Brittany Jeffers promoted to KPRC 2 noon anchor

Brittany Jeffers' television agent company announced that she has been promoted to a KPRC 2 News at Noon Houston anchor.

I contacted Channel 2 on Monday afternoon for more information, but did not hear back.

So just like you, I am wondering is Jeffers an addition to the 12pm newscast?  Will she remain as a weekend morning anchor with Cathy Hernandez and only anchor on the noon news for three days a week?

Stay tuned...

UPDATE 
Jeffers will co-anchor with Andy Cerota and meteorologist Caroline Brown. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Brittany Jeffers (@kprc2brittanyjeffers)

Jeffers, a two-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, joined KPRC 2 from CBS 11 KTVT Dallas-Fort Worth (now known as CBS News Texas).

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln grad previously worked for:

FOX23 KOKI-Tulsa, OK
2011-2016 weekend anchor/reporter

KLKN Channel 8 in Lincoln, NE
2010-2011 morning anchor

KLKN Channel 8 in Lincoln, NE
2008-2010 Reporter

TX talent return from and leave for maternity leave

Cathy Hernandez is back with Brittany Jeffers and Brittany Begley on KPRC 2 Houston weekend mornings after maternity leave. She gave birth to Ethan Tommy in May.

Meanwhile, in North Texas, meteorologist Erin Moran of CBS News Texas KTVT Dallas—Fort Worth is leaving for maternity leave with baby #2.

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2024
Erin Moran gives birth to baby #2

Jonathan Bruce welcomes baby #2

Jonathan Bruce and his wife welcomed a second baby boy into the world on July 18, 2024.

Campbell Leon Lewis came in at 8 lbs 1 oz, 21.2 inches.

"He is healthy and happy, we are grateful and ecstatic," Bruce posted. "Mom was a total superstar through this natural, VBAC delivery and is now resting comfortable and calm. Words cannot describe the joy and gratitude. I will be taking some cherished bonding time off from @abc13houston to be in the moment every moment with the now family of four."

Iverson Jules was born in December 2022. 

Bruce was promoted to the 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. co-anchor with Mayra Moreno in November 2023 after Chauncy Glover left for the CBS Los Angeles 2 KCBS and KCAL 9 anchor jobs.  

He joined abc13 as a streaming anchor in December 2021 from KKTV 11 News in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he held the same position since 2020. 

Other Houston TV newsers who recently welcomed new additions to the family include Kaitlin Monte, Troy Kless, Michelle Choi and Cathy Hernandez. So who is expecting?  Former abc13 meteorologist Collin Myers and 93Q's Katelyn Maida.

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A post shared by Jonathan Bruce (@jonathanabc13)

Texas TV news and radio job moves May 2024

 

Send tips for the monthly Texas media job list herehere.

- Texas Telly Award winners
- 2024 Edward R. Murrow Award Texas winners
- Best TV News Bloopers May 2024

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

KXAS Picks Up Peabody Award.

Newy Scruggs, Inspired by Job Insecurity, Took Plunge Into TCU’s EMBA Program.

90.1 KERA announced the addition of Andrew Garcia as its new Morning Edition host.

Brian Kilmeade Joins Powerhouse Weekday Lineup in Dallas on Cumulus Media’s News and Information 570 KLIF/96.3 FM HD2.

“Talk Radio 1190” KFXR shifts to Conservative Talk.

D Magazine Brings Home Two CRMA Awards.

- WFAA 8 prepares to celebrate 75th anniversary
- Dominic Brown leaves CBS News Texas
- Kaitlin Monte and others welcome Texas TV babies
- Ben and Skin return to 97.1 The Eagle DFW
- Fernando Mejía exits Telemundo Dallas
- Jim Danner joins CW 33 DFW
- Erin Moran is pregnant with baby #2
- Lacey Beasley joins CBS News Texas
- Mike Rhyner interviewed by Jody Dean

HOUSTON

Houston Chronicle names Fernando Alfonso managing editor of news and content development.

John McClain Fills In on ESPN 97.5 Houston, Discusses NFL Schedule.

Ernie Manouse celebrates 28 years with Houston Public Media.

Women to Watch: Katelyn Maida, 93Q Country.

Women to Watch: Keisha Nicole; 97.9 The Box, Houston

Zakk United of KVST 99.7 FM KSTAR Country wins "Radio Broadcast Team or Individual Personality of the Year" from The Texas Country Music Association.

Joshua Chaney joins FOX 26 KRIV as a photojournalist from WKMG Orlando.

Brittany Krugel joins FOX 26 as the new 8am producer from FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF. 

Two new startups about to join Houston media scene.

ABC13 and ¡Que Onda! Magazine join forces to empower Latin and Hispanic voices.

KISS Kasket connection to “Runaway Radio” documentary.

- Sarah Pepper leaving Mix 96.5 Houston mornings
- David Loving named KHOU 11 President and General Manager
- Michelle Choi gives birth
- Humberto Hormaza named CW39 Houston VP and GM
- Houston TV anchor version of the Met Gala!
- Julia Morales helps make history on Houston Astros broadcast
- Frank Billingsley to leave KPRC 2 Houston
- News director Bernice Kearney to leave KPRC 2 Houston
- Mary McCoy nominated for 2024 Radio Hall of Fame Induction class
- Deborah Duncan talks "Runaway Radio" with Mike McGuff
- KPRC 2 loses 12 staffers in buyouts
- Alan Shoemaker has been located!
- Cathy Hernandez gives birth to baby #3
- Sarah Frazier named one of Radio Ink’s Most Influential Women in Radio
- Katelyn Maida is pregnant with baby #2
- John Lopez celebrates 40 years in sports media
- Tony Luna joins Vida Unida as the new National Program Director

SAN ANTONIO

Building on their legacy - a letter from KSAT 12.

- Former KSAT sports anchor gets probation
- Six KSAT San Antonio journalists leaving
- KENS 5 San Antonio re-signs Deborah Knapp and Sue Calberg

AUSTIN

KOKE and The HORN transitioned from terrestrial over-the-air radio frequencies to an exclusive focus on digital streaming platforms.
- Bob Cole & Eric Raines Exit KOKE-FM With Online Move

KXAN city hall/local government reporter Grace Reader re-signs with the station for three more years.

Is the Texas Tribune an example or an exception? A conversation with Evan Smith about earned income

‘Shared Passions’ Are Key To KVET-FM Austin’s Success And AQH Growth.

Hearst's Austin newsletter abruptly ceases operation — for now.

- Britt Moreno is pregnant with baby #3
- Larissa Cartwright no longer with Spectrum News 1 Texas
- Nick Bannin promoted to KXAN Austin chief meteorologist
- Spectrum News 1 Texas to air youth mental health special

AROUND TEXAS

Former Texas TV anchor linked to Texas A&M’s Chi Alpha ministries arrested for indecency with a child.

Justin Burton Named Station Manager Of KXXV-KRHD Waco.

After 7 years of building FOX 44 KWKT Waco, Temple, Killeen from the ground up, news director Dean Wetherbee says goodbye.

Tyler lost 99.7 KVUT Cuney, its only locally originating Public Radio station when the University of Texas-Tyler ceased operations. 

Country “Kicker 106” KTKO Beeville relaunches as Red Dirt/Texas Country “Texas Knock Out 105.7.”

Camryn Burchett joins Daybreak on 12 News KBMT Beaumont as a morning reporter.

KBTX report leads to additional charges for theft suspect.

Kelli and Bob Phillips launch new radio show and podcast.

- KIII Corpus Christi's 'Domingo Live!' turns 60
- Jarell Baker leaves 25 News KXXV Waco
- KFDM 6 Beaumont anchors: Where are they now?
- KIII 3 Corpus Christi celebrates 60 years
- Reyna Revelle joins WISH 8 Indianapolis, Indiana
- KIII's Alan Holt welcomes baby girl
- Kayleigh Thomas joins KBTX's Brazos Valley This Morning
- Avaionia Smith joins 6 News KCEN Waco
- El Paso TV reporter wins 2024 Bug Fest cookoff
- Monica Cortez is married
- Beaumont TV crew pushed live on TV during Dade Phelan vs David Covey runoff coverage
- Adam Seibel leaves 25 News Now Victoria
- Markeshia Jackson joins WAVY 10 Norfolk, VA

REMEMBERING

- The Rev. William A. Lawson dies at 95

Cathy Hernandez gives birth to baby #3

Cathy Hernandez gave birth to her third baby which is a boy.

"Introducing our sweet baby boy, Ethan Tommy! 

Born on May 23, he’s already captured our hearts with his sweet smile and tiny toes. We're overjoyed and grateful for this great blessing to our family. Welcome to the world, little Ethan!

I can definitely promise you… this will be a wild, exciting ride full of lots of love with your two big sisters!"

RELATED
Kaitlin Monte and others welcome Texas TV babies

Those two big sisters Andrea and Olivia.

The KPRC 2 Houston weekend morning anchor posted the good news on social media.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cathy Hernandez (@kprc2cathyhernandez)

(Thanks Shad!)

Cathy Hernandez is pregnant with baby #3

Cathy Hernandez announced she is pregnant with her third child, and this time, it is a boy.

UPDATE
Cathy Hernandez gives birth to baby #3

RELATED
Kaitlin Monte and others welcome Texas TV babies

So that means big sisters Andrea and Olivia are getting a little brother.

The KPRC 2 Houston weekend morning anchor posted the good news on Instagram.

Speaking of baby news, we just learned KHOU 11 reporter Michelle Choi gave birth.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cathy Hernandez (@kprc2cathyhernandez)

(Thanks Shad)

 

Michelle Choi gives birth

Michelle Choi announced she gave birth to Emilia Yujin Sandoval on April 30, 2024, three weeks earlier than expected.

RELATED
- Cathy Hernandez is pregnant with baby #3
- Kaitlin Monte and others welcome Texas TV babies

Here is a portion of what the KHOU 11 Houston reporter posted on Facebook:

"Our baby girl decided to come 3 weeks early… she was born last Tuesday 4/30/2024 at 2:48am weighing 6lbs 9inches — she’s got blonde hair like her dad… and possibly green eyes?? Yet to be determined however, she is the perfect mix of #Komex (Korean/Mexican)." 

Choi joined KHOU in 2017 as a multi-skilled journalist from KTEN 10 Sherman-Denison. 

Before Texas TV, Choi was an associate producer at FOX 23 KOKI in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She recently switched from mornings to days.

The Stratford High School and University of Houston grad was born in South Korea and was raised in Houston since age three.

Choi's husband, Mario Sandoval, was the KHOU 11 photographer who, along with Brandi Smith, saved a man's life during Hurricane Harvey and managed to be the team to keep the station on the air as it was being flooded back on Allen Parkway.

(Thanks Shad)

Kaitlin Monte and others welcome Texas TV babies

Former FOX 26 Houston KRIV evening anchor Kaitlin Monte announced she gave birth to her fourth child.  Caroline Collins took over for Monte on the anchor desk.

UPDATE
Cathy Hernandez is pregnant with baby #3
Michelle Choi gives birth

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A post shared by Kaitlin Monte (@kaitlinmonte)

Troy Kless, who joined KHOU 11 Houston from KENS 5 San Antonio in 2023, welcomed Dallas Michael Kless to the TEGNA family.

Welcome to the world, Dallas Michael Kless! pic.twitter.com/vFINjUcGTy

— Troy Kless (@TroyKlessTV) May 5, 2024

NBC 5 KXAS Dallas-Fort Worth anchor/reporter Katy Blakey welcomed Hattie James to the family.

KPRC 2 adds to Saturday morning newscasts

KPRC 2 is adding an extra hour to its Saturday morning newscast with anchors Cathy Hernandez and Brittany Jeffers with meteorologist Khambrel Marshall.  

Hernandez said on a Facebook video that channel 2 has expanded with a 9am to 10am Saturday morning newscast. So that means now there is news from 6am to 7am and 8am all the way to 10am.

RELATED
KPRC 2 launches Chris Shepherd's 'Eat Like a Local'

According to an older schedule on the station's website, before this weekend, Saturday morning news offerings previously went 6am to 7am and 8:30am to 9:30am.

But wait there's more...mikemcguff.com hears there are newscast schedule changes coming to KPRC's weekdays.

Stay tuned!

Hernandez and Jeffers quietly became the new KPRC 2 weekend morning anchors in March 2023, and announced the official change in mid April. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Brittany Jeffers (@kprc2brittanyjeffers)

 

Lauren Talarico to leave KHOU 11 Houston

Lauren Talarico announced that she's leaving her KHOU 11 weekend morning anchor/reporting job and Houston on June 21, 2023.

UPDATE MAY 2024
Trason Bragg joins KHOU 11 Houston

UPDATE
WATCH: Lauren Talarico signs off KHOU 11 weekend mornings

Here is a portion of what Talarico posted on social:

"This career has given me so much...passion, focus, meaning. Some of the stories I’ve been trusted to tell have broken my heart and kept me up at night, while others have filled me with so much hope seeing the love that we can have for one another.    

The one thing this job can’t give me is my family. I’m leaving KHOU to move closer to them. I miss them and want my children to have the joy of those daily interactions.    

 

This was not an easy decision. It took months of soul searching and tears to decide. Walking into Liz’s office (my news director) to deliver that news was so hard and I’ll never forget the kindness and support she showed to me.   

This job is important. Ethical journalists are important. KHOU is special. The way we tell stories is special. The empathy and compassion that is considered in every story we tell is special. The way we treat each other in this newsroom is special. It’s been an honor to work alongside you all."

Weekend anchor Cheryl Mercedes posts that Talarico is moving back to New York. 

The award-winning journalist recently changed her reporting schedule from nights to days last January.

In January 2020, Talarico and then meteorologist Addison Green (now Kim Castro) launched the new KHOU Sunday morning newscast.  When Brandi Smith became the KHOU 11 digital anchor and left the Saturday morning anchor gig open, Talarico took those duties to anchor both weekend mornings. 

And speaking of Castro, the meteorologist and Talarico post expertly choreographed dance moves every weekend in the empty 5718 Westheimer dance studio. 

More importantly while in Houston, Talarico and husband Charlie Briffitt welcomed children Ella Annmarie in 2017 and Jack in 2020 to the family. As an author of children's book Teatime with Tigers, Talarico can read her own book to the kiddos!

Talarico joined KHOU 11 in July 2014 from WLTX News19 Columbia, South Carolina where she was the morning anchor. 

When Talarico was hired at channel 11, I got excited by her last name, because it sounded like the actual last name of Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler. Both are from New York, so I had to ask were they related, because I Don't Want to Miss a Thing.

"Nope! Not related to Steven 'Talerico,'" Talarico told me with an LOL. "I'm surprised you know that, you must be a fan. We spell our names differently. He uses an 'e' as the 4th letter and mine in an 'a'. It would be pretty cool if I were though."

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville grad also worked for an Academy-Award winning company in London.

Houston television viewers tell me they can't believe how many personnel changes there have been in local news over the last years, but weekend mornings have been fairly stable as of late. That started changing in 2023, when Cathy Hernandez and Brittany Jeffers took over weekend mornings on KPRC 2 and Erica Simon recently left the shift at abc13 KTRK. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lauren Talarico (@laurentalaricokhou)

(Thanks Shad!)

Texas TV news and radio job moves April 2023

Send tips for the monthly Texas media job list here.

Broadcasters from all over Texas came to Austin on Saturday, April 15 to celebrate the winners of TAB's Second Annual Texas Broadcast News Awards.

- Best TV News Bloopers April 2023

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

The Dallas Morning News honors 18 staff members as 2022 Journalists of the Year.

NBC 5 Investigates Wins 2023 Walter Cronkite Award for Streaming Series ‘Against All Enemies.'

NBC DFW KXAS sports anchor/reporter Pat Doney celebrates 10 years with the station.

"How a workout injury revealed my rare heart condition and saved my life" by WFAA 8 reporter Matt Howerton.

Dallas Morning News hires Mel Fronczek as a graphics reporter.

Matt Houston joins WFAA Dallas
FOX 4's Shannon Murray is married
Nicolette Perdomo joins Spectrum News 1 Texas
Dylan Federico joins FOX 4 KDFW DFW
Ariel Plasencia leaves WFAA 8

HOUSTON

Houston Chronicle named Texas' 'Newsroom of the Year' for fifth straight year.

"Houston Matters" celebrates 10 years on Houston Public Media's News 88.7 KUHF.

Jim Nantz reflects on career after last Final Four game.

Astros reporter Julia Morales gets birthday cake surprise from Pirates on live TV during game.

Houston Chronicle Astros Beat Reporter Chandler Rome joins The Athletic on the same beat.

KHOU 11 News Director of Sales Lori Clark was presented the 2023 Silver Star of Excellence at the Media Alliance of Houston Star Awards Gala. 

COVID catches Ken Hoffman: CultureMap's columnist chronicles his case after a 3-year dodge.

Rick Lovett leaves SUNNY 99.1 afternoons.

90.1 KPFT debuts new schedule.

KPRC 2 Assignment Editor John Steiger announced his upcoming retirement. Congrats on his 40 years with channel 2!

Producer Erica Young promoted to KPRC 2 Manager of Special Projects & Producer Development.

Monroe Trombly joins the Houston Landing as a public safety reporter.

Tim Carlin joins the Houston Landing as a civic engagement reporter.

89.3 KSBJ Houston Fill-in Announcer and Traffic Reporter Lisa Marie interview.

KHOU 11 10pm newscast executive producer Molly Baker Cuculich leaves the station after eight years.

Programming Executive Producer Laura Berryhill Taglialavore celebrates 5 years at abc13 KTRK Houston.

SuiteRadio’s “Gallo Go Round” and “The Rowdy Ride Home” sign up a pair of new affiliates. KJVC-FM 92.7 Mansfield/Shreveport, Louisiana, and “Caribbean Country 93.5” WVVI-FM in Christiansted on St. Croix Island (U.S. Virgin Islands.) Both shows will debut on Monday 5/1/2023. 

Caroline Brown is engaged
Denise Middleton returns to FOX 26 Houston
Rita Garcia returns to abc13 Houston after maternity leave
Roula Christie wins a 2023 Gracie Award
Bill Barajas promoted to KPRC weekend anchor
Rachel Briers returns to abc13 KTRK after maternity leave
Syan Rhodes to leave KPRC 2
Tiffany Craig leaves KHOU 11 Houston
Houston Cox radio stations to be sold to Urban One
"Dana Tyson in the Morning" changes at SUNNY 99.1 KODA Houston
Katelyn Maida returns to 93Q mornings from maternity leave
Made in Texas Radio goes syndicated
Frank Billingsley emcees Alzheimer's Association Houston gala with special guest Maria Shriver
Casey Curry running for Houston City Council At-Large Position 1
Former KHOU ND Sally Ramirez goes to NBC Chicago
Tessa Barrera guest co-hosts "Houston Life"
Cathy Hernandez and Brittany Jeffers make it official
Madd Hatta named KTSU operations manager
“Outlaw Radio with Outlaw Dave” on SuiteRadio
Jonathan Martin to leave FOX 26 Houston
Praise 92.1 KROI Houston sold to Spanish Broadcasting System
Adam Krueger appearing on NewsNation
Jessica Willey runs the 2023 Boston Marathon
Telemundo Houston names new sales managers
Houston country radio stations honored in Academy of Country Music Awards
Taisha Walker to leave KPRC 2
Owen Conflenti goes Wes Anderson
Jonathan Martin signs off FOX 26 Houston
Bill Balleza honored with Dave Ward "Excellence in Media" award
Dominique Sachse talks about new podcast
Candace Burns named KPRC 4pm anchor

Justina Latimer joins KPRC 2

SAN ANTONIO

KENS 5 morning anchor Sarah Forgany celebrates 13 years with the station.

San Antonio Biz Journal hires Zoe Gottlieb as energy and tech reporter.

Kyle Mahnke announces his departure from the San Antonio Express-News.

Ariel Rivera-Vázquez promoted at Telemundo 60 San Antonio
Larry Ramirez becomes KSAT San Antonio sports director

AUSTIN

KVUE's Jenni Lee, Dennis Thomas awarded Texas Medical Association Anson Jones Award.

Texas Monthly Is Nominated for Two 2023 Media Awards by the James Beard Foundation.

Erin Quinn-Kong is new managing editor of Texas Highways Magazine.

KUTX Austin Celebrates 10th Birthday With Limited Edition Vinyl.

Thanks to KXAN Austin and CW39 Houston
Pamela Comme of KVUE Austin is engaged
KXAN Austin returns to channel 36.1
Britt Moreno returns to KXAN Austin
Emily Chavez leaves CBS Austin

AROUND TEXAS

106.7 FM and 1390 AM KULP El Campo celebrates 75th anniversary.

Gray Television recognizes KGNS Laredo Chief Meteorologist Richard Heatwave Berler for his commitment to forecasting in the community for over 40 years.

Tyler Morning Telegraph earns 15 awards in North and East Texas Press Association Better Newspaper Contest.

Paige Ellenberger announced she is leaving the 15 ABC KRHD Bryan - College Station Good Morning Texas anchor gig to be a reporter and other duties.

James Duncan, host of KMHT Radio 103.9 FM Marshall's “World Famous Swap Shop,” retired on his 84th birthday. I wonder if Richard and Sal ever called in?

Skylar Soto joined KTSM-9 News El Paso as a Multimedia Journalist. She had been a KLBK Lubbock MMJ since July 2021.

Recent Texas Southern University grad Karina Hollingsworth joins KTXS 12 News Abilene as a multimedia journalist.

Soon to be University of Texas at Austin grad Madeline Salinas has been hired as a 3 News KIII Corpus Christi multimedia journalist. 

Brenda Medina leaves KTSM El Paso
"Hello, South Texas!' KIII Corpus Christi song
KDFX 3 Wichita Falls celebrates 70 years
CBS19 KYTX Tyler celebrates 19 years on air
Rusty Garrett declared cancer free
Jeremiah Wilcox leaves NBC 23 KVEO RGV
Chris Jacobs leaves CBS 4 KGBT Rio Grande Valley
Clara Benitez joins KRIS 6 Corpus
PJ Heussner promoted to FOX 44 KWKT Waco weekend anchor
Estela Casas joins KTSM 9 El Paso
Natassia Paloma and Trevor J. Thompson's baby is here
Samantha Smerechniak and Karsen Buschjost leave ABC Big 2 News KMID Odessa/Midland
El Paso TV news anchor jailed on criminal mischief charge

REMEMBERING

Frank Masling Hicks, who worked 46 years in broadcasting at KLEE radio and KPRC 2, died at age 95.

Dallas Morning News sportswriter Chuck Carlton passes away at 64.