Texas TV news and radio job moves February 2025

Send tips for the monthly Texas media job list here.

- Best TV News Bloopers February 2025

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

Morning anchor Deborah Ferguson celebrates 34 years with NBC5 KXAS.

Mike Bacsik to Leave 105.3 The Fan at the End of February.

Developer scraps plan to convert ex-Dallas Morning News into fun zone.

88.3 The Journey KJRN Keene announces longtime KLTY Dallas Program Director, Mike Prendergast, signed on to consult.

Matt Goodman is leaving D Magazine.

WBAP Adds The Joe Pags Show to Daily Lineup.

- 97.9 The Beat DFW is NAB 2025 Crystal Radio Award finalist
- Johnny Resendiz joins CBS News Texas
- Monty Cook becomes WBAP DFW news anchor
- Dallas Wings and KFAA 29 DFW create broadcast rights agreement
- WFAA flashback freezing temperatures - February 4, 1996
- Brianda Villegas joins WFAA 8 DFW
- Former DFW news director now TEGNA Chief Content Officer
- CBS News Texas is building something weather related
- FOX 4 KDFW studio tour
- Erin Moran leaves CBS News Texas

HOUSTON

The Houston Chronicle announced Bao Ong will be its new restaurant critic.

Opinion Editor Lisa Falkenberg to become Chronicle Senior Columnist.

The Houston Chronicle has named reporters Ryan Nickerson and Shakari Briggs to new reporting positions that will cover how local government is working — or failing to work — for residents in Houston and the entire metro area. 

97.9 The Box KBXX morning co-host Keisha Nicole has also added middays replacing the cancelled “Amanda Seales Show”. 

Interview with D’Artagnan Bebel, the Senior Vice President/General Manager for FOX26 TV & My20 TV and the GM & Head of Programming for FOX SOUL.

FOX 26 KRIV weekend anchor Tom Zizka celebrates 37 years in the TV biz.

KPRC 2 reporter Re'Chelle Turner celebrates 10 years in the TV industry. 

Consumer reporter Heather Sullivan celebrates five years with FOX 26 KRIV.

Amanda Stevenson joins KPRC 2 as a producer.

Former 101 KLOL DJ Chuck Akers announced he is now the 7pm to midnight weekend jock for The Eagle 106.9/107.5 KHPT-KGLK Houston.

Kevin Olmsted joins the KPRC 2 as a creative marketing producer from KHOU 11.

Reporter Clare Amari leaves the Houston Landing.

Gow Media has upgraded its automation system to Broadcast Electronics' (BE) new AudioVAULT 11.

- Miya Shay celebrates Lunar New Year with media guests
- Jaewon Jung joins KPRC 2 Houston
- "The Roula & Ryan Show with Eric" sticks around for 5 more years on 104.1 KRBE
- Chancellor Johnson leaves KPRC 2 Houston
- Isiah Carey issues statement concerning DWI arrest
- Telemundo Houston uses special effects to show weather changes
- Damali Keith leaves FOX 26 Houston
- Theresa guest co-hosts on Rod Ryan Show
- Texas TV marriages at the end of 2024
- KPRC 2 Houston cuts off SNL 50 special
- Houston-area DJs honored in Country Radio Hall Of Fame class of 2025
- KPRC 2 removes video from story after political outcry
- Karen Hua joins CBS News as Houston-based reporter
- Caroline Brown gives birth
- Frito and Katy grew up on Houston radio and are ready to ride The Bull
- Houston radio station says its transmitter was vandalized
- FOX 26's 'Breaking Bond' segment has roots back to 1991
- HISD taps into journalist skills with launch of new broadcast
- KTRK Anchor Emeritus Dave Ward Plaque unveiling and dedication ceremony
- Deborah Duncan talks TV and motherhood

SAN ANTONIO

Reported layoffs hit KENS 5.

Mark Shecterle Moves from Tulsa to Lead CMG San Antonio.

Jenny Law joins 101.0 KONO as APD/midday host.

KSAT 12 to introduce new daily streaming sports show.

- Karina Hollingsworth joins News 4 San Antonio
- Ernie Zuniga joins KSAT 12 San Antonio
- KENS 5 San Antonio celebrates 75 years
- Mia Montgomery to leave KSAT San Antonio
- Jessica Coombs to leave KENS 5 San Antonio
- Ernie Zuniga debuts KSAT "Pickup Lines" with special guests
- Robert Price leaving News 4 San Antonio

AUSTIN

Latino 97.1 Austin Returns To Spanish CHR.

Morning anchor Hannah Rucker celebrates five years with KVUE.

KVET Takes The Format Lead In Austin.

- Hearst to buy Austin American-Statesman, now covering Austin, Houston and San Antonio
- Fred Cantú to retire from CBS Austin after 53 year broadcasting career

AROUND TEXAS

Morning anchor John-Thomas Kobos celebrates 14 years ago at KIII Corpus Christi.

Oklahoma Hospitality Club honors KFDX Wichita Falls anchor Emily Faith.

KBTX Bryan-College Station evening anchor Rusty Surette voted Best TV Personality for 2024 in BCS by Bryan Broadcasting.

Tre Sanchez joins KFDM 6 Beaumont as a Multimedia Journalist.

Jason Freund leaves NewsWest 9 KWES Midland-Odessa to become a Multimedia Journalist for WSLS 10 Roanoke, Virginia.

Weekend anchor Jack Kessler celebrates five years with KAMR Local 4 News Amarillo.

Sydni Walker joins KCEN 6 Waco-Temple-Killeen as a reporter.

Reporter Sydney Ferguson is leaving KFDM 6/FOX 4 Beaumont for KAKE 10 Wichita, Kansas.

Devyn Shea, host of East Texas Now on KLTV, is leaving the station.

- Sophia Ridley joins KBTX Bryan-College Station
- Baylee Bates adds KCEN 5, 6, and 10pm anchor duties
- KRIS Corpus Christi's new morning TV anchors are married!
- Darrell Franklin promoted to KFDX news director
- Alan Shoemaker spotted in the 956
- DeAnna Giles joins KLTV 7 Tyler
- Claydra Rhodes promoted to KBMT Beaumont evening co-anchor
- Mike Gillaspia named KIII 3NEWS Corpus Christi evening anchor
- Lee Baker leaves KVII after 37 years

REMEMBERING

Engineer Dale Edward Boren, 79, who retired from ABC13 KTRK Houston after 32 years of service, has died.

- Jim Carola of KILT fame has died
- Chauncy Glover's cause of death released by LA County

Texas TV news and radio job moves February 2024

Send tips for the monthly Texas media job list here.

- TAB Salutes 2024 News Award Winners and Finalists
- Texas 2024 Crystal Radio Award Finalists

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

WFAA wins NPPA Station of the Year, reporter Jobin Panicker wins Reporter of the Year.

Steve Brown retiring from Dallas Morning News after 47 years.

The Dallas Morning News hires Nick Wooten to cover real estate.

Legendary broadcaster Verne Lundquist announces he'll retire after calling 40th Masters.

Dallas Morning News turns to crowdfunding to pay reporters.

Dr. Phil's new Dallas-Fort Worth network hires Nancy Grace.

Feature Aircheck KLTY Dallas.

Radio host explains why he got a Texas Rangers' World Series box score tattooed on his back.

Dallas online radio station Deep Ellum Radio would love to make you a DJ.

Defunct Dallas Magapaper Makes Cameo in Old 97’s Video.

- Shannon Murray reveals unborn daughter's heart condition
- Dominique Sachse tours new Dallas home
- Marvin Hurst joins CBS News Texas
- Dawn White joins CBS News Texas
- Does Cynthia Izaguirre look like she's from 'The Flying Nun' TV show?
- Dominique Sachse introduces co-host Fanchon Stinger
- Dallas TV reporters welcome baby!
- Ken Kalthoff leaves NBC 5 DFW

HOUSTON

In Her Hometown of Houston, KKBQ and KILT Welcome Beyoncé’s Country Songs.

Fresh Listen: KILT (The Bull) vs. KKBQ (93Q) Houston.

KHOU’s Continuous Coverage Of Houston Post Office Failure Wins Praise.

ABC13 Weather Now and Houston Chronicle highlights Chief Forecaster David Tillman's historic career.

Houston’s new face: Anthony Antoine’s impact as news anchor.

Michael Berry Doesn’t Want to Be All Serious All the Time.

Oldest person in the US previously worked for abc13 KTRK.

Houston-based ABC News producer Gina Sunseri to receive the 2024 RNASA Space Communicator Award.

Gow secures Houston FM Translators For ESPN Radio.

“Connor and Beard” exit middays at ESPN Houston 97.5 KFNC. 

Paul Gallant Show ends, but Gallant says he is staying with ESPN Houston 97.5 KFNC. 

Jessie Watt, co-host of the Sarah Pepper and Jessie Watt Morning Show on Mix 96.5 KHMX, is a Radio Ink "Women to Watch."

Sean Pendergast of SportsRadio 610 KILT is a guest on the VanderPod.

Chief photographer Francisco Barragan celebrates 10 years with abc13 KTRK.

Weekend anchor Cheryl Mercedes celebrates five years with KHOU.

Photographer Michael Barbagallo leaves KHOU 11 for abc13 KTRK.

KJIC founder GM Bob Vaughn retires.

Compass Media and Rowdy Yates announce SIX new affiliates for “The Original Country Gold.”  The nation’s #1 country music request show is now heard on KTPK/Topeka, WFFN/Tuscaloosa, WUQQ Chattanooga as well as KRAN/Cheyenne plus KSDZ/Gordon and KDJL/Kilgore, both in the Corn Husker State of Nebraska.   Yates celebrates his 20th year in broadcast syndication this August.

The Centennial State and The Volunteer State go with Gallo!  SuiteRadio’s Dan Gallo adds two new affiliates.  Gallo will occupy the morning drive at Country KBVC-FM “Eagle Country 104.1” in Buena Vista, Colorado, beginning March 4th, and is now being heard middays in all of Middle Tennessee on Country WJZM-FM “105.1 The Wolf”  in Waverly. More at www.SuiteRadio.net.

- Madd Hatta joins Majic 102.1 KMJQ Houston
- Former FOX 26 reporter interviewed by KPRC 2
- Tim Heller a guest on Weather Insights Podcast
- "Runaway Radio" 101 KLOL documentary release is this month!
- Miya Shay celebrates Lunar New Year with TV guests
- KHOU 11 Super Bowl ad 2024
- KPRC 2 new 2024 studio - standing room only (sometimes)
- Brittany Begley joins KPRC 2
- Erica Simon gives birth to baby #2
- Randy Wallace Day February 13, 2024
- 101 KLOL "Runaway Radio" doc trailer!
- Chris Pruitt leaves CW39 Houston as General Manager
- KPRC 2 2024 studio - photos and more details
- Houston's first televised Downtown Rodeo Parade in 1959
- KPRC shows life in 1972 Houston through Black journalists' perspective
- KLOL doc talk with Michael Garfield
- Houston TV anchors getting ready for first rodeo
- Christine Noël gives birth
- Jonathan Mejia joins FOX 26 Houston
- Travis Herzog deserves the Oscar!
- Tuttle and Kline reunite on new podcast

SAN ANTONIO

News 4 San Antonio WOAI anchor Mandy Noell brings a fresh perspective to the news.

Hearst newspapers declines to voluntarily recognize Express-News, MySA union.

San Antonio sports personality faces blowback for saying the city is poor.

- Mia Montgomery is married, Sarah Duran, too
- Max Massey to leave KSAT San Antonio

AUSTIN

KVUE to dedicate newsroom to Carole Kneeland, former News Director and VP of News.

Former KGSR Austin Program Director Jay Michaels joins “96.3 Jack-FM.”

The Texas Tribune makes Semifinalists list for the 2024 Goldsmith Prize for Investigative Reporting.

Texas Monthly Is a Finalist for Two National Magazine Awards.

Texas Monthly Reporter Russell Gold and the Long Game of Journalism.

- David Yeomans leaves KXAN Austin
- Carlo Falco left FOX 7 Austin

AROUND TEXAS

Morning anchor John-Thomas Kobos celebrates 13 years at 3News KIII Corpus Christi.

Jaxie Pidgeon leaves KLBK Lubbock for WKRN Nashville.

Chantale Belefanti joins KXXV 25 Waco-Temple-Killen as a reporter from Wichita Falls.

Waco DJ continues legacy of Black radio broadcasters.

Stephen Mosley owns 96.9 The Breeze Radio in Port Arthur. The station offers a jumping off point for aspiring DJs.

Former CBS19 KYTX Tyler weekend meteorologist/MMJ Colleen Campbell named new Weekend Evening Meteorologist at WTSP Tampa, FL.

Joel Burke Takes Six Signal Market Manager Role In Texas.

The El Paso County Commissioners Court recognizes KTSM as ‘great partner,’ cites ‘Small Town Spotlight’ shows.

- KCEN 6 Waco anchor changes
- Alex Del Barrio leaves KRGV Rio Grande Valley
- Leslie Adami says 'KII-I Do'
- Luis Carlos Mendoza to anchor InvestigateTV+ en Español
- Stephanie Shields leaves KTSM 9 El Paso

REMEMBERING

San Antonio mourns KTSA host Duane Charping.

Renowned Radio Programmer Buddy Scott passes away.

- Bobbie Wygant has passed away
- FOX 26 Houston producer Maggie McKethan passes away

Jerry Vazquez, Telemundo Houston ND, loses cancer battle

Jerry Vazquez in center with Ubaldo Martinez, Alejandro Mendoza, Crystal Ayala and Carlos Robles (2018 photo taken for mikemcguff.com courtesy of Telemundo Houston KTMD)

Gerardo “Jerry” Vazquez, 54, the Vice President of News for Telemundo Houston KTMD, has lost his battle with cancer over the weekend.

UPDATE JANUARY 2023
Freddy Oldenburg named Telemundo Houston KTMD VP of news

Crystal Ayala, Telemundo Houston evening anchor, posted the following about Vazquez's death on Facebook:

"He was the one who saw in me, as in so many of my colleagues, a special light, so I don't hesitate to further push my career at Telemundo Houston. I'm lucky to have earned his trust and had the blessing to work by his side, to learn from him... and growing up with him for almost eight years.

A boss who was always looking out for the well being of my two kids; that is valued even more.

Jerry Vazquez was a great connoisseur of journalism, leader by nature, passionate who lived enormously proud of his team, his mom and his brothers."

"Jerry was terrific Journalist, terrific manager and a great friend," former abc13 KTRK Vice President of News Dave Strickland told mikemcguff.com.  "My heart goes out to his family. I can't believe he's gone. He will be missed."

 "Jerry was was one of the best newsmen I ever worked with," former abc13 KTRK assistant news director Don Kobos told mikemcguff.com.  "He not only understood the English newscape but he was a top flight Spanish speaking newsman.  He will be missed. Prayers to his family. He was a wonderful friend."

"Jerry was a mentor to me and a news whisperer," KIII 3News Corpus Christi morning anchor John-Thomas Kobos told mikemcguff.com.  "When it came to guidance over the best way to deliver stories, how to dress professionally on-air or handle contract negations - his advice was always golden and spot on.  His legacy in the news business will outlast his time here on earth. He will be greatly missed as a mentor and a friend."

Vazquez joined KTMD in August 2014 where he rebuilt the station's news department after Comcast bought the NBCUniversal owned station from General Electric.

"When you have the right team in place together you can accomplish anything," Vazquez told me in 2018.  "In my opinion we have assembled a team of the best producers, anchors, reporters, photographers and assignments desk!"

Under the leadership of Vazquez, President and General Manager Tony Canales, Vice President of Marketing JC Perez and others, KTMD moved to the top of the ratings in Houston. 

Vazquez came to KTMD from abc13 KTRK (2001 to 2014) where he oversaw the 5, 6 and 10pm newscasts as executive producer when the newscasts were the number one shows in their timeslots.

He previously worked as:

- News Director KMID Odessa/Midland (1997 to 2001)

- Assignments Manager KMOL (Now News 4 San Antonio WOAI) (1993 to 1997)

- Assistant News Director/Assignments Telemundo San Antonio KVDA (1989 to 1993)

- Producer KGNS 8 Laredo (1986 to 1989)

"Hispanic TV in the past had been underrated and under served and not taken seriously in the field or by civic leaders," Vazquez told me in 2018.  "This has changed since when I first worked for Telemundo in the early 90’s. We had to wait for soundbites in Spanish until after the English station got everything they needed. Today the press conferences are held in English and Spanish Giving us us the same opportunity to run them live."

On a personal note, Jerry was one of my favorite bosses at channel 13.  He was always there with good advice on everything from scripts to how to handle various situations in the newsrooms.   Beyond being an amazing mentor, he was a great overall guy with a funny sense of humor that could always make the toughest newsroom situation a little better. Jerry was always a big supporter of my Alzheimer's disease advocacy work.  He certainly will be missed. 

KIII wins big in Corpus Christi Best of the Best awards

KIII was the big winner in the 2020 Corpus Christi Caller-Times Best of the Best awards.

Morning anchor John Thomas Kobos took home the best Columnist or Reporter category and Alan Holt won the best Weather Report category.

The best TV News category also went to KIII.

Besides the TEGNA station, other Corpus Christi media made the newspaper's best of the best cut, too.

Best TV Personality went to KRIS 6 5, 6 and 10pm anchor Katia Uriarte.

Best Local Radio Station went to 99.1 KRYS "K-99 COUNTRY."

Best Radio Personality honors wen to Ed Ocanas of RETRO 104.1.

Steve Campion does weddings

Whoever thought love and TV news went together?

UPDATE APRIL 20, 2022

Steve Campion leaves abc13 KTRK

I've always heard stories the long and weird hours just led to divorce.

Turns out, one post about abc13 KTRK morning anchor Tom Koch officiating weddings has opened the door to more blog posts about television news and marriage.

Next, I found out that KIII Corpus Christi 3News First Edition Anchor John-Thomas Kobos is performing viewer weddings.

John-Thomas is the son of former KTRK assistant news director and reporter Don Kobos.

The channel 13 and wedding connection doesn't end there.

Then I found out abc13 multi-media journalist and top Houston social media star Steve Campion also officiates weddings!

"I've done three in fact," Campion posted on my Facebook page. "I like to say I'm retired now."

Campion joined abc13 KTRK as the station's first MMJ from WBBH Fort Myers way back in 2014.

Texas TV news and radio job moves June 2020

Send tips for the monthly Texas media job list here.

RELATED
- Houston social media stars June 2020
- Best TV News Bloopers June 2020

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

Carlos Tamez joins Estrella TV as news director/managing editor.

Julie Fine renews her agreement as political reporter and anchor of Lone Star Politics at KXAS. - Napoli

Allie Spillyards renews her agreement as reporter at KXAS. - Napoli

Nicole Nielsen joins CBS 11 KTVT.

Former CBS 11 KTVT general manager and Nexstar Broadcasting Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Brian Jones to retire.

CBS 11 KTVT Programming Director Ken Foote retiring.

Stella M. Chávez starts Immigration & Demographics beat at KERA.

Alejandra Martinez KERA as a reporter.

The Dallas Morning News is testing out reporter-specific promo codes for readers on the fence about subscribing.

Classical music in quarantine: WRR builds connections over the airwaves.

- NBC 5 KXAS launches "Texas Today," Dallas-Fort Worth’s New Lifestyle Program
- Pretend to be A FOX 4 KDFW Good Day anchor

HOUSTON

Khambrel Marshall reports the weather and supports Houston.

Houston Public Media’s Ernie Manouse says being out ‘enriches’ his life.

Why I love Texas: KPRC’s new anchor Lisa Hernandez shares her love for Houston’s sports, diversity and food.

Joey Guerra spotlights diverse local musicians at the Houston Chronicle.

KPRC 2 investigative reporter Joel Eisenbaum celebrates 15 years with the station.

Sports editor and LGBTQ ally Jenny Dial Creech advocates for progress at The Athletic Houston.

Morning meteorologist Elita Loresca celebrates five years at abc13 KTRK.

Reporter Janelle Bludau celebrates three years with KHOU 11.

Steve Campion renews his agreement as an MMJ and reporter at KTRK in Houston. - Napoli

Houston Chronicle digital reporter ShaCamree Gowdy was selected for the Poynter-Koch Media and Journalism Fellowship.

An Advocate at ABC13: Brandon de Hoyos uses his platform to promote LGBTQ equality.

Dr Jim Siebert renews his agreement as Chief Meteorologist at FOX 26 KRIV. - NWT

Victoria Cordova helps Houston Public Media address the needs of its audience.

Former KHOU 11 reporter Drew Karedes renews his agreement as reporter at WFXT in his hometown of Boston. - Napoli

From TV to online: The evolution of remote learning at UH.

Ex-Chronicle reporter accused of attempted sexual assault of child.

- Former Houston TV News Producer Promoted to President of Myriad Global, USA
- abc13 KTRK virtual town hall discussing relationship between police and communities of color
- Lisa Hernandez debuts on KPRC 2
- Steve Simon exits CW39 KIAH
- VIDEO: KPRC 2 Uniquely Dominique Sachse
- Brett Buffington leaves KHOU 11
- Juan Beltran exits abc13 KTRK
- Melanie Lawson and Chauncy Glover's conversation about racism
- Ron “The Show” Hughley joins SportsRadio 610 KILT
- Getting to know Eric Rowe - Producer Roula & Ryan Show 104.1 KRBE
- KPRC 2 Investigators 2000 Promo - Tony Kovaleski
- What happened to Mario Diaz?
- Morning traffic anchor Chrisdyann Uribe leaves FOX 26 KRIV Houston
- KHOU 11 noon and 4pm meteorologist Erika Lopez re-joins KVUE Austin as chief meteorologist
- Melanie Lawson's town hall discussing race relations and our Faith communities
- Tom Koch now does weddings
- Dominique Sachse talks with psychotherapist about coping with anxiety, depression and isolation
- Hannah Mackenzie leaves KPRC 2
- Melanie Lawson involved in Juneteenth documentaries
- Mike Iscovitz's amazing dog rescue story
- KPRC 2's "Houston Life" is moving
- KTRK GM Wendy Granato tests positive for COVID-19
- Houston Public Media experiences staff cuts due to COVID-19 budget shortfalls
- Houston teen builds HTX Breaking News into big news brand
- Houston Chronicle reporter Jay R. Jordan has breaking news come to him
- 104.1 KRBE wins big at 2020 Worldwide Radio Summit Industry Awards
- TNCRadio wants to be Houston's online driving online station
- Chauncy Glover hosts town hall discussing violence against transgender women of color
- Dave Ward interviews Rudy Tomjanovich, Smokin Joe’s Driving Range back, 2015 Peach Bowl on CW39
- Bill Barajas tested positive for COVID-19
- Executive News Director Sally Ramirez to leave KHOU 11
- KHOU 11 4pm anchor Russ Lewis to retire
- 104.1 KRBE "Roula and Ryan Show's" Ryan Chase tests positive for COVID-19


SAN ANTONIO

Myra Arthur returns to KSAT after birth of second child: The veteran KSAT anchor has been out on maternity leave.

Black members of the KSAT family reflect on recent protests against racism.

Sarah Acosta renews her agreement at KSAT as a Reporter/Anchor. - NWT

Japhanie Gray renews her Reporter agreement at KSAT. - NWT

Larry Ramirez renews his agreement as sports anchor and reporter at KSAT. - Napoli

Jack Acosta celebrates five years as news director at KENS5. He was previously assistant news director at KHOU 11 Houston.

Kaiti Blake enters into a new agreement as a Weekend Meteorologist at KSAT. - NWT

iHeartMedia Austin/San Antonio has announced Jason McCollim has been named Senior Vice President of Programming.

Emmy and AP award-winning news producer Alicia Nicole celebrates five years with News 4 San Antonio WOAI and KABB FOX 29.

Introducing KSAT Explains, a new weekly look at the biggest issues facing San Antonio - it is free to stream on smart TVs, devices and KSAT.com

Alpha Media launches WE 103.3/San Antonio.

- Leslie Mouton leaves KSAT 12
- KVII Amarillo Investigative Reporter/Anchor Niccole Caan joining KENS 5 San Antonio as consumer investigative reporter


AUSTIN

Austin’s KXAN Investigations are as big as Texas. Find out why KXAN Austin’s latest investigation involved almost two dozen people in news, digital, production and marketing, and how the station balances that content on TV and digital platforms across all the Nexstar stations in the Lone Star State.

John Engel makes a 60 market move as he is named Political Reporter at KXAN Austin from WCYB Tri-Cities, Tennessee. - NWT

Tony Plohetski celebrates 20 years at the Austin American-Statesman.

Hema Mullur renews her agreement as primary anchor at KEYE. - Napoli

Sports Anchor/Reporter Emily Giangreco celebrates a year at KVUE 24.

KOKE/Austin’s Bob Cole diagnosed with COVID-19.


AROUND TEXAS

Mark Garcia named VP & GM of KMID Midland/Odessa.

James Brown leaves KBMT Beaumont

Mike Lee promoted to VP-GM of KWKT & KYLE Waco/Temple/Bryan.

Lori Bruffett promoted to KBTX GM.

Ramon J. Pineda to lead KRIS Corpus Christi.

Paul Alexander is the new news director for KFDM Beaumont. He formerly was an ND in Corpus Christi and Brownsville.

KWES Odessa reporter Cory Mose delivers fun standup.

Emani Payne moves to WNCN Raleigh, NC as a reporter/MMJ from KCEN Waco/Temple/Killeen anchor/reporter. - NWT

Amarillo Radio: KXGL Taps Ashley & Brad For Wake-Up Duty.

KORQ Abilene flips from Top 40 To Country.

Stephanie Bates announces she will be joining the ABC7 KVII Amarillo team as weekend meteorologist/reporter.

General Manager Danny Aguilar leaves Fox West Texas stations.

UT Tyler to launch new NPR affiliate with KVUT purchase.

- John-Thomas Kobos, KIII morning anchor & marriage officiant

John-Thomas Kobos, KIII morning anchor & marriage officiant

KIII Corpus Christi 3News First Edition Anchor John-Thomas Kobos performs viewer weddings


Last week, I blogged about how legendary abc13 KTRK morning anchor Tom Koch is now officiating weddings.

Well, he's not the only Texas morning anchor involved in nuptials.

Turns out KIII Corpus Christi 3News First Edition Anchor John-Thomas Kobos is also helping couples to get married!

"I’ve been performing marriages since November 2018 after family members (in-laws) paid for me to get ordained online," Kobos told mikemcguff.com. "I mentioned this marriage once on air and that led to a firestorm of viewers asking me to perform ceremonies (custom tailored to their wishes) for them and loved ones."

So far, he has performed close to a dozen ceremonies.

"I performed a gay marriage, a ‘Lord of the Rings’ themed ceremony, and more traditional marriages between couple both young and old," he added. "I also just recently performed a FaceTime service during this pandemic (a first of its kind here in the Coastal Bend)."

Speaking of FaceTime, a few months ago, Kobos told us about what he gets away with wearing during the quarantine.

I get the sense that Kobos doesn't feel like Koch is moving in on his territory. In fact, John-Thomas' dad, Don Kobos, is a friend and former channel 13 Houston colleague of Koch's going back to the early 1980s!

"I never knew how close we all were until the early 2000s, when I was in my early 20s, and Tom showed up to take my mom on a station sponsored dinner date," John-Thomas Kobos recalled. "When Tom arrived to pick up my mother, I asked him ‘Are you my daddy now?’ My father had to work that night and my mother wanted to represent the station on my dad’s behalf. Well, since then, Tom has been my unofficial dad! I’m happy he’s ordained too and I knew I or he would be following in each other’s footsteps. We’re both in news, both anchor a morning show, and now performing ceremonies!"

As for getting ordained, Kobos says it is not as hard as you might think.

"There’s a website, you fill out the info (anyone can do it) and I paid the $80 to be legally allowed to marry couples in all 50 states," Kobos said. "I don’t charge but only ask my manager, aka wife, who is allowed to accompany me. Every service I perform makes me appreciate my wedding to my wife with even more gusto!"

Speaking of Don Kobos, the former reporter and assistant news director, just celebrated 50 years of marriage to his wife Kathy last weekend!

John-Thomas surprised his parents with a renewal vow celebration last Saturday.

He and his wife, Krystie, surprised his folks with an outdoor ceremony complete with rose pedals in the grass as an isle. Krystie made a bouquet and boutonnière.

Texas TV news and radio job moves April 2020

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

Sportscaster Newy Scruggs celebrates 20 years with NBC DFW 5 KXAS.

FOX 4 KDFW meteorologist Evan Andrews' dogs, Penny, is a media hit.

Mike Rhyner invented a radio format in Dallas that changed the country and made him a legend. Then, unexpectedly, he retired.

Freddy Oldenburg has been named VP of news for WNJU, the Telemundo station in the New York market after KXTK Dallas-Fort Worth.

CW33 KDAF launched the digital program “Coronavirus: The Daily” featuring veteran local broadcast news personalities Ron Corning and Jenny Anchondo.

Radio host ‘Doc’ Gallagher gets 25 years for bilking Christian investors out of millions.


HOUSTON

Reporter Esmeralda Medellin leaves Telemundo Houston KTMD after working there since 2017.

Houston Chronicle appoints Drane as biz reporter.

Remember the KPRC 2 banana error, abc13 KTRK has its own error without the promotional campaign afterwards.

Two Houston Chronicle investigations team was honored by the National Headliner Awards.

KHOU 11 consumer reporter Tiffany Craig celebrates 10 years with the station.

Tino Cochino Radio debuts afternoons on Radio Now 92.1-FM KROI Houston and Radio Now 100.9-FM WNOU Indianapolis.

KTRU sustains its sound from a distance with new remote programming.

Cathy Matusow Balke leaves Houstonia Magazine editor job for a similar role with the Houston Grand Opera. (Thanks Susan Farb Morris)

- TEGNA, owner of KHOU and many Texas stations, announces furloughs
- KPRC 2, KHOU 11, FOX26, CW39 join forces for COVID-19 PSA
- Nick Natario takes stay at home studio to next level
- MaryAnn Martinez leaves KPRC 2
- Mary Benton appointed Director of Communications for Mayor Sylvester Turner
- Carlos Robles using augmented reality weather graphics from home
- Mia Gradney anchored CBS Weekend News Easter weekend
- KTRK GM Granato: "TV is seeing a huge resurgence"
- “abc13 Eyewitness News at 9 PM on CW39” debuts May 11th
- Lauren Talarico announces baby #2
- Rashi Vats and Daniel Gotera have baby #2
- Dominique Sachse: How to look and sound your best on Zoom
- Taniya Wright leaves KPRC 2
- KPRC's Ari Alexander raps Paul Wall lyrics live on channel 2
- VIDEO: 1993 Houston radio station promos
- Lisa Hernandez joins KPRC 2
- VIDEO: The 1947 Texas City Disaster
- VIDEO: Randy McIlvoy talks sports broadcasting during COVID-19
- Houston film critics review "Movies on Lockdown" free for broadcast
- Michael Lopardi joins KPRC 2
- abc13 KTRK's Dave Ward has been hospitalized
- Maria Salazar's baby is here
- Univision cancels some weekend newscasts, announces job cuts
- Tom Abrahams' new book is about a pandemic


SAN ANTONIO

KCYY Y100 announced Joe Pesh as its new morning co-host.

- KENS 5 Reporter/MMJ Roxie Bustamante joins abc13 KTRK


AUSTIN

Austin American-Statesman photojournalist Lola Gomez tests positive for coronavirus.

The Austin American-Statesman launches a new streaming station, the Statesman News Network, with Jeff Ward.


AROUND TEXAS

KXXV Waco-Temple-Killeen anchor evening anchor Lindsay Liepman moves to mornings with Joe Gumm and Josh Johns. Niyah Gonzalez joins the station to anchor evenings with Todd Unger.

El Paso NBC affiliate KTSM posted an apology Saturday for comments made by news anchor, Patricia Maese.

Hunter Davis has joined Fox News as an MMJ based in Austin. She moves from Waco’s KXXV-TV, where she was the weekend anchor/reporter. - Eatman Media Services

Michael Behrens joined the 13 ON YOUR SIDE WZZM Weather team after TEGNA sister station KYTX CBS 19 in Tyler.

Second Classic Rocker Blasts Off In Rio Grande Valley.

Hank-FM Comes To Wichita Falls.

Radio veteran Scott Gaines has been named OM for Alpha Media's four-station cluster in Amarillo and PD/afternoon host for Country KGNC.

KGNC Amarillo Adds ‘Big D & Bubba’ For Mornings.

Ted Cruz To Propose Law Banning Chinese From Airing 'Propaganda' On Mexican, Canadian Border Stations Aimed At America.

iHeartMedia To Require Two Weeks Of Unpaid Vacation For Salaried Employees.

KIII's John-Thomas Kobos on the suit mullet.


REMEMBERING

abc13 KTRK Photographer Willie Dixon remembered by Houston media world.

Ivory Hecker returns to FOX 26 after father's death.

Fmr. KHOU photographer John Shaw loses wife to COVID-19.

KTEN Denison News Director Mark Farrell dead at 55.

Longtime Dallas Radio Personality Jimmy Stewart Passes.

R.I.P.: John Roberts Townsquare Media Tyler, TX OM.

KIII's John-Thomas Kobos on the suit mullet

KIII Corpus Christi morning anchor and executive producer John-Thomas Kobos tells me he's wearing a "suit mullet" everyday while broadcasting from home.

"You know suit top, pajama bottoms for work," Kobos told mikemcguff.com. "That 100% cotton machine washable feel draped down my legs is a nice touch."

Speaking of fashion, Kobos says he is wearing this season's must-have accessory off the air - the face mask. It's his birthday this week, so he will have to at least take the mask down for a minute to blow out the candles.

"What's funny is so many people already thought I wore my suits with just a bathing suit underneath or shorts...but that was never the case," he explained. "Suits all the way for this job. I role out of bed like that. Now, I'm literally rolling out of bed and all I have to do is shave and style the hair and I'm good to go."

RELATED
Don Kobos honored in Lone Star EMMY Chapter Silver Circle

Texas TV news and radio job moves January 2020

RELATED
- Houston social media stars January 2020
- Best TV News Bloopers January 2020


DALLAS - FORT WORTH

Unclebarky.com cancels itself, goes into reruns.

Mike Rhyner, co-founder of ‘The Ticket’ and a Dallas radio fixture since the 1970s, is off the air.

Jamie Hancock becomes the North Texas Editor for the Dallas Morning News.

Mac Daniels Exits As KPLX/KSCS Program Director.

Shannon Murray renews her agreement with KDFW in Dallas. She continues reporting and filling-in at the anchor desk. - Napoli Management

Morning Changes At Radio One/Dallas' KBFB (97.9 The Beat) And KZMJ (Majic 94.5)

Colt Parkey Moving To Nights At KHKS Dallas.

Three CBS-Owned CW Stations Add Nightly News - WKBD Detroit newscasts will be produced by KTVT.

- Sophia Beausoleil joins NBC 5 KXAS

HOUSTON

Multiple sources have told me that the iHeartMedia January 2020 job cuts did affect Houston. Radio Insight has a running list of affected cities from across Texas and the US. In Houston, the site reports that Mixers/on-air hosts DJ Ebonix, DJ Shante, and OG Ron C & The Chopstars exit Hip-Hop “93.7 The Beat” KQBT. I also hear members of the IT and production department were also let go.

Reporter David Barron celebrates 30 years with the Houston Chronicle.

Jenny Dial Creech leaves the Houston Chronicle after 14 years to join The Athletic Houston as the managing editor.

Keri Blakinger leaves the Houston Chronicle and joins The Marshall Project as a reporter.

Dylan McGuinness is now covering City Hall for the Houston Chronicle.

News producer John Carreon celebrates 24 years at abc13 KTRK.

John Brewer joins CW39 KIAH Morning Dose as an assignments editor from 740 KTRH.

Producer Geordan Tilley leaves CW39 KIAH Morning Dose.

Mumbles hits 10 years on the 104.1 KRBE The Roula & Ryan Show.

After 12 years, KHOU Digital Sales Manager Christine Di Stadio joins WTVF Nashville, TN as an account executive.

Fabian Gutierrez left his position as the Lead News Assignment Editor with Telemundo after 3.5 years to join the American Heart Association as their new Director of Media Relations.

Donna Reed (formerly of KLOL, KODA and KHPT Houston) has launched a new hour-long show of chill tunes called MELLOW MONDAY WITH DONNA REED. Click here.

- KHOU launches Sunday morning newscast
- Anayeli Ruiz joins KHOU
- Madd Hatta Show on 97.9 The Box?
- J.J. Watt calls out abc13 KTRK over tweet
- Jessie Watt joins Mix 96.5’s “The Morning Mix”
- Lisa Hernandez leaves KHOU 11
- Brandon Walker hit by truck - in recovery
- Doug Miller talks 'Jeopardy!' appearance
- Chauncy Glover adds 6:30pm news duties
- Brandi Smith new KHOU Saturday morning anchor
- Shelley Childers has baby #2
- Larry Seward leaves KHOU
- Sophia Beausoleil leaves KPRC 2
- Matthew Seedorff joins FOX 26 KRIV
- Hannah Mackenzie joins KPRC 2
- Jennifer Reyna update 2020
- Cathy Hernandez has baby!
- FOX 26's Ivory Hecker is a singer-songwriter
- KLOL doc featured on CW39 Morning Dose
- Heather Sullivan joins FOX 26
- KPRC 2 reveals Tokyo Olympic coverage plans
- Katherine Marchand leaves abc13 KTRK
- Samica Knight returns to abc13 KTRK
- Brandon Walker reveals accident aftermath and who helped him
- Sally Mamdooh is married
- Dominique Sachse on 'TODAY with Hoda and Jenna'
- KHOU 11 buys KTBU 55
- Bill Balleza signs off KPRC 2
- VIDEO: Bill Balleza's goodbye on last KPRC 2 newscast


SAN ANTONIO

Sharon Ko named co-anchor for 'KENS 5 Eyewitness News at 6 p.m.'

New KENS 5 'Great Day SA' co-host Clarke Finney arrives from KMID and KPEJ in Midland.

12 News KBMT's Jordan Foster has been in Beaumont for almost two years is joining KENS as a reporter February 3rd.

AUSTIN

93.7 KLBJ’s ‘Dudley and Bob with Matt’ is moving to afternoons.

Anchor/reporter Courtney Schoenemann leaves KEYE and TV news to work at the Baylor College of Medicine as the associate development director of communications.

John Dabkovich returns to his home state of California and joins KOVR/KMAX in Sacramento as morning anchor. Previously, he was morning anchor for KXAN in Austin, TX. - Napoli Management

Bob Mackay is the new Market Manager for Entercom Austin - moving from Houston where he was GSM for Entercom.

KTXX (The Horn)/Austin Adds Weekend Show With Tyler Campbell.

New female-centric Austin media outlet seeks to revolutionize American journalism.

Bama & Heather Return To KVET Sans Rob Mason.

KOKE's Scotty Bennett Moves To 'Texas Nights.

AROUND TEXAS

Farewell Estela: El Paso’s most recognizable person steps down after 27 years at ABC-7.

Ann Harder to retire during her 25th year at KXXV 25 News.

KVII Amarillo issues statement following anchor Anthony Pittman's arrest.

KIII Corpus Christi morning anchor John-Thomas Kobos is now also the show's executive producer.

A KWES anchor doing commercials?

Morning anchor Hunter Davis leaves KXXV Waco, Temple, Killeen to work as a Fox News multimedia reporter.

John Van Camp Out At KXGL/Amarillo, TX.

Paige Monet' Hubbard is joining KFDM/KBTV News Beaumont as a Multimedia Journalist.

KGBT-TV sold to Nexstar.

- Barbi Leo joins KIII

REMEMBERING

Reba Campbell, pioneering female journalist and hand in Texas Football magazine, dies at 95.

R.I.P.: Kelli D'Angelo, Longtime Lubbock Personality

Former Dyess airman, husband of ex-KTXS meteorologist, killed in Afghanistan plane crash.

Barbi Leo joins KIII

KIII Corpus Christi names Barbi Leo as co-anchor of 3News First Edition


CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas. (January 2, 2020) – KIII-TV, a TEGNA company, announced today Barbi Leo is joining the consistently top-rated morning news team in South Texas as co-anchor of 3News First Edition with John-Thomas Kobos and Meteorologist, Alan Holt.

"We know people across South Texas have been eagerly awaiting news of Barbi's next move since she announced she would be leaving KSAB Radio after 21 years," Nia Towne, KIII News Director, said. "We are thrilled to let everyone know Barbi will still be there to help them get a jump start to their day and that she will be doing it with KIII 3News."

"We have shared special moments, laughs, tears and every emotion in between on air and off. Thank you so much for your trust. I appreciate you being with me every step of the way. Thank you for helping me grow into the career mom I am today. Thank you for your advice and for always treating me like family," Leo told her fans as she signed off from KSAB for the last time on Dec. 31.

The move is not as dramatic as some might think. Leo is no stranger to KIII's viewers. She has been a part of the 3News family for the last 14 years as the co-host of Domingo Live.

"Barbi is bold and authentic, people see that and are drawn to her," Towne said.

“I am ecstatic about joining KIII. It feels like home. I am looking forward to starting my day with the community that has embraced me with open arms and that I have come to know and love,” Leo said.

"We’re thrilled to have Barbi joining the KIII-TV First Edition team," Bruce Cummings, Vice President of TEGNA Media and President-General Manager of KIII, said. "For fourteen years, viewers of the Domingo Live show have come to know her as smart, engaging, and passionate about her love for the people and places of South Texas. Now, our weekday morning audience will benefit from the same, starting their day with someone they know and trust and an outstanding compliment to anchor John-Thomas Kobos and meteorologist Alan Holt.”

Leo says she owes much of her success to the Coastal Bend community.

"I have been incredibly blessed in my career thanks to the people in our community," Leo said. "They have been vital to my success."

Leo is a born and raised South Texan. She attended Texas A&M University Corpus Christi where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a minor in Communications in 1998. Immediately after that, she joined KSAB-FM as a morning show personality, as well as, head of Promotions and Public Relations for the station.

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

Don Kobos retires from KTRK abc13

mikemcguff.com exclusive:  Assistant news director and former reporter Don Kobos to retire from KTRK abc13

Don Kobos

After 32 years at KTRK abc13, and 40 years in the business, assistant news director Don Kobos is retiring from the Disney/ABC Television Group station multiple sources have told me.

UPDATE 2022
The changing world of TV News - why not back to basics?

UPDATE 2018
Don Kobos honored in Lone Star EMMY Chapter Silver Circle

Houston TV viewers will recognize Kobos as a reporter at the Houston station since 1982. Kobos arrived at KTRK as an investigative reporter and ended up covering everything from politics, education to general assignments.

In 2000, after covering the George W. Bush inauguration, Kobos became assistant news director.

Before Houston, Kobos was a reporter at WRAL in Raleigh. He graduated from Wake Forest where he played football.

Interesting stuff about Kobos, I remember him having business cards with a cartoon image of himself drawn by Bill Hinds of Tank McNamara fame. He had a sandwich named after him at Kahn's Deli in the Rice Village which I blogged about in 2006.

Kobos also used to call Rice University football games on the radio, he had a column in the Houston Community Newspapers and wrote a study skills booklet for junior high students.

John Thomas Kobos, Don's son, is an anchor at Corpus Christi's KIII 3.

Kobos' departure follows those by longtime news director Dave Strickland and executive producer Jerry Vazquez.

It was announced earlier in the week that special projects executive producer Wendy Granato has taken over the newly expanded role of Vice President of News and Digital Content.

KIII expands morning news to .2 digital channel

First Edition on MeTV expands news to KIII's 3.2

John-Thomas Kobos

John-Thomas Kobos, Jane Monreal and meteorologist Kristine Diaz of KIII-TV3 in Corpus Christi are anchoring an expansion of the ABC affiliate's morning show to its digital .2 channel.

 I am not sure of another TV station that is doing something like this.

The main channel broadcasts the morning show from 5 to 7am with the new hour of First Edition on MeTV coming on from 7 to 8am on 3.2. As you can tell by the show's name, KIII's .2 is a MeTV station.

From what I can tell on Facebook, the show's topics are a little lighter than a standard newscast.

Jane Monreal

As I've written before, Kobos, who came to the station in 2011, has been a part of two newscast expansions which have doubled the amount of the station's morning news presence.

Houston viewers might note Kobos' name sounds familiar. That's because his dad is former KTRK 13 reporter and current assistant news director Don Kobos.

Another Houston note, Fox 26 morning meteorologist Caitilin Espinosa joined KRIV after working at KIII.

Fox 26 grabs Caitilin Espinosa from KIII

Courtesy Caitilin Espinosa Facebook page

UPDATE JANUARY 16, 2015
Caitilin Espinosa to leave FOX 26 & going digital

Caitilin Espinosa joins KRIV FOX 26 as Meteorologist of “FOX 26 Morning News,” announced Tom Doerr, the station’s Vice President and News Director. Caitilin’s first day on the air will be Sunday, October 14th.

In making the announcement, Doerr stated “As a Houston native, Caitilin knows the needs of our viewers. She is a great addition to the FOX 26 Gulf Coast Weather Authority team.”

Most recently, Espinosa served as Weather Anchor for KIII-TV in Corpus Christi, TX. Prior to this, she was Weather Anchor for KVEO-TV in Brownsville, TX. Espinosa began her career as a weather intern for KXXV-TV in Waco, TX.

John Thomas Kobos and Caitilin Espinosa at KIII. 

Added Espinosa, “I am overjoyed to be returning to my hometown, where my family, friends and heart have always been. I look forward to joining the talented team at KRIV and can’t wait to give viewers the information they need to get their days started, as well as keeping them informed when severe weather arises.”

A graduate of Baylor University, Espinosa holds a Bachelor of Science in Geography, with an emphasis in Meteorology.

UPDATE JANUARY 16, 2015
Caitilin Espinosa to leave FOX 26 & going digital


RELATED
Fox 26 KRIV's Kristi Powers exits weather center

(This post is from a release sent to me by Fox Broadcasting)