Mike Friedrich joins KUTV Salt Lake City as news director

UPDATE
After three years in Annapolis, Maryland, Mike Friedrich joins KUTV Salt Lake City as news director in 2021 he announced on Facebook.

---

Just as KPRC 2 claims May 2018 sweeps victory across the board (more on that later), we learn that assistant news director Mike Friedrich is moving on.

"I am moving to Annapolis, Maryland in a few weeks," Friedrich told mikemcguff.com. "I lived in the Mid-Atlantic region for nearly 15 years. I am looking forward to living 10 minutes from the Chesapeake Bay and having a four hour drive to see my family in Pittsburgh, where I am from originally."

Not only it is a geographic move for Friedrich, but he's moving on from the TV news life and changing careers.

"Houston is an amazing city, the friendships I made here have been phenomenal and KPRC is not only the best station to work for in Houston, if not the country, it's been one of the most rewarding experiences in my career," Friedrich told me. "Our staff has some of the most hard-working, creative, and innovative people, I have had the pleasure to work with and lead. Dave Strickland has been an amazing boss and mentor to me."

Rhonda Errer LaVelle's promotion from channel 2 assistant news director to the news director job brought Friedrich to Houston in 2014 to assume her then vacant role (LaVelle left KPRC for WXYZ Detroit in 2016).

The award winning Friedrich previously worked as an executive producer for WJLA Washington, DC. He's also worked at WJZ Baltimore and CNN Newsource.

Friedrich explains he did not take his decision to move lightly. This life-altering change is putting him where he wants to be in the next five to 10 years.

"For me, it's just time for me to blaze my own trail doing something else," he added. "After I complete my move and finish my 'summer school,' I plan on taking the rest of the summer off, and getting started after Labor Day."

So stay tuned right here to find out what Friedrich's career move will be when he is ready to make an official announcement.

Fmr. KTRK news director Dave Strickland joins KPRC 2

Former KTRK abc13 news director Dave Strickland joins KPRC 2 (as news director)


Just when you thought I was losing interest in the Houston TV scene...this happens. The rumors have been flying for weeks. And now we officially know that former KTRK abc13 news director Dave Strickland is joining KPRC 2 in the same capacity.

“I am extremely honored to join a news team that has such an exceptional reputation and a rich history,” Strickland said in a statement first issued to mikemcguff.com.

Ladies and gentlemen, let the Houston TV newsroom wars turn up to 11. Grab some popcorn, sit back and get ready for the sparks to fly.

I should add that Dave Strickland is the man who hired me full-time in Houston TV back in 2001. Yeah, blame him for all of this. Seriously though, I had an up close view of how Strickland or "Strick" as he is called by employees runs a newsroom.

As I said before, he was a tough but fair news director. The 13 culture at the time was, "we are going to be first and we are going to win."

Strickland is a native Houstonian. I believe he grew up in Sharpstown if memory serves. He attended Alief Hastings and graduated from Sam Houston State University (Dan Rather's alma mater).

His first TV experience was at channel 13 where he worked his way up from a sports intern to producer. He left for WAVY 10 Norfolk, Virginia where he became news director.

Dave Strickland

After returning to Houston, he led abc13's newsroom through some great ratings highs for 14 years.

For instance, I have a t-shirt that was handed out in May 2002 that lists every major newscast win KTRK had in the ratings period. Back then, every time the station took all in the ratings war, employees got some kind of abc13 branded gear. We all had 13 emblazoned gym bags, computer bags, shirts, hats...etc. I should post some of this stuff on Instagram.

"I hired Dave out of college after he interned for me in sports at 13," former KTRK sports director Bob Allen told mikemcguff.com in 2014 when Strickland resigned from the station. "I'm proud of him for turning into a terrific news director. It was an honor to work for and with him at 13. It's a big loss for them. The best news director they ever had, and I worked for all but 2 of them. He'll find out as I did that change can be good. And like me, probably be much happier. MUCH happier."

So what I'm trying to say is, this guy knows how 13 ticks, what made it a heritage station all these years and what's going on in the rest of the Houston TV market too.

"Dave Strickland is one of the country's greatest news directors and a friend for life," former KTRK 13 Undercover reporter Wayne Dolcefino told mikemcguff.com in 2014. "He supported my investigative reporting until the very end. He was the brainchild behind the kind of in-depth aggressive news coverage Channel 13 used to be known for. I know my colleagues are devastated as they watch what is happening to a once great television institution."

KPRC is certainly well aware of this too.

“This is a major win to have Dave joining and leading our news team,” said KPRC VP/General Manager, Jerry Martin. “He is a Houstonian who knows the market, he knows the competition, and he’s a newsroom teacher who will take the foundation we’ve built the past few years at KPRC2 and raise it to a whole new level. This is great for the station and more importantly, it’s great for news viewers in the Houston market.”

Now the question is, who will follow Strickland to KPRC? Will KTRK reporters, anchors or behind the scenes staffers join him at channel 2? What about those former channel 13 employees no longer working in television? My guess is the answer to some of those questions is yes. Some names immediately popped into my head upon hearing this possible news a few weeks ago.

And how much (if any) will Strickland change KPRC's newscast? Some channel 13 viewers complain to me how the station's news has changed over the last few years. Whether they realize it or not, they started writing me after the time Strickland was not there. Will those disenfranchised 13 viewers prefer the new channel 2?

In the spirit of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio (which the Houston NBC affiliate is about to air) will KPRC get all gold with Strickland in the coach's chair?

Stay tuned. Things are about to get really exciting for Houston TV news viewers! KPRC says Strickland starts immediately.

RELATED
KPRC 2 ND Rhonda LaVelle heading to WXYZ Detroit

Gone for the summer (blog break)

I'm taking a little summer blogging break right now, so probably no posts for a few weeks.

In the meantime, we are waiting for a new news director at KPRC 2.  As you might remember, Rhonda LaVelle left channel 2 for WXYZ Detroit in June. KTRK abc13 reporter Miya Shay just delivered her second child last night, so now we are waiting for Samica Knight's good baby news.

And, in case you missed it late yesterday, Kaitlin Monte has joined FOX 26 KRIV as a reporter from WPIX New York.

Thanks to everyone who sent in photos for my 101 KLOL documentary. Still looking for photos, video and audio from KLOL plus 97 Rock/100.3 KILT rock days stuff too. Email me here.

The shirt I'm wearing here is from the new Rock 101 KLOL online station. I love this photo because it is the first one my son has ever taken with a real camera! He did a good job!

See you soon.

In the meantime, catch me on Twitter and Facebook and Instagram where I will still be pumping out Houston media news!

Texas TV & radio job moves June 2016

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

WFAA8 losing reporter Mike Castellucci -- for second time.

After a three-year stay, weekend meteorologist Ashton Altieri is leaving Dallas-based WFAA 8.

Splitting up: NBC5 and consumer-investigative reporter Deanna Dewberry.

Yona Gavino is CBS11 KTVT's newest reporter.

Melissa Harrison joins Mike Rogers and Scott Sams as co-anchor of the KRLD Morning News.

HOUSTON

David Herrera has left KAKW Univision 62 Austin to join sister station KXLN Univision 45 Houston.

Rich Pangilinan Joins KKHH (Hot 95.7)/Houston As APD/MD, CoCo Dominguez Takes Over Afternoon Drive.

After many years in Houston at stations like KPRC 2, KTRK abc13 and KIAH 39, design director Dennis Garcia joins WSMV in Nashville.

Millie Cardenas-Quintanilla is new Telemundo Houston KTMD Assignment Manager.

After writing about personal computing and tech since 1993, Dwight Silverman stops his Tech Blog to focus on his new job as Houston Chronicle Senior Web Producer for Premium Products.

Rowdy Yates Brings Country Gold To KTHT Houston.

Houston newsroom veteran Melissa Lanford has left her managing editor role at KPRC 2. Maryanne Hubbard takes her place from KUSA Denver.

I hear longtime FOX 26 KRIV photographer Eckhart von Ellenrieder is heading off to San Francisco.

Jeanne Lyons Davis Joins Houstonia Staff.

Coordinating Producer Heather Itzen is leaving KHOU 11's Great Day Houston for the new KPRC 2 lifestyle show.

Sheryl Grigsby, who spent the last decade with Cox Media Group as an Account Manager, is the new General Manager for True Blue Media.

- KHOU 11 makes major anchor changes
- Deborah Wrigley exits KTRK abc13
- KPRC 2 ND Rhonda LaVelle heading to WXYZ Detroit
- Pablo Alsina leaves KHOU 11 sports
- Jack Williams leaves 88.7 KUHF & Houston
- Courtney Perna departs KHOU 11
- 'The Buzz Lady' Roseann Rogers checks in for K9s4COPs
- Russ Lewis joins KHOU 11 as promised
- Ned Hibberd joins WCNC NBC Charlotte


SAN ANTONIO

After 20 years in television and 12 as an on-air staple of KENS-TV lifestyle show, "Great Day SA," Eileen Teves is leaving broadcasting to start a new career.

Great Day SA executive producer Kinya Cano, a 10-year veteran of KENS-TV, will leave San Antonio next month for a new gig with EyeOpener in Dallas.

'Joe Pags' Pagliarulo Inks Extension With iHeartMedia's WOAI/San Antonio, KPRC/Houston.

Don Smith, Director of Creative Services at KOVR/KMAX Sacramento, will be the new Director of Marketing for KENS-TV.

Radio icon Bruce Hathaway recovering from back surgery.

AUSTIN

Adam Winkler, KEYE’s weekend sports anchor for the past six years, is heading for Norfolk, Va., where he’ll be sports director at CBS affiliate WTKR.

After four years, KVUE’s investigative reporter Andy Pierrotti has accepted a similar position at WXIA Atlanta.

KRGV Rio Grande Valley investigative reporter Erica Proffer joins KVUE.

TEGNA named Kristie Gonzales president and general manager of KVUE. Gonzales will replace Patti Smith, who is retiring at the end of June.

KXAN's Lindsay Bramson is the new Investigative Reporter for WSMV News Channel 4 in Nashville.

AROUND TEXAS

Reporter Risa Morris leaves KYTX CBS 19 Tyler for WBBH Fort Myers, Cape Coral & Naples, Florida.

KVIA ABC-7 investigative journalist Ashlie Rodriguez is now the weekend anchor and weekday reporter for San Diego's KUSI.

Lubbock reporter/anchor Monica Yantosh jumps across the street to KAMC from KLBK.

KFDX Wichita Falls Morning Anchor/Reporter Jon Hansen leaves to become the Evening News Anchor/Reporter at KLBK Lubbock.

KLBK Reporter/MMJ Robin Deehan is the new Weekend Sports Anchor & Sports Reporter for WBRE/WYOU in Northeastern & Central Pennsylvania.

KAMC Lubbock Morning News Anchor Rachel Spangenthal is now NBC33-FOX44 Reporter/Anchor in Baton Rouge.

Longtime Denver anchor Mike Landess will return from KYTX Tyler to anchor a new 4 p.m. newscast at KWGN.

- Oscar E. Garcia named KIII Corpus Christi News Director

REMEMBERING

Former 101 KLOL and Country Legends 97.1 KTHT personality Thomas E. ‘Tubby’ Lawler III died in early June after a battle with cancer.

San Antonio public TV pioneer Joanne Winik dies.

============================================================================

As good as people think I am at tracking Texas media job moves, my image is better than reality. Don't expect that I see every Twitter or Facebook post about your new job. Don't get mad at me, contact me below to make sure I don't miss your big career move!

- Contact here for job changes
- Looking for TX TV jobs?

RELATED
- Texas TV & radio job moves May 2016
- Texas TV & radio job moves April 2016
- Texas TV & radio job moves March 2016
- Texas TV & radio job moves February 2016
- Texas TV & radio job moves January 2016
- Texas TV & radio job moves December 2015
- All the new and disappearing faces on Houston TV screens in 2015

KPRC 2 ND Rhonda LaVelle heading to WXYZ Detroit

After two years at KPRC 2, news director Rhonda LaVelle returns to Detroit, this time at WXYZ

Rhonda LaVelle

Rhonda LaVelle is leaving the KPRC 2 news director role for the one at WXYZ Detroit. This will be a homecoming for LaVelle who is from Michigan and previously worked at WDIV Detroit.

In 2014, LaVelle came from the Motor City to be channel 2's assistant news director. Within months, she took over the top news gig when then ND, Deborah Collura, left for the general manager gig at WCNC Charlotte.

Here is the internal KPRC memo obtained by mikemcguff.com about LaVelle's departure:

This is a tough note for me to write. After 2 years here at KPRC, I am moving back to Michigan. I have accepted the News Director position at WXYZ in Detroit.

I have loved every minute here in Houston. We have done some great things and I know you will continue to do so. I am very proud to have been a part of such a great team. It's been so rewarding to watch us grow on air and on our digital platforms. The stories we have covered together have been just amazing. Houston is an unbelievable news town!

Thank you to everyone one of you for everything you have done. I wish all of you the best of luck!

My last day is June 17th.

KPRC 2 back on air after power outage; explains what happened

KPRC Channel 2 blackout situation explained


This morning's severe weather and flooding knocked KPRC2 off the air. The technical difficulty was the result of a power outage. While power outages are not uncommon, the station usually seamlessly switches to their backup generator and it is unnoticeable to the public. In this instance however, there was literally a "perfect storm" of circumstances due to the construction of KPRC2's new facility.

The building is being built on their current property in Sharpstown, and it is believed that this caused a disruption to the normal flood mitigation. The result led to flood water submerging the transfer switch to the backup generator.

"The safety of our employees is, and always will be, our top priority," said KPRC2 VP/General Manager, Jerry Martin. "Once it became apparent that electricity could pose a safety threat when attempting to switch on the back-up generator, it was an easy decision to wait until we could get an electrician through the flood waters to properly handle the situation."

The station continued to deliver constant news and information the entire time via Click2Houston.com and social media. "We were never out of touch with the people counting on us to stay safe," said News Director, Rhonda LaVelle. "TV is just one of a wide portfolio of options that we deliver content, so we found ways to deliver critical information when it was needed."

As one dedicated viewer posted on KPRC2's Facebook page, "There has got to be some kind of special Emmy for the coverage by Channel 2 right now. Facetime, iPad & a remote transmission vehicle. Call it the MacGyver Award.” (Kristy Beins, Monday, April 18, 2016, 9:25AM)

"I can guarantee you we are in detailed and urgent conversations with the civil engineers and general contractor hired to construct our new facility to ensure flood mitigation does not cause an issue like this again," added Martin. "When deciding where to build our new facility, we weighed options that were less flood prone. Ultimately, we decided we are committed to Sharpstown and to making this area vibrant, and this does nothing to change that."

Centerpoint Energy has restored KPRC2 back to full power. The station continues to be 100% operational and a second backup generator has been installed.

(This post was taken from a release sent to me by KPRC 2)

VIDEO: Houston TV high water rescue and KPRC 2 off the air 4-18-2016

Houston media on high alert after historic flooding


I actually slept through most of the rain and flooding event overnight, but as soon as I woke up at 7am, there was a lot going on in what the Regional Joint Information Center is calling historic rainfall for the Houston and Harris County area. In fact meteorologist Travis Herzog said on Facebook, "This dwarfs the Memorial Day Flood."

When I flipped on the TV, I saw KTRK abc13 reporter Steve Campion performing a high water rescue near The Heights on Studemont.


Then I realized that KPRC 2 took a power hit and apparently had water coming into the station. That forced the channel off the air. That means you can't watch it over the air with an antenna, on cable or satellite. The station took to Facebook Live to broadcast information.

A quick thinking @KPRC2Sara captured the morning the lights went out at @KPRC2. @conflenti and @KPRCRachel pic.twitter.com/yfIt6VXxNA

— Brandon Walker (@KPRCBrandon) April 18, 2016

Flooded at KPRC. @KPRC2 we are off the air but working on it. pic.twitter.com/8xPiamgRFW

— Rhonda LaVelle (@rhondaerrer) April 18, 2016

UPDATE
KPRC 2 back on air after power outage; explains what happened
KPRC 2 started broadcasting at its studio in a limited basis around noon. It broadcasted from its transmitter site around 10:30am. This after attempting to get on before going off the air again.
Looks like KPRC 2 is about to come back on air right before 9am. Reporter Phil Archer tweeted, "Staying on air using a live truck backed up to the studio.":

Yay! @KPRC2 now broadcasting from its main studio again. #houwx @mikemcguff pic.twitter.com/sDs8Qjj75T

— Mike (@RadarDude) April 18, 2016

.@KPRC2 back on the air. @KPRCRYAN reporting from Missouri City transmitter. #houwx @mikemcguff pic.twitter.com/KbG7fBJGpK

— Mike (@RadarDude) April 18, 2016

Meanwhile back at KTRK abc13, the station was apparently tricked by a hoax:

Yes, @abc13houston fell for this ... pic.twitter.com/Kgh5YVBGRG

— Joseph Duarte (@Joseph_Duarte) April 18, 2016

RELATED
Houston flood 2015 photos and video

Courtney Gilmore to leave KPRC 2 for NBC 5 KXAS DFW

Houston loses it's own "Gilmore Girl" (I can't resist CW show title tie-ins): KPRC 2 anchor Courtney Gilmore is moving up north to work as a reporter for KXAS NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

Courtney Gilmore

After 9 years, KPRC 2 anchor/reporter Courtney Gilmore is headed to the DFW Metroplex to work as a reporter at KXAS NBC 5 I found out yesterday.

"She started as an intern, then traffic producer and eventually began her on air career," wrote KPRC 2 news director Rhonda LaVelle in a staff memo obtained by mikemcguff.com announcing Gilmore's job move. "She’s done just about everything and covered too many big stories to even try to list."

Houston is losing a great on air talent and one of its own!

 Gilmore is a graduate of Houston's High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA). That prestigious training led her to the University of Minnesota where she received her BFA degree in Classical Theatre in 2005. While at the university, Gilmore performed and trained around the world from Shanghai and Beijing, China to London, England.

"The world is a classroom, and I am forever learning," Gilmore once wrote.

That kind of thought led Gilmore to also earn a master's degree at Dallas Theological Seminary.

"I have come to realize that my platform is not to give voice to the voiceless," Gilmore added. "Those who are marginalized already have a voice. It is simply my job to hand them a microphone, and add their voice to the story."

In her spare time, Gilmore also mentors young women and girls.

Her last day at KPRC will be April 3rd.

RELATED
Ruben Galvan announced departure from KPRC 2

Ruben Galvan announced departure from KPRC 2

UPDATE JULY 2016
Ruben Galvan returns to XETV San Diego 6 News (CW affiliate) where he worked prior to KPRC 2.

KPRC 2 entertainment reporter Ruben Galvan leaves station for California

Ruben Galvan

Ruben Galvan is heading back to California. The KPRC 2 morning feature reporter made the announcement on Facebook:

Thank YOU Houston!
To all of my friends, family, colleagues, and VIEWERS... I have decided to move back to California after an amazing ride here at KPRC2.
It has been a JOY being an Entertainment Reporter in my hometown for the past 2 1/2 years and I couldn't Thank You enough.
I will dearly miss my FAVORITE morning team and the best photographer in the world, Cesar Martinez.
This dream would have never come true without my faith in God and support from a very special group of folks from the very beginning like Jerry Martin (GM), Bill Balleza, and Deborah Collura (Former ND).
Also, thank you Rhonda LaVelle (ND) for embracing my creativity and humor.
I have chosen to pursue the next chapter of my life and take a short break.
My last day at work is March 4th. Until then... COME on BACK!
Love Ruben

Galvan made his mark on the KPRC 2 morning show. After he and anchor Rachel McNeill were added to the show in 2013, the newscast went to number one for a few years. In fact, after Ruben's arrival, other Houston TV stations added more feature oriented reporters to their morning shows.

Before that, Galvan spent 10 years at XETV San Diego 6 News (CW affiliate) as the morning entertainment/feature reporter. He also worked at KXXV Waco and KTVB-Ch.7 in Boise, Idaho.

He is a a graduate of Spring Branch's Northbrook High School and the University of Houston.

Hopefully he will let us know what he's doing next soon.

UPDATE JULY 2016
Ruben Galvan returns to XETV San Diego 6 News (CW affiliate) where he worked prior to KPRC 2.


RELATED
- Courtney Gilmore to leave KPRC 2 for NBC 5 KXAS DFW
- VIDEO: KPRC's Ruben Galvan's snake scare scream
- KPRC 2's Ruben Galvan's slimy live shot

Thank YOU Houston! To all of my friends, family, colleagues, and VIEWERS... I have decided to move back to California...
Posted by KPRC2 Ruben Galvan on Thursday, February 25, 2016

I had the day off from work today, so missed the going-away shindig.  Wanted to wish @kprcrubentv #RubenGalvan the very...
Posted by KPRC2 Jennifer Reyna on Friday, March 4, 2016

Sara Donchey joins KPRC 2 from KRIS

UPDATE JANUARY 20, 2019
Sara Donchey joins KCBS - KCAL Los Angeles


Sara Donchey joins KPRC 2 from KRIS Corpus Christi as new 4pm anchor

Sara Donchey

Yeah, I'm totally slipping as of late as many of you have noticed, but here is a quick post for you.

KRIS Corpus Christi weekend anchor Sara Donchey joins KPRC 2 as the station's new 4pm anchor confirms KPRC 2 news director Rhonda LaVelle to mikemcguff.com.

Donchey will anchor with Keith Garvin. That means current 4pm anchor Lauren Freeman will now anchor the 5pm with Bill Balleza.

You might remember that longtime 5pm anchor Dominique Sachse left that show upon her contract renewal.

"Freeing up the 5pm newscast allows me more family and after-school time," Sachse told mikemcguff.com last April.

Previous to her two years at KRIS, Donchey worked as a reporter for KZTV Action 10 News in the same city.

Before Texas, she was a production assistant for KPIX CBS5 in San Franciso and online managing editor for the Golden Gate Xpress.

Donchey is a graduate of San Francisco State University.

RELATED
- Jonathan Martinez joins KPRC 2 as weekend anchor
- Cathy Hernandez joins KPRC 2


* This post has been updated with the details that Sara Donchey is the new KPRC 4pm anchor.

Jonathan Martinez joins KPRC 2 as weekend anchor

Galveston raised Jonathan Martinez joins KPRC 2 as weekend anchor from KNWA Northwest Arkansas News

Jonathan Martinez

After Phillip Mena left for the big leagues at ABC News, KPRC 2 is hiring Jonathan Martinez as its new weekend co-anchor alongside Syan Rhodes.

"Jonathan is a hometown guy," said KPRC news director Rhonda LaVelle in an email to mikemcguff.com. "He’s originally from Galveston and his family all still lives in the Houston area."

Currently, Martinez is the 5, 6 and 10pm anchor for KNWA Northwest Arkansas News.

Previously, he worked at KTRV-TV, Boise, ID as a morning news anchor, KLAS-TV, Las Vegas as a fill-in anchor/general assignment reporter, KABB-TV, San Antonio as a general assignment reporter and KBMT-TV, Beaumont as a morning anchor/general assignment reporter.

The award winning journalist is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University.

Martinez will start at channel 2 in August.

Yeah, I know, two posts in two days. Crazy. I don't know how many more there will be though. The KLOL documentary is on a roll now!

Anoushah Rasta joins KPRC 2

UPDATE NOVEMBER 18, 2017
Anoushah Rasta leaves KPRC 2


KTSM News Channel 9 El Paso weekend anchor Anoushah Rasta comes to Houston's KPRC as reporter

Anoushah Rasta

Recent KTSM News Channel 9 El Paso weekend anchor Anoushah Rasta starts today as a reporter at KPRC, news director Rhonda Errer LaVelle confirms to mikemcguff.com.

Rasta worked at KTSM for two years where she started as a reporter/multimedia journalist and fill-in anchor. She was promoted to weekend anchor last December.

Before Texas, Rasta worked for KABC-TV as a news assistant, apprentice and freelance traffic producer. While at the Disney/ABC Television Group station, Rasta was on the production team for the 84th Academy Awards and the Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2012. She was also a freelance reporter for Life and Style Weekly where she interviewed celebrities like Betty White, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ciara, Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum.

Rasta is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles and a Southern California native.

According to her bio, Rasta speaks fluent French, Farsi and conversational Spanish.


UPDATE NOVEMBER 18, 2017
Anoushah Rasta leaves KPRC 2

RELATED
- KPRC 2 hires anchor Phillip Mena from KTSM/KDBC El Paso
- Jacqueline Crea joins KHOU from KTSM El Paso

KPRC 2 hires Mike Friedrich as assistant news director

WJLA's Mike Friedrich to become new KPRC assistant news director; WJBK's Steve Lulgjuraj moves into 10pm EP role

KPRC 2 announced two big hires to the staff today.

Once Rhonda Errer LaVelle moved up to news director, the NBC affiliate had an opening for an assistant news director.

The person taking the KPRC assistant news director gig is WJLA Washington, DC executive producer Mike Friedrich. In the past, Friedrich has been an executive producer at WJZ Baltimore and a CNN Newsource producer. He's won several Emmys, Murrows and AP awards for Best Newscasts. His first day is October 23rd.

Also announced to the KPRC newsroom is a new 10pm EP. WJBK Fox 2 News Detroit's Steve Lulgjuraj takes that job. Ljuljdjuraj is the 10pm senior producer at the Fox owned and operated station. He also produces a weekly public affairs program called Let It Rip. His first day is October 27th.

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

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

Mike McGuff and 101 KLOL Runaway Radio

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

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

Also where the heck is anchor Dave Ward?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Houston Press Club winners, SA anchor breaks down, plus more

MORE VIDEO
- Female TV anchors showing more skin?
- Howard Stern fan pranks MSNBC’s Malaysian plane crash coverage with crude joke
- Newsroom baby shower surprise for Traffic Authority Michelle Merhar
- I just swallowed a fly
- Snake in the sales office
- This was a news story?
- Suck my what?
- But Didn’t You Say You Had Breaking News?
- KWES (Midland) marriage proposal
- TV Live Truck Mast Collapse Captured on Video
- Spider Becomes Latest in String of Creature Assaults on Meteorologists
- Reporter takes a pie to the face at the circus
- News 8 says goodbye to Danny Manley
- This Is SportsCenter - Metallica
- Houston's Art Rascon reports from Central America on ABC's This Week
- Mike Douglas Show with Star Wars cast (1977)
- NBC News Overnight - June 25, 1983 (Part 1 of 4)
- KENS 5 Eyewitness News Image Promo
- Bill Talylor KENS 5 First Alert Weather Image Promo

Lone Star Awards
The Houston Press Club presents its 2014 Lone Star Award winners.

The News will shut down paid website
As newspapers try new ideas to attract more digital readers in a changing media world, some are destined to stick and others to fail.

Direct from Hollywood, FOX Television Stations to Air Fresh New Entertainment Show, Hollywood Today Live
FOX Television Stations will air Hollywood Today Live a daily one-hour entertainment magazine show that delivers the hottest celebrity, red carpet and pop culture headlines, social media and red carpet coverage. Hollywood Today Live began July 14, and will air on top FOX Television stations in several markets like Dallas on FOX 4 from 2-3 p.m. and in Houston on MyNet 20 from 9-10 a.m.

Mary Benton gets her own day
Congratulations to former KPRC reporter Mary Benton. She officially has her own day in the city of Houston.
- Watch her in the city chamber
- PICS: Mary Benton's KPRC goodbye party packed with Houston TV celebs

Houston Chronicle Live Tweeted the Stay Funeral
The Chron sent not one but two reporters who live tweeted the funeral, complete with photos.

HOUSTON-GALVESTON: The Song Remains The Same
Research Director, Inc. Presents Exclusive June PPM Analysis For Houston.

Sports Radio 610 misplayed Travis Johnson
Houston Media Watch puts money on former Texans first-round draft pick, Travis Johnson.

The Daily Craig
Odd Request From a Former Co-Worker

$100,000 in 10 weeks? No problem for one young fundraising femme
Former TV reporter Hasti Taghi raised $107,000 to win the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's "Woman of the Year" honors.

Radio host resolves legal dispute with AM station
The legal dispute between Houston radio host Michael Harris and his on-again-off-again boss, KCOH 1230 AM president Jesse Dunn, has been resolved.

Houston teen will compete on ‘Jeopardy!’ for $75K
William Golden, 13, is a 7th grade student at Harmony School of Excellence in Houston and will be participating in the tournament.

Get ready for Houston Restaurant Weeks
Brunch is on the menu for the highly anticipated annual food fest known as Houston Restaurant Weeks.

Barbizon Updates Houston’s Telemundo Lighting
For KTMD-TV Telemundo in Houston, TX the challenge was to take a brand new space with video walls, LCD displays and Chroma-key elements and design a daylight balanced, fully functioning studio that was easy to maintain without causing delay in the studio’s packed programming schedule.

Former KPRC reporter Brendan Keefe gets new gig
Brendan Keefe to Leave WCPO for WXIA and Gannett Teaching Gig

Popular KSAT anchor breaks down in tears over child injury reports
Who says journalists have no heart? An anchor for KSAT-TV Channel 12 in San Antonio was overcome with emotion during a newscast.

S.A. anchor’s TV swan song — and upcoming book
Jacqueline Ortiz is waving goodbye to 16 years of newscasting/reporting to devote more time to her family. As it turns out, however, her own children, ages 6 and 9, aren’t the only young people who will benefit from her newly freed-up energies.

Meteorologist who sued KXAN lands new job
A meteorologist who filed a racial discrimination suit against KXAN after she was let go by station management has landed a new job with a nationally televised cable network.

Gannett completes acquisition of six London Broadcasting Company TV stations from SunTx Capital Partners
Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) announced that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of six of London Broadcasting Company's television stations in Texas for $215 million in an all-cash transaction.

Lazy TV anchors are just doing what the job description says
Nexstar owned KAMC and KLBK (Lubbock) have posted a job for main Anchors. Now, if you're thinking this is a job you can do, you better think again.

John Walton-Owned KFFX To Air Walton & Johnson Morning Show
yndicated Classic Rock and Talk morning show WALTON AND JOHNSON picks up KFFX/BEAUMONT-PORT ARTHUR, TX, which coincidentally is owned by show host JOHN WALTON.

Texas Cable Operator Fined $2.25 Million for Retrans Violation
A Texas cable operator has been fined $2.25 million for violating retransmission consent rules. The Federal Communications Commission issued the Forfeiture Order this week to TV Max of Houston for “willfully and repeatedly” violating Section 325 of the Communications Act “by retransmitting the signals of six Houston, Texas area full-power commercial television broadcast stations without ‘the express authority’ of the originating stations.”

Texas Monthly names new editor in chief
Texas Monthly has named Brian Sweany its next editor-in-chief.

REMEMBERING

Kuyk Logan
The Hobby family brought Kuyk Logan to Houston in 1969 as assistant managing editor of The Houston Post. He was named managing editor in 1976, a job he held until the paper was sold in 1983. From there, he became managing editor of news at the Houston CBS affiliate, KHOU-TV.

Charles "Chuck" Paul Pharris Sr.
Charles “Chuck” Paul Pharris Sr., 85, of Marietta died Friday, July 11, 2014. He joined KPRC-TV in Houston in 1956 as chief cameraman. He was later named Director of Newsfilm Operations, and became a member of NPPA. Chuck and the KPRC staff won several NPPA and AP awards for spot news and features, and in 1962 KPRC was named “Newsfilm Station of the Year.”

Young Telemundo employee killed in car wreck during holiday trip
A Houston family is mourning the loss of a young woman killed in a car crash out of state. Vanessa Morales was an employee at the Telemundo TV station in Houston.

Former KHOU 11 reporter Brad Woodard remembered
Friends gathered Saturday to remember the life of former KHOU 11 reporter Brad Woodard. Those in attendance included Jeff McShan, Carolyn Mungo, Greg Groogan, Chau Nguyen, former KHOU news director Keith Connors and wife Karla Barguiarena, Woodard's two sisters and many current and former KHOU employees.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Courtney Zubowski leaving KHOU 11
- PICS: Mary Benton's KPRC goodbye party packed with Houston TV celebs
- Ashley Paredez anchored at FOX 7 KTBC Austin
- Darby Douglas' father dies hours before his KHOU return
- Rhonda Errer LaVelle is new KPRC 2 news director

Rhonda Errer LaVelle is new KPRC 2 news director

KPRC made it official: Rhonda Errer LaVelle is new KPRC 2 news director

UPDATE JUNE 06, 2016
KPRC 2 ND Rhonda LaVelle heading to WXYZ Detroit

Rhonda Errer LaVelle

Rhonda Errer LaVelle is the new KPRC 2 news director a station source has confirmed.

LaVelle came to the Post-Newsweek aka Graham Holdings station earlier this year as assistant news director.

Since May, LaVelle held the interim ND duties after former news director Deborah Collura bolted for the general manager gig at WCNC Charlotte.

Before Houston, LaVelle worked at sister station WDIV Detroit for 16 years. She left there as an executive producer.

According to her LinkedIn profile, LaVelle attended Central Michigan University.

UPDATE JUNE 06, 2016
KPRC 2 ND Rhonda LaVelle heading to WXYZ Detroit