Tim Melton talks about his stroke with Bob Allen on KHOU

UPDATE
Tim Melton opens up to Bob Allen about stroke and recovery (VIDEO)


Bob Allen conducts first interview with Tim Melton about his stroke Monday @ 10pm on KHOU 11

Tim Melton

Tim Melton, former channel 13 weekend sports anchor, will give his first TV interview about the stroke he suffered in October of 2011 to his friend and former colleague Bob Allen this Monday night on channel 11.

"I think you'll find it interesting and encouraging," Allen told mikemcguff.com. "The man is handling a tough situation in an amazing way."

Allen says this will be the first time Melton has even talked about the stroke publicly and how he's been coping since.

I broke the news on this very blog last month that Tim Melton left KTRK abc13, where he had worked since 1981.

And just last weekend, I broke the news that KTRK abc13 officially made sports reporter Bob Slovak Melton's replacement in the weekend sports chair.

As for Allen, he quit KTRK in January and started working at KHOU in April.

UPDATE
Tim Melton opens up to Bob Allen about stroke and recovery (VIDEO)

Tim Melton off KTRK abc13 website

Tim Melton's bio is no longer on KTRK abc13's website

UPDATE 9pm
I first broke earlier this evening that Tim Melton was no longer listed as a channel 13 employee on its website.  Now David Barron has contacted the longtime KTRK weekend sports anchor about this development.

“I can do a lot of things, but not everything the job requires,” Melton told the Houston Chronicle. “I still hope to get back on the air. That’s always been my plan. The problem is that you never know how things are going to play out, and while the recovery process has been good, it has taken longer than I would have imagined.”

-----------------------------------------------------------

Tim Melton

Original post starts here: Tim Melton has been missing from KTRK abc13 since October 2011. Today, as Bob Allen debuts on KHOU 11, I notice Melton is no longer listed on KTRK's news team bios page.

Rumors about his possible departure have been circulating for months. When I heard today he was no longer on the station's site, I saved a screen capture of it without Melton (his bio page is still online as is his station Facebook page).

Melton broke his silence about the reason for his absence in March 2012 saying:

"Sorry for being out of touch for so long, but I suffered a stroke last October and spent two months at TIRR undergoing rehab. I thank all of you who have expressed your concern as to what caused my absence, but I wanted to wait until I had a good sense of what the future holds before saying anything." READ THE REST

Other than this, Melton has remained fairly quiet. There was some video of him speaking to a group of people at TIRR that did air on the station last July.

Former KVUE sports director Hugh Lewis filled in for Melton a few months followed by 1560 KGOW/Yahoo! Sports Radio's David Nuno who was eventually hired by the ABC owned station full time.

According to his bio, Melton was hired at KTRK in August 1981 for weekend sports. Before that he had been at WCP Cincinnati and WHP in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He has a degree in psychology from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkansas and a Masters Degree in Radio/Television from Memphis State.

KTRK 13's Tim Melton suffers stroke, in recovery

UPDATE 2013
- Tim Melton off KTRK abc13 website
- Tim Melton opens up to Bob Allen about stroke and recovery (VIDEO)

Lots of emails have come into my blog asking where is KTRK 13 weekend sports guy Tim Melton? Melton hasn't appeared on air since October.

As I had posted, KTRK 13 hired former KVUE sports director Hugh Lewis to fill in last February.

Now Tim Melton breaks his silence on Facebook.

"Yes, I'm still here! Sorry for being out of touch for so long, but I suffered a stroke last October and spent two months at TIRR undergoing rehab. I thank all of you who have expressed your concern as to what caused my absence, but I wanted to wait until I had a good sense of what the future holds before saying anything.

I am happy to report I'm getting better every day.

My thanks to all my friends at Channel 13 for their concern and support. Thanks to the doctors, therapists and nurses at TIRR. And special thanks to my sons and wife, who have had to go through the recovery with me... and I'm not always the greatest patient."

Tim is a super nice guy and I wish him a speedy recovery.

UPDATE 2013
- Tim Melton off KTRK abc13 website
- Tim Melton opens up to Bob Allen about stroke and recovery (VIDEO)

Tim Melton opens up to Bob Allen about stroke and recovery (VIDEO)

Tim Melton

One of the most talked about May 2013 sweeps stories (well definitely on this blog at least) aired tonight on KHOU 11.

 Bob Allen interviewed longtime friend and former KTRK abc13 colleague Tim Melton about his stroke and subsequent recovery. This is the first time we've heard from Melton in almost two years since the stroke and it's on a competing station.

Melton talks about the night the stroke happened in October 2011 at KTRK abc13 after the 5:30pm Sunday newscast and a lot more.

I found this part particularly interesting:

"I would like to return to work," says Melton. "Sometimes I say to myself that’s crazy, but it’s something that I still want to do so I still keep working towards that and I keep trying to get better."

After working side by side with him since 1981, I’ve got to think someone will want him. He’s talented, brave, one of the most decent people I’ve ever known and he’s not quitting.

Will Melton follow Allen to KHOU?

Where are Wayne Dolcefino and Tim Melton?

UPDATE 11/21/2012
Wayne Dolcefino and KTRK 13 divorce

Here is a follow up to some of my previous posts. First, we are still apparently on Wayne Dolcefino sweeps watch. November is nearing its end and still no sign of Mr. 13 Undercover.

Forget about all the rumors concerning his status with the station.  It's coming at me from all sides every single day, but the simple fact is that Dolcefino's bio is still on KTRK 13's web site at the time of this post's writing.

Then there is the case of KTRK 13 weekend sports anchor Tim Melton. Forgive us for caring about Melton's whereabouts, he's only been coming into Houston living rooms every week since 1981.

It was last October when Melton suffered a stroke and since then we've only caught a few glimpses of him on TV and on the KTRK 13 Facebook account.

I certainly hope Melton is having a speedy and good recovery. He's a great sports anchor and nice guy too.

Since October, KTRK has brought in freelancers like Hugh Lewis and 1560 KGOW/Yahoo! Sports Radio's David Nuno to do some sports fill-in work

The update in the missing Melton case is that the Houston Chronicle's Ken Hoffman is reporting that David Nuno has quit the radio station and has been hired full-time at KTRK.

"The big adjustment for me is going back to being a reporter," Nuno told Hoffman. "On radio, I would watch all the games, but I was rarely with the players. Joining Channel 13 puts me back on the beat. It's pretty amazing to work at the station I grew up watching with many of the same on-air staff."

So does that mean if/when Melton returns that the KTRK 13 sports department will be larger? Right now the station's sports staff includes Melton, the soon departing Bob Allen, Allen's replacement Greg Bailey, Bob Slovak and now David Nuno. Even with Allen out the door, the on air staff  will still be larger than ever.

That's a lot of good sports coverage!

Stay tuned.

UPDATE 11/21/2012
Wayne Dolcefino and KTRK 13 divorce

KTRK 13 hires fmr. KVUE sports dir. Hugh Lewis

Hugh Lewis courtesy of KTRK's airwaves

It's big news when KTRK channel 13 makes a change of any type to its sports department. After all, sports director Bob Allen has been with the Houston ABC owned and operated station since 1974, Tim Melton since 1981 and Bob Slovak since 1998.

That's why it's getting attention that a new face in the Houston TV sports scene is now filing sports reports for KTRK. That face belongs to Hugh Lewis who started appearing on channel 13's airwaves over the past few days (watch one of his reports below).

However Lewis is well known in other parts of Texas and even the nation. In fact Lewis was KVUE 24 Austin's sports director back in the 80s and early 90s. According to Austin blogger Jim McNabb, in his post TV life, Lewis worked at KVET-AM (Austin), partially owned and managed Austin's Indoor Professional Football Team and put time in at HDNews TV (a former New York based network).

Recently Lewis has been a blogger with his son at bonafidesports.com (listen to Lewis talk sports on DayBreak USA)

It is now becoming more obvious to Houston viewers that Tim Melton has not appeared on the KTRK 13 airwaves since mid-October (Melton's bio is still on the station's site). The station has offered no official explanation that I am aware of for Melton's absence. That has forced the station's viewers to come and ask me for answers. We can only assume that Mr. Lewis has been hired to fill the void in the station's sports department until Melton returns.

Kristi Powers' life after Fox 26 and other media job moves

Media job moves from Houston and across the state over the last month

This last month has been crazy in terms of the amount of Houston TV and radio moves (I'm also adding in other Texas city media moves too).

Kristi Powers

The first one I'm bringing you is a big one and I'm totally late to the game on it. Former Fox 26 KRIV morning meteorologist Kristi Powers has dumped the TV weather chroma key wall for the PR world.

Powers is now a Public Relations Account Executive at Love Advertising in Houston. She started last March I just found out. She's already made appearances on KHOU 11's Great Day Houston representing clients.

You might remember Powers parted ways with Fox 26 last June. Caitilin Espinosa took over for Powers last October.

KRBE assistant PD leaves
For six years he has been assistant program director and afternoon host at 104.1 KRBE in Houston and now Mat Mitchell is leaving for Clear Channel Phoenix.

KVIA's Jorge Torres leaving for Albuquerque
Officials at KVIA announced via the station's Facebook page that weekday morning meteorologist Jorge Torres is leaving at the end of the month.

Telemundo Names VP of Sales for Houston Station
Telemundo Station Group has named Robert Sarabia vice president of sales for its Houston station KTMD.

Nancy Zambrano leaves Fox 26 KRIV after months on the job
Fox 26 KRIV reporter Nancy Zambrano to leave the TV biz after after a few months in Houston. She talks about the move.

Drew Shirley hired as KHOU 11 sports producer from KPLC
KHOU 11 hires KPLC Lake Charles sports director Drew Shirley for new sports producer position.

Alex Cadelago named Vice President/Director of Sales for CBS Radio Houston
Alex Cadelago named Vice President, Director of Sales for KILT-AM, KILT-FM, KIKK-AM, KHMX-FM, KKHH-FM and KLOL-FM.

Bill Spencer joins KPRC 2 as investigative reporter from WXYZ
Bill Spencer from WXYZ Detroit joins KPRC 2 Houston as investigative reporter.

Jenelle Shriner leaves KVUE and lands at KPRC 2 as the Executive Producer for KPRC's Morning News.

Ray Fisher, former KIAH 39 sports weekend anchor, has left his job as the Digital Content Manager for Fox Sports Houston and is now the Social Media Community Manager at the Shell Oil Company.

CW33's Daniel Novick latest to join PR parade
Reporter Daniel Novick, who survived CW33’s transition to the comedy-infused 9 p.m. Nightcap (“A Different Kind of Newscast”), has decided to make a career change.

General manager at KFOX, John Witte, retires
KFOX Channel-14 General Manager John Witte, who has been at the station's helm for 11 years, retired.

I reported that KTRK abc13 contributor Erin Libranda, (aka "the Super Saver") left the station. Now it appears that Live Well Network Deals host Katishia Cosley is replacing her with a new segment according to her tweet. (Thanks @HOUcheap)

Michael S. Moore is now Assistant Chief Photojournalist at KVUE-TV according to his LinkedIn account.

Roseann Rogers 'The Buzz Lady' moves to KTRK abc13
Check This Out: "The Buzz Lady" Roseann Rogers relocates to KTRK abc13

Bob Slovak new KTRK abc13 weekend sports anchor
Bob Slovak now featured on weekend newscast open as sports anchor

Jaymie Kosina becomes GSM of KBXX/KMJQ & Digital Sales Manager of Texas
Jaymie Kosina Joins Radio One Management Team in Texas - Veteran Sales Professional will be Digital Sales Manager of Texas and GSM of KBXX/KMJQ

Rick Gevers reports that Karen LaFleur is joining KPRC 2 as Director of News Operations from NBC. She was at KHOU from 1987 to 2005.

Dave Crockett is staying Houston but moving his radio imaging skills have signed with MIX TALENT (www.mixtalent.com) in Miami. Now Crockett can really rock it!

Longtime click2houston.com web producer Amanda Norwig is following the lead of her former boss Lyn Stewart and moving on from the station. Norwig works for the Houston Independent School District on its website now.
- Amanda Norwig of KPRC talks web producing

Ryan Crowe left the web department of KTVT CBS 11.

Photojournalist Robert McMurrey moved from Austin to Dallas from KVUE to Fox 4 KDFW.

Jay Rodriguez joins Sunny 99.1 KODA mornings
KODA-FM SUNNY 99.1 announced Jay Rodriguez joined the station as its new Morning Show Co-Host with Dana Tyson weekdays from 5am-9am.

Tim Melton off KTRK abc13 website
Tim Melton's bio is no longer on KTRK abc13's website
- Tim Melton opens up to Bob Allen about stroke and recovery (VIDEO)

Joe Pags off KPRC AM 950 and replaced by Walton and Johnson.

As I've said before, I'm not clairvoyant. Please let me know of any other personnel changes hitting the Houston media scene.

Interested in working in Texas TV news? Go to my Texas TV jobs page.

Houston TV sports reunion with Tim Melton as guest of honor

Houston sports fan would have done a double take if they had been at Goode Company Armadillo Palace on Kirby Thursday afternoon.

Former abc13 KTRK assistant news director/reporter Don Kobos arranged a mini-reunion of Houston TV sports departments with representatives from channels 2, 11 and 13.

Longtime abc13 KTRK weekend sports anchor for many decades, Tim Melton, was the guest of honor. You might remember that Melton suffered a stroke in 2011. I am happy to report I hear he is doing well.

Some of those I hear that were in attendance to toast Melton were Bob Slovak (KTRK), Randy McIlvoy (KPRC), Greg Bailey (KTRK), Tom Koch (KTRK), Butch Alsandor (former KHOU Sports Anchor), KPRC 2 news director Dave Strickland, Jaime Zamora (former KTRK photographer), Joe Gleason (KTRK sports producer) and Ted Markus (former KTRK sports producer).

Bob Slovak leaves abc13 KTRK

After 22 years at abc13 KTRK, weekend sports anchor Bob Slovak says job is a casualty of COVID-19

Bob Slovak has announced he is leaving the abc13 KTRK sports department after more than two decades.

UPDATE JULY 2022

Bob Slovak returns to abc13 in a non-sports role

Here is what he posted on Facebook today:

The challenges of the year 2020 have been many but we keep our faith. My time at KTRK ABC13 will be coming to an end in a few weeks.

My job like so many others a misfortune of the Covid-19 pandemic. We move on with a lot to be thankful for.

I would like to thank ABC13 for an awesome 22 year run, so many great memories. I want to thank all of the ABC13 viewers for letting me come into your homes and living rooms for the last two decades plus to talk Sports.

I got into this business 34 years ago because of the passion and the way Sports makes us all feel. I got that from my Dad, I can still hear him yelling at the Cowboys games on the TV.

I've tried to present my Sports coverage in a fun way and I hope you enjoyed it with me. I want to thanks all of the Coaches and Players I have gotten to know in the Houston area over the years, thanks for letting me tell your stories. I move on to new opportunities and challenges if you have one for me let me know.

We keep moving forward. God has a plan. God Bless.

ALSO JUST HAPPENING AT ABC13 KTRK HOUSTON
- Collin Myers exits abc13 KTRK
- Deborah Wrigley to leave abc13 KTRK

One of the rare TV folks who eschews coffee for Diet Dr Pepper, Slovak joined KTRK in 1998 as the sports reporter alongside longtime Houston sports anchors Bob Allen and Tim Melton.

In 2013, when Melton suffered from a stroke and had to retire from the TV business, Slovak moved from sports reporter to weekend sports anchor.

RELATED
- Slovak celebrates 30 years> in broadcasting industry
- Houston TV sports reunion with Tim Melton as guest of honor
- Bob Allen has died after cancer battle

"People will ask me, you know, 'what's your favorite part of your job?' I'm like, 'well, I get in all the big sporting events for free' and they go, 'well, what's the worst part of your job?' 'Well, I'm working,' Slovak jokingly said in a recent interview.

Slovak has earned honors from the Edward R. Murrow, EMMY and Associated Press awards.

In this spare time, you might find Slovak rocking out at a concert by greats such as the Rolling Stones or Foo Fighters (at least back when you could attend shows).

Before channel 13 and Houston, Slovak worked at KNXV Phoenix, KOTV Tulsa, KFDM Beaumont and KTEN Ada, Oklahoma.

 

The Dallas native graduated from Stephen F. Austin University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, but don't think his DFW roots totally dictate his fan sensibilities when it comes to the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans.

"I grew up in Dallas...you know, Cowboys, Cowboys, Cowboys," Slovak once said. "Lived in Houston now 21 years, so I cheer for both. People say you can't do that. When they play each other, I kind of just say who wins is OK, but I'll I'll cheer for both of them."

And to show his love for sports, Slovak said if his television news sports career hadn't have happened, he would have been in some other form of athletics.

"I would probably be a coach on some level, high school or college coach," he said in the interview. "When I first got out of school, that was my backup plan. If I couldn't find a job in TV, I was going to go into coaching, football, coaching."

After his long career at channel 13, Slovak has done play by play for high school games on KUBE 57.  He also noted on his Twitter bio that he is serving as an adjunct professor at the University of Houston's Jack J. Valenti School of Communication.


SAY GOODBYE: Leave your memories and well wishes for Bob Slovak


* This post has been updated with information on what Slovak has been working on after he left abc13 KTRK channel 13 in Houston.

Angry Stripper, Tim Melton, DFW TV changes and more

MORE VIDEO
- Teleprompter Catches Fire During KLAS Newscast
- Tour of ABC News Headquarters
- Tim Melton's brief appearance on KTRK 13

Higgins & Bankert debut in hopes of someday waking up CBS11's snoring early morning ratings
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WFAA8's Alexa Conomos has third child and first baby girl
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Dombeck makes it official: she's leaving NBC5
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Second bench warrant for arrest of WFAA8's Shon Gables issued by second judge
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The Brand of an Angry Stripper
Sarah Tressler is the angry stripper who was fired from her day job at the Houston Chronicle when they discovered her secret second career. It was, to use proper startup terminology, one monster pivot.

Q Morning Zoo John Lander
Smokin’ Joe and Mulligan Matt mark the 30th anniversary of the Q Morning Zoo (and Joe’s start in radio) with a special guest…Texas Radio Hall of Fame nominee John Lander.
- More John Lander stories

Some Local Doppler Radars are Slower Than Others
In looking through the radar of all the local television stations, the Houston Chronicle, the National Weather Service, Weather.com and Weather Underground, The Houston Press found that many of them showed images that were well behind current time.

Astros' Hamilton into final lap of broadcasting career
Milo Hamilton's last All-Star break as a full-time baseball announcer is done, and now he heads into the home stretch of his final season as the Astros' lead radio voice.

First for Houston TV: 'Tweetup' for Blue Cure
It wasn't only a first for KHOU, it was also a first for Houston television.

Antonio Canales Named President-GM of KTMD
Antonio Canales will take over as president and general manager of KTMD, the Telemundo station in Houston, on July 16.

Hoffman and Garfield lunch
Ken Hoffman writes about his lunch with 950 KPRC's Michael Garfield aka The High Tech Texan.

The BusinessMakers Radio Show moving to News 92 FM
The BusinessMakers Radio Show, co-produced by Russ Capper and the Houston Business Journal, is moving to News 92 FM.

A Brief History Of A Crowded Dallas/Fort Worth Media Market
In the Dallas/Fort Worth area, there were four main newspapers in the 50’s and 60s: The Dallas Morning News, The Dallas Times Herald, The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, and the Fort Worth Press. They all teamed up with TV.

Texas 2 step
A couple of sports additions at KXAN Austin, TX (Market #47).

Duitch leaves KDAF
CW33 KDAF news director David Duitch is leaving the Tribune owned station to head up dallasnews.com.

New ND at KXAN
Chad Cross takes over as news director at KXAN from KWCH.

Price, future of radio at issue in UT’s proposal to acquire station
Is there a future for over-the-air radio? That appears to be one of the questions that prompted University of Texas System regents to abruptly table a vote this week on the purchase of a sister radio station for UT-operated 90.5 KUT-FM, Austin’s National Public Radio affiliate.

New, Austin owned radio station with iconic call letters - KOKE-FM
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- KOKE-FM makes its debut

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Rock 101 KLOL back on air?
- Drew Shirley (KVUE, KXII) to KPLC Lake Charles
- The 2012 Texas Radio Hall of Fame inductees
- KXAS 5' Jane McGarry apologizes for DWI; leaves station
- KTRK 13 scores Greg Bailey from WCNC
- KHOU 11 Promotes Miles Cathey to Director of Sales
- HCN duo want to become The Leader of community news

Who were the Texas TV and radio mover and shakers of 2013?

Texas media job moves 2013

How did I spend the holidays? Going through my blog archives looking for instances of people moving jobs in the Texas media. Wow, I have quite the life don't I? The top of the post starts in January and goes down through December.

KHOU grabs Mike O'Neill for EP from KTRK
Big news in the world of Houston TV management. Longtime KTRK 13 producer Mike O'Neill (he is an original producer of the 4pm show) packed up his Mouse ears and moved over to KHOU 11 as an executive producer.

Bob Allen

Bob Allen scores with emotional goodbye; talks future plans
We got the shocker of the night when KTRK 13 sportscaster Bob Allen said he was leaving the station by the end of 2012 (KTRK recruited Greg Bailey from WCNC as his eventual replacement). Allen stayed with the station until January 2013 because the Houston Texans were actually winning.

KPRC 2 brings in Camille Williams from Fox 7 KTBC
Camille Williams moves from Fox 7 KTBC Austin to KPRC 2 Houston

KHOU names David Paul the chief meteorologist
KHOU 11 has named David Paul as the chief meteorologist for the Belo station.

Fox 26 KRIV snags Nancy Zambrano from KTBC FOX 7
Nancy Zambrano moves from Fox 7 KTBC Austin to Fox 26 KRIV Houston.

Three Houston radio departures announced the same day
Some big stories from the Houston radio world that broke.

Wendy Corona leaves WFAA, KPRC producer to WMAQ EP and more
It's time to see where TV folks in Houston and around Texas are getting new jobs!

Sam Malone joins 1070 The Answer KNTH
AM 1070 The Answer KNTH is Sam Malone's new Houston radio home.

Elizabeth Burpo named National Sales Manager, Fox 26 KRIV & My20 KTXH
Elizabeth Burpo has been named National Sales Manager for FOX26 and My20.

Houston Chronicle departures and new hires
Tank McNamara and creator Bill Hinds dropped from Houston paper.

Mix 96.5 KHMX moves Blake Hayes to mornings
Blake Hayes drops into Kidd Kraddick's former morning slot on Mix 96.5 KHMX.

Tom Doerr, Fox 26 KRIV news director to WFLD Chicago
Fox 26 KRIV News Director Tom Doerr moves to same job at WFLD Chicago Fox 32.

Chikage Windler new KEYE 42 chief meteorologist
Chikage Windler replaces Troy Kimmel as KEYE 42 chief meteorologist.

Keith Calkins of Fox 26 KRIV signs off from sports department
Keith Calkins, Fox 26 KRIV's weekend sports anchor, signs off.

Susan O’Donnell leaves 89.3 KSBJ
89.3 KSBJ loses morning show host Susan O’Donnell.

Ron Oliveira signs off KEYE Austin
Ron Oliveira, the main anchor of KEYE 42 and longtime Austin newsman, left the Central Texas TV airwaves after more than 34 years in the business.

Butch Alsandor to leave KHOU
Butch Alsandor calls it quits from KHOU 11.

Tania Ortega joins Fox 7 KTBC
Tania Ortega moves from KCEN to Fox 7 KTBC.

Mariza Reyes Mendoza, formerly of KPRC 2, joins KSAT 12
Mariza Reyes Mendoza joins KSAT 12 San Antonio.

Ryan McCredden is new 610 KILT & 650 KIKK PD
Ryan McCredden replaces Gavin Spittle at KILT-AM and KIKK-AM.

J.C. Corcoran, 93.7 The Arrow's new morning man
93.7 The Arrow KKRW gets new morning man J.C. Corcoran.

Dave Cody leaving Fox 7 KTBC
After 28 years, Dave Cody leaving Fox 7 KTBC Austin.

Brian Collister of WOAI replaces KTRK's Wayne Dolcefino
Brian Collister of San Antonio's WOAI replaces Wayne Dolcefino at KTRK abc13.

Brooks Garner joins KHOU 11 from WFLA 8
Brooks Garner joins KHOU 11's weather team from WFLA News Channel 8 Tampa.

Gianna Caserta makes KPRC 2 debut
Gianna Caserta joins KPRC 2 from WALB 10 Albany Georgia.

Adam Clanton joins SportsTalk 790 KBME
Adam Clanton announces his new radio home is SportsTalk 790 KBME.

Eric King jumps to KXAS from WLKY
Eric King joins KXAS NBC 5 DFW from WLKY Louisville, KY.

Amanda Perez joins KPRC from KFSN
Amanda Perez returns to KPRC 2 from KFSN 30 Fresno; she likes Whataburger more than In-N-Out Burger too.

88.7 KUHF to air new Houston talk show with Craig Cohen
Craig Cohen to host 88.7 KUHF talk show Houston Matters.

Bob Allen to KHOU 11
Bob Allen leaves KTRK abc13 in January, now joins KHOU 11.

Kyle Montgomery leaves KPRC 2
KPRC 2's weekend sports anchor Kyle Montgomery signs off for national footprint.

Jay Rodriguez joins Sunny 99.1 KODA mornings
KODA-FM SUNNY 99.1, Houston's Official At-Work Station, announced that Jay Rodriguez joined the station as its new Morning Show Co-Host.

Gene Norman to WIAT CBS42 Birmingham
Gene Norman, formerly of KHOU 11, heads to WIAT CBS42 Birmingham.

Mario Alberto takes over Mega 101 KLOL mornings
CBS Radio Houston announces that KLOL Mega 101 launches its new morning show “Mega in your mornings with Mario”, hosted by Mario Alberto Gonzalez.

Joe Pags off KPRC AM 950
KPRC AM 950 morning man Joe Pags has last show.

Walton and Johnson to KPRC AM 950 replacing Joe Pags
Walton and Johnson returning to Houston radio...again

Tim Melton off KTRK abc13 website
Tim Melton's bio is no longer on KTRK abc13's website.

Roseann Rogers 'The Buzz Lady' moves to KTRK abc13
Check This Out: "The Buzz Lady" Roseann Rogers relocates to KTRK abc13.

Jaymie Kosina becomes GSM of KBXX/KMJQ & Digital Sales Manager of Texas
Jaymie Kosina Joins Radio One Management Team in Texas - Veteran Sales Professional will be Digital Sales Manager of Texas and GSM of KBXX/KMJQ.

Bob Slovak new KTRK abc13 weekend sports anchor
Bob Slovak now featured on weekend newscast open as sports anchor.

Drew Shirley hired as KHOU 11 sports producer from KPLC
KHOU 11 hires KPLC Lake Charles sports director Drew Shirley as producer.

Bill Spencer joins KPRC 2 as investigative reporter from WXYZ
Bill Spencer from WXYZ Detroit joins KPRC 2 Houston as investigative reporter.

Alex Cadelago named Vice President/Director of Sales for CBS Radio Houston
Alex Cadelago Named Vice President, Director of Sales for KILT-AM, KILT-FM, KIKK-AM, KHMX-FM, KKHH-FM and KLOL-FM.

Nancy Zambrano leaves Fox 26 KRIV after months on the job
Fox 26 KRIV reporter Nancy Zambrano to leave the TV biz after a few months in Houston.

Kristi Powers' life after Fox 26 and other media job moves
Media job moves from Houston and across the state over the last month.

Samica Knight promoted as new KTRK abc13 anchor; Katie McCall to report
Samica Knight plays switch-a-roo with Katie McCall to become new KTRK abc13 weekend morning anchor.

Bob Morford upped to news director at Fox 26 KRIV
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Dave Froehlich named Fox 7 KTBC morning anchor from KRIS-TV
Dave Froehlich jumps from KRIS Corpus Christi to Fox 7 KTBC Austin.

Fox 26 KRIV loses two managers to other stations
Two Fox 26 KRIV managers move on to becomes news directors at other stations.

KPRC loses two staffers then grabs from KHOU, WFAA takes from KRIV
KPRC, KRIV, KHOU, WFAA swap and lose longtime employees.

Jeff McShan leaves KHOU for Harris County District Attorney's Office PIO gig
Jeff McShan gives up KHOU for the Harris County District Attorney's Office PIO position.

Is Houston big enough for two Kevin Quinn's?
There can only be one...Kevin Quinn on air in H-Town.

Houston-based syndicated radio host Chris X gets local weeknight show
Chris X can be heard on 60 stations across the US right here from Houston.

Gary Striewski leaves KPRC for NESN
Gary Striewski put a year in at KPRC 2 and jets off to New England's NESN.

Houston and TX TV & radio job moves while I was away...there are lots of them
A roundup of Houston and Texas TV moves and departures.

KPRC's Camille Williams Hepola & KHOU's Jeff McShan head to Harris County District Attorney's Office
KPRC reporter Camille Williams Hepola joins KHOU's Jeff McShan in the public information officer world at the Harris County DA's Office.

Lance Zierlein and Adam Clanton to replace Adam Wexler and Matt Jackson on 790 KBME
Adam Wexler and Matt Jackson off SportsTalk 790 KBME.

Christine Haas returns to Texas at Fox 7 KTBC
Former KHOU, KVUE anchor Christine Haas returns from San Diego to work at Fox 7 KTBC Austin.

Idolina Peralez replaces Mary Lee at KPRC 2
KPRC's Idolina Peralez was Idolina Walker at KIFI Local News 8/KIDK in Southeastern Idaho, Southwestern Montana and Northwestern Wyoming.

Shel Winkley replaces Bob French at KBTX 3
Shel Winkley, KBTX morning meteorologist, gets chief gig after Bob French's departure.

Bill Barajas joins KSAT from KRGV
Bill Barajas is heading to his cousin Erik's old station KSAT.

Breeanna Malik named Clear Channel Houston Vice President of Sales
Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Houston announced that Breeanna Malik has been named Vice President of Sales.

Rashi Vats moves to Fox 26 KRIV from KBTX 3
Rashi Vats to join Fox 26 KRIV from KBTX 3 in Bryan/College Station.

Jennifer Lindgren joins KTVT CBS 11 from WKYC Ohio
Jennifer Lindgren moves to KTVT CBS 11 from WKYC Northeast Ohio to marry an Aggie.

Jay Michaels named 102.1 KDGE program director
Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Dallas Names Jay Michaels Program Director for KDGE-FM.

Ruben Galvan joins KPRC 2 from XETV San Diego 6
Ruben Galvan to become KPRC 2 morning feature reporter from XETV San Diego 6 CW.

Paulina Sodi joins Telemundo Houston KTMD from TV Azteca
Telemundo Houston grabs Paulina Sodi from TV Azteca’s “Proyecto 40” in Mexico City.

Howard Dorsey named Fox 26 KRIV assistant news director
New Fox 26 KRIV assistant ND Howard Dorsey has strong resume.

Jace Larson joins KPRC 2 investigative team from KUSA 9News Denver
Award winning KUSA 9News Denver investigative reporter Jace Larson adds to growing KPRC Local 2 Investigates unit.

Scarlett Greyson joins FOX7 KTBC from KAMC Lubbock
Scarlett Greyson to anchor FOX 7’s “Good Day Austin Saturday” and “Good Day Austin Sunday."

News Director Denise Bishop exits News 92 FM KROI
News Director Denise Bishop, who helped sign on News 92 FM KROI, is gone.

Natalie Bomke to WFLD Chicago from Fox 26 KRIV
Fox 26 KRIV's Natalie Bomke heading to WFLD Chicago Fox 32.

Jennifer Kielman leaves KETK East Texas
Jennifer Kielman gives up the anchor chair at KETK East Texas, but will continue in television.

Crystal Kobza returns to KTRK abc13
Crystal Kobza back reporting at abc13 KTRK after nine month or so absence. She left at the end of the year.

Ex-AP & Chron editor Kit Frieden joins Androvett Houston
Associated Press Editor Kit Frieden Joins Androvett Legal Media & Marketing in Houston.

Houston Chronicle hires Nancy Barnes as new editor
Hearst Newspapers names Nancy Barnes editor and executive vice president for news at the Houston Chronicle - Under her leadership, the Star Tribune won the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Local News.

Jane Slater & Mark Elfenbein off 105.3 The Fan KRLD's “Elf & Slater”
105.3 The Fan KRLD replaces “Elf & Slater” with Jane Slater & Mark Elfenbein.

Mary Lee to KING 5 Seattle after KPRC 2
Mary Lee heads to KING 5 Seattle after a European Vacation post KPRC 2.

Kyle Montgomery lands at Fox Sports' Prime Ticket hosting "Clippers Live" post KPRC
Former KPRC 2 sports anchor Kyle Montgomery to host "Clippers Live" for Fox Sports' Prime Ticket in LA.

KIAH 39 GM Roger Bare takes over KDAF 33 Dallas too
KIAH 39 General Manager Roger Bare Expands Responsibilities to KDAF 33 Dallas-Fort Worth.

Foti Kallergis, marketing expert & former KVUE anchor, joins abc13 as reporter
Foti Kallergis, marketing expert and previous KVUE fill-in anchor, joins KTRK abc13 as reporter.

Jenny Anchondo named new Fox 4 KDFW anchor
Jenny Anchondo moving to Dallas to anchor Fox 4 KDFW's "Good Day Saturday” and “Good Day Sunday.”

Michael Garfield joins WFAA 8 Dallas as tech contributor
High Tech Texan Michael Garfield joins WFAA 8 Dallas-Fort Worth as 4pm tech contributor.

Karla Barguiarena joins KTRK abc13 as reporter
Back from the pr/marketing world, former KHOU reporter Karla Barguiarena joins abc13 KTRK.

Houston TV & radio job moves plus more from around Texas
Here are television and radio job moves from Houston and around Texas.

Jane Slater lands at CBS 11 KTVT & TXA 21
After leaving 105.3 The Fan KRLD, Jane Slater tweets she lands at CBS 11 KTVT & TXA 21.

Ex-KETK anchor Jennifer Kielman heading to KOLR 10 in Springfield, MO
Jennifer Kielman is hitched and ready to move to KOLR 10 in Springfield, Missouri.

Ericka Miller joins KEYE Austin
Ericka Miller becomes KEYE Austin weekend anchor after WXII 12 in Winston-Salem, NC.

Adam Wexler joins CSN Houston's Rockets Coverage
Veteran Houston Sports Radio Host Adam Wexler Joins Network as Rockets Digital Reporter.

Patricia Lopez moves to KTRK abc13 mornings
Patricia Lopez moves Stretch Your Dollar and 'much more' to KTRK abc13 mornings.

Classical 91.7 KUHA eliminates DJ staff; goes syndicated
Classical 91.7 KUHA gets rid of 8 full time positions and goes with programming service Classical 24.

Guy Rawlings joins CBS 11 KTVT and TXA 21
Guy Rawlings, formerly with WGCL Atlanta, comes to CBS 11 KTVT and TXA 21 as sports anchor.

Shannon Wolfson to replace Leslie Rhode at KXAN Austin
KXAN Austin investigative reporter Shannon Wolfson to replace longtime anchor Leslie Rhode in December.

Ned Hibberd leaves Fox 26 for WJZY-WMYT Fox Charlotte
Reporter Ned Hibberd takes off from Fox 26 KRIV to become assistant news director at Fox Charlotte WJZY-WMYT.

Ken Molestina joins CBS 11 KTVT from WUSA
Ken Molestina heads to DFW's CBS 11 KTVT from WUSA Washington.

Steve Simon expands NewsFix to KDAF from KIAH
Steve Simon leaves Houston's KIAH to expand NewsFix format to KDAF Dallas.

Rita Garcia promoted to Fox 26 KRIV morning anchor
Fox 26 KRIV weekend anchor Rita Garcia moves up to mornings.

Lauren Freeman is new KPRC 2 4pm anchor
Lauren Freeman ditches the 2:30am alarm for the KPRC 2 4pm newscast; Rachel McNeill moves to mornings from 4pm.

Bruce Logan takes over CBS Houston as Vice President of Programming and Operations Manager
CBS RADIO Houston today announced that Bruce Logan has been named Vice President of Programming and Operations Manager for the six-station cluster which includes KHMX-FM (Hot adult contemporary), KIKK-AM (sports), KILT-FM (country), KILT-AM (sports), KKHH (Top 40), and KLOL-FM (Spanish). He will also have day-to-day programming responsibilities for The Bull, KILT-FM; and Hot 95.7, KKHH.

Bernice Kearney named KSAT news director
Bernice Kearney named KSAT San Antonio News Director following retirement of Jim Boyle.

Jacqueline Crea joins KHOU from KTSM El Paso
Weekend anchor Jacqueline Crea moves from KTSM El Paso to KHOU Houston as reporter.

Chris Stipes now Fox 26 KRIV weekend anchor, plus other changes
Fox 26 morning anchor Chris Stipes moves to weekends, plus other reporter changes for 2014.

Bob Slovak new KTRK abc13 weekend sports anchor

Bob Slovak now featured on weekend newscast open as sports anchor

I broke the news last week that Tim Melton had left KTRK abc13 and this weekend as of last weekend, it looks like sports reporter Bob Slovak is officially the new weekend sports anchor at the ABC owned and operated station because he is now on the newscast's open.

 Slovak has just been included in the intro with Tom Abrahams, Adela Uchida and meteorologist David Tillman.

Melton had not appeared on air since October 2011 when he suffered a stroke. Since then we've ween Eyewitness News sports staff members like Slovak and David Nuno fill in.

According to his bio, Slovak has been at KTRK since 1998. He was born and started working in TV at KTEN in Ada, Oklahoma and went on to work at stations like KFDM Beaumont, KOTV Tulsa and KNXV Phoenix. He is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin University and has won honors from organizations such as the the Associated Press, Emmys and Edward R. Murrow awards organizations.

Bob Slovak returns to abc13 in a non-sports role

Bob Slovak is returning to abc13 KTRK Houston, but this time, it won't be in the sports department where he worked for more than two decades until 2020.

Here is what Slovak posted on Facebook:

"Big news to share… I’ve started my new job at ABC13 Houston. I’ve been hired as a Reporter/Content Creator in ABC13 Houston Programming/ Special Projects Department. 

I’m so excited to be back with the incredibly talented team.  

I’ll be working on the ABC13 Localish series as well as Big Events and Special Projects. Super pumped about this opportunity, can’t wait to tell your story. If you see me out and about please come up and say hello. #blessed"

The former KTRK weekend sports anchor/reporter left the station in September 2020 which he blamed on pandemic cuts.

Slovak joined channel 13 Houston back as a reporter in 1998 along side Bob Allen and Tim Melton.

He took over as weekend sports anchor in 2013, when Melton suffered a stroke.

The Stephen F. Austin University grad previously worked for ABC15 KNXV Phoenix, News on 6 KOTV Tulsa, KFDM Beaumont and KTEN 10 Sherman.

In between his times at abc13, Slovak did play by play for high school games on the old KUBE 57.  He also served as a University of Houston's Jack J. Valenti School of Communication adjunct professor.

Bob Allen scores with emotional goodbye; talks future plans

UPDATE OCTOBER 20, 2016
Bob Allen has died after cancer battle

UPDATE 4/11/2013
Bob Allen replaces Butch Alsandor at KHOU 11

Back in January of last year, we got the shocker of the night when KTRK 13 sportscaster Bob Allen said he was leaving the station by the end of 2012 (KTRK recruited Greg Bailey from WCNC as his eventual replacement).

 Of course the Houston Texans held on this year so he stayed around for a hopeful Super Bowl game. That didn't happen so he officially signed off last night with an emotional goodbye to the audience (video embedded below).

 What can I say that hasn't been said already? His departure has been a big media event in this town of course. One doesn't stay at a station for 38 years and quietly disappear. No one is going to let that happen.

"Never in my remotest dreams did I think I would spend most of my life in that building (KTRK)," Bob Allen told mikemcguff.com. "Like most people in this business, I was always paranoid I'd be fired the next day, and was always relieved whenever I got a new contract done. It's been an amazing ride that's gone by so quickly."

Allen is one of the last to retire from the golden age of local TV news. I've said this before, but my mom saved parts of the Houston Chronicle on the day I was born. According to the TV guide section, at 5pm on Channel 13, Live at 5 came on the air with Dave Ward, Ed Brandon and Bob Allen.

Clearly I'm not the only one who has grown up with Bob Allen. His presence each night on the television means something to a lot of people in an age when on air people are there for a few years, then gone one day with no explanation.

When I worked with KTRK, I rarely worked much with the sports department, but did get to talk with Allen through the years. In fact he was an early supporter of this very blog you're reading now. As you've probably read or seen for yourself, Bob has a great sense of humor and observation. He's quick on his feet, witty, tells it like it is and that's what people like about him.

Plus he's an actual hometown guy. Growing up he lived in West U. and Westbury. I'm sure you've heard the story of him sneaking into Houston TV stations as a kid because he was so attracted to broadcasting.

Beyond that, he's done a lot of great work with Special Olympics and The Sunshine Kids.

So what's the future hold for Bob Allen?

"I'm going to take a short break (sounds like I'm throwing it to a commercial)," Allen told me. "I am starting Bob Allen Media LLC with a couple of partners, producing longer form, multi-platform content. I would like to do radio again, what form I'm not sure. Radio to me was a lot of fun, the freedom of it."

I've heard him as a guest on Houston sports talk and I think Bob back in radio would be great for Houston listeners.

"I'm working on a book with John Lopez that should be out in April titled '...and Bob Allen' which will be an honest look at my journey through media, my personal ups and downs and the back stories and anecdotes of the people in sports with whom I've crossed paths - and there have been quite a few," he told me. "I also love speaking to groups and I've partnered with the Pastorini-Bosby (talent) agency to handle the bookings.

"So in the long run, I'll probably end up being busier than I was at 13."

While you're here, David Barron got an update on the man Allen calls a brother, KTRK sportscaster Tim Melton. You might remember how Melton suffered from a stroke in 2011.

Below are some great video clips of Allen signing off, talking about meeting the likes of Howard Cosell, Muhammad Ali and Evel Knievel, plus other highlights.







RELATED
- KTRK 13 sports director Bob Allen's Hollywood fame
- Bob Allen lives a double life in Lone Star

KTRK 13 taps David Nuno of Yahoo! Sports

I started hearing from members of the media Friday that they saw 1560 KGOW's, and the host of RIVALS on Yahoo! Sports Radio, David Nuno, on KTRK 13. Wow, how many jobs can a guy have?

Sure enough, it appears Nuno has added KTRK 13 to his list of daily duties.

We can assume that Nuno is filling in much like Hugh Lewis aka "The Power of Sports." Fill-in sports dudes are needed at KTRK 13 because of Tim Melton's stroke. Melton admitted suffering from the stroke publicly just last week.

Help Mike McGuff win money for children's charity - with just one click VOTE HERE

RELATED
- 1560 KGOW's David Nuno now hosts RIVALS on Yahoo! Sports Radio
- New 1560 The Game KGOW night show with Nuño and Raheel
- Where is 1560 KGOW The Game's David Nuno going?
- AUDIO: KPRC 2 anchor Dominique Sachse surprises Ken Hoffman

(Thanks @Sportssammy)

VIDEO: Dave Ward interviews President George Bush

Dave Ward interviews President George Bush on Air Force One before 1992 election


As Dave Ward told me last week, he'll be off the KTRK abc13 6pm for a few weeks after his injury, but that doesn't mean we can't watch him deliver the news.

Dave Ward

Since New Hampshire voters are making their big decision tonight, let's do a throwback (I know, I know, it's not Thursday, how dare I break protocol) to when Dave Ward interviewed President George H.W. Bush #41 in October of 1992 on Air Force One.

Some dude from Dallas named Ross Perot was making trouble for the commander in chief in the polls.

We'll also catch a glimpse of Bob Boudreaux, Minerva Perez, Tim Melton and Frank Billingsley in his pre-KPRC days.

Speaking of Minerva Perez, she has a book signing for I GOTTA STORY: My 30 Years in TV News this coming Saturday at 1pm in Fort Bend.

First Colony Mall
16535 Southwest Frwy Suite 4000
Sugar Land, TX 77479
281-313-8323

Houston TV and sports legends come together to celebrate Bob Allen

Friends reunite at Bob Allen's memorial service

When an icon like Bob Allen passes away, his memorial service is the equivalent of a Houston media and sports hall of fame ceremony.

I've heard names like sports legends Dan Pastorini, Elvin Bethea, Nolan Ryan, Don Sanders, Jose Cruz and Enos Cabell were in attendance. There were also big names in Houston television as you will see below.

David Barron wrote that Tim Melton gave a great tribute and got a laugh when he said, "If you worked with Bob, you knew he was the best-looking one, the most charming one, he was the funny one, but he also was the short one."

Texas TV ratings, KXAS beefs up and more

MORE VIDEO
- Stevie Ray Vaughan News Footage, Channel 13 Houston Texas
- KHOU 11 News - Len Cannon Stands For Houston
- Dan Rather talks KHOU 11 in 1960 + Hurricane Carla
- How ‘The Three Little Pigs’ Would Be Covered in Today’s Media Landscape
- Here is Lindsay Lohan’s ‘Making Fun of Herself’ SNL Monologue
- David Lee Roth's father on "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous (1984)"

Texas TV February 2012 sweeps period ratings
- Channel 11 is tops in 10 p.m. DFW news ratings
- Ratings race heats up for Austin TV stations
- KXAN News takes February sweeps, is #1
- KENS scores highest Nielsen ratings in South Texas
- KHOU 11: Houston’s Most Watched 10PM Newscast
- KPRC 2 number 1 at 10pm for 2nd month
- KPRC #1 at 10pm
- Univision rates high in Houston and Dallas
- Fox ratings for KRIV, KDFW, KTBC - February 2012

KXAS Dallas Beefs Up A.M. News Coverage
NBC-owned KXAS Dallas (DMA 5) is launching a new investigative reporting team led by its Scott Friedman, and adding “significant resources” to its NBC 5 News Today, which airs from 4:30 to 7 a.m. each weekday.

Help Mike McGuff win money for children's charity
All you have to do is go vote on Reliant Energy's Facebook page and I get $2,500 for non-profit Home Run Hitters International.

Friends With Cronkite
KRLD Channel 4 carried The CBS Evening News With Walter Cronkite and then anchor Eddie Barker had a personal message every night from Uncle Walter.

Austin’s FOX 7 uses teen porn Twitter tease to entice people to watch their news
Is FOX 7 going to show a real raunchy teen video on their 6 p.m. news? If a tweet sent out Saturday morning from their official twitter account is any indication, the answer is yes, or at least maybe.

Robert Maxwell joins KXAN News Today
KXAN News is pleased to introduce Robert Maxwell as the newest member of the "KXAN News Today" morning newscast and the KXAN Investigative Team.

Texas FM Sells For $2.1 Million
LIBERMAN BROADCASTING OF HOUSTON LICENSE LLC is selling Spanish Rhythmic Oldies KNTE-F (BAILA 96.9 FM)/EL CAMPO, TX (HOUSTON rimshot) to KSBJ EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION for $2.1 million.

Radio ratings: KISS-FM remains No. 1
KISS-FM is Austin’s top-rated radio station.

KTSM's Ortega leaving for Phoenix
Channel 9-KTSM anchor and reporter Oralia Ortega is leaving El Paso for Phoenix's NBC affiliate KPNX.
- KTSM update: More changes in store

Raul Martinez leaving KVIA
KVIA sports anchor Raul Martinez announced Wednesday night that he's leaving the Sun City for the Mile High City.

Last madam of infamous Chicken Ranch has died
Edna Milton Chadwell, the last madam of the Chicken Ranch, an infamous La Grange brothel which brought KTRK Action 13 consumer reporter Marvin Zindler, had died.

KBMT announces new GM
London Broadcasting Company ("LBC), Inc., the owner and operator of Texas-based media properties, announced Bruce Cummings as Vice-President and General Manager of KBMT ABC, K-JAC NBC, MYTX and MeTV in Beaumont, TX (DMA #141) effective March 1st.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- KHOU 11's Gabe Gutierrez to NBC News Atlanta
- KHOU 11 hires Malini Basu as reporter
- KTRK 13's Tim Melton suffers stroke, in recovery