Bob French files lawsuit against KBTX


Former KBTX meteorologist Robert “Bob” French files federal lawsuit against Bryan/College Station television station

Many of you have been asking for an update on the claims of discrimination and retaliation former KBTX meteorologist Bob French made against his former station.

Today, representatives for French's attorney issued a press release (read below) that says French is filing a federal lawsuit against KBTX.

Here is the release:

Bob French

Bryan/College Station, TX. July 28, 2014: Robert “Bob” French, Chief Meteorologist and Weathercaster employed by CBS affiliate KBTX in Bryan and College Station for 23 years has filed a federal lawsuit against KBTX claiming breach of contract, age and disability discrimination, harassment and retaliation as well as violations against the Federal Medical Leave Act.

The federal lawsuit filed in Houston, Texas alleges that KBTX targeted French in early 2013 because of his age and because he was placed in inpatient hospital care due to exhaustion and depression following overwork over the 2012 Christmas and New Year’s holidays. French alleges that employees under the age of 40 were allowed time-off while French was not. While away on FMLA leave that would protect his job until his return, the lawsuit alleges that French was reprimanded for the effects of his exhaustion and depression and KBTX openly sought to replace him. In what KBTX General Manager Mike Wright referred to as a “coincidence”, KBTX advertised an open meteorologist position at the same time Bob French was away from work on protected medical leave according to the suit.

Bob French’s return to work on air was short lived as within days after his return, French was fired from KBTX in July, 2013 and was replaced by Shel Winkley a weathercaster under 40 years of age and without a disability, according to the suit.

French had previously filed a charge of Age and Disability Discrimination as well as Retaliation with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The charge named KBTX and its parent company, Gray Television Group, Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia as respondents. The EEOC investigation was completed and notification of right to sue was mailed on May 29, 2014 prompting the filing of the federal lawsuit by French.

Bob French is represented by Houston Employment Lawyer Charles H. Peckham.

“For KBTX to have violated Bob’s legally-protected rights is offensive” Peckham explains. “If KBTX can fire a beloved man such as Bob French for being over the age of 40 or for simply exercising his right to disability leave, no employee in Texas is safe from similar treatment. Bob is standing up to send a message to KBTX that folks over 40 with temporary or permanent disabilities are not second-class citizens.”

Bob French was employed by a written contract that governed his activities at the station. According to the contract, French could not be terminated without cause. Bob French claims that none of the reasons given for his termination from employment were “for cause”, but instead were for illegal reasons related to his age, disability, and in retaliation for having taken FMLA leave.

Charles Peckham of the Houston-based law firm of Peckham PLLC is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. No stranger to high profile cases, Peckham is currently working as the civil attorney for Dr. Conrad Murray, the doctor accused of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson and nationally-syndicated radio host and comedian, George Willborn. Charles Peckham concentrates in many areas of litigation including employment, real estate and commercial law.

A statement by KBTX parent company Gray Television, Inc. should be out later today. When I get it, I will post it here.

Fmr. KBTX met Bob French claims discrimination and retaliation against station

KBTX and Gray Television the Subject of Federal Investigation by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

UPDATE JULY 28, 2014
Bob French files lawsuit against KBTX

UPDATE

KBTX sent me the statement I asked for:

The KBTX family is disappointed to learn from other media outlets that our former colleague and friend Bob French has chosen to file a Charge of Discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission stemming from his employment here. KBTX and Gray Television respect the privacy of the employment relationship, and accordingly, will not litigate matters related to Mr. French's employment in the press. KBTX, however, will defend itself vigorously against Mr. French's allegations and is confident that upon reviewing the record, the EEOC will conclude that Mr. French's allegations are utterly without merit.

ORIGINAL POST

I received a press release this morning from a representative of Houston Employment Lawyer Charles H. Peckham. It says that former KBTX Bryan/College station meteorologist Bob French has filed a complaint about his former employer claiming discrimination and retaliation.

Many KBTX viewers have been emailing me asking about French's whereabouts. I had contacted French when Shel Winkley was named as his replacement in August, but did not hear back from him.

Here is the release.

Bob French

Robert “Bob” French, a Chief Meteorologist and Weathercaster employed by KBTX in Bryan and College Station for 23 years has filed a charge of Age and Disability Discrimination as well as Retaliation with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).

The charge names KBTX and its parent company, Gray Television Group, Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia as the target of the allegations. KBTX and Gray Television are now the subject of a federal and state investigation by the EEOC.

Bob French, over the age of 40, claims he was overworked during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays of 2012 while other much younger employees were allowed time off. The strain of the long hours resulted in French’s in-patient treatment for exhaustion and stress-related matters in Houston in mid-January and caused his absence from the airwaves while recovering under Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave.

Upon French’s return to work and on air in April, 2013, KBTX General Manager Mike Wright allegedly reprimanded French for matters relating to his disability and FMLA leave. Shortly after, French was fired from KBTX in early July, 2013. He was replaced by a weathercaster under 40 years of age.

Bob French was employed by a written contract that French also claims was breached by KBTX and Gray Television. Suit is expected to be filed on the allegations as soon as the EEOC federal investigation is complete.

Bob French is represented by Houston Employment Lawyer Charles H. Peckham.

“For KBTX to have violated Bob’s legally-protected rights is offensive” Peckham explains. “If KBTX can fire a beloved man such as Bob French for being over the age of 40 or for simply exercising his right to disability leave, no employee is safe from similar illegal treatment. Bob is standing up to send a message to KBTX that folks over 40 are not second-class citizens.”

Charles Peckham of the Houston-based law firm of Peckham PLLC is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. No stranger to high profile cases, Peckham is currently working as the civil attorney for James Kirkland, professional boxer and WBC Light Middleweight Champion; medical board attorney for Dr. Conrad Murray, the doctor accused of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson, and lawyer for nationally-syndicated radio host and comedian, George Willborn. Charles Peckham concentrates in many areas of litigation including employment, real estate and commercial law.

UPDATE JULY 28, 2014
Bob French files lawsuit against KBTX

Shel Winkley replaces Bob French at KBTX 3

Shel Winkley, KBTX morning meteorologist, gets chief gig after Bob French's departure


UPDATE JULY 28, 2014
Bob French files lawsuit against KBTX

UPDATE DECEMBER 10, 2013
Fmr. KBTX met Bob French claims discrimination and retaliation against station

Shel Winkley

Shel Winkley's bio and social media accounts have been changed to say he is now the chief meteorologist at KBTX 3 in Bryan/College Station.

"I want to make sure the phrase 'I didn't know it was supposed to rain...snow...be severe...etc, etc' is able to leave the lips of the Brazos Valley," Winkley told mikemcguff.com. "Our goal is to make sure that we connect with folks on their level, whether that be social media (facebook, twitter, G+, you name it), on-air, KBTX.com, or even the old rusty, trusty weather-line. I'm privileged to have a talented team of meteorologists to work with and we all look forward to working more intimately with our viewers in order to bring them a better / more meaningful forecast."

"Shel served as interim Chief earlier in the year and demonstrated remarkable rapport and leadership skills with colleagues," KBTX VP/General Manager Mike Wright told mikemcguff.com. "We are counting on Shel to raise the bar and build on ratings we enjoy as the market leader."

This means the former morning met is moving up to replace the departed Bob French - who has been scrubbed from the station's website.

"KBTX is appreciative of Bob’s years of service with News 3 and he will always be part of the family," Wright told me.

As I blogged in late July, Bob French had been the chief weeknight weather anchor at KBTX since 1990. KBTX had put in former Weather Channel meteorologist Rich Johnson as a fill-in for Bob French a few months ago.

As for Winkley, his bio says that he joined the KBTX weather team in October of 2009. He was actually a former KBTX intern too. After graduating from, you guessed it, Texas A&M University in 2007 with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Meteorology, Winkley went to work for KFDA in Amarillo for two years.

Now the station has to search for a morning meteorologist.

"KBTX continues to interview for that position but is narrowing our field of qualified candidates," Wright said. "We plan to announce a morning weather replacement by the end of August."

French did not respond to my request for comment.


UPDATE JULY 28, 2014
Bob French files lawsuit against KBTX

UPDATE DECEMBER 10, 2013
Fmr. KBTX met Bob French claims discrimination and retaliation against station

Bob French joins KAGS Bryan-College Station

Bob French files federal lawsuit against former employer KBTX, now joins competitor KAGS

Bob French

Things are heating up in the Brazos Valley. Last December, we learned that chief meteorologist Bob French filed a complaint about his former employer, KBTX Bryan/College Station, claiming discrimination and retaliation.

Then last summer French filed a federal lawsuit against KBTX claiming breach of contract, age and disability discrimination, harassment and retaliation as well as violations against the Federal Medical Leave Act.

Today we learn that the longtime Aggieland met is leaving for the competition. Here is more from the KAGS press release:

KAGS-HD News, the NBC affiliate in the Brazos Valley, is proud to announce that Bob French is joining its team as Chief Meteorologist.

Bob brings more than 30 years of experience forecasting the weather for the Brazos Valley and Southeast Texas combined. He has spent more than 20 years covering the Brazos Valley.

You can watch Bob weeknights at 6 and 10 p.m. beginning Monday, October 20th. You can also check his daily updates on www.kagstv.com, facebook and twitter.

"The Brazos Valley has been my home since 1990,” Bob French said. “I am so blessed that I can serve the residents here with my passion for weather and experience in forecasting."

“We are excited to have Bob on our team,” KAGS-HD news director Luke Simons said. “Bob is not only a great meteorologist, but a great person that truly loves this area.”

“We’re excited to have a meteorologist with a vast amount of experience forecasting the local weather,” KAGS-HD station manager Roby Somerford said.

KAGS-HD news can be seen Monday-Friday on Suddenlink (ch. 6 and 730 HD), over-the-air (channel 23.1), and on DIRECTV (channel 23.1) in the Brazos Valley.

RELATED
Shel Winkley replaces Bob French at KBTX 3

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

Texas media job moves 2013

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

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

Bob Allen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bob Morford upped to news director at Fox 26 KRIV
Bob Morford named Vice President and News Director of FOX 26; moved up from assistant ND.

Dave Froehlich named Fox 7 KTBC morning anchor from KRIS-TV
Dave Froehlich jumps from KRIS Corpus Christi to Fox 7 KTBC Austin.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Big TV & media job moves across Texas

A ton of Texas TV and media folks getting new gigs

Former News 92 FM KROI anchor Lanny Griffith writes on Facebook he is now a media adviser to his long time friend Kim Ogg who is running for Harris County District Attorney.

KAGS-HD chief meteorologist Jared Plushnick leaves Bryan-College Station for KVUE Austin.

KBTX Bryan-College Station's Michael Oder leaves The Brazos Valley for WIAT in Birmingham. He'll get to work with Gene Norman.

Meghan Lopez joins KFOX El Paso as weekend anchor.

Jessica Holley leaves Corpus Christi KZTV Action 10 News' Jessica Holley joins KWTV News 9 Oklahoma City as a a multi-media journalist.

KENS reporter James Munoz works for city councilman
Former broadcast journalist James Doughty joins District 9 City Councilman Joe Krier and staff as Communications Manager.
"James Doughty came to us highly recommended and after several interviews we determined he was an outstanding match for our office," said Krier. "I look forward to him being a part of our team and helping us serve the needs of District 9 constituents.”
James most recently worked in television news using his mother's maiden name Munoz. Born in Midland, Texas, James graduated from Texas Tech University in 1997 with a BA in Broadcast Journalism. He has worked in TV News for more than 16 years.
James and his wife Angela are members at Churchill Baptist Church where they lead a Sunday morning Bible School Class for Pre-K and Kindergarten aged children. He has two children who study in the N.E.I.S.D.
"I turn 40 this year and more than ever it's important for me to give back to this wonderful community," Doughty said. "Councilman Krier is one of the most respected members of our community and I'll work hard to share his views and values with San Antonio."
James is a 4th generation Texan. He carries the namesake of his 3rd great-grandfather who was the first superintendent of the King Ranch and Sheriff of Refugio county. Another ancestor, John Moses, came to Texas in 1847 and wrote a series of columns for the San Antonio Express News from 1887 to 1890 under the pseudonym Sesom.
"When I look at my family history of public service I know I've made the correct move in joining Councilman Krier at City Hall," said Doughty. "I am here to chronicle what's happening and help others. I'm honored to work with Councilman Krier for all of San Antonio."
(Taken from press release)

Sports Anchor Ed Sorensen To Join KWTX News 10
KWTX Media announced famed sports anchor Ed Sorensen will join the station as evening sports anchor.

Investigative Producer Lauren Sweeney joins KPRC 2.

Sarah Rufca leaves The Houston Chronicle after two years to join Houstonia Magazine as lifestyle editor. She previously worked for CultureMap.

KPRC 2's Anthony Yanez heading to KNBC LA
KPRC 2 morning meteorologist Anthony Yanez heads west to KNBC LA where Daniella Guzman is morning anchor

Grace White joins KHOU 11
Fox San Antonio KABB & News 4 San Antonio WOAI anchor/reporter Grace White moves to Houston's KHOU 11

Rhor rejoins Houston Chronicle as staff writer
Award-winning journalist Mónica Rhor returns to the Houston Chronicle.

Zavala changes jobs at San Antonio Express News
After a 17-month stint as Digital News Editor for mysanantonio.com, Elizabeth Zavala has moved back to the print side of the San Antonio Express-News.

TX Radio: Roger Garrett Sets Retirement From KORA
Roger “WWW” Garrett, Program Director and KORA Morning Show Host and John Seigler General Manager of Brazos Valley Communications, Ltd., Wednesday announced Garrett’s planned retirement effective December 31, 2014.

Bob French joins KAGS Bryan-College Station
Bob French files federal lawsuit against former employer KBTX, now joins competitor KAGS

KTVT CBS 11 adds Gilma Avalos and Lisa Villegas
Gilma Avalos and Lisa Villegas will Team Up for Weekend Editions of CBS 11 News This Morning

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

A roundup of Houston and Texas TV moves and departures since I went on vacation in early July...lot's of action around the state.

Chris McDonald starts at KHOU 11 this week as an assignments editor he confirmed to me. Fox 26 KRIV, McDonald's previous employer where he worked as the assignments desk manager, posted on Facebook in late June that McDonald was taking a news director position in Victoria, TX.

Got word that News92FM reporter Pattie Shieh is leaving KROI and moving on to LyondellBasell.

Larry Giele has joined CBS 11 (KTVT-TV) and TXA 21 (KTXA-TV) as controller. Giele comes to the stations from WKYC in Cleveland, where he held the same position.

Bob French has been Chief Meteorologist and weeknight weather anchor at KBTX since 1990. That appears to be no more. Right before I left on vacation I got a tip he was gone and now his KBTX social media accounts and bio page have been erased. The station reported in May that French was on extended leave to attend to family matters.

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

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

Mary Lee to leave KPRC 2 for California
Mary Lee leaves KPRC 2 after arriving at the station in 2010.

Garry Seith no longer in CBS11's weather picture
Veteran meteorologist Garry Seith, who has been working the weekday early morning shift at CBS11, is “no longer with the station."

Scott Padgett joing CBS11 as new early morn meteorologist
CBS11 has named Scott Padgett of Miami’s WPLG-TV as its new weekday morning meteorologist.

Tragedy: Jon Dillon is no longer on 92.5 KZPS-FM
Jon Dillon’s career in Dallas radio dates back to 1969, when he was, for a while, the sole voice of KFAD-FM, which briefly poked its head out of the rock-and-roll underground from 94.9 on your FM dial.
- Jon Dillon, the voice of classic rock in Dallas when it was still ‘underground,’ is out at KZPS

The Mack Show on 700 KSEV
Mack has taken “leave” from the afternoon show on KSEV.

Traffic reporter at KENS moving on
KENS-TV traffic reporter Natalie Tejeda will be busy making her own travel plans soon.

Mike Barajas' son moves to KSAT
If you followed my Facebook page, last week you would have seen that Bill Barajas, is moving up to a higher TV market his dad, Mike Barajas told me. Currently the younger Barajas is at KRGV in the Rio Grande. But starting next month, Bill moves up to KSAT

Labbe Named WOAI News Director
Blaise Labbe, KCTV Kansas City news director, has been named director of news for Sinclair's WOAI-KABB San Antonio.

KVUE Defenders add Austin American-Statesman’s Tony Plohetski
KVUE’s long-standing and award winning investigative unit, The Defenders, grows even stronger by adding Austin American-Statesman investigative journalist Tony Plohetski to the team.

Weekend anchor Jenni Lee departs Fox 7
KTBC and Jenni Lee, the station’s weekend news anchor, have parted ways.

Paul Cicala leaving KVIA
Channel 7-KVIA sports director Paul Cicala is leaving and returning to his hometown of Tucson.

El Paso’s KVIA Adds Reporter
Collin Carroll will join El Paso ABC affiliate KVIA as a multimedia journalist.

Looking for TX TV jobs?

KFDM 6 Beaumont anchors: Where are they now?

KFDM 6 Beaumont just moved into its new studios, and is looking back to its past of 69 years to see where some of its previous anchors have gone to. 

Weeknight anchor Aaron Drawhorn interviewed some of the previous anchors, meteorologists, and hosts that made up the station's past.

"And there was just a culture about KFDM television that you just assimilated and you learned and you...you fit in. And we were able to attract great talent," former anchor and general manager from 1974 to 2011 Larry Beaulieu said in the report. "KFDM had a reputation. It was a...had some of the highest news shares of any television station in the United States."

Other on-air KFDM talents included:

Cecile Burandt 

Albert Zipp

Sally Rieger (anchor 1984 to 1997)

Meteorologist Bob French (went on to KBTX 3 Bryan - College Station)

Leeza Gibbons PM Magazine host 1979 to 1980 (went to Entertainment Tonight)

Kerry Andersen (anchor 1994 to 1996)

Bill Leger

Liz Wiggins (anchor 1995 to 2002)

Jackie Simien (anchor 1994 to 2007)

Kelli Phillips (anchor 2002 to 2015 went on to Texas Country Reporter)

Scott Lawrence (anchor 1985 to 1988, now a KFDM Executive Producer)

And look what I found on this old Facebook post! It features ABC13 KTRK Houston's Bob Slovak from his time at KFDM.

It's break time, 101 KLOL and where is Dave Ward?

See you soon and subscribe to my social media accounts below to keep informed

Mike McGuff and 101 KLOL Runaway Radio

Wow! The summer started off slow for about two weeks and then the Houston media news went full throttle.

Right now we are waiting to see who will be named KTRK abc13 news director, if there will be an interim named in the meantime, has someone already been hired or will a certain KTRK reporter's husband be waiting in the wings to assume the position. Try saying all of that five times fast.

Also where the heck is anchor Dave Ward?

I think the other stations are fairly stable right now...or at least more stable than KTRK at the moment. KPRC will have to hire a new assistant news director, but that's about all I remember. Oh yeah, and KHOU could name a new consumer reporter soon.

If we get any answers, well, they will have to wait to be put on this blog. I'm taking some time off. Got too much going on!

I am putting the finishing touches on my Rock 101 KLOL documentary script. By the way, if you have any KLOL related photos/videos (like you with a KLOL DJ or even in a KLOL shirt) or stories email me!

I'm also building websites for clients to help pay for the cost of this amazing documentary.

And most importantly, I have my two kids with me who have no more organized activities.

Make sure to follow me on Twitter and Facebook and Instagram to keep up with what's going on while I'm away. I'll still feature some news there that won't be on the blog like usual.

BTW, I have some great blog material coming up when I return. New Houston media job announcements and some TV talent acting naughty. I think mikemcguff.com might have to come in and spank them!

IN CASE YOU MISSED SOME BIG HOUSTON MEDIA SUMMER NEWS
- Demond Fernandez moves to WFAA from KTRK abc13
- Bill Young, broadcasting legend, is gone
- 'Live Well Network' plug pulled by Disney-ABC Television Group
- Darby Douglas to return to KHOU 11
- Lauren Talarico joins KHOU from WLTX Columbia, SC
- Mary Benton is leaving KPRC 2
- Former KHOU 11 reporter Brad Woodard has died
- Katherine Whaley leaving KHOU 11
- Courtney Zubowski leaving KHOU 11
- Rhonda Errer LaVelle is new KPRC 2 news director
- Tracy Clemons heads to KTRK abc13
- KTRK and ABC stations to start central master control hub
- Simone Eli is new KPRC 2 weekend sports anchor
- Jacob Rascon now at NBC News
- KTRK abc13 news director Dave Strickland resigns
- Bob French files lawsuit against KBTX

Christopher Nunley, Ph.D. joins NewsChannel 8 KTUL

Christopher Nunley, Ph.D. joined NewsChannel 8 KTUL Tulsa, Oklahoma in September 2023 as chief meteorologist after KING 5 Seattle.  

"This is not a role I take lightly," Nunley tweeted. "I know the importance of the position and I’ll strive every day to provide accurate, timely forecasts and information to help keep the viewers prepared."

🧵1] I’m excited to announce I’m the newest Chief Meteorologist at News Channel 8 in Tulsa. This is not a role I take lightly. I know the importance of the position and I’ll strive everyday to provide accurate, timely forecasts and information to help keep the viewers prepared,… pic.twitter.com/pPaNR8vYFl

— Chris Nunley, Ph.D. (@chrisnunley) September 23, 2023

He joined KING 5 Seattle as a meteorologist in March 2022 and left in 2023.

"I was born in Everett and spent my childhood in Mason County (on the other side of the Sound from Seattle)," Nunley tweeted.  "My family still lives in Mason County and they will now get to watch me every day on the television (instead of on the app/website)."

"That’s a wrap Texas! The past three-ish years have been great Central Texas & Brazos Valley," Nunley tweeted in a later follow-up KVUE Austin goodbye. "I’ve loved my time at KVUE & KAGS.  Excited for my next and final stop in Seattle at the BEST tv station in the entire country."

AT THE SAME TIME
- Dominique Newland joins KVUE
- Daranesha Herron promoted to KVUE anchor

Dr. Nunley joined KING 5 from TEGNA sister-station KVUE Austin where he  filled-in for chief meteorologist Erika Lopez while she was on maternity leave. He started at KVUE near the end of 2021.

Bryan-College Station readers of my blog will recognize Dr. Nunley since he came from the Brazos Valley where he was the KAGS chief meteorologist taking over for the legendary Bob French.

Before I get into the usual formula of telling you where he worked before, I have to point out that Dr. Nunley is a part-time lecturer at Mississippi State University.  So let's just say he must really know the weather.

The Dallas raised Dr. Nunley crossed the Red River to study meteorology at the University of Oklahoma and then went for his Ph.D. in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences from Mississippi State University.

Now back to the job listings.

Prior to Bryan-College Station, Dr. Nunley worked as a meteorologist for:

- KRQE News Albuquerque, New Mexico 

- KTEN Sherman/Denison

That’s a wrap Texas! The past three-ish years have been great Central Texas & Brazos Valley⭐️

I’ve loved my time at KVUE & KAGS🧡

Excited for my next and final stop in Seattle at the BEST tv station in the entire country💛

I hope you’ll follow Ca💰h and I’s journey🗺 pic.twitter.com/zpL5UGfn6t

— Christopher Nunley, Ph.D. (@chrisnunley) March 14, 2022

* Post updated with Dr. Christopher Nunley's departure from KVUE Austin to KING 5 Seattle to NewsChannel 8 KTUL Tulsa.

Texas TV news and radio job moves June 2019

RELATED
- Best TV News Bloopers Of June 2019
- 2019 RTDNA Murrow national award Texas winners

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

Reporter Steven Dial joins KDFW Dallas from reporter and fill-in anchor at KSHB Kansas City, Mo.

Veteran Dallas Morning News photojournalist Tom Fox said he thought he “was gone” when he hid in an alcove from a heavily armed masked man at the downtown federal courts building.

88.5 KCSN/Los Angeles interim PD/Director of Digital Integration Jeff Penfield has accepted a position with North Texas Public Broadcasting as Manager, Radio Operations at NPR affiliate 90.1 KERA and Triple A KXT/Dallas.

HOUSTON

Paul Gallant let go from SportsRadio 610 KILT.
- SportsRadio 610 KILT names Matthew Jarecki as 9-11p host from Northern Arizona University where he hosted on low-power student station KLJX-LP Flagstaff and sideline reporter for KAFF.

Houston Chronicle NFL columnist John McClain inducted into the second class of media voted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.

TEGNA station WFAA photographer, Brandon Mowry, and KHOU (CBS) Kyle Porter, and John Sharify are bringing home honors after four NPPA Best of Photojournalism Awards.

Get2Know KPRC 2's Taisha Walker

Get2Know KPRC 2's Rose-Ann Aragon.

Liberty’s hometown radio station, KSHN 99.9 FM, has been purchased by Humble-based KSBJ.

Roula and Ryan Show Technical Producer Krystina Ramey is leaving the show.

FOX 26 KRIV photo-journalist Josh Reed leaves for a Seattle station.

abc13 KTRK editor Heikki Mikael Mustonen joins KVUE Austin as a photo journalist.


- Russ Lewis to anchor KHOU 4pm newscast
- Chita Craft announces second pregnancy
- Tropical Storm Allison KPRC 2 clips from 2001
- RadioGalveston launches online
- Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Houston/Galveston takes home three 40th Annual Telly Awards
-KPRC 2 weekend morning anchor Jacob Rascon's wife, Ashley, is pregnant with their fifth child
- Sara Donchey still loves Houston
- KPRC 2 reporter Brittany Jeffers announces first baby on the way
- Sophia Beausoleil is pregnant
- Owen Conflenti is adding to the family
- Dominique Sachse updates us on husband's terrible accident
- Yes, 7 KPRC babies are coming in 2019!
- KHOU 11 news director Sally Ramirez appears on Women on Deadline podcast hosted by Carolyn Hall and Sierra Starks
- Kaitlin Monte's baby is here
- Reporter/fill-in anchor Mycah Hatfield joins abc13 KTRK as reporter/MMJ from KJRH Tulsa, Oklahoma

SAN ANTONIO

Russell Rush, PD and afternoon drive time host on 96.1 Now in San Antonio, announced he has cancer.

Director David Hughes retires from KENS 5 Great Day SA.

AUSTIN

Leslie Rangel joins KTBC as ‘Good Day Austin’ anchor from evening anchor and reporter at KWKT Waco.

Boomtown 2040 is a year-long campaign by KVUE Austin, focusing on Central Texas growth.

After seven years at the Texas Tribune, political editor Aman Batheja joins the New York Times in DC.

- Brittany Glas ‏leaves KXAN, Mari Salazar joins KVUE

AROUND TEXAS

KAGS Chief Meteorologist Bob French announces his retirement after serving the Bryan/College Station community for nearly 30 years.

KAGS News names veteran TV manager Erin Wencl as News Director.

KCEN Waco reporter Emani Payne shares horrifying story about having gun pulled on her while on assignment alone in Killeen.

Jen Phillips has been named weekday evening anchor of KXII in Sherman, Texas.

News director Amie Hudspeth moves from KAVU Victoria to CNN Headline News as Script Supervisor.

REMEMBERING

John Walton of Houston and New Orleans' radio show Walton and Johnson dies

Chuck Scott, longtime Houston radio newscaster, dies at 76.

Bill Bragg, former voice of 'Big Tex,' dies at 72.

Kraddick public memorial, Dallas TV changes, Houston radio and more

MORE VIDEOS
- Brian Williams Raps Young MC's Bust a Move with words cut from his newscast
- Meteorologist Reports on Hailstorm, Finds Out On Air it Damaged His Car
- TV Reporter Just Misses ‘Full Moon’ Shot Behind Him
- In case you ever wondered what a newspaper reporter goes through
- CBS 11 KTVT starts new 11am newscast today
- Discover Houston - Trailer

Kidd Kraddick public memorial set for August 15 on AT&T Plaza outside AAC, featuring a Ben Folds performance
A public memorial for Kidd Kraddick, billed as a “Tribute to Kidd,” will take place August 15 on the AT&T Plaza in front of the American Airlines Center. It will begin at 5:30 p.m.
- Dale Hansen compares Kidd Kraddick's death to 9/11 in bizarre interview with radio show crew

Catching up with a cavalcade of changes in D-FW television news
Lots of changes in the last few weeks in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Cumulus, owner of The Ticket, to run ESPN Radio in Dallas; exec delivers 'tough' news to KESN staff
The self-proclaimed Worldwide Leader, announced it was turning over day-to-day operations of its Bristol-owned radio station KESN, better known as ESPN-FM (103.3), to Cumulus Media, owner of rival The Ticket KTCK-AM (1310), the perennial local sports talk ratings champion.

CBS clearly has upper hand in stalemate with Time Warner
CBS can afford to play a waiting game. Time Warner cannot -- particularly in the Dallas-Fort Worth viewing area.

Former KXAS Anchor Snyder Caught Up in Sun Scandal
NY Times wrote about Mike Snyder, longtime Dallas anchor, a debate stemming from a glare on a Dallas museum, and some online comments from a fake person…that happened to be Mike Snyder.

Longtime columnist, radio show host Randy Galloway retiring from broadcasting
Randy Galloway, the longtime radio talk show host with the telling Texas twang that spouts hot sports opinions, is retiring from KESN-FM (103.3) at the end of the year.

Dallas paper and “The Ticket” on same mobile page
In Dallas the local paper is turning to the experts in talk radio — broadcasters.

KILT summer slump continues in latest Arbitrons
For the first time since December 2010, KILT (610 AM) does not rank first among Houston’s five all-sports radio stations in any of the three major daytime dayparts as measured by Arbitron in its July ratings book.

‘Sportsmouth’ Warner resigns from KILT
Longtime Houston radio sportscaster Barry Warner said he has resigned from CBS Radio’s KILT (610 AM), bringing to an end, for now, a radio career that began in the 1950s.
- Barry Warner laments the rise of douchebag sports talk radio, questions journalism training of 610 AM hosts
- Fred and Ted show to fill KILT late-night hole

Lance Zierlein and Adam Clanton talk
Lance Zierlein and Adam Clanton of 790 KBME's The Proper Gentlemen face Houston Media Watch.
- Lance Zierlein and Adam Clanton to replace Adam Wexler and Matt Jackson on 790 KBME

Shelby Hodge's cancer fight
A cancer bump in the road for CultureMap's Shelby Hodge means M.D. Anderson is her new best friend

Dave Ward signs extension; hopes for 50 years at KTRK
Dave Ward, KTRK's seemingly eternal anchor, is one contract extension away from setting the stage for his goal of working 50 years at Channel 13.

Style Setter: Dana Tyson
Dana Tyson: A well-dressed radio personality? No, really.

HOUSTON MEDIA BABY WATCH
- Casey Curry is pregnant
- KHOU 11's Jeremy Desel gets baby #4
- KPRC's Amy Davis & Joel Eisenbaum expecting a baby girl

San Antonio’s KSMG-FM names afternoon host
Jenny Lee has been tapped to join KSMG as the afternoon host.

In July, KVUE, KXAN rank No. 1 for local news
If KVUE and KXAN are your go-to choices for local TV news, you're in good company.

Did KVIA go to far in reporting KTSM anchor's arrest?
Channel 7-KVIA was oozing with "mea culpas" the other night, apologizing profusely for what some viewers obviously perceived as overly aggressive, sensational journalism.
- KVIA Raises Questions Over Coverage of Rival Anchor’s Arrest for Domestic Violence

MOVING

KTRK abc13 10pm news producer Waliya Lari instagrams she is leaving the station.

WTVD Durham, North Carolina producer Meredith Harvie joins sister station KTRK.

Bobby Rigg is back in Houston at his old job at KHOU where he’s once again Sr. Writer Producer in promotions.

REMEMBERING

CBS 11 Says Farewell To One Of Its Own
KTVT says goodbye to longtime employee Tom Finn.

R.I.P.: Paul Gibson PD At KDCD San Angelo, TX
San Angelo, TX on-air radio personality Paul “Gibson” Peterson died after suffering a stroke Sunday.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Shel Winkley replaces Bob French at KBTX 3
- Bill Barajas joins KSAT from KRGV
- Aereo to bring local Houston & Dallas TV to your mobile device
- Why was KTRK abc13's 10pm newscast late?
- Houston PR Day Conference
- KTRK abc13 has technical difficulties during Houston #Texans vs Minnesota Vikings game; will re-air it

Kidd Kraddick's big secret, KTRK pranked and more stuff that happened

MORE VIDEO
- Was a TV Reporter Really Fired for Saying some NSFW things about missing woman?
- WFAA anchor viral clip laughed at by Anchorman 2 stars
- Fox 26 anchor Don Teague performs Tom Petty
- CNN Airs Prerecorded, Mistake-Filled Interview About Air Force One
- ‘Let’s Get the F*ck Outta Here’: NBC Anchor Caught on Hot Mic After Tossing to SNL
- New Year's Eve F-Bomb Blooper
- Conan O’Brien Catches Local Anchors Using Identical Scripts (Again)
- Reporter Faints During Live Shot
- 93.7 The Arrow, Houston - Aircheck (2000)
- KHTV Ch. 39 Houston promo (1977)
- KFMK, Houston-Spring Branch Memorial (1967)
- 104 KRBE Houston - Tom Rivers (1977)
- CBS 11 News AM January 2014

I'm like the guy at the office who forgot to give you a Christmas present a few weeks ago, and then shows up in January with one. My gift to you today...all the stuff that went on while I was on (sorta)hiatus.

First exit of New Year
NBC5 DFW reporter Omar Villafranca leaves for CBS News.

DMN Bids Goodbye to WFAA Because the Partnership Never Really Worked
Jim Moroney — chairman, president, and CEO of A.H. Belo, owner of the Dallas Morning News — dreaded this day. He knew it was coming, but that made it no easier. When the recommendation came from his top editors (news side bosses Bob Mong and George Rodrigue, as well as digital chief David Duitch), it said what he thought it would: partner with Channel 5, pass on Channel 11, say goodbye to Channel 8.
- The Dallas Morning News shacks up with NBC5, leaving former BFF WFAA8 out of picture

And to all a good night
D-FW's list of 2013 TV newsroom exits

Kidd Kraddick's Big Secret
Before his sudden death at age 53, he became one of the most popular DJs in the country. He made millions by talking about himself. But there was one thing he couldn't share.

FCC Approves Gannett-Belo Deal
The commission gave the green light to the $1.5 billion Gannett buy of Belo's 20 stations as well as the $2.7 billion purchase by Tribune Co. of Local TV LLC’s 16 stations. Gannett says it expects to close its deal next week.

KDGE Brings Back 'Jagger Mafia' For Mornings
CLEAR CHANNEL Alternative KDGE (102.1 THE EDGE)/DALLAS announced on its website that its bringing back "The JAGGER Mafia" for mornings.

Jay Michaels exits Clear Channel/Dallas duo
Program director Jay Michaels has left Clear Channel’s KDMX and KDGE in Dallas.

Me-TV Finds New Dallas Home
Partners with CBS-owned KTXA after KTXD drops it for local programming.

Gannett wins approval for Belo TV station acquisition
Gannett Co. won U.S. antitrust approval for its $1.5 billion purchase of Dallas-based Belo Corp. and its 20 television stations, including WFAA/Channel 8, under a settlement with the Justice Department that requires the sale of a St. Louis television station.

‘Father of prostitute’ pranks American TV station, garners fans
The story of six students robbed at gunpoint at the University of Houston was no longer a gripping headline after one student, who claimed to have been a witness, told KTRK abc13 his name was “Abu Sharmouta.”

Josh Innes leaving KILT for job in Philadelphia
Josh Innes, the polarizing but popular co-host of KILT’s (610 AM) afternoon drive time show since December 2010, has left the station for a similar position in Philadelphia and will be replaced in January by longtime KGOW (1560 AM) host Sean Pendergast.
- Sean Pendergast Named New Afternoon Host For SportsRadio 610
- Macnow replaced on WIP afternoon show
- Silly Jilly Exits KKHH Nights And Moves To Philly

John Harris is out at KGOW as station shuffles lineup
KGOW (1560 AM) said it will shuffle its local lineup Jan. 6, pairing former NFL quarterback Sean Salisbury with John Granato in afternoon drive time, adding Yahoo! Sports Radio hosts Travis Rodgers and Geoff Ketchum on KGOW and dismissing longtime host John Harris.

Atom Smasher to host new Houston morning radio show
Radio personality Atom Smasher will return to Houston next month to host the morning drive time show at CBS Radio's KHMX (96.5 FM) with Shawnda McNeal, his on-air co-host since 2009.

Chronicle names managing editor
Vernon Loeb, an award-winning journalist who has served as metro editor of the Washington Post since 2011, has been named managing editor of the Houston Chronicle.

Rockets take charge in CSN Houston negotiations
The Rockets moved into the role of lead negotiator on behalf of Comcast SportsNet Houston and said they hope to increase distribution for the network as soon as possible.

RFC Media heading to the Steamboat Music Festival 2014
The award winning RFC Media crew is on the road to Colorado to produce live radio coverage, including full artist performance sets, from Steamboat Music Festival 2014. All next week listeners to RFC Media’s Rebecca Creek Radio will enjoy all the fun and music from Steamboat, Colorado and a peek behind the curtain with the stars of country music. Rebecca Creek Radio will originate live from this legendary annual country music event. RFC Media’s Rebecca Creek Radio is the custom digital radio channel for Rebecca Creek Fine Texas Spirit Whiskey. Listen for live coverage from Steamboat Music Festival 2014 beginning Tuesday January 7.

Tamez lands as EP in Telemundo Houston
Carlos Tamez has been hired as Executive Producer for KTMD-47.

Where oh where has my Qubo gone?
Viewers may have noticed recently that KPXB channel 49 has lost its subchannels. Main ION programming remains on channel 49.1, but Qubo, ION Life and infomercials disappeared from 49.2 through 49.4.

WPTV Reporter Alex Sanz to Join the AP
After two years at WPTV, Alex Sanz is leaving the West Palm Beach NBC affiliate to work for the Associated Press.

Mix 94.7 names new morning host
Brad Booker will take over for JB Hager and Sandy McIlree on Austin’s Mix 94.7, who both departed the station in recent weeks after almost 18 years on the air together.
- A look back at the biggest Austin radio stories of 2013

KWBT in, KTBC out on 94.5 FM in Waco
94.5 - Waco’s only FM talk radio station - changed to a hip-hop format.

El Paso Radio
KSNM Flips From Talk To Classic Country.

MOVING

John Brewer has left the assignments desk at News92fm KROI for the one over at KPRC 2. He's worked at KROI for more than a year. Before that, he was a reporter and anchor at KPFT. The native Houstonian is a Cy-Fair HS and UH grad.

MATTHEW SMITH joins WOWT in Omaha as an Anchor and Reporter for their morning show (from KVIA, El Paso). Smith is represented by Steve Swienckowski at DCA Talent.

APPRECIATION Of BOOTED NEWS WOMEN BLOG
- Alex Wehrley Points The Way To Gorgeous Boots
- The Eyes Of Texas Are Upon You. All The Live Long Days
- Nerissa Knight And Alex Wehrley Are Double Trouble In Texas
- White Leather Vs Black Leather Little Boot Battle On Eye Opener
- That's A LOT OF LEATHER Alex Wehrley!!!
- KHOU's Chita Johnson Is Back In The Swing Of Things
- Houston's Rashi Vats Makes Her Blog Debut
- Jennifer Reyna Brought Her Big Brown Boots While Visiting Atlanta
- Kristine Galvan Shows Off Her Classic Pradas
- OVER THE KNEE BLACK SUEDE FOR JENNIFER REYNA IN HOUSTON!
- Nobody's Blue In Houston When Rita Garcia Wears Boots
- Don't Worry Erica Rico. With Boots That Gorgeous, NOBODY Will Notice The Ugly Christmas Sweater

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Fmr. KBTX met Bob French claims discrimination and retaliation against station
- Bernice Kearney named KSAT news director
- Jacqueline Crea joins KHOU from KTSM El Paso
- Chris Stipes now Fox 26 KRIV weekend anchor, plus other changes
- Anthony Yanez adds to the KPRC 2 family
- 93.7 The Arrow KKRW stunting for format flip
- 93.7 The Beat Houston replaces 93.7 The Arrow KKRW
- Top mikemcguff.com posts for 2013
- The Breakfast Club takes over 93.7 The Beat mornings; plus call letter news
- Casey Curry is expecting a baby girl