KVUE's Kristie Gonzales leaves for WXIA Atlanta president-GM role

Kristie Gonzales is leaving her role as president and general manager at KVUE Austin to take the same role for TEGNA sister stations 11 Alive WXIA and My ATL TV - WATL Channel 36 Atlanta effective October 23, 2023.

She will continue as vice president, media operations for TEGNA. 

Since 2016, Gonzales has been president and general manager at KVUE, TEGNA’s ABC affiliate and one of the top stations in Central Texas. 

During her tenure, KVUE launched the innovative series “Boomtown,” which highlights Central Texas’s explosive growth. The station received widespread acclaim for their investigative reporting into the school shooting in Uvalde and on the tragic death of Javier Ambler in the custody of the Williamson County Sheriff Department. During her tenure, Gonzales also grew partnerships with advertisers and helped spearhead community engagement efforts, including “All Together ATX,” which raised nearly $8 million for COVID-19 relief, and “Harvey Can’t Mess with Texas,” a benefit concert developed with Google that helped raise nearly $2 million for Hurricane Harvey relief. 

KVUE was recently honored with six wins in the Texas Broadcast News Awards, including for best morning newscast.

Since 2021, Gonzales has also served as vice president, media operations for TEGNA with oversight of the following stations in Texas: KBMT/KJAC in Beaumont; KYTX in Tyler, KCEN/KAGS in Waco and Bryan-College Station; KWES in Midland-Odessa; and KXVA/KIDY in Abilene and San Angelo. Gonzales will continue in this role with new responsibilities.

“Kristie is an innovative thinker with a drive to deliver results, as she’s done in Austin and across the portfolio of stations she’s overseen in Texas,” said Larry Delia, senior vice president, media operations, TEGNA. “She’s an excellent collaborator and community partner with an ability to inspire and motivate those around her. We’re excited to have her join the talented team in Atlanta and continue the stations’ leadership in the market.”

Added Gonzales, “It is a privilege to join and lead the team in Atlanta. My passion is serving our local communities with news and helping clients grow their businesses. I’m excited to get started in Atlanta with a team that’s renowned for their game-changing investigations and award-winning reporting.”

Prior to joining KVUE, Gonzales held various television management roles across the country, specializing in news branding, multicultural marketing and harnessing the power of digital and social media. Before joining KVUE, she was the promotion and digital brand manager at WABC in New York City.

Gonzales graduated summa cum laude with double honors from the University of New Mexico.

She currently serves on the board of directors for the SAFE Alliance, Equidad ATX and United Way for Greater Austin. She previously served on the boards of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas. She is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and Austin Area Research Organization.

Gonzales spends her free time mentoring women and people of color. She received the 2023 Austin Toastmaster’s Communication Achievement Award and was named a Girl Scouts of Central Texas 2020 Women of Distinction Rising Star.

(Post taken from a release)

Kristie Gonzales promoted to KYTX and KVUE

Tysons VA – TEGNA Inc. announced today that it has promoted Kristie Gonzales to vice president, media operations. In addition to her current role as president and general manager of KVUE in Austin, Gonzales will now also oversee KYTX in Tyler, Texas, and help set the vision for recruiting across TEGNA’s 11 Texas markets.

Gonzales joined KVUE, TEGNA’s ABC affiliate in Austin and one of the top television stations in Central Texas, in 2016 as president and general manager. During her tenure, KVUE has launched the innovative series “Boomtown,” which highlights Central Texas’s explosive growth, and launched award-winning investigations, including an in-depth look at the death of Javier Ambler, who died in the custody of the Williamson County Sherriff Department, and coverage of Austin’s racial justice protests in the wake of the killing of George Floyd. In the last two years, the station has won ten Emmy® awards and numerous AP awards, and grown monthly active digital users by 24 percent, averaging more than 4 million visitors a month to KVUE.com platforms.

“Kristie is a proven business and community leader dedicated to developing high-quality content across platforms and serving the greater Central Texas community,” said Brad Ramsey, senior vice president of media operations, TEGNA. “In her expanded role, she’ll bring her significant management and marketing expertise to accelerate our leading content, marketing and community efforts across the state, and help lead our vision for recruiting, developing and promoting diverse talent across all of our Texas markets.”

Prior to joining KVUE, Gonzales held various television management roles across the country, specializing in news branding, multi-cultural marketing and harnessing the power of digital and social media. Before joining KVUE, she was the promotion and digital brand manager at WABC in New York City.

Gonzales graduated summa cum laude with double honors from the University of New Mexico. She serves on the board of directors for the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, the SAFE Alliance and United Way for Greater Austin. She’s a member of the Austin Area Research Organization and spends her free time mentoring women and people of color. She’s been named a Tribeza Magazine Driver of Style, Austin Under 40, Seedling Mentors Fab Five, and most recently, a Girl Scouts of Central Texas 2020 Women of Distinction Rising Star.

About TEGNA
TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) is an innovative media company that serves the greater good of our communities. Across platforms, TEGNA tells empowering stories, conducts impactful investigations and delivers innovative marketing solutions. With 64 television stations in 51 U.S. markets, TEGNA is the largest owner of top 4 network affiliates in the top 25 markets among independent station groups, reaching approximately 39 percent of all television households nationwide. TEGNA also owns leading multicast networks True Crime Network and Quest. TEGNA Marketing Solutions (TMS) offers innovative solutions to help businesses reach consumers across television, digital and over-the-top (OTT) platforms, including Premion, TEGNA’s OTT advertising service. For more information, visit www.TEGNA.com.

(This post was taken from a TEGNA release)

Texas TV & radio job moves June 2016

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

WFAA8 losing reporter Mike Castellucci -- for second time.

After a three-year stay, weekend meteorologist Ashton Altieri is leaving Dallas-based WFAA 8.

Splitting up: NBC5 and consumer-investigative reporter Deanna Dewberry.

Yona Gavino is CBS11 KTVT's newest reporter.

Melissa Harrison joins Mike Rogers and Scott Sams as co-anchor of the KRLD Morning News.

HOUSTON

David Herrera has left KAKW Univision 62 Austin to join sister station KXLN Univision 45 Houston.

Rich Pangilinan Joins KKHH (Hot 95.7)/Houston As APD/MD, CoCo Dominguez Takes Over Afternoon Drive.

After many years in Houston at stations like KPRC 2, KTRK abc13 and KIAH 39, design director Dennis Garcia joins WSMV in Nashville.

Millie Cardenas-Quintanilla is new Telemundo Houston KTMD Assignment Manager.

After writing about personal computing and tech since 1993, Dwight Silverman stops his Tech Blog to focus on his new job as Houston Chronicle Senior Web Producer for Premium Products.

Rowdy Yates Brings Country Gold To KTHT Houston.

Houston newsroom veteran Melissa Lanford has left her managing editor role at KPRC 2. Maryanne Hubbard takes her place from KUSA Denver.

I hear longtime FOX 26 KRIV photographer Eckhart von Ellenrieder is heading off to San Francisco.

Jeanne Lyons Davis Joins Houstonia Staff.

Coordinating Producer Heather Itzen is leaving KHOU 11's Great Day Houston for the new KPRC 2 lifestyle show.

Sheryl Grigsby, who spent the last decade with Cox Media Group as an Account Manager, is the new General Manager for True Blue Media.

- KHOU 11 makes major anchor changes
- Deborah Wrigley exits KTRK abc13
- KPRC 2 ND Rhonda LaVelle heading to WXYZ Detroit
- Pablo Alsina leaves KHOU 11 sports
- Jack Williams leaves 88.7 KUHF & Houston
- Courtney Perna departs KHOU 11
- 'The Buzz Lady' Roseann Rogers checks in for K9s4COPs
- Russ Lewis joins KHOU 11 as promised
- Ned Hibberd joins WCNC NBC Charlotte


SAN ANTONIO

After 20 years in television and 12 as an on-air staple of KENS-TV lifestyle show, "Great Day SA," Eileen Teves is leaving broadcasting to start a new career.

Great Day SA executive producer Kinya Cano, a 10-year veteran of KENS-TV, will leave San Antonio next month for a new gig with EyeOpener in Dallas.

'Joe Pags' Pagliarulo Inks Extension With iHeartMedia's WOAI/San Antonio, KPRC/Houston.

Don Smith, Director of Creative Services at KOVR/KMAX Sacramento, will be the new Director of Marketing for KENS-TV.

Radio icon Bruce Hathaway recovering from back surgery.

AUSTIN

Adam Winkler, KEYE’s weekend sports anchor for the past six years, is heading for Norfolk, Va., where he’ll be sports director at CBS affiliate WTKR.

After four years, KVUE’s investigative reporter Andy Pierrotti has accepted a similar position at WXIA Atlanta.

KRGV Rio Grande Valley investigative reporter Erica Proffer joins KVUE.

TEGNA named Kristie Gonzales president and general manager of KVUE. Gonzales will replace Patti Smith, who is retiring at the end of June.

KXAN's Lindsay Bramson is the new Investigative Reporter for WSMV News Channel 4 in Nashville.

AROUND TEXAS

Reporter Risa Morris leaves KYTX CBS 19 Tyler for WBBH Fort Myers, Cape Coral & Naples, Florida.

KVIA ABC-7 investigative journalist Ashlie Rodriguez is now the weekend anchor and weekday reporter for San Diego's KUSI.

Lubbock reporter/anchor Monica Yantosh jumps across the street to KAMC from KLBK.

KFDX Wichita Falls Morning Anchor/Reporter Jon Hansen leaves to become the Evening News Anchor/Reporter at KLBK Lubbock.

KLBK Reporter/MMJ Robin Deehan is the new Weekend Sports Anchor & Sports Reporter for WBRE/WYOU in Northeastern & Central Pennsylvania.

KAMC Lubbock Morning News Anchor Rachel Spangenthal is now NBC33-FOX44 Reporter/Anchor in Baton Rouge.

Longtime Denver anchor Mike Landess will return from KYTX Tyler to anchor a new 4 p.m. newscast at KWGN.

- Oscar E. Garcia named KIII Corpus Christi News Director

REMEMBERING

Former 101 KLOL and Country Legends 97.1 KTHT personality Thomas E. ‘Tubby’ Lawler III died in early June after a battle with cancer.

San Antonio public TV pioneer Joanne Winik dies.

============================================================================

As good as people think I am at tracking Texas media job moves, my image is better than reality. Don't expect that I see every Twitter or Facebook post about your new job. Don't get mad at me, contact me below to make sure I don't miss your big career move!

- Contact here for job changes
- Looking for TX TV jobs?

RELATED
- Texas TV & radio job moves May 2016
- Texas TV & radio job moves April 2016
- Texas TV & radio job moves March 2016
- Texas TV & radio job moves February 2016
- Texas TV & radio job moves January 2016
- Texas TV & radio job moves December 2015
- All the new and disappearing faces on Houston TV screens in 2015

KVUE Austin loses power during winter storm

KVUE Austin was off the air from 6:20am to 9:55am, according to the station, on February 1, 2023 due to power issues thanks to the winter storm hitting Texas.

However social media reports from staff suggest KVUE started to come back on air for some around 8am. 

The Austin American-Statesman reports more than 100,000 customers were without power earlier this morning due to the ice and falling tree limbs.

When asked on social media if they station had backup power, a staffer responded it does, but no explanation was given as to why it wasn't keeping the signal going.

There are tweets from Austin TV viewers not being able to receive KVUE over the air (OTA), so the station says rescan your televisions.

While the station was off, I checked KVUE.com and found the stations live video consisting of a radar feed from Houston TEGNA sister-station KHOU.com.

KVUE  has been broadcasting its Daybreak morning show with extended hours recently from 4am until noon.

Thank you for your patience as @KVUE works to restore our signal on all platforms. You can watch us on Spectrum, KVUE+ or https://t.co/g8VOj2YPZk right now.

This is video of the power situation outside our station right after we were knocked off-air. pic.twitter.com/54I9Qu9EcJ

— Kristie Gonzales KVUE (@GonzalesKristie) February 1, 2023

We almost lost power here at @KVUE but our generator kicked into gear. Thousands of people are without power right now across the state of Texas.

🙏⚠️

Stay safe y’all, we’re going to get through this together. pic.twitter.com/P55teL7p8N

— Hannah Rucker KVUE (@suphannahrucker) February 1, 2023

TEGNA’s Texas TV to Livestream U.S. Senate Democratic Primary Debate Feb. 18

Media partnerships with The Texas Tribune and KUT 90.5 will enable Texas voters to access the debate across television, digital and radio platforms

Tysons, VA – TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) today announced KVUE, TEGNA’s ABC affiliate in Austin, will host a live debate between the Texas Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate on Tuesday, February 18 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. (CT) as part of KVUE’s Emmy-winning VOTE TEXAS initiative.

Partnering with KVUE to host and distribute the debate are The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit news organization that reports on Texas politics, policy and government, and KUT 90.5, Austin’s NPR station.

KVUE will broadcast the first half-hour of the debate live and commercial-free from its studio. The entire debate will air live on KVUE.com, KVUE’s YouTube channel, and other KVUE social platforms.

The debate will also be streamed live across all 12 of TEGNA’s Texas stations’ digital properties: WFAA (Dallas), KHOU (Houston), KENS (San Antonio), KVUE, KCEN (Waco-Temple), KAGS (College Station), KYTX (Tyler), KIII (Corpus Christi), KBMT-KJAC (Beaumont), KWES (Odessa). KXVA (Abilene) and KIDY (San Angelo). TEGNA’s Texas stations cover 87 percent of the state.

KUT will broadcast the debate live on 90.5 in the Austin area, and will stream the debate at KUT.org. The Texas Tribune will stream the debate at texastribune.org.

“Our mission at KVUE is to make Austin better, and we have a responsibility to help educate voters on where the candidates stand on critical issues facing our community,” said Kristie Gonzales, president and general manager, KVUE. “KVUE is proud to partner with our TEGNA station colleagues across Texas, the Texas Tribune and KUT to give voters access to the candidates.”

The March 3 statewide primary will determine the nominee who will face incumbent Republican Senator John Cornyn in the November general election. Eleven of the 12 Democrats have been confirmed to participate in the debate. The candidates are: Former U.S. Representative Chris Bell, Michael Cooper, Amanda Edwards, Jack Daniel Foster, Annie “Mama” Garcia, Victor Harris, MJ Hegar, Sema Hernandez, Adrian Ocegueda, Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez, and State Sen. Royce West.

The debate will be moderated by KVUE political anchor Ashley Goudeau, along with Texas Tribune political reporter Patrick Svitek and KUT reporter Ashley Lopez.

(This post taken from a TEGNA press release)

Houston anchor's brother to helm KBMT-KJAC Beaumont

John Treviño has been named president and general manager at KBMT-KJAC, the flagship stations of the 12News Now network serving the Golden Triangle area of Southeast Texas, effective June 13, 2022. 

Treviño will be responsible for overseeing the dual ABC and NBC affiliate operation serving the Beaumont area across all platforms, as well as leading the stations’ focus on community service and driving results for advertisers.

Most recently, Treviño was vice president and general manager at KDAF, the CW affiliate in Dallas-Fort Worth, where he developed and launched the live multi-platform daily news magazine, Morning After. He also secured the broadcast rights to the historic Dallas Holiday Parade and high school weekly football broadcasts and launched CW33 High School Football Showdown, which was the first-ever live broadcast of high school football on Friday nights.

RELATED
Marc Hefner joins KDAF 33 as GM

Prior to KDAF, Treviño spent 11 years with NBCUniversal Local in Dallas-Fort Worth where he served as president and general manager at KXTX-Telemundo39 and director of sales with KXAS-NBC5. During his time at KXTX-Telemundo39, the station experienced substantial growth in market share, local content, infrastructure, and personnel.

“John joins the TEGNA family with more than 30 years of experience in the local broadcast industry,” said Kristie Gonzales, VP, media operations, TEGNA. “John’s experience and leadership will help build on the work of our talented team in Beaumont and serve Southeast Texas with exceptional news, information and community engagement.”

Treviño has proudly served on the boards of several organizations that are making an impact in the greater Texas community, including the Texas Association of Broadcasters, the University of Arlington’s President’s Hispanic Council, the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Visit Dallas, and Junior Achievement of Dallas.

A native Texan, Treviño holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin. 

Treviño and his family will be relocating to Beaumont from Dallas. 

He joins his brother Ron Treviño, an anchor at KHOU in Houston, in the TEGNA company.

(This post was taken from a TEGNA release)

Rob Evans joins KVUE Austin

Rob Evans is joining the KVUE Austin Daybreak team from THV11 KTHV Little Rock, Arkansas, June 21, 2021.

UPDATE APRIL 2025
He leaves the morning news for digital and afternoons

"The people who work and lead the newsroom at KVUE are world-class," Evans said on the KVUE website.  "I’m so excited to learn from them, while sitting next to the incredible Yvonne, working alongside Jason and reuniting with Mariel, whom I worked with in Arkansas."

As Evans noted, meteorologist Mariel Ruiz left the KTHV AM newscast in August of 2019 to join KVUE.

Evans will anchor with Ruiz, Yvonne Nava and Jason Mikell on the Central Texas morning newscast.

Prior to arriving in Little Rock in September 2016, Evans worked for ABC7 WZVN Fort Myers, Florida.  Before that he was at KOLR Springfield, Missouri.

The St. Louis native is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Based on his bios, Evans is a "handyman" and frequently found at hardware stores when he is not with his wife and two kids. 

"What’s exciting about Rob is that he’s not just another anchor who sits at a desk, he’s a reporter at heart," KVUE President and General Manager Kristie Gonzales said on the station's website.  "He believes in getting out in the community, meeting people and telling the stories of Austin." 

Evans takes over for Mike Rush who left KVUE a few months ago and has been a top clicked story on my blog for a long time. 

Valerie Guyton named Pres.-GM of KWES, KIDY and KXVA West Texas

TEGNA Inc. announced that Valerie Guyton has been appointed president and general manager at KWES, the NBC affiliate in Midland-Odessa, and KIDY and KXVA, the Fox affiliates serving Abilene and San Angelo, effective July 31, 2023. 

Guyton will be responsible for overseeing the stations’ operations across platforms, as well as leading community service efforts and driving results for advertisers.

A native Texan, Guyton has nearly 30 years of experience in television news, most recently as assistant news director at KXAS/NBC 5 in Dallas. While at NBC 5, Guyton developed the “Conversations: Call for Change” franchise, which highlights social justice changemakers throughout the North Texas community. She also served on NBCUniversal’s Diversity Council championing local stations’ Diversity, Equity & Inclusion efforts. Valerie volunteers with the NBCU Academy, which is a collaborative learning initiative that builds a pipeline from classrooms to newsrooms and other media industries.

Previously, Guyton was executive producer at TEGNA stations WXIA/11Alive in Atlanta and assistant news director at KENS 5 in San Antonio. Earlier in her career, Guyton was executive producer at CNN/HLN and spent time developing programming and show teams at The Weather Channel. One of her first jobs was producing the morning show at TEGNA station KHOU in Houston.

“Valerie is a dynamic leader with an impressive background in local and national news,” said Kristie Gonzales, vice president, media operations, TEGNA. “Valerie’s superpower is connecting with people, and she has a long track record of innovation and collaborative team building. We are proud to have her back at TEGNA to help us tell diverse stories, serve clients and support our neighbors across the entire West Texas community.”

Guyton grew up in Dallas and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and a second B.A. in Radio/TV/Film studies from the University of Houston.

(Post taken from a release)

Robert Dwyer named KCEN Waco, KAGS BCS President - GM

Tysons, Va. – TEGNA Inc. announced today that Robert Dwyer has been named president and general manager at KCEN KAGS, the NBC affiliates serving Temple, Waco, Killeen and Bryan-College Station in Central Texas, effective March 20, 2023. 

Dwyer will be responsible for overseeing the stations’ operations across all platforms, as well as leading community service efforts and driving results for advertisers.

Most recently, Dwyer was marketing director at WCNC in Charlotte, a position he’s held since 2019. 

At WCNC, Dwyer oversaw the station’s branding in the market and was instrumental in growing all dayparts in news, increasing digital video consumption, and building trust with audiences. 

Previously, Dwyer was director of marketing at WHNS in Greenville, where he led a team of marketing producers, digital media specialists and graphic designers and collaborated with content leaders to launch newscasts and grow the station’s audience across platforms. 

Earlier in his career, Dwyer was senior director of creative services for The Golf Channel, overseeing campaigns for PGA and LPGA tours, original content and documentaries. Dwyer began his career at a production house in Detroit.

“Rob’s experience and track record of growing content brands and collaborating across disciplines make him an excellent choice for Central Texas,” said Kristie Gonzales, vice president, media operations, TEGNA. “As a graduate of our TEGNA Executive Leadership Program and proven leader, Rob will help build the stations’ news capabilities, brands and community engagement efforts while also serving our local advertising clients.”

Dwyer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Television Production from Ferris State University. He and his family will be relocating to Temple from Charlotte.

(Taken from a TEGNA release)

Jordan Darensbourg leaves KVUE Austin

Jordan Darensbourg announced he is leaving his KVUE Austin meteorologist position.

Here is a portion of what Darensbourg posted on social:

"My time at KVUE is coming to an end, but I owe a debt of gratitude to a lot of people.

To our GM Byron Wilkinson and our News Director Travis Sattiewhite, THANK YOU. Your wisdom and guidance were very helpful and I continued my career at this great station.

To former GM Kristie Gonzales and former News Director Christina Ginn, THANK YOU for taking a chance in 2022 on a guy who was only in Texas for 16 months prior to KVUE.

To every reporter, producer, anchor and editor I’ve worked with here, THANK YOU. I’m grateful that I had the pleasure of working with some of the most amazing people in our industry.

To my chief meteorologist Hunter Williams, THANK YOU. Your wisdom and advice is second to none of any chief I’ve had in this business."

Darensbourg joined the KVUE Austin Storm Team in April 2022 from TEGNA sister station KCEN 6 in Waco/Temple/Killeen, where he had been part of the weather team since November 2020.

He began his career in December 2018 at WDTV 5 in Clarksburg, West Virginia, serving as a morning meteorologist.

Darensbourg holds a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology from Jackson State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a broadcast emphasis from Mississippi State University. While at Mississippi State, he worked as a meteorologist and multimedia journalist for the school’s Take 30 News on MSTV.

He is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists' Weather & Climate Task Force and the American Meteorological Society.

According to his bio, Darensbourg has Asperger’s, a form of autism, and uses his diagnosis to inspire others to pursue their goals.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jordan Darensbourg (@jdarensbourgwx)

Byron Wilkinson named KVUE Austin President and General Manager

Byron Wilkinson has been named president and general manager of KVUE Austin.

RELATED
- KVUE's Kristie Gonzales leaves for WXIA Atlanta president-GM role
- Travis Sattiewhite named KVUE Austin news director

Wilkinson has been serving as interim general manager at KVUE, and previously served as interim general manager at TEGNA-owned duopoly KBMT/KJAC in Beaumont, Texas. 

He will be responsible for the station’s operations across all platforms, as well as community outreach efforts and driving results for advertisers.

Wilkinson was most recently director of sales at KVUE for the past seven years. The Center for Sales Strategy named Wilkinson a 2020 “Talent Superhero” award winner. 

Prior to his role at KVUE, Wilkinson was director of sales at KTHV in Little Rock, Arkansas, and local sales manager at KHOU in Houston, both TEGNA sister stations.

“Among an outstanding pool of candidates, Byron stood out for his commitment to KVUE and the Austin community, and his track record of leadership and results,” said Brad Ramsey, senior vice president, media operations, TEGNA. “From sales leadership roles in Houston and Little Rock, to interim general manager roles in Austin and Beaumont, Byron has demonstrated the importance of developing strong teams and leaders. He will continue KVUE’s momentum and build on our commitment to Central Texas.”

Added Wilkinson, “As a native Texan and someone whose family has fallen in love with Austin, I am deeply honored and excited to take on this new role at KVUE. Together with our talented team, we will continue to strive for excellence in all that we do, while making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.”

Wilkinson is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree. He is an active volunteer in the Austin community with Mobile Loaves and Fishes, Coats for Kids, and the Austin Chamber of Commerce, where he is a past member of the Nominating Committee.

Texas TV news and radio job moves March 2021

 

RELATED
Best TV News Bloopers March 2021

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

Belo Corporation Removes Belo From Name to ‘Embrace Social Justice Movement.'

Former radio host at 95.9 The Ranch arrested on sexual assault charge.

Kelly Corday Named Program Director At KCBI/Dallas.

KMVK Adds Erazno y la Chokolata For PM Drive.

Matthew Sewell joins CBS 11 KTVT as a producer from KARK 4 News.

Peyton Yager joins FOX 4 KDFW
Pablo Sánchez joins KTMD from Telemundo 39 KXTX-TV in Dallas/Fort Worth

HOUSTON

Keith Lawless Adds Cox Houston Leadership To His Tampa Duties.

Eddie Robinson, Houston Public Media Anchor Of 7 Years, Leaves Morning Chair For New Talk Show.

KSBJ/Houston Finalist For NAB Award.

Chase Murphy Exits His PD Posts At KHMX (Mix 96.5) & KKHH/Houston.

Get2Know KPRC 2′s Vanessa Richardson.

A Houston punk band’s protest anthem with a journalism connection, still resonates, forty years after its release.

KPRC 2 anchors talk mom guilt and balancing it all
Sara Lowrey: Houston TV news trailblazer
KHOU 11 dominates 10pm February 2021 TV sweeps
The Texas Bucket List celebrates 200 Episodes
Phil Archer retirement videos
Steve Mark joins WeatherNationTV
Phil Archer's good deed for New Jersey reporter
Katherine Whaley leaves abc13 KTRK
Chelsey Hernandez leaves abc13 KTRK
MeTV Houston now on 51 KYAZ
Josh Innes is now a classic rock morning show host
Telemundo Houston adds Pablo Sánchez and Karina Segovia to weather team
Corey Dillon joins The New 93Q KKBQ

SAN ANTONIO

Behind the scenes at KSAT 12
Delaine Mathieu exits News 4 San Antonio WOAI
Randy Beamer retirement videos
Matt Houston joins KENS 5
Courtney Friedman is pregnant during COVID and reporting on it
News 4 San Antonio WOAI newscast opens 1979 to 2021
Evan Closky joins 10 Tampa Bay WTSP

AUSTIN

Austin Chronicle Music Poll And Awards Winners Announced: KUTX Named Favorite Station.

Tony Plohetski wins inaugural Dan Rather Medal for courage in Javier Ambler reporting.

Kristie Gonzales promoted to KYTX and KVUE
Mike Rush exits KVUE Austin

AROUND TEXAS

KXXV Waco-Temple-Killeen Anchor/Reporter Elisa Navarro leaves for KFSN Fresno.

'Traveling Texas with Ann Harder' Veteran 25 News anchor returns with new semimonthly segment.

Adriana Alexander joins Fox West Texas KIDY as a multi-media journalist.

Digital News Anchor for KLTV 7 Kayla Lyons interviewed.

Sports Anchor/Reporter Dusty Baker leaves KRBC and KTAB Abilene for KSBY Central Coast, California.

KVIA in El Paso revamps its late news around in-depth reporting.

REMEMBERING

Beloved Houston Chronicle columnist Leon Hale dies at 99.

Russell "Russ" D. Turner, 82, passed away February 10, 2021, in The Woodlands.  He moved to Houston, TX in 1961 and went to work for KPRC TV (Channel 2) as an audio engineer. Turner retired in 2009 after 49 years with KPRC.

WFAA mourns loss of former legendary sound engineer Wally Wawro.

Mike Rush exits KVUE Austin

Mike Rush has left KVUE Austin and his new morning anchor role. The longtime anchor confirmed it on Twitter.  

UPDATE JUNE 2022
Mike Rush joins KXAN Austin

UPDATE JUNE 2021
Rob Evans joins KVUE Austin as morning anchor

Oh, thank you, JoAnne. I don’t work there anymore. I appreciate you watching me and checking in!

— Mike Rush (@MikeRushTV) March 17, 2021

His bio was recently removed from the TEGNA station's website.

In July 2020, I blogged how Rush swapped his evening anchor role with morning anchor Bryan Mays.

Before KVUE, Rush worked as an anchor for KSDK NewsChannel 5 St. Louis, Missouri for six years.

Prior to KSDK, Rush was:

- Weekend Anchor WPMI Mobile, AL

- General Assignment Reporter WGNO New Orleans, LA 

- Weekend Anchor KPLC Lake Charles, LA 

Rush, is a native of Houston and was a Bellaire High School cheerleader. 

While in school, the University of Houston grad interned with FOX 26 KRIV.

RELATED
Kristie Gonzales promoted to KYTX and KVUE

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 September 2019

RELATED
Best TV News bloopers September 2019


DALLAS - FORT WORTH

Jeff Jamison, the longest standing meteorologist at DFW’s CBS11, announces departure.

CBS11 KTVT adds Caroline Vandergriff to reporting staff from KOKH Oklahoma City.

Reporter Jay Wallis joins WFAA 8 from KVUE 24 Austin.

John Trevino Named VP-GM Of KDAF Dallas.

Nexstar Media Group promotes William “Bill” Sally to executive VP of sales.

- "TV News: Life & Live shots" WFAA Off Air


HOUSTON

Astros extend broadcasters Todd Kalas, Geoff Blum through 2021.

Former abc13 KTRK medical reporter Christi Myers tells me her daughter is following her into the TV news biz. Her daughter, Laura Laughead, is interning with Good Morning America. Check the show's website and you will see her bylines!

Former SportsRadio 610 KILT host Paul Gallant joins 710 ESPN Seattle.

Tessa Barrera joins "The Rod Ryan Show" on 94.5 The Buzz KTBZ from KFI AM 640 Los Angeles.

Mizanur Rahman named Houston Chronicle’s new Senior Editor for Local News.

Rockets sideline reporter Michelle Margaux to leave TV broadcasts.

Former MIX 96.5 KHMX morning host Larry 'Moon' Thompson prepares for his final radio broadcast in St. Paul/Minneapolis.

Bill Spencer has a new contract with Houston’s KPRC-TV as investigative/consumer. - Eatman Media Services

Nicole Jones moves to KHOU-TV in Houston as 5 p.m. Producer (from WNCN-TV, Charlotte).
- Represented by Steve Swienckowski at DCA Talent. http://www.dcatalent.com.

Rice Radio KTRU buys back original call sign.

2019 National Association of Broadcasters' (NAB) Marconi Radio Awards bestow honors on 104.1 KRBE and MEGA 101 KLOL.

Entercom rebuilds Houston Cluster.

- Rehan Aslam named abc13 KTRK news director
- Britta Merwin has her baby during a tropical disturbance!
- Cynthia Cisneros announces retirement from abc13 KTRK
- Melissa Wilson celebrates 19 years at FOX 26 KRIV
- Haley Hernandez and Sophia Beausoleil have babies same day!
- Melanie Lawson's car broken into, a look at car break-ins in Houston
- Tiffany Justice joins FOX 26 KRIV
- GM David Loving exits KXLN Univision 45
- Mike Glenn leaves Houston Chronicle for Washington Times
- abc13 photographer Damion Smith shares cancer fight
- Doug Miller talks KHOU and media career
- KPRC 2 expands 4pm news to one hour, Extra moves to 12:30pm
- Downtown Houston architecture
- Erika Lopez is married
- abc13 anchors celebrating some big anniversaries
- Owen Conflenti adds a boy to the family
- Where is Lisa Hernandez?
- Lainie Fritz appears on WDSU New Orleans


SAN ANTONIO

Camilla Rambaldi joins Fox News at Nine KABB with Ryan Wolf.

Mariah Medina becomes KENS 5’s new investigative reporter.

KENS-5 Great Day SA co-host Roma Villavicencio celebrates 10 years of being cancer free.


AUSTIN

KVUE’s Kristie Gonzales, Marketer Turned General Manager.

KATV 7 Little Rock, Arkansas reporter Matt Mershon joins Spectrum News.


AROUND TEXAS

Zoltan Csanyi-Salcedo is the new News Director for KRGV Channel 5 News and Somos Noticias.

Paul Alexander is moving up to become Director of Local Content Development at KRIS Corpus Christi.

East Texas news anchor Dana Hughey returns to CBS19 KYTX to host several hours of newscasts and have a leading role on all of the station's digital and social platforms.

Troy Clingerman joins Townsquare Media as Market President and Chief Revenue Officer for Wichita Falls, Texas cluster - Country 102.3 The Bull (KWFS-FM), Rock 106.3 The Buzz (KBZS-FM), CHR 92.9 NIN (KNIN-FM) and News-Talk 1290 (KWFS-AM).

Beaumont TX Radio: Joe “Flu Season” Lewis Arrives At KTCX-FM.


REMEMBERING

CBS 4 KGBT Meteorologist Alex Herbst dies at 26.

Travis Sattiewhite named KVUE Austin news director

Travis Sattiewhite has been named the KVUE Austin news director starting June 5, 2023.

He takes over for Christina Ginn who left KVUE to become Primetime Executive Producer for cable news channel NewsNation.  She previously worked for CNN and NBC.

“Having the opportunity to return home to Texas and work with the great journalists at KVUE is a dream come true,” said Sattiewhite in a statement. 

Readers of this blog will remember Sattiewhite leaving CW39 KIAH for CNN back in 2010.  He stayed with CNN for seven years as he moved up through the ranks.

"My longtime dream of working at CNN has finally come true," Sattiewhite told mikemcguff.com back then. "While, I’m leaving 39 News, I won’t be far away. In my new position, I will be working diligently to provide 39 News and other CNN affiliates with video from around the country and world."

The Native Houstonian is heading back to Texas from NBC Connecticut WVIT. After CNN, he also worked as a senior manager for KSHB 41 Kansas City and as an executive producer for Action News 5 WMC Memphis, Tennessee.

“Travis is a people-first leader who is passionate about telling stories that help diverse communities thrive,” said KVUE President and General Manager Kristie Gonzales. “His local and national news experience plus his drive to innovate make him the perfect fit to lead a newsroom in one of the fastest growing markets in the country. We’re excited to welcome him to the KVUE family!” 

Sattiewhite started his career as a weekend assignment editor for CW39 KIAH and moved on to News 24 Houston, back to CW39, WPLG Miami, KPRC 2 and then back to KIAH before leaving for CNN.

The Texas Southern University (TSU) grad recently completed his M.B.A. from Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business.

Terri Gruca leaving KVUE Austin

Terri Gruca is leaving KVUE Austin Friday, September 3, 2021.

"Hope you all know how much I appreciate you inviting me into your home all these years, for all of you who have followed me as I moved from market to market, for all of you who allowed me to share your stories," Gruca posted on Facebook. "Since I was a little girl, watching 60 Minutes with my family, I wanted to be a journalist. How lucky I am to have gotten to live that dream for 30 years! I am forever grateful!"

In an accompanying KVUE 24 article, the TEGNA staff writes that over the last months, Gruca and station managers have discussed how the longtime anchor could spend more time with her family.

As I blogged in June 2021, Gruca left the KVUE 5pm anchor role to solely work on the 11am to noon mid-day newscast. Anchor/political reporter Ashley Goudeau was named the KVUE 5pm anchor a few days later.

The KVUE article states Gruca is now leaving the TV news business.

RELATED
Jason Mikell's last day at KVUE today (VIDEO)

"Anyone who is a working parent understands the juggle," Gruca added on KVUE.com. "Our boys are starting to get more involved in school activities and I don’t want to miss out. Leaving has not been an easy decision for me, but one I feel I have to make right now for my family. My boys are making their way through these challenging times, and I want to make sure I can be there to help them navigate it all without feeling like I’m short siding them or KVUE."

“Terri has been our rock and a tremendous mentor in the KVUE newsroom," said KVUE president and general manager Kristie Gonzales on the station's website. "While we are sad to see her go, she will always be a part of the KVUE family. We wish Terri and her family the best.” 

Gruca joined KVUE in 2008, serving as the station's evening news anchor for nearly ten years.

Before Texas, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill grad worked at the following stations:

- Anchor / Investigative Reporter - WCCO Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area Minnesota

- Anchor / Investigative Reporter - WSPA Spartanburg, SC

- Anchor - WBIR Knoxville, Tennessee

- Reporter, Fill-in Anchor - WRAL Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina Area

No word yet on what profession Gruca will join in the future. 

(Thanks Adam!)

Texas TV news and radio job moves September 2023

Send tips for the monthly Texas media job list here.

- 2023 Lone Star EMMY Nominations
- Best TV News Bloopers September 2023

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

The Ticket parent company reaches resolution with former hosts Dan McDowell, Jake Kemp.

The parent company of the Dallas Morning News says it plans to eliminate up to 6% of its workforce.

“New Country 96.3” KSCS prepares to celebrate its Gold Anniversary.

KERA inks deal with developer that will bring high rises and new headquarters.

Dallas Observer's best of for media.

North Texas Stations Cowboy Up.

Morning anchor Laura Harris celebrates five years on NBC 5 DFW KXAS.

Lori Brown renews her agreement as a reporter with FOX 4 KDFW. 

Lisette Hernandez has been promoted to midday anchor for “Your Afternoon on Spectrum News 1." She will still do morning traffic duties, too.

NBC to drop new podcast about Grapevine-Colleyville ISD.

Megan Cardona joins KERA News as a reporter/producer.

- Tahera Rahman joins NBC 5 KXAS DFW

- NBC 5 KXAS DFW marks its 75th anniversary
- Tashara Parker is engaged
- Jenny Anchondo announces baby #2
- William Joy leaves WFAA DFW

HOUSTON

Kelly Ann Scott, who led AL.com to two Pulitzers in single year, named Houston Chronicle executive editor.

Rockets, Astros to jointly run ‘Space City Home Network’ for local TV games.

KXYZ photos from the 1940s were uncovered. 

Former Houston Chronicle sports columnist David Barron has been nominated by the Houston Astros for induction into the Houston Baseball Media Wall of Honor.

Houston Chronicle data visualization developer Kirkland An joins the Boston Globe.

Deputy Director of Digital Audience Tommy Hamzik leaves the Houston Chronicle.

Nakia Cooper leaves KPRC 2 as Digital Managing Editor.

Michael Connor left SportsTalk 790 KBME after 13 years.

KHOU 11 ENG Supervisor Rick Buffolano is celebrating 23 years with the station.

Anayeli Ruiz renews her agreement as a reporter with KHOU 11.

Former Houston DJ, now voiceover talent Michele Fisher can be heard on SiriusXM's Y2Kountry channel. (Thanks Susan Farb Morris)

Marketing director Deilia Ray Williams leaves KHOU 11.

At 82, retired radio host Paul Orseck (KPRC, KTRH) has finally solved his sleep problems.

- Dave Froehlich leaves KHOU 11 Houston
- Chauncy Glover joins CBS Los Angeles 2 KCBS and KCAL 9
- Kimberly Davis is married
- Will Kunkel arrives at FOX 26 Houston
- Abigail Dye joins FOX 26 Houston
- Courtney Zubowski returns to Houston TV
- Dominique Sachse talks making money as an influencer
- Daniel Gotera joins the Harris County - Houston Sports Authority
- Susan Schiller leaves FOX 26 Houston
- Lena Arango leaves FOX 26 Houston
- Gabby Hart joins leaves FOX 26
- Beyoncé's early days remembered by Houston TV
- Denise Middleton loses her father
- KHOU 11 Photojournalist Nathan Kvinge retires after 41 years
- "The Backstage Experience" debuts on FOX 26 Houston and FOX 7 Austin
- Get well Miya Shay!
- Get well Daniella Guzman
- abc13 KTRK Houston gets new graphics
- Jen Driskill to leave 89.3 KSBJ Houston
- Big Houston TV anniversaries in September!
- Michelle Choi moves to KHOU 11 days
- One Year After Eyewitness News Creator’s Death, Story of Houston Friendship Surface
- Erica Simon has baby gender reveal
- Ron Stone's KHOU 11 report on people looking to be buried to break a record

SAN ANTONIO

KENS 5 noon and 4pm anchor Audrey Castoreno celebrates eight ears with the station.

Peter L. Scamardo­ II is the new Regional Editor for MySA.

- FOX SA, Puro San Antonio launched on KABB
- 'Great Day SA' celebrates 20 years on KENS 5
- Audrey Castoreno is pregnant with baby #2
- Corderro McMurry joins "Daytime" on FOX 29 San Antonio

AUSTIN

Morning anchor Yvonne Nava celebrates 23 years in TV news and 11 with KVUE.

Evening anchor Rebecca Thomas celebrates eight years with FOX 7 KTBC.

Reporter Amanda Ruiz celebrates five and a half years with FOX 7 Austin KTBC.

- Britt Moreno returns to KXAN Austin
- KVUE's Kristie Gonzales leaves for WXIA Atlanta president-GM role

AROUND TEXAS

NBCUniversal Local’s El Paso Telemundo outlet KTDO is the latest to move to the public cloud for newscast production.

Dominique Leh joins 25 News KXXV Waco/Temple/Killen as a multi-media journalist. 

KCEN-KAGS names Ernesto Romero Director Of Sales.

- Ray Peters returns to sports with "On Texas Football"
- Arielle Schafer leaves KAMC / KLBK Lubbock
- Cameron Sibert leaves 12News Now KBMT/KJAC Beaumont
- Derick Garcia is going to be a dad
- Shaley Sanders is married
- Texas TV meteorologist goes freelance...from home

REMEMBERING

Attorney and long-time abc13 KTRK legal analyst Joel Marc Androphy has died. 

Former KHOU 11 Sports Photographer Bob Luna has passed away.

FOX 7 Austin assignment editor (and former KVUE producer) Kurt Liptak loses cancer battle. 

- Houston radio legend Moby has died
- Ginger Casey, former FOX 26/KHOU anchor, has died