Kathryn Bonfield has left KHOU 11 Houston

News director Kathryn Bonfield has left KHOU 11 Houston as of this morning, multiple sources tell mikemcguff.com.

UPDATE MARCH 2026
Tim Geraghty named KHOU 11 news director

Assistant News Director Wiley Post will now be in charge of the news department's day-to-day operations until a new news director is hired, according to a memo obtained by mikemcguff.com that was sent to the staff from Raquel Amparo, the Vice President of Content, Texas Region for TEGNA.

Bonfield was named Channel 11 news director in December 2024, succeeding Liz Roldán, who departed KHOU in October 2024.

She joined KHOU after a 13-year run as news director at Graham Media Group–owned News4JAX WJXT in Jacksonville, Florida (Graham Media Group also owns KHOU competitor KPRC 2). 

During her tenure at WJXT, Bonfield reshaped the station’s news operation, expanding local news coverage to nearly 60 hours per week across TV and streaming platforms. She also launched an investigative team and created a Senior Data Producer role to strengthen investigative journalism. In partnership with Jacksonville University’s Public Policy Institute, she organized election debates and town halls.

Before joining WJXT, Bonfield served nearly 4 years as assistant news director at WFLA 8 in Tampa and, prior to that, spent 3 years as news director at WCBD in Charleston, South Carolina.

According to LinkedIn, Bonfield began her career at WFLA in 1992 as a news producer. Over the next 12 years, she worked her way up to executive producer and eventually assistant news director.

At the time of her hiring, KHOU noted that Bonfield is a champion of equity and inclusion, implementing strategies that strengthened newsroom culture and ensured diverse storytelling that reflects the entire community.

A lifelong learner, Bonfield is pursuing a doctoral degree in Organizational Change and Leadership at USC. She is a graduate of the University of Florida and earned her master’s degree from the University of North Florida.

SAME DAY AT TEGNA TEXAS STATIONS
- Shern-Min Chow to leave KHOU 11 Houston
- Marc Istook to leave WFAA 8 DFW

Kathryn Bonfield joins KHOU 11 as news director

Kathryn Bonfield has been named the new KHOU 11 Houston news director. 

UPDATE JANUARY 2026
Kathryn Bonfield has left KHOU 11 Houston

She brings over 30 years of experience in local television broadcasting, digital media, and streaming to the TEGNA-owned CBS affiliate.

Bonfield joins KHOU 11 after a 13-year tenure as News Director at Graham Media Group-owned News4JAX WJXT Jacksonville, Florida (Graham Media Group owns KHOU competitor KPRC 2).

During her time at WJXT, Bonfield transformed the station’s news operations, expanding local news programming to nearly 60 hours per week across TV and streaming platforms. She also established an investigative team and created a Senior Data Producer role to enhance investigative journalism. Through partnerships with Jacksonville University’s Public Policy Institute, she organized election debates and town halls.

Before WJXT, Bonfield was the assistant news director for WFLA 8 in Tampa for nearly four years and, before that, the news director for WCBD Charleston, South Carolina, for three years.

According to LinkedIn, Bonfield began her career with WFLA in 1992 as a news producer.  For the next 12 years, she worked her way up to executive producer and eventually assistant news director. 

KHOU notes that Bonfield is a champion of equity and inclusion, implementing strategies that strengthened newsroom culture and ensured diverse storytelling that reflected the entire community.

"Kathryn's leadership and commitment to high standards of local journalism will be a tremendous asset to our newsroom and the Houston community," said David Loving, President and General Manager of KHOU 11 in a release. "Her extensive experience across severe weather reporting, reaching audiences across platforms, investigative journalism, and community outreach make her an exceptional addition to our team."

"I am excited to join KHOU 11 and look forward to serving Houston's communities through dedicated, integrity-driven local news," added Bonfield.

A lifelong learner, Bonfield is pursuing a doctoral degree in Organizational Change and Leadership at USC. She graduated from the University of Florida and earned her master's degree from the University of North Florida.

A devoted rock fan, she has attended 14 Rolling Stones concerts. As a baseball enthusiast, she has visited 20 Major League Baseball parks, with plans to see them all. Bonfield leads an active lifestyle, enjoys traveling with family, and is rebuilding after Hurricane Helene impacted her Gulf Coast home. She was also inducted into her high school’s Hall of Fame for her career achievements.

Bonfield takes over for Liz Roldán, who left KHOU in October 2024.

Niku Kazori joining ABC7 Los Angeles KABC

Niku Kazori is joining ABC7 Los Angeles KABC from KIRO 7 Seattle, where she was a morning news/traffic/weather anchor.

"I’m extremely grateful for the endless opportunities I was given here…. From starting off a reporter right when I came back from Japan, to traffic within a couple of months, then weather, and finally anchoring. 

At the end…. It was hard to say what my exact 'title' was… I was just referred to as the utility player and I loved it.  

I was beyond lucky to work in a challenging news market with smart, dedicated, and experienced Journalists."

She joined KIRO 7 in March 2022.

Kazori left her position as morning traffic anchor at KENS 5 in San Antonio in May 2020 to move to Okinawa, Japan, where she married her then-fiancé, who was serving in the Air Force.

A native of Houston, Kazori joined KENS 5 Eyewitness News in 2017 after working as a reporter at WVLT 8 Knoxville, Tennessee.

Before that, she was a part-time weather and traffic anchor/reporter for WCBD News 2 in Charleston, South Carolina.

Kazori began her broadcasting career as a weather anchor and reporter for KCBD 11 in Lubbock.

While studying at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, the Cypress Ridge High School alum interned with FOX 26 KRIV and KPRC 2.

Speaking of Houston, KABC recently hired abc13 KTRK general manager Wendy Granato. In Southern California TV news in general, CW39's Adam Krueger is heading for LA while former channel 13 anchor Chauncy Glover is already there.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Niku Kazori 🎤🎥 (@nikukazori)

 

Brooke Katz leaves CBS News Texas

Brooke Katz has apparently left her morning anchor position for CBS News Texas 11 KTVT Dallas-Fort Worth as her bio is no longer on the station's website as of November 2023.

Katz moved to the CBS 11 morning anchor job in January 2022 with Keith Russell after Karen Borta moved to later newscasts.  When she joined KTVT in 2019, Katz was the weekend anchor/reporter.

Before DFW Metroplex TV, Katz worked as the 4pm anchor for WCNC Charlotte, North Carolina. She previously anchored the noon show and was a morning anchor/traffic reporter.

Prior to WCNC, Katz was an anchor/traffic anchor/reporter for WHAS11 Louisville, Kentucky.

Katz started her TV journalism career with WCBD News 2 Charleston, South Carolina as a reporter/producer.

She is a Rutgers University grad with honors.

(Thanks John)

Niku Kazori joins KIRO 7 Seattle

Niku Kazori is joining KIRO 7 Seattle after leaving TV for love and to live in another country.

UPDATE AUGUST 2024
Niku Kazori joining ABC7 Los Angeles KABC

She most recently was the KENS 5 San Antonio morning traffic anchor.  Former KENS 5 anchor Aaron Wright just joined KIRO 7 in late 2021.

Kazori left San Antonio TV in May 2020 to move to Okinawa, Japan and marry her then fiancé who serves in the Air Force.

"I'm sure with San Antonio being a military city, you all know at least one person who has gone through the difficult decision to say goodbye to their friends, family, coworkers and pack up everything to move somewhere because that's where the job takes them," Kazori posted at the time. "None of us would have imagined we would be stationed anywhere outside the U.S. and we had different plans for all the different cities that we thought were options and we were going to continue following our passions."

The Houston native joined KENS 5 Eyewitness News in 2017 from WVLT 8 Knoxville where she was a reporter.  

Kazori previously worked as a Part-time weather and traffic anchor/Reporter for WCBD News 2 Charleston, South Carolina Area.  

She got her start in the broadcast biz as a weather anchor/reporter for KCBD 11 Lubbock.

While attending the University of St. Thomas, the Cypress Ridge High School grad interned with FOX 26 KRIV and KPRC 2. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Niku Kazori 🎤🎥 (@nikukazori)

Joe Trahan named WFAA weeknight sports anchor

Joe Trahan is taking over as the new WFAA weeknight sports anchor for the retiring Dale Hansen.

While Trahan has some big sports shoes to fill, he already has 18 years with the WFAA 8 sports department. He also has 15 Lone Star Emmy Awards and two regional Edward R. Murrow Awards.

So Hansen says goodbye on September 2, 2021 and Trahan takes over September 3rd.

“I'm thrilled with this opportunity," Trahan said on WFAA.com. "The bar is set high and I'm looking forward to elevating what we do and continuing the great legacy of WFAA Sports. This is home for me and my family and I know firsthand sports means a lot to people of North Texas. When I’m at the hardware store or coffee shop the conversations are passionate and I know people care. I'll do my best to inform, entertain and have some fun along the away while being of service to our community.”

“We are so grateful to have someone of Joe’s caliber take on this role,” added WFAA Vice President and Station Manager, Carolyn Mungo. "His years of experience and knowledge of the market, combined with his natural ability to connect with an audience is a win for both our staff at WFAA and for all of North Texas. I can’t wait for him to grab the spotlight.”

Trahan came to WFAA in June 2003 from FOX 8 WVUE New Orleans where he was the sports director.

He previously worked for WCBD News 2 Charleston, SC as a sports anchor/reporter.

The Loyola University grad started working at WWL New Orleans as an overnight news write while still in college.

Trahan grew up in Houston and played basketball and baseball for Strake Jesuit.

Niku Kazori leaves KENS 5 San Antonio

❤️✌️ pic.twitter.com/uIK0luLtLo

— Niku Kazori (@NikuKazori) May 13, 2020

KENS 5 San Antonio morning traffic anchor Niku Kazori has left the TEGNA station and is moving to Japan.

Here is part of what she said on Twitter about her life change:

So many of you know that I met my fiancee here in San Antonio and he's in the Air Force and we've been long distance during the course of our relationship as he traveled the country completing different schools from coast to coast and now finishing his advanced training in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

And I'm sure with San Antonio being a military city, you all know at least one person who has gone through the difficult decision to say goodbye to their friends, family, coworkers and pack up everything to move somewhere because that's where the job takes them.

None of us would have imagined we would be stationed anywhere outside the U.S. and we had different plans for all the different cities that we thought were options and we were going to continue following our passions. For him, it's special operations and for me it's news.

We recently found out that things don't always go as planned, and especially right now during this pandemic and having to postpone our wedding. So very soon we'll be moving to Okinawa, Japan. And I still get the chills every time I say it.

Her final day was last Friday.

You can see her official TV sendoff here.

The Houston native joined KENS 5 as a multi-skilled journalist, later moving to morning traffic replacing Chelsey Hernandez who left for abc13 KTRK to become a consumer reporter.

Kazori previously worked at WVLT Knoxville, Tennessee; WCBD Charleston, South Carolina and KCBD Channel 11 Lubbock.

She interned at FOX 26 KRIV and KPRC 2. She attended Cypress Ridge High School, Sam Houston State University and the University of St Thomas.

Lainie Fritz to leave KPRC 2

After three years, KPRC 2 sports reporter Lainie Fritz announces departure from the station

Friday night, KPRC 2 sports reporter Lainie Fritz announced she is leaving the station.

Thank you Houston! This Sunday will be my last day at KPRC and while I’m excited about what’s next in my journey, this goodbye is very bittersweet.

These 3 years are filled with so many amazing memories...from the Super Bowl, to the Astros winning the World Series, and the Cougars making history in the NCAA tournament to name a few.

I have truly enjoyed every step of the way. Even covering the tough times like Hurricane Harvey I cherish, because it showed me the heart of this city. Houston is my favorite place in the world and it’s not because of the great sports, incredible food or warm weather. It’s because of the people. I believe that no where else in the country has such down to earth, genuine, good hearted people who love to have fun like the people here. The culture is simply unmatched.

No matter where I go from here, Houston will always have my heart and feel like home. Thankful the Lord allowed me the opportunity to pursue my passion here and be inspired by so many of you on a daily basis. Thank you to everyone who has supported and believed in me.

Please stay in touch as I keep you posted on what’s next for me!

Fritz joined KPRC in March of 2016. During her time at channel 2, she garnered a lot of national attention. Fritz was featured in a profile by NBC Sports and written about in some online outlets.

Before Houston, the Huntsville, TX native was the main sports anchor/reporter at WCBD Charleston, South Carolina.

The Sam Houston State University grad got her start in broadcasting while in college working for the Bearkat Sports Network and 101.7 KSAM. She interned at KPRC.

Speaking of SHSU, as I have written before, Fritz was a member of the Orange Pride spirit team which won the national championships during her sophomore year. According to the April 17, 2012 edition of the Houstonian, it was the the third time the team won.

If the name "Fritz" sounds familiar, it's because Lainie's father is Willie Fritz, the Tulane University head coach since 2016. According to the university, "Coach Willie Fritz has already made an immediate impact, providing the program with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and a winning culture that has the Green Wave poised to make the 2019 season a year to remember."

Fritz was also the head football coach at Sam Houston State University from 2010 to 2013. He previously coached at Blinn College in the 1990s.

RELATED
- Sports anchor Ari Alexander joins KPRC 2
- Vanessa Richardson joins KPRC 2 sports team

Haley Hernandez is expecting

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 29, 2019
Haley Hernandez and Sophia Beausoleil have babies same day!



Now they are even talking about the whole "what's in the water" joke on KPRC newscasts. With all of the Meghan Markle and Prince Harry baby talk, KPRC 2 health reporter/fill-in anchor Haley Hernandez announced Monday morning that she is pregnant with her first child.

RELATED
Haley Hernandez ties the knot!

"My husband and I are expecting ours in October," Hernandez posted on social media. "Lots of KPRC babies coming in 2019!!!"

No joke.

Hernandez said on air that viewers were asking if she was expecting, so she couldn't hide it anymore. Boy do I know that they notice. Many start asking me about their favorite anchor and if I know anything about potential baby news.

At first I thought consumer reporter/fill-in anchor Amy Davis was joking that anchor Owen Conflenti has a baby coming. He then said he was actually pregnant himself, but then they seemed to seriously say that Conflenti would be expecting a new arrival to his family in late September.

That means Hernandez and meteorologist Britta Merwin will both be gone in October on maternity leave. In early April, Merwin announced her third child was on the way.

And don't forget that KPRC anchor Lauren Freeman is pregnant with her 5th child.

To keep track of all the Houston TV pregnancies, I'm thinking about starting a separate website to track everything. Hey, if I'm nutty enough to sit here and blog about H-Town media, why not?

Hernandez joined channel 2 in 2014 from WCBD Charleston, South Carolina. Raised in Clear Lake attended the University of Oklahoma.

OTHER PREGNANT HOUSTON NEWSCASTERS
- Lisa Hernandez shocks KHOU 11 crew with gender reveal
- Samica Knight is pregnant
- Katherine Whaley is expecting
- Kaitlin Monte announced baby #2
- Lisa Vaughn is pregnant


(Thanks Doug!)

Texas TV and radio job moves December 2017

DALLAS - FORT WORTH


ALEXA CONOMOS FAREWELL from WFAA Marketing on Vimeo.
D-FW's list of 2017 TV newsroom exits.

WFAA investigative reporter Brett Shipp resigned to run for the United States Congress as a Democrat.

Veteran reporter Joel Thomas has ended a 14-year career at D-FW’s CBS11.

Jack Highberger from Minneapolis’ Fox-owned KMSP-TV is the latest addition to Fort Worth-based NBC5 KXAS’s reporting staff.

WFAA 8 is adding Jonah Javad to its sports staff as a reporter and fill-in anchor.

Fox O&O KDFW Dallas (DMA 5) hired Alberto Romero as a meteorologist.

Allie Spillyards joins KXAS in Dallas as a freelance reporter. Most recently, she was a reporter and weekend anchor at WIS in Columbia.
- Napoli Management Group

HOUSTON

Former FOX 26 KRIV reporter Kristine Galvan has joined KRGV 5 in the Rio Grande Valley as a reporter. Galvan tells mikemcguff.com she is in training to go in a management role.

Forty year Houston radio veteran John Wesley Downey returns to 740 KTRH. He first worked with the station back in 2002. According to his bio, in his long radio career, Wesley has anchored news and traffic, been a movie reviewer, hosted talk shows, and been a public affairs director for several Houston stations.

Grace White renews her agreement as a reporter with KHOU in her hometown of Houston.
- Napoli Management Group

Larry Seward renews his agreement with KHOU in Houston as a general assignment reporter.
- Napoli Management Group

Chip Brewster leaves KPRC 2.

Rita Garcia leaves FOX 26 KRIV for FOX 11 LA.

CultureMap revamps editorial team: Arden Ward named editorial director and Steven Devadanam replaces Clifford Pugh as Houston editor.

After 10 years, abc13 KTRK consumer reporter Patricia Lopez quits abc13 KTRK.

FOX 26 weekend morning anchor Sally MacDonald named morning anchor after Rita Garcia moves to LA.

TSU Basketball set to be broadcast on AT&T Sports Network Southwest with Butch Alsandor and former TSU Lady Tigers head coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke.

Rick McFarland retires from KPRC 2 after almost 40 years.

Who left or joined the Houston media scene in 2017?

Top mikemcguff blog posts for 2017 by your clicks.

SAN ANTONIO

KENS-TV anchorwoman Karen Grace, a station vet of 12 years, has resigned.

KABB met Shaun Stevens bids farewell to his job of 12 years.

KENS reporter Natassia Paloma leaves for an anchor job in El Paso's KTSM NewsChannel 9.

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. announced that Dean Radla has been named to General Manager of WOAI (NBC) in San Antonio, Texas. He will continue to be the General Manager of KABB-TV (FOX 29) and retain oversight of Sinclair's provision of services to KMYS-TV (CW 35) under a joint sale agreement. Mr. Radla has served as General Manager for KABB (FOX 29) and has been responsible for oversight of Sinclair's provision of services to KMYS (CW 35) under a joint sale agreement since 2012. Prior to that, he served as Director of Sales at the same stations since 1999. From 1997 until 1999, he was the Local Sales Manager for KABB (FOX 29). Mr. Radla has over 35 years of sales and management experience, including 27 years in the television industry in the San Antonio market where he began his television career in 1990 at KMOL-TV (now WOAI-TV). During his career with Sinclair, Mr. Radla has been involved in numerous corporate wide projects focusing on inventory management and revenue strategies. In addition, he has also performed the duties of Regional Sales Consultant, with oversight in Sinclair Broadcast's Oklahoma City market. Mr. Radla received a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Advertising from Texas State University.

Houston native Niku Kazori has joined KENS 5 as a multi-skilled journalist. She previously worked at WVLT Knoxville, Tennessee; WCBD Charleston, South Carolina and KCBD Channel 11 Lubbock.

AUSTIN

Top 10 Austin TV/radio posts of 2017.

AROUND TEXAS

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. announced that Matt Kaplowitz has been promoted to General Manager of KFOX (FOX) and KDBC (CBS) in El Paso, Texas. Mr. Kaplowitz has been the Director of Sales at KFOX-TV (FOX) in El Paso, Texas since 2013. He began his career in television sales working for the ABC affiliate in El Paso, Texas. Mr. Kaplowitz moved to KFOX in 2001 where he worked as an Account Executive until 2009. In 2009, he moved to Reno as a Local Sales Manager working for KRXI and KAME for three years before being promoted to Local Sales Manager of WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh. In 2013, Mr. Kaplowitz moved back to El Paso to assume the role of Director of Sales for the now Sinclair-owned KFOX-TV and KDBC-TV. Mr. Kaplowitz holds a degree in media arts from the University of Arizona.

Marco Revuelta is leaving his job as an MMJ/weekend anchor at KGNS Laredo for KWTX Waco/Temple/Killeen.

Jasmine Styles jumps 129 markets to become weekend anchor and reporter at WFTS in Tampa. Previously, she was a primary anchor at KBTV in Beaumont.
- Napoli Management Group

Daniela Pardo jumps over 70 markets to become an MMJ at KXTV in Sacramento. Most recently, she was a reporter at KTSM in El Paso.
- Napoli Management Group

REMEMBERING

Robert 'Bassman' Washington of Majic 102.1 and 97.9 the Box passes away.

Texas TV & radio job moves January 2017

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

Alexa Conomos, co-anchor of Dallas-based WFAA 8’s early morning Daybreak program, has decided to leave both the program and the station.
- Alexa Conomos talks about upcoming exit from WFAA

Univision-owned KUVN Dallas has added Nelly Carreño to its on-air weather team as meteorologist for the Dallas area.

- Andrea Parquet-Taylor named KTVT CBS 11 news director

HOUSTON

Houston Chronicle medical writer Kyrie O'Connor (former Deputy Managing Editor and MeMo blogger) has announced she is leaving the paper after 13 and a half years. After working in the newspaper biz for decades, O'Connor says she will enjoy her time off and figure out the next chapter of her life. She will be leaving Texas for Vermont.

Veteran Houston Chronicle investigative reporter Dane Schiller becomes spokesperson for newly elected Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg.

Veteran radio and print journalist, Eileen Pace has joined Houston Public Media News 88.7 as the new ‘All Things Considered’ host. Since 2010, Pace has served as a reporter for Texas Public Radio in San Antonio. She has reported and anchored KIKK Houston, WOAI San Antonio, and KLBJ in Austin and served as news director at KGNB-KNBT in New Braunfels. Pace has received almost 50 awards for investigative reporting, documentaries, long-form series, features, sports stories, best anchoring and best use of sound.

Houston Public Media’s News 88.7 Arts & Culture reporter Amy Bishop has left Houston to become the mid-day host for WRR in Dallas. Houston Public Media will continue to cover Houston’s vibrant arts and culture scene while they seek to fill that position.

KPFT General Manager Duane Bradley will retire from the Houston Pacifica radio station this spring.

Bryan Luhn joins FOX 26 KRIV as senior executive producer after working as WCBD Charleston, SC news director.

Wiley Post joins KHOU 11 as Assistant news director/executive producer from KGW Portland.

After getting dropped by Mix 96.5 KHMX, the Dave and Mahoney Morning Show returns 2.6.17 on X107.5 Las Vegas without Daena Kramer.

KTSU drops Kim Burrell's radio show.

KSBJ President and General Manager Tim McDermott Marks 25 Years of Service.

Classic Hits 94.7 WLS-FM Chicago has named Ron Parker as its new afternoon host. Parker is best known for his long runs at 107.5 KLDE Houston and 101.1 WCBS-FM New York.

- The New 92.1 Radio Now replaces Boom 92.1 KROI
- Sports Talk 790 AM KBME January 2017 schedule changes
- Bob Slovak and Tom Tynan hit 30
- Natasha Barrett is having a baby
- Dave Ward returns home from hospital
- PICS: FOX 26 KRIV debuts new set 2017
- New KPRC building moves channel 2 into 21st century
- Rucks Russell leaves KHOU 11
- Sophia Beausoleil joins KPRC 2
- Drew Karedes to exit KHOU 11
- Jacqueline Crea to exit KHOU 11

SAN ANTONIO

S.A. anchorwoman Evy Ramos said she was fired from WOAI-TV.

Getting to know new KENS-TV host Cristina Blackwell.

Jeanne Jakle of the San Antonio Express-News reports Robert Luna was told his position as KABB's backup weather anchor, one he's held for nearly two decades, was being eliminated.

San Antonio gets new anchorwoman as TV vet exits.

San Antonio's KONO-AM dumps sports for oldies.

AUSTIN

Terri Gruca and Quita Culpepper to take on new roles at KVUE.

Jordan Steele leaving CBS Austin for Seattle gig.

Austin radio station KVET 98.1 has signed its morning team – Bama Brown, Rob Mason and Heather White – to a multi-year contract extension.

Judy Maggio returning to Austin’s airwaves as KLRU’s news and public affairs editorial director.

AROUND TEXAS

KTRE Lufkin anchor John Carlos-Estrada has been hired by WINK as evening weekend anchor and reporter.

Steve Fullhart resigns from KBTX.

REMEMBERING

‘Buddy’ Bostick Founder Several Texas Stations Dies at 99.

Connor Vernon, who served as KTBC’s chief meteorologist from 1989 to 1995, when the station was still a CBS affiliate, has died.

'Future Weapons' star and ex-Navy SEAL Richard 'Mack' Machowicz has died.

San Antonio radio icon Bruce Hathaway, a towering figure of the golden age of Top 40 radio here, died of a heart attack.

=====================
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 December 2016
- Texas media job moves for 2016
- Texas media deaths 2016

Texas TV & radio job moves August 2016

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

WFAA 8's Shelly Slater leaving as anchor to spend more time with children.

Mike Garber out as CBS11 KTVT news director.

WFAA's Carla Wade joins KTNV.

NBC 5 KXAS adds Wayne Carter to its consumer investigative unit from WREG Memphis.

NBC 5 KXAS has hired Larry Collins from WBFF in Baltimore.

Homa Bash is leaving WEWS in Cleveland to work at KXAS in Dallas.

Reporter Philip Townsend leaving WFAA 8 for return to WVEC Norfolk, VA.

CBS11 KTVT adds Brittany Jeffers to reporting team.

WFAA 8 Producer Amanda McNew leaves to become Grapevine PD Media Manager.

HOUSTON

Bill Worrell planning retirement, Craig Ackerman to take over road TV duties.

Univision-owned KXLN Houston (DMA 10) has added meteorologist Anthony Ortíz Rodríguez to its news team.

Former KPRC 2 weekend sports anchor Simone Eli joins The Steve Shannon morning show with Simone Eli on Tuscaloosa, Alabama's 95.3 THE BEAR mornings 5-10am.

Former SportsRadio 610 KILT morning host Josh Innes out at 94.1 Sportsradio WIP.

Phaedra Cook will soon be the former Houston Press food editor.

- KPRC 2 Houston Life anchors Derrick Shore and Jennifer Broome
- Phil Archer hits 40 years at KPRC 2
- Dave Ward to move on from abc13 KTRK
- Jace Larson leaving KPRC 2
- Blake Mathews joins KHOU 11 weather
- Dave Ward on KTRK abc13: "They seemed like they really wanted me to make my exit."
- Josh Marshall joins KHOU 11
- Lance Roberts Radio Show Moves to Mornings on AM 700-KSEV
- Michael Saunders named 93.7 KQBT The Beat program director; Urban Brand Coordinator
- Susan Schiller named FOX 26 KRIV news director
- Jason Miles joins KHOU 11
- Keli Rabon joins KHOU 11
- Paul Pendergraft retires from News 88.7 KUHF

SAN ANTONIO

Brian Alonzo, meteorologist/weather and Traffic producer for KSAT-TV, has become the Weekend Meteorologist for KETK-TV/KFXK-TV in Tyler, TX.

AUSTIN

Joe Barlow named The CW Austin entertainment reporter.

Former KPRC 2 EP (current KVUE assistant news director) Jenelle Shriner named news director at KPLC Lake Charles, La.

AROUND TEXAS

KLBK Lubbock sports reporter/anchor Gene Dumont moves to become a sports reporter for Razorback Nation.

KETK Tyler anchor/reporter Brittni Thomason leaves to become a reporter at KWCH 12 Wichita, Kansas.

After 20 years on the Nightbeat, News Channel 25 KXXV’s Ann Harder stepped down as the 10 p.m. news anchor. Harder will continue to co-anchor the 5 p.m. and the 6 p.m. newscast.

Tashara Parker has been hired by TEGNA-owned Tyler, Texas, CBS affiliate KYTX as an evening anchor.

KCBD Channel 11 Lubbock Weather Anchor/Reporter Niku Kazori joins WCBD Charleston, SC.

KFXK Tyler weekday morning anchor/reporter Kristen Chapman moves to WPEC West Palm Beach as a reporter/MMJ.

KYTX Tyler reporter Destiny McKeiver is leaving the station for WJXT Jacksonville.

David Tillery Named GM Of KTEN.


REMEMBERING

Galveston Daily News mourns death of Managing Editor Scott Williams.


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

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 July 2016
- Texas TV & radio job moves June 2016
- 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

Lainie Fritz joins KPRC 2

Lainie Fritz

KPRC 2 has hired Lainie Fritz as its new sports reporter and multi-media journalist (MMJ) according to an internal station memo obtained by mikemcguff.com.

Fritz most recently worked as the main sports anchor/reporter at WCBD Charleston, South Carolina.

Channel 2 is quite the homecoming for Fritz who interned there in 2012.

Beyond that she attended Sam Houston State University.

I'm quite sure Fritz has grown up loving sports, especially football.

If the last name sounds familiar, it's because Lainie's father is Willie Fritz, the Tulane University head coach.

According to Wikipedia, Fritz was the head football coach at Sam Houston State University from 2010 to 2013. He also coached at Blinn College in the 90s.

Haley Hernandez is new KPRC health MMJ

KPRC 2 revives its health franchise with MMJ Haley Hernandez of WCBD Charleston, South Carolina

Haley Hernandez

I thought full-time health reporting was a goner in Houston after the retirement of KTRK abc13's Christi Myers earlier this year.

Luckily I was only partially right.

Turns out KPRC 2 has given life support to the Healthbeat by reviving it as a multi-media journalist (MMJ) position. The NBC affiliate has hired Clear Lake raised Haley Hernandez from WCBD Charleston, South Carolina.

Hernandez worked at the Charleston NBC affiliate for the last three and half years where she served as the weekend morning anchor and a reporter.

In 2010, Hernandez worked at NBC on the "Nightly News with Brian Williams." Before that she was a production associate with CNBC. Hernandez was also a page at NBC and CBS. As a result, Lester Holt even did a promo for Hernandez's anchor debut at WCBD (see below).

Hernandez attended the University of Oklahoma.

The last health reporter I can remember at KPRC was Krista Marino and that was years ago (TV factoid: Marino is married to abc13 KTRK Ted Oberg).

Today is Hernadez's debut in the Healthbeat role.

OTHER RECENT HOUSTON TV JOB MOVES
- James Starks joins KPRC 2 as sports anchor/reporter
- Jessica Holloway lands KTRK abc13 reporter gig
- Amanda Perez leaves KPRC 2 for Fort Bend ISD
- Melissa Hawkes joins KPRC 2
- Kaitlin McCulley joins KTRK 13

KHOU names David Paul the chief meteorologist

KHOU 11 has named David Paul as the chief meteorologist for the Belo station.

This after former chief Gene Norman suddenly vanished last November (more on what Gene Norman is up to now below).

Paul has been a familiar face at the station since 1996 as the morning weather guy on duty. It was last August when I broke the news that he, and Chita Johnson, were moving shifts. Paul went to afternoons, Johnson to mornings.

As the Houston Chronicle reported, Norman sent some tweets out concerning those changes where he referred to Johnson as 'blondie.'

Since Norman took off a few months ago, Paul has become the main weather dude in waiting. Now he has a ring on his finger though. What happens at a weather bachelor party?  Stuff like this?

“Houston is David’s hometown. He grew up here and watched our area’s weather patterns long before he began his career,” said Susan McEldoon, KHOU 11 President and General Manager in a statement. “That connection to the Houston area and our viewers, combined with his experience, delivery and knowledge made him the clear choice as KHOU 11’s Chief Meteorologist.”

According to his bio, Paul moved to Houston at the age of two and graduated from Westfield High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Texas in Austin and a Bachelor of Science in Geosciences from Mississippi State.

“David knows the ups and downs of Gulf Coast weather, and that kind of expertise is invaluable when it comes to staying on top of dangerous conditions and giving our viewers the information they need to stay safe,” said Phil Bruce, KHOU 11 Executive News Director. “It’s also a huge plus that David knows the people here and loves being so engaged in the community. If you see him at the supermarket or at a kid’s soccer game, it’s the same David you see on TV---completely natural and always glad to meet a new friend.”

Before his time at the Allen Parkway studios, Paul worked at WCBD-TV in Charleston, South Carolina and KPLC-TV in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He has earned the Seal of Approval from the American Meteorological Society as well as a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) designation.

And if you didn't think the weather kept him busy enough, Paul and his wife Miranda have two sons and share their home with their beloved pets – three dogs and two cats.

As for Norman, he still has a twitter account where he has linked to his new venture called genenormanweather.com. I emailed Norman a few days ago about this, but have not heard back from him.

"It has been an honor for me to help Houstonians deal with severe weather," Norman told mikemcguff.com. "I'm looking forward to expanding my role as a severe weather expert for the Houston area and beyond. As I continue to pursue media opportunities, I am developing services to help people deal with severe weather incidents through my web site genenormanweather.com."

Here is the description of what Norman's Wise Weather, LLC does:

Wise Weather, LLC is a full service weather consulting firm providing a precision range of services including research, expert weather testimony, and safety talks.
With over 25 years of experience interpreting and forecasting a variety of meteorological conditions including severe and tropical weather, we obtain the essential knowledge and expertise needed for expert forensic research and analysis.
From tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, windstorms, and droughts, we’ve anticipated the threats and provided accurate life-saving information.
We deliver clear, concise, and targeted messaging on weather safety topics that you and your business, customers and staff need to know. When weather is on the move you need reliable, local intelligence for decisions that can drastically affect your environmental surroundings and people. Wise Weather is the natural choice when you need unique weather solutions from:

• Insurance
• Legal
• TV / Film Location Shoots
• Safety Training & Meetings
• Research
• Commercial, Academic, Government

Sounds like Norman and Wayne Dolcefino's Dolcefino Communications LLC could team up. Both are using their TV backgrounds in a consulting manner. I say we will probably be seeing more and more instance like this in the future.