Brittaney Wilmore named ABC13 Director of Community Engagement

Brittaney Wilmore announced she has been named the new ABC13 Houston KTRK Director of Community Engagement.

- Shannon Ryan added to 8am streaming on ABC13 Houston

"I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Director of Community Engagement at ABC13 Houston," Wilmore posted on LinkedIn.  "I’ll miss working on the morning show and with the morning team (they truly are the best!), but I’m excited to connect with our viewers and communities even more in this role. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity in my hometown and it’s such an honor to serve in this capacity!"

She takes over for Brandon De Hoyos, who followed former GM Wendy Granato to ABC7 KABC Los Angeles. 

Before assuming this role in May 2025, Wilmore was Executive Producer of Streaming, managing digital content strategy and live programming from June 2024 to May 2025.

Her journey at ABC13 began in November 2017 as a Digital Producer. She advanced to Senior Digital Producer in January 2022 and held that post through mid-2024, playing a key role in the station’s digital transformation and online engagement.

Wilmore previously served as a news producer at KHOU 11, where she was promoted to produce the 5–6 a.m. hour of the morning newscast. She also wrote for CultureMap from 2015 to 2017, covering Houston’s lifestyle, fashion, and major events like the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and Super Bowl LI.

Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Houston, where she also studied Broadcast Journalism, French, and International Business. At UH, she was active in the Phi Theta Kappa Alumni Association, studied abroad, and participated in the UH Honors College.

Wilmore began her higher education at Houston Community College, earning an Associate of Arts in Communications. There, she contributed to the Egalitarian student newspaper, worked with HCCTV, joined the Pret-A-Parler French conversation group, and served as an HCC Foundation Ambassador. She was also inducted into Phi Theta Kappa.

She is a graduate of Cinco Ranch High School.

Texas TV news and radio job moves June 2020

Send tips for the monthly Texas media job list here.

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DALLAS - FORT WORTH

Carlos Tamez joins Estrella TV as news director/managing editor.

Julie Fine renews her agreement as political reporter and anchor of Lone Star Politics at KXAS. - Napoli

Allie Spillyards renews her agreement as reporter at KXAS. - Napoli

Nicole Nielsen joins CBS 11 KTVT.

Former CBS 11 KTVT general manager and Nexstar Broadcasting Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Brian Jones to retire.

CBS 11 KTVT Programming Director Ken Foote retiring.

Stella M. Chávez starts Immigration & Demographics beat at KERA.

Alejandra Martinez KERA as a reporter.

The Dallas Morning News is testing out reporter-specific promo codes for readers on the fence about subscribing.

Classical music in quarantine: WRR builds connections over the airwaves.

- NBC 5 KXAS launches "Texas Today," Dallas-Fort Worth’s New Lifestyle Program
- Pretend to be A FOX 4 KDFW Good Day anchor

HOUSTON

Khambrel Marshall reports the weather and supports Houston.

Houston Public Media’s Ernie Manouse says being out ‘enriches’ his life.

Why I love Texas: KPRC’s new anchor Lisa Hernandez shares her love for Houston’s sports, diversity and food.

Joey Guerra spotlights diverse local musicians at the Houston Chronicle.

KPRC 2 investigative reporter Joel Eisenbaum celebrates 15 years with the station.

Sports editor and LGBTQ ally Jenny Dial Creech advocates for progress at The Athletic Houston.

Morning meteorologist Elita Loresca celebrates five years at abc13 KTRK.

Reporter Janelle Bludau celebrates three years with KHOU 11.

Steve Campion renews his agreement as an MMJ and reporter at KTRK in Houston. - Napoli

Houston Chronicle digital reporter ShaCamree Gowdy was selected for the Poynter-Koch Media and Journalism Fellowship.

An Advocate at ABC13: Brandon de Hoyos uses his platform to promote LGBTQ equality.

Dr Jim Siebert renews his agreement as Chief Meteorologist at FOX 26 KRIV. - NWT

Victoria Cordova helps Houston Public Media address the needs of its audience.

Former KHOU 11 reporter Drew Karedes renews his agreement as reporter at WFXT in his hometown of Boston. - Napoli

From TV to online: The evolution of remote learning at UH.

Ex-Chronicle reporter accused of attempted sexual assault of child.

- Former Houston TV News Producer Promoted to President of Myriad Global, USA
- abc13 KTRK virtual town hall discussing relationship between police and communities of color
- Lisa Hernandez debuts on KPRC 2
- Steve Simon exits CW39 KIAH
- VIDEO: KPRC 2 Uniquely Dominique Sachse
- Brett Buffington leaves KHOU 11
- Juan Beltran exits abc13 KTRK
- Melanie Lawson and Chauncy Glover's conversation about racism
- Ron “The Show” Hughley joins SportsRadio 610 KILT
- Getting to know Eric Rowe - Producer Roula & Ryan Show 104.1 KRBE
- KPRC 2 Investigators 2000 Promo - Tony Kovaleski
- What happened to Mario Diaz?
- Morning traffic anchor Chrisdyann Uribe leaves FOX 26 KRIV Houston
- KHOU 11 noon and 4pm meteorologist Erika Lopez re-joins KVUE Austin as chief meteorologist
- Melanie Lawson's town hall discussing race relations and our Faith communities
- Tom Koch now does weddings
- Dominique Sachse talks with psychotherapist about coping with anxiety, depression and isolation
- Hannah Mackenzie leaves KPRC 2
- Melanie Lawson involved in Juneteenth documentaries
- Mike Iscovitz's amazing dog rescue story
- KPRC 2's "Houston Life" is moving
- KTRK GM Wendy Granato tests positive for COVID-19
- Houston Public Media experiences staff cuts due to COVID-19 budget shortfalls
- Houston teen builds HTX Breaking News into big news brand
- Houston Chronicle reporter Jay R. Jordan has breaking news come to him
- 104.1 KRBE wins big at 2020 Worldwide Radio Summit Industry Awards
- TNCRadio wants to be Houston's online driving online station
- Chauncy Glover hosts town hall discussing violence against transgender women of color
- Dave Ward interviews Rudy Tomjanovich, Smokin Joe’s Driving Range back, 2015 Peach Bowl on CW39
- Bill Barajas tested positive for COVID-19
- Executive News Director Sally Ramirez to leave KHOU 11
- KHOU 11 4pm anchor Russ Lewis to retire
- 104.1 KRBE "Roula and Ryan Show's" Ryan Chase tests positive for COVID-19


SAN ANTONIO

Myra Arthur returns to KSAT after birth of second child: The veteran KSAT anchor has been out on maternity leave.

Black members of the KSAT family reflect on recent protests against racism.

Sarah Acosta renews her agreement at KSAT as a Reporter/Anchor. - NWT

Japhanie Gray renews her Reporter agreement at KSAT. - NWT

Larry Ramirez renews his agreement as sports anchor and reporter at KSAT. - Napoli

Jack Acosta celebrates five years as news director at KENS5. He was previously assistant news director at KHOU 11 Houston.

Kaiti Blake enters into a new agreement as a Weekend Meteorologist at KSAT. - NWT

iHeartMedia Austin/San Antonio has announced Jason McCollim has been named Senior Vice President of Programming.

Emmy and AP award-winning news producer Alicia Nicole celebrates five years with News 4 San Antonio WOAI and KABB FOX 29.

Introducing KSAT Explains, a new weekly look at the biggest issues facing San Antonio - it is free to stream on smart TVs, devices and KSAT.com

Alpha Media launches WE 103.3/San Antonio.

- Leslie Mouton leaves KSAT 12
- KVII Amarillo Investigative Reporter/Anchor Niccole Caan joining KENS 5 San Antonio as consumer investigative reporter


AUSTIN

Austin’s KXAN Investigations are as big as Texas. Find out why KXAN Austin’s latest investigation involved almost two dozen people in news, digital, production and marketing, and how the station balances that content on TV and digital platforms across all the Nexstar stations in the Lone Star State.

John Engel makes a 60 market move as he is named Political Reporter at KXAN Austin from WCYB Tri-Cities, Tennessee. - NWT

Tony Plohetski celebrates 20 years at the Austin American-Statesman.

Hema Mullur renews her agreement as primary anchor at KEYE. - Napoli

Sports Anchor/Reporter Emily Giangreco celebrates a year at KVUE 24.

KOKE/Austin’s Bob Cole diagnosed with COVID-19.


AROUND TEXAS

Mark Garcia named VP & GM of KMID Midland/Odessa.

James Brown leaves KBMT Beaumont

Mike Lee promoted to VP-GM of KWKT & KYLE Waco/Temple/Bryan.

Lori Bruffett promoted to KBTX GM.

Ramon J. Pineda to lead KRIS Corpus Christi.

Paul Alexander is the new news director for KFDM Beaumont. He formerly was an ND in Corpus Christi and Brownsville.

KWES Odessa reporter Cory Mose delivers fun standup.

Emani Payne moves to WNCN Raleigh, NC as a reporter/MMJ from KCEN Waco/Temple/Killeen anchor/reporter. - NWT

Amarillo Radio: KXGL Taps Ashley & Brad For Wake-Up Duty.

KORQ Abilene flips from Top 40 To Country.

Stephanie Bates announces she will be joining the ABC7 KVII Amarillo team as weekend meteorologist/reporter.

General Manager Danny Aguilar leaves Fox West Texas stations.

UT Tyler to launch new NPR affiliate with KVUT purchase.

- John-Thomas Kobos, KIII morning anchor & marriage officiant

abc13 KTRK holds virtual town hall to address COVID-19 & communities of color

May 6, 2020 Houston, TX- Amid the various challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic is the virus’ disproportionate effect on the black community. According to the CDC, racial and ethnic minority groups in the U.S. carry an overwhelming burden of illness and death in the face of this unprecedented situation.

ABC13 Houston will present a one-hour virtual town hall Thursday, May 7 at 7 p.m. on ABC13.com, the ABC13 news app, Facebook Live, YouTube, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV and ROKU.

ABC13 anchor Chauncy Glover, who battled COVID-19 and has since recovered, will moderate the discussion, featuring U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, entrepreneur and community activist Tina Knowles-Lawson and other community and medical leaders.

The panel will seek to answer questions related to the coronavirus and the realities faced by minorities in Houston.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we all go about life right now. But some are finding it extra challenging to adopt to the changes,” anchor Chauncy Glover said. “On so many levels, the Coronavirus has disproportionately affected our local communities of color. I’m thankful to work for a company who sees the need to start a conversation about this in hopes to shed light, provoke thought and find solutions.”

Houston has the highest number of black residents in Texas, where nearly 23 percent of Houstonians identify as black or African American, according to the U.S. Census.

“As Houston’s News Leader, ABC13 is committed to elevating a vigorous conversation about the diverse communities we serve,” said Brandon De Hoyos, KTRK-TV’s Director of Community Engagement. “The COVID-19 emergency has presented many unknowns, especially for our black and brown communities. We are working around the clock to deliver forward-thinking stories and the most complete view of the pandemic to keep families across southeast Texas safe.”

For more information visit https://abc13.com/health/abc13-to-host-virtual-town-hall-on-covid-19/6150404/


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

Kevin Ozebek joins ABC7 KABC Los Angeles

Rumors that Kevin Ozebek would likely not return to ABC13 KTRK Houston after helping ABC7 KABC Los Angeles during the wildfire coverage have proven true. 

TVNewsCheck reports that former KTRK GM Wendy Granato (now KABC GM) has hired Ozebek at the ABC-owned LA station.

When Ted Oberg moved to NBC Washington, Ozebek joined ABC13 in 2023 as the investigative reporter from WSVN 7 Miami.

Brandon De Hoyos, the director of community engagement, will also be moving to KABC from KTRK to succeed Vice President of Diversity and Community Engagement Teresa Samaniego.

Maybe more Channel 13 Houston employees will be heading west to La La Land!

As I blogged in the past, other former Texas TV journalists who work for ABC7 LA include Niku Kazori, Irene Cruz, David González and Leticia Juarez.

Recent ABC13 departures include Jacob Rascon, Courtney Fischer, and Rosie Nguyen.

Wendy Granato named KTRK President and General Manager

News executive Wendy Granato has been named the president and general manager of KTRK-TV, announced Wendy McMahon, president, ABC Owned Television Stations Group. In this new role, Ms. Granato has overall management responsibility for KTRK ABC13 and all of its ancillary businesses.

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As the vice president of News at KTRK ABC13 for five years, Ms. Granato cemented the station’s status as Houston’s leading source for local news and information, expanding coverage to serve audiences across broadcast, digital and social platforms.

In charge of all editorial decisions and operations, she was responsible for the successful merger of broadcast and digital departments. During her tenure, KTRK ABC13 became the home of Houston’s most-watched local newscasts and the leader across all social media platforms in the market.

She was instrumental in leading the station’s Emmy ® Award-winning coverage during historic events such as Hurricane Harvey in 2017, during which time KTRK was on the air nonstop for eight consecutive days.

Ms. Granato also helped build many of the station’s community outreach efforts with partners such as the Houston Marathon, the Houston Texans, Gow Media, VYPE High School Sports Magazine and the Voice of Asia News Group.

“As our head of News in Houston, Wendy has done an incredible job upholding our commitment to quality journalism and the communities we serve while driving modernization across the organization,” said Ms. McMahon. “I am incredibly excited to now have Wendy leading the way for us at KTRK ABC13, embracing change and innovation while maintaining a dynamic and vibrant culture.”

“Service to the Houston-area community is at the heart of everything we do here at KTRK ABC13, and I am beyond honored and proud to now serve in this new role,” said Ms. Granato. “Providing accurate, timely and relevant local news and information on all platforms has never been more important or necessary, especially when keeping the safety and security of our viewers in mind, and sharing the positive stories from all our Houston-area communities. I look forward to upholding the long-standing values and traditions of KTRK ABC13, and forging ahead with ideas and innovations that will grow our business. I am equally as excited about working closely with OTV President Wendy McMahon and our powerhouse sister stations across the country to achieve our goals of excellence and service.”

Prior to serving as vice president of News at KTRK ABC13, Ms. Granato served as executive producer of special projects and executive producer of the daily talk show “Debra Duncan.”

Before joining KTRK, Ms. 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.

I just confetti’d @wendygranato after the big announcement: She’s @abc13houston’s new GM! 🎉❤️😎🙌🏽💎📺💻📲 Congrats, Wendy! pic.twitter.com/gAEAOK3kRJ

— Brandon De Hoyos (@BrandonABC13) August 7, 2019

About the ABC Owned Television Stations Group

The ABC Owned Television Stations Group includes WABC-TV New York, KABC-TV Los Angeles, WLS-TV Chicago, WPVI-TV Philadelphia, KGO-TV San Francisco, KTRK-TV Houston, WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham and KFSN-TV Fresno. The eight owned stations reach 23% of all U.S. television households. The Stations Group also includes the Live Well Network, a broadcast programming service for digital channels in owned markets. The Group further expanded the stations’ content portfolio and reach with the launch of the multiplatform, national lifestyle brand Localish, which is ABC’s viral storytelling brand that brings out the good in America’s cities. Created by and for millennials, Localish serves locally sourced stories that transcend city limits.

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

Rehan Aslam named abc13 KTRK news director

UPDATE APRIL 29, 2021Rehan Aslam named WABC NY news director

Word is breaking on social media that abc13 KTRK assistant news director Rehan Aslam has been named the Walt Disney Television's new news director.

Aslam has been upped to the top news job after former news director, Wendy Granato, was promoted to the KTRK president and general manager position in early August.

Longtime GM Henry Florsheim retired from the news business after 22 years with channel 13 in July.

Aslam came to KTRK back in 2014 to be Granato's assistant news director.

He came from WFLD Chicago where he served as an executive producer for the FOX Television Station's 9pm newscast. According to his LinkedIn profile, Aslam started as a producer for WFLD in 2007. He worked in that role until 2010. From there he was named executive producer for “Good Day Chicago” in 2010.

He attended the University of Pittsburgh.

Congrats @AslamABC13! The next news director at @abc13houston! 🎉✨🦄🎈 pic.twitter.com/u6boDB5csA

— Brandon De Hoyos (@BrandonABC13) September 6, 2019

UPDATE

Here is the press release KTRK sent me after the original post:

September 6, 2019

KTRK-TV announced today Rehan Aslam has been named the station’s Vice President, News Director overseeing Broadcast and Digital content.

“When Rehan joined KTRK 5 years ago as Assistant News Director, I knew we had found the kind of leader who believes in total motivation and achieving excellence by lifting people up, not tearing them down.” said Wendy Granato, KTRK President &
General Manager. “ Rehan leads teams by listening, including, and settling for nothing less than our very best. Rehan also knows what it means to be a fighter. How to fight to stay on top. Fighting to find ways to do things better. Fighting to serve our diverse
audience and community. I am confident that Rehan’s plans for the future will help us solidify our place as Houston’s News Leader and I look forward to this great new era at ABC/13."

Rehan began his television news career in Cleveland, Ohio, working at both WJW Fox 8 and WEWS as a producer. Rehan was also Executive Producer at Fox 32/WFLD in Chicago before moving to Houston in 2014 to join KTRK as Assistant News Director.

“Houston is home and KTRK ABC13 is the city’s news leader. I am so honored for this new role and responsibility. I am very excited to work alongside my colleagues in one of the country’s top newsrooms. We will continue seeking and creating innovative ways to serve Houston’s diverse communities with content on all of our platforms. We have a responsibility to provide stories that are relevant and meaningful, while also providing information that keeps our viewers safe. I am very excited for the direction we are going and what we collectively will come up with next.”

Rehan is a member of the Disney Owned Television Station’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. He is a 2009 Peabody Award winner for his work on the Derrion Albert story in Chicago.

A native of Northwest Pennsylvania, Rehan and his wife Sadaf are the proud parents of 7 year old son, Rafae. In his spare time, Rehan loves golfing and spending time with his family and friends. Rehan is also a diehard Marvel movie fan and is counting down the days until the launch of Disney+.