Tammy Rose to leave ABC13 Houston's chopper

Tammy Rose is stepping away from daily helicopter reporting for ABC13 KTRK Houston after more than 30 years in television news.

Rose announced that her final day covering Houston from the air will be October 2, 2026. However, she is making it clear that she is not retiring from journalism.

In a social media post, Rose said her workload has doubled over the past year as viewers have increasingly sent her tips and asked her to investigate stories important to them. That has led her to rethink how she wants to tell stories. Rose says she wants the freedom to go beyond the traditional 30-second television news story and spend more time investigating the stories that matter to her audience.

“To make that possible, I have made the difficult decision to retire from daily helicopter reporting,” Rose wrote.

She will continue flying part-time on assignments around the country through the company she works with, Helicopters Incorporated, meaning aerial reporting will still be part of her career.

Rose also plans to continue her work through Tammy Rose Reports, where she focuses on true crime, aviation and investigative stories. She says she will travel to find stories, reporting both from the air and on the ground.

She is also working on her fourth book. Rose previously wrote When Two Worlds Collide During WWII and says she wants to give her next stories the time they deserve.

Rose has been the helicopter reporter for ABC13 since 2009, providing live breaking news and traffic reports from the sky over Houston.

Her aerial reporting career goes back even further. Before coming to Houston, she worked as a ground and helicopter reporter at KPNX-TV 12 in Phoenix from 2005 to 2009. She previously covered breaking news from the air for WISN-TV 12 in Milwaukee, including tornadoes, severe weather, major traffic incidents, fires, and other developing stories.

Her television career also includes stops at WMTV NBC 15 in Madison, Wisconsin, KXXV 25 in Waco, and KGBT 4 in the Rio Grande Valley, where she worked as a weather anchor and reporter.

Rose began her television career after studying broadcast journalism at Northern Arizona University.

“I hope you’ll turn the page with me and join me for this next chapter,” Rose wrote.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tammy Rose (@chopperrose)

(Thanks, Shad!) 

RGV TV comings and goings in the past months

While I was away on my blogging break for a few months, the Rio Grande Valley saw a carousel of comings and goings for the TV world. These were on my to-do list, but they are piling up so fast that I'm going to consolidate them here. Shoutout to the 956.

KRGV 5 digital anchor Rudy Mireles will be leaving in August. A source tells me another position similar to Mireles's will leave after him in a few months.

The same source tells me that The CW network could soon be moving to KGBT 4. Since KGBT and The CW are both owned by Nexstar, that makes sense. Also, the company has been working on a transmitter upgrade as of late. 

Gloria Morelia, the KRGV 5 Bilingual Sports Anchor/Reporter, announced she will be leaving.

Stefany Rosales, the Cameron County reporter for KRGV 5, signed off in July.

Derick Garcia signed off at CBS4 Rio Grande Valley in July.

Noah Gulley joined the CBS 4 and NBC 23 KVEO sports team as a sports reporter and anchor in July.

Cecilia Gutierrez left KRGV 5, where she was a meteorologist, in June. She joined the CHANNEL 5 NEWS team as a reporter in July 2017.

Meteorologist Jay Martin joined KRGV 5 in June. 

Daniella Hernandez left the KRGV sports desk in June.  She joined the Channel 5 Sports team in November 2023, but before becoming a sports reporter, she joined Channel 5 in January 2023 as an associate producer.

Alexia Serrata was promoted to NBC 23 Morning Anchor in June. Serrata joined KVEO in June 2025 as a multimedia journalist. 

Megan Murray joined CBS 4 and NBC 23 KVEO as sports director in May 2026. She previously spent four years as a sports reporter/anchor for KNOE in Monroe, Louisiana. 

Sandra Rodriguez announced she was leaving KRGV 5 after five years in May 2026. Rodriguez joined the KRGV news team in July 2021. She co-anchored Channel 5 News This Morning.

I originally missed this one, so here is the news about meteorologist Marcelo Rivera Gonzalez joining NBC23 KVEO in September 2025.

Ryan Shoptaugh becomes TEGNA Multi-Market Meteorologist

TEGNA famously hubbed out its creative service departments by creating regional marketing hubs, so why not do the same with weather?

Nexstar does weather hubbing, too. For example, you might see Jim Danner filling in from DFW when stations are short-staffed.

In December 2025, KENS 5 San Antonio weekend evening meteorologist Ryan Shoptaugh announced he was becoming a TEGNA Multi-Market Meteorologist:

"Career update: I’ll be stepping into a new role within the company in January! Remaining based at KENS in San Antonio, I’ll serve as a Multi-Market Meteorologist - helping cover weather across Texas and cities throughout the South."

Shoptaugh joined the KENS 5 San Antonio weather team on November 29, 2021, from TEGNA sister station KIII Corpus Christi, where he had been since July 2018.  

He began his TV weather career at CBS 4 KGBT in the Rio Grande Valley.

The San Antonio-born meteorologist graduated from the University of the Incarnate Word and William J. Brennan High School.

Daisy Martinez promoted to CBS 4 RGV evening anchor

Daisy Martinez gets to shut off that early AM alarm clock as she is leaving the CBS 4 Rio Grande Valley morning newscast for the evening CBS4 News at 5, 6 & 10pm news starting September 23, 2025.

She'll also swap morning co-anchor Marco Ramirez for Derick Garcia.

- Sydney Hernandez and GM leaving CBS 4 Rio Grade Valley

SAME TIME AT THE COMPETITOR
Javier Guerra promoted to KRGV 5 evening anchor

Martinez is an award-winning journalist and proud Brownsville native who has been reporting in the Rio Grande Valley since 2006 at KGBT.

She joined NBC 23 KVEO in September 2022 after spending six years with KRGV Channel 5 News, where she began in April 2016.

In 2014, Daisy earned first-place honors from the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters Association for her live coverage of a deadly, hours-long police standoff in Brownsville.

Daisy graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and Hispanic studies. A product of the Brownsville school system, she ranked 8th in her class at Simon Rivera High School before attending UT.

Texas TV outcome in Nexstar + TEGNA deal?

Welcome to the new chapter in local television stations as Nexstar Media Group kicks off its bid to buy TEGNA Inc.

UPDATE OCTOBER 2025
Perry Sook reveals Nexstar-TEGNA deal outcome in DFW (and maybe Houston)

Anyone hear the 1990s calling when another Texas-based broadcasting company started buying up its rivals? Replace Irving-based TV owner Nexstar with San Antonio-headquartered radio owner Clear Channel Communications, and the saying "history never repeats itself, but it rhymes" makes a great station ID.

If the deal first reported by the Wall Street Journal weeks ago actually goes through, the biggest TV ownership creation in history will need the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to lift the 39% cap on how many stations one company can own of all US TV households.

TV station owners have been eager to get that cap upped in recent years due to lower ratings and rising competition from digital streamers and YouTube.

And if this deal doesn't happen, Sinclair already expressed interest in TEGNA a day before the Nexstar announcement.

Now with that out of the way, since I write a Texas media blog, let's focus on the Lone Star State.

Nexstar already has quite the portfolio of Texas markets in its home state, and with the TEGNA deal, it will now add the following DMAs and stations to its holdings:

KENS 5 San Antonio 

KIII 3 News Corpus Christi

12NewsNow KBMT-KJAC Beaumont

KXVA Abilene

Here are the current Nexstar markets in stations with the new potential TEGNA station in bold. 

Dallas / Ft. Worth, TX

CW 33 KDAF

WFAA 8

KFAA 29

Houston, TX

CW 39 KIAH

KHOU 11

KTBU 55

Austin, TX

KXAN 

KNVA

KBVO

KVUE 

Harlingen / Weslaco / Brownsville / McAllen, TX

KVEO

KGBT

Waco / Temple / Bryan, TX

KYLE

KWKT

KCEN

El Paso, TX

KTSM

Tyler / Longview, TX

KETK

KFXK

KTPN-LD

CBS 19 KYTX

Amarillo, TX

KAMR

KCIT

KCPN

Lubbock, TX

KLBK

KAMC

Midland / Odessa, TX

KMID

KPEJ

NewsWest9 KWES Midland-Odessa

Wichita Falls, TX

KFDX

KJTL

KJBO-LP

Abilene, TX

KTAB

KRBC

KXVA

San Angelo, TX

KSAN

KLST

KIDY

There might be more stations in one market than you even imagined when you merge the two large station owners.

I am no FCC TV merging expert, but I can't imagine this list will be the final one when the transaction is expected to close by the second half of 2026. Does this mean more swapping with another company, depending on how much the FCC increases station ownership limits?

And that's wild to me that Nexstar could own both top-rated KXAN and KVUE.  The company already owns two top-affiliated stations in smaller Texas markets, but not in a market the size of Austin.

But what will happen with CW33 and CW39 buying the former BELO stations WFAA 8 DFW and KHOU 11 Houston?  Forget a duopoly, this would be a triopoly (more than that in other markets)!

“Nexstar has a stellar long-term record of growth through its deals, having completed many well-received transactions since 2011, including the 2019 acquisition of Tribune Media," Nexstar’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Perry A. Sook said in the deal's press release. "The playbook we followed to make those transactions successful – improving and increasing local content, executing on identified synergies, and quickly de-leveraging our balance sheet with free cash flow post close – are the same opportunities and strategies we will use in connection with this transaction. With committed financing and a plan for significant synergy realization, we believe the combined entity will be poised for growth, leverage reduction, and the enhancement of shareholder value.”

From what I observed in the Tribune takeover, Nexstar came in and replaced the top management of its new station. Let's take Houston, for example. I cannot imagine that the managers of KIAH will take over KHOU. While anything is possible in broadcasting, taking a low-rated CW station's leadership and putting those people in charge of a former crown jewel of the BELO world seems far-fetched. Stay tuned.

Based on my thinking and others I have been talking to over the last few weeks, we believe 39 will be merged into 11.  If there are open positions at KHOU, then some KIAH people could move over, as Nexstar will most likely cut any redundant jobs.

Will the newly rebranded CW39 morning newscast be cancelled?  I'm going out on a limb here, but could the new KHOU 7 to 9am newscast show also be broadcast on channel 39 at the same time?

And I can't imagine anyone disagreeing that the ABC13 newscast on 39 at 9 will be replaced by a KHOU-produced newscast once the KTRK contract ends.

UPDATE JULY 2026
KHOU 11 to provide CW39 9pm newscast

Here is something else to ponder.  

Naturally, the combined Houston stations will be under one roof.  But what about this scenario?  CW39 moves over to 5718 Westheimer at the newish KHOU studios.  Makes sense, but let's think about this deeper.  KHOU surely rents its two floors in this Class A office tower in the expensive Galleria area. According to the Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD), Nexstar owns the KIAH studios at 7700 Westpark Drive. The old 39 building is not large enough to handle KHOU right now. What if Nexstar tears down those KIAH studios Paul Boesch made famous and builds a brand new operations center for 11, 39, and 55 in its place right on the edge of Houston's Mahatma Gandhi District?

We'll see if anything I wrote here has any chance of actually coming true. I'm guessing, like anyone else, at this point.

Stay tuned, this is all about to be a bumpy ride.

Texas TV news and radio job moves April 2025

Send tips for the monthly Texas media job list here.

- 2025 Texas Broadcast News Awards winners

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

Dallas to buy part of old Dallas Morning News building for $51.5M.

Frank Reed has joined Classic JOY, hosting the weekday afternoon show.

Jane Slater is Shining a Spotlight the Dallas Cowboys Command on NFL Network.

Meet Eric Diep, the Observer's New Music Editor.

WFAA selected as partner in new, yearlong investigative project with ProPublica and the Texas Tribune.

The Dallas Morning News Business section unveiled newly designed listings offering more information than the old report. The reaction? Readers were not pleased.

Dr. Phil‘s media company Merit TV has named Ken Solomon as its new president and CEO.

Lana Ferguson named the Dallas Morning News Reporter of the Year for reporting in 2024.

- Greg Fields celebrates 27 years with WFAA
- Scott Padgett to leave CBS News Texas
- Dominique Sachse addresses hateful comments
- Marissa Armas joins CBS News Texas
- Jane McGarry addresses Good Morning Texas viewers
- Bob Mackay promoted to Audacy Dallas Senior VP and Market Manager
- Dallas Wings expand local TV
- Shannon Miller joins NBC 5 KXAS DFW
- Dan Godwin celebrates 25 years with FOX 4 KDFW
- CW33 KDAF DFW new set 2025

HOUSTON

Houston Chronicle named 2024 Newsroom of the Year by Texas Managing Editors.

Houston Landing wins two Texas Managing Editors Awards; collects 13 total prizes.

Two Houston Landing reporters honored as Livingston Award finalists.

ABC13 KTRK's Marvin Suggs celebrates 45 years as a TV News Photographer.

Photographer Sergio Soto celebrates 30 years at KHOU 11.

Former KHOU 11 and CW39 KIAH EP Perry Pace joins Local 3 WRCB Chattanooga, Tennessee, as news director.

Houston Chronicle selected as partner in new investigative project with ProPublica and the Texas Tribune.

Why are Astros only MLB team without direct-to-consumer streaming?

Syndicated Host Rowdy Yates Was Born To Be In Radio.

Keri Blakinger joins Houston Chronicle as new senior investigative reporter.

Houston Business Journal names new managing editor Erica Ponder.

Florian Martin to lead the Houston Business Journal Growth Team.

'Street Flava' has been celebrating Houston hip-hop for more than 30 years.

97.9 The Box DJ Keisha Nicole believes it's about more than just playing music.

93Q’s Lo Sessions Understands the Importance of Live and Local Radio.

93Q KKBQ's “The Q Morning Show with Riggs, Katelyn & Erica” partnered with Honor Flight Houston to celebrate local veterans with a trip to Washington, DC.

Assignment Editor Jaime Martínez celebrates ten years with Telemundo Houston.

ABC13 KTRK digital producer Sarah Rolen follows former GM Wendy Granato to ABC7 KABC Los Angeles for the same position.

Iconic Houston Eyewitness News theme song now available for purchase.

Jeremy Ness joins KPRC 2 as Local Sales Manager.

KHOU 11 Senior News Producer Polly Smith says she was let go in the latest TEGNA restructuring.

Paige Hubbard returns to KPRC 2 as a producer.

Lisa Michie hired as FOX 26 KRIV producer from WVUE in New Orleans.

Joshua Padilla joins the KPRC 2 marketing team.

Houston Chronicle photojournalist and videographer Jon Shapley leaves the newspaper.

Michael Edison joins KPRC 2 as a photographer.

KENS San Antonio 5pm producer Olivia Villaloboz joins sister station KHOU 11.

- Josh Adams named Houston Public Media General Manager
- Bill Spencer returns to KPRC 2 Houston
- Rita Garcia gives birth to baby #2
- John Wesley Downey debuts 950 KPRC Movie Show
- Jillian Hartmann joins FOX 26 Houston
- Jacob Rascon interviewed by Ron Treviño
- KPRC 2 gets new graphics 2025
- Rekha Muddaraj leaves KHOU 11 Houston
- Ron Treviño's time on KHOU 11 Morning News celebrated
- A Houston TV weather crossover?
- Rekha Muddaraj signs off KHOU 11 Houston
- Is she my next goodbye post?
- Lisa Hernandez returns to KPRC 2
- Houston Landing nonprofit news to shut down
- SportsRadio 610 Host Clint Stoerner Inducted into Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame
- Yes, Mario Díaz will chase someone through a courthouse on live TV
- 104.1 KRBE HD2 flips to "NASH Icon" country
- Another KPRC 2 reporter is a crime victim
- Keith Garvin's giant revelation
- Tom Zizka's son-in-law selected in 2025 NFL Draft
- Amanda Goluszka leaves KPRC 2 Houston
- Anthony Yanez makes Texas TV history

SAN ANTONIO

Longtime Spurs radio broadcaster Bill Schoening announces retirement.

KSAT 12 Meteorologist Sarah Spivey celebrates eight years with the station.

Documentary revisits a 20-year-old Hill Country case covered by KSAT reporter.

Former KENS 5 anchor Aaron Wright joins Seattle news radio station.

- Phil Anaya leaves KENS 5 San Antonio
- Courtney Friedman moves to KSAT12 News at Noon alongside Stephanie Serna
- Deborah Knapp announces retirement from KENS 5 San Antonio
- Glen Horn joins News 4 San Antonio WOAI
- Santiago Gallego leaves Telemundo 60 San Antonio
- San Antonio TV 2025 Fiesta medals
- Mario Orellana leaves KSAT 12 San Antonio
- John Paul Barajas named KSAT 12 weekend anchor

AUSTIN

Austin PBS Unveils Next-Generation Broadcast Facility.

Austin PBS shows off headquarters redesign with stunning green room.

After 30 years on 590 KLBJ-AM, Carl Stuart moved his "Money Talk" show to KUT-FM 90.5.

New Texas PBS Series ‘Texas Monthly Presents’ Takes Viewers on a Special Storytelling Journey.

Norsan Media purchases Genuine Austin Radio.

John Diaz becomes TEGNA Texas Digital Content Director from his digital EP position with KVUE.

- Bryan Mays returns to KVUE Austin mornings
- KC Sherman joins KVUE Austin
- Baby news for Texas TV anchor, hosts and more
- John Krinjak leaves FOX 7 Austin

AROUND TEXAS

Mike Forman says he was let go from the Victoria Advocate after 42 years.

Texas radio stations request that their licenses to be cancelled.

Neighborhood Reporter Kadence MaKenna left 25 News KXXV Waco-Temple-Killeen after joining the station in May 2024.

Young Country 93.1 Lubbock launches after flipping from 93.1 Yes-FM.

KMOC FM 89.5 Wichita Falls dedicates cross after years of construction.

“TUDN Deportes” 1530 KGBT Harlingen flips to “Puro Tejano 1530” KYWW.

KVEO producer Jessica Amaya moved to new job.

Iman Abraham joins KFDM/FOX4 Beaumont as a multimedia journalist.

“Lift Worship” 91.3 KGLY Tyler began simulcasting on 95.3 KELW.

A voice Texomans have heard for decades: Cedric Bailey celebrates 40 years in the broadcasting industry.

Madison Fisher joins KFDA NewsChannel 10 Amarillo as morning reporter.

Beaumont Enterprise hires Mbu Maqungo as new business reporter.

Angelo State University Ram Media Students Win Top Honors at Statewide Journalism Convention.

CBS 4 News Rio Grande Valley morning producer Xavier Aguilar left the station.

Rock 98.1 KTLT Abilene flips to “Abilene’s Feel-Good Station.” 

 Nayeli Carrillo joins KYTX CBS19 East Texas as digital host.

Tyler Dupnick joined KRHD Bryan-College Station in April 2025 as a multimedia journalist from NewsWest 9 KWES Midland - Odessa where he was a weekend anchor.

- Marcel Clarke joins ABC-7 KVIA El Paso
- KWTX 10 Waco celebrates 70 years
- Texas anchor hospitalized by red light runner
- Corpus Christi anchor recovering from surgery
- Sydney Hernandez and GM leaving CBS 4 Rio Grade Valley
- Texas anchor Shatanya Clarke Scholarship
- Inside East Texas debuts on CBS19+ Tyler
- NewsWest 9 anchor Victor Lopez battling stage 4 colon cancer
- Two Texas TV stations celebrate big anniversaries
- Ally Kadlubar leaves KWTX 10 Waco
- KVIA El Paso has familiar faces moving and returning

REMEMBERING

Matt Thomas, award-winning radio journalist and News 88.7 anchor, dies at 41.

Waterloo Media owner Robert Lindsay ‘Bob’ Sinclair, 79, passed away.

Broadcasting Pioneer Elizabeth Murphy Burns, Former Morgan Murphy Media CEO, Dies at 79.

Former KFDX Wichita Falls weathercaster, Ben Strickland passes away.

Chris Henao exits KHOU 11 from Assistant ND role

Chris Henao, who had served as KHOU 11's assistant news director since 2019, announced on social media that he was laid off from the TEGNA-owned station last week.

UPDATE: I have heard that Wiley Post, who joined KHOU in 2017 as an assistant news director and executive producer, is now serving as the assistant news director.

Here is a portion of what Henao said on Linkedin (with his permission to post here):

"Well, I'm choosing to see this as a blessing in disguise - an opportunity to embrace new challenges, step outside my comfort zone, and continue growing! Leaving behind an amazing newsroom full of talented journalists and friends is bittersweet, for sure.

 On my last day at work, I felt nothing but appreciation, gratitude and support from everyone on my team. It filled my heart and fueled my drive with passion and purpose as I look for the next step in my career. 

Will the next chapter be as a journalist? I'm not 100 percent sure right now. 

If this marks the end of my 34 years in news, I will forever treasure every moment - so many stories, memories, friendships and accomplishments! 

To all who have recently received the notice that you are being laidoff - you are not alone. 

I am here to support you in any and every way possible. Let's keep moving forward with resilience, optimism and the belief that something great is ahead!"

Henao’s 34-year career in journalism has earned him prestigious honors, including duPont-Columbia, Peabody, Polk, IRE, RTDNA Murrow, Scripps Howard, and EMMY awards.

His tenure at KHOU was a homecoming, having previously worked at the station under former owner Belo. During that time, he served as an investigative photographer and later a producer, spanning from the Anna Werner era to the Jeremy Rogalski years.

Before his return to KHOU, Henao served as assistant news director at KSAT 12 in San Antonio, a Graham Media Group sister station to Channel 11's cross-town rival, KPRC 2 in Houston.

Between his stints at KHOU, he worked as an executive producer for investigations at KCTV 5 News in Kansas City, Missouri, and later spent nearly three years as an investigative producer for KNBC in Los Angeles.

A University of Texas graduate, Henao began his career as a photojournalist at WXIA Atlanta, KXAN Austin, and KGBT Harlingen.

UPDATE JUNE 2025

Chris Henao joins the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) as Chief of Media & Communications.

Texas Rangers To broadcast 15 games on over-the-air TV

IRVING, TX (Jan. 29, 2025) – Nexstar Media Group, Inc. today announced that it has reached an agreement with the Texas Rangers Major League Baseball team to televise at least 15 regular season games and four spring training games during the 2025 season. 

RELATED
Fubo to Stream Texas Rangers Baseball

The regular-season games will air across 17 Nexstar-owned and partner television stations in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.  Nexstar-owned KDAF-TV (CW33) will serve as the flagship station for broadcasts in the Rangers’ home market of Dallas-Ft. Worth (DMA #4).  In San Antonio, Texas, the games will be carried by KCWX-TV, owned by Corridor Television, and in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Ranger games will be broadcast on KQCW-TV, owned by Griffin Media.

“We are extremely pleased to be bringing Rangers baseball to the best fans in the country, and to have KDAF/CW33 serving as the flagship station for Rangers broadcasts in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area,” said Andrew Alford, President of Nexstar’s broadcasting division.  “Securing 15 regular season games and four spring training games for broadcast on free over-the-air television is a clear demonstration of Nexstar’s commitment to serving our local communities with high-quality live sports and entertainment programming.”

The first regular-season game on Nexstar’s stations will air Friday, March 28, against the Boston Red Sox, and the full schedule of televised games will be announced at a later date.  The team’s television game broadcasts will be produced and distributed by Rangers Sports Network, with full information and updates posted at rangers.com/tunein.  

CITY STATION

Dallas, TX KDAF

Houston, TX KIAH

Austin, TX KBVO

Oklahoma City, OK KAUT

New Orleans, LA WNOL

Little Rock / Pine Bluff, AR KASN

Harlingen, TX KGBT

El Paso (Las Cruces), TX KTSM

Waco / Temple / Bryan, TX KYLE

Shreveport, LA KSHV

Baton Rouge, LA WBRL

Ft. Smith / Fayetteville, AR KXNW

Tyler / Longview, TX KTPN

Lafayette, LA KLFY

Amarillo, TX KCPN

Monroe, LA – El Dorado, AR KARD

Wichita Falls and Lawton, TX KJBO

San Antonio, TX KCWX

Tulsa, OK KQCW

(This post taken from a press release)

Austin InSight debuts on KLRU

Austin PBS KLRU announced the launch of "Austin InSight," a new weekly half-hour news and feature program covering issues impacting central Texans while highlighting the region’s vibrant cultural and creative diversity. 

The 30-minute program, co-hosted by Danielle Banda and Laura Laughhead, airs on Thursdays at 7 p.m., debuting on October 31, 2024. 

The program takes a primarily magazine-style approach, with occasional lengthy interviews with newsmakers and episodes that explore a single topic.

“In today’s media landscape, Austin PBS has a special opportunity as well as an obligation to provide our community more local journalism – analysis and storytelling about issues that matter, and showcasing the people and places that make Austin and central Texas so special,” said Luis Patiño, CEO, Austin PBS.

“Consistent with our mission, we want to amplify the voices and concerns of underserved communities,” said Sara Robertson, chief content officer, Austin PBS. “Through engaging features on arts, culture, food and more, we also will highlight the unique beauty and creativity that surround us in the Austin area.”

Danielle Banda is an experienced broadcast journalist who joined Austin PBS from CBS 4 KGBT Rio Grande Valley, where she served as a correspondent, anchor, and host of news and lifestyle programs. She has produced and hosted several lifestyle and entertainment programs airing in multiple Texas markets, as well as in California and northern Mexico. Banda’s career began in 2012 at KMBH PBS 38 in Harlingen. She graduated from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and earned a Master of Arts degree in contemporary communications from Notre Dame of Maryland University.

Laura Laughead has been an anchor/reporter for CBS 42 WIAT Birmingham, Alabama, and KAMC News Lubbock. Houston TV viewers will recognize Laughead's mother, former abc13 KTRK, KPRC 2, and KHOU 11 reporter Christi Myers. A graduate of the University of Texas, where she was named the Gene Burd Top Scholar in the journalism program and won college awards in the Lone Star Emmys, Laughead interned for Good Morning America. She returned to Austin PBS, where she began her career as an intern.

KFAA 29 DFW to replace KMPX due to Dallas Mavericks deal

WFAA 8 Dallas-Fort Worth's TEGNA sister station KMPX 29 is changing call-letters and formats to KFAA 29.

Previously Estrella TV, a Spanish-language channel, the switch will take effect at 7 a.m. on October 20, when KFAA assumes control of the Channel 29.1 signal. Spanish-language programming currently airing on that channel will move to Channel 29.2.

This rebranding is part of WFAA and TEGNA's multi-year agreement to broadcast Dallas Mavericks games. KFAA will air all 70 non-nationally televised Mavericks games this season, with at least 15 simulcast on WFAA's Channel 8.

The following simulcast dates have been announced: October 31, November 19, December 3, December 19, January 23, January 27, and January 29. More simulcast dates will be revealed later. In addition, Channel 8 will carry five Mavericks games as part of ABC's national NBA schedule, airing on December 25, January 25, February 23, March 9, and March 16.

The season kicks off on Saturday, October 26, when the Mavericks take on the Phoenix Suns at 9 p.m. on KFAA. Dallas will then face the Utah Jazz on Monday, October 28, and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday, October 29, both exclusively on KFAA.

Starting with the Mavs vs. Suns game on October 26, the following eight additional stations will broadcast all games not exclusively televised nationally – 70 or more in the first season – for free over-the-air:

Amarillo, Texas – KFDA 10.2 (Independent – Gray)

El Paso, Texas – KDBC 4.2 (MyNetworkTV – Sinclair)

Harlingen-Brownsville, Texas – KGBT 4.1 (MyNetworkTV – Nexstar)

Laredo, Texas – KXNU 10.2 (Gray Sports – Gray)

Lubbock, Texas – KMYL 14.1 (MyNetworkTV – Gray)

Sherman, Texas – KXII 12.2 (MyNetworkTV – Gray)

Shreveport, La. & Texarkana, Texas – KSHV 45.1 (MyNetworkTV – Nexstar)

Wichita Falls, Texas & Lawton, Okla. – KJBO 3.2 (MyNetworkTV – Nexstar)

Pre- and post-game shows will be available in most markets.

“We’re thrilled by the positive response from fans and advertising partners as we gear up to significantly expand the reach of Mavs games,” said Brad Ramsey, senior vice president, media operations, TEGNA. “We are grateful to our partner stations from Gray, Nexstar, and Sinclair for helping us create more excitement, for more fans, in even more homes across Texas.”

“Providing access to games has always been our top priority,” said Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall. “We are thrilled to work with WFAA to bring more fun and excitement to all of our MFFLs across North Texas and beyond.”

“We’re delighted to partner with the Dallas Mavericks and TEGNA to bring these games to our local viewers,” said Sandy Breland, chief operating officer of Gray Media. “Our Texas stations have long brought their communities local sports free over-the-air, and we’re proud to continue that tradition.”

“Nexstar is very excited to bring Dallas Mavericks basketball to viewers in three of its markets across Texas and Louisiana,” said Andrew Alford, president of Nexstar’s broadcasting division. “We’re looking forward to a great NBA season for the team, and for our viewers and local advertisers in Shreveport, Wichita Falls, and Brownsville.”

“We’re excited to extend the reach of Mavs basketball to fans in El Paso, furthering Sinclair’s commitment to providing local viewers with high-quality sports programming,” said Rob Weisbord, COO and president of local media, Sinclair.

Tiffany Huertas to leave KSAT San Antonio

Tiffany Huertas will leave KSAT 12 San Antonio on July 31, 2024.

Huertas' departure adds to the list of KSAT departing journalists. You can watch their goodbye videos here.

Here is what the Alamo City reporter/anchor posted to Facebook. 

"Gracias por su apoyo.  Your love, kindness, and support have meant the world to me.

 I have read every message and comment you have sent me throughout the years. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your lives and trusting me to tell your stories. 

Working at KSAT 12 for more than seven years has been an honor. Putting together a newscast or story is a team effort, so thank you to the incredible photojournalists, producers, editors, directors, and everyone in the news department. 

I look forward to seeing you all in the community. Les mando un abrazo muy fuerte."

Huertas joined KSAT in May 2017 from CBS4 KGBT Rio Grande Valley where she was an anchor/reporter.

Before Texas, the award-winning journalist was an MMJ/Anchor/Producer for WJHG 7 Panama City, Florida. She also worked as a news writer for WSVN 7News Miami.

The Florida International University grad was part of the first class in Telemundo Network's Media Futures Program. 

UPDATE

Huertas announced she is joining the University Strategic Communications team at UTSA as the Assistant Director of University Communications. 

Jim Danner joins CW 33 DFW

Jim Danner has left the CBS 4 KGBT morning and noon newscast where he was a meteorologist. He later said he is joining Nexstar Media Group sister station CW 33 KDAF Dallas - Fort Worth.

Here is what Danner posted on Instagram when he left the RGV:

"Well, after nearly 8 1/2 years of living in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, I will be moving on to another endeavor. 

I will continue working with Nexstar Media Group, and will be taking my talents to Dallas, Texas. 

It has been a joy to present timely and valuable weather information to the residents, winter Texans, and tourists of deep south Texas.

 I am excited for the new journey, and will never forget my time in the RGV."

According to the station,  since Danner will still work within Nexstar Media Group, he could occasionally fill in the weather for CBS 4.

Danner joined CBS 4 in October 2015.

Aside from time in real estate, Danner has almost 30 years of experience in weather forecasting.

He previously worked for CBS Austin KEYE, Kavouras (a TV weather computer company), KAMR 4 Amarillo, KENS 5 San Antonio, and KDCY-FM Cotulla, Texas.

He attended the University of St. Thomas and Sam Houston State University.

Texas TV news and radio job moves March 2024

Send tips for the monthly Texas media job list here.

- TAB Salutes 2024 News Award Winners and Finalists
- The complete list of winners of the 2024 Gracie Awards
- Best TV News Bloopers March 2024

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

WFAA and Greenspace Dallas to build nature trail in celebration of WFAA’s 75th anniversary.

Producer Kaitlin N. Griffin leaves NBC 5 KXAS.

Seth Bodine joins DBJ to cover Greater Fort Worth.

Producer Katherine Griffith leaves KBTX 3 Bryan-College Station for FOX 4 KDFW.

Cumulus Media’s New Country 96.3 and 99.5 The Wolf Raise $260,000 for Cook Children’s Medical Center at Third Annual Texas Independence Jam at Billy Bob’s Texas.

- Dale Hansen talks 3 biggest stories of WFAA career and why he retired
- WFAA 8 DFW at Five (broadcast 3/5/1980)
- Dia Wall arrives at WFAA
- From DFW to Austin, TV love is in the air
- Nick Starling leaves CBS News Texas
- Haddie Djemal joins Dr. Phil's Merit Street Media
- Shannon Murray gives birth
- Mike Doocy celebrates 30 years at FOX 4 KDFW
- Keith Russell of CBS News Texas apparently no longer with DFW station

HOUSTON

Miya Shay named one of Houston's 50 Most Influential Women of 2023 by Houston Woman Magazine.

Former KPRC 2 anchor Larry Audas to retire from TV.

Former KHOU 11 reporter Johnathan Walton profiled in New York Times.

Manny García, Angel Rodríguez announced as new top editors at Houston Landing.

Houston Landing’s CEO voluntarily recognizes newsroom union, signs agreement with NewsGuild

Advertising account executive Sandy Colwell celebrates 30 years with abc13 KTRK.

KPRC 2 executive producer Debbie Strauss leaves TV to join the Infrastructure Division at Office of Commissioner Lesley Briones, Precinct 4.

Rowdy Yates and his “Rowdy Ride Home” can now be heard weekday afternoons in Fresno, California on One Putt Broadcasting’s KWDO “105.5 The Legend.”  -and through the miracle of technology his “Ridin’ with Rowdy” show is now heard weekday mornings on Delta Radio Network’s  WDTL “Delta Country 105.7” in Indianola, Mississippi.

Houston TV veteran Kim Gagne shares message for Women’s History Month.

- Mike McGuff on KPRC 2's "Houston Life" talking "Runaway Radio"
- Dominique Sachse is going on tour
- Modern Storyteller's podcast
- Caroline and Rashi show
- Houston Celebrity Dairy Goat Milking Contest 2024
- Rowdy Yates launches podcast talking to Houston radio greats
- Stevens and Pruett as Hudson and Harrigan on 610 KILT in 1976
- Natalie Hee leaves FOX 26
- FOX 13 Utah reviews my "Runaway Radio" 101 KLOL doc
- Marcus Sullivan joins KTSU 90.9 and The Vibe
- Houston Matters features my "Runaway Radio" 101 KLOL doc
- Sofia Ojeda almost falls victim to scam
- Dayna Steele interviews Mike McGuff about "Runaway Radio"
- Dominique Sachse talks Dr Phil news launch
- Caroline Brown is married
- Mike McGuff Talks About His Documentary 'Runaway Radio' with FanboyNation
- Robert Springer to leave KHOU 11 GM role
- Judy Lakin named Audacy Houston General Sales Manager
- KPRC 2's Sofia Ojeda and Brittany Taylor go head to head in a camel race
- abc13 KTRK to debut "First at 4AM"
- Ralph Cooper celebrates 55 years on-air in Houston
- Former Houston TV journalists thriving in post-media life
- Anita Martini, the first female TV sports anchor in the US
- Lauren Freeman talks Christian parenting with Keith and Lisa Garvin
- Tim Heller is training TV meteorologists as far as Africa

SAN ANTONIO

KSAT 6 PM News Sees Ratings Uptick Due To Focus On San Antonio Neighborhoods.

KSAT’s Jessie Degollado honored by Catholic Television of San Antonio.

KSAT reporter Jessie Degollado wins 2023 Aguila Lifetime Achievement Award.

Old News 4 WOAI building caught fire.

- Ashley Paredez joins FOXSA 29 Puro San Antonio
- Ashley Sutton gives birth

AUSTIN

After over forty years of branding as “KASE 101, " the iHeartMedia Country station is rebranding as “KASE 100.7."

Syndicated “The Woody Show” returned on “101X” KROX.

David Yeomans leaves KXAN for new job.

Erin Hogan joins ESPN 102.7's "Game Time" with Nick Hadja.

Jasper Scherer, who covered state government and politics for the Houston Chronicle and the San Antonio Express-News since 2021, joined The Texas Tribune as a politics reporter.

- KVUE Austin dedicates newsroom in honor of Carole Kneeland

AROUND TEXAS

Longtime KGNS-TV chief meteorologist Richard ‘Heatwave’ Berler recognized and celebrated with a new meteorological station dedicated Tuesday, March 26 at 11:30 a.m. at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU).

KGBT tower in La Feria decommissioned safely.

One Longtime Broadcaster Is Trying To Save A Small Texas AM.

Ruben Juarez renews his agreement as the sports director with KVEO in Rio Grande Valley.

Executive producer Trenton Hooker leaves KXXV 25 Waco-Temple-Killeen.

Carly Smith signed a second contract with KIII Corpus Christi to remain the weekday morning meteorologist.

- KFOX14 and CBS4 El Paso get new reporters
- Lauren Linville leaves KFDX 3 Wichita Falls
- Zack Owen exits WACO 100 mornings
- Carney Porter promoted to KFDX Wichita Falls weeknight co-anchor
- Hannah Burbank joins WIS 10 Columbia, South Carolina
- Colin Deaver leaves KTSM 9 El Paso

REMEMBERING

Arch Yancey, a Country Radio Hall of Famer, has died at 88.

Joyce Slocum, CEO of Texas Public Radio, dies at 66.

Lori Hawkins, veteran Statesman business reporter, died Thursday night. She was 57.

- Fred Faour has died

Steven Cavazos to leave KSAT 12 San Antonio

Steven Cavazos is leaving his KSAT 12 San Antonio morning traffic anchor/reporter role.

Here is what Cavazos posted on Facebook:

"I wanted to share with you that this will be my last full month with KSAT, and after much prayer, I’ve decided to step away from TV news.

For the last year, I contemplated my future within the news industry. I wondered ‘what more could I do’ and realized, I have done everything I wanted to. My heart is full, and it’s time to move on.

I have been lucky to work in almost every role a news department can offer. From behind the scenes, to behind the desk, life has come full circle!

Let me just say, I am filled with so much appreciation for this experience. God has blessed me with the fortune to work in South Texas; a place I was born and raised. Thank you all for embracing me over the years. It has been my greatest privilege to keep you informed. 

While the road is coming to an end, it’s not over yet! My last day on air is Wednesday, December 6.  

I’ll share what’s next at some point down the line. However, for now let’s finish this next month off on a high note! God bless you all and much love."

Cavazos joined KSAT as a multimedia journalist (MMJ) in September 2019.

In May of 2021, he became the station's morning traffic anchor, replacing Samuel King. 

Before joining KSAT, Cavazos was a reporter for KIII 3 News Corpus Christi for three years starting in 2016. 

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley grad was also a CBS 4 News Rio Grande Valley KGBT production assistant and staff writer for the Valley Morning Star. 

Announced at the same time as Cavazos' exit was the departure of KSAT morning reporter Jonathan Cotto.

Joey Horta joins FOX 2 KTVU San Francisco

Joey Horta joins FOX 2 KTVU San Francisco as a reporter from morning anchor with 25 News KXXV Waco-Temple-Killeen in October 2023.

Horta had been with KXXV since December 2020.

Prior to that, he was Public Information Officer for the Merced City School District.

Before his PIO work, Horta was a weekend anchor/reporter for KSEE 24 and quickly promoted to Morning/Noon Anchor/Reporter for sister station CBS 47 KGPE Fresno.  

He previously was the 5pm anchor/reporter for CBS 4 News Rio Grande Valley KGBT and Morning/Noon Anchor/Reporter for KGNS News 8 Laredo. 

The California State University, Stanislaus grad interned for ABC30 News KFSN Fresno and freelanced for the Merced SunStar.

BREAKING: I’m honored and thrilled to announce that I’ve joined FOX in the San Francisco Bay Area. Can’t wait to hit the ground running as the newest journalist to join the very talented team here at @KTVU pic.twitter.com/6VctxNUpMK

— Joey Horta (@JoeyHorta) October 4, 2023

 

Derick Garcia is going to be a dad

Derick Garcia, the 5am morning news anchor for CBS 4 KGBT Rio Grande Valley, is going to be a dad!

His wife, Brianna Vela Garcia, the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District Media and Public Relations Director, previously worked with Derick as a digital media content producer.

Adam Cardona promoted to NBC 23 KVEO mornings

Adam Cardona was promoted to co-anchor with Daisy Martinez for the NBC 23 Today KVEO Rio Grande Valley morning news and NBC 23 Midday in August 2023.

The Brownsville native comes from weekend anchoring where he was promoted from reporter in August 2022.

He joined NBC 23 and Nexstar Media Group sister-station CBS 4 KGBT in July 2021 as a multimedia journalist (MMJ). 

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.