to mobilize Houston and the state of Texas to combat human trafficking and stop the sex trade of children, teens and adults.

While the focus of the afternoon was to honor these incredible heroes, Crime Stoppers of Houston was able to raise additional funds to continue their critically important crime solving work through the famed 713-222-TIPS Tip Line and expand their free crime prevention and safety education which is provided through their Safe Community Program and Safe School Institute.

“We take pride and find it a privilege to have the opportunity to recognize the 2019 Houston Heroes for the personal and professional contributions each of them has made to promote and enhance safety. They are a true inspiration for all! Beyond that, we must thank our partners who made the luncheon possible, including Aramco, our Presenting Partner, and Glenda and Russell Gordy as well as Phillips 66 our Safety Partners. So many joined to celebrate and honor our heroes for their forward-minded thinking which makes Houston, and all of Texas, safer.” shares Crime Stoppers CEO Rania Mankarious.

The highlight of the luncheon was the unveiling of the inaugural winner of the Dave Ward Media Excellence Award, which Crime Stoppers named after Mr. Ward who was instrumental in establishing Crime Stoppers in Houston, Texas back in 1981. Dave Ward took the stage to finally reveal the well-kept secret:

“When I was informed that there would be this Dave Ward Media Excellence Award, I immediately started deliberating the criteria for selecting the recipient for this award. It could go to print media; it could go to a radio reporter or television… run the gamut of news reporting.

Well I had to remember the five W’s – who, what, when, where and why…
I was trying to think and come up with the person who really deserves this, who gets those five W’s and it came to me.

I need to turn to Ted. He’s over there. Ted Oberg ladies and gentlemen. He is a valued colleague of mine and a dear friend. And I am delighted to present the first, the inaugural, Dave Ward Media Excellence Award to my good friend Ted Oberg.” - Dave Ward.

Click here to listen to full transcript of Dave Ward’s speech.

A surprised Ted then came on stage to give his acceptance speech, offering words of gratitude to both Crime Stoppers of Houston and Dave Ward for the recognition.

Wednesday’s celebration was supported by many individuals, community partners and generous sponsors, including Presenting Partner Aramco Services Company; Safety Partners Phillips 66 and Glenda and Russell Gordy; Brigitte and Bashar Kalai, Amerapex, North Houston District, Amy and Rob Pierce, Kip and Jennifer Hohman, Memorial Hermann, The Heinz Family, Elva and Truett Akin, H-E-B, KPRC-TV, Sprint by Connectivity Source, 3SI Security Systems, Gray Reed, Houston Apartment Association, Independent Bank, Janet and Commissioner R. Jack Cagle, Lawrence and Linda Levy, Melissa Davis and John Crapitto, Mike and Carole Wilson, Texas Inter-Faith Housing/Portfolio Resident Services, The Children’s Assessment Center, and Union Pacific Railroad.

Among supporters were Crime Stoppers Chairman Jeff Vaden and Sonya Vaden, Lindsey and Scott Aronstein, Tama Lundquist, Tena Lundquist Faust, Laura Ward, Jill and Charlie Talisman, Justin Vickrey, Noe Diaz, Lynette and Michael Kuznar, Ricardo and Joan Nazario, Donae Chramosta, Jill Herrera, Leisa Holland-Nelson, Joni and Michael Hoffman, Cynthia Cisneros, Grace Olivares, Amber and Cary Gray, Gina Gaston, Beth Arlington, Rachelle Rowe, Jan Chafin, Logan Leal, Susan Holcomb, Katrina Arnim, Tracy Faulkner, Mauri Oliver, Vicki Rizzo, and many more.

Notable guests include City of Houston Director of Homeland Security George Buenik, Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan, Harris County District Clerk Marilyn Burgess, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Harris County Constable Precinct One Alan Rosen, Houston Police Department Chief Art Acevedo, and Council Members Brenda Stardig, Jack Christie and Amanda Edwards.

If you would like to learn about Crime Stoppers of Houston, how to get involved or donate to their mission programs, visit www.crime-stoppers.org or call 713-521-4600.

Media Alliance of Houston 2019 Star Awards Gala winners

The Media Alliance of Houston held its 2019 Star Awards Gala last week at The Houstonian.

Before we get to the winners, Judy Lakin from Cox Media Group Houston was the Silver Star honoree of the night.

Congrats to all the winners who are bolded.

Digital Sales Professional (OOH, Print, Radio, & TV Exclusive)

Angela Wilson, iHeart Radio

Kevin Epps, Cox Media Group

Marilyn Acosta, KTRK

Digital Sales Professional (Digital Exclusive)

Christine Gensch, Goodway Group

Cynthia Velarde, Pandora

Stacy Hooper, Centro

 Digital Sales Manager (All Media)

Erin Hoffman, KPRC

Lindsay Aiello, KHOU

Tammy Guest, KTRK

Out of Home or Print Account Executive

Courtney Cook, Clear Channel Outdoor

Karen Hernandez-Lix, Outfront Media

Stevi Maytubby, Houstonia Magazine

Out of Home or Print Media Manager or VP

Chris O'Donnell, Outfront Media

Cindy Johnson, Houston Chronicle

Stevi Maytubby, Houstonia Magazine

Sports Team Professional

Jay Adelberg, Houston Dynamo/Houston Dash

Jay Miller, Sugar Land Skeeters

Lacey Berlau, Houston Texans

On-Air TV Personality

Julia Morales, AT&T Sportsnet

Mia Gradney, KHOU

Owen Conflenti, KPRC

Tom Koch, KTRK

Local TV Account Executive

Amparo Carrera, Houston Public Media

Celina Bautovich, KHOU

Glenda Carmon, KTRK

John Rizzuti, KPRC

TV Sales Manager or Director of Sales

Miles Cathey, KHOU

Millie Adan Garza, Houston Public Media

Shannon Murphy, KPRC

TV News Director

Dave Strickland, KPRC

Sally Ramirez, KHOU

Wendy Granato, KTRK

TV Market Manager or VP

Harvey Saxer, KIAH

Jerry Martin, KPRC

Tony Canales, Telemundo

               

Radio Producer or News Director

David Fehling, Houston Public Media

Kenny Webster, iHeart Radio

Kevin Quinn, Cumulus

Radio On-Air Personality

Michael Berry, iHeart Radio

Roula Christie, Cumulus

Sarah Pepper, Entercom

Local Radio Account Executive

Laura Filippone, Cox Media

Leslie Poroo, iHeart Radio

Vikki Caston, Entercom

Radio Sales Manager or Director of Sales

Bob Mackay, Entercom

Joe Cesaratto, iHeart Media

Judy Lakin, Cox Media

Radio Program Director or Operations Director

Elliot Wood, iHeart Radio

Johnny Chiang, Cox Media

Josh Adams, Houston Public Media

Radio Market Manager or VP

Alex Cadelago, Cumulus

Eddie Martiny, iHeart Radio

Lisa Shumate, Houston Public Media

Pamela McKay, Radio One

National Sales Manager

Gwen Anderson, KTRK

Kari Bivins, KHOU

Rod Windham, iHeart Radio

Marketing or Promotions Director

JC Perez, Telemundo

Lauren Graff, Outfront Media

Melissa Brezner, iHeart Radio

Local Media Sales Assistant or Traffic Assistant

Joann Perez, Entercom

Laura Reid, KHOU

Lupe Castro, Cox Media

Sofia Tucker, iHeart Radio

Local Community Affairs Director

Alexandria Williams, KHOU

Cynthia Cisneros, KTRK

Freddy Cruz, Cumulus

Lee Vela, Clear Channel Outdoor

Research Director  

         

Erik Langhans, KHOU

Hope Dubois, iHeart Radio

Mitzi Fleissner, Telemundo

Local Agency Support Staff

Ally Thonsgaard, Richards/Carlberg

Charity Cain, Love Advertising

Christie Ko, Brivic Media

Local Agency Account Service/Brand Management

Christy Saxer, Briggs and Caldwell

Kevin King, Love Advertising

Kristine Alardin, Freed Advertising

Local Agency Buyer

Athena Anzaldua, Briggs and Caldwell

Lisa Cragoe, Love Advertising

Sandra Williams, 9th Wonder

Thomas Goggins, Strike Marketing

Local Agency Planner

Ashlee Rohm, Richards/Carlberg

Erlyns Portillo, Love Advertising

Kristina Early, Briggs and Caldwell

Local Agency Digital Professional

Amanda Rossy, Richards/Carlberg

Kelley Robinson, Brivic Media

Sheryl Grigsby, Briggs and Caldwell

Local Agency Media Director or Associate Media Director

Alex Soto, Love Advertising

Marlena Majoie, MMI

Stephanie Weaver McKee, Richards/Carlberg

Agency Principal

Cindy Marion, MMI

Joe Pogge/Shari Okin/Thomas Goggins, Strike Marketing

Kellie Briggs, Briggs & Caldwell

Tina Boaz Murray, Mind Dance Marketing

Agency of the Year (Small) 

Briggs & Caldwell

Mind Dance Marketing

Strike Marketing 

You Squared Media

Agency of the Year (Large)

9th Wonder

Freed Advertising

Love Advertising

MMI Agency

MAH Rising Star

Angela Urrutia, Richards/Carlberg

Courtney Dupas, KHOU

Jordan Hess, KPRC

Kandis Lakin, Outfront Media

Market Rock Star

Celina Bautovich, KHOU

Judy Lakin, Cox Media

Karen Erwin, Outfront Media

Sandy Colwell, KTRK

KTRK abc13 "Live at Five" Northline Mall Wall Collapse Coverage - January 30, 1997

YouTuber RageTV just posted KTRK abc13 coverage from a tragic event twenty plus years ago today.

Back in January 30, 1997, a wall collapsed at Northline Mall (now Northline Commons according to Wikipedia) located on the North Freeway outside of the Loop at Crosstimbers.

Two people died from the accident at the time of this broadcast, more were missing.

The 14 minute clip is of Live at Five with Melanie Lawson anchoring from the then newsroom studio.

Co-anchor Alan Hemberger was live from the scene with reporters Stuart Stanley, Cynthia Cisneros and Dan Cambre.

Best TV news bloopers, KILT drops Rome and more

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WFAA's Dale Hansen talks about being molested as a child
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KILT (610 AM) will end Rome's 14-year run with station
Jim Rome, whose hard-edged, opinionated talk show has been a fixture on KILT (610 AM) for almost 14 years, will be dropped by the CBS Radio all-sports station after Friday’s show after more than a year of declining ratings.
- Disappointed Rome to Houston fans: ‘Don’t give up on me’

Former KPRC reporter's website heals the brokenhearted
Former KPRC Local 2 reporter Elizabeth "Ellie" Scarborough's website Pink Kisses.

WFAA8 looking for new news director after Michael Valentine's promotion to corporate position
Dallas-based WFAA8 has begun the search for a new news director with the promotion of Michael Valentine to a corporate position, station sources tell unclebarky.com.

Former KXAS Reporter Says Media Bias Is Reason He’s Running for Congress
Former KXAS reporter Grant Stinchfield says a major reason he’s now running for Congress is because he got tired of dealing with bias in the media.

And to all a good night: D-FW's list of 2011 TV departures
Uncle Barky's annual alphabetical list of on-camera D-FW news people who left their stations by choice or otherwise.

Get that camera out of my face - it's illegal for you to video tape me
Fox 26 KRIV photographer Torrey Walker heard it on Monday. Isiah Carey AKA The Insite was told it last Thursday. What did they hear? People who were clearly in the public told us as members of the news media it was illegal for us to video tape them in a public place.

Exclusive December PPM Analysis: Houston
CLEAR CHANNEL AC KODA bested RADIO ONE Top 40/Rhythmic KBXX to assume the #1 ranking in HOUSTON for DECEMBER P6+.

Houston's top 20 sports talk personalities of 2011
Houston Media Watch breaks it down.

Austin TV vacancies to be filled
Change was a constant at local TV and radio stations in 2011. Look for a number of vacant spots to be filled in coming weeks, including new reporters at KEYE, KVUE and KXAN. KXAN is also searching for weekday morning and weekend morning anchors.

Walton and Johnson in Austin
KKRW 93.7 The Arrow's Walton and Johnson have picked up Talk Radio 1370 AM KJCE as an affiliate.

Craig James exits ESPN to run for US Senate
Former SMU football star turned ESPN analyst Craig James made it official and filed to run in the Texas Republican Primary for U.S. Senate on April 3.

P-N's Frank: Local Nielsen Problems 'Severe'
Alan Frank, president of the six-station Post-Newsweek group (including KPRC and KSAT), says that he has expanded his use of the Rentrak set-to-box viewing data because his problems with the local Nielsen services are "extraordinary and severe." He may not renew his Nielsen contract, he says.

WFAA, WSB, WTVF Honored with duPont Awards
The duPont jury has announced 14 winners of the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards, including four local news stations. WFAA-TV in Dallas/Ft. Worth will be honored for a series of investigative reports about corrupt practices at local trade school.

New Mom Sally Hernandez Back at the KXAN-TV Morning Anchor Desk
Sally Hernandez has returned to her familiar spot anchoring the KXAN-TV morning and Noon newscasts following three months maternity leave.

Celina Avila to take the airwaves in California
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KTSM's Porter leaving next month
KTSM reporter and former weekend anchor Kai Porter will say goodbye to El Paso next month. His last day at the station is Jan. 8.

Friends Solicit Donations For Allen McGee's Survivors
Friends and acquaintances of TOWNSQUARE MEDIA Rock KKTX (96X)/TYLER, TX afternoon-drive host ALLEN MCGEE are coming to the aid of his surviving family and children.

MOVING
Former KTRK 13 digital sales account executive Hector Garcia moves to KPRC 2 in the same role. His role at Power Radio will diminish.

NATIONAL
- NBC Sports Network gets into game
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- In Beck’s Shadow, Rise of ‘The Five’
- New Day Dawns for CNN Mornings

DIGITAL
- 5 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Station’s Facebook Page
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- KXAS NBC5 reporter Kimberly King leaves station
- Reporter gets biggest story of all time
- KHOU 11 grabs Rekha Muddaraj from KFMB San Diego
- Top mikemcguff.com posts for 2011
- KTRK 13 reporter Cynthia Cisneros becomes VP

KTRK 13 reporter Cynthia Cisneros becomes VP

I hear longtime KTRK 13 reporter Cynthia Cisneros is leaving the TV news world but still staying with the ABC owned and operated station.

Turns out, Cisneros is taking over the role of Vice President of Community Affairs for the station. Denise Bates, who formerly held that title, left the station in October.

In this new VP role, Cisneros will be organizing KTRK events like the Share Your Holidays Food Drive, Caring Cradles and the Houston E-Cycle Drive among other duties.

UPDATE:  I must have had too many Dr Pepper Icees over the holiday because I had a brain freeze.  Cisneros will also oversee channel 13 community affairs shows like Viva Houston, Crossroads, Visions and Cityview.  Bates never hosted those shows, but previous people in that position did, like Regina Hall. Since Cisneros is a reporter, it is probably a safe bet she will host some of them at one time or another. (Trivia moment: I got my first production job in TV based on the fact that I ran camera for Crossroads as a KTRK intern)

If you are hiring someone as a community liaison, Cisneros is a good choice. Clearly she is well known by Houston TV viewers and is also from the area. According to her bio, Cisneros grew up in the city of South Houston and graduated from the University of Houston. She even worked at Astroworld.

After working in radio in East Texas as well as a reporter role at KBAK-TV in Bakersfield, California, Cisneros landed at KTRK in August of 1989. She's been with the station ever since while winning several awards along the way.

RELATED
- Houston TV journalists honored

Houston TV journalists honored

The HISD Board of Education trustees nominated 14 Houston reporters and media executives to the Texas Association of School Boards’ annual statewide Media Honor Roll for their balanced and accurate coverage of the district. They are:

* Mary Benton, reporter, KPRC-TV
* Larry Blackerby, general manager, KPRC-TV
* Craig Bland, general manager, Univisión
* Isiah Carey, reporter, KRIV-TV
* Cynthia Cisneros, reporter, KTRK-TV
* Margaret Downing, editor, Houston Press
* Patricia Gras, anchor/producer, KUHT-TV
* Steve Mark, reporter, Examiner Newspaper Group
* Khambrel Marshall, anchor, KPRC-TV
* Rick McFarland, news director, KPRC-TV
* Daniel Morales, anchor/reporter, Telemundo
* Rod Rice, reporter, KUHF Public Radio
* Melinda Spaulding, anchor/reporter, KRIV-TV
* Kathy Williams, assistant news director, KPRC-TV

But that is not all. 39 KIAH producer Travis Sattiewhite was honored with the Stellar Communications Award from Texas Southern University. READ MORE FROM THE INSITE

RELATED
Open Door Award winners from the Fort Worth Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists