Melanie Lawson had an amazing ABC13 Houston send-off

 

Melanie Lawson signed off ABC13 KTRK Houston on Thursday night after 43 years, and the station she has given so much of her life to celebrated the longtime anchor with a spectacular sendoff.

The day, which was declared as Melanie Lawson Day in the City of Houston by Mayor John Whitmire, ended with the big announcement that the ABC13 news department conference room will be renamed after Lawson, so she will forever be connected with the daily story selections of Houston's number one-rated television station.

And in my conversation with Lawson at the end of the night, after a "Month of Melanie" honors throughout January celebrating her storied career, Lawson said she was ready to take it easy for the next few days.  We can all agree, she's earned that right.

KTRK outdid itself with a fancy events tent, complete with catering, a champagne toast, and a commemorative whiskey glass for guests featuring an etching of the abc13 logo, the "Cheers to 43 years!" inscription, and Lawson's image on the bottom of the glass!  

The big event not only featured her current KTRK family, but also folks from other Houston television stations, including Disney executives who flew in.

People seen in the crowd included Joel Osteen, Laura Ward, former mayor Bill White, Jan Carson, Linda Lorelle, Mary Benton, Jerome Gray, Isiah Carey, and Congressman Al Green.

Former KTRK staffers I saw included Tom Koch, Jaime Zamora, Wendy Granato, Ilona Carson, Deborah Wrigley, Lori Reingold, and Justin Sternberg.

And if the famous faces in the tent weren't enough, nationally known figures also offered messages on video in a montage.

Names included were Robin Roberts, Art Rascon, Tamron Hall, Michael Strahan, Ken Jennings of Jeopardy, George Stephanopoulos, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, Mayor John Whitmire, Joel and Victoria Osteen, and ABC News Group President Debra OConnell.  Maybe the face that got the biggest reaction in a room full of Channel 13 employees was Lawson's former Live at Five co-anchor Bob Boudreaux.

Speakers included KTRK president and general manager Mike Carr, ABC Owned Television Stations president Chad Matthews, and ABC13's news director Keaton Fox. 

After the speeches honoring the esteemed anchor, Lawson spoke to the crowd, noting that she grew up during segregation and that she is now leaving the station with the station's first Black general manager. 

In retirement, Lawson told me she plans to travel with her husband, John Guess Jr., the CEO of the Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC). 

As for more on Lawson's future endeavours, stay tuned to this very blog!

Louisiana station cuts anchor team and newscasts

Last week the anchor team of KATC 3 Lafayette, Louisiana, Marcelle Fonteno and Jim Hummel, left the station after 10 years.

RELATED
KSAT 12 San Antonio cuts newscast
CBS 11 KTVT DFW replaces 6pm newscast with 'Jeopardy'

The Advocate reports owner E.W. Scripps Co. is replacing the KATC 5pm, 6pm and 10pm newscasts with "pre-recorded elements that will be combined with live packages when 'Acadiana needs us to be live.'"

I don't normally report on stations across the Sabine Pass, but Scripps does own stations in Texas. So could it happen here? Well, there have been Texas cuts. The Advocate reports that KXXV Waco-Temple-Killeen has already gone through a staff reduction last summer.

As for the anchor team,  96.5 KPEL reports they could soon be hired "across the street" at competitor and Byron Allen Media Broadcasting-owned KADN News 15.

(Thanks Eric)

Texas TV news and radio job moves August 2023

 

Send tips for the monthly Texas media job list here.

- 2023 Lone Star Regional Sports EMMY winners
- Congratulations to the 2023 Bonner McLane Public Service Award Winners
- 2023 Texas National Edward R. Murrow Award Winners
- Texas Radio Hall of Fame 2023 inductees

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

The Parent Company of Cumulus and The Ticket Is Suing Ex-Hosts Jake Kemp and Dan McDowell.

New journalists announced at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Alexandra Skores named aviation reporter for the Dallas Morning News. 

Local News Outlet Slanders Mayor’s Cowboy Hat.

Dallas Biz Journal editor Jeff Schnick departing.

The Dallas Business Journal promotes Bill Hethcock to assistant managing editor.

820 WBAP seeks a new afternoon drive host as Rick Roberts exited after seven and a half years.

Amy Chodroff announces exit From KLIF.

KERA News acquires Texas community newspaper.

Joseph Hoyt leaves the Dallas Morning News to join Lone Star Live.

- Janel Forte joins WFAA 8
- Erin Hunter joins WFAA's Good Morning Texas
- Sportsradio 96.7FM/1310 AM The Ticket/KTCK-FM Kicks schedule changes 2023
- Hiney Wine: The story of a fake DFW radio ad
- Lili Zheng joins FOX 5 DC WTTG Washington, D.C.
- Mariel Ruiz gives WFAA 8 tour
- CBS 11 KTVT DFW replaces 6pm newscast with 'Jeopardy'

HOUSTON

KHOU 11 Photojournalist Nathan Kvinge retires after 41 years with the station.

Anchor Keith Garvin celebrates 11 years with KPRC 2.

KHOU 11 reporter Maria E. Aguilera celebrates 6 years as a reporter and 5 years with TEGNA Inc. 

Director of Business Development at iHeartMedia Houston, Robert Reese, celebrates 21 years.

Michael Hagerty celebrates 10 years with Houston Public Media's News 88.7 KUHF's "Houston Matters."

KBXX personalities J Mac and Young Jas, along with streetwear purveyor Michael Mills, interview influencers and artists from Mills' store on 'Clearly Cultured' podcast.

Mike McCall has been named Chief of Donor Engagement for Hope Media Group, bringing over three decades of experience in donor development, stewardship, and special initiatives fundraising.

Reporter Nick Natario celebrates six years with abc13 KTRK.

KPRC 2 nightside executive producer Steve Ljuljdjuraj leaves for CBS News Detroit.

Former FOX 26 KRIV anchor, Melinda Spaulding Chevalier, named VP for public affairs at Rice University.

'Amplifying The Culture' is the goal at AQH Gainer KBXX Houston.

John Lopez is the OG of Houston Sports Radio.

Radio Legend Madd Hatta announces Scholarship for 10 TSU Students.

Ken Hoffman gets heated over shady meteorologist terms during our worst summer ever.

Houston-based SuiteRadio announces that its programs are being heard on 50 broadcast radio signals across the US.

Houston Biz Journal editor Greenwood departs.

Andrea Guzmán joins Chron.com as Texas brands reporter. 

Former KHOU 11 reporter Gabe Gutierrez joins NBC News’s White House Team.

Jessica Savitch, a trailblazing news anchor who got her start on KHOU, to be written about in new book.

Started in the basement, now we’re here: Explore ktru’s history.

How to watch ABC13 television over the air with an antenna.

- Chauncy Glover leaves abc13 Houston
- Get to know Rod Ryan from 94.5 The Buzz
- Houston radio stars open up on FOX 26
- Alex Bozarjian joins abc13 Houston
- Dave Ward honored with street name next to abc13 Houston studios
- Former KPRC 2 reporter revisits covering Hurricane Harvey
- Outlaw Dave joins Houston's Eagle 106.9 and 107.5
- James Harden fined $100,000 after KHOU 11 interview
- Erica Simon announces baby #2
- "KPRC2+ Now" at 9am debuts
- Daniel Gotera leaves KHOU 11 Houston
- Dominique Sachse talks living with grief
- "KPRC 2 News Today at 10am" and 3pm news debut in September 2023
- abc13 KTRK taken off YouTube TV by glitch
- ESPN Houston staff changes summer 2023

SAN ANTONIO

KENS 5 anchor Isis Romero joins the University of the Incarnate Word staff this fall...but she's still anchoring, too.

KSAT 12 reporter Leigh Waldman promoted to 'Investigates' team.

KSAT 12's GMSA weekend anchor/reporter Max Massey celebrates 6 years with the station.

KSAT reporter Erica Hernandez to be featured in episode of ABC’s ‘20/20′ in September.

- Texas TV chief meteorologist moves to newspaper
- Simone De Alba joins WUSA9 Washington, DC
- Chelsea Torres joins FOX News
- Allysa Tellez leaves KENS 5 San Antonio
- Daniela Ibarra joins KSAT San Antonio

AUSTIN

Texas Tribune holds first layoffs in 14-year history.
- The Texas Tribune’s first-ever layoffs worry the news industry.

 Jason Dick returns to the “Morning X” on “101X” KROX.

Craig Way returns to iHM's The Zone.

"105.3 The Bat” off the air.
- Norsan Media acquiring KTXX, K287FG/Austin

- Abigail Velez joins CBS Austin
- Pamela Comme joins WESH 2 Orlando

AROUND TEXAS

Congratulations to KCBD 11 Lubbock Chief Meteorologist John Robison on his 40-year work anniversary!

Blake Holland celebrates five years at KLTV 7 Tyler.

KETK News learned staff members at 95.3 and 102.3 The Breeze have been let go.

Chantel Ropp leaves KWTX 10 Waco where she was a reporter. 

KYTX CBS19 special projects producer Larry Magee leaves for a new job.

 KCBD 11 Lubbock MMJ Michael A. Cantu leaves the TV news biz after eight years. 

KTSM’s Estela Casas shares her story during Downtown hotel’s High Tea event.

KKHR Abilene flipped formats to a mix of Americana, Classic Rock, and Texas Country as "101.7 The Patriot."

- Erika and Blake Holland add to KLTV family
- Kurtis Quillin leaves KCEN 6 Waco
- Patrina Adger joins KFDM News Beaumont
- Liz Dueweke joins KFOX14 El Paso
- Adam Cardona promoted to NBC 23 KVEO mornings
- Pat Simon re-joins WOWK 13 News Huntington, West Virginia
- Cole Banker joins KLBK/KAMC Lubbock
- Mason Horodyski joins WHAS11 News
- Faith Colbert joins 3News KIII Corpus Christi
- Paul Cicala returns to KVIA El Paso
- Madeleine Dunn joins KMID Midland
- Sara Blue joins CBS19 KYTX
- Stephanie Valle celebrates 22 years with KVIA El Paso
- Noemy Sanchez joins KTRE and KLTV East Texas
- Jesse Schroeder leaves KTRE East Texas
- Ashly Elam leaves 12News KBMT Beaumont
- Adam Ogburn joins KTEN

CBS 11 KTVT DFW replaces 6pm newscast with 'Jeopardy'

 

CBS 11 KTVT Dallas-Fort Worth is replacing its "CBS News Texas at 6:00pm" newscast with 'Jeopardy' starting Monday, September 11, 2023 according to an ad running on the station.

As you might imagine, when an owned and operated network station drops a 6pm newscast in a major market, the emails start rolling in. 

One viewer emailed me saying, "Shocked is the only way to describe it."

So for weekday afternoon/evening news at KTVT you will soon have:

CBS News Texas at 4:00pm

CBS News Texas at 5:00pm

CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell

CBS News Texas at 10:00 PM New

The 6pm hour will be all game shows as 'Jeopardy' is scheduled ahead of 'Wheel of Fortune' which already airs at 6:30pm.

If you can wait until 7pm, then CBS-owned sister station TXA-21 KTXA will debut "CBS News Texas at 7:00pm" starting on 9-11-23.

Currently, KTXA airs the 9pm newscast "CBS News Texas Now" produced through its Innovation Lab, but this show goes away on Sept. 11, replaced by "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit."

Meanwhile, down I-45, a Houston station is adding TV newscasts the same day. 

"KPRC 2 News Today at 10am" and 3pm news debut in September 2023

"KPRC 2 News Today at 10am" debuts Monday, September 11, 2023 as well as KPRC 2 News at 3pm.  

I found out that "Today With Hoda & Jenna" will be moved to 11am where "KPRC 2 News Midday "followed by a repeat of "Entertainment Tonight" at 11:30am currently air. 

UPDATE 8-30-2023
KPRC 2 is also adding a half-hour 3pm newscast starting 9-11-2023 replacing "Dr. Phil."  The above mentioned "Entertainment Tonight" rerun will air at 3:30pm now. The channel 2 Houston 3pm newscast will be anchored by Andy Cerota, Lisa Hernandez and meteorologist Justin Stapleton. 

For those keeping score, this is one of those newscast additions I hinted about back in July.

Morning anchors Owen Conflenti and Sofia Ojeda will be behind the anchor desk, and the above video is of the AM duo rehearsing for the new newscast.

"The 10am will not be all news," Ojeda posted.  "There will be lighthearted stories and lots of moments KPRC2 Owen Conflenti and I will share with y’all on daily topics and what everyone is talking about." 

Conflenti says in the above video that meteorologist Justin Stapleton will contribute his beer segment to the newscast.

This is an actual over-the-air TV newscast addition...not a new streaming show for KPRC 2+.

As for streaming, Conflenti and Ojeda are apparently handing their 7am KPRC2+ show over to medical reporter Haley Hernandez and consumer reporter Amy Davis. 

Just last week, "KPRC2+ Now" at 9 debuted with Zach Lashway and Hernandez.

The streaming-only KPRC 2+ debuted in April of 2022.

KPRC 2 dumped its 4:30am newscast in January of 2023.

RELATED
DFW station replaces 6pm newscast with 'Jeopardy'

KXAN Austin debuts 4pm newscast

KXAN Austin keeps getting the headlines here as it has debuted a new 4pm newscast with weekend anchor Jennifer Sanders as of July 5, 2022. 

She also replaces Amanda Dugan on the KXAN News at Noon.

Sanders joined KXAN in 2020 as weekend anchor. 

RELATED

- Amanda Dugan leaves KXAN Austin
- Daniel Marin replaces retiring Robert Hadlock at KXAN Austin
- KXAN Austin getting new set

"It’s LAUNCH DAY for @kxan_news new 4pm newscast, and my good friend @JenSandersTV is the anchor," tweeted KXAN Bilingual TV Storyteller/TX Capitol Correspondent Jala Washington. "I’m soooo excited you all will get to see more of her, M-F! She’s talented beyond measure, and adds such value to our news team. Congratulations, Jen!"

Chief meteorologist David Yeomans handled the weather. 

So, what does this mean for the KXAN weekday afternoon programming schedule lineup?

Jeopardy! (2 episodes) moves from the 4pm slot to 3pm slot.

Dr. Phil which originally aired at 3pm, moves to 2pm.

Rachael Ray leaves the 2pm slot, moving to sister-station KBVO 14.1 at 3pm, replacing 'The Doctors.' 

It’s LAUNCH DAY for @kxan_news new 4pm newscast, and my good friend @JenSandersTV is the anchor!

I’m soooo excited you all will get to see more of her, M-F! She’s talented beyond measure, and adds such value to our news team.

Congratulations, Jen! Your ✨ is contagious. ✨💜 pic.twitter.com/SFjdHf1WoP

— Jala Washington (@Jala__WashTV) July 5, 2022

 

Texas TV news and radio job moves January 2020

RELATED
- Houston social media stars January 2020
- Best TV News Bloopers January 2020


DALLAS - FORT WORTH

Unclebarky.com cancels itself, goes into reruns.

Mike Rhyner, co-founder of ‘The Ticket’ and a Dallas radio fixture since the 1970s, is off the air.

Jamie Hancock becomes the North Texas Editor for the Dallas Morning News.

Mac Daniels Exits As KPLX/KSCS Program Director.

Shannon Murray renews her agreement with KDFW in Dallas. She continues reporting and filling-in at the anchor desk. - Napoli Management

Morning Changes At Radio One/Dallas' KBFB (97.9 The Beat) And KZMJ (Majic 94.5)

Colt Parkey Moving To Nights At KHKS Dallas.

Three CBS-Owned CW Stations Add Nightly News - WKBD Detroit newscasts will be produced by KTVT.

- Sophia Beausoleil joins NBC 5 KXAS

HOUSTON

Multiple sources have told me that the iHeartMedia January 2020 job cuts did affect Houston. Radio Insight has a running list of affected cities from across Texas and the US. In Houston, the site reports that Mixers/on-air hosts DJ Ebonix, DJ Shante, and OG Ron C & The Chopstars exit Hip-Hop “93.7 The Beat” KQBT. I also hear members of the IT and production department were also let go.

Reporter David Barron celebrates 30 years with the Houston Chronicle.

Jenny Dial Creech leaves the Houston Chronicle after 14 years to join The Athletic Houston as the managing editor.

Keri Blakinger leaves the Houston Chronicle and joins The Marshall Project as a reporter.

Dylan McGuinness is now covering City Hall for the Houston Chronicle.

News producer John Carreon celebrates 24 years at abc13 KTRK.

John Brewer joins CW39 KIAH Morning Dose as an assignments editor from 740 KTRH.

Producer Geordan Tilley leaves CW39 KIAH Morning Dose.

Mumbles hits 10 years on the 104.1 KRBE The Roula & Ryan Show.

After 12 years, KHOU Digital Sales Manager Christine Di Stadio joins WTVF Nashville, TN as an account executive.

Fabian Gutierrez left his position as the Lead News Assignment Editor with Telemundo after 3.5 years to join the American Heart Association as their new Director of Media Relations.

Donna Reed (formerly of KLOL, KODA and KHPT Houston) has launched a new hour-long show of chill tunes called MELLOW MONDAY WITH DONNA REED. Click here.

- KHOU launches Sunday morning newscast
- Anayeli Ruiz joins KHOU
- Madd Hatta Show on 97.9 The Box?
- J.J. Watt calls out abc13 KTRK over tweet
- Jessie Watt joins Mix 96.5’s “The Morning Mix”
- Lisa Hernandez leaves KHOU 11
- Brandon Walker hit by truck - in recovery
- Doug Miller talks 'Jeopardy!' appearance
- Chauncy Glover adds 6:30pm news duties
- Brandi Smith new KHOU Saturday morning anchor
- Shelley Childers has baby #2
- Larry Seward leaves KHOU
- Sophia Beausoleil leaves KPRC 2
- Matthew Seedorff joins FOX 26 KRIV
- Hannah Mackenzie joins KPRC 2
- Jennifer Reyna update 2020
- Cathy Hernandez has baby!
- FOX 26's Ivory Hecker is a singer-songwriter
- KLOL doc featured on CW39 Morning Dose
- Heather Sullivan joins FOX 26
- KPRC 2 reveals Tokyo Olympic coverage plans
- Katherine Marchand leaves abc13 KTRK
- Samica Knight returns to abc13 KTRK
- Brandon Walker reveals accident aftermath and who helped him
- Sally Mamdooh is married
- Dominique Sachse on 'TODAY with Hoda and Jenna'
- KHOU 11 buys KTBU 55
- Bill Balleza signs off KPRC 2
- VIDEO: Bill Balleza's goodbye on last KPRC 2 newscast


SAN ANTONIO

Sharon Ko named co-anchor for 'KENS 5 Eyewitness News at 6 p.m.'

New KENS 5 'Great Day SA' co-host Clarke Finney arrives from KMID and KPEJ in Midland.

12 News KBMT's Jordan Foster has been in Beaumont for almost two years is joining KENS as a reporter February 3rd.

AUSTIN

93.7 KLBJ’s ‘Dudley and Bob with Matt’ is moving to afternoons.

Anchor/reporter Courtney Schoenemann leaves KEYE and TV news to work at the Baylor College of Medicine as the associate development director of communications.

John Dabkovich returns to his home state of California and joins KOVR/KMAX in Sacramento as morning anchor. Previously, he was morning anchor for KXAN in Austin, TX. - Napoli Management

Bob Mackay is the new Market Manager for Entercom Austin - moving from Houston where he was GSM for Entercom.

KTXX (The Horn)/Austin Adds Weekend Show With Tyler Campbell.

New female-centric Austin media outlet seeks to revolutionize American journalism.

Bama & Heather Return To KVET Sans Rob Mason.

KOKE's Scotty Bennett Moves To 'Texas Nights.

AROUND TEXAS

Farewell Estela: El Paso’s most recognizable person steps down after 27 years at ABC-7.

Ann Harder to retire during her 25th year at KXXV 25 News.

KVII Amarillo issues statement following anchor Anthony Pittman's arrest.

KIII Corpus Christi morning anchor John-Thomas Kobos is now also the show's executive producer.

A KWES anchor doing commercials?

Morning anchor Hunter Davis leaves KXXV Waco, Temple, Killeen to work as a Fox News multimedia reporter.

John Van Camp Out At KXGL/Amarillo, TX.

Paige Monet' Hubbard is joining KFDM/KBTV News Beaumont as a Multimedia Journalist.

KGBT-TV sold to Nexstar.

- Barbi Leo joins KIII

REMEMBERING

Reba Campbell, pioneering female journalist and hand in Texas Football magazine, dies at 95.

R.I.P.: Kelli D'Angelo, Longtime Lubbock Personality

Former Dyess airman, husband of ex-KTXS meteorologist, killed in Afghanistan plane crash.

Doug Miller talks 'Jeopardy!' appearance

Hey look! It's former KHOU 11 reporter and Executive Editor Doug Miller on abc13 KTRK talking about his Jeopardy! appearance! Checkout the EMMY bling behind him!

RELATED
- Doug Miller talks KHOU and media career
- Doug Miller named Rice University director of news and media relations
- Doug Miller leaving KHOU 11 after 23 years

abc13 KTRK anchors switch schedules

abc13 KTRK afternoon traffic anchor Brhe Berry and morning "Stretch Your Dollar" anchor Chelsey Hernandez swap schedules

You might call her Brhe Berry, while television viewers in other markets might call her Brheanna, either way the usual afternoon abc13 KTRK traffic anchor seems to be getting up real early these days.

UPDATE JANUARY 2023

Brhe Berry leaves abc13 KTRK Houston 

Berry, no relation to the Czar of Talk Radio Michael of the same last name that we are aware of, is working the morning newscast now and appears to be on the consumer news beat.

For example, she has pleas out on social media looking for anyone who has had a Ford truck broken into or anyone who has used the Ease app. So if you fit the bill, give her a call.

I remember trying to find interviews for consumer stories in the dark days of the pre-social media world. Yikes. What's left of consumer departments around the country should be thankful those days are past us!

RELATED
Brhe Berry is pregnant

So I guess Elissa Rivas is doing traffic now? Meanwhile she is also doing consumer stories.

So, that leaves us Chelsey Hernandez who exited mornings for afternoons a few weeks ago. She is still doing "Stretch Your Dollar" segments in the PM it seems.

Hernandez is also hosting an online only show at 11:30am called The Midday. This show started around the time that the 11:30am portion of the news was replaced by Jeopardy! Got to get that exclamation in there.

Now, if Hernandez and producer/steadicam rig operator extraordinaire Jerry Nunez are looking for guests, I know of one. There is this guy who is producing a documentary on the former 101 KLOL which was a beloved station that many Houston radio listeners want back on the air. A trailer was just released last week. The Houston Chronicle and Chron.com have done some nice pieces on the project if you need background. Call me I mean contact this really dynamic director/producer if you want a guest who can bring in star DJs to talk for guaranteed number bumps. I think this guy has been to the station before a couple of times.

RELATED
- Chelsey Hernandez is engaged
- Chelsey Hernandez appears in new movie

Texas TV news and radio job moves August 2019

RELATED
Best TV News Bloopers August 2019

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

40-year DFW TV-radio host Jody Dean to leave 98.7 FM KLUV weekend shows: ‘I’m not retiring.’

WFAA promoted Leslie McCardel to executive news director. She succeeds Carolyn Mungo who was promoted VP-station manager.

Demetria Obilor’s tenure as traffic reporter for WFAA8’s Daybreak will be ending after October.

NBC 5 KXAS consumer investigative reporter Samantha Chatman joins WLS 7 Chicago to cover consumer issues for the station's weekday morning newscasts.

NBC 5 KXAS reporter Alice Barr joins NBC News Channel as a Correspondent based in DC.
- nwtgroup

Reporter Yona Gavino is no longer with CBS11 KTVT.

CBS11 KTVT has hired Brooke Katz as the station’s Saturday evening/late night news anchor and reporter.

Terrance Friday joins KDFW-TV/FOX 4 on Sept. 3 as a reporter/anchor from WJTV Jackson, Miss. He will anchor Good Day Saturday and Sunday and report for Good Day three days a week.

ALT 103.7 KVIL has parted ways with morning host JENN MARINO.

KVUE Reporter Jay Wallis joins WFAA as a reporter.

Victor "Tito" Caballero promoted to Program Director for KZEP 104.5 FM Latino Hits.

Kidd Kraddick Co-Host Kellie Rasberry Receives 2019 MIW Airblazer Award.

Nexstar Names Susan Tully local Content SVP.



HOUSTON

Community Liaison for the city of Houston's Mayor's Office, Jack Valinski, has been named the Interim General Manager of 90.1 FM KPFT.

MIX 96.5 KHMX morning host Sarah Pepper returns to Evansville, Indiana to WSTO Hot96.

Houston Chronicle reporter Mike Glenn joins the Natonial Security Team at The Washington Times.

Longtime 93Q KKBQ DJ Cactus Jack has reportedly left the station according to social media posts from current and former co-workers.

San Francisco Chronicle breaking news reporter Gwendolyn Wu joins the Houston Chronicle.

FOX 26 KRIV Assignment Editor Henry Howell joins Lone Star College as Communications Manager.

Houston History Bus tours founder starts The Houston Hour with Mister McKinney and Catherine Anspon on KPFT 90.1 FM every Thursday afternoon from 3 to 4 pm.

Former KXXV 25 Waco, Temple Killeen news director Charlie Haldeman joins abc13 KTRK as Senior Manager of Digital Content.

KHOU's Brandon Scott leaves to become SportsRadio 610 KILT's Houston Digital Content Coordinator.

Samantha Olivo Given joins the 104.1 KRBE Roula and Ryan show as a producer.

- Katherine Whaley has her baby
- Deneige Broom leaves FOX 26 KRIV
- 104 KRBE's Freddy Cruz authors "When America Fell Silent"
- Josh Marshall to leave KHOU 11
- Wendy Granato named KTRK President and General Manager
- Art Rascon hospitalized
- Ryan Korsgard joins Million Air Austin
- Daniel Gotera encounters shooting scene
- Lisa Vaughn has her baby
- Natasha Geigel OK after medical procedure
- Janet Shamlian joins CBS News as Houston-based correspondent
- Cathy Hernandez baby gender reveal
- Samica Knight returns to work
- Xavier Walton joins KHOU as morning anchor; Lisa Hernandez moves
- Dominique Sachse shows how to pose for the camera
- Lee Meier named FOX 26 KRIV assistant news director
- Lainie Fritz to leave KPRC 2
- TX Radio Hall of Famer on new Houston online station
- Chris Costa joins KHOU 11
- 2019 Lone Star SPORTS EMMY Awards Show winners
- Leslie Adami named KIII Corpus Christi evening anchor
- "Red, White & Blue" and "Party Politics" return with new co-hosts
- Anoushah Rasta gets married
- John Donnelly to leave FOX 26
- Six degrees of separation Houston TV style
- Shelley Childers baby gender reveal
- Tommy Tutone dials up 867-5309 sing along on FOX 26
- Natasha Barrett joins the Memorial Hermann Health System
- Courtney Zavala experiences one "extreme" weather forecast
- TV anchors named "Top 30 Influential Women of Houston"
- Roxann Fisher joins KAVU Victoria as news director
- Why In-N-Out Burger has been slow to open in Houston
- Matt Dougherty is a dogged reporter
- KStar Country 99.7 FM
- 'Jeopardy' is moving on abc13 KTRK



SAN ANTONIO

Max Massey has been promoted to KSAT 12 "Good Morning San Antonio Weekend" co-anchor alongside Stephanie Serna and meteorologist Sarah Spivey.

Rob Roberts to program KONO-FM, KSMG.

Patty Santos renews her contract with KSAT in San Antonio as a lead night side Reporter and fill-in Anchor.
- nwtgroup




AUSTIN

John-Carlos Estrada joins KEYE as weekday morning news anchor from WINK News Fort Myers/Naples.

KTHV Little Rock morning meteorologist Mariel Ruiz joins KVUE in the same position.

WNCN CBS 17 Raleigh, Durham sport anchor/reporter Jeff Jones joins KVUE.

Programming staff shuffle at KUTX/Austin.

Dave Froehlich signs a new agreement at KTBC, the Fox O & O in Austin, Texas where he is a Morning Anchor.
- nwtgroup



AROUND TEXAS

Telemundo 48 San Jose adds sports anchor Carlos Yustis from Telemundo 40 McAllen.

Estephany Escobar joins as a Reporter/MMJ at Spectrum Charlotte from a Reporter/MMJ at KXXV in Waco, TX.
- nwtgroup

Newscenter 25's Sports Director Don Brubaker celebrates 35 years at KAVU.

Hunter Sowards jumps 80 markets joining KUSI in San Diego from KTRE in Tyler, Texas.
- nwtgroup



REMEMBERING

Former KTSA-A & KTFM/San Antonio PD And Radio Consultant Lee Randall Passes On.

Luke Raphael Laufenberg, youngest son of Babe and Joan Laufenberg, died on Thursday, Aug. 22nd, of cancer.

'Jeopardy' is moving on abc13 KTRK

After abc13 KTRK started running promos for the new TV fall season, I've been receiving lots of questions about the coming changes to channel 13's daytime schedule.

So here’s the new channel 13 lineup as of September 9, 2019:

11:30am Jeopardy

12pm Strahan, Sara and Keke

1pm Tamron Hall

2pm General Hospital

Eyewitness News at 3pm with Chauncy Glover and Mayra Moreno

That means the 11am news will be shortened to 30 minutes. I think its been an hour since soap opera Port Charles (remember the vampire story line) was cancelled in 2003.

Jeopardy currently runs at 1pm with Who Wants to Be a Millionaire at 1:30pm. It was announced in May that Millionaire has been cancelled. So with Jeopardy moving to 11:30am, that leaves a full hour for the new Tamron Hall talk show to run at 1pm.

Texas TV news and radio job moves February 2019

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

John Treviño out as Telemundo Dallas GM position eliminated.

FOX 4 KDFW Dallas has hired Samantha Gannon who will report, co-host and produce on Free4All, the station’s live, weeknight 10:30 p.m. program, alongside Mike Doocy.

HOUSTON

After 46 years of chronicling Houston's sports scene, Dale Robertson is retiring from the Chronicle sports staff.

Cathy Hernandez renews her agreement as a reporter with KPRC.

abc13 KTRK weekend morning anchor Erica Simon has been elected to The Houston Association of Black Journalist Board. She is VP of Multimedia. KTRK Senior/Executive producer Kevin Lightfoot was elected as the new VP of Broadcast.

This is old news from August, but I just found out former KHOU 11 reporter Lauren Tostenson joined WBTV Charlotte, NC.

- KHOU 11 gives us a look at its new studio and newsroom
- Mike McGuff appears on KPRC 2's Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall
- Brooks Garner gone from KHOU 11
- Houston author's love advice leads to 'Steve Harvey' appearance
- Collin Myers contestant on 'Millionaire'
- Doug Harris aka Jr. Mintz elected Houston Film Critics Society president
- Media Alliance of Houston 2019 Star Awards Gala winners
- Former Houston TV anchor opens up about depression battle
- Pooja Lodhia appears on "Jeopardy!"
- SportsMap 94.1 merges into ESPN 97.5 KFNC
- Brian Rogers to depart from the Houston Chronicle
- Former KHOU GM Susan McEldoon to offer professional coaching
- Erica Simon has her baby
- Lisa Vaughn back on air at KHOU 11
- VIDEO: The brand new SkyEye13
- Sweet 96.1 in Sugar Land signs off
- Brheanna Berry joins abc13 KTRK
- Suzi Hanks exits 106.9-107.5 The Eagle
- Christine Noël starts at KPRC 2
- Sally Mamdooh is engaged
- Melanie Lawson talks living with multiple sclerosis

AUSTIN

KEYE reporter Sarah Navoy announced on Twitter she is leaving the TV biz.

KEVIN CLARK joins the team at KXAN-TV in Austin as Investigative Reporter (from WFOX, Jacksonville).
represented by Steve Swienckowski at DCA Talent. http://www.dcatalent.com.

KEYE Austin is losing a number of key players.


AROUND TEXAS

KBMT-12 News sports director Lance Edwards has been terminated.

KSWO Lawton announced the firing of meteorologist Mandy Bailey after receiving complaints that the brain teaser she showed on air was inappropriate and racially insensitive.

KVII Amarillo News Director Amy Rasico-Ahn Sullivan is leaving for KGBT Harlingen.

Former Beaumont sports reporter J Russell has joined CW Phoenix KASW as a Multimedia Journalist.

KMID Midland Reporter Haylee Brooks is headed to Little Rock's KARK.

REMEMBERING

Former KCEN Waco, Temple and Killeen talent, director Tony Hennes passes away.

Pooja Lodhia appears on "Jeopardy!"

abc13 KTRK reporter Pooja Lodhia makes a cameo on "Jeopardy!"

OK...this is becoming a trend.

First we had channel 13 anchors Melanie Lawson and Tom Koch ask a question on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. And soon we will have abc13 KTRK meteorologist Collin Myers appear as a contestant on the show.

And today, we had abc13 KTRK reporter Pooja Lodhia ask a question on the boss of all trivia shows Jeopardy!

Y’all, this is a dream come true! I’m so excited to tell you that I will be on @Jeopardy tomorrow! I’ll be bringing you a clue - and here’s a hint: It’s all about H-town! #abc13 #jeopardy pic.twitter.com/MAVS6Qgejl

— Pooja Lodhia (@PoojaOnTV) February 12, 2019

Doug Miller named Rice University director of news and media relations

Doug Miller, a member of the Houston Chronicle editorial board and a longtime reporter and manager for KHOU-TV, has been appointed director of news and media relations in Rice University’s Office of Public Affairs, effective Aug. 8.

He succeeds B.J. Almond, who retired Aug. 3.

"Doug Miller's writing and editing skills and decades of experience in print and broadcast journalism will be valuable assets to our news and media relations team," said Vice President for Public Affairs Linda Thrane. "Doug knows Houston and his journalism experience and expertise will help us strengthen our efforts to share news about Rice University with the world."

Miller will oversee the team that issues news releases, expert alerts and media advisories, responds to media queries and produces Rice News, Dateline Rice and @Rice. He will also serve as a member of the Crisis Management Team and assist with emergency notifications to students, staff and faculty.

"Rice University is one of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the nation, so I'm honored just walking onto the campus knowing I now belong here," Miller said. "After more than 30 years in the news business, I feel like I just grabbed a brass ring."

Miller joined the Chronicle's editorial board in 2016 and has served as a public policy adviser and writer covering positions and candidates endorsed by the newspaper. He has written editorials on local, state and national issues.

Prior to the Chronicle, he spent nearly 25 years at CBS affiliate KHOU, where he won four Emmys and two Edward R. Murrow Awards for excellence in broadcast journalism. He served as a senior reporter, executive editor and chief of the Washington bureau between 1993 and 2016. He led a staff of 20 broadcast reporters and he specialized in politics and government reporting,

At KHOU, in addition to supervising political polling and election coverage, he organized partnerships with academic institutions and worked on political surveys with Rice political scientist Bob Stein. He also collaborated with Rice sociologist Stephen Klineberg to produce television reports based on the Kinder Houston Area Survey. Miller served as a panelist and organizer of live televised debates between candidates for U.S. president, Congress, Texas governor and Houston mayor. He covered the White House, Capitol Hill and the Supreme Court during his tenure as Washington bureau chief.

Miller's journalism experience also includes serving as managing editor of the Houston Business Journal from 1985 to 1993 and as a news reporter, news anchor and talk show host for KTRH-AM from 1980 to 1985. He has been a traffic reporter for Houston Traffic Central, a news anchor for KULF-AM in Houston and for KROD-AM in El Paso, Texas, and a talk show host for KISO-FM, also in El Paso.

Miller is a founding member of the Texas chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences..

A native of Fredericktown, Mo., Miller has a B.A. in history from the University of Houston. His interests include bird-watching, photography, bicycling and marathon running. He was the first Houstonian to appear on the syndicated version of "Jeopardy!" and won $16,000 during his three-day appearance on the game show in 1985.

(This post taken from a release sent to me by Rice University)

Doug Miller leaving KHOU 11 after 23 years

Legendary Houston reporter Doug Miller leaving KHOU 11 after more than two decades at the station

Doug Miller

Whenever I tweet a story from KHOU 11's website, it always seems the byline belongs to reporter Doug Miller. That's no accident considering Doug Miller has been one of Houston's finest reporters for 23 years at the CBS affiliate.

After two decades, Miller is leaving.

"Now I know how Biggio felt during his last game," Miller told mikemcguff.com. "That television station on Allen Parkway has been very, very good to me. I was lucky enough to help build one of the nation's most respected local television newsrooms and that'll be in my DNA until the day I die."

While he says he is not retiring, he is taking that TEGNA buyout offer I blogged about several months ago (I hear several of the station's photographers will most likely follow him out the door).

----------------------------
SEE MORE
Watch some of Doug Miller's amazing work during the April 18, 2016 Houston floods
----------------------------

The former Jeopardy! contestant has worked as a police reporter all the way to a newspaper editor during his decades in the Houston news trenches.

At age 16, Miller hosted a "Watergate-era" telephone talk show in El Paso. That led him to the University of Houston, where Miller lived in the dorm down the hall from CBS Sports broadcaster Jim Nantz and prof golfer Fred Couples.

His journalism career continued and led him to the newsrooms of 740 KTRH, United Press International's Houston bureau and the Houston Business Journal. After he rose to the role of managing editor of the HBJ, Miller started filing daily business reports for channel 11's morning newscast. Those appearances led Miller to become a full-time reporter with the station in 1993.

During his KHOU time, Miller has worked as the station's Washington bureau chief where he covered the White House, Capitol Hill and various presidential campaigns. In 2007, Miller traded the streets for a desk in the KHOU newsroom when he was promoted to executive editor. But the call of the streets were too strong. About four years later, Miller returned to reporting.

"One of the moments I'll never forget was waking up in the middle of the night during Tropical Storm Allison and turning in the TV to see our newsroom was flooding," Miller recalled to me. "I knew my car would never make it through the streets. so I started walking to the station. As luck would have it, Jeff McShan happened to drive by in a live truck and picked me up."

I'm sure there are a lot of employers in the Bayou City who will jump at a chance to snatch up Miller, but in the meantime, I bet he will enjoy a lot of time at Minute Maid Park watching his Houston Astros.

"I've got a closet full of rain gear decorated with old KHOU logos," Miller added. "If they need me in a pinch, God help me, I'd probably still meet the live truck halfway."

There will be a retirement party for Miller next week. He says he will be reporting for the station a couple of more weeks.

* This post has been updated with Doug Miller's response about leaving KHOU 11

UPDATE APRIL 21, 2016
Mario Gomez & others to leave KHOU 11

Mayor @SylvesterTurner acknowledges @DougMillerKHOU for years of covering #houcouncil. His last day is Friday. pic.twitter.com/6bQdIgNyjW

— Florian Martin (@Florian_News887) April 20, 2016

RELATED
- Doug Miller channel 11 retirement party photos
- Alice Barr leaves KHOU 11

KHOU 11 expands 4pm newscast to one hour

KHOU 11 News at 4pm goes to full hour Monday, September 14

KHOU 11, Houston’s CBS affiliate, will expand KHOU 11 News at 4 p.m. to one hour beginning on Monday, Sept. 14.

Beyond the news, weather and sports coverage viewers have come to count on, the program will bring back popular segments such as Len at Work, and provide expanded focus on important issues of the day that people are talking about.

“We’ll be looking to our viewers to help set the agenda for what we cover and give them a chance to interact and speak out on the things they care about,” says KHOU 11 News Executive News Director Philip Bruce.

KHOU 11 News at 4 p.m. will continue to be anchored by Len Cannon and Lisa Hernandez. While Hernandez is out on maternity leave, KHOU 11 News This Morning anchor Mia Gradney will serve as Cannon’s co-anchor.

RELATED
Jeopardy! moves to KTRK abc13 from KHOU 11 after many decades

FLASHBACKS
- KHOU 11 announces 4pm newscast
- REVIEW: KHOU 11 News at 4 kicks off with strong start and different approach

(This post was taken from a release sent to me by KHOU 11)

Jeopardy! moves to KTRK abc13 from KHOU 11 after many decades

KTRK abc13 to start airing Jeopardy! Sept 14th at 3pm

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 11, 2015
KHOU 11 expands 4pm newscast to one hour


Alex, I'll take a great Houston TV steal for $1000.

Based on the email and social media comments I'm receiving, KTRK abc13's grab of Jeopardy! from KHOU 11 must be one of the best gets in Houston television history.

The Alex Trebek hosted game show has aired in Houston on KHOU 11 for at least 20+ years if memory serves. So in the Bayou City, this is quite a seismic shock.

Now, other shows have moved around the Houston TV dial, but let's face it, not many syndicated shows have the history of Jeopardy! So after decades on the same channel, this is a big deal to Houston TV watchers.

Now for the Daily Double. The big question I'm getting is why is this happening? Well, TV shows pay a fee to the owners of syndicated shows (non-network) like Jeopardy! Maybe new KHOU 11 owner Tegna doesn't want to pay the Jeopardy! price anymore. Maybe channel 13 was willing to pay more? Don't know the answer, but money always plays a part in these moves.

If Wheel of Fortune leaves channel 11's 6:30pm slot, then I think the entire city will shut down like on half-inch snow days.

Channel 13 will start airing Jeopardy! Sept 14th at 3pm. Tune in early on the same day at 1pm for Tyra Banks' new show FABLife.

On one last abc13 related note, just announced this morning, Joy Behar is returning to ABC’s The View next season.

http://www.fablifeshow.com/

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 11, 2015
KHOU 11 expands 4pm newscast to one hour

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