Stacia Willson leaves KENS San Antonio

Stacia Willson left her meteorologist and morning traffic anchor positions at KENS 5 San Antonio on November 22, 2021.

KENS evening traffic anchor Holly Stouffer moves to the morning traffic shift, which has left San Antonio TV viewers asking, "Where is Stacia Willson?"

RELATED
Alanna Sarabia joins KENS 5 San Antonio

Willson departed San Antonio television to move closer to family in North Texas.

"I’ve really enjoyed my time at KENS, but my father suffers from Alzheimer’s, and it’s time to be closer to home," Willson told mikemcguff.com.  "I was blessed with great parents, they’ve always been there for me, and now I want to be there for them. I would love to continue working in news in the DFW area and be near my family at the same time."

“We want to thank Stacia for her 15 years at KENS 5, and although we hate to see her go, we fully support her desire to be closer to family,” said Tom Cury, KENS 5 president and general manager in a statement. 

Willson joined KENS 5 in November 2007 as Saturday morning anchor/reporter.  Then moved to anchor the noon newscast.

In 2017, Willson earned her broadcast meteorology from Mississippi State University and added weather duties for "Eyewitness News at Noon." Before morning traffic, she was the KENS afternoon traffic anchor.

Prior to San Antonio, the 2003 University of Texas at Austin grad worked at:

- WWL New Orleans - reporter

- KLBK 13 Lubbock - lead crime reporter

- KVHP Lake Charles, La.

UPDATE
Stacia Willson has done fill-in traffic work on WFAA 8 Dallas - Fort Worth since she left the KENS 5 San Antonio morning newscast.

*updated

Texas TV and radio job moves February 2018

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

WFAA morning anchor Alexa Conomos signed off in earlier January and has started a real estate career.

HOUSTON

KSBJ president/GM Tim McDermott steps down from station after 27 years.

From Rock DJ To NPR News: Ed Mayberry Reflects On A Career In Radio.

93Q KKBQ morning executive producer/on-air talent Al Farb is heading to Dallas' KSCS to work afternoons and as assistant program director.

Atom Smasher, former Houston KRBE radio host, gets new show in Clear Lake

Talk Host Chris X Joins ‘Conservative Cartel’ Show. Signing on with Pinnacle Broadcast Holdings, Inc to co-host “The Conservative Cartel” program with Matt Locke is Chris X, former host of ChrisXradio.

- KENS 5 traffic anchor Chelsey Hernandez joins KTRK abc13 as a consumer reporter
- Houston TV journalists strike out on their own, and open up to mikemcguff.com about making money, including turning on a paywall
- WFMZ 69 News Lehigh Valley, PA reporter Maria Salazar joins FOX 26 as a general assignment reporter
- WCBS New York reporter Jessica Borg joins KHOU 11
- Former KPRC 2 reporter Jennifer Bauer reports from scene of horrible Florida high school shooting
- FOX 26 KRIV reporter Stephen Morgan filled-in as the meteorologist
- Rebecca Spera shows off baby #2
- Owen Conflenti announces baby

SAN ANTONIO

KENS-TV traffic reporter Stacia Willson, who previously anchored the noon news, is working toward becoming a certified meteorologist.

Casey Keirnan joins the CBS Sports Digital team as an Anchor/Host in Fort Lauderdale, Florida from sports reporter at KABB-TV in San Antonio, Texas.
- 3kingsentertainment

AROUND TEXAS

Will Jensen promoted to main anchor at KTXS Abilene.

Mike Iliopoulos moves back to Weslaco, TX and re-joins KRGV as an anchor. He moves from KMGH in Denver.

KSWO meteorologist Austin Bowling announced he’s leaving the station and the business.

Longtime KVIA (El Paso) Anchor Estela Casas will be missing from the air for weeks.

REMEMBERING

Former KTRK journalist Roy Hobbs dies.

Internet broadcaster Harold Levine passes away.

Remembering KTRE News Director Kenny Boles.

Ray Moran, a pioneer broadcaster in Texas and New Mexico, and founder of Lubbock's Ramar Communications, passed away February 11, at age 82.

Jerry Lentz, an original DJ on Dallas' alt-rock station The Edge, has died of swine flu.

Texas TEGNA stations make major changes November 2021

Just when you thought we could take a breather during November 2021 sweeps, the Texas TEGNA television stations are making some major changes! 

This, with the reported potential of TEGNA being bought by another company.  They are not letting that slow them down any.

HOUSTON

My Houston readers will be interested in the hiring of Dave Froehlich as KHOU 11 morning anchor from FOX 7 KTBC Austin. Former morning anchor Xavier Walton is now the channel 11 weekend anchor.   Kimberly Davis joined KHOU mornings from KYW Philadelphia over the summer.

According to social media chatter, another big hire by channel 11 is abc13 KTRK Sr. Manager – Digital, Social Content Charlie Haldeman for KHOU.com's Assistant Director of Digital.   Texas media watchers might remember Haldeman was previously a news director for KXXV 25 Waco-Temple-Killeen.

UPDATE
Brian Shannon joins KHOU 11 as an assignments desk manager.  Longtime Houstonians will know him from his time on the legendary morning show "Stevens and Pruett" on 101 KLOL.  

SAN ANTONIO

KENS 5 has promoted morning anchor Audrey Castoreno to noon and 4pm anchor.  Before this, October was a busy month for the San Antonio station.

- Ryan Shoptaugh joins KENS 5 San Antonio

UPDATE
Deborah Knapp steps back from KENS San Antonio 10pm, still to anchor 5pm

RELATED
Today was Stacia Willson's last day on KENS 5 (watch video goodbye)

AUSTIN

KVUE Austin also has two arrivals, a promotion and departure.

- Daranesha Herron promoted to KVUE anchor
- Dominique Newland joins KVUE
- Christopher Nunley, Ph.D. joins KVUE Austin
- Tori Larned leaves KVUE Austin

Sarah Forgany gives birth

most painful & intense hours of my life.... yet most amazing, spiritual & beautiful. May 1st... my life is just beginning. Welcome Baby Girl 🤗 @KENS5 pic.twitter.com/hkTfd4FRjO

— Sarah Forgany (@ForganySarah) May 2, 2021

Sarah Forgany, KENS 5 San Antonio morning anchor, has given birth to baby daughter Bella on May 1, 2021. 

"Most painful & intense hours of my life....yet most amazing, spiritual & beautiful," Forgany posted.  "May 1st...my life is just beginning. Welcome Baby Girl."

KENS 5' Audrey Castoreno, Deborah Knapp and Stacia Willson held a baby shower in San Antonio.

Houston TV viewers will recognize who threw Forgany a virtual baby shower - it was KHOU 11's Grace White.

Audrey Castoreno named KENS 5 noon and 4pm anchor

Audrey Castoreno will be able to sleep in later as she is moving from her early morning anchor slot to the KENS 5 San Antonio Noon and 4pm newscasts. 

Castoreno starts her later news anchoring Monday, November 22, 2021.

“I am excited for the opportunity to continue to grow as a journalist and to spend more time with my family in the evenings,” Castoreno said in a statement provided to mikemcguff.com. "I appreciate all of the support I've been given over the years from our team and viewers, and I will continue to work hard to bring that same energy to our afternoon newscasts."

Castoreno, who has been with KENS San Antonio since 2015, will continue to produce her Eyewitness News Originals series "Made in SA."

"Audrey has worked hard to get where she is today," said Jack Acosta, KENS 5 news director. "Her Texas roots, years of experience and ability to connect with viewers make her the perfect choice to anchor our afternoon newscasts."

Prior to San Antonio television, the Sam Houston State University grad worked for KWES Midland-Odessa and KAVU Victoria. She interned at FOX 26 KRIV.

In 2013 and 2014, Castoreno was honored by the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters Association (TAPB).

Castoreno gave birth to daughter Aurora in October 2020.

"I’m excited to hit snooze on the alarm and be awake for family dinners," Castoreno added.

RECENT KENS 5 CHANGES
- Sarah Duran joins KENS 5
- Alicia Neaves returns to KENS San Antonio
- Marina Neuman joins KENS 5
- Alanna Sarabia joins KENS 5 San Antonio
- Alanna Sarabia is married
- Stacia Willson to leave KENS San Antonio
- Holly Stouffer moves to KENS 5 morning traffic

Ryan Shoptaugh joins KENS 5 San Antonio

Ryan Shoptaugh is joining the KENS 5 San Antonio weather team November 29, 2021.

"Returning to the city where I was born to work in meteorology has been a goal of mine," Shoptaugh said in a statement. "I grew up with KENS 5 always on in the living room during dinner, paying close attention to how the weather would affect my activities. Joining KENS 5 is an opportunity to learn under some of the best meteorologists out there, expand my weather knowledge and bring viewers the most accurate, up-to-date and timely forecasts."

Shoptaugh will serve as the KENS 5 weekend evening meteorologist. 

"Ryan is a terrific weather forecaster with strong Texas ties," said Jack Acosta, news director for KENS 5. "We’re happy he’s coming back home to San Antonio to join our weather team."

“South Texas weather is unique, and we’re thrilled to add another meteorologist with first-hand experience forecasting our weather patterns," KENS 5 weather chief Bill Taylor added.

Shoptaugh joins KENS San Antonio from TEGNA sister-station KIII Corpus Christi where he has been since July 2018.  He has worked as a 3News weekend evening and weekday morning meteorologist. 

Before Corpus, Shoptaugh started his TV weather career at CBS 4 KGBT Rio Grande Valley.

The San Antonio born meteorologist graduated from the University of the Incarnate Word.  

He is the son of a retired Air Force serviceman and a graduate of William J. Brennan High School. 

RECENT KENS 5 CHANGES
- Sarah Duran joins KENS 5
- Alicia Neaves returns to KENS San Antonio
- Marina Neuman joins KENS 5
- Alanna Sarabia joins KENS 5 San Antonio
- Alanna Sarabia is married
- Stacia Willson to leave KENS San Antonio
- Holly Stouffer moves to KENS 5 morning traffic

Sarah Duran joins KENS 5

Sarah Duran returns to San Antonio television joining KENS 5 as an Eyewitness News reporter starting November 8, 2021.

UPDATE JANUARY 2026
Sarah Duran named KENS 5 4:30 a.m. news and traffic anchor

“San Antonio is my home," Duran said in a statement.  "I am thrilled to be given an opportunity to report for the station I watched growing up. What a blessing it is to continue growing as a journalist and learning from the best in my hometown.”

RECENT KENS 5 CHANGES
- Alicia Neaves returns to KENS San Antonio
- Marina Neuman joins KENS 5
- Alanna Sarabia joins KENS 5 San Antonio
- Alanna Sarabia is married
- Stacia Willson to leave KENS San Antonio
- Holly Stouffer moves to KENS 5 morning traffic

“Sarah has grown up and worked in San Antonio, and her back story is terrific. We’re happy to add someone with her experience and local connections to our team,” said Jack Acosta, KENS 5 news director.

The San Antonio born and raised reporter has journalism in her blood.  Growing up, Duran spent time at her grandparents newspaper La Prensa, San Antonio’s only bilingual weekly newspaper.

“My grandparents are my biggest inspiration,” Duran said. “They along with my parents have always encouraged me to work hard and pursue my dreams. I owe all of my success to them.” 

Also in her early years at age 10, Duran attended a taping of "Great Day SA" at the KENS 5 studio which helped fuel her desire to become a broadcast journalist. 

Before working briefly in real estate, Duran was a multimedia journalist at Spectrum News San Antonio.

Prior to San Antonio, Duran was an anchor reporter for Newscenter 25 KAVU Victoria.

The John Marshall High School and Texas State University grad interned at Goodtaste.TV, News 4 WOAI San Antonio and Time Warner Cable News Austin. While in school, she worked for 89.9 KTSW San Marcos, the university radio station.

Today is my last reporting for @kens5. I’ve fallen in love with San Antonio over the past 3 years & am grateful to everyone who gave me the gift of sharing their stories.

I’m excited for a new adventure with our sister station in Seattle but will deeply miss this city & team!🤍 pic.twitter.com/ZPL6eSfzUO

— erica zucco (@ericazucco) November 4, 2021

As one reporter begins at KENS 5, another one leaves the TEGNA San Antonio station.

Erica Zucco is leaving KENS after three years to work for sister-station KING 5 Seattle.

Anchor F-bomb, psychic TV meltdown, WFAA, KENS and more

Anchor tries to say 'luck,' but another word comes out instead that starts with an 'f.' Yeah, you guessed it...NSFW, but heck it was already on the public airwaves.

Psychic Tips, Media Frenzies and Texas
The New York Times tweeted “Up to 30 Dismembered Bodies Found Near Houston, Reuters Reports.” CNN covered the story. ABC News tweeted it. Several other news organizations piled on to make the gruesome story international news. One problem: the story wasn’t true. Bigger problem: it was really really not true - it was all based on a tip from a psychic.
- False mass-graves story holds lesson
- How Twitter found 'up to 30 dismembered bodies
- Psychic won't be charged in frenzied Texas search for bodies

Anchor embraces her work at KENS
Stacia Willson has been doing an admirable job anchoring the noon news the past couple of weeks. However, she has not been named KENS' new lunchtime anchor.

What happened to Mix 96.5 KHMX's Maria Todd and Brad Booker?
Man...lots of people have commented on my post about Kidd Kraddick replacing Mix 96.5 KHMX's Maria Todd and Brad Booker.

WFAA 8 wins Murrows
WFAA 8 wins two 2011 National Edward R. Murrow Awards.

FOX Sports Southwest to televise Dallas Mavericks Championship Celebration
FOX Sports Southwest will provide live exclusive coverage in high-definition of the Dallas Mavericks’ NBA championship parade through the streets of downtown Dallas on Thursday, June 16.

D.W.I. case against radio host dismissed from lack of evidence
Two beers in four hours is all KLBJ radio host Jeff Ward said it took for him to spend one long night in jail. Monday Travis County prosecutors looked at the evidence and agreed with what Ward has said the whole time, he wasn't drunk when he was arrested.

Who was Dominique Sachse seen with?
KPRC 2 news anchor Dominique Sachse on the arm of Nick Florescu reports Shelby Hodge.
- PHOTO (scroll down)

Fort Worth's KXAS-TV will move, but not far
KXAS 5, The first TV station in the Southwest, anchored in Fort Worth since its founding in 1948, is a great part of the city's history.
- Tax abatement is approved for KXAS/Channel 5

KTVT Provides Turning Point in NBA Finals
KTVT was responsible for a turning point in this year’s NBA Finals, which the Dallas Mavericks won last night after six games.

Heidi Zhou-Castro is YNN’s new evening anchor
Time Warner Cable announced reporter Heidi Zhou-Castro is sliding into the anchor chair formerly occupied by Crestina Chavez.

The 33 CW/KDAF-TV Recognized with PROMAX/BDA Local Awards
The 33 CW (KDAF-TV), Tribune Broadcasting’s Dallas/Fort Worth CW affiliate, was awarded a Gold and Silver Muse at the 2011 PROMAX/BDALocal Station Summit in Las Vegas.

For Decades, DJ Merritt and DJ Jeff K Have Snuck Local Electronic Music Onto The Edge
In 2011, both DJ Merritt and DJ Jeff K remain so immersed in DFW music media that even getting them together for what would have been their first known photograph together on record, turned out to be a futile attempt. So we just settled on a joint interview.

KISD Honors Khambrel Marshall and KPRC
Khambrel Marshall and KPRC 2 were named to the 2011 Media Honor Roll, a program sponsored by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), by the Klein Independent School District.

DB and Associates places client:
Lydia Pantazes joins KEYE in Austin, TX as an anchor and reporter. She was previously at KCOY-KKFX in Santa Maria, CA.

NATIONAL MEDIA
- CBS Sees Better News in Pelley’s Ratings
- Media upstarts dissed on the street
- A Federal Study Finds That Local Reporting Has Waned
- Disney chief's $55million dollar pay package revealed as best paid CEO's salaries soar
- Confessions of a Budding Curmudgeon
- Network Morning Show ‘License Fees’ Enter the Spotlight
- CNBC’s New Sets Follow a Year of Design Changes

DIGITAL
Stations Welcoming Media-Savvy Graduates

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- KTRK 13's Houston Rockets focused newscast from 6/11/1995
- Texas TV news reporter/anchor moves

Alanna Sarabia joins KENS 5 San Antonio

Alanna Sarabia is joining KENS 5 San Antonio as its evening traffic anchor after her departure as co-host from WFAA 8 Dallas' "Good Morning Texas" earlier in 2021.

UPDATE
- Alanna Sarabia gives birth
- Alanna Sarabia is pregnant
- Alanna Sarabia is married

Sarabia will be taking over the TEGNA station’s noon, 4, 5 and 6pm newscast traffic duties from Holly Stouffer who is moving to the morning news.

RELATED
Stacia Willson to leave KENS San Antonio

"I'm looking forward to planting my roots -- and my future family's roots -- in this city that has been so gracious to me over the last decade,” Sarabia said. “I'm thrilled to be a part of the community again, especially doing so with the highly respected KENS 5 team. I'm ready and eager to start this new chapter in the Alamo City."

That new chapter includes getting married to her fiancé, a San Antonio police officer, later this month.

San Antonio television viewers will recognize Sarabia from her hosting work at News 4 SA WOAI's 'San Antonio Living' from 2013 to 2016. 

The Texas State University grad served as 2009's Miss San Antonio while advocating for sheltered animals. The former San Antonio Spurs Silver Dancer also was a member of San Antonio Fiesta royalty as La Reina De La Feria De Las

Flores, helping raise scholarship money for single parents' first child through LULAC Council #2.

“We’re thrilled to have Alanna join the Eyewitness News team," said Jack Acosta, KENS 5 news director. "Her Texas roots made her an obvious choice, and we can’t wait to welcome her back to San Antonio television."

Replacing Sarabia on DFW's GMT along side Jane McGarry was WFAA morning reporter Hannah Davis.

Texas TV news and radio job moves October 2021

 

Send tips for the monthly Texas media job list here.

ICYMI: I tweeted these as they first came out. See what is being massively shared across TV social media accounts:
- The Local Newsroom Recruitment Crisis, Part 1
- The Local Newsroom Recruitment Crisis, Part 2

HALLOWEEN 2021
Texas TV Halloween celebrations
Best Halloween TV News Bloopers

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

WFAA to move its TV studio out of prime Victory Park location in January.

Donnell Jackson joins CBS 11 KTVT as an Executive Producer.

WFAA's Cynthia Izaguirre Makes a Comic Book Mistake on TV.

William Joy renews his agreement as a reporter at WFAA in Dallas.

Erin Jones renews her contract as a Reporter at CBS O&O KTVT in Dallas.

Bianca Castro renews her contract as the 4:00 Anchor and Health Reporter at NBC O&O KXAS in Dallas.

Paul Mann Exiting KRLD-A/Dallas.

Rebecca Carrell Leaving Mornings At KCBI/Dallas.

Beyond Bows and Arrows: Indigenous Radio in Texas.

Dallas radio host charged with fraud by SEC.

Blake Mathews joins CBS 11 KTVT
Brittany Rainey joins CBS 11 KTVT
Newsy hires Texas bureau reporters
Anne Elise Parks gives birth
Marc Hefner joins KDAF 33 as GM

HOUSTON

A young Houstonian took to Twitter calling on Houston Astros reporter Julia Morales to help him accomplish a dream to meet Jose Altuve.

Matt Thomas 'living my best life' with new Rockets radio role.

Florian Martin joins The Houston Business Journal as a reporter from Houston Public Media.

Brittany Jeffers enters into a new agreement at KPRC in Houston’s as a Reporter. 

Denise Middleton enters into a new agreement and will continue as the Weekend Morning Anchor and Reporter at FOX O&O KRIV in Houston.

KSBJ/Houston Launching New Night Show With Taylor Mills.

KTSU 90.9 FM Earns Pinnacle Award from Greater Houston Black Chamber.

SuiteRadio To Launch 24/7 Classic Country Format ‘The Legend.’

Jim Kovacik Named Dir./Content For Townsquare Media's Victoria, TX Stations. 

Dabl moving to KPRC 2.4.

Doug Delony and Lisa Carter leave KHOU 11
Ruben Galvan leaves KHOU 11
Xavier Walton now KHOU 11 weekend anchor
Zachery Lashway joins KPRC 2
JC Perez promoted to KTMD VP of Marketing
Steven Romo joins NBC News
Kaitlin Monte gives birth to baby #3
24th Annual Houston Children’s Charity Gala with Cyndi Lauper
Courtney Fischer gives birth
Jennifer Reyna joins KHOU 11
Dayna Steele's "The Woman in the Mirror" debuts at MATCH
Jessica Willey completes Boston Marathon
T.J. Parker leaves abc13 KTRK
Stephen Morgan talks FOX Weather and FOX 26
Britta Merwin talks FOX Weather and KPRC memories
Who will own KHOU and TEGNA a year from now?
Linda Lorelle interviews "CBS Mornings" EP Shawna Thomas
Erik Scott Smith joins 100.3 The Bull mornings
FOX 26 KRIV in Spanish, plus new nationwide segment
Johnathan Walton's podcast "Queen of the Con: The Irish Heiress"
Jennifer Reyna makes surprise KHOU 11 visit
Addison Green is engaged
Three big abc13 anniversaries
Dominique Sachse signs off KPRC 2

SAN ANTONIO

Alpha Media/San Antonio Announces The Arrival Of Lauren ‘Lo’ Sessions From Sister KBFF (Live 95.5)/Portland, OR.

Courtney Friedman signs a new agreement at KSAT in San Antonio as Weekend Anchor/Reporter.

Meteorologist Justin Horne enters into a new agreement at KSAT in San Antonio.

John Marshall High School student Hayley Galindo didn't grow up wanting to be a sports journalist, but she does now, especially after a sideline gig with ESPN.

Alanna Sarabia joins KENS 5 San Antonio
Stacia Willson to leave KENS San Antonio
Holly Stouffer moves to KENS 5 morning traffic
San Antonio radio sees a ratings tie Royal Flush
Alicia Neaves returns to KENS San Antonio
Marina Neuman joins KENS 5
KSAT anchors turned into skeletons!

AUSTIN

Kevin McPherson promoted to VP/News Director of FOX 7 KTBC Austin from Assistant News Director.

Jordan Bontke signs off KEYE Austin.

Former KVUE chief meteorologist Albert Ramon leaves News Nation and joins CBS 2 WBBM Chicago.

Gabe Reynolds Joins Sun Radio In Austin, TX.

DeDe In The Morning Debuts In Five Markets Including Austin.

Jenni Lee promoted to KVUE midday anchor
Two Austin reporters leave TV news
David Yeomans is engaged
Brianna Hollis joins KXAN Austin

AROUND TEXAS

 After almost 30 years with News Channel 6 KAUZ Wichita Falls, Chris Horgen is retiring from broadcasting and joining the City of Wichita as Public Information Officer. 

KLST sports director Matt Loch says he is leaving the San Angelo station.

KBCY/Abilene's JB Cloud Among The Cumulus Employees Departing Over The Company's Vaccine Mandate.

Station staffers question recent reporter hire at El Paso station.

KLNT-A/Laredo, TX Sold.

Allan Gwyn leaves NewsChannel 10 KFDA
Ozzy Mora leaving KAVU Victoria
Breanna Molloy joins KXXV Waco
Holly Bock leaves KFOX14 and CBS4 El Paso
Alyssa Meisner leaves CBS4 KDBC El Paso
Lisette Hernandez leaves KLST/KSAN San Angelo
Ally Coscetti leaves KAMR Local 4 News
TX stations affected by Sinclair ransomware attack
Texas TV staffers fired over vaccine policy
Andrés Chaparro named KXXV Waco GM

REMEMBERING

Texas reporter Gerardo Moreno Aranda dies while on assignment in Mexico.

Holly Stouffer moves to KENS 5 morning traffic

Holly Stouffer is changing her KENS San Antonio traffic anchor shift from evenings to mornings.

“I’m really looking forward to joining our morning team," Stouffer said.  "This is a fun group that takes pride in helping people start their days off on the right foot. I tend to wake up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and I’m ready to bring that energy with me daily!”

RELATED
- Stacia Willson to leave KENS San Antonio
- Alanna Sarabia joins KENS 5 San Antonio

She joined KENS 5 as a reporter in July 2019.

Stouffer moved to traffic anchor in September 2020. 

Before San Antonio, Stouffer worked for:

- KXXV 25 Waco/Temple/Killeen - reporter/fill-in anchor

- WHSV Harrisonburg, Virginia - multi-media journalist (MMJ)

- MMJ - University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida interned with WKMG News 6 in Orlando.