Mikayla Smith joined KOCO 5 in Oklahoma City in February 2026 as a meteorologist.
"Now I get to join Oklahoma’s best! @koco5news has been a dream job in a dream city I’ve wanted to call home for years," Smith posted. "There is no greater honor than being part of the First Alert Storm Team. OKC let’s do this!"
She comes from weather consulting company, HailTrace, where she worked as a meteorologist beginning in October 2025.
Before that, Smith was part of the team at FOX23 News KOKI, joining the station in 2022 after working at News12 KXII in Sherman, Texas.
Smith gained national attention for launching “Signing Science with Smith,” a series delivering weather updates in American Sign Language for both deaf and hearing audiences. The Rockwall, Texas native says she was inspired to learn sign language in seventh grade by her mother, a special education teacher.
While a senior at the University of Oklahoma, Smith worked at KXII from January to April 2022. She also completed an internship at News on 6 KOTV in Tulsa.
"I can’t wait to get back to the Midwest," Bates posted. "The Queen City will soon be home, but a piece of my heart will always be in Oklahoma. Thank you for the love, support, and trust over the years. We still have one more week together."
Bates joined KOCO 5 in 2020 from KFSM 5 in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where she forecast for northwest Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma as a weekend meteorologist and reported as the weekday science reporter.
Sabrina graduated from Valparaiso University with a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology, along with secondary disciplines in Mathematics and Digital Media. She interned with WGN Chicago, WSBT22 South Bend, Indiana, and WIFR News Rockford, Illinois.
John Getter, an Emmy Award-winning journalist most notably at KHOU 11 in Houston, accomplished media consultant, and passionate space communicator, died this week at the age of 75 after a battle with cancer, according to his wife, Pat.
Getter’s career spanned more than five decades and crossed the boundaries of journalism, space exploration, leadership coaching, and community service.
When he left KHOU in 1997, Getter never fully left the broadcast journalism world. He continued at the network level, freelance producing for NBC News and ABC News.
"I worked with John on some of the most amazing stories over the years," Jimmy Wong, who worked with Getter as a KHOU and network news photographer told mikemcguff.com. "We flew on the NASA Zero gravity plane, went with the Texas National Guard to the border of Nicaragua during Iran-Contra, Moscow for the MIR space station problems, Venezuela for a story on killer bees. And on all of those stories and more, John was the most inquisitive and thoughtful reporter I ever worked with. I doubt we will ever see anyone as knowledgeable and, more importantly, anyone able to write a story that informed and connected people to the news."
Born in Ohio, Getter began his career as a reporter and anchor in the 1970s at WKEF and later WLWT Channel 5 in Cincinnati.
His passion for science and storytelling eventually led him to a 16-year career with KHOU, where he became known for his in-depth reporting on space exploration and technology. His work was frequently featured on CBS News and CNN.
Getter’s knowledge of space and science propelled him beyond journalism. He held senior executive roles at aerospace firms such as Spacehab and Space Media, Inc., where he played a key role in projects tied to the International Space Station, including the de-orbiting of the Russian Mir space station. His work helped bridge media and science, creating educational experiences and media content from orbit.
He later channeled his passion for space into public speaking, writing, and leadership training through Moonwalkers: To the Moon & Star Truck. Getter's dynamic and uplifting presentations, filled with stories from his years covering NASA and working in aerospace, inspired audiences to pursue excellence.
As President of the National Speakers Association Las Vegas Chapter, Getter led efforts to grow the organization and enhance its programming.
Outside his professional life, Getter was a civic leader and animal advocate. He served as Chairman of the Spring Valley Town Advisory Board, advising on land use and quality of life issues in the Las Vegas area. He was also a co-founder of Doberman Rescue of Nevada, reflecting his love for animals and commitment to community service.
Getter is survived by his wife, Pat, and a legacy of storytelling, inspiration, and exploration that touched lives around the globe. He encouraged others to reach beyond what they were to discover what they could become.
"It was an honor to call John Getter a friend," former KHOU assistant chief engineer John Schilberg added. "He loved America! Freedom
of speech and the right to bear arms were favorites, and as an
extraordinary storyteller, he really enjoyed telling this one. We all
did!"
Megan Mitchell is leaving WFAA 8 Dallas - Fort Worth's morning news and returning to WLWT News 5 in Cincinnati after one year.
"I cannot wait to be a weekday morning anchor alongside @KellyRippin @StevenAlbritton and @RandiRicoWLWT back at @WLWT," Mitchell tweeted. "Cincinnati is a culture like no other. It's the place in this universe where I feel most myself. My happiest! My home!"
“We’re excited to welcome Megan back to the WLWT News 5 team. Her knowledge and absolute love of Cincinnati will further strengthen WLWT’s coverage of the biggest stories and community events our viewers rely on every day,” said WLWT News Director Jeff Benscoter on the station's website.
Previously a WLWT 5 weekend morning anchor/reporter since 2016, Mitchell has 1.9 million followers on TikTok.
In 2022, Mitchell was named Best TV Anchor and Best Journalist in Cincinnati. She has won the Human Rights Campaign award for LGBTQ+ Visibility and an EMMY award.
Before Cincinnati, The Emerson College grad was a morning news anchor/reporter at KFYR 5 Bismarck, North Dakota and an anchor/producer/reporter at WEBN Boston.
Mitchell will move back and start on-air for WLWT in January 2024.
CINCINNATI! I'M COMING BACK!!!!!! I cannot wait to be a weekday morning anchor alongside @KellyRippin@StevenAlbritton and @RandiRicoWLWT back at @WLWT. Cincinnati is a culture like no other. It's the place in this universe where I feel most myself. My happiest! My home! pic.twitter.com/jPaKEmfctF
Chris Jacobs moves on from his evening anchor gig with CBS 4 KGBT Rio Grande Valley to join WLWT News 5 Cincinnati, Ohio.
According to the station, Jacobs will be co-anchoring WLWT News 5 with Ashley Kirklen weeknights at 7pm and 10pm on MeTV Cincinnati.
"I'm incredibly excited to join WLWT News 5, a station with immense talent and true journalists," Jacobs said on the site. "Working with the team and exploring the city are at the top of my priority list. I'm looking forward to calling beautiful Cincinnati and WLWT News 5 home."
Jacobs joined CBS 4 in May 2018.
He got his TV biz start with 25 News Now KAVU Victoria.
While attending the University of Houston, the Houston native interned with KPRC 2 and KHOU 11.
"I got into this business to make an impact and with this opportunity I am going to be joining and learning from a top notch team of amazing storytellers in the 5th biggest news market in the country," Mitchell posted on social media. "Part of this role will allow me to focus specifically on LGBTQ+ stories in Texas during a time when a number of pieces of legislation and rhetoric are hitting the state."
According to her bio, Mitchell is also an LGBTQ+ influencer with 1.8 million followers on TikTok.
Mitchell is currently the weekend morning anchor/reporter for WLWT 5 Cincinnati, Ohio where she has been since July 2016.
She previously was the morning news anchor/reporter for KFYR 5 Bismarck, North Dakota and an anchor/producer/reporter for WEBN Boston.
The Emerson College grad interned with MTV Networks and NBC Universal.
In February 2022, Richardson joined ESPN 97.5 Houston KFNC along with the returning to Houston Paul Paul Gallant for a 10am the noon slot sports talk show "Vanessa and Gallant."
Since Richardson is leaving for the Rockets, Gallant says the show is being renamed the "Paul Gallant Show" along with producer Sean Mapes.
The versatile sports journalist has TV and radio work on her resume. Richardson left KPRC 2 as a sports anchor/reporter after two years in December 2021. Before Houston, she worked for WLWT 5 Cincinnati, Ohio and the syndicated radio program "The Bob & Tom Show."
"Bidding farewell to KPRC2 Vanessa Richardson whose last night on air at KPRC2 was last night," Garvin posted on Facebook. "A fantastic young lady with a bright future...we wish you the best & many blessings my friend!"
I was also told Richardson said something about leaving during KPRC's last "Sports Sunday" show.
Richardson's resume
Richardson came to KPRC 2 and Houston in August 2019 from WLWT 5 Cincinnati, Ohio where she was a reporter.
She previously hosted segments on syndicated radio "The Bob & Tom Show."
The University of Indianapolis grad also worked as an on-court emcee for the Indiana Pacers, a digital specialist for WTHR Indianapolis and as a broadcaster for UI's 88.7 FM WICR and UIndy TV.
Interest in sports reporting
Richardson credits her interest in reporting from her father, who was a stay-at-home dad due to an illness. The father and daughter would watch sports together.
No word on where Richardson is heading to.
UPDATE JANUARY 30, 2022
Vanessa Richardson appeared on NBC Sports’ coverage the 60th Rolex 24 At Daytona endurance race at Daytona International Speedway the weekend of January 29, 2022. Richardson was in the Peacock Pit Box on pit road where she served as an analyst and was on-air with Marty Snider and INDYCAR veteran driver James Hinchcliffe.
Gray Television’s CBS affiliate KWTX (Waco, Temple, Killeen) promoted KWTX Meteorologist Sean Bellafiore to weekday morning and noon meteorologist.
KXXV 25 (Waco, Temple, Killeen) news director Charlie Haldeman handed in his resignation.
KWTX (Waco, Temple, Killeen) morning anchor Taina Maya will temporarily continue to anchor while also working as the new Killeen Independent School District chief communications and marketing officer.
KGBT Harlingen Assistant News Director Jim Bob Breazeale posted some good news about his health.
EMILY JACEKS moves to Producer at KVUE-TV in Austin (from KOB-TV, Albuquerque).
- Emily is represented by Steve Swienckowski at DCA Talent. http://www.dcatalent.com.
Corpus Christi Caller-Times reporter Eleanor Dearman is heading to Austin to cover politics and other top Texas stories for the El Paso Times and the USA Today Network.
KRZI (ESPN Central Texas)/Waco Knocked Off Air By Vandalism.
KKBA/Corpus Christi Brings On Jackie Umphres For Afternoons
REMEMBERING
Half of the “Walton and Johnson” syndicated morning radio team, John Walton, 67, has died.
R.I.P. Boomer Kingston, West Texas Radio Personality.
KPRC 2 adds Vanessa Richardson to the Channel 2 sports team roster. Richardson will make her Houston debut on August 5th, alongside Reporter Ari Alexander and Sports Director Randy Mcllvoy.
Richardson is a self-described “small-town” Indiana native obsessed with basketball, live music, Mexican food, and telling a good story. Vanessa is an avid open wheel racing fan and attends the Indy 500 each year with her father.
Richardson comes to Houston from Ohio where she worked at the NBC affiliate, WLWT and covered the action for the Big East Digital Network.
Prior to WLWT, she was in Indianapolis, Indiana reporting from the sideline for several networks as an in-game host for the Indiana Pacers and Indianapolis Indians. In addition to her on-screen experience Vanessa has hosted segments on the nationally syndicated Bob and Tom show.
“Vanessa’s passion for sports and human-interest stories go beyond highlights and stats,” said KPRC 2 Vice President and General Manager Jerry Martin. “Her storytelling will enrich sports content on all our platforms.”
(This post was taken from a release sent to me by KPRC)
Pre-Houston, he was News Director for WCPO-TV in Cincinnati, OH. Prior to that, he held News Director positions at several stations, including KNXV-TV in Phoenix, AZ, WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh, PA and WLWT-TV in Cincinnati, OH. Morford began his career in news at KBIA-FM in Columbia, MO as an anchor.
Morford holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Missouri.
FOX tells me his last day at KRIV will be June 1st. A search is underway for his replacement.
Today FOX Television Stations announced Morford can drop the interim part in his title, because he is the new man in charge. Here is the release:
Bob Morford (Facebook photo)
Bob Morford has been named Vice President and News Director of KRIV FOX 26, announced D’Artagnan Bebel, the station’s Vice President and General Manager. Morford assumes this position effective immediately.
In making the announcement, Bebel stated, “Bob has proven himself to be a valuable member of our news team. He has lead our news innovation efforts and has shown me that he is the right person for the job. His leadership style, creativity and engaging personality have earned him praise from countless members of our team. I am looking forward to working more closely with Bob to continue to push the envelope to remain relevant to our viewers through multiple platforms and further engagement with our community.”
Added Morford, “It’s a privilege to continue to what has been an extraordinary experience, having had the opportunity to lead the team at KRIV. I look forward to expanding our station’s focus on delivering unique and relevant content to our viewers.”
Most recently, Morford served as Assistant News Director for FOX 26, where he joined the station in 2012. Prior to that, he was News Director for WCPO-TV in Cincinnati, OH. Prior to that, he held News Director positions at several stations, including KNXV-TV in Phoenix, AZ, WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh, PA and WLWT-TV in Cincinnati, OH. Morford began his career in news at KBIA-FM in Columbia, MO as an anchor.
Morford holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Missouri.
Bob Morford has been named Assistant News Director of KRIV FOX 26, announced Tom Doerr, the station’s Vice President and News Director. Morford assumes this position Monday, August 6th.
In making the announcement, Doerr stated, “Bob is an accomplished news manager with more than 30 years of experience. His track record of excellence speaks for itself. Bob will be a tremendous asset to our station and leader in the newsroom.”
Added Morford, “This is a tremendous opportunity. I look forward to working with the very talented news team here at FOX 26 to continue their commitment to meeting the changing news needs of our viewers.”
Most recently, Morford served as News Director at WCPO-TV in Cincinnati, OH for the past eleven years. Prior to that, he held News Director positions at several stations, including KNXV-TV in Phoenix, AZ, WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh, PA and WLWT-TV in Cincinnati, OH. Morford began his career in news at KBIA-FM in Columbia, MO as an anchor.
Morford holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Missouri.
(The following post was from a release Fox Broadcasting sent to me)
