Bill Vessey retires from KIII Corpus Christi

Bill Vessey has said "Adios, Amigos" as he retires from the chief meteorologist role at KIII Corpus Christi after being with the station since 1992. Normally, the popular met opens his weathercasts with "Hola Amigos." 

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According to 3News, Vessey was born in the Bronx but did like many others have and got to Texas as soon as he could.  

Growing up in Kingsville, TX, he graduated from Texas A&M University Kingsville with a journalism degree and later worked in radio there.

Vessey starts his television career 

TV news came calling and so did Corpus Christi.  Vessey joined KIII in 1978 as a reporter and assignments editor. 

Then it was off to San Antonio radio.

"One of my goals was always to work at KTSA (550 AM) and was up there for in the early 80s," Vessey told KIII anchor Joe Gazin on television.

Vessey eventually returned to Corpus where he worked for KRIS as a sports director from 1985 to 1990 according to Fandom. As the cruel TV news business goes, he was fired according to Gazin's report and ended up working as an announcer at the Corpus Christi Greyhound racetrack.

Vessey returns to KIII

The former KRIS sports director, wrote a letter to his friend Joe Gazin at KIII and the news managers at the time.  He got a call back.

"And I remember the news director saying, 'well, come on, we need somebody to do weather during Good Morning America on Monday and Tuesday morning. You interested,'" Vessey told Gazin on TV.  "I said, 'I've never done weather.' 'Oh, you've been on TV, you can do it.' So I went in for a screen test. I stunk. I was bad, with a capital B. Got a call the next day, 'you're hired.'"

That role led to his morning weather gig on 3 News First Edition with Regina Garcia and his daily opening phrase, "Buenos dias, amigos!"

"Hola Amigos!" became the new phrase once Vessey was promoted to the evening newscasts and his chief meteorologist title for the last ten years.

The multiple Texas Associated Press Award winner also has as an Adjunct Professor of Meteorology for Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

"Whether it be a tornado or straight line winds or bad or hurricanes or that stuff," former KIII and abc13 KTRK news director Richard Longoria told Gazin in the TV news report. "Bill is the master at being able to interpret our weather and to then pass that interpretation, that knowledge, on to the audience in a way that is just astounding."

In November of 2019, Vessey suffered a hemorrhagic stroke causing him to be off air for three months.

Alan Holt takes over for Vessey

Taking over for the retiring Vessey is KIII morning meteorologist Alan Holt who has been with the station for nearly nine years. 

He previously worked at KTWO Casper, Wyoming. 

I blogged earlier this year about how Holt won the best Weather Report category in the Corpus Christi Caller -Times Best of the Best awards.

Wes Wilson named KIII 3NEWS News Director

Wes Wilson has been named the new news director for 3NEWS KIII Corpus Christi. 

Wilson heads to South Texas from KXAN Austin where he has been an executive producer since 2017.

“I’m thrilled to join the No. 1 news team in South Texas,” Wilson said in a statement. “What this team has accomplished over the years, and especially this past year, is beyond impressive. It’s a testament to everyone in the operation. I love being a journalist, telling the community’s stories and effecting positive change. I’m excited about calling the Coastal Bend home, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Wilson previously worked for six years as an EP with Spectrum News Austin.  Before that he was with News 14 Carolina as a senior producer./producer/web producer for five years.

“I’m thrilled to announce Wes Wilson as the next news director at KIII 3NEWS," Bruce Cummings, vice president, TEGNA media operations and president/general manager of KIII added.  "An accomplished journalist, Wes comes to KIII after serving as digital managing editor and executive producer in Austin, TX. With a record of leading award-winning multiplatform teams, Wes is the ideal choice to carry forward the remarkable legacy of KIII. Wes’ passion for local news, combined with his skills across all media platforms is sure to propel KIII’s continual content transformation journey to even greater heights.”

Wilson, a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill grad, starts with KIII on June 21, 2021.

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Joe Gazin to retire from KIII Corpus Christi
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Joe Gazin to retire from KIII Corpus Christi

KIII’s Joe Gazin, after more than 50 years as a leader in broadcasting, has announced today that effective May 28th, 2021, he will be retiring from the Channel 3 newsroom.

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Over the years, Joe Gazin has been a beacon of light during times of crisis and a voice of truth in troubling times. Whether covering some of the most dominant stories of the day, such as the major hurricanes starting with Hurricane Allen in 1980, the death of Selena, or even through some of the more recent impacts of COVID-19 and winter storms, Joe Gazin has been the calm voice of reason when we have needed it most.

"Joe's legacy at 3NEWS will be that of consistency...someone that was always known and trusted to bring you the news of the day, or the moment," said fellow anchor and reporter Rudy Treviño. "To have this kind of dedication, to work in one market for 43 years is an amazing feat."

As part of his role in supporting the coastal bend, Joe Gazin regularly participates in charitable events benefiting such local non-profits as Driscoll Children's Hospital, the Coastal Bend Food Bank, Ronald McDonald House, and the Special Olympics. 

When asked about his impact on the community, Richard Harris of Driscoll Children's Hospital stated, "He's been part of the Children's Miracle Network Telethon and Driscoll Children's Hospital since day 1. We would raise funds all night, and Joe was with us every step of the way."

Harris added, “To that end, through Joe's tireless efforts, KIII has helped raise $14 million dollars for the hospital and Children's Miracle Network. As we move into the annual Miracle Month of May for Driscoll Children's hospital, it's impossible to state how much Joe Gazin and KIII's efforts continue to benefit those in need.”

When asked about his career, Joe shared, "I consider myself extremely fortunate. It's been a wild ride...I've got the highest regard for management, and the people I work with. I've flown with the Blue Angels, interviewed several presidents, and had a front row seat for the major local events of our time."

For as much as Joe has done in the community, he’s done just as much for his family – both at work and at home. Bruce Cummings, vice president, TEGNA media operations and president/general manager of KIII had this to say:

“Spanning more than four decades in the Coastal Bend, Joe has been a driving force of not only critically important local news, but community goodwill and meaningful outreach as well. He has meant so much to me, the KIII 3NEWS family, and to so many more all across South Texas. Joe’s distinguished track record of impact, connecting with people, and of ‘making a difference’ is one that most likely will never be matched. If you are looking for a champion not only in the business of journalism, but also with serving the greater good of our community, you never need look any further than Joe Gazin.”

When asked about why he felt it was time to retire, Joe said, "You can feel when it's right, and it's certainly right at this point." Asked about what he’s doing next, he added, "The sky's the limit...I can do as much as I have the energy to do."

ABOUT JOE GAZIN

Starting out from the University of Southern California campus radio and moving on to KABC radio in Los Angeles, Joe Gazin was one of the pioneers in talk radio shows, having his own 4-hour program sandwiched between then-mayor Tom Bradley and Regis Philbin. After deciding to enter the world of television in 1975, he briefly worked in stations in Wausau and Madison, Wisconsin before deciding to 'ditch the cold' in 1977 for the warmer climate of Corpus Christi, where he has worked for KIII for 43 years.

During his time with KIII, Joe Gazin has won several Associated Press awards (Best Story, Best Newscast) and numerous community accolades for public service and fundraising. He also covered stories internationally, most notably from Cuba, China, Colombia, Panama and Mexico.

Joe has been married to his wife Amy for more than 20 years and has four children - three adults who are excelling in their own careers, and one still at home. Joe's plans for the future include him continuing to helm his own production company, where he works with his daughter Melissa.

ABOUT KIII

KIII is the ABC affiliate in Corpus Christi, serving the coastal bend of the Texas gulf coast (DMA 128). Since May 4, 1964, we have provided premium programming to more than 210,000 households throughout the area.

KIII is owned by TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA), the largest owner of top 4 affiliates in the top 25 markets among independent station groups. Across all platforms, TEGNA and KIII tell empowering stories, conduct impactful investigations and deliver innovative marketing solutions.

Throughout the years of operation and today, KIII is committed to putting viewers first and redefining what viewers receive from their news - living the mantra of ‘KNOWN & TRUSTED.’

For more information, please visit kiiitv.com.

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

KIII 3 Corpus Christi celebrates 60 years

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Joe DeCarlo joins News 4 SA - FOX 29 San Antonio

Joe DeCarlo announced on January 19, 2022 that he's heading to the weather department of Sinclair Broadcast Group stations News 4 San Antonio WOAI and FOX 29 KABB after leaving KIII 3 Corpus Christi in late 2021.

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Here is what DeCarlo posted on Twitter:

"CAREER UPDATE: I am excited to announce that I’ve accepted a position with @KABBFOX29 @News4SA. 

I will be starting my new position in February. 

I am grateful to be staying in the Lone Star State and get to continue to forecast the states ever-changing weather."

DeCarlo joined KIII 3 Corpus Christi as a weekend meteorologist from Fox West Texas KIDY San Angelo in May of 2021. 

Later in 2021, DeCarlo left the TEGNA station according to what he wrote in this Facebook page's comments. 

Upon his arrival to the Coastal Bend television station, DeCarlo replaced Alan Holt who moved to evenings after Bill Vessey retired earlier in 2021. 

That meant weekend meteorologist Ryan Shoptaugh moved to mornings, hence Decarlo's hiring. In November 2021, Ryan Shoptaugh announced he was leaving for KENS 5 San Antonio.

DeCarlo previously worked as a meteorologist/anchor with Fox West Texas starting in June 2019.

The University of Oklahoma graduate interned with DTN, Weather Decision Technologies Inc. and Meisinger Aviation, LLC.  

Growing up in Chicago, DeCarlo cites WGN's Tom Skilling and NBC5 WMAQ's Brant Miller as influences.

*This post has been updated with DeCarlo's depature from KIII 3 Corpus Christi and his hiring with News 4 San Antonio WOAI and FOX 29 KABB.

Albert Ramon leaving KVUE Austin for?

UPDATE JUNE 15, 2020
Erika Lopez re-joins KVUE Austin

KVUE 24 Austin Chief Meteorologist Albert Ramon is heading to News Nation on WGN America

So where is Chief Meteorologist Albert Ramon going after he leaves KVUE 24 Austin after a decade?

He just announced announced May 9th on Facebook he was leaving Austin and the TEGNA Texas station:

Hey friends, I have a life announcement to share with you all:

After an amazing 10 years in Austin, I will be leaving KVUE later this month. My last day on-air will be Wednesday, May 20th.

Working at KVUE has been the honor of a lifetime, especially the last 4 years serving as chief meteorologist. I love this station and this community so much, the decision to leave was not an easy one.

I've been blessed to make so many close friends here and work for managers who truly care about my career. This has been a dream job.

Earlier this year I told the management team that I would only leave KVUE for an opportunity I couldn't pass up and that's what has happened. My new employers are planning a big announcement, so I'll be able to tell you all the details about my next career move soon. The good news is that the new gig will still allow me to cover Texas weather extensively.

Thank you for allowing me to be a source for your weather information for the last decade here in Central Texas. I'm grateful for your support and trust over the years, but this isn't goodbye. You'll still be able to see me and follow me on social media for weather updates, especially when the weather turns rough.

Sincerely,
Albert

UPDATE JUNE 2, 2020
Albert Ramon is heading to News Nation

UPDATE MAY 18, 2020
KVUE says goodbye to Chief Meteorologist Albert Ramon

Now Scott Jones at FTVLive is reporting that Ramon is heading to Nexstar Media Group's News Nation on WGN America. Yep, gone are the days of my youth watching Bozo and Cubs game from ChicagoLand.

Deadline is reporting the new primetime cable block of news will premiere from Chicago's WGN studios on September 1, 2020.

As for Ramon's new national gig in Chicago, Nexstar hasn't made an official announcement yet.

Ramon started at KVUE almost 11 years ago. In October of 2009 he was named the weekend morning/evening meteorologist/reporter eventually moving up to the chief job in April of 2016.

The Beeville native started in broadcasting in 2004 at K99 Country KRYS-FM Corpus Christi. Just a few months later he joined CBS 10 KZTV Corpus where he also worked his way up to chief meteorologist.

Earlier in 2020, Ramon was actually splitting his time at KVUE and TEGNA sister station KIII Corpus Christi where he was filling in for Bill Vessey who suffered a hemorrhagic stroke.



UPDATE JUNE 15, 2020
Erika Lopez re-joins KVUE Austin

KIII's Alan Holt welcomes baby girl

KIII 3 Corpus Christi chief meteorologist Alan Holt and wife Jessica welcomed baby daughter Rayleigh on May 6, 2024.

Holt joined KIII in June 2012.  He worked mornings and then took over the chief met job when Bill Vessey retired in 2021.

Texas TV news and radio job moves April 2021

Send tips for the monthly Texas media job list here. 

WATCH

Best TV News Bloopers April 2021

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

Former DFW radio host, accused of sexual assault in March, charged with another sex crime

Lil D Exits KBFB (97.9 The Beat)/Dallas.

Cayman Kelly Becomes Imaging Voice For KKDA (K104)/Dallas & KZCE/Phoenix.

Malini Basu joins WFAA
Allison Harris joins NewsNation
CBS 11 DFW adds two newscasts with Robbie Owens

HOUSTON

Isiah Carey to executive produce new FOX show "Crazy Azz Criminals with Chuey Martinez of "Dish Nation."

Former 100.3 The Bull KILT assistant music director/mid-day host Erin Austin Named New Morning Co-Host At WMC-F (FM100)/Memphis.

Aaron Wilson Fired by Houston Chronicle over Deshaun Watson Radio Comments.

Sports Radio 610 KILT rolls to winter ratings book victory.

Shelby Webb named the renewable energy reporter for the Houston Chronicle.

Former Telemundo Houston anchor Paulina Sodi leaves the Telemundo network's “Un Nuevo Día.” 

Three area TV stations bring West African culture to Houston.

Houston rap legend Bun B launches 'Trill' new show on SiriusXM

Rod Ryan Reunites With Jason Ginty For 'Play Pants' Podcast.

Salem Houston Appoints Darren Ryder As GM As Chuck Jewel Retires.

Janel Forte joins NewsNation
Dayna Steele's "101 Ways to Rock Running for Office"
Quest Houston moves to 55.1 from 11.4 - Twist replaces
Rita Garcia is married
Houston radio stations granting $25K in ads to small biz
Brittany Jeffers has baby #2
Dave Ward launches new video podcast
Lester Holt live in Houston for NBC Nightly News
Houston DJ greats broadcasting with SuiteRadio
Brittany Ford joins KHOU 11
I SEE U with Eddie Robinson to launch on KUHF
Dominique Sachse hair surprise 2021
Rehan Aslam named WABC NY news director

SAN ANTONIO

KENS 5 investigative reporter Mariah Medina joins the San Antonio Police Department.

Cox Media Group has announced the promotion of  Keith Hastings as Director of Operations for its San Antonio cluster.

AUSTIN

KXAN’s Jim Spencer, David Yeomans win big awards from Austin Alliance for Women in Media.

KVUE's Tony Plohetski wins prestigious Hillman Prize for Javier Ambler II reporting.

Lucy 93.3 Austin Adds Ryan Seacrest & Mario Lopez.

David Yeomans in GQ, Jim Spencer on CW's "Walker"

Amanda Dugan is pregnant
Britt Moreno joins KXAN Austin
Luis de Leon joins 9News KUSA Denver

AROUND TEXAS

Chip and Joanna Gaines buying Waco Tribune-Herald building for new Magnolia headquarters.
- VIDEO: Joanna Gaines before HGTV's "Fixer Upper"

KLBK News Lubbock meteorologist Jacob Riley named chief.

Edgardo Sanabria named assistant news director for Telemundo 48 KTDO El Paso.

KPRF Drops A Bomb On Amarillo.

Beloved TV/Radio professor at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi set to retire.

Bill Vessey retires from KIII Corpus Christi
Joe Gazin to retire from KIII Corpus Christi
Taylor Mitchell promoted to KFDA Amarillo weekend anchor
Texas TV journalists remember Branch Davidian raid near Waco
Cameron Venable joins KAKE News from KFDA Amarillo
Katie Orth joins KWGN 2 Denver

REMEMBERING

KAKE Creative Services Director (formerly of KPRC 2) John Sweeney dies unexpectedly at age 45.

Dallas media personality, former FOX 4 weatherperson Jocelyn White dies at age 68.

Dallas-Fort Worth radio market's Bud Eldridge Buschardt Jr. passes away.

Ron Chapman, DFW radio legend, dies at age 85

Texas media job changes moving pretty fast!

In the 1986 film, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, the titular character said, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

I feel the same about Texas television news and media just in the last few weeks!

So, in case you missed something, let's get the CliffsNotes version.  That should get you past the pop quiz I might spring on you in the coming days. Practice question, "Who is leaving a Texas TV station after starting there in 1978?"

CORPUS CHRISTI

Bill Vessey retires from KIII Corpus Christi

Joe Gazin to retire from KIII Corpus Christi after 50 years in broadcasting

HOUSTON

Katherine Whaley leaves abc13 KTRK

Chelsey Hernandez leaves abc13 KTRK

Telemundo Houston adds Pablo Sánchez and Karina Segovia to weather team

Janel Forte joins NewsNation

Josh Innes is now a classic rock morning show host

Corey Dillon joins The New 93Q KKBQ

DALLAS - FORT WORTH METROPLEX

Peyton Yager joins FOX 4 KDFW

Malini Basu joins WFAA

Allison Harris joins NewsNation

AUSTIN

Mike Rush exits KVUE Austin

Kristie Gonzales promoted to KYTX and KVUE

SAN ANTONIO

Evan Closky joins 10 Tampa Bay WTSP

Texas TV news and radio job moves December 2019

RELATED
Top Houston media stories 2019


DALLAS - FORT WORTH

Mitch Carr Retires From KRLD.

Erin Moran joins CBS 11 KTVT as a meteorologist from KXXV Waco.

Reporter William Joy joins WFAA from KMBC Kansas City.

NBC 5 KXAS anchor/reporter Katy Blakey is expecting a baby this spring.

Dawn Girocco new director of sales for KSCS, KPLX, KILF-FM.

In 1972, when Bob Phillips was a reporter for then-CBS-affiliate KDFW in Dallas, he created 4 Country Reporter — an uplifting half-hour weekly show inspired by Charles Kuralt’s On the Road franchise on The CBS Evening News. Decades later, with a new title and distribution strategy, Texas Country Reporter is still rolling along.


HOUSTON

After the legendary Tom Joyner retired, Rickey Smiley is bringing his morning show to Majic 102.1 KMJQ beginning January 6th. You will hear Miss Juicy, Gary With The Tea, Eva, Da Brat, Rickey and the entire cast from 5 to 9am.

97.9 The Box KBXX "The Madd Hatta Morning Show" morning player Jim Beazy signs off after starting with the station in the early 1990s.
- The Madd Hatta Morning Show appears to be off the air after nearly 20 years - replaced by "Good Morning H-Town" with Jerrel ‘Hardbody Kiotti’ Brown and Keisha Nicole

Greg Koch leaving 790 AM sports talk show for health reasons.

Houston Chronicle crime reporter Keri Blakinger is leaving the paper.

Tierra Smith starts new role as a Digital Content Producer at KPRC Channel 2.

KHOU 11 news director Sally Ramirez celebrates 21 years with TEGNA (BELO when she started).

abc13 KTRK sports producer Joe Gleason celebrates 25 years with the station.

abc13 KTRK director Michael Fernau hits 25 years with the station.

- Jacob Rascon has a new baby son
- Addison Green joins KHOU
- The KHOU James Bond connection
- FOX 26 KRIV reporter Maria Salazar announces she is having a baby
- Brittany Jeffers has baby
- Highball Time with Uncle Otis just made landfall on reVolver Podcasts
- Steven Romo's great grandmother witnessed JFK assassination
- Houston Public Media Selected to Participate in Digital Culture Accelerator Buddy Program
- Roula & Ryan make man's dream come true on 104.1 KRBE
- 1970s KLOL stories
- Stephanie Simmons returns to KHOU
- 1980s KLOL stories
- Chita Craft has baby #2
- Tiffany Craig is married
- Houston Public Media Selected to Host "Report for America" Journalist in 2020
- Kris Jenner interviewed Beyonce on "Good Morning Houston?"

SAN ANTONIO

After 36 years in the market, the last 26 at Cox Media Classic Hits 101.1 KONO-FM Helotes/San Antonio, Dave Rios retires.


AUSTIN

KVUE weekend anchor Kris Betts is leaving the station.

KVUE news director Tim Ryan returns to KUSA.

Teresa Frontado named Executive Editor at Austin’s NPR station.


AROUND TEXAS

KVIA ABC-7’s Estela Casas to become head of UMC and El Paso Children’s Hospital foundations.

KIII Chief Meteorologist Bill Vessey suffered a hemorrhagic stroke.

GM Greg McAlister parts ways with KRIS Corpus Christi.

KFDA Chief Meteorologist Dave Oliver is stepping away from the Chroma-Key wall to take on a cancer battle.

Recent Baylor grads Bailey Brammer and Molly Atchison both joined KXXV Waco-Temple-Killeen as news producers in the Scripps Journalism Career Program.

Patches Retires From KTEX/McAllen, TX.


REMEMBERING

Blanca Inez Ruiz, known as “La Potranquita” to listeners of Mega 99.3 Tyler, died from complications of diabetes.

Former KBTX anchor Joe Brown dies at 56.

Cox Media Group/San Antonio’s Courtney Nelson Passes.

Alan Holt leaves 3NEWS KIII Corpus Christi

Alan Holt is leaving his 3NEWS KIII Corpus Christi chief meteorologist position to join TEGNA sister station News Center Maine WCSH Portland, Maine.

VIDEO UPDATE: Watch him officially sign off 

Holt has been with KIII for 13 years will have his last day on Friday, December 5, 2025.

“I’ve grown into my adult life here, both personally and professionally,” Holt said in an online statement. “I’ve celebrated milestones that will forever tie me to the Coastal Bend – covering Hurricane Harvey, the snow that followed that December, getting married, and welcoming our baby girl into the world.”

In 2021, Holt transitioned from the morning newscast to become KRIS-TV’s chief meteorologist, succeeding longtime weather leader Bill Vessey upon his retirement.

Speaking of changes, in 2024, Holt welcomed baby daughter Rayleigh.

Before returning home to Texas, Alan spent two years at KTWO in Wyoming, where his work earned him recognition from the Wyoming Association of Broadcasters as one of the state’s top meteorologists.

A San Antonio native, Holt graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a bachelor’s degree in Communication. He later earned a master’s degree in Geosciences with a concentration in Broadcast Meteorology from Mississippi State University. During his time at MSU, he was also a proud member of The Famous Maroon Band, where he played snare drum.

“Alan’s deep ties to the Coastal Bend and his dedication to serving this community have been extraordinary,” 3NEWS President and General Manager Rebecca Cantu added. “We understand the strong pull of family and the chance to be closer to loved ones in the Northeast. Though we’ll miss Alan’s leadership and presence in our newsroom, we’re proud to see him take this next step within the TEGNA family.”

“Alan and I started working at 3NEWS just weeks apart," said 3NEWS News Director Jonathan Munson.  "He’s been part of the heart of this newsroom ever since and I’m so glad to say I got to grow alongside him for all these years. He’s been a trusted source of information, a mentor to so many, and a true friend. As a Corpus Christi native, I can say he’s left a mark on this community that will last well beyond his time on the air.”

ANOTHER TEXAS METEOROLOGIST LEAVING
Rachel Briers leaves ABC13 Houston