Ross Guidotti retires after 25 years at CBS Pittsburgh KDKA

CBS Pittsburgh KDKA announced the retirement of veteran reporter Ross Guidotti, concluding a distinguished 31-year television journalism career that included 25 years serving viewers across Western Pennsylvania at KDKA-TV. His last day on air is today, September 18, 2026.  

"Throughout his 25 years at KDKA-TV, Ross became synonymous with the values that have defined this station for generations: service, community and a commitment to our viewers," said Julie Eisenman, president and general manager of CBS Pittsburgh. "His connection to Pittsburgh, combined with his passion for storytelling, made him a trusted presence in homes across the region. We thank Ross for his lasting contributions to KDKA and wish him all the best in this next chapter." 

A trusted journalist, Emmy Award-winning reporter and familiar presence in Pittsburgh homes, Guidotti spent more than two decades covering the stories, issues and events that shaped the region. His reporting spanned breaking news, major weather events, community issues and nationally significant stories, helping generations of viewers stay informed and connected.

"Ross embodies everything great local journalism should be," said Cathy Noschese, vice president and news director, CBS Pittsburgh. "For 25 years, he has earned the trust of viewers through his integrity, professionalism, and genuine connection to the communities he served. Ross approached every story with compassion, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to getting the facts right. His impact on KDKA-TV, our newsroom, and Western Pennsylvania is lasting, and his legacy will continue long after his final sign-off." 

Born and raised in the Pittsburgh area, Guidotti began his journalism career in 1995 at WHSV-TV in Harrisonburg, Virginia, after serving in the United States Marine Corps. He later worked at WJAC-TV in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and WTVR-TV in Richmond, Virginia, before returning home to join KDKA-TV in 2001 as a general assignment reporter. 

Throughout his three-decade career, Guidotti covered some of the region's and nation's most notable stories, including major hurricanes, wildfires, the impeachment proceedings involving former President Bill Clinton and the Sago Mine disaster. His reporting reflected a deep commitment to informing audiences through accurate, community-focused journalism. 

Guidotti's dedication to excellence earned him numerous professional honors, including three NATAS Mid-Atlantic Regional Emmy® Awards. This month, he also received a proclamation from Allegheny County Council recognizing his contributions to journalism and public service. He will be inducted into this year's NATAS Gold & Silver Circle Honor Society, which recognizes television and media professionals with 25 years or more of distinguished industry service. 

"Serving the Pittsburgh community has been one of the greatest privileges of my life," said Ross Guidotti. "I am grateful to the viewers who welcomed me into their homes, the sources who trusted me with their stories, and the talented colleagues who made this journey so rewarding. Pittsburgh has always been home, and I will forever be thankful for the opportunity to tell the stories of the people who make this region so special." 

Kellianne Klass joins KIII 3NEWS Corpus Christi

Kellianne Klass is joining the KIII Corpus Christi weather team as meteorologist for 3NEWS First Edition, beginning Monday, March 9, 2026.

“I’m excited to bring my expertise to the KIII weather team, and help get your day started,” Klass said in a station online release. “Having covered some of the most powerful storms in recent years, I understand how critical timely, accurate information is, and I’m dedicated to bringing that to the community every day.”

Now back in the Lone Star State as part of her husband’s continued service in the U.S. Navy, Klass most recently worked for WESH 2 News Sunrise in Orlando, Florida, leaving in October 2025.

An Emmy Award–winning meteorologist, Klass brings nearly a decade of experience forecasting high-impact and extreme weather. In 2025, she was named “Best Weathercaster” by the Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists. During her time in Florida, Klass covered a wide range of major weather events, including tornadoes, record-breaking cold, wildfires, sea breeze storms, devastating floods, and hurricanes Ian (2022), Idalia (2023), Helene (2024), and Milton (2024).

Klass joined the WESH First Warning Weather Team in July 2020 from Lubbock, where she served as the weekday morning and midday meteorologist at KAMC News. While there, she worked closely with the National Weather Service to produce educational reports on hazardous weather across Texas, helping viewers better prepare for severe conditions. Her efforts were recognized by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which named her a Weather Ready Nation Ambassador of Excellence in 2018.

She earned her degree in meteorology and atmospheric sciences from Penn State University. During college, she also freelanced as an on-air meteorologist at WHTM in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

“At KIII 3NEWS, it’s important that we bring the Coastal Bend the best weather forecasting and coverage possible,” News Director Jonathan Munson added. “Kellianne’s passion and depth of experience make her a fantastic addition to our team.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Kellianne to our team. Her knowledge and passion for meteorology will be a tremendous asset to everyone here in the Coastal Bend,” Chief Meteorologist Carly Smith said. “When we first met, she immediately brightened my day, and I can't wait for our First Edition viewers to get to know her.”

Anchor Lexis Greene will also be joining the morning newscast.

"Sad news, I will miss waking you up on weekends," Greene posted.  "But good news-- I get to be apart of your weekday morning routine! I have officially joined First Edition Monday-Friday.  So if you don't already...Wake up with us 5a-9a."

Dr. Neil Frank, 94, has died

Dr. Neil Frank, 94, KHOU 11 Houston's former chief meteorologist and, before that, the director of the National Hurricane Center (NHC), passed away, the station reported early Christmas Eve morning.

Last night, Channel 11 posted that Dr. Frank entered hospice care.

Dr. Frank, or "Doc" as his colleagues called him on-air, widely regarded as the nation’s foremost authority on hurricanes and tropical storms, served as chief meteorologist at KHOU, anchoring weathercasts weekdays at 5, 6, and 10 p.m. from June 1987 to June 2008.

"When I became chief meteorologist, he continued to return and share his deep well of expertise with me," wrote KHOU 11 chief meteorologist David Paul.  "Let me tell you, I was so very grateful to have that pillar of knowledge to lean on when a big storm was coming. I learned something new from him every time. His expertise, concern and care for Houston, and that smile -- that's what we'll miss the most about Dr. Neil Frank."

Known for his signature flat top haircut look, Houston radio listeners of a particular vintage will remember the tribute song "I wish I had a Neil Frank haircut" by John Lander and the Q Morning Zoo on the former 93Q KKBQ. 

Television weather was Dr. Frank's second career. He led the National Hurricane Center for 13 years before that. 

A central figure in communicating life-saving tropical weather information to meteorologists, government officials, and media outlets nationwide, Dr. Frank began his professional journey in the United States Air Force, where he trained as a weather officer. After leaving the Air Force in 1957, he pursued advanced studies in tropical meteorology at Florida State University, earning both a master’s degree and a Ph.D.

Dr. Frank joined the National Weather Service in 1961 and became a hurricane forecaster at the newly formed National Hurricane Center in 1968. He was appointed director of the NHC in 1974, a role that brought him international recognition. During his tenure, he held several global meteorological assignments, including serving as chairman of the International Hurricane Committee, which coordinated hurricane warning procedures for Central and North American countries. He also participated in an international tropical meteorology experiment off the coast of Africa.

A respected leader in his field, Dr. Frank served on the boards of numerous professional organizations and was elected to a three-year term on the council of the American Meteorological Society in 1989. His expertise was sought by the U.S. Senate, which invited him to testify before the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee in 1987. He authored numerous professional papers on tropical meteorology and was featured in national publications, including Time, Newsweek, and National Geographic. In 1989, he received first place in the Texas Press Awards for Best Weathercast.

Born in Kansas, Dr. Frank earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Southwestern College. Although he initially planned a career in sports—enrolling in college to play basketball and become a coach—his path shifted toward science after encouragement from faculty, ultimately leading him into meteorology through the Air Force weather program.

He is survived by his childhood sweetheart, Velma, whom he married in 1952. Together, they had three children, ten grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren. Among them is singer-songwriter Forrest Frank, his grandson.

* This post has been updated.  It initially reported that Dr. Neil Frank had entered hospice care and has been changed to notify readers about his death.

CBS Los Angeles launches 'groundbreaking' AR/VR technology studio

JUNE 11, 2025 – LOS ANGELES – CBS Los Angeles is proud to announce the launch of its groundbreaking AR/VR technology studio, the seventh and most advanced of its kind within the CBS Stations Group. Officially debuting today, June 11, during the 9:00 AM newscast with meteorologist Paul Deanno, the technology-driven studio marks a transformative leap in how weather and sports are reported in Southern California.

Located in a newly built state-of-the-art KCAL News studio, the new studio is the largest technology-driven facility in the CBS Stations Group, spanning 68 feet by 50 feet, totaling 3,400 square feet. It is the first and only fully AR/VR-enabled news studio in Southern California, placing CBS Los Angeles at the forefront of immersive broadcast journalism. The nearest comparable facility is at CBS Bay Area/KPIX, underscoring CBS Los Angeles’ leadership in innovation across the region.

“CBS Los Angeles is proud to be the first in Southern California to bring this level of immersive storytelling to our viewers,” said Tim Wieland, regional president and general manager of CBS Los Angeles. “This new AR/VR studio redefines how we deliver weather and sports – making complex information more accessible, engaging and visually compelling. It’s a game-changer for our market and a testament to our commitment to innovation.”

CBS-owned stations across the country have embraced next-generation technology to elevate the viewer’s experience, particularly in weather reporting. CBS Bay Area was the first to pioneer the state-of-the-art AR/VR weather set, delivering unmatched clarity and insight in forecasting, later leading the way for the other stations to follow. Stations in New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Miami and Colorado are similarly leveraging AR/VR to enhance weather coverage, providing audiences with a more engaging and informative understanding of the conditions impacting their communities.

Jennifer Mitchell, president of CBS Stations, who has overseen the rollout of AR/VR studios across the Network, shared: “We began this journey two years ago with KPIX in the Bay Area, driven by a vision to invest in local journalism and deliver the news in ways that resonate with today’s audiences. Bringing this technology to the nation’s second-largest media market was a natural next step. This is about standing apart through innovation, and continuing to lead with purpose, creativity and cutting-edge storytelling.”

Throughout the day on June 11, viewers can expect to see the new studio in action across CBS Los Angeles’ programming, showcasing how AR/VR technology brings weather patterns, sports analysis and storytelling to life like never before.

This launch represents a bold step forward in local broadcasting, offering a first-of-its-kind experience that no other station in the region can match. 

With this investment, CBS Los Angeles continues to lead the way in delivering cutting-edge journalism that informs, inspires and connects communities.

(Taken from a release)

Scott Padgett to leave CBS News Texas

Scott Padgett dropped a big announcement on LinkedIn that he is leaving his position as chief meteorologist at CBS 11 KTVT Dallas-Fort Worth (also known as CBS News Texas).

UPDATE MAY 2025
Scott Padgett joining CBS New York's First Alert Weather

Here is a portion of what Padgett posted:

"I have some exciting but also bittersweet news to share. I am very happy living and working here in North Texas but I have an exciting career opportunity that I've been working on for many years that has my time at KTVT coming to an end. 

That said, the Chief Meteorologist position is open here and it is a rare opportunity to lead a First Alert Meteorology team in the number 4 market in the nation. 

[cut]

While my story at CBS News Texas may be coming to an end, my story in forecasting the weather and sharing my love for meteorology continues."

In the summer of 2024, Padgett switched his evening schedule to mornings for its reimagined AM newscast. The chief met joined KTVT in September 2013 on the morning newscast, moving to evenings in 2016.

Before his tenure in Texas, Padgett spent five years at WPLG Local 10 Miami, where he anchored morning and noon newscasts and led hurricane coverage alongside former National Hurricane Center Director Max Mayfield.

Padgett also served as Chief Meteorologist at KOKH FOX 25  Oklahoma City from 2006 to 2008, where he led the station’s storm coverage and organized storm-chasing teams. Prior to that, he was part of Sinclair Broadcast Group’s NewsCentral project, delivering forecasts for multiple markets across the country, including WVTV Milwaukee, KVWB Las Vegas, WTTA Tampa, and WTTO Birmingham.

Earlier in his career, the Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology grad worked 

- Meteorologist for LEX 18 WLEX Lexington, Kentucky

- Meteorologist, Feature Reporter for WPSD Local 6 Paducah

- Meteorologist, Feature Reporter WBKO Bowling Green, Kentucky

- Meteorologist for KFXA Fox 28 Cedar Rapids, Iowa

The EMMY Award-nominated Padgett is a member of both the National Weather Association and the American Meteorological Society. He was awarded the AMS Seal of Approval in 2006. 

Meteorologist Erin Moran left the station in February, with Lauren Bostwick filling in.

(Thanks, FTV Live)

Texas TV celebrates National Weatherperson's Day

Today, February 5th, is National Weatherperson's Day, commemorating the 1744 birth of John Jeffries, one of America's first weather observers.

According to the National Weather Service, this day recognizes the men and women who collectively provide Americans with the best weather, water, and climate forecasts and warning services of any nation.

Here is a roundup of how Texas TV stations celebrated from videos I could find on YouTube.

  

Wendy Granato joins KABC from KTRK

Wendy Granato has been named president and general manager of ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles — the No.1 station in Southern California — it was announced today by ABC Owned Television Stations President Chad Matthews.

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 3, 2024
Mike Carr named ABC13 Houston KTRK president and general manager

Granato arrives in Los Angeles from Houston, where she is currently the president and general manager of ABC13/KTRK-TV, also No. 1 in the market on both broadcast and digital platforms. In her new role at KABC, she will be responsible for leading and building on the momentum of this iconic station in the nation’s second largest market and the entertainment capital of the world, shaping its editorial vision and managing the strategies and teams that drive audience and growth across platforms. She assumes the position left vacant by the retirement of Cheryl Fair in March.

“Wendy is a true innovator, long championing modernization in the newsroom with a laser focus on how best to optimize programming across platforms,” said Matthews. “She is also keenly aware of what is important to viewers and is resolute in her commitment to impactful, high-quality journalism. I know she will put her trademark tenacity, passion for problem-solving and creative thinking to work to ensure that KABC continues to be the market leader in Los Angeles.”

“I’ve had ample opportunities over the years to collaborate with the KABC team. They are among the most pioneering and innovative storytellers in the business, and I’m very much looking forward to leading this remarkable team,” said Granato. “I’m particularly impressed with their forward-thinking approach to breaking news and how best to elevate it across myriad platforms. I look forward to working closely with community leaders across the city to amplify stories and organizations that make a difference in the lives of Los Angeles viewers. And I cannot wait to immerse myself in all things SoCal!”

Granato added: “On a personal note, it’s such an honor to step into the shoes of the great Cheryl Fair, who is such an inspiration to so many of us in the industry. I’m incredibly fortunate to have worked alongside her during her tenure and to continue to call her my friend.” 

Matthews will oversee management at KTRK until a new general manager is named, with Granato continuing to provide support during this transitional period.

As general manager of KTRK, Granato spearheaded the launch of the station’s 24/7 news stream, delivering the most live, local coverage in the Houston market and cementing the station’s status as Houston’s leading source for local news and information across broadcast, digital and social platforms.

She has led the station through numerous weather emergencies, including Hurricane Beryl, which hit Houston earlier this week resulting in multiple fatalities, extreme flooding and power outages. In addition to hurricanes, tornadoes and freezes, the station has chronicled additional big, breaking news events of national significance like the border crisis, the Santa Fe and Uvalde school shootings, and the Astro World concert tragedy.

Under her leadership, ABC13 produces 13 hours of live news daily, including “ABC13 Weather Now,” a first-of-its-kind weather show. In addition to newscasts, the station produces 175-plus hours of premium content each year, including community specials, station drives and live events. Granato also led the station’s introduction of two advocacy journalism documentary series, “Unsolved” and “Texas True Crime,” that are so popular they’re now available on Hulu.

Prior to becoming general manager at ABC13, Granato served as the vice president of News for ABC13 for five years. In charge of all editorial decisions and operations, she was responsible for the successful merger of broadcast and digital departments, and helped the station become the No. 1 local news station in the market. Before that, she was executive producer of special projects and executive producer of the daily talk show, “Debra Duncan.”

As a leader who is passionate about innovation and investing in skills of the future, Granato is a founding director of OTV University, an educational program for all eight ABC Owned Television Stations.

During her tenure, the station has won 99 Emmys® and 13 Edward R. Murrow Awards. Most notably, as VP of News, she was instrumental in leading the station’s Emmy Award-winning coverage of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, during which time KTRK was on the air nonstop for eight consecutive days. Most recently, the station won both a regional and national Edward R. Murrow Award in Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for its piece “Taking Back Gulfton.” She has been named to Radio+Television Business Report’s Top Local Leaders list twice, was named among the Top 30 Influential Women of Houston in 2022, and most recently named 2024’s TV Market Manager of the Year by Media Alliance of Houston.

Granato is also passionate about the station’s community outreach efforts, working closely with partners such as Black Heritage Society, Crimestoppers, Goodwill Houston, the Houston Marathon Foundation, the Houston Texans, Latino Learning Center, League of United Latin American Citizens and VOICE of Asia News. Notably, the station supports Share Your Holidays, an annual food drive benefiting the Houston Food Bank; and hosts an E-cycle Drive, a collection/recycling effort for outdated electronic equipment in conjunction with Earth Day. The station also broadcasts the city’s major events, including The Chevron Marathon, the annual July 4th Freedom Over Texas celebration, and numerous parades such as Art Car, Cinco de Mayo, Dia de los Muertos, Galveston Mardi Gras, MLK, Pride and more.

Before joining ABC13, Granato was the news director for KNWS Houston. Earlier in her career, she was a news reporter and morning news anchor for KATC in Lafayette, Louisiana.

She studied at the Manship School of Mass Communication, where she received a degree in broadcast journalism from Louisiana State University.

(This post taken from a press release)

Gina Sunseri, ABC News Producer, receives 2024 RNASA Space Communicator Award

Gina Sunseri, a Houston-based ABC News Producer, received the prestigious 2024 Space Communicator Award from the Rotary National Award for Space Achievement (RNASA) Foundation on April 26, 2024, at the Houston Hyatt Regency.

UPDATE MARCH 2025
Gina Sunseri Wins 2025 National Space Club & Foundation Press Award

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"Being in the same company as previous honorees is truly humbling," Sunseri said in a statement.  "I have always tried to make the space program engaging for our viewers—and to share the curiosity, hard work, creativity, and passion of the people who fulfill our desire to explore. I am fascinated by the small stories-- the cat videos from space. The lost tomato. The astronaut who had spicy shrimp cocktail for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of his mission. And of course, Suni Williams’ cutting her ponytail in space for charity."

A trusted fixture on the ABC News space beat for more than two decades, Sunseri started covering the space program in 1996 when one of her earliest assignments was to cover astronaut Shannon Lucid - the only American woman to live aboard the Mir space station. Since then, Gina has produced or contributed to hundreds of articles and broadcast news segments covering Space Shuttle launches, spacewalks, commercial space flight, the International Space Station, five Mars missions, and the much-anticipated Artemis II mission scheduled to launch in 2025.

"For over two decades, Gina Sunseri has set a high bar for outstanding coverage of our nation’s space programs, educating millions of Americans through her thoughtful and expert productions for ABC News," Mark Carreau, Aviation Week & Space Technology Houston Correspondent, and 2006 Space Communicator Award recipient who nominated Sunseri said.

 "Her deep understanding of the space program is evident in stories that often provide angles that other media miss," Veronica McGregor, Digital News and Media Manager for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and 2013 Space Communicator Award recipient, said. "Her dedication to covering the space beat has benefitted the industry as well as ABC and millions of viewers."

After the tragic loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia in 2003, Sunseri extensively covered the seven astronauts lost aboard STS-107, NASA’s investigation of the disaster, and the safety measures implemented before the 2005 Return to Flight. She played a crucial role in the ABC News team that earned an Emmy Award for their investigative report titled "Columbia Final Mission," which aired on "Primetime Thursday." 

When she's not pursuing stories or conducting interviews, Sunseri enjoys travel, weather, music, and gardening. She is happily married to retired KPRC photographer John Treadgold and is a mother of two.

The RNASA Space Communicator Award, established in 1997 in honor of KTRK, Houston Channel 13 space reporter and long-time RNASA Advisor Stephen Gauvain, who tragically died in a car accident in 1996, recognizes individuals or teams for outstanding contributions to public understanding and appreciation of space exploration.

 Previous recipients of the award include William Harwood of CBS; Miles O'Brien, formerly of CNN; Elliot Pulham of the Space Foundation; the NASA-Contractor Communications team that responded to the Columbia accident; Mark Carreau, formerly of the Houston Chronicle; Neil deGrasse Tyson of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History; Veronica McGregor, Manager of News and Social Media at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Chris A. Hadfield, former Canadian Space Agency astronaut; Bill Nye (the science guy), CEO of the Planetary Society; Rob Navias, Public Affairs Officer (PAO) Mission commentator; William Shatner, actor, author, producer, and director; and Bill Ingalls, senior NASA photographer.

Texas TV news and radio job moves February 2024

Send tips for the monthly Texas media job list here.

- TAB Salutes 2024 News Award Winners and Finalists
- Texas 2024 Crystal Radio Award Finalists

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

WFAA wins NPPA Station of the Year, reporter Jobin Panicker wins Reporter of the Year.

Steve Brown retiring from Dallas Morning News after 47 years.

The Dallas Morning News hires Nick Wooten to cover real estate.

Legendary broadcaster Verne Lundquist announces he'll retire after calling 40th Masters.

Dallas Morning News turns to crowdfunding to pay reporters.

Dr. Phil's new Dallas-Fort Worth network hires Nancy Grace.

Feature Aircheck KLTY Dallas.

Radio host explains why he got a Texas Rangers' World Series box score tattooed on his back.

Dallas online radio station Deep Ellum Radio would love to make you a DJ.

Defunct Dallas Magapaper Makes Cameo in Old 97’s Video.

- Shannon Murray reveals unborn daughter's heart condition
- Dominique Sachse tours new Dallas home
- Marvin Hurst joins CBS News Texas
- Dawn White joins CBS News Texas
- Does Cynthia Izaguirre look like she's from 'The Flying Nun' TV show?
- Dominique Sachse introduces co-host Fanchon Stinger
- Dallas TV reporters welcome baby!
- Ken Kalthoff leaves NBC 5 DFW

HOUSTON

In Her Hometown of Houston, KKBQ and KILT Welcome Beyoncé’s Country Songs.

Fresh Listen: KILT (The Bull) vs. KKBQ (93Q) Houston.

KHOU’s Continuous Coverage Of Houston Post Office Failure Wins Praise.

ABC13 Weather Now and Houston Chronicle highlights Chief Forecaster David Tillman's historic career.

Houston’s new face: Anthony Antoine’s impact as news anchor.

Michael Berry Doesn’t Want to Be All Serious All the Time.

Oldest person in the US previously worked for abc13 KTRK.

Houston-based ABC News producer Gina Sunseri to receive the 2024 RNASA Space Communicator Award.

Gow secures Houston FM Translators For ESPN Radio.

“Connor and Beard” exit middays at ESPN Houston 97.5 KFNC. 

Paul Gallant Show ends, but Gallant says he is staying with ESPN Houston 97.5 KFNC. 

Jessie Watt, co-host of the Sarah Pepper and Jessie Watt Morning Show on Mix 96.5 KHMX, is a Radio Ink "Women to Watch."

Sean Pendergast of SportsRadio 610 KILT is a guest on the VanderPod.

Chief photographer Francisco Barragan celebrates 10 years with abc13 KTRK.

Weekend anchor Cheryl Mercedes celebrates five years with KHOU.

Photographer Michael Barbagallo leaves KHOU 11 for abc13 KTRK.

KJIC founder GM Bob Vaughn retires.

Compass Media and Rowdy Yates announce SIX new affiliates for “The Original Country Gold.”  The nation’s #1 country music request show is now heard on KTPK/Topeka, WFFN/Tuscaloosa, WUQQ Chattanooga as well as KRAN/Cheyenne plus KSDZ/Gordon and KDJL/Kilgore, both in the Corn Husker State of Nebraska.   Yates celebrates his 20th year in broadcast syndication this August.

The Centennial State and The Volunteer State go with Gallo!  SuiteRadio’s Dan Gallo adds two new affiliates.  Gallo will occupy the morning drive at Country KBVC-FM “Eagle Country 104.1” in Buena Vista, Colorado, beginning March 4th, and is now being heard middays in all of Middle Tennessee on Country WJZM-FM “105.1 The Wolf”  in Waverly. More at www.SuiteRadio.net.

- Madd Hatta joins Majic 102.1 KMJQ Houston
- Former FOX 26 reporter interviewed by KPRC 2
- Tim Heller a guest on Weather Insights Podcast
- "Runaway Radio" 101 KLOL documentary release is this month!
- Miya Shay celebrates Lunar New Year with TV guests
- KHOU 11 Super Bowl ad 2024
- KPRC 2 new 2024 studio - standing room only (sometimes)
- Brittany Begley joins KPRC 2
- Erica Simon gives birth to baby #2
- Randy Wallace Day February 13, 2024
- 101 KLOL "Runaway Radio" doc trailer!
- Chris Pruitt leaves CW39 Houston as General Manager
- KPRC 2 2024 studio - photos and more details
- Houston's first televised Downtown Rodeo Parade in 1959
- KPRC shows life in 1972 Houston through Black journalists' perspective
- KLOL doc talk with Michael Garfield
- Houston TV anchors getting ready for first rodeo
- Christine Noël gives birth
- Jonathan Mejia joins FOX 26 Houston
- Travis Herzog deserves the Oscar!
- Tuttle and Kline reunite on new podcast

SAN ANTONIO

News 4 San Antonio WOAI anchor Mandy Noell brings a fresh perspective to the news.

Hearst newspapers declines to voluntarily recognize Express-News, MySA union.

San Antonio sports personality faces blowback for saying the city is poor.

- Mia Montgomery is married, Sarah Duran, too
- Max Massey to leave KSAT San Antonio

AUSTIN

KVUE to dedicate newsroom to Carole Kneeland, former News Director and VP of News.

Former KGSR Austin Program Director Jay Michaels joins “96.3 Jack-FM.”

The Texas Tribune makes Semifinalists list for the 2024 Goldsmith Prize for Investigative Reporting.

Texas Monthly Is a Finalist for Two National Magazine Awards.

Texas Monthly Reporter Russell Gold and the Long Game of Journalism.

- David Yeomans leaves KXAN Austin
- Carlo Falco left FOX 7 Austin

AROUND TEXAS

Morning anchor John-Thomas Kobos celebrates 13 years at 3News KIII Corpus Christi.

Jaxie Pidgeon leaves KLBK Lubbock for WKRN Nashville.

Chantale Belefanti joins KXXV 25 Waco-Temple-Killen as a reporter from Wichita Falls.

Waco DJ continues legacy of Black radio broadcasters.

Stephen Mosley owns 96.9 The Breeze Radio in Port Arthur. The station offers a jumping off point for aspiring DJs.

Former CBS19 KYTX Tyler weekend meteorologist/MMJ Colleen Campbell named new Weekend Evening Meteorologist at WTSP Tampa, FL.

Joel Burke Takes Six Signal Market Manager Role In Texas.

The El Paso County Commissioners Court recognizes KTSM as ‘great partner,’ cites ‘Small Town Spotlight’ shows.

- KCEN 6 Waco anchor changes
- Alex Del Barrio leaves KRGV Rio Grande Valley
- Leslie Adami says 'KII-I Do'
- Luis Carlos Mendoza to anchor InvestigateTV+ en Español
- Stephanie Shields leaves KTSM 9 El Paso

REMEMBERING

San Antonio mourns KTSA host Duane Charping.

Renowned Radio Programmer Buddy Scott passes away.

- Bobbie Wygant has passed away
- FOX 26 Houston producer Maggie McKethan passes away

Adam Krueger joined by Slim Thug

Slim Thug joined CW39 Houston KIAH's Adam Krueger for his "Sneaking Words in the Weather" segment on "NO WAIT WEATHER + TRAFFIC" after Paul Wall requested a song!

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Ari Alexander gets Paul Wall Gameday Grillz

"When @slimthug drops by, and @paulwallbaby asks for a song, you make it happen," Krueger posted.

Who is Mike Jones?

This isn't the only time Still Tippin' has been featured on a Houston TV newscast.

Sneaking lyrics into his weather forecasts has landed Krueger on CBS' "The Talk", a Snoop Dogg shoutout and a guest spot forecasting for News Nation.

Krueger joined CW39 Houston in 2020.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Adam Krueger (@weatheradam)

Sabirah Rayford joins FOX 13 Seattle

Sabirah Rayford is joining FOX13 News Seattle KCPQ as a weekday evening anchor after leaving KPRC 2 Houston as a reporter/anchor in October 2023.

Here is what Rayford posted on Instagram:

"I’m thrilled to join FOX O&O’s FOX 13 Seattle news team as a weekday evening anchor. 

I’m looking forward to working alongside a group of talented, passionate journalists. 

While visiting the Emerald City I fell in love with its landscape— the mountains, the waterside and its cultural diversity. 

The gratitude I feel is indescribable. Thank you to all my wonderful mentors over the years. 'Nobody knows where they might end up' — and that’s the beauty of the universe."

On September 20, 2021, Rayford started her journey with KPRC 2, assuming the role of a weekend morning anchor.  Rayford left weekend mornings in March of 2023.

She came from NewsChannel 5 WPTV in West Palm Beach, Florida where she had been nearly four years where she was a multimedia reporter and fill-in anchor. According to a KPRC press release at the time of her hiring, Rayford spearheaded the station’s racial justice coverage days after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Rayford started her TV journalism career with WKYT 27 in Lexington, Kentucky during her sophomore year of college, initially in the sports department, and later evolving into a multimedia reporter and fill-in anchor. Remarkably, Rayford achieved a significant milestone at WKYT, becoming the first college student to report on air for the station, as noted in the previously mentioned KPRC 2 press release.

Rayford's journalistic work earned recognition in 2015 when she received an Associated Press (AP) award for her story titled "Transgender."

As a proud alumna of the University of Kentucky, Rayford interned for the UK athletic department and WKYT in Lexington, Kentucky. She also contributed as a student reporter for ESPNU Campus Connection.

Notably, Rayford stands as a distinguished recipient of the Lyman T. Johnson Torch of Excellence Award, a prestigious recognition presented to one UK African American alumnus from each of the school's academic colleges. This award acknowledges individuals "whose faith, hard work, and determination have positively impacted the lives of people on the UK campus, in the city, state, or nation," as outlined on the university's website.

Other KPRC 2 personnel changes include Daji Aswad joining the weather department and assistant news director Aaron Fernandez-Wische leaving for FOX 26 KRIV. 

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A post shared by Sabirah Rayford (@kprc2sabirah)

(Thanks Shad!)

 

NBC 5 KXAS DFW marks its 75th anniversary

NBC 5 KXAS Fort Worth - Dallas marks its 75th anniversary on September 27, 2023. 

On September 27, 1948, channel 5 WBAP-TV, became the first TV station to go on the air in Texas and the entire Southwest according to the station. 

It was the first facility in the nation specifically designed for television production and broadcasting.

President Harry S. Truman, who was campaigning in Fort Worth, was featured in the new station's first broadcast. 

Here are select NBC 5 firsts and milestones:

    First television station to go on the air in the State of Texas and the Southwest

    First facility in the nation to be specifically designed for television production and broadcasting

    First live local news report in 1948

    First live local sports in 1948

    First local station weather center in the United States in 1949

    First color broadcast in Texas in 1954

    First color tape recorder in Texas in 1959

    First all-color news film in 1966

    First 30-minute local TV news magazine program “Texas ‘70s” in 1970

    First live intercontinental satellite report in 1977

    First Texas station to debut closed-captioning newscast for deaf and hearing-impaired viewers in 1989

    First commercial TV station to offer full online computer access in 1995

    First Southwest station to offer viewers news delivered via email in 1997

    First Texas station to air a live sporting event via High-Definition Television (HDTV) in 1997

    First TV station in Texas to have its own S-Band radar in 2016

    First TV station in Texas to use geographic overlay technology with the news helicopter in 2018

“NBC 5 continues to empower our audience using the highest journalistic ethics and standards,” said Tony Canales, President and General Manager of NBC 5 and Telemundo 39. “The station remains a broadcasting leader in delivering to our viewers the very best in programming and local, national and international news coverage, highlighted by an unwavering commitment to community service.”

Every Friday this month, NBC 5 News at 4 pm will air stories looking back at different aspects of the station’s history, including the evolution of news, news technology, weather forecasting, investigative journalism, community impact efforts, and a conversation with the first female general talk show host in the Southwest, Bobbie Wygant. These stories can also be found on the station’s streaming platforms. 

KXAS is now co-located in NBCUniversal Local’s state-of-the-art facility in Fort Worth alongside its sister station Telemundo 39/KXTX. 

Erika Lopez joins OTA Talent as TV agent

Former KVUE Austin chief meteorologist Erika Lopez has dropped weather forecasting to work as a TV talent agent with OTA Talent.

"I am honored to join OTA Talent as a bilingual agent," Lopez said in a press release.   "Utilizing my broadcasting career, skills, and experiences, along with being a part of one of the top TV News Talent Agencies in the country, my clients and I will be unstoppable at achieving their career goals."

"Erika is a true professional with the industry knowledge to guide her clients to success," added OTA Vice President Kimberly Price.  "She is also a ‘people person’ who genuinely connects with anyone who has the pleasure of working with her."

Lopez signed off from KVUE Austin in August 2022.

She returned to KVUE after working at KHOU 11 Houston.

Before Austin, she worked for Weather Nation.

The Arizona State University grad's first TV job was with KAVU Victoria. 

Erika Lopez to leave KVUE Austin

Erika Lopez announced she is leaving her KVUE Austin chief meteorologist role in August 2022.

UPDATE
Erika Lopez joins OTA Talent as TV agent

VIDEO: Erika Lopez signs off KVUE Austin

Here is a portion of Lopez posted on Facebook:

"Aug 12th will be my last day on air and with KVUE! 

I have made this decision with full support from my husband and managers to allow me to focus on this cutie patootie of a baby, Odie. 

I’m beyond excited for this next chapter of my life and look forward to all of the exciting adventures ahead with my new little fam. 

Don’t know if this will be forever, but it’s what is best and will make me the happiest right now.

See y’all for 2 more weeks on KVUE!"

Speaking her baby, recently we saw Lopez do the KVUE weather with Odie!

Odie was born to Lopez and husband Otto Staudt (of the Staudt Brothers fame) in December 2021. Lopez did a great gender reveal on-air.

Lopez did two tour of duties at KVUE Austin.  

Austin television viewers first saw Lopez on Daybreak from 2017 to 2019.

Lopez then joined KHOU 11 which is KVUE's TEGNA Houston sister-station.  In Houston, Lopez was the noon and 4pm meteorologist. 

When Albert Ramon left KVUE for News Nation, Lopez returned to KVUE as chief meteorologist in 2020.

Prior to Austin, Lopez worked for Weather Nation out of Denver, Colorado.

The Arizona State University grad and Phoenix native got her start in the TV biz at KAVU Victoria.

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Taniya Wright joins Washington, DC TV

Taniya Wright, former co-anchor of the KPRC 2 morning news, is getting close to making her debut on Washington, DC television news.

How do I know? Well, Wright is posting photoshoots with her new co-anchors on Instagram.  But...she is not ready to say exactly where she is working next.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝕋𝕒𝕟𝕚𝕪𝕒 𝕎𝕣𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 (@taniyawright)

We can tell that Wright will be anchoring with:

- Cory James - anchor (just left his reporter position at CBS New York WCBS) 

- Jackie Layer - meteorologist (just left 7News Boston WHDH) 

- Shennekia Grimshaw - traffic (WDVM 25 Hagerstown, Maryland, and NW portion of the Washington, D.C. TV market)

Now, I am no DC TV expert obviously. In fact, while I was Washington last week, I didn't even turn on the TV in my room once for what it's worth. 

Considering this is obviously a brand new assembled news team, and based on where Grimshaw is working, then my guess is Wright and her new TV friends are working on the just announced news expansion of Nexstar's WDVM in Hagerstown and WDCW (CW) in Washington, D.C.

Stay tuned.

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Here is the new "DC News Now" press release (with no mention of on-air talent):

WDVM-TV and WDCW-TV Will Occupy New State of the Art Newsroom and Studio;

Combined Operation Will Offer 67+ Hours of Local News and be Known as “DC News Now”

Stations Will Launch New Newscasts, Expand Existing News, and Open Satellite News Bureaus in Hagerstown and Frederick, Maryland, and Chantilly, Virginia

WASHINGTON, D.C., and IRVING, TX, (May 25, 2022)—Nexstar Media Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXST), today announced that it will expand its local news operations serving Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia. The company plans to bring its two television stations currently serving the area, WDVM-TV (Ind) in Hagerstown, and WDCW-TV (CW) in Washington, D.C. (DMA #7), together at one central location in the nation’s capital. The new, combined operation will be known as “DC News Now.”

Both television stations will broadcast from a new state-of-the-art newsroom and studio currently under construction on Wisconsin Avenue while maintaining a significant presence in Maryland and Northern Virginia. The central newsgathering operation will be supported by three newly established satellite news bureaus in Hagerstown and Frederick, Maryland, and Chantilly, Virginia. Each new bureau will serve as an extended newsroom and studio for DC News Now, capable of live reporting and staffed with additional journalists who will provide even more local news coverage for the area.

The new facilities and expanded staff will establish a solid foundation from which WDVM-TV will launch a new nightly newscast at 9 p.m. ET, expand its existing morning news by one hour, and add a thirty-minute nightly sports highlight show at 11 p.m. ET. WDCW-TV will launch a new nightly newscast at 10 p.m. ET.

“This expansion is a clear demonstration of Nexstar’s unwavering commitment to local news and public service,” said Andrew Alford, President of Broadcasting for Nexstar Media Inc. “The demand for local news, weather, and information in Maryland and Northern Virginia, and in the immediate Washington, D.C., area has never been greater. We will be hiring more journalists and critical support personnel, significantly expanding our digital news capabilities, and building upon our strong legacy of providing high-quality local news to the communities we serve.”

Following the expansion, DC News Now will provide more than 67 hours of local news programming every week, covering more communities than any other local broadcaster serving Maryland, Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. The ninth-largest DMA in the United States, Washington, D.C., has a population of more than six million and more than 2.3 million local television households.

“We are extremely excited about this expansion, particularly because it enables us to launch new newscasts while also establishing three new satellite news bureaus from which we can deliver live news directly from within local communities in Maryland and Northern Virginia,” said David Bangura, Vice President and General Manager of WDVM-TV and WDCW-TV. “These bureaus will give WDVM-TV and WDCW-TV a way of connecting to the community as never before.”

Veteran journalist and news management executive Ben Dobson has been named News Director of the expanded operation. He joins WDVM-TV/WDCW-TV from Boston, MA, where he has served as Vice President and News Director of New England Cable News (NECN), a 24-hour cable news network, NBC10 Boston and Telemundo Boston since 2018. During his tenure at NECN, Mr. Dobson transformed the network’s programming and audience reach by launching new newscasts, creating a digital streaming department, and driving a renewed emphasis on online content. Prior to Boston, Mr. Dobson was Vice President and News Director at WVIT-TV (NBC) in Hartford, CT, and before that held a series of news management roles of increasing responsibility in Boston and Hartford.

“Bringing these two television stations together, adding more news hours, and creating three locally-based satellite news bureaus to serve Washington, D.C., and parts of Maryland and Virginia, is a tremendous opportunity,” said Mr. Dobson. “We are building something from the ground up at a time when more and more viewers are turning to local news organizations as their primary source of information they can trust.”

NBC 5 KXAS DFW wins Headliner Awards 2022

FORT WORTH / DALLAS, TX – (May 3, 2022) – The National Headliner Awards program, one of the oldest and largest annual awards programs in the country honoring the best in journalism, has recognized two eye-opening and in-depth NBC 5 Investigates series impacting North Texas and beyond: “Paper Tag Nation” and “Powerless.”

The series “Paper Tag Nation” won first place in Broadcast or Cable Television Stations Documentary or Series of Reports on the Same Subject. NBC5 Senior Investigative Reporter Scott Friedman, Producer Eva Parks, and Photographer Jose Sanchez exposed how security gaps at the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) have allowed criminals to obtain and sell hundreds of thousands of temporary license plates, some of which were then used on cars involved in other serious crimes. NBC 5’s reporting used the DMV’s own records to show how licensed car “dealers” with no storefronts continued to issue temporary plates in massive numbers even though they did not appear to be selling cars. The reports sparked new calls for reform, and since the series began in early November 2021, the head of the Texas DMV has resigned, a board that supervises the agency has promised sweeping changes, and the Texas legislature has launched hearings aimed at halting the widespread abuse of temporary plates.

A National Headliner Award Judge said, “KXAS (NBC 5) uncovers a huge scam operating right under your nose – or at least on the bumper in front of you. Texas temporary tags are being sold fraudulently on a $200 million black market abetted by a lack of oversight at the Texas DMV. KXAS pioneered media oversight into the DMV database in exposing this scam.”

“Our team is dedicated to identifying fraud, critical safety concerns, and holding public officials accountable,” said Freidman. “Our goal is to produce stories that spark conversations about how we can generate real change in North Texas, when needed. I am proud of the impact of my team’s work on this important issue.”

“Powerless” placed third in the Broadcast or Cable Television Stations Public Service category. The series examined the events of Texas’ power grid failures during winter 2021 and exposed how ERCOT’s electricity forecasting methods during inclement weather could put North Texans at risk of even more power outages.  The reporting also revealed how the gas industry profited while downplaying its role in the winter crisis.

“It’s an honor for our hard-working NBC 5 Investigates team to be recognized with another prestigious award. We are proud of their tireless and relentless work,” said John Stone, NBC 5 and Telemundo 39 Vice President of News. “While ‘Powerless’ was powerful, revealing deep concerns about ERCOT and pushed for accountability, ‘Paper Tag Nation’ continues to generate legal action, as lawmakers take steps to address these issues impacting Texas and beyond.”

Click Here for all available online content regarding “Paper Tag Nation”

Click Here for all available online content regarding “Powerless”

For complete details on all the winners and categories, please access The Press Club of Atlantic City’s 88th National Headliner Awards awardee list here.

About NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth / KXAS

NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth / KXAS is the NBCUniversal Local station serving the communities of North Texas with quality local news, weather forecasts, consumer and investigative reports and sports and entertainment programming across all platforms, including the station’s dedicated website NBCDFW.com, its mobile app, social media channels and on COZI TV (Digital 5.2) NBCLX (Digital 5.3) and OXYGEN (Digital 5.4) the station’s multicast channels. 

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

Jordan Darensbourg joins KVUE Austin

Jordan Darensbourg is joining KVUE Austin as weekend evening meteorologist from TEGNA sister-station KCEN 6 Waco/Temple/Killeen, but for a period of time, he will be pulling double duty on both stations' green screens!

UPDATE MARCH 2026
Jordan Darensbourg leaves KVUE Austin

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Here is what Darensbourg said on social:

"To Waco/Temple/Killeen, thank you so much for welcoming me into your homes these past 16 months. It has been a blessing to continue my career in such a great, vibrant area that has so much going for it!

With that said, I am pleased to announce that I have accepted an opportunity to continue my career down I-35 as the new weekend evening meteorologist at KVUE in Austin! I am grateful for this opportunity and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the best station in the fastest growing city in the nation!

While I’ll be starting at KVUE this Saturday April 9th, I’m not done with 6 News quite yet, as my last day isn’t until April 29th! I’ll be covering KVUE part time for a couple of weekends before going full time at KVUE in May. 

I’ll miss my amazing coworkers, management, and all of you amazing viewers in the Waco/Temple/Killeen area. This area will have a special place in my heart."

It's safe to say he will be covering ALL of Central Texas since the region encompasses both television markets.

Darensbourg joined the KCEN 6 News weather team in November 2020.

His television news career began at WDTV 5 West Virginia.

The Atlanta native has bachelor degrees from both Jackson State University and Mississippi State University.

While attending Mississippi State, Darensbourg was a meteorologist/MMJ for the school's Take 30 News on MSTV.