Khambrel Marshall celebrates 24 years at KPRC 2

Khambrel Marshall is celebrating 24 years with KPRC 2 Houston and the city of Houston proclaimed it 'Khambrel Marshall Day' on May 2, 2023!

UPDATE DECEMBER 2023
Watch Marshall's sign off interviews

UPDATE NOVEMBER 2023
Khambrel Marshall announces KPRC 2 retirement

RECENT
Khambrel Marshall celebrates 70th birthday!

Regular readers will know that most of the time, I am posting about people leaving the TV industry, which makes Marshall is a true television survivor considering he's been with channel 2 since 1999! 

Marshall was born at Ft. Bragg in North Carolina since his father, Cambrel, was a first sergeant in the US Army.  Maybe the many moves around the world made him adaptable.

And adaptable the legendary bowtie wearing Houston TV figure has been throughout his career and especially since coming to KPRC.   A lesson that today's TV newsroom staffers need to learn...especially in the current environment.

When Marshall joined KPRC in May 2999, he was actually a news anchor for the then named News2Houston at Noon, First at Four and News2Houston at Five. The News2Houston moniker, while a great sounding name, turned out to be a tarnished brand from the station's more tabloidish days starting in the 1994 when Post Newsweek bough the station from the Hobby family. But that's all in the past now. Marshall is still here going strong!

There were a few years starting in the mid-2000s when channel 2 viewers didn't see Marshall on the newscasts much anymore.  He went off-air into a news manger role as an executive producer during years when the station was shedding its 'Hard Copy' image.

At the same time, the self proclaimed "weather geek" earned his broadcast meteorology certification from Mississippi State University. That led him to going back on-air as the weekend morning meteorologist when Eric Braate left the station for the first time. 

However, with so much news experience and numerous journalism awards including an EMMY, Marshall added hosting/producing "Houston Newsmakers," (formerly called "Beyond the Headlines") a Sunday morning affairs show, to his list of duties.  This blogger has been fortunate enough to appear on the show and I can attest it is truly a one person show as Marshall does it all to get each week's episode on the air.

Marshall, who grew up in a family of teachers, (his mother, Francetta, earned a master’s degree in sociology) is very committed to volunteer service, which is a natural fit for a this type of show.

In fact, the host has been honored by the March of Dimes and has been the board chair for the YMCA Greater Houston Area. He sits on other boards ranging from the Holocaust Museum Houston, the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center and the A.D. Players at the George Theater.

This call to help has also led Marshall to run the KPRC 2 internship program and a station reporter trainee program. One of his famous trainees is now evening anchor Daniella Guzman.

Now, here is a twist to the story.  Marshall actually started in the TV news biz as a sports anchor!  Yes, so if one person has to do all of the jobs one day, Marshall can do news, weather and sports, plus host a half-hour show.  I am not trying to give today's TV owners any ideas with this concept by the way. 

Before KPRC, Marshall worked for WPLG 10 Miami as a news anchor.  However, he joined the station in 1985 as its first Black sports anchor. A move to the news anchor chair came after a call in 1992 to anchor during Hurricane Andrew coverage.

Before South Florida TV, Marshall worked sports anchoring duties for WFSB 3 Hartford, Connecticut. He also worked as a sportscaster in Detroit and the Phoenix CBS affiliate where he started his career while attending Arizona State University.

For his 20th KPRC 2 anniversary, Marshall said he wanted 10 more years, so here's to it!

As for his personal life, Marshall and wife, Debbie, have been blessed with three daughters and three grandchildren.  They've been married since 1979, but that's an anniversary celebration for an entire other post. 

Casey Curry running for Houston City Council At-Large Position 3

Casey Curry, who has served as a Houston TV meteorologist for various stations over the years, has announced she's running for Houston City Council At-Large Position 3 in June 2023.

“I’m running for Houston City Council At-Large Postion #3 because I want to make a difference for every Houstonian.” Curry in a release. “I am not a career politician and I am not tainted by backroom dealings. The status quo is not serving the people, it is serving special interests. I am running to bring a fresh perspective to city government.”

In April, Curry had originally announced she was running for Houston City Council At-Large Position 1.

Curry last forecasted the weather for KPRC 2 in 2021 when the station was short meteorologists after Britta Merwin left for FOX Weather and Eric Braate joined NBC 4 WNBC New York.  

She also did fill-in weather work for FOX 26 KRIV and co-host appearances on KPRC 2's "Houston Life."

Curry, who is best known for her years as an abc13 KTRK morning meteorologist, left the station in 2017. This is where she gave birth to daughter Winnie and did fill-in work for ABC's Good Morning America. Fans became very concerned when Curry took a fall on live on channel 13 in 2015.

After leaving full-time TV behind, Curry joined the alliantgroup as community relations director in 2018.

SPEAKING OF PUBLIC POLICY
Thanks to KXAN Austin and CW39 Houston

Exciting news to share! I want to represent all Houstonians as your next Houston City Council Member. I hope you will join me! #Houston #vote #cityofhouston pic.twitter.com/rIg2jv8sDt

— Casey Curry (@CaseyCurryHOU) April 11, 2023

*Post updated in June 2023 with news that Casey Curry is now running for Houston City Council At-Large Position 3.

Britta Merwin talks FOX Weather and KPRC memories

 

Britta Merwin is returning to the weather wall as a national meteorologist when FOX Weather debuts Monday, October 25th.

The free streaming service will be available on foxweather.com, its app, plus web connected TVs via FOX NOW, the FOX News app and Tubi.

RELATED
Stephen Morgan talks FOX Weather and FOX 26

Based on the reaction I received from Houston TV viewers when Merwin signed off from KPRC 2 mornings last May, I'm sure FOX Weather will have lots of Britta fans tuning in.

Now that Merwin is in New York City and ready to start the FOX Weather stream, she was gracious enough to talk with me about her new Big Apple gig and KPRC 2 Houston memories.

Mike McGuff: Forecasting weather on a national platform like FOX Weather is returning to your roots on cable news.  How is it going back to national from local TV after all of these years?

Britta Merwin: I always felt that national and local news are like apples and oranges, I love them both but they are different. I love how I can stretch my forecast muscles when I’m working on a national platform. I get to forecast every type of weather and there never is a quiet weather day. At the same time I also love local news. You get to really dive deep into every forecast and above all you get to be a part of a community. When I worked Tax Day, both Memorial Days, The Winter blast of 2021 and Harvey I was protecting my neighbors, my family, my community. It is a profound experience to work through a natural disaster with your community. I feel extremely blessed that I have had the opportunity to work both in local news and national news and I am very honored to have a second opportunity to work at the network level.

MM: What are you looking forward to most when FOX Weather premieres?

BM: I’m beyond excited to launch FOX Weather! We truly are changing how people get their forecast and weather news. It is incredible to work with a team built with the best of the best. I can’t wait for people to see our App and find themselves depending on our team every day. Speaking of our team, they truly are the best of the best. We come from different cities, combining our strengths. I’m proud to be a part of America’s weather team.

MM: What are a few of your favorite memories at channel 2?

BM: I will always cherish my time at KPRC2. My favorite memories are all the memorable moments with my friends. I remember getting through the hard times and celebrating life’s greatest moments like when Owen Conflenti and I welcomed babies days apart from one another at the same hospital! I will always remember working through Harvey with Khambrel Marshall. We started every 12 hour shift saying a prayer together. My favorite memories are my team mates. My favorite intern, Caroline Brown. My big brother Justin. And then there is Frank...the walking expert. I learned so much from Frank. I could go on forever. Andy, Lisa, Anavid, Haley, Sofia, Cathy, Brittany, Brandon, My dear friend Amy. They were my family and I’m thankful for each day I had and still have with them in my life.

MM: What will you miss most about Houston?

BM: The people, the food and every Winter I will dearly miss my flip flops and shorts!

MM: How cool is it that your former KPRC colleague Eric Braate practically works across the street from FOX Weather?

BM:  It is Amazing! Eric Braate (WNBC 4) is a close friend and an incredible Meteorologist. We have already had lunch a couple times and it is surreal walking down 6th Ave seeing his smiling face looking back at me.

MM: Anything else you want to add?

BM: The best part of launching FOX Weather is I can rejoin my community in Southeast Texas. Follow me on FB, Twitter and Instagram.

RELATED
Britta Merwin signs off KPRC 2 video
Britta Merwin on being a working mother
Britta Merwin joins KPRC 2 as meteorologist (2014)

(Photos provided to mikemcguff.com by FOX Weather)

Steven Romo joins NBC News

Steven Romo announced he will be working for NBC News in October 2021.  In July 2022, Romo was officially hired on with the network as a New York-based correspondent.

"Work update: Hi, Peacock. I’ll soon be reporting & anchoring for @NBCNews, @MSNBC, & @NBCNewsNow. I’m pretty pumped," Romo tweeted.

The former abc13 KTRK weekend morning anchor just left Houston and announced he was moving to New York City with his fiancé, former FOX 26 KRIV meteorologist Stephen Morgan.  Morgan works FOX Weather which debuts October 25th.

That means Romo and Morgan will be working practically across the street from each other in Midtown Manhattan. 

Former KPRC 2 meteorologist Britta Merwin (now at FOX Weather) and Eric Braate (now at WNBC 4) meet for lunch half way.

Work update: Hi, Peacock. I’ll soon be reporting & anchoring for @NBCNews, @MSNBC & @NBCNewsNow. I’m pretty pumped 🦚 pic.twitter.com/iA8vmxBEOn

— Steven Romo (@stevenromo) October 7, 2021

Britta Merwin and Stephen Morgan FOX Weather debut announced

 

Britta Merwin and Stephen Morgan are are making their FOX Weather debut Monday, October 25, 2021 as the service signs on.

- Britta Merwin talks FOX Weather and KPRC memories
- Britta Merwin to leave KPRC 2
- Britta Merwin signs off KPRC 2 video
- Stephen Morgan talks FOX Weather and FOX 26 

Speaking of Merwin, she and fellow former KPRC 2 meteorologist Eric Braate, work right across the street from each other in Manhattan. Braate is now a Meteorologist and Weather Executive Producer for WNBC 4 New York.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Britta Merwin (@brittamerwinwx)

RELATED
- Steven Romo joins NBC News

Also just announced for FOX Weather is the hiring of WABC ABC7 New York's Amy Freeze who has been with the Disney owned television station since 2011.  

FOX Weather is a free service that will be available at foxweather.com and through the FOX Weather app for iOS and Android. 

The streamer will also available be on internet-connected TVs via FOX NOW, the FOX News app, and Tubi.

Caroline Brown joins KPRC 2

Caroline Brown is joining KPRC 2 as a meteorologist/weather producer multiple sources tell mikemcguff.com.

Brown will apparently take the position of Eric Braate who left KPRC for WNBC 4 New York in August 2021.

UPDATE 
After I posted the news, Brown announced her move to channel 2 Houston,

"Thrilled to announce I’m coming home! Working in Houston has always been my dream, and I’ve accepted a meteorologist position at KPRC! I grew up watching Channel 2, I interned there in college, and now I’m an employee! Somebody pinch me!"

According to her bio, Brown is a sixth-generation Texan who was born and raised in Houston.

Currently Brown is a meteorologist for WeatherNation.  

She previously worked for KTUL 8 Tulsa, Oklahoma.  

The University of Oklahoma grad has a BS in Meteorology with minors in both mathematics and broadcast journalism. 

Texas TV news and radio job moves August 2021

Send tips for the monthly Texas media job list here.

- Texas Radio Hall Of Fame 2021 class

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

Tegna’s WFAA to leave Victory Park street side studio.

Dallas forecaster answers weather questions, Lucy style, from behind AR booth inspired by ‘Peanuts.’

Chance Horner becomes WFAA 8's Director of Photography.

Cumulus Dallas Taps Bruce Collins as Program Director for NewsTalk WBAP 820 AM and News & Information KLIF 570 AM.

Alec Drake, Director of Sales, Cumulus Dallas, will retire at the end of August. Dawn Girocco, Director of Sales for Cumulus Dallas’ three music stations, 99.5 The Wolf/PLX-FM (Country), Hot 93.3/KLIF-FM (CHR) and New Country 96.3/SCS-FM (Country), will rise to Vice President, Sales, Cumulus Dallas, overseeing the entire sales effort for the six-station group.

KCBI/Dallas-Fort Worth moves Doug Hannah from afternoons to mornings.

KTFW (92.1 Hank FM)/Dallas-Ft. Worth Picks Up Jeremy Robinson For Nights.

Dallas Mavericks radio broadcast to move from 103.3 ESPN to 97.1 The Eagle.

Anne Elise Parks is pregnant
Brittney Johnson joins NBC DFW KXAS
Mason joins HOT 93.3 KLIF DFW
Kylie Capps is married
Newsradio 1080 KRLD wins 2021 National Edward R. Murrow Award
Dale Hansen responds to his critics and more

HOUSTON

Katherine Whaley shares why she chose to leave abc13 KTRK to stay home with her young son.

Dr. Robert Franklin hired as KPFT’s new General Manager.

Lisa Gray announced her departure from the Houston Chronicle.

Forbes tech writer Dwight Silverman set to depart.

Justin King leaves I Heart Media after 14 years.

Jason Isbell calls out TV reporter over conflict of interest after cancelling Houston-area concert.

Reporter Gwendolyn Wu leaves the Houston Chronicle.

KHOU 11 marketing producer Mike Rosenhouse leaves the station.

104.1 KRBE's Freddy Cruz celebrates 16 years with the station.

Maggie Flecknoe celebrates 12 years at CW39 KIAH.

Rashi Vats celebrates 8 years at FOX 26 KRIV.

Steven Romo, who announced he will be leaving to join fiancé Stephen Morgan, celebrates five years with abc13 KTRK.

Nick Natario celebrates four years at abc13 KTRK.

CW 39 KIAH's John Brewer moves to producer Houston Happens. 

JJ Zavalla leaves KHOU 11's Great Day Houston to move to Los Angeles.

Entravision has sold Spanish Oldies “La Suavecita 1180” KGOL Humble/Houston TX.

Born in the (City of Houston) USA! Remembering Hit Video USA.

Sydney Simone joins CW39 KIAH
Mycah Hatfield: Houston's new bug in mouth reporter?
Former KTRK ND Rehan Aslam battling brain cancer
Mike McGuff interview: Spotlight Conversations
Sofía Ojeda battling COVID
KPRC 2 news opens from 1977 to present
ESPN 97.5 and 92.5 Houston 2021 schedule changes
Derrick Wilson joins Houston Public Media as Executive Director of Business Operations
Sabirah Rayford joins KPRC 2
Lena Maria Arango joins FOX 26 KRIV
Eric Braate leaves KPRC
Young Jas DJing for Kaash Paige on festivals
KHTV 39 7pm newscast premiere 8-27-1990
Casey Curry appears on KPRC 2
Anthony Yanez KPRC return promo video
Natasha Geigel gives birth
Kimberly Kolliner joins KHOU 11

SAN ANTONIO

29-Story Hotel-Condo Tower Proposed on Former Home of WOAI.

Audrey Castoreno celebrates 6 years at KENS 5.

David Chancellor: The San Antonio anchor dishes on his TV career, family and health.

Great Day SA says goodbye to Brandon Roddy.

Lizzo gives TikTok love to KSAT news producer with duet video.

Audrey Castoreno eats scorpion on live TV
April Molina leaves News 4 San Antonio WOAI

AUSTIN

HD2 K276EL/Austin, TX Flips From Simulcast Of KVET '1300 The Zone' To '103.1 Austin's '80s Station.'

Tyler Feldman joins KVUE Austin
Jason Mikell leaves KVUE Austin
Wes Rapaport leaves Nexstar Austin Bureau
Amanda Dugan gives birth to second baby
Terri Gruca leaving KVUE Austin

AROUND TEXAS

KXXV Waco, Temple, Killeen general manager Adam Chase joins WTKR, Scripps' CBS affiliate in Norfolk, Virginia.

Reporter Joel Lopez leaves KXXV Waco, Temple and Killeen for WPTV West Palm Beach, Florida.

Ryan Compeau joins KLST San Angelo as Weekend Sports Anchor/Sports Reporter.

Big D & Bubba morning show finds new Tyler, TX radio home with Classic Country “104.1 The Ranch” KKUS.

Telemundo 48 KTDO El Paso launches EL Break digicast
Texas meteorologist takes on viewer email
Saphire Cervantes joins KBMT Beaumont

REMEMBERING

Joseph W. Hegar, Jr. of KILT and KPRC 2 Houston dies at age 88.

Jerry Wizig, longtime Houston Chronicle reporter, dies at 87.

Longtime WESH Orlando meteorologist Marty Stebbins, who previously worked at KHOU 11 Houston as a reporter/weathercaster, dies at 81.

Longtime KENS 5 San Antonio news director Bob Rogers dies at 87.

Bob Good, first KXXV Waco, Temple and Killeen general manager, dies at 79.

R.I.P.: Nicole Barrett, D/FW Area Talk Show Host dies at 46.

Stuart Stanley has died

Casey Curry appears on KPRC 2

Casey Curry returned to Houston TV in August 2021, this time at KPRC 2 as meteorologist.

I first noticed Curry's return to the weather segment during Hurricane Ida coverage.

UPDATE APRIL 2023
Casey Curry for Houston City Council At-Large Position 1

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
Dominique Sachse to leave KPRC 2

In early September, Curry said on Instagram that she is "just filling in until their their staff filled out and up to speed."  KPRC viewers might see Curry filling-in from time to time based on her appearances.

In the summer of 2021, the KPRC 2 weather department was down personnel thanks to the New York City departures of two meteorologists.  Britta Merwin left for the new FOX Weather and Eric Braate took off to WNBC.  

By September, Anthony Yanez returned to his channel 2 morning shift after doing weather at KNBC 4 Los Angeles for more than six years.  A few weeks later, Caroline Brown joined channel 2 Houston from WeatherNation.

Curry, who left abc13 KTRK in September 2017, immediately appeared on KPRC's Houston Life as a guest host upon her channel 13 exit.  A few days after her Houston Life appearances, Curry did fill-in weather work at FOX 26 KRIV.

While at channel 13, Curry became a viewer favorite as its morning meteorologist. We watched her give birth to baby Winnie.  She took a scary fall while on live TV that concerned many of her abc13 KTRK fans. Curry's massive Houston television news popularity even took her to the network level several times to fill-in on ABC's Good Morning America.

And as you can see from the embedded video above, Curry did another guest host stint on Houston Life in March of 2021.

Since leaving Houston television news, Curry joined the alliantgroup in 2018 as community relations director. 

A commenter on my social media said the former popular TV meteorologist should be back on Houston TV.  I almost responded that Curry seems pretty content being off TV.  Glad I didn't comment, because I would have guessed incorrectly!

*this Casey Curry KPRC 2 post has been updated

Eric Braate leaves KPRC

Eric Braate, who has served as a KPRC 2 meteorologist and weather department executive producer on and off since 2007, is leaving the station for New York.

"My great friend and colleague Eric Braate leaves for WNBC tomorrow after a decade as my producer," KPRC Chief Meteorologist Frank Billingsley posted on Facebook.  "I love you Eric and wish all the best for you as you start a new chapter!"

At the NBC owned and operated WNBC 4 New York, Braate will serve as a Meteorologist and Weather Executive Producer.

Braate first joined channel 2 Houston in December 2006 as a weekend meteorologist.  In 2008, Braate left for KPRC sister-station WDIV Detroit as a weekday morning meteorologist.  Let's weigh the differences between Houston and Detroit.  Guess who won out?  Yes, Braate returned to KPRC Houston in 2011 where he has been ever since.

Prior to his "I wasn't born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could" moment in 2007, Braate worked as a meteorologist for:

- WITI Milwaukee, Wis.

- WJXT Jacksonville, Fl.

- WXVT Greenville, Miss.

Besides winning a 2018 HAIRRY Award, Braate has a unique history in that he started out in a totally different career before having a zonal flow towards TV meteorology.  Actually his colleague,  Justin Stapleton, also jumped from another career to the weather world too. 

Turns out Braate first got a chemical engineering degree from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor working for companies like General Electric.  After realizing his meteorology passion, Braate attended Mississippi State University, earning a master's degree in geoscience.

Outside of television news weather, Braate is a runner and triathlete, completing more than 30 marathons and three IRONMAN triathlons. 

In 2014, Braate has a serious injury when he was hit by a van while training for a triathlon. 

"(I) broke my neck in two places," Braate said in his bio. "In the emergency room, I vowed to battle back and cross the finish line in 2015. I kept that promise. Crossing the finish line was a moment I’ll never forget!"

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by KPRC2 Houston (@kprc2)

*Updated with Braate's official duties at WNBC 4 NBC New York.

Houston social media stars September 2020

Share Rocket gives us data on how each Houston TV station and the corresponding air staff members performed on Facebook and Twitter.

Share Rocket is, "a social media ratings and audience solution providing media companies an easy way to quantify their social media equity, benchmark against peers and turn social market intelligence into insights that drive social success."

The numbers are pulled from station usage on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using Share Rocket's "Share" measurement.

First we are looking at every Houston media company in the Share Rocket database and top personalities. Then I am looking at the top 5 on air staff members at each station in order of channel number.

Houston Media

1. abc13 KTRK
2. KHOU 11
3. FOX 26 KRIV
4. KPRC 2
5. Univision 45
6. Houston Chronicle
7. Telemundo 47
8. Houston Press
9. CW39 Houston
10. CultureMap Houston

Top 5 individuals

1. Steve Campion - abc13 KTRK
2. Erica Simon - abc13 KTRK
3. Samica Knight - abc13 KTRK
4. Dominique Sachse - KPRC 2
5. Isiah Carey - FOX 26 KRIV

KPRC 2

1. Dominique Sachse
2. Amy Davis
3. Britta Merwin
4. Syan Rhodes
5. Eric Braate

KHOU 11

1. Brandi Smith
2. Chita Craft
3. Blake Mathews
4. Tiffany Craig
5. Bill Bishop (Managing Editor)

abc 13 KTRK

1. Steve Campion
2. Erica Simon
3. Samica Knight
4. Mayra Moreno
5. Melanie Lawson

FOX 26 KRIV

1. Isiah Carey
2. Melissa Wilson
3. Mike Iscovitz
4. Kaitlin Monte
5. Mark Berman

CW39 KIAH

1. Shannon LaNier
2. Maggie Flecknoe
3. Maria Sotolongo
4. Courtney Carpenter
5. Sharron Melton

Univision 45 KXLN

1. Deysy Rios
2. Suheily Lopez-Belen
3. Albert Martínez
4. Karina Yapor
5. Anthony Ortiz

Telemundo 47 KTMD

1. Ruby Guzmán
2. Carlos A. Robles
3. Antonio Hernández
4. Ubaldo Martínez
5. Augusto Bernal

Houston Chronicle

1. John McClain
2. Jonathan Feigen
3. Brian T. Smith
4. Joseph Duarte
5. Charles Apple

DISCLAIMER: No Houston radio stations are listed in the Share Rocket database.

Houston media members affected by COVID-19

Rucks Russell has passed away 

May 12, 2021

John "Rucks" Russell, former KHOU 11 reporter, has died at the age of 55.

Courtney Fischer recovering from COVID-19
February 2021
Courtney Fischer announced right before our Texas arctic blast that she is battling COVID-19 but feeling better.

Keith Garvin and Christine Noël recover from COVID-19 

January 15, 2021

KPRC 2 anchors Keith Garvin and Christine Noël announced on social media  they have both recovered from COVID-19 in the last weeks.

Art Rascon, and son Jacob, battling COVID-19

January 15, 2021

Longtime abc13 KTRK anchor Art Rascon and his son, KPRC 2 anchor Jacob Rascon, took to Facebook to publicly talk about their family's battle with COVID-19.

Courtney Zavala and Darby Douglas dealing with COVID-19 

January 08, 2021

Courtney Zavala's husband, Orlando, is battling COVID, while former KHOU 11 morning traffic anchor Darby Douglas has tested positive.

Dominique Sachse tests positive for COVID-19

January 07, 2021

Dominique Sachse posted to YouTube about her battle with COVID-19.

David Nuño returns after COVID-19
DECEMBER 25, 2020
David Nuño, the abc13 KTRK weekend sports anchor, took to Twitter to say his COVID-19 battle made him feel like Baby Yoda.

Melanie Lawson returns to work after COVID-19
DECEMBER 11, 2020
abc13 KTRK anchor Melanie Lawson and others report on their COVID-19 quarantine or positive test.

Britta Merwin returns after COVID
DECEMBER 7, 2020
KPRC 2 morning meteorologist Britta Merwin announced her return after a COVID quarantine.

Bob Slovak leaves abc13 KTRK
SEPTEMBER 09, 2020
abc13 KTRK weekend sports anchor Bob Slovak says his job is like so many others - a misfortune of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Janel Forte requests prayers for her grandmother
AUGUST 19, 2020
KHOU 11 reporter Janel Forte tweets that her grandmother has sadly passed away at age 96.

abc13 KTRK hosts 'COVID-19 and Our Schools' town hall
JULY 28, 2020
ABC13, Houston’s news leader, presents, “COVID-19 and Our Schools” a two-night town hall.

Astros TV's Todd Kalas to miss beginning of season after positive COVID-19 test
JULY 24, 2020
Todd Kalas, Houston Astros TV play-by-play broadcaster, posted on Twitter he will be missing the start of the 2020 season due to a positive COVID-19 test result.

Lily Jang's father dies of COVID-19
July 9, 2020
Former KHOU 11 morning anchor Lily Jang posts that after a hard fought battle that began with COVID-19 nearly five weeks ago, her beloved father has passed away.

Taniya Wright reveals why she had to put her health first
JULY 08, 2020
Former KPRC 2 morning anchor Taniya Wright reveals what it was like to have a hospital procedure during COVID-19.

Ryan Chase tests positive for COVID-19
June 29, 2020
104.1 KRBE "Roula and Ryan Show's" Ryan Chase tested positive for COVID-19 he revealed on Twitter.

Bill Barajas tested positive for COVID-19
June 28, 2020
KPRC 2 reporter Bill Barajas announced Sunday night on Facebook that he has returned to work after testing positive for COVID-19.

Houston Public Media experiences staff cuts due to COVID-19 budget shortfalls
June 23, 2020
Current reports that Houston Public Media (News 88.7 KUHF/Houston PBS 8 KUHT) is among the latest public broadcaster cutting staff due to budgetary shortfalls stemming from the coronavirus pandemic.


ABC13 President and GM shares warning after contracting COVID-19 from young daughter
June 22, 2020
KTRK abc13 is reporting that its own President and General Manager, Wendy Granato, has tested positive for COVID-19.

abc13 KTRK Virtual Town Hall discusses COVID-19 impact in Houston Asian American Community
May 24, 2020
Hosted by ABC13’s Eyewitness News reporter Miya Shay, the town hall coincides with the observation of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month and will discuss the disparate challenges of COVID-19.

KUBE 57 High School Sports Zone cancelled
May 20, 2020
Todd Freed's High School Sports Zone show on KUBE 57 has been cancelled due to economic factors stemming from the Coronavirus.

"Producer Hoss" in hospital with COVID-19
May 17, 2020
Radio producer/on-air talent Adrian ‘Producer Hoss’ Perez for Cox Media Group Houston is battling COVID-19.

KLOL's Dayna Steele starts podcast
May 14, 2020
While quarantining from home, the Texas Radio Hall of Famer and former Rock 101 KLOL DJ has been reaching out to her vast network and landing some great interviews.

The future of TV news work after COVID-19
May 12, 2020
TV stations have been forced to jump technologically thanks to the coronavirus, so when this is over, do we fully return to normal operations?

97.5 FM KFNC hosts Raheel Ramzanali and Barry Laminack out
May 6, 2020
The duo reportedly lost their jobs because of the economic downturn associated with the COVID-19 pandemic the station said.


abc13 KTRK holds virtual town hall to address COVID-19 & communities of color
May 06, 2020
ABC13 anchor Chauncy Glover, who battled COVID-19 and has since recovered, will moderate the discussion, featuring U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, entrepreneur and community activist Tina Knowles-Lawson and other community and medical leaders.

Univision cancels some weekend newscasts, announces job cuts
April 28, 2020
Univision layoffs and furloughs announced, cancellation of Saturday newscasts


Houston film critics review "Movies on Lockdown" free for broadcast
APRIL 24, 2020
With movie theatres shuttered, the Houston Film Critics Society is now posting at home viewing suggestions on its website to help movie fans endure lockdown, while offering free access to movie reviews from select Society members to broadcast stations across the US and Canada (the critics will also appear live).

KPRC 2 went bananas and then this happened
APRIL 23, 2020
On a story about Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo’s mandatory mask order and $1000 potential fine, the NBC affiliate accidentally wrote you can wear "homemade masks, scarfs, bananas."

VIDEO: Randy McIlvoy talks sports broadcasting during COVID-19
APRIL 23, 2020
KPRC 2 sports director Randy McIlvoy talks to the High Tech Texan Michael Garfield for "The Quarantine Chronicles."

Familiar Houston radio voice battled COVID-19; family still in quarantine
Apr 17, 2020
Marc Sherman's voice is familiar to many Houston radio listeners. He spent years on sister station Sunny 99.1 with Dana Tyson. And like thousands of people in the Greater Houston area, Sherman fought a battle he never expected to; one with COVID-19.


EXPLAINED: How KPRC 2 decides how long to keep a press conference running on live television
April 17, 2020
Why do you always cut off the President of the United States in the middle of his televised speech and why don’t you cut off President Donald Trump when he is giving an obvious campaign stump speech?

New York Times Best-Selling Author Shea Serrano Raises $31,000 for the Houston Press
April 13, 2020
Last week, we ran an appeal to readers as part of our recent campaign to attract donor/members to help support the continuing work of the Houston Press.

KTRK GM Granato: "TV is seeing a huge resurgence"
April 13, 2020
abc13 KTRK president and general manager Wendy Granato: "We thought we'd lost the 20-something year olds, we thought we lost them to social media, we haven't."


Mia Gradney to anchor CBS Weekend News Easter weekend
April 11, 2020
KHOU 11 5, 6 and 10pm anchor Mia Gradney anchoring for CBS News' weekend newscasts

Carlos Robles using augmented reality weather graphics from home
April 10, 2020
Telemundo Houston KTMD chief meteorologist Carlos Robles is using augmented reality weathercasting in his living room.

KPRC 2, KHOU 11, FOX26, CW39 join forces for COVID-19 PSA
April 9, 2020
Channels 2, 11, 26 and 39 come together to show Houston TV solidarity during coronavirus pandemic.

Houston churches to air on local TV Easter Sunday
April 8, 2020
While you can't physically attend Easter Service, Houston churches and television stations are joining forces to help you celebrate without leaving your house.

TEGNA, owner of KHOU and many Texas stations, announces furloughs
April 6, 2020
TEGNA, owner of Texas stations like KHOU Houston, WFAA Dallas, KENS San Antonio, KVUE Austin, KCEN Waco, KAGS College Station, KYTX Tyler, KIII Corpus Christi, KBMT-KJAC Beaumont, KXVA Abilene and KIDY San Angelo has announced week long furloughs to come this month.

Nick Natario takes stay at home studio to next level
April 5, 2020
abc13 KTRK multi-media journalist (MMJ) Nick Natario builds awesome home studio, while channel 13 tests emergency broadcast location

Former KHOU photographer John Shaw loses wife to COVID-19
April 1, 2020
Shaw tells his former station that he recently lost his wife to COVID-19 after being with her for more than 50 years.


Chauncy Glover discusses experiencing COVID-19
March 31, 2020
Chauncy Glover goes live with his 3pm co-anchor, Mayra Moreno, about his condition.

Morning Dose returns to CW39 Monday away from studio
March 29, 2020
After being off the air Friday, CW39 KIAH's Morning Dose returns Monday.

FOX 26 KRIV tests remote broadcasts
March 29, 2020
Weekend anchor Tom Zizka posted photos on Facebook of FOX 26 KRIV conducting broadcasting tests from its transmitter location.

COVID-19 pandemic forces sports media to adapt
March 27, 2020
With a lack of sporting events for the foreseeable future, media outlets have pivoted in attempts to fill a content void for their audience.

Chauncy Glover tests positive for COVID-19
March 26, 2020
Chauncy Glover, 3pm and 6:30pm anchor for abc13 KTRK, announced today he has tested positive for coronaviurs and is self-quarantining.

Cleverley Stone puts show on hold
March 21, 2020
CBS SportsRadio 650 KIKK "Cleverley Food Talk" radio host Cleverley Stone posted the following: "Due to the Coronavirus issue and my illness (I’m fighting stage 4 uterine cancer with chemotherapy treatments), we are putting The Cleverley Show on hiatus for now."

From the Houston Chronicle editor: During coronavirus crisis, we’re working for you
March 20, 2020
A word about newspaper delivery during these troubled times: We have no indication from health authorities that the coronavirus can be spread on newsprint. But in an abundance of caution, we have provided gloves to all our press workers and delivery agents. And we are aggressively sanitizing our facilities daily.

TV anchors broadcast from home
March 20, 2020
Houston news anchors are staying home, but still delivering the news on TV.
- Houston TV helps the kids online

VIDEO: New ways TV news crews are working during COVID-19
March 19, 2020
Many Houston TV news stations are not letting their field crews (reporters/photographers) come into the station unless absolutely needed. Many are now staging from home and going to the story in their own vehicles. Some stations pair teams together to work strictly away from the station.

The Houston Press Not Immune to These Hard Times, Needs Help
March 19, 2020
As the Houston Press has documented for you over the last several days, these are hard times for our city. We’ve gone out of our way to detail the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, especially for those in the arts, music and restaurant/bar communities, as well as relaying important public-health news and updates.

abc13 KTRK reporter Miya Shay and photographer Mario Segura confronted during live shot
March 13, 2020

I’m just going to assume this guy dropped a bunch of F bombs on me this morning because his wife sent him for toilet paper too early. #jobhazard#Coronavirus #COVID19 is serious. We are not hyping it. #abc13 https://t.co/fWUjPZUbWc pic.twitter.com/9zMhcP46xp

— Miya Shay (@ABC13Miya) March 13, 2020

Houston Chronicle news staffers could have been exposed to coronavirus
March 10, 2020
Four Houston Chronicle journalists attended a conference last week where a participant has had a presumptive positive test for novel coronavirus.

Former abc13 KTRK photographer Jaime Zamora's daughter is blogging for KPRC 2 on what it is like on lock down in Spain
March 9, 2020 and ongoing
Isabella Zamora, a Houston native and Maddie Wharton, of Portland, Oregon, were teaching in Spain together when Madrid went on lockdown over the coronoavirus. They will share their experiences on click2houston.com to provide a real-life view of what life is like right now in Spain.

KPRC 2′s Eric Braate under self-quarantine after returning from trip to Asia
March 9, 2020
KPRC 2 meteorologist Eric Braate just returned from a two week trip to Asia and has been asked to self-quarantine as a precautionary measure. Braate says he was not anticipating having to self-quarantine because when he left for the trip, the situation had not grown to what it is now. He feels fine and is healthy and said had he known how the coronavirus crisis would play out, he would have reconsidered his two-week trip.
- UPDATE 3-17-2020: ‘I’m on a 14 day quarantine. This is what it’s like.’

Anoushah Rasta gets married

Former KPRC 2 anchor Anoushah Rasta ties the knot

Eric Braate, Jacob Rascon and Anoushah Rasta when Rascon debuted

Former KPRC 2 weekend morning anchor Anoushah Rasta was married last weekend in Los Angeles, CA.

"Last night was magical," she tweeted. "I married my best friend surrounded by incredible people we love dearly."

Rasta, who now anchors the Saturday edition of NBC Bay Area News KNTV, was surrounded by friends and family, including co-anchor Terry McSweeney.

The Southern California native left Houston in late 2017. She joined the NBC owned and operated San Francisco station in January of 2018.

In 2014, Rasta joined channel 2 Houston from News Channel 9 El Paso KTSM where she was a weekend anchor.

Last night was magical. I married my best friend surrounded by incredible people we love dearly including my colleague at @nbcbayarea @TerryMcSweeney Waiting on more photos of my husband and I but here is a glimpse into our wedding pic.twitter.com/HtMQXwBKls

— Anoushah Rasta (@Anoushah_Rasta) August 18, 2019

The changing faces of Houston TV news 2018

If you have the time...you can read through all of the Houston media job changes I tracked through 2018. And there are a lot of them. Ten years ago, I don't think I could have compiled a list anywhere near this size. There are so many changes, that even I can go through it and say, "Oh yeah, I forgot that happened this year!"

JANUARY 2018
- Taisha Walker joins KPRC

- Sofia Ojeda returns to KPRC weekend morning anchor desk

- Anoushah Rasta joins NBC Bay Area

- Janel Forte joins KHOU + new set

- Minerva Pérez Joins NHMC Board of Directors

- Josh Chapin exits KHOU 11

- Brian Collister leaving KXAN Austin

- Noel Ramos promoted to KTMD assistant news director

- Shelley Childers joins KTRK abc13

- Dave Ward named grand marshal of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo parade

- Mayor names Mary Benton interim press secretary

- Wayne Dolcefino joins Quanell X on FOX 26's 'FOX Faceoff'

FEBRUARY 2018
- KENS 5 traffic anchor Chelsey Hernandez joins KTRK abc13 as a consumer reporter

- Houston TV journalists strike out on their own, and open up to mikemcguff.com about making money, including turning on a paywall

- WFMZ 69 News Lehigh Valley, PA reporter Maria Salazar joins FOX 26 as a general assignment reporter

- WCBS New York reporter Jessica Borg joins KHOU 11

- Former KPRC 2 reporter Jennifer Bauer reports from scene of horrible Florida high school shooting

- FOX 26 KRIV reporter Stephen Morgan filled-in as the meteorologist

- Rebecca Spera shows off baby #2

- Owen Conflenti announces baby

MARCH 2018
- Former KLOL Personality Dayna Steele Wins Texas Democratic Primary

- Kevin Quinn resigns from KTRK abc13

- Houston Mayor Sylvester appoints former KPRC 2 reporter Mary Benton press secretary

- Kitirik, 86, still in the hearts of Houston TV viewers

- KHOU GM Susan McEldoon announces retirement

- Levi Ismail joins KHOU 11

- KHOU 11's new station address will be 5718 Westheimer - between Chimney Rock and Bering

APRIL 2018
- David Gonzalez joins KHOU 11

- Natasha Barrett leaves KTRK 13

- Brittany Jeffers joins KPRC 2

- Branch Davidian standoff remembered by Texas TV journalists who were there

- Lisa Vaughn exits FOX 26 KRIV

- New KHOU 11 graphics 2018

- 2018 Texas RTDNA Regional Murrow Award winners

MAY 2018
- CW 39 KIAH NewsFix's Natalie Hee joins FOX 26 KRIV as a reporter

- KHOU 11's investigative reporter Scott Noll leaves station for new job

- Dave Ward’s year since leaving channel 13

-Rebecca Spera decides not to renew her abc13 KTRK contract

- Two Houston DJs And Two Precinct 1 Constables Spend Three Days Homeless On Streets of Houston

- Don Nelson recalls his Rockets head shave

- Is that Fox 26's Mike Iscovitz or Eddie Van Halen?

- 10pm newscast producer Sindy Espinoza moves up to Executive Producer

- Ken Hoffman #4 Houston Chronicle columnist?

- Telemundo Houston travelling to Russia for World Cup 2018

- Harris County jurors get Dave Ward appearance

- KPRC 2 meteorologist Eric Braate is runner up for Texas in 2018 HAIRRY Awards

- KHOU 11 demolition photos

- KPRC 2 assistant news director Mike Friedrich is making a career pivot

- A 101 KLOL video podcast by the mastermind behind the legendary Houston rock station

JUNE 2018
- Kevin Quinn leaves KTRK 13, joins Harris County Precinct 1

- KHOU 11's Melissa Correa opens up about her mental health

- Director of social media production

- Jake Reiner leaving KPRC 2

- Darby Douglas exits KHOU 11

- 2018 Lone Star Awards announced by Houston Press Club

- Colorado Securities Commissioner Gerald Rome

- KPRC's Sara Donchey is expecting

- KLOL would get ratted out by the Houston Chronicle in the 1970s

- Thanks to KPRC 2 for covering my mom's Alzheimer's story

- Jennifer Reyna is not leaving KPRC 2; has a new Facebook page

- KPRC 'Houston Life' changes coming

- Charly Edsitty joins abc13 KTRK

JULY 2018
- Tim Heller to leave abc13 KTRK in January 2019

- Where is Greg Bailey on abc13 KTRK?

- Sally Mamdooh joins KPRC 2

- Bobby Springer new KHOU 11 station manager

- TV talent fashion advice from the pros

- Former Houston journalists start “What’s Left America” podcast

- Aaron Wische named KPRC 2 Assistant News Director

- David Paul's new haircut was a happy accident

AUGUST 2018
- Doug Miller named Rice University director of news and media relations

- Telemundo Houston's Martín Berlanga to leave KTMD

- Butch Alsandor & Jorge Vargas to call TSU football on AT&T SportsNet

- Katherine Marchand joins abc13 KTRK

- 'Dave Ward's Houston' to launch on abc13 KTRK

- KPRC 2's new dog, Tex, joins Houston Life

- Sara Donchey has her baby

- Lina De Florias joins FOX 26

- Good news for Greg Bailey!

- abc13 KTRK to debut 3pm newscast

- KHOU 11 reveals what happened during Harvey evacuation

- Sherry Williams is leaving KHOU 11

- KHOU 11's Sherry Williams joins HISD


SEPTEMBER 2018
- Texas Radio Hall of Fame 2018 inductees

- Frank Billingsley diagnosed with prostate cancer

- Former KIAH GM Roger Bare to head Bayou City Art Festivals

- NewsFix and morning dose cancelled by Tribune

- Former Houston TV staffers land gigs in Florida

- Sara Donchey leaves KPRC 2

- NewsFix signs off, plus remembering the old 39 News

- KTRK photographer Jaime Zamora calls it a career after 38 years

- Former KHOU photographer lives "Life Below Zero"

- Tom Zizka moving to weekends

- KTXH bringing back that 20 Vision feeling

- 'Wake Up! With SallyMac & Lina' debuts Monday on FOX 26 KRIV

- Telemundo Houston and Entercom radio team up

- In 'Santa Fe Strong,' KHOU follows the high school football team after shooting tragedy

- KHOU Avenida Studio in downtown Houston debuts


OCTOBER 2018
- Leigh Frillici signs off from KPRC 2

- Greg Bailey returns to KTRK...again

- Erica Simon is pregnant

- Michelle Margaux will serve as in-game reporter for Houston Rockets games

- Foti Kallergis leaves abc13 KTRK for PR role

- Darby Douglas gets a new grandson

- Houston Chronicle editor Nancy Barnes named NPR's SVP of News and Editorial Director

- CW 39's Maggie Flecknoe is a survivor

- Alejandro Mendoza joins Telemundo Houston KTMD

- KHOU 11's Ron Trevino is married!

- Sharron Melton returns to Houston TV on CW 39 KIAH

- Adam Clanton and Theresa from The Buzz have a baby

- TJ Parker joins abc13 KTRK

NOVEMBER 2018
- Jerry Vazquez on the rise of Telemundo Houston

- Stefania Okolie joins abc13 KTRK

- Lindsey Day joins CW 39 KIAH Morning Dose

- Stephanie Simmons joins KHOU 11

- Texas Radio Hall of Fame 2018 highlight videos

- Why Ilona Carson is no longer on the 10pm news

- Don Kobos honored in Lone Star EMMY Chapter Silver Circle

- Samica Knight returns to abc13 KTRK

- Dave Ward announces new book 'Good Evening, Friends'

- iHeartMedia Houston and the Houston Astros extend partnership

- Telemundo Houston takes home 15 Lone Star EMMYS

- InnovationMap launches from Gow Media

- Natasha Barrett joins city of Baytown

- Christine Noël joins KPRC 2

- WFAA's Carolyn Mungo News Director of the Year 2018

- Univision 45 November 2018 sweeps victories

- Telemundo Houston releases November 2018 sweeps wins

- Lainie Fritz gets her ring

- Lance Roberts rejoins 700 KSEV

- VIDEO: KHOU 11 returns to air during Hurricane Harvey

- Craig Hlavaty leaves Houston Chronicle for HMNS


DECEMBER 2018
- Carlos Robles promoted to Telemundo Houston chief meteorologist

- Frank Billingsley announces he is cancer free

- Chelsey Hernandez appears in new movie

- Hannah Trippett joins CW39 KIAH's 'Morning Dose'

- KPRC 2 celebrates 70th anniversary as Houston's first station

- Rachel McNeill officially signs off KPRC 2

- The Brooks Garner baby is here

- Steve Simon returns to CW39 KIAH as news director

- Trey Serna returns to CW39 as senior producer and talent

- Rachel Briers joins abc13 KTRK