Lance Zierlein reunites with John Granato on ESPN 97.5

The “Undisputed Kings of Houston Sports Talk Radio” Return to Morning Drive, Monday November 27th

November 22, 2017 (Houston, TX) – Lance Zierlein and John Granato, whose top-rated morning show led Houston’s sports talk radio market for years, will once again share a broadcast studio starting on Monday, November 27, 2017.

The talented duo will cover morning drive on ESPN 97.5 FM from 7:00 to 9:30 AM each weekday.

“Reuniting John and Lance is a homerun”, said David Gow, CEO of Gow Media. “For years, people have asked me when those two could do a show again, and now the stars have aligned.”

Recognized by the Houston Press for Best Radio Show and as Best Radio Host, and a longtime analyst for NFL.com, Zierlein began his career at rival KILT-AM, before joining Granato for the launch of Gow Media’s 1560 AM in 2007. Zierlein left his most recent post at KBME-AM in June of this year, and has been counting the days until his sanctioned return to terrestrial airwaves.

"I'm really excited about getting back together with John Granato and being part of what David Gow is building with 97.5, Sports Map and Culture Map," says Zierlein. “John and I had the most talked-about show in Houston because of our chemistry and the fun we had on the air. That's missing from a lot of the radio shows out there today. It's time to bring that back in the mornings."

John Granato, who was been a key player in the growth of Gow Media’s sports properties, enjoyed a successful ten-year run with Zierlein at KILT-AM, where the two shared morning show duties. He shares Zierlein’s enthusiasm for this new chapter in their personal and professional relationship.

“It’s huge for me to have Lance back,” reports Granato. “Not only is he a great friend but I owe a lot to him in my career. And he’s one of the funniest guys I know. A lot of people woke up to us over the years. Hopefully they’ll be back and we’ll get a bunch of new people as well. I’m really excited about being in morning drive again (Except that whole waking up early thing).”

Zierlein’s recruitment, and his pairing with former “mic mate” Granato, represents another bold talent acquisition engineered by Gow Media CEO David Gow. Earlier this year, Gow lured Houston broadcast veteran Charlie Pallilo to the Gow Media family. Pallilo now hosts a weekday show on SportsMap 94.1 FM, following a signal switch from 1560 AM.

Reflecting on a 2017 that included Gow Media’s acquisition of CultureMap and the launch of SportsMap.com, David Gow predicts a great future for his Houston-based multi-platform media company.

“Lance caps off a great year for us”, observes Gow. “With Ken Hoffman, Charlie Pallilo and now Lance Zierlein joining our already-strong roster of talent, we believe we’ve built the ‘dream team’ that Houston’s sports fans are looking for”.

About Gow Media
Gow Media, LLC is a multi-platform media company founded in 2007 and based in Houston. The company has two sports stations in Houston: ESPN 97.5 and SportsMap 94.1FM. The company also owns one of the country’s largest sports radio networks, SB Nation Radio, which
it runs in partnership with SBNation.com. SB Nation Radio provides 24/7 sports shows and sports updates to over 500 affiliate radio stations across the country, Sirius Satellite Radio, and mobile and digital partners. In February Gow Media acquired CultureMap.com, the leading online destination for lifestyle content in Texas. And in October the company launched SportsMap.com, a leading sports site in Houston. Gow Media, LLC is backed by a private investment group with significant experience in media ownership. The investor group includes Steve Webster, co-manager and co-CEO of Avista Capital; Patrick Dugan, vice president and general counsel of Nortex Corporation; and David Gow, chairman and CEO of Gow Media, LLC.

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

SportsMap 94.1 FM to be new home for 1560 AM

Gow Media announces launch of SportsMap 94.1 FM

September 13, 2017 (Houston, TX) – Gow Media, a leading multi-platform media company, announced today it will launch a new sports radio station, SportsMap 94.1 FM, on October 1st. The new station will be Gow’s second signal on the FM band, as the company also runs ESPN 97.5 FM. As part of this launch, Gow will lease 1560 AM to another party, and move the lineup of 1560 AM to SportsMap 94.1 FM.

“We are excited to add a second sports station to the FM band,” said David Gow, CEO of Gow Media. “Listenership has been migrating to the FM dial, and we have now secured a strong strategic position with both ESPN 97.5 FM and SportsMap 94.1 FM.”

The lineup on SportsMap 94.1 FM will feature exceptional local talent, including the company’s most recent addition, Charlie Pallilo, who joined Gow Media last month and hosts a show from 11 am-1 pm each weekday. Other Houston-based hosts on the station include Nate Griffin, Patrick Creighton, Barry Warner, Sean Salisbury, Brian Barrett and Robin Carlin. SportsMap 94.1 FM will also air leading national shows from Gow’s own national sports radio network, SB Nation Radio.

Later this month Gow will be announcing details of a new sports site, SportsMap.com, which shares the name of the new station. “We have more sports content creators in our building than anyone in the city, and we have a strong digital platform with CultureMap.com — launching SportsMap.com is a great next step for us,” said Gow.

Gow has tapped Fred Faour, an afternoon drive show host on ESPN 97.5 and former Houston Chronicle Sports Editor, to serve as Editor in Chief of Sportsmap.com.

Gow is bullish about the site’s prospects: “The combined promotional power of all our platforms will propel SportsMap.com to become the leading sports site in Houston.”

The imminent additions of SportsMap 94.1 FM and SportsMap.com are the latest in a series of significant moves by Gow Media in 2017, including the acquisition of CultureMap.com; the launch of a new national TV show, The Sean Salisbury Show on BeInSports TV Network; the hiring of Ken Hoffman as a columnist for CultureMap.com and contributor on sports radio; a new content-sharing and cross-promotion partnership with ABC13 KTRK-TV in Houston; and the recent hire of Charlie Pallilo for Gow Media’s sports platforms.

“With a focus on sports and lifestyle content, we are building the leading multi-platform media company in Texas,” said Gow.

About Gow Media
Gow Media, LLC is a multi-platform media company founded in 2007 and based in Houston. The company runs two sports stations in Houston: ESPN 97.5 FM and SportsMap 94.1 FM, which will operate with a base station of KFNC-HD2 and be heard on 94.1 FM (K231CN). The company also owns one of the country’s largest sports radio networks, SB Nation Radio, which it runs in partnership with SBNation.com. SB Nation Radio provides 24/7 sports shows and sports updates to over 500 affiliate radio stations across the country, Sirius Satellite Radio, and mobile and digital partners. In February, Gow Media acquired CultureMap.com, the leading online destination for lifestyle content in Texas. Gow Media, LLC is backed by a private, Houston-based investment group with significant experience in media ownership. The investor group includes Steve Webster, co-manager and co-CEO of Avista Capital; Patrick Dugan, vice president and general counsel of Nortex Corporation; and David Gow, chairman and CEO of Gow Media, LLC.


(This post taken from a release sent to me by Gow Media)

SB Nation Radio to become the SportsMap Radio Network

Gow Media Announces Rebrand of Sports Radio Network


Gow Media, owner of one of the country’s largest sports radio networks, announced it will now operate the network under its own brand, SportsMap Radio.

Gow has owned the network for over ten years, when it acquired the assets of Sporting News Radio.

Shortly thereafter Gow re-branded the network through partnerships to become Yahoo Sports Radio for five years and then SB Nation Radio for four years.

Effective July 27th, 2020, Gow will continue to provide the same shows and sports updates to affiliates across the country but will now do so with its own name.

“We have benefited from brand partnerships with great companies such as Yahoo and SB Nation but have ultimately concluded that we no longer want to be subject to the fate of another brand. Strategically, it is important to build our own brand,” said David Gow, CEO of Gow Media. “For our sponsors, we maintain our large audiences, with a network of over 500 affiliate stations. For our affiliates, our strong lineup remains. What is different, though, is that by operating as SportsMap, we can partner with multiple entities (vs. a single brand partner) in the development of new content and the expansion to digital platforms,” added Gow.

In the past 90 days, Gow has already tapped into partnerships that have enhanced its 24/7 lineup. The company added top industry talent such as Scott Ferrall through Sportsgrid and Tony Bruno and Eytan Shander through Jakib Media.

“Top to bottom our lineup has never been stronger. We have gotten great feedback from our affiliates,” said Craig Larson, Program Director of the SportsMap Radio Network. “We have recognized that we don’t need to create every show ourselves. Through partnerships, such as Sportsgrid and Jakib Media and others soon to come, we can assemble a lineup that is best-of-breed,” said Gow.

About Gow Media
Founded in 2007, Gow Media, LLC is a multi-platform media company based in Houston. The company owns one of the country’s largest national sports radio networks, now called the SportsMap Radio Network, which provides a 24/7 lineup and sports updates to over 500 stations across the country. Additionally, Gow owns a couple of radio stations in Houston, and a portfolio of digital content sites.

CultureMap.com is the leading online destination for lifestyle content in Texas, with localized sites in the five major cities of Texas. SportsMap.com is a leading Houston sports site, and InnovationMap.com covers stories of innovation in Houston. Late last year Gow launched AutomotiveMap, positioning the company with four content sites under a common “map” identity.

Gow Media, LLC is backed by a private investment group with significant experience in media ownership. The investor group includes Steve Webster, co-manager and co-CEO of Avista Capital; Patrick Dugan, vice president and general counsel of Nortex Corporation; and David Gow, chairman and CEO of Gow Media, LLC.

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

InnovationMap launches from Gow Media

New Digital Media Outlet Covers Stories of Innovation in Houston

November 15, 2018 (Houston, TX) – Gow Media, a leading multi-platform media company that includes ESPN 97.5FM, SB Nation Radio, CultureMap and SportsMap, today launched a new digital media platform, Innovationmap.com. The content site will cover innovation spanning startups, tech, health, energy, social impact and more, and immediately becomes the leading online destination for stories of innovation in Houston.

“Houston is on a great trajectory,” said David Gow, CEO of Gow Media. “The efforts of many are coming together to develop a strong entrepreneurial and innovation economy. We think the time is right for a media outlet that focuses on innovation in Houston. We also want to highlight the vision of our presenting sponsor, BBVA Compass, a longtime leader in developing the innovation economy in Houston.”

“BBVA Compass has made its way to the front of the financial industry's digital revolution on the strength of its technology and its vision,” said BBVA Compass Houston CEO Mark Montgomery. “We embrace disruption, innovation and unique approaches that elevate vibrant cities like Houston. Highlighting these ideas through this new endeavor aligns perfectly with our mission.”

Gow Media has tapped Natalie Harms to serve as Houston Editor of InnovationMap.

Harms is a native Houstonian, graduate of the University of Houston, and worked for several years at the Houston Business Journal. In her new role, Harms will report to Arden Ward, Vice President of Editorial for Gow Media statewide.

Gow also announced that joining him on the board of InnovationMap will be Patrick Schneidau, a highly-regarded software executive and current chair of the Talent Committee of Houston Exponential; Jarred King, CEO of Swagger Agency and President of Entrepreneurs’ Organization in Houston; and Brad Deutser, President of Deutser LLC, a management consulting firm, and Deutser Clarity Institute, a think tank and learning lab, and author of the book Leading Clarity.

The new site launches with a strategic group of sponsors who have been leaders in developing Houston’s innovation economy. In addition to BBVA Compass as the presenting sponsor, other sponsors include Baker & Botts, Briggs & Vaselka, Accenture, Tony’s Restaurant, Murrah and Killough, Acme Party and Tents and others.

“We are grateful to these sponsors who have joined us here at the launch,” said Gow.

InnovationMap is the second recent addition to Gow Media’s ever-growing portfolio.

Last month, the company launched Giftingmap.com, a new ecommerce site, that is being marketed aggressively by Gow’s media platforms.

“With the growth of GiftingMap and SportsMap, and the impressive success of CultureMap, we are now in a position to launch InnovationMap. With InnovationMap, we are leveraging our digital platform, editorial approach, and our cross-platform promotional power to establish the leading voice for innovation in Houston,” said Gow.

About Gow Media
Gow Media, LLC is a multi-platform media company founded in 2007 and based in Houston. The company owns CultureMap, the leading online destination for lifestyle content in Texas; SportsMap, a leading sports site in Houston; GiftingMap, a new ecommerce site for gift-giving; two Houston sports stations, ESPN 97.FM and Sportsmap 94.1FM; and one of the country’s largest national sports radio networks, SB Nation Radio, which it runs in partnership with SBNation.com. Gow Media, LLC is backed by a private investment group with significant experience in media ownership. The investor group includes Steve Webster, co-manager and co-CEO of Avista Capital;
Patrick Dugan, vice president and general counsel of Nortex Corporation; and David Gow, chairman and CEO of Gow Media, LLC.

(This post taken from a release sent to me by Gow Media)

AutomotiveMap launched by Gow Media

New Digital Media Outlet to Become a Leading Source for Automotive Content

(Houston, TX) — Gow Media, a large multi-platform media company with sports radio properties ESPN 97.5 FM and SB Nation Radio and leading online destinations CultureMap, SportsMap, and InnovationMap, announced today the launch of its newest outlet, AutomotiveMap (www.automotivemap.com).

The new site will cover industry news, provide auto reviews, feature the Houston auto scene, showcase innovation, and serve as a thoughtful guide to consumers.

“We are excited to add AutomotiveMap to our portfolio of media platforms,” said David Gow, CEO of Gow Media. “We now have four content categories — culture, sports, innovation and automotive — all under the ‘map’ brand identity. And we love that each of these categories taps into the passions of our audiences.”

Gow Media has tapped Eileen Falkenberg-Hull to become editor of AutomotiveMap.

Falkenberg-Hull brings 10 years of digital publishing experience to her new position. She has covered the automotive segment exclusively for five years, with regular bylines in Trucks.com, U.S. News & World Report, and American City Business Journals. She
is a co-host of Let’s Talk Wheels on SB Nation Radio.

In her new role, Falkenberg-Hull will report to Arden Ward, vice president of editorial for Gow Media statewide.

“Eileen is an outstanding addition to our team,” said Ward. “Her enthusiasm for the auto industry is unmatched, and, as editor, she blends her extensive knowledge with an approachable voice that connects to our readers.”

“I am thrilled to become part of Gow Media,” said Falkenberg-Hull. “I have been impressed with the creative energy, professionalism, and commitment to storytelling that the team has. AutomotiveMap will be both informative and highly engaging; it will educate consumers and delight enthusiasts.”

AutomotiveMap is the latest addition to Gow Media’s ever-growing portfolio. Since acquiring CultureMap, Texas’ leading online destination for lifestyle content, in February of 2017, Gow has launched SportsMap; InnovationMap; and GiftingMap, an ecommerce
site.

“Our other site launches are going very well — we are experiencing tremendous audience and revenue growth — enabling us to step out again with AutomotiveMap,” said David Gow.

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

CultureMap and KTRK abc13 team up

Years ago, CultureMap.com and KTRK abc13 teamed up online. Then CultureMap teamed up with KHOU 11 in 2012. Now CultureMap and KTRK are back together.

(Houston, TX) – Gow Media, owner of CultureMap.com, the leading digital provider of lifestyle content in Texas, and ABC13 KTRK-TV, the leading news provider in Houston, announced a new partnership to share and cross promote content. The
partnership will allow both companies to leverage additional resources, and reach a wider, complementary audience.

“This is an exciting opportunity for us,” said David Gow, CEO of Gow Media. “We have long respected ABC13’s leading voice in our market, and are delighted to add their content to our site. We are also excited to have our CultureMap stories featured on
ABC13.com, which will undoubtedly enable us to reach new audiences.”

“CultureMap is a leader in covering restaurants, events and the many exciting cultural developments in our city,” said Henry Florsheim, President and General Manager of ABC13. “We think their stories are a good fit for our TV viewers as well as our digital
audiences on the ABC13 news app and abc13.com. We also see the partnership as a great opportunity for ABC13 stories to get in front of new audiences on CultureMap.com.”

In addition to CultureMap.com, Gow Media owns two sports radio stations in Houston, KFNC 97.5 FM and KGOW 1560 AM, and one of the country’s largest national sports radio networks, SB Nation Radio. CultureMap was acquired in February 2017, and shortly thereafter, Gow hired Ken Hoffman, the popular columnist from the Houston Chronicle.

“We are committed to providing market-leading sports and lifestyle content,” said Gow.

About Gow Media
Gow Media, LLC is a leading sports media company founded in 2007 and based in Houston. The company owns two sports stations in Houston: ESPN 97.5 and SB Nation Radio 1560. The company also owns one of the country’s largest sports radio networks, SB Nation Radio, which it runs in partnership with SBNation.com. SB Nation Radio provides 24/7 sports shows and sports updates to over 500 affiliate radio stations across the country, Sirius Satellite Radio, and mobile and digital partners. Gow Media, LLC is backed by a private investment group with significant experience in media ownership. The investor group includes Steve Webster, co-manager and co-CEO of Avista Capital; Patrick Dugan, vice president and general counsel of Nortex Corporation; and David Gow, chairman and CEO of Gow Media, LLC.

RELATED
- Charlie Pallilo heading to SB Nation 1560 AM KGOW and ESPN 97.5 KFNC
- Ken Hoffman leaves Houston Chronicle for CultureMap
- AUDIO: Ken Hoffman talks move to CultureMap from Houston Chronicle

CultureMap revamps editorial team

Arden Ward named editorial director and Steven Devadanam replaces Clifford Pugh as Houston editor

Arden Ward

December 4, 2017 (Houston, TX) — CultureMap.com, the leading digital provider of lifestyle content in Texas, has revamped its editorial department, announcing Arden Ward as statewide editorial director and Steven Devadanam as Houston editor.

“I am delighted to announce the promotion of Arden Ward to run editorial for CultureMap statewide,” said David Gow, CEO of Gow Media. “Arden has leadership qualities, strong editorial skills, and a deep understanding of the content that resonates with our audiences.”

Ward joined CultureMap in 2011, during its expansion to Austin. She served as executive editor in Austin before becoming network managing editor, where she played an integral role in the brand’s expansion to the Fort Worth and San Antonio markets.

Steven Devadanam

Devadanam brings a diverse set of experiences to his new role as editor of Houston. His background includes strategic roles at Village Voice Media, Modern Luxury, and NFL Network.

“We are excited to welcome Steven to the CultureMap team,” Ward said. “He is a champion of the brand and brings great enthusiasm for the city and its culture — which we look forward to sharing with our readers on a daily basis.”

Devadanam replaces Clifford Pugh, who served as editor-in-chief of CultureMap Houston since the company’s inception in 2009.

“Clifford has been instrumental in the development of CultureMap,” said Gow. “We are very grateful for his leadership and the mark he has made over the past eight years.”

Devadanam is just the latest in a series of strong additions to the CultureMap editorial team. In May, the company announced the hiring of Ken Hoffman, the longstanding popular columnist from the Houston Chronicle. And more recently, under Ward’s leadership, CultureMap hired Stephanie Allmon Merry as managing editor in Dallas, and Katie Friel as editor in Austin and Brandon Watson as food editor in Austin.

“We have been investing in the editorial team across the state,” said Gow. “With these additions, we are poised to extend our leadership position.”

About Gow Media
Gow Media, LLC is a leading sports media company founded in 2007 and based in Houston. The company owns two sports stations in Houston: ESPN 97.5 and SportsMap 94.1, as well as local sports website SportsMap.com. The company also owns one of the country’s largest sports radio networks, SB Nation Radio, which it runs in partnership with SBNation.com. SB Nation Radio provides 24/7 sports shows and sports updates to over 500 affiliate radio stations across the country, Sirius Satellite Radio, and mobile and digital partners. Gow Media, LLC is backed by a private investment group with significant experience in media ownership. The investor group includes Steve Webster, co-manager and co-CEO of Avista Capital; Patrick Dugan, vice president and general counsel of Nortex Corporation; and David Gow, chairman and CEO of Gow Media, LLC.

About CultureMap
CultureMap, founded in 2009 by Lonnie Schiller, Tod Eason, and other notable Houstonians, is the leading provider of lifestyle content in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio. CultureMap was acquired by Gow Media in February of 2017. The company provides local intelligence on dining, events, arts, real estate, society, fashion, and more, as well as fun tidbits about what's happening around Texas.

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

News 92 FM and Yahoo Sports Radio 1560 team up

News 92 FM KROI and Yahoo Sports Radio 1560 KGOW to Exchange News and Sports Updates

In a joint announcement today, Radio One Regional Vice President Doug Abernethy and David Gow, Chief Executive Officer of Gow Media, unveiled a “content exchange” agreement between News 92 FM (KROI-FM/Houston) and Yahoo Sports Radio 1560 (KGOWAM/Houston).

Beginning in early August of 2013, News 92 FM reporters will provide hourly, short form news updates to Yahoo Sports Radio 1560, initially for use on nights and weekends, and ramping up to a full broadcast schedule shortly thereafter. In like manner, Yahoo Sports Radio 1560 reporters will provide sports updates and actualities twice per hour for integration into the News 92 FM broadcast clock between 7:00 PM and midnight daily, and from 6:00 AM to noon on weekends.

The idea of shared content sprang from a discussion between Abernethy and Gow in June of this year, and the idea quickly took shape.

“Research suggests that news and sports stations have shared listener bases,” observes Abernethy, “so this makes sense for both stations. We have the best newsgathering and reporting resources in the city, and Yahoo Sports Radio 1560 enjoys an equivalent reputation in the world of sports. We’re leveraging our respective strengths so that the News 92 FM listener can get a quick sports update from Yahoo Radio 1560, and their listeners can get top flight news from News 92 FM.”

David Gow shares Abernethy’s enthusiasm for the new affiliation.

“News 92 FM has an excellent team of news reporters. We think this is a chance to offer a high quality, dependable news product to our listener base and keep them at our station longer,” says Gow. “We are also excited to offer our sports updates to listeners at News 92 FM. Our plan is to make Yahoo Sports Radio 1560 their destination when they want to hear more about what is going on in the world of sports. “

According to Doug Abernethy and David Gow, this new arrangement will not affect staffing levels at either station.

RELATED
KHOU and News 92 FM team up in coverage

(This post was taken from a release sent to me by News 92 FM)

SportsMap Radio launches from SB Nation Radio

SportsMap Radio officially launched Monday morning - July 27, 2020 - transitioning from SB Nation Radio.

Owner Gow Media says it is the country’s largest national sports radio networks providing a 24/7 lineup and sports updates to more than 500 stations.

Wake Up Call with Tony Desiere and Ronn Culver was the debut program.

The daily lineup will include shows from Scott Ferrall, Tony Bruno, Jake Asman, Scott Wetzel, Matt Perrault, Anthony Pepe, Gabe Morency and Eytan Shander.

Craig Larson, SportsMap Radio Program Director and Gow Media COO, said the launch was extremely successful.

“We have been overwhelmed by the tremendous response to this exciting endeavor," Larson said. "With a solid infrastructure in place, and led by a dynamic innovator in David Gow, SportsMap Radio is well positioned to be an industry leader for many years to come.”

“What we have now with SportsMap Radio is not only our own brand, but the chance to have more partnerships and more relationships in the sports media industry and a better lineup of
total content," Chairman and CEO of Gow Media, David Gow said on The Jake Asman Show.

Gow has owned the network for over ten years, originally acquiring the assets of Sporting News Radio. The network was re-branded as Yahoo Sports Radio for five years and then SB Nation Radio for four years.

“We have more talent top to bottom than we ever had in the history of our network," Gow told Shander. "We really could not be more delighted with our lineup!”

Founded in 2007, Gow Media, LLC is a multi-platform media company based here in Houston.

In addition to the SportsMap Radio Network, Gow also owns ESPN 97.5 KFNC and CultureMap.

1560 The Game is now KGOW AM

We've been talking about 1560 KILE around here for a few months now. You know, that's the the sports/guy-talk station that's about to come on the air with John Granato, Ken Hoffman and Richard Justice.

Well, the Chronicle's David Barron probably walked down the paper's hallway and tripped over someone who will work there to find out the station is changing call letters. Instead of KILE, it will now be KGOW. Let Dave tell you more:

Much to the chagrin of its owner, Houston businessman David Gow, KILE (1560 AM) will become KGOW when it signs on Aug. 20 with a sports/entertainment talk format.

The new call letters were the idea of station manager Richard Topper, and Gow, reluctantly, acceded. The station will be branded as "The Game," so Topper said KGOW "is more of a business application than a listener application."

READ THE REST

They picked better call letters than this place.

Barron also mentions a dude from my old TV station in Waco, KXXV, will be working there.

My question is, when is David Barron getting a radio show? Don't all of the other Chron sports guys get air time now? Where is Mr. Barron? Maybe I will raise the money, start my own radio station, put another sports talker on and give David his shot.

(Thanks Bob!)

John Granato and Ken Hoffman to appear on new Houston radio station KILE

What's called 1560 KILE-AM at this point will change call letters and be the new home of former KILT Morning guy, John Granato and newspaper columnist Ken Hoffman reports Houston's daily:

"People have said, 'Four sports stations?' " said Granato, who will be the primary morning on-air personality. "But I don't think we have enough sports talk. I think there's room for more."

Granato was wooed to the station by David Gow, a Houston investor who pooled his money with about a dozen other people to buy KILE for $8.4 million earlier this year. After deciding on a sports-talk format, the group focused on getting high-profile personalities who would draw advertisers.

In addition to Granato, who also is vice president of programming at KILE, the station has signed Houston Chronicle columnist Ken Hoffman.

Granato's show will air 6-9 a.m. weekdays followed by Hoffman, who will continue to write for the Chronicle and previously was featured on The Michael Berry Show on KPRC (950 AM)

More from The Chronicle's David Barron:

Gow also said Chronicle columnist Ken Hoffman will host a show on 1560 but would not confirm reports that Granato's co-host will be Sean Pendergast, the once (and future) Houston businessman who has five times won the annual smackoff on Jim Rome's radio show.

"Sean is a great talent. I've enjoyed listening to him on the Rome show for years," Gow said while dismissing reports that Pendergast will work as Granato's co-host as "speculation." He also declined to confirm reports that KILE will carry the syndicated Erich "Mancow" Muller show but did say it was likely the station will have new call letters when it launches its new format.

RELATED - (blogHOUSTON)

Ralph Cooper leaving KCOH? 1560 KILE gets new building

UPDATE 7/4:
The Chron is reporting that Cooper is staying put and Richard Justice is leaving KILT:

Craig Roberts will return to Houston radio on Monday as host of an hour-long talk show on KBME (790 AM), but veteran talk show host Ralph Cooper says he will remain on KCOH (1430 AM) after electing not to accept a verbal offer to switch to 790.

Also, Chronicle columnist Richard Justice said he will no longer appear on CBS' Radio's KILT (610 AM) and that he also has declined an offer to co-host a show on 790.

READ MORE

So does this mean Richard Justice is going to 1560 KILE too?
---------------------------

Looks like the AM sports radio world in Houston could get rocked as Ralph Cooper might jump ship:

Ralph Cooper expects to let Clear Channel Radio Houston executive Michael Berry know Monday if he will jump from KCOH (1430 AM) to KBME (790 AM) to host an evening talk show.It could be the most significant move in our rapidly escalating sports talk radio competition, but it might not be the only one.

READ MORE

Plus, 1560 KILE is getting one step closer to becoming a sports station. The game is on:

Gow Communications leased 7,813 square feet at 5353 W. Alabama. Ron McWherter of CB Richard Ellis represented the tenant. David Gow, CEO of Gow Communications, and a group of other Houston investors purchased the licensing broadcast signal of KILE (1560 AM) earlier this year.

READ MORE

This will be John Granato's and Lance Zierlein's new home. OK, that is not official concerning the Z-man, I'm just guessing. But come on, his leaving KILT is just to coincidental!

Hot Fox 26 reporter, what's behind Frank Billingsley? and more

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High Speed News Porn
There’s an ongoing discussion about the safety of high speed vehicular pursuits by police. Can we please have a discussion about the creepiness of local TV news broadcasts covering high speed pursuits live via their helicopter cameras?

Gow bullish on Yahoo!
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“Texas Music Scene,” a show hosted by Austinite and nine-time Grammy winner Ray Benson, has grown to 15 markets across Texas.

KXAN Builds Morning Show with Steel City Connection
Amanda Dugan, the new KXAN-TV morning show traffic reporter, and Kate Weidaw, long time KXAN morning reporter.

Public television marks 50 years on Central Texas airwaves
When public television made its Central Texas debut 50 years ago, many viewers still had black-and-white TV sets.

Former KVET studios set to be demolished
Austin-based Schlosser Development Corp. will soon begin work on two new buildings in high-profile spots on downtown’s western edge with a combined price tag of more than $7 million.

Fox 7’s Loriana Hernandez founds autism organization
When you see Loriana Hernandez advocating for autism research, she’s not just lending her name to some random charity.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- NBC 5 KXAS wins two Edward R. Murrow Awards
- KHOU 11's Lisa Chavarria leaves for WFLD Chicago
- KHOU 11 hires Tim Wetzel from WTVF 5 Nashville
- KHOU 11 EP Perry Pace to WTHR 13 Indianapolis
- Houston media members dress up as toys
- KTRK 13 hires Crystal Kobza, formerly of KOB

Texas TV sweeps results, funny Feb. TV bloopers plus more

MORE VIDEO
- King's X singer dUg Pinnick talks health scare and new projects
- Newscaster Swallows Rope of Her Own Snot on Live TV
- WPBF Anchor Drops ‘S’ Bomb
- WFAA's Cynthia Izaguirre gets punked
- Dale Hansen Gets Auto-Tuned And It Made Me Smile
- F-bomb dropped on 'Today,' shocks Kathie Lee
- Brian Williams Raps "Rapper's Delight"
- This Traffic Reporter's Daughter Has Made Him Listen To 'Let It Go' A Few Too Many Times
- Camera error on BBC News
- Danger at 11! News Teases from 1985
- NBC 5 KXAS PM Connected
- Can you hear me now?

Texas TV sweeps February 2014 results
- Fox4/NBC5 skate to local newscast golds in Olympics-skewed February "sweeps"
- Fox 4 KDFW February 2014 sweeps Highlights
- KPRC 2 declares big wins in February 2014 sweeps
- Univision 45 KXLN Houston February 2014 sweeps victories
- Fox 26 KRIV & My20 KTXH February 2014 sweeps highlights
- WOAI takes prime-time gold, but KSAT No. 1 for news

Tanya Eiserer Leaves Dallas Morning News
Tanya Eiserer Leaves Dallas Morning News for WFAA.

As her retirement nears, Gloria Campos looks back
When Gloria Campos came to work for WFAA-TV (Channel 8) in 1984, she recalls, construction cranes were everywhere. Dallas was growing and on the move — in business development, for sure, but especially in population and diversity.

DallasBlack.Com Keeps Plagiarizing Local News Sites
Dallas police made an arrest on suspicion of setting up at least two Craigslist robberies. The news first appeared Tuesday on WFAA's website. An hour later, DallasBlack.com had the story.

DFW media team up for right to know
In recent weeks, newspapers in Fort Worth and Dallas and the region’s four TV stations affiliated with the major broadcast networks did something they’ve never done before, they worked together to help protect open records and open hearings in the Texas judicial system.

Houston Chronicle explains its 'Oh cum on' blog post
“Tasty or tasteless?” a Texas reader asked me in an email about a Houston Chronicle blog post headlined, “Oh, cum on.” (First sentence: “Jizz seems to be on everyone’s lips lately!”)

Buttocks steal show during Mardi Gras news report
KPRC-TV reporter Samantha Ptashkin joined an exclusive club when a man's bare buttocks made an auspicious debut behind her during a live shot directly from Galveston's Mardi Gras celebrations.

60 years ago: A Houston hoax is born
On the front page of the Feb. 24, 1954, Houston Post was an odd one. Word got out from puzzled employees at Channel 2 (KPRC) that between September 1953 and January 1954, the station had received letters from England indicating that their televisions had picked up signals from KLEE. Accompanying the letters were photographs identifying KLEE’s call letters.

Sam Malone on YouTube
The Sam Malone Show on AM 1070 The Answer can now be viewed worldwide LIVE on YouTube. If you miss it between 7am-10am CST, you can watch it later on demand. YouTube is part of the show's multi-platform broadcast strategy. The show tells me it was the first to deliver a radio show LIVE on Facebook. The Sam Malone Show can also be heard on iHeartRadio.com, TuneIn.com, www.AM1070TheAnswer.com and viewed on Phonoscope Cable Channel 11.

CSN Houston updates
Creditors’ list compiled, Rockets want their money, Astros file appeal brief
- CSN Houston bankruptcy case turns to day-to-day matters, including employees’ paychecks
- Judge: Astros, Rockets and Comcast should focus more on network and less on lawsuits

Radio executive Gow has Kickstarter campaign for sports media training program
Radio executive David Gow, whose Gow Media company owns KGOW (1560 AM) and KFNC (97.5 FM) and Yahoo! Sports Radio, has launched a Kickstarter funding campaign to create a sports media “training camp” for would-be broadcasters.

S.A. radio, TV notables rally ’round ailing broadcast pal
Lisa Gonzales Kerkez, who was known as the bubbly “Lisa-Lisa” on KTFM’s popular morning show of the ’80s and who recently was hit by the double whammy of breast cancer and a serious heart problem, said she has been overwhelmed by the support from names she worked alongside so long ago.

S.A. anchors get 'serious': more glasses, less hair
San Antonio's anchorwomen are getting more and more serious — at least that's what their outward appearance on the TV news tells us.

KLBJ-FM shuffling its DJ lineup
KLBJ-FM is shuffling its DJ lineup.

The Trouble with the Trib
The Texas Tribune was supposed to be the best new idea to save journalism. Instead, it is destroying it. What believers hoped was going to be a watchdog has turned into a lapdog by taking big dollars from lobbyists and corporations.

REMEMBERING

KSAT12 remembers longtime news director
Jim Boyle led San Antonio news team for 29 years.

Former Texas Station Owner Roy Elsner Dies
Texas radio station owner ROY Elsner died Friday.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Houston radio's winners and losers in crazy January
- Two former Fox 26ers striving to reinvent TV news
- Gloria Campos to retire from WFAA; Cynthia Izaguirre to replace
- Maria Corrales joins Fox 26 from Univision 45
- Where is Jose Grinan of FOX 26?
- Gunshots fired at KTRK abc13 studios
- Vicente Arenas jumps to CBS News from KHOU
- Dominique Sachse tattoo?
- Michelle Merhar due in July with baby boy
- KUHT, KUHF and KUHA launch new Houston Public Media website
- 'The Dwight Howard Show' Debuts March 4 on CSN

KENS' Buffolino's revelation, Houston radio changes and more

MORE VIDEO
- VIDEO: Guy Jumps Out of Window in Background of WCBS Live Shot
- KTLA morning news anchor Jessica Holmes gets soaking wet
- Weatherman "hijacks" deliveryman on live TV
- Conan O’Brien: KTLA Morning Team Is the Reason ‘China Is Kicking Our Ass’
- Compilation of World War II Radio Broadcasts: Part 1
- Fire Department shuts down reporter's BBQ

Gow Communications, owner of 1560 AM, to purchase ESPN radio affiiate 97.5 FM
David Gow’s Gow Communications, which owns KGOW (1560 AM) and Yahoo Sports Radio, has signed a letter of intent to purchase KFNC (97.5 FM) and is expected to continue to operate the FM station as an ESPN Radio affiliate.

Christian Radio Group Buys 103.7 FM
KHJK 103.7, the station known as "Houston's Adult Alternative" and the only place on Houston commercial radio to hear artists such as Mumford & Sons and the Avett Brothers, has been sold to a group of Christian-music radio stations.

Mark Davis returning to DFW radio on KSKY
Mark Davis, whose talk show was taken off the air in early April after 18 years at WBAP/820 AM/96.7 FM and ultimately replaced, will return to the air June 4 with a 7-10 a.m. show on KSKY/660 AM, which can also be heard on 99.9 FM in Fort Worth, 95.5 FM in Arlington and 92.9 FM in Dallas.

Staff shake up at Houston Chronicle
Cision's Media Updates reports Brad Lehman, the sports editor at the Houston Chronicle, will leave the paper. Current online sports editor, Nick Mathews, will take over. Randy Harvey will join the paper on June 8 as a sports columnist from the LA Times.
- Why Can't Houston Media Actually Employ People from Houston?

Buffolino reveals story behind departure from KENS
Former KENS-TV anchorwoman Vicki Buffolino, a favorite of local viewers for nearly two decades, has had an inordinately tough year. Plus, reporter Noelle Gardner leaves KENS 5 too.

KXAN accused of racial discrimination, libel in 2 separate suits
Austin's NBC affiliate has been hit with a pair of lawsuits. One accuses KXAN of racial discrimination; the other alleges the station aired a libelous report.

Chris Arnold, Jane Slater added to The Fan’s roster
Some have been wondering for a few months who’d replace Josh Lewin as Mark Elfenbein’s sidekick on 105.3 The Fan? It's WFAA 8 traffic reporter Jane Slater.
- 105.3 The Fan Now Unofficially Officially The Best-Looking Radio Station In America

Scott Murray joins weekend lineup on KLIF-AM 570 in Dallas
KLIF-AM 570 announced the addition of broadcaster Scott Murray to its weekend lineup: The Scott Murray Show will debut on Sunday at 7 p.m. to focus on "difference-makers, athletes, entertainers, and other individuals who give back to the local community."

ABC Owned Stations Aim to Wake-Up Viewers
Launches new free Alarm Clock app in Houston, with launches in all of its eight markets planned by mid-June.

How To Make Social Media A Revenue Stream
KHOU, Belo’s CBS affiliate in Houston, is developing a social strategy to align with its business goals.

Adam Clanton, the Jim Rome-Impersonating Sports Guy from Channel 2
Adam Clanton, the weekend sports anchor, reporter and producer, arrived in Houston at the age of eight. He grew up here, went to college at Sam Houston State University right up the road in Huntsville and interned at KILT 610 AM before getting a job at Channel 2.
- Listen To The Real Jim Everett Berate Fake Jim Rome

10 Questions with...Trevin On The Radio aka Trevin Smith
Trevin On The Radio aka Trevin Smith IS Nights, Specialty Show, Production AT 101 KROX in Austin.

Funeral for Belo executive who died in motorcycle crash
Tim Benners, 46, was the director of technology for security compliance at Belo Corp., the parent company of WFAA.

KEYE ending ‘We Are Austin Live,’ adding 5 p.m. newscast
KEYE will tweak its afternoon lineup next month. The station plans to scrap its 4 p.m. “We Are Austin Live” show and, at the same time, revive its 5 p.m. newscast, which was nixed about three years.

Joe Bickett Wraps Up Long Run at FOX 7 Morning Show Amid Accolades and Good Cheer
Joe Bickett has run through five co-anchors, two meteorologists, four news directors and four general managers in 18 years on FOX 7’s morning news beat.

You Can Change the Channel, but Local News Is the Same
SAN ANGELO, Tex. — Call a reporter at the CBS television station here, and it might be an anchor for the NBC station who calls back. Or it might be the news director who runs both stations’ news operations.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- KHOU 11 bets on Drew Karedes from KTNV Las Vegas
- KTRK 13's Dave Ward: "They’ll probably carry me out of here feet first"
- Nnete departs 97.9 The Box KBXX Madd Hatta Morning Show
- Fox 4 KDFW hires Calvert Collins from KLAS
- Fox 4 KDFW claims number 1 in DFW May 2012 sweeps
- Fox 26 KRIV number 1 newscasts May 2012 sweeps
- Texas TV May 2012 sweeps ratings roundup
- KHOU 11 growing viewers in May 2012 sweeps
- KTRK 13's Andy Cerota going to KPRC 2?

Houston hits top 10 hot traffic reporter list, KXAS anchor surgery, Brad Booker and more

- Ted Oberg: Don't Expect Rick Perry to 'Dial Down' the Rhetoric
- Is Rick Perry the second coming of George W? One reporter watches Perry repeat the Bush campaign trail
MORE
- Watch Anderson Cooper Lose It on Live TV
- WFAA's Colleen Coyle tries walking with 'drunk goggle' vision
- Piers Morgan Gets His First Walk-Out
- Boy 'Videobombs' CNN Live Broadcast Report On Kim Kardashian's Wedding

The ten hottest TV traffic reporters
KPRC 2's Jennifer Reyna comes in #6 on Jalopnik's The ten hottest TV traffic reporters list.

Cool aerial photos of Dallas-Fort Worth
See cool photos taken from WFAA 8's chopper by Dallas Morning News photographer David Woo.
- Photos of WFAA 8's Victory Park studios

Local TV Newscasts Expanding
As in many other markets, the news is starting earlier than ever in the morning, and replacing “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in the afternoon.

NBC 5 Anchor, Mom Recovering After Surgery
NBC 5 anchor Kristi Nelson became Baylor Health's 798th living kidney donor after giving her mom her kidney.

Shot in Houston, movie Puncture to debut
Puncture starring Captain America's Chris Evans was shot in Houston and will have its debut here (plus LA and New York) September 23. Watch the trailer.

Former Mix 96.5 KHMX host Booker lands new radio gig
Country powerhouse KWNR-AM has a new morning team, former Mix 96.5 KHMX host Brad Booker and Tracy Taylor. Booker and Taylor replace Mark Stevens, who left a few months ago.
- Kidd Kraddick replaces Maria Todd mornings on Mix 96.5 KHMX
- Maria Todd and Brad Booker team up for Mix 96.5 KHMX mornings

HGTV hosts hot competition in Houston
HGTV’s new program “Showhouse Showdown" is hosted by Bob Guiney, who appeared in the first season of The Bachelorette..

Former NBC5 investigative reporter Stinchfield running for Congress
Former NBC5 KXAS reporter Grant Stinchfield is planning to run for the US House as a Republican and already has a campaign commercial up in which he promises to bring his skills as an investigative journalist to Congress.

Good Morning America's Robin Roberts plans weekend Lakewood church visit and Joel Osteen interview
Osteen's latest is bringing an even famous-er face to Houston in Good Morning America's Robin Roberts.

New sitcoms, talk shows arriving on Austin TV stations
Local stations begin tweaking their weekday schedules next week, rolling out a number of new offerings and shifting around some old favorites.

Wragge Adds WCBS Duties to 'Early Show' Job
Former KPRC 2 sports anchor Chris Wragge, who shifted from WCBS New York to corporate sibling The Early Show last December, will move back to WCBS--while retaining his network role.
- Chris Wragge on His Return to WCBS: ‘I’m actually very flattered’

West University resident launches Yahoo!Sports Radio
Yahoo! Sports Radio President/CEO David Gow, a West University resident, owns YSR and KGOW, 1560-AM, The Game.
- NFL Rushing and TD Leader, Arian Foster, to Host National Radio Show

Lone Star Broadcasters Elect Officers
The Texas Association of Broadcasters elected officers and directors at its recent convention, Aug. 11.

Wendy Williams rolls into Breakfast Klub in a hot pink tour bus entourage for lots of eating, little greeting
When Wendy Williams and her hot pink tour bus entourage descended on The Breakfast Klub Wednesday morning, a media pass might've gotten you to the front, but it didn't get you much else.
- Wendy Williams, Bobby Bones feud on air

Clear Channel names two new GSM's in Houston
Bob Merril has been promoted to General Sales Manager for KTRH-AM "NewsTalk" (740). Jeff Rovinsky is the new GSM for KMBE-AM "SportsTalk" (790) & talk KPRC-AM (950).

CBS, Saga Launch New Affiliate in Victoria, Texas
CBS has signed an affiliation agreement for tiny Victoria, Texas, with Saga Communications' KXTS picking up the affiliation Sept. 12. KXTS is currently a MyNetworkTV affiliate.

MOVING
KTRK 13 welcomes new producer/AP Laura Avila from Fox 7 KTBC.

NATIONAL MEDIA
- 'Conan' Falls Flat in Season 1
- A Slow Start For Anderson Cooper At 8 P.M.
- Too Much TV May Take Years Off Your Life
- The Dennis Miller Show now on over 300 stations
- HLN’s Joy Behar Ties The Knot
- Ginger Zee zooming to ‘GMA Weekend’

DIGITAL
- Google: Click-Through Rates Fell in 2010 [STUDY]
- Weather Tech Keeps A Step Ahead Of Storms
- Fox Starts Its Web Pullback, and ABC Gets Ready to Follow
- AP, Avid Battle For Newsroom System Share

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Lance Zierlein joins SportsTalk 790 KBME
- James Franco kills 950 KPRC's Michael Garfield on ABC's General Hospital
- REVIEW: I'm Feeling Lucky: The Confessions of Google Employee Number 59 by Douglas Edwards
- VIDEO: Fox 26 KRIV anchor Don Teague's debut
- Where is Fox 26 KRIV's Tom Zizka?
- New KPRC 2 weekend anchor Irika Sargent has big debut
- VIDEO: KHOU 11's Chita Johnson dances with the Houston Texans cheerleaders
- KPRC 2 anchor Courtney Zavala is back
- AT&T launches Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth network microsites
- KIAH 39's NewsFix launches 'The Fixer' investigative and consumer unit
- Fernando Perez is new program director at Mega 101 FM KLOL

I guessed 1560 KILE The Game on 6/11, Imus back? and KPRC does some cutting

Richard Justice is going to 1560 KILE says David Barron:

Chronicle columnist Richard Justice will join Houston's newest sports talk station, KILE (1560 AM) when it launches as "The Game" later this summer.

Justice says he will host a show from 10 a.m. to noon after considering and turning down opportunities to join the other three sports talk stations in the market. His show will follow John Granato's morning drive show and precede Chronicle columnist Ken Hoffman's afternoon show.

John Harris and Sean Pendergast will work afternoon drive, and Spencer Tillman will voice promos and intros and contribute to Granato's show, said KILE owner David Gow.

READ THE REST

Here is what I am amazed about. On June 11th, I wrote a post about naming 1560 KILE. My first choice for a station name was "The Game." Look above at what Barron said the name of the station will be, "The Game." That is amazing! I promise no one told me that would be the name either.

This sports radio thing is weird because it has Chronicle writers reporting on and breaking news about each other. This is some real investigative journalism.

In other news, it looks like Don Imus will be back on the radio. Could it be CBS Radio? I'm not sure that I care.

I heard about this one a few days ago and now KPRC Local 2 announces it is cutting half of its 4pm newscast. Extra will take that half hour over.

On an NBC related note, the network says it is funny on Thursday despite the ratings. It must not be as must see as it used to. Hey, but I do love The Office.

Dave Strickland & Rod Ryan honored by Houston Children’s Charity

Laura Ward and KPRC 2 news director Dave Strickland (Credit: Michelle Watson)

It all began with seven visionaries who believed they needed to step up and help children in need across Houston. 

The group moved fast to create a nonprofit with a mission to improve the quality of life for Greater Houston’s underprivileged, abused, and disabled children. 

Now, 25 years later, Houston Children’s Charity has made a critical impact on more than 3.5 million children and on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, the organization along with its Board of Directors celebrated a quarter-century of caring at the Houston Children’s Charity 25th Anniversary Luncheon presented by BMW of West Houston and Momentum BMW Southwest. Houston Children’s Charity identifies those children whose special needs are not being met by existing organizations. 

Houston Children’s Charity has touched the lives of children in need and has provided support to more than 300 agencies and 14 unique direct programs and leaving no legitimate request for assistance unanswered. The impact Houston Children’s Charity has had on children alone is more than enough to gather more than 400 guests at The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown. Supporters in attendance also celebrated outstanding individuals and organizations who have contributed to creating a world where every child has their own bed, clothing, school supplies, transportation, health services, and joyful holidays. With a room filled with champions for the children, PaperCity’s social and lifestyle editor Shelby Hodge served as the emcee and welcomed distinguished guests, founding members, board members, advisory board along with dedicated sponsors and committed volunteers.

The program started with a 25th Anniversary video followed by a Chariots for Children video that spotlighted “Chariots Heroes” who have partnered with Houston Children’s Charity to sponsor 116 vans, at a cost of $40,000 per van over the years.

City of Houston’s Mayor Sylvester Turner presented a proclamation to Houston Children’s Charity and proclaimed November 10, 2021, as Houston Children’s Charity “Quarter Center of Caring Day”. Founding member and President and CEO of Houston Children’s Charity, Laura Ward presented Tilman Fertitta with the “Founders Award” to recognize and honor his unwavering support to Houston’s special children. 

Ward has served as an integral part of the organization since its inception in 1996. While staying true to Ward’s “our kids are everyone’s kids” motto, Houston Children’s Charity has accomplished what no other charity has been able to do in support of children in need. Ward presented Carol Sawyer the “Making a Difference” Award for her dedication and commitment as a volunteer for 25 years to the children of Houston. Hodge thanked and recognized the following award recipients for their dedication to Houston Children’s Charity through volunteering. 

Excellence in Volunteerism

    Kim Finnigan                                     

    Stevie Merrill

    Allen Hord                                                     

    Maricella Reed

    Rosemary Lozano

    Chris Merrill

Ward thanked and recognized the following award recipients for their support for enhancing the quality of life one child at a time. 

Helping Hands

    Rod Ryan – The Rod Ryan Show on 94.5 The Buzz KTBZ

Media Champion

    Dave Strickland – KPRC Channel 2 news director

Foundation Friends

   The Guill Family – The Guill Foundation 

Spirit of Service

    Youval Meicler – Texas Mattress Makers 

Corporate Commitment

    Maria Moncada Alaoui – BMW of West Houston

    Tommy Kuranoff – Momentum BMW Southwest

Lifetime of Giving

    Susan & Fayez Sarofim

Children’s Impact

    Tony Buzbee

Heart of Houston

    Hallie Vanderhider

Guardian Angels

    Jana & Richard Fant – The Fant Foundation

After presenting awards, Ward was surprised with a Leadership Award by Founder and Vice Chairman of the Board Gary Becker on behalf of the founders and board members. In addition to receiving an award, the Child Life Room at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center Outpatient Clinic at the Mark Wallace Tower is renamed to: Laura S. Ward, Houston Children’s Charity Child Life Room.

Since its inception, Houston Children’s Charity has distributed 254 vans to families of disabled children, helped 40,000 school-aged students walk into school prepared for the new school year with much-needed school supplies, and provided 25,000 children with a better night’s sleep by distributing mattresses, box springs, bed frames, sheets, and pillows. More than 30,000 children have been provided with gently used clothing, shoes and accessories at no cost.

Houston Children’s Charity distributes 80,000 toys to 20,000 children through the Adopt-A-Family program and Toy Distribution. Each year, $100,000 is awarded to the families at Texas Children’s Hospital to help pay for lodging, mortgage, car payments, meals, parking, and clothes.

Celebrating a quarter-century of caring for children included: Mayor Sylvester Turner, District Attorney Kim Ogg, Rachel and Jeff Bagwell, Frances and Tony Buzbee, Paige Fertitta, Sylvia Forsythe, Ryan Jay, Ali Guill, John Guill, Marion Guill Anderson, Gary Becker, Twila Carter, Gina Gaston, Grant Guthrie, Michael Hoctor, Tommy Kuranoff, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Penny Loyd, David Atkins, Dr. Susan Blaney, Dan D’Armond, DeeDee and Wallis Marsh, Youval Meicler, Trini Mendenhall, Maria Moncada Alaoui, Dr. Lois Moore, Debbie and Bob Ogle, Amy and Rob Pierce, Rachelle Rowe, Rod Ryan, Susan Sarofim, Carol and Dr. Tom Sawyer, Morris Smith, Kristina Somerville, Tina and Dave Strickland, Donna Vallone, Russell Ybarra, Robin Young-Ellis, Patrick Fertitta, David Gow.

(This post was taken from a release sent to me by Houston Children's Charity)

Bob Boudreaux update, Houston/Dallas radio ratings and more

MORE VIDEO
- Former KTRK 13 promotions producer Michael Penix's WLTX Super Bowl spots
- The Real News Photographer
- Morning anchor gets unintentionally sexual
- CBS 11 News Doug Dunbar Promo
- HARLEM SHAKE (Ksla News Edition)
- 98FM KFMK Houston top of hour
- CHAMILLIONAIRE AS THE ANCHOR MAN WITH JOSE GRINAN!
- 15 TV News Reporters Who Deserve A Hug

New deal for DeDe McGuire
DeDe McGuire signs new contract with Service Broadcasting’s urban “K-104” KKDA-FM, Dallas.

Former Dallas TV journalist Rebecca Rodriguez is new communications chief for Dallas ISD
Dallas ISD hires Rebecca Rodriguez, former news reporter and current city of Arlington spokesperson, as new communications chief.

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KTXD Dallas Launches New Local Program
In partnership with D Magazine, London Broadcasting’s KTXD Dallas (DMA 5) launches D: The Broadcast followed by the debut of D Living.
- Seismic shift at KTXD -- from Perry Mason to D: The Broadcast

Houston and DFW radio ratings
ALL ACCESS presents JANUARY PPM market radio rating highlights for Houston and Dallas, compiled by the Ratings Experts at RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. and powered by XTRENDS, radio's #1 PPM and diary analysis tool.
- Radio One Houston gets praise

Former KTRK anchor still acting
Former KTRK abc13 anchor Bob Boudreaux is still acting (he was in stage productions while still an anchor). His latest credits, Banshee and the upcoming A Little Christmas Business.
- Bob Boudreaux and Dr. Red Duke together for award

Ashby, Blum join Astros' TV booth
With a move to the American League and a new color scheme, the Houston Astros also have made changes to their broadcast teams -- both television and radio -- for the 2013 baseball season. The club announced former Astros players Alan Ashby and Geoff Blum will join Bill Brown, entering his 27th season with the organization, in the TV booth this season. On the radio side, Robert Ford will call play-by-play and Steve Sparks will be the color analyst.
- Thoughts on the Astros’ new voices and the continuing CSN Houston carriage stalemate
- Network carrying Astros, Rockets games unavailable in Austin area

‘Mighty Gwinn’ moving to 1560 AM
Dylan Gwinn, who has hosted midday and evening talk shows on KBME (790 AM) since 2010, will move to David Gow’s Yahoo! Sports Radio next week.

Former Fox 26 anchor goes nationwide
Former Fox 26 KRIV anchor Jan Jeffcoat will host new syndicated show "The List."

KIAH and KDAF get new big boss
Tribune Appoints Larry Wert As President of Local Broadcasting.

Ron Paul comes to radio
Former congressman and Presidential candidate Ron Paul (R-TX) has signed to host twice-a-day one-minute commentaries.

REMEMBERING

FOX San Antonio's Karen Martinez Passes Away
FOX San Antonio anchor Karen Martinez has passed away after her long battle with breast cancer. Karen was 37.

Anderson, longtime KTSU host, dies after aneurysm
Longtime KTSU (90.9 FM) radio host Myron Anderson died Thursday, four days after suffering a brain aneurysm.

KLBJ reporter dies from injuries suffered in wreck
KLBJ-AM Austin reporter Barbara McCarley radio died from injuries she suffered in a rollover crash.
- No charges in wreck that killed radio reporter

MOVING

Click2Houston.com managing editor Lyn Stewart leaves KPRC 2 after more than a decade on the job. Stewart announced on Facebook that she's leaving to become the Digital Communications Manager for Huntsman Corporation.

I'm late on this, but I hear producer Don Geraci left KHOU 11's Great Day Houston last fall to start a new arts program on Houston PBS called Arts Insight. (Thanks to the PR Fairy @farbulous)

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Houston TV newscasts full of lovely ladies
- TV news' lost opportunity on Carnival Triumph story
- KTRK producer leads the blind through triathlons
- KTRK 13's Don Nelson back on air after surgery
- Bob Allen goes to Washington?
- Tom Doerr, Fox 26 KRIV news director to WFLD Chicago
- Sam Malone's debut on 1070 The Answer KNTH
- Comcast Xfinity app controls TV; now available in Houston
- Mix 96.5 KHMX moves Blake Hayes to mornings

Texas TV news and radio job moves August 2024

 

Send tips for the monthly Texas media job list here.

- Best TV News Bloopers August 2024

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

Fort Worth Star-Telegram to scale back print publication to 3 days a week.

Media winners in The Best of Big D from D Magazine.

Building a Brand:  NBC 5 KXAS Sportscaster Newy Scruggs mixes charisma with business acumen in a thriving on-camera career.

FOX 4 KDFW Photojournalist Kevin Bell celebrates 30 years with the station.

Andrew M. Greenstein joins the Louisiana Radio Network after 1080 KRLD-AM.

94.9 KLTY named Dave Moore as afternoon DJ. 

Irving Mejia-Hilario leaves the Dallas Morning News as breaking news business reporter for the Sports Business Journal.

820 WBAP Host Casey Bartholomew signs extension with the station.

Steve Beuerlein Named New Dallas Cowboys National Radio Analyst By Compass Media Networks.

Spectrum News DFW Mike Pool assignment editor retires.

Report says CBS owned stations like KTXA 21 could be sold with sale of owner Paramount Global.

Shannon Worley joins the Dallas Morning News as an audience journalist.

Jessica Waffles Joins KXT 91.7, Dallas For Local Music Show.

- Michelle Montaine joins WFAA DFW
- FOX 4 KDFW to get new Las Colinas home
- Brett Shipp exits Spectrum News 1 Texas
- "The Will Cain Show” joins Newsradio 1080 KRLD DFW
- Ryann Jones joins NBC 5 KXAS DFW
- Layoffs at Dr. Phil’s Merit Street Media
- Brittany Breeding joins CW33 DFW
- FOX 4 "Good Day" anchors surprised by fire alarm on live TV

HOUSTON

The Astros honored sports anchor Matt Musil for his 43 years at KHOU 11.

Anchor Rashi Vats celebrates 11 years with FOX 26 KRIV.

Reporter Courtney Fischer celebrates nine years with abc13 KTRK.

93Q Houston’s Riggs Is All In With Country Radio.

Carol Motsinger named Director of Digital Storytelling at the Houston Chronicle.

CultureMap founder David Gow to lead Houston policy nonprofit.

''The Boss & The Gloss'' Returns to ESPN 95.7.

Hope Media Group has announced a series of executive management promotions.

Pastor Joel Osteen launches new FAST Network, available on The Roku Channel.

Sam Warren joins the Houston Chronicle as a Pro Sports Trending Reporter.

Miranda Dunlap will now cover higher education with a focus on community colleges for the Houston Landing.

Brian Shannon las left KHOU 11 for abc13 as an assignment editor. 

- Melanie Lawson is out with foot issues
- Mo Haider joins abc13 Houston
- Carrigan Chauvin leaves CW39 Houston
- Usher DMs Houston TV meteorologist
- 101 KLOL Houston sign on day
- Reginald Adetula named SportsRadio 610 'In the Loop' co-host
- "Chattin’ with Chelsea!" to debut on FOX 26 KRIV
- “Sounds Like Texas With Zakk United” to air on 100.3 The Bull Houston
- Rosie Nguyen is engaged
- 102.1 KLYX Houston in 1974
- Jarrett Hale named VP and Regional GSM for FOX 26 Houston and FOX 7 Austin
- Dominique Sachse is married to Vic Mignogna
- Idolina Peralez leaves CW39 Houston
- Amanda Henderson joins KHOU 11
- Crystal Ayala and Ingrid Barrera to Anchor Telemundo Houston evenings
- Adam Krueger to leave CW39 Houston for Los Angeles
- Adam Winkler back talking Texas sports
- Jessie Watt recovering from surgery
- Luis Gerardo Nunez leaves Telemundo Houston for New York
- KHOU 11 Houston is experimenting
- Gina Gaston gets new look, and viewers respond

SAN ANTONIO

San Antonio Spurs commentator Bill Land will retire ahead of the 2024-2025 season after more than 15 years on the mic.

KSAT anchor Courtney Friedman celebrates 10 years with the station. 

Anchor Audrey Castoreno celebrates nine years with KENS 5.

KSAT 12 reporter Daniela Ibarra joins the KSAT Investigates team.

Rebecca L. Salinas named Digital Executive Producer at KSAT.

KSAT back on air after fiber connection issue; viewers may need to rescan.

- Sarah Spivey is pregnant

AUSTIN

Anchor Sally Hernandez celebrates 24 years at KXAN.

Meteorologist Avery Tomasco celebrates seven years with CBS Austin KEYE.

Steve Sherrill joins KVUE as local sales manager.

Sean Hemmersmeier hired at Austin Business Journal to cover economic development.

“Gossip Greg” Hill leaves 96.7 KISS KHFI nights.

The Rich Eisen Show Added to Daily Lineup at 102.7 ESPN Austin.

Sandra Santos joins the Texas Tribune as night editor. 

Waterloo Media is making multiple programming changes in Austin.

- Tommy House joins KXAN Austin
- Monica Madden joins ABC7 News - KGO
- KVUE News at Four launches September 2024
- Ford Sanders leaves KVUE Austin
- Leslie London joins FOX 7 Austin
- KVUE Austin employee adopts child featured in station segment
- Jenna King joins FOX 7 Austin
- Katie Pratt joins FOX 7 Austin

AROUND TEXAS

KYTX CBS19 Tyler Evening Anchor Marangeli Lopez has been named news director.

Anchor Stephanie Valle celebrates 23 years since KVIA El Paso.

Will Duerksen joins KMID Big 2 KMID as MMJ.

Chris Thomasson celebrates 15 years at KIII 3 sports Corpus Christi.

Vince Erickson returns to TV with the KWKT FOX 44 Waco-Temple-Killeen Sports Team as Weekend Sports Anchor starting August 31 for a 10-week stint.

The Texas Association of Broadcasters has named KFDX, Texoma’s Fox and Texoma’s Homepage the 2024 Station of the Year.

The Texas Association of Broadcasters has named JAM Broadcasting “Station of the Year.”

Country 100.3 KOMX and KGRO, Pampa sold.

Imani Jackson joins KCBD NewsChannel 11 Lubbock as multimedia journalist.

Nexstar Media Group, Inc. announced that KFDX-D3 Wichita Falls will become a CW Network affiliate.  

KDHN Dimmitt radio station has served Castro County for over 6 decades.

Cowboy Broadcasting Network has agreed to acquire Country 98.5 KRXT Rockdale.

Julieanna Jackson joins KCEN 6 Waco-Temple-Killeen as a reporter.

- John Purvis and others leave CBS4 El Paso
- Mark Scirto retires from KLTV 7 East Texas
- 2024 Texas NAB Marconi Radio Award Finalists Announced
- Javier Guerra joins KRGV 5
- Stevie Stephenson joins KBTX BCS
- KTSM 9 El Paso knocked off air, police investigating
- Tyler Shaw promoted to KBTX sports director
- Texas Radio Hall of Fame announces 2024 inductees
- Emily Faith joins KFDX 3 Wichita Falls
- Nicole Shearin joins 10TV WBNS Columbus, Ohio
- Taylor Locke joins WDBJ7 Roanoke, VA
- 2024 Texas National Edward R. Murrow Award Winners
- Leah Rodriguez joins KLBK Lubbock
- Karina Garcia joins WAVY 10 Norfolk
- Bob Bartlett celebrates 45 years at KTAB News
- Don Brubaker celebrates 40 years with KAVU Victoria
- 2024 Lone Star Regional Sports EMMY winners
- Chris Talley joins ABC Big 2 Midland-Odessa
- Shawna Currie returns to 25 News Now Victoria

REMEMBERING

For the Houston Texans' home opener against the Giants, the team reserved three seats for Fred Faour, Ken Hoffman, and Mark Lane, each of whom died this year. 

Remembering longtime ABC-7 KVIA El Paso team member Fran McNaboe.