TAB Board welcomes 8 new directors

One thing I am honored to do each year for the Texas media world is judge the Texas Association of Broadcasters Awards.

It's nice to give back to the community that has given me so much.  

Now the TAB has asked me to announce the new members of the Texas Association of Broadcasters Board of Directors for the next three years.

New directors were installed at TAB’s Annual Business Meeting on August 5. The meeting was held alongside the organization’s annual convention and trade show at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Round Rock, the largest state or regional industry gathering in the country.

“I’m delighted to welcome these experienced local broadcasters and community leaders to the TAB Board of Directors,” said TAB Board Chairman Brian Purdy, senior advisor for Audacy, Inc. “They and the entire 37-member Board are key to our organization’s delivery of direct services critical for station operations.” 

“We are fortunate that so many local broadcasters from throughout the state are willing to dedicate themselves to TAB’s efforts to advance the industry’s public policy interests which include Open Government, Free Speech, and an even competitive and regulatory playing field,” said TAB President Oscar Rodriguez. 

New Board Members

Steve Eberhart, KGAF AM-FM Gainesville
Eberhart has spent more than five decades in broadcasting, beginning his career at KGAF in Gainesville, Texas, in 1973. His career has included KVIL, KLUV, KDMX and ABC Radio Network. In 2008, he returned to KGAF as an owner-operator, helping transform it into a thriving small-market station. Eberhart remains deeply involved in the station and is passionate about sharing his experience to help small-market broadcasters succeed.

Evan Chance, KITY/KHUK Highland Lakes
Chance is a small-market Radio owner and broadcaster serving the Highland Lakes through KITY and KHUK. With a background in advertising, marketing and Radio creative. He is passionate about helping local businesses grow while keeping Radio deeply connected to the communities it serves. Chance’s stations focus on local programming, community involvement and the unique role small-market Radio plays in the Texas Hill Country.

Humberto Hormaza, KIAH Houston
Hormaza is Vice President and General Manager of KIAH-TV/CW39 in Houston and brings more than 20 years of broadcast leadership experience to the TAB Board. His career includes leadership roles in Miami, Orlando and Hartford and his stations are known for expanding local news and developing new digital platforms. Hormaza is focused on local broadcasting, community service and creating meaningful connections with viewers and advertisers.

Britt Milstead, KLBK/KAMC Lubbock
Milstead is Vice President and General Manager of KLBK-TV and KAMC-TV in Lubbock. A longtime Texas broadcaster, he has built his career in broadcast sales and leadership, with a strong track record of growing revenue, developing teams and creating innovative solutions for local advertisers. A graduate of Midwestern State University, Milstead is also a longtime member of the Texas Association of Broadcasters.

Ashley Parker, KSAT San Antonio
Parker is Vice President and General Manager of KSAT-TV in San Antonio. During more than 20 years with the station, she has advanced through roles in sales and management before being named VP/GM in 2022. Parker is committed to local broadcasting, innovation and strengthening KSAT’s connection with the San Antonio community.

Derek Rogers, KXII/KXIP Sherman-Denison
Rogers is Vice President and General Manager of KXII-TV in Sherman and brings more than 25 years of broadcasting experience. His career spans production, promotions, sales and station leadership, including previous General Manager roles in Mississippi and Georgia. An Emmy-nominated producer and award-winning broadcaster, Rogers is dedicated to strong local journalism and serving the communities of Texoma.

Kelly Trevino, ICA Radio Corpus Christi
Trevino is General Manager of ICA Broadcasting in Corpus Christi, overseeing KPUS, KAJE and KKPN, and co-host of the popular Pretty Fugly Morning Show. With more than 35 years in broadcasting, she brings extensive experience in on-air talent, promotions, sales and station leadership. A well-known voice in the community, Trevino has received multiple local honors, including recognition as one of Corpus Christi’s top Radio personalities.

Mark Grubbs, Ranch Radio Group Kerrville
Grubbs began his Radio career while attending Oklahoma State University and has spent more than five decades in broadcasting. After working in Corpus Christi, New Orleans, San Antonio and Austin, he found his home in the Texas Hill Country, launching The Ranch in Kerrville in 1994. Grubbs went on to build The Ranch Radio Group into a strong network of local stations known for its programming and deep community involvement. That commitment to serving the Hill Country has earned the group TAB’s Bonner McLane Public Service Award seven times.

View full Board list at: www.tab.org/about/board-of-directors

The Texas Association of Broadcasters represents more than 1,300 local Radio and Television stations licensed to serve distinct communities throughout the state of Texas. TAB works to promote and protect a favorable economic and regulatory climate for broadcasting at the state and federal levels and to educate members and the public at large about the opportunities available and advances possible through the efforts of free, over-the-air broadcast operations.

Rachel Briers joins KPRC 2 Houston

Rachel Briers is returning to Houston television, joining KPRC 2 as a part-time meteorologist.

"I am very lucky that KPRC is giving me the flexibility to work part-time so I can still spend plenty of time with my kids," Briers told mikemcguff.com.  "It’s definitely a win-win to be able to dedicate myself to a job that I love but, more importantly, to my kids."

"I have some exciting news to share," KPRC2 Houston chief meteorologist Anthony Yanez posted.  "Please join me in welcoming Rachel Briers to the KPRC 2 Weather team! We are so happy to have Rachel joining us. She’s a talented meteorologist, and a wonderful person. She’ll be on TV and streaming in two weeks. Welcome to the team, Rachel!

A source tells mikemcguff.com that Briers will fill in for meteorologist Caroline Brown, who is preparing to begin maternity leave. She is expected to appear on KPRC 2's noon, 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. newscasts and on other newscasts as needed.

The move marks Briers' return to broadcasting after stepping away from ABC13 KTRK in December 2025 to become a stay-at-home mom. The part-time role at KPRC will allow her to balance her career with the family flexibility she has been seeking.

During her seven years forecasting Houston weather, Briers welcomed two daughters while continuing her work on the air. She joined ABC13 in December 2018 and earned three Emmy Awards during her tenure.

Before arriving in Houston, Briers worked at NewsWest 9 KWES in Midland-Odessa and KLBK in Lubbock.

A Plano native, Briers earned her degree in Atmospheric Sciences from Texas A&M University. While in college, she gained experience through internships at WFAA 8 in Dallas-Fort Worth and KBTX News 3 in Bryan-College Station.

"Weather is one of the most important services we provide our viewers," said Ana Lastra, News Director at KPRC 2. "Rachel's experience, local knowledge and passion for serving this community make her a tremendous addition to KPRC 2 Weather. Together, we'll continue helping Houstonians prepare for what's ahead and making Houston better through the trusted journalism our community depends on."

- Brittany Begley no longer with KPRC 2 Houston

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Cole Banker joins News 4 Tucson KVOA

Cole Banker is joining News 4 Tucson KVOA as the station's main sports anchor.

Banker arrives in Tucson from KAMC/KLBK in Lubbock, Texas, where he most recently served as sports director after being promoted in September 2025. He initially joined the stations in June 2023 as a sports anchor and reporter, covering Texas Tech athletics, high school sports, and regional sporting events.

A 2023 graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, Banker earned a bachelor's degree in journalism, along with a minor in statistics and a certificate in sports analytics.

While at Missouri, Banker worked as a sports anchor, reporter, and multimedia journalist for KOMU 8 News in Columbia. He also spent more than three years as a play-by-play broadcaster for KCOU-FM 88.1, calling numerous high-profile SEC sporting events and hosting sports programming for the student-run radio station.

In other KLBK news, Keegan Cooper joined the station as weekend sports anchor/reporter in January 2026.

Some personal news:

I’m thrilled to announce I’ve accepted an exciting opportunity to be the main sports anchor for @KVOA in Tucson!

Tonight is my last show in Lubbock.

Extremely grateful for an amazing three years in the Hub City and for a job that’s allowed me to do some… pic.twitter.com/1f5rEoM3nw

— Cole Banker (@colebankertv) June 24, 2026

 

Leah Rodriguez joins KSAT 12 San Antonio

Leah Rodriguez joins the KSAT 12 San Antonio weather team as a meteorologist.

Last time I wrote about Rodriguez, she had just started with the KLBK Lubbock First Warning Weather Team as a weekend meteorologist in June 2024.

It's a homecoming for  Rodriguez, who was born in San Antonio and watched KSAT 12 while growing up in Pearsall, Texas. 

She even interned for KSAT in 2023 while attending Texas A&M University.  According to the station, Rodriguez will graduate with her Master's Degree in Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) from A&M in 2027.

Rodriguez is mostly taking over the spot left by Elliot Wilson, who left the station in March.

- Hunter King joins KSAT 12 San Antonio

Texas TV news and radio job moves January 2026

Send tips for the monthly Texas media job list here.

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

In the DMN op-ed "Anchors away — why familiar TV news faces have short tenures," former WFAA anchor John McCaa writes, "The reasons are many and long in coming. While some in the world of politics like to claim they have pressured newsrooms to force changes, the truth is most of the moves have resulted from an age-old business nemesis: a decline in revenue." 

Eric Valadez joins CBS News Texas as managing editor. 

Carter Freemon joined FOX 4 KDFW as a Dallas Digital Content Creator. 

Dallas Business Journal adds reporter Michael Albanese to cover aviation and economic development.

Cumulus DFW Radio Stations Raise Over $3.5 Million for DFW Charities in 2025.

- Berkeley Taylor joins FOX 4 KDFW
- “Real Housewives of Dallas” stars get FOX 4 KDFW show
- Luke Cleary joins WFAA 8 DFW
- Mariel Ruiz returns to WFAA DFW
- Nicole Osei joins KERA as Morning Edition host
- Kara Sewell pregnancy update
- Casey Bartholomew exits WBAP 820 DFW
- Josh Johns joins FOX 4 KDFW DFW
- Jorge Almaraz joins Telemundo 39 Dallas
- Dia Wall and Matt Howerton join WFAA 8 mornings
- Julia Fife joins Wake Up America in New York
- Marc Istook to leave WFAA 8 DFW
- Gabriela Tirado joins Telemundo 39 DFW
- Kylie Capps will return

HOUSTON

Houston Dynamo announcer Glenn Davis is relieved of duties after 20 years with the club.

The Houston Chronicle launches Chowbot, which sifts through 1,300 restaurant reviews, food guides, and rankings, including the newspaper's list of the city’s Top 100 Restaurants, from critic Bao Ong and a team of food writers.

Taylor Berry joins KPRC 2 as a Manager of Content and Coverage (MCC) from KHOU 11, where she was an executive producer. 

Sonia Dasgupta joins KPRC 2 as a Manager of Content and Coverage (MCC). She previously worked for WJLA 7 Washington, DC, as assistant news director.

Joey Kovacik celebrates 25 years of full-time work at 89.3 KSBJ. 

Antonio Gutierrez joins FOX 26 KRIV as a photographer from El Paso. 

Dorothy Keenan joins KPRC 2 as Office Manager/Executive Assistant.

Hope Media Group (HMG) is announcing an expanded vision for its Creative Audio Team. Gary Thompson has been named Director of Production and Audio Ministry. Kevyn Howard will serve as Director of Imaging and Brand Sound.

- Allison Gargaro returns to FOX 26 Houston
- Denise Pagano leaves 89.3 KSBJ Houston
- SportsRadio 610 'Outdoors Show' off-air
- Forrest Frank's tribute to grandfather Dr. Neil Frank
- Dominique Sachse's reinvention after KPRC 2 Houston
- Jessie Watt moves to MIX 96.5 afternoons
- Sarah Pepper returns to Houston
- Zach Lashway leaves KPRC 2 Houston
- Dave Ward honored by Houston Texans
- Kathryn Bonfield has left KHOU 11 Houston
- Shern-Min Chow to leave KHOU 11 Houston
- DJ J-Que Joins Good Morning H-Town on 97.9 The Box
- KPRC 2.4 is showing KPRC2+ streaming
- Joel Eisenbaum, KPRC 2 Houston anchor?
- Chita Craft vs the microphone
- Mekenna Earnhart joins FOX 26 Houston
- Stephania Jimenez debuts on KPRC 2 Houston
- Melanie Lawson had an amazing ABC13 Houston send-off
- Daji Aswad is married
- Isiah Factor Uncensored moves into a battleground

SAN ANTONIO

KENS-TV weather chief Bill Taylor forecasts his perfect day in San Antonio.

After 35 years at KENS 5, Raymond Silva points to AI for sudden departure.

Gilbert Gomez joins KENS 5 as 4 and 5 p.m. news producer.

News 4 San Antonio WOAI I-Team photographer/editor Kash Cashell leaves the station.

KRTU 91.7 Trinity University Student-run jazz radio station celebrates 50 years on air -  debuted on January 23, 1976.

- 102.7 BOB-FM launches in San Antonio
- Sarah Duran named KENS 5 4:30 a.m. news and traffic anchor
- Stephania Jimenez signs off KSAT San Antonio
- Ryan Shoptaugh becomes TEGNA Multi-Market Meteorologist
- Madalynn Lambert debuts on KSAT 12 San Antonio
- Ted Garcia returns to FOX San Antonio
- KENS 5 San Antonio's Alicia Neaves engaged

AUSTIN

CBS Austin KEYE meteorologist Avery Tomasco is making meteorology a meme-worthy 'trauma response.'

Kimberly M. Vazquez and Alyssa Estrada join Texas Monthly.

Ali Juell joins the Austin Business Journal as a reporter focused on residential real estate.

- ChatGPT roasts KVUE Daybreak
- Jenna Wilson joins CBS Austin
- KXAN Austin highlights January-February 2006

AROUND TEXAS

Joe Riley steps down after 16 years as KWBU Waco radio director.

Alexa Conroy joins 25 News KXXV Waco-Temple-Killeen as Good Morning Texas Reporter.

Budget cuts hit KZFM Corpus Christi.

KBMT 12 News Now Beaumont's Holton Pepper named the 2026 Southeast Texas Coaches Association Van Thomas Media Person of the Year.

KLAQ El Paso host arrested on multiple charges.

Mattie Powers leaves KLBK/KAMC Lubbock for KARK/FOX 16 in Little Rock, AR. 

Drew Bishop joins KRIS 6 News Corpus Christi as a reporter.

KTEN Sherman Good Morning Texoma producer Emilio Alcantara Perez leaves the station.

Bryan Reeder promoted to General Manager of Country 101.7 KSAM-FM and Classic Hits “The Lake” 1490 KHVL/94.1 K231DA/104.9 K285GE Huntsville.

El Paso Radio: FCC Orders License Hearing For 3 Stations.

KAMR Local 4 News and Fox 14 News General Manager Brandy Sanchez was announced among 10 recipients of the 2025 “Citizens on the Move” award from the Amarillo Globe-News as part of its annual “Man & Woman of the Year” celebration.

KFDM Beaumont reporter Taylor Justice is leaving the station for a new career opportunity.

KAVU Victoria meteorologist Trey Meynig will lead viewers on a colonial tour vacation this fall, combining historical exploration with the celebration of America's 250th anniversary.

- Carly Smith promoted to KIII 3NEWS Chief Meteorologist
- Ruben Juarez leaves NBC 23 KVEO RGV
- Frank McCaffrey signs off NBC 23 KVEO RGV
- Donna Conrad joins Spectrum News 1 Texas
- Ernest Strawther leaves News Channel 6 KAUZ Wichita Falls
- KCBD Lubbock weather team announces transition
- Caleb Chevalier joins KSHB 41 Kansas City
- Mari Ferrel promoted to KAMR Local 4 News Amarillo evening anchor
- KTAB - KRBC Abilene rebrand to West Texas Today and West Texas Daily
- Rachel Davis anchors KETK 4pm news
- Matthew Stell joins FOX Charlotte
- Dylan Smith leaves KRBC Abilene
- Hope Boland joins 3NEWS KIII Corpus Christi
- Diana Gomez leaves KFOX14 Morning News El Paso
- Julia Kwedi joins WBIR Channel 10 Knoxville, Tennessee
- Matthew Hidalgo joins Live 5 WCSC Charleston
- Zach Woodard promoted to NewsChannel 10 Amarillo sports director
- Ryan Bailey promoted at KGNS 8 Laredo, Brenda Camacho leaves
- Nick Canizales returns to 12News KBMT Beaumont
- Texas TV anniversaries for January and December

REMEMBERING

Veteran Corpus Christi news broadcaster Bud Lockhart dies at 90.

Lee Elsesser, a major force in TV news in the Metroplex, died January 1, 2026, in Fort Worth.

Texas media members lost in 2025

Mekenna Earnhart joins FOX 26 Houston

Mekenna Earnhart makes the big Texas TV market jump to FOX 26 Houston KRIV from the Nexstar Media Group Lubbock duopoly KLBK and KAMC.

That's a jump from a TV market size of 140 to 6!

Here is what Earnhart posted on social:

"I’m so excited to share that I have joined the FOX 26 team. Reporting in the city that raised me has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl.

If you know me, you know I never miss an opportunity to brag on my hometown, and now, getting to tell its stories means the world to me."

Earnhart, a native Houstonian, began at KAMC and KLBK in July 2024, where she has served as an anchor and reporter.

While in college, the University of Arkansas grad worked for UATV, the student-run news station, as a reporter, anchor, multimedia journalist, and producer. Her work earned a nomination for the Broadcast Education Association Awards in the Best Student Anchor category.

The Kappa Kappa Gamma member interned with WKRN News 2 in Nashville, Tennessee.

- Jonathan Mejia leaves FOX 26 Houston
- Abigail Dye leaves FOX 26 Houston

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(Thanks, Shad and Taylor!)

Matthew Stell joins FOX Charlotte

Matthew “Matt” Stell is joining Queen City News FOX Charlotte WJZY.

Stell just left KLBK Lubbock in December after more than four and a half years, where he co-anchored the 6pm and 10pm newscasts.  He also produced “Matt Stell Reports”, a monthly segment dedicated to in-depth interviews and the unforgettable personal stories of people in our community. The station says he was Lubbock's first African American evening news anchor.

Before KLBK, Stell was a reporter and weekend anchor at KLBK’s Nexstar Media Group sister station KAMC Lubbock.

A University of Houston grad, Stell interned with the Texas House of Representatives and the Dallas County Magistrate’s Office.

Stell is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists, the 100 Black Men of West Texas, and the National Speech and Debate Association. He served on the Board of Directors for Communities in Schools of the South Plains and for the Panhandle Plains Chapter of the American Red Cross. 

Rachel Briers leaves ABC13 Houston

Rachel Briers is leaving the ABC13 Houston KTRK weather department and saying goodbye to TV for now to be a stay-at-home mom, sources tell mikemcguff.com.

During her time forecasting Houston weather, Briers also gave birth to two daughters.

The meteorologist's last day will be Tuesday, December 9, 2025, but I understand she might return to do some fill-in work in the future.

Briers joined ABC13 in December 2018 and is now a three-time Emmy award winner.

Before Channel 13, Briers worked for NewsWest 9 KWES Midland-Odessa and KLBK Lubbock.

A native of Plano, Briers graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in Atmospheric Sciences, interning at WFAA 8 Dallas-Fort Worth and KBTX News 3 Bryan-College Station.

ANOTHER TEXAS METEOROLOGIST LEAVING
Alan Holt leaves 3NEWS KIII Corpus Christi

UPDATE MONDAY: Rachel Briers posts her goodbye message

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Texas TV outcome in Nexstar + TEGNA deal?

Welcome to the new chapter in local television stations as Nexstar Media Group kicks off its bid to buy TEGNA Inc.

UPDATE OCTOBER 2025
Perry Sook reveals Nexstar-TEGNA deal outcome in DFW (and maybe Houston)

Anyone hear the 1990s calling when another Texas-based broadcasting company started buying up its rivals? Replace Irving-based TV owner Nexstar with San Antonio-headquartered radio owner Clear Channel Communications, and the saying "history never repeats itself, but it rhymes" makes a great station ID.

If the deal first reported by the Wall Street Journal weeks ago actually goes through, the biggest TV ownership creation in history will need the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to lift the 39% cap on how many stations one company can own of all US TV households.

TV station owners have been eager to get that cap upped in recent years due to lower ratings and rising competition from digital streamers and YouTube.

And if this deal doesn't happen, Sinclair already expressed interest in TEGNA a day before the Nexstar announcement.

Now with that out of the way, since I write a Texas media blog, let's focus on the Lone Star State.

Nexstar already has quite the portfolio of Texas markets in its home state, and with the TEGNA deal, it will now add the following DMAs and stations to its holdings:

KENS 5 San Antonio 

KIII 3 News Corpus Christi

12NewsNow KBMT-KJAC Beaumont

KXVA Abilene

Here are the current Nexstar markets in stations with the new potential TEGNA station in bold. 

Dallas / Ft. Worth, TX

CW 33 KDAF

WFAA 8

KFAA 29

Houston, TX

CW 39 KIAH

KHOU 11

KTBU 55

Austin, TX

KXAN 

KNVA

KBVO

KVUE 

Harlingen / Weslaco / Brownsville / McAllen, TX

KVEO

KGBT

Waco / Temple / Bryan, TX

KYLE

KWKT

KCEN

El Paso, TX

KTSM

Tyler / Longview, TX

KETK

KFXK

KTPN-LD

CBS 19 KYTX

Amarillo, TX

KAMR

KCIT

KCPN

Lubbock, TX

KLBK

KAMC

Midland / Odessa, TX

KMID

KPEJ

NewsWest9 KWES Midland-Odessa

Wichita Falls, TX

KFDX

KJTL

KJBO-LP

Abilene, TX

KTAB

KRBC

KXVA

San Angelo, TX

KSAN

KLST

KIDY

There might be more stations in one market than you even imagined when you merge the two large station owners.

I am no FCC TV merging expert, but I can't imagine this list will be the final one when the transaction is expected to close by the second half of 2026. Does this mean more swapping with another company, depending on how much the FCC increases station ownership limits?

And that's wild to me that Nexstar could own both top-rated KXAN and KVUE.  The company already owns two top-affiliated stations in smaller Texas markets, but not in a market the size of Austin.

But what will happen with CW33 and CW39 buying the former BELO stations WFAA 8 DFW and KHOU 11 Houston?  Forget a duopoly, this would be a triopoly (more than that in other markets)!

“Nexstar has a stellar long-term record of growth through its deals, having completed many well-received transactions since 2011, including the 2019 acquisition of Tribune Media," Nexstar’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Perry A. Sook said in the deal's press release. "The playbook we followed to make those transactions successful – improving and increasing local content, executing on identified synergies, and quickly de-leveraging our balance sheet with free cash flow post close – are the same opportunities and strategies we will use in connection with this transaction. With committed financing and a plan for significant synergy realization, we believe the combined entity will be poised for growth, leverage reduction, and the enhancement of shareholder value.”

From what I observed in the Tribune takeover, Nexstar came in and replaced the top management of its new station. Let's take Houston, for example. I cannot imagine that the managers of KIAH will take over KHOU. While anything is possible in broadcasting, taking a low-rated CW station's leadership and putting those people in charge of a former crown jewel of the BELO world seems far-fetched. Stay tuned.

Based on my thinking and others I have been talking to over the last few weeks, we believe 39 will be merged into 11.  If there are open positions at KHOU, then some KIAH people could move over, as Nexstar will most likely cut any redundant jobs.

Will the newly rebranded CW39 morning newscast be cancelled?  I'm going out on a limb here, but could the new KHOU 7 to 9am newscast show also be broadcast on channel 39 at the same time?

And I can't imagine anyone disagreeing that the ABC13 newscast on 39 at 9 will be replaced by a KHOU-produced newscast once the KTRK contract ends.

UPDATE JULY 2026
KHOU 11 to provide CW39 9pm newscast

Here is something else to ponder.  

Naturally, the combined Houston stations will be under one roof.  But what about this scenario?  CW39 moves over to 5718 Westheimer at the newish KHOU studios.  Makes sense, but let's think about this deeper.  KHOU surely rents its two floors in this Class A office tower in the expensive Galleria area. According to the Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD), Nexstar owns the KIAH studios at 7700 Westpark Drive. The old 39 building is not large enough to handle KHOU right now. What if Nexstar tears down those KIAH studios Paul Boesch made famous and builds a brand new operations center for 11, 39, and 55 in its place right on the edge of Houston's Mahatma Gandhi District?

We'll see if anything I wrote here has any chance of actually coming true. I'm guessing, like anyone else, at this point.

Stay tuned, this is all about to be a bumpy ride.

Live Telecast of Texas Governor’s 2025 “State of the State” Address and Democratic Party Response February 2nd

IRVING, TX (January 27, 2025) – Nexstar Media Group, Inc., announced today that its television stations across the state of Texas will carry a multi-market live telecast of Governor Greg Abbott’s 2025 “State of the State” address on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. CT. The speech will air on 15 Nexstar television stations serving 14 Texas markets and be telecast throughout the state. As a public service, Nexstar will make the live feed of the telecast available to every broadcast company serving Texas.

The 2025 State of the State address is expected to be one of Governor Abbott’s most widely watched speeches in years. The live address will focus on border security, school choice and the need for bail reform. The Governor will also list the most important “emergency issues” he wants state lawmakers to address during the 2025 legislative session. Following Governor Abbott’s address, the Texas Democratic Party will respond by detailing its own agenda for the future of the state.

The one-hour address will bring together potentially more than 25 million viewers across Texas and will air on 15 Nexstar television stations serving the state, including: KDAF-TV (CW) in Dallas, KIAH-TV (CW) in Houston, KXAN-TV (NBC) in Austin, KWKT-TV (FOX) in Waco, KVEO-TV/SVEO-TV (NBC/CBS) in Harlingen/Brownsville, KTAL-TV (NBC) in Shreveport, LA, KTSM-TV (NBC) in El Paso, KETK-TV (NBC) in Tyler, KAMR-TV (NBC) in Amarillo, KLBK-TV (CBS) in Lubbock, KMID-TV (ABC) in Midland/Odessa, KFDX-TV (NBC) in Wichita Falls, KTAB-TV (CBS) in Abilene, and KSLT-TV (CBS) in San Angelo. Local viewers may also access a livestream of the broadcast online by visiting the website of their local Nexstar station (see table below for more information).

“Nexstar and its television stations across Texas are proud to once again produce and carry Governor Abbott’s State of the State address,” said Andy Alford, President of Nexstar’s broadcasting division. “We are committed to serving the communities in which we are located by delivering exclusive live local news programming that enables our viewers to make informed decisions about the issues that matter most to them. We thank Governor Abbott for trusting Nexstar with this opportunity.”

Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s 2025 “State of the State” Address – Television Broadcast and Live-Stream

Sunday, February 2, 2025

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. CT

Governor Abbott’s will be carried on the following stations and websites:

Station Network Market Station Website Social Media

KTAB-TV CBS Abilene bigcountryhomepage.com @KTABTV

KAMR-TV NBC Amarillo myhighplains.com @KAMRLocal4News

KXAN-TV NBC Austin kxan.com @KXAN_News

KVEO-TV / SVEO-TV NBC / CBS Harlingen/Brownsville valleycentral.com @cbs4rgv

KDAF-TV CW Dallas cw33.com @CW33

KTSM-TV NBC El Paso ktsm.com @KTSMtv

KIAH-TV CW Houston cw39.com @CW39Houston

KLBK-TV CBS Lubbock everythinglubbock.com @KLBKNews

KMID-TV ABC Midland/Odessa yourbasin.com @Big2News

KTAL-TV NBC Shreveport, LA arklatexhomepage.com @NBC6News

KETK-TV NBC Tyler easttexasmatters.com @KETK

KWKT-TV FOX Waco fox44news.com @KWKTFOX44

KFDX-TV NBC Wichita Falls texomashomepage.com @TexomasHomepage

KSAN-TV NBC San Angelo conchovalleyhomepage.com @klstnews

(This post taken from a press release)

Ryan Chandler joins NBC News from KXAN Austin

Ryan Chandler is leaving his KXAN Austin Texas Capitol Correspondent reporting role to join NBC News as its Texas-based correspondent based in Dallas.

So, instead of reporting for the Nexstar Media Group's 13 Texas markets, Chandler will report across all of the NBC News platforms such as "Today," "NBC Nightly News," "NBC News NOW" and MSNBC.

"I love the Texas Capitol community and I am not going anywhere," Chandler told mikemcguff.com.  "The Texas story is a national story- economically, politically, culturally, demographically. Texas will lead and experience the political currents of this country more than most, and now my job is to tell that story for everyone. I'll be in Austin probably more than some of the lawmakers would like."

Chandler joined KXAN in December 2022 from sister stations KAMC and KLBK News Lubbock where he was a reporter and anchor. He was already covering politics by hosting a weekly show called "Talking Points."

A University of Texas at Austin grad and Houston native, Chandler was a KXAN political intern.

"I feel incredibly honored to join some of the journalists I most admire at NBC, and I'm humbled at the opportunity to share the stories of Texas with the world," Chandler added.  "I give the credit to the friends and mentors I found in local news in Austin and Lubbock, some of my best friends who have built me up and put me here." 

The Nexstar Texas Capitol bureau is looking a little depleted now that Chandler and Monica Madden have left.

On a personal note, I’ve included a photo of Chandler and me from when he covered my testimony before the Texas House of Representatives Human Services Committee in 2023 for an Alzheimer’s disease-related bill—which passed! After meeting Chandler in person, I'm not surprised he is heading to the network level. 

It’s rare for me to meet someone I’m covering, and this is the first time I’ve had a photo with an NBC News correspondent!

Speaking of jumping from Texas TV to a network correspondent position, Houston viewers will remember that ABC13 KTRK reporter Brooke Taylor joined FOX News last summer.

Texas TV news and radio job moves November 2024

 Send tips for the monthly Texas media job list here.

- iHeartMedia Texas radio layoffs
- The TEGNA cuts of 2024
- 2024 Lone Star EMMY winners
- Local TV news starting to embrace AI future

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

Niyah Gonzalez left her job at Spectrum News Dallas.

Dallas Business Journal hired Sydney Asher to cover a variety of topics and companies across North Texas.

Ryan Fox, morning host at Cumulus Media “99.5 The Wolf” KPLX has been named the new host of “American Country Countdown.”

RJ Choppy Knows the National Media is Tuning In When Jerry Jones Appears on 105.3 The Fan.

Aria Jones joins the Dallas Morning News as a Southern Dallas reporter.

- ALT 103.7 DFW changes schedule November 2024
- Dallas TV reporter finds dog new home

HOUSTON

Alison Cook, veteran restaurant critic and Houston food scene advocate, left the Houston Chronicle.

After 34 years at ABC13 and 44 years in TV news, photojournalist Mike Menchaca is retiring.

Jorge Franco, a 26-year graphic artist for ABC13 KTRK, leaves the station after 38 years in the news biz!

Reporter Jen Rice announced she is leaving the Houston Chronicle.

How Eric Berger and Matt Lanza Became Houston’s Most Trusted Meteorologists.

Laura and Dave Ward were named one of “Houston’s Ten Most Beautiful Couples” by Warner Roberts-Fall 2024.

Jay Jones was inducted into The Texas Radio Hall of Fame 2024.

Erica Simon celebrates seven years with abc13 KTRK.

New ABC13 KTRK GM Michael Carr says “make no mistake, this is an amazing time to be a part of the television industry.”

Jay Michaels of Mix 96.5 KHMX celebrates 25 years in the radio industry.

Janis Tucker joins FOX 26 as a Multi-Platform Account Manager.

Faith Braverman joins FOX 26 as an Associate Producer.

Sam Houston State University student Ava Herrera left her internship with the KPRC 2 weather department.

- River Oaks Theatre "Runaway Radio" screening
- Joy Addison joins KPRC 2 Houston
- ABC13 Houston has some big anniversaries
- Amy Davis and KPRC 2 named duPont-Columbia Award finalist 2025
- Dominique Sachse leaves Merit Street Media
- Dave Ward to be inducted into the Lone Star EMMY 2024 Gold Circle
- Where is Shara Fryer?
- Daniella Guzman takes on TV consultants
- Houston TV anchors celebrate international journalist and bride
- Marlene Guzmán and Edgar Olivares join Telemundo Houston
- Frank Billingsley joins Houston Public Media
- Mix 96.5 wins OutSmart Magazine’s 27th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards
- KHOU 11's 4:30am newscast is gone
- Kim Castro is engaged

SAN ANTONIO

Sports director/anchor Don Harris celebrates 35 years KMOL/WOAI/News 4.

Now 96.1 KXXM flipped to Bilingual AC format Mix 96.1. 

Hits 105.3 KSMG cut ties with morning hosts Jenny Lee and Tony Cortez.

Ex-San Antonio TV anchor violates Texas Election Code, sparks anger online.

Workers at San Antonio's Texas Public Radio seek union representation.

San Antonio TV station KLRN brings back citywide battle of the bands for new season.

- Roxy Van Ruiten joins KENS 5 San Antonio; Maggie Laughlin to leave
- Sarah Forgany heading to KENS 5 PM shift

AUSTIN

Gus Bova is the new Editor-in-Chief of the Texas Observer.

Karoline Leonard joined the Austin American-Statesman as a technology reporter.

Revealing new KUT podcast hits the streets for 24 hours in Austin.

- Judy Maggio returns to KVUE Austin for education reports
- Austin InSight debuts on KLRU
- Casey Claiborne welcomes baby #3

AROUND TEXAS

Texas Anchor arrested for domestic violence.

A legacy goes silent: KAND 1340 AM Corsicana closes its doors.

Texas A&M Selects Sony Tech for Virtual Production Institute.

John Morris, “The Voice of the Baylor Bears,” to Receive 2024 NFF Chris Schenkel Award.

FDM professor pioneers HDTV at Baylor, inspires future filmmakers.

- Jessica Gonzalez moves to KFOX evenings
- Faith Douglass leaves KLBK Lubbock; Ryan Compeau joins
- Eric Kelly leaves FOX 44 KWKT Waco
- Mark Armstrong joins 12News KBMT Beaumont
- Former News 25 KXXV meteorologist Shea Rial recalls Jarrell Tornado

REMEMBERING

Radio hall of famer Ed Chandler dies at 74.

- Chauncy Glover has died
- Chauncy Glover video tributes from across the US
- Chauncy Glover funeral service had ABC13 memories
- Chauncy Glover's Houston celebration of life

Eric Kelly leaves FOX 44 KWKT Waco

Eric Kelly left his FOX 44 KWKT Waco-Temple-Killeen sports director role and apparently TV in September 2024.

"Thank you to the coaches, fans, players and SIDs who I had the pleasure of interacting with during my time in Waco," Kelly posted on X. "Y'all made it a joy to come to work everyday."

Parker Rehm takes over for Kelly as sports director after working as weekend sports anchor. Kam Dyer joined the station as Weekend Sports Anchor/Reporter from WCBI in Columbus, Mississippi.

Kelly previously worked for Nexstar Media Group sister station KAMC/KLBK Lubbock. 

The University of Missouri grad also worked for the University of Houston athletic department as a video editor.

I want to congratulate Parker on the very deserved promotion. There's no one else I would want taking over that role.

Thank you to the coaches, fans, players and SIDs who I had the pleasure of interacting with during my time in Waco. Y'all made it a joy to come to work everyday. https://t.co/EZ8xio9DU8

— Eric Kelly (@EricKellyTV) September 3, 2024

 

Faith Douglass leaves KLBK Lubbock; Ryan Compeau joins

Faith Douglass left the KLBK Lubbock in September 2024 where she was a sports reporter/anchor.

"My time as a sports reporter has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember and it has been so much FUN," Douglass posted.

Douglass left the TV biz and returned to her alma mater of Texas Tech to work as a recruiter.

As a student, Douglass worked for Raider Vision, co-hosted an independent podcast about Tech football and interned with Bradey King at KCBD 11.

Ryan Compeau takes over as KLBK sports director from Nexstar Media Group's sister station KLST San Angelo, where he was in the same position. 

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