Bill Barajas joins KPRC 2

Bill Barajas, KSAT 12 San Antonio anchor/reporter, joins KPRC and now I need to draw up a family tree!

KSAT 12 San Antonio's Bill Barajas is joining Houston sister-station KPRC the anchor/reporter posted on Facebook. From what I hear he will be a reporter at KPRC.

"In what might be the worst kept secret I’m happy to announce that after almost 9 years I’m going HOME," Barajas wrote over the weekend. "I have accepted a job a KPRC Channel 2 in Houston. I have one week left at KSAT and while I’m beyond excited to start the new gig I will forever love SA and the friends/co-workers that have become like a family to me."

Now, you might say Barajas...that name sounds familiar to me. There is a reason for that.

You can go read my 2010 post TV anchors named Barajas taking over Houston and Texas to get the full picture. I even wrote, "It's a Barajas TV news world in Houston - you and I just happen to watch it." Then in my more fun loving days, I listed six things that Barajas anchors could do if they worked at every Houston TV station. Go ahead and read it. I'll wait here for you to finish and then we can continue together.

I've been covering Bill Barajas since he was a reporter for KRGV 5 in the Rio Grande Valley. The reason...he is the son of former FOX 26 KRIV anchor Mike Barajas.

"Bill is a graduate of the University of Houston just like his old man and he is following in the broadcasting footsteps," Mike Barajas told mikemcguff.com back in 2013 when Bill Barajas started at KSAT 12.

You may also know his cousin, Erik Barajas, who anchors for abc13 KTRK.

"Erik worked at KSAT before moving up to KTRK," Bill Barajas told mikemcguff.com in 2013. "He always talked about the first rate station that they run there."

In reality, the Barajas clan is now playing catch up in the Houston television news family dynasty world.

While Erik and Bill are now working for KTRK and KPRC respectively, both of those stations also employ Rascons!

Yes, longtime abc13 KTRK anchor Art Rascon's son, Jacob, joined KPRC from NBC News just a few years ago.

Maybe John Paul Barajas, Mike's other son, can go work at KHOU one day just so the family can claim another station in its dynasty! John Paul has been with KRGV 5 since 2017.



(Thanks Taylor!)

KTRK abc13 debuts new 6:30pm newscast w/ Erik Barajas & Ilona Carson

New abc13 KTRK 6:30pm newscast debuts with Erik Barajas & Ilona Carson...plus some Dave Ward thrown in?


Call me "The Newstradamus of H-Town." More on that in a minute.

As I was preparing my Stream KTRK abc13 on app with 'Watch ABC' post, I noticed a brand new 6:30pm newscast debuted on the Disney/ABC owned Houston station.

Even if I hadn't been watching, the tweets and comments started coming my way from curious channel 13 viewers like this one:

Hey Mike,
Do you know what's going with the News at 6PM? Dave and Gina were on and then all of a sudden, Ilona and Erik became the anchors at 6:30. It was truly odd...Hope they change it back! Dave is a fixture in Houston television, so they should not cut his air time!!

Eyewitness News at 6pm has been a full hour with Dave Ward and Gina Gaston (or Shara Fryer in the past) for decades. Now it appears Eyewitness News at 6:30pm with Erik Barajas and Ilona Carson will be the new thing.

Clearly my predictions last week about Barajas' replacing Ward in the future at least looks favorable at the moment. Don't think I'm really that good, that rumor has been around the block for years - you know there is the whole Barajas TV Dynasty thing that Isiah Carey AKA The Insite came up with.

So Barajas and Ilona Carson look to be the future of KTRK's main anchor desk, but an imposing news icon like Ward will not be easily forgotten - even just for the new half hour show.


Ward returned at the end to tease the 10pm news (he's still got that one) and to do his trademark "Before We Go" kicker segment. Can we all agree that transition from Barajas/Carson to Ward at the end was awkward? OK maybe not as awkward as Miley Cyrus twerking at MTV's 2013 VMAs but still odd.

Then there was the other member of the show...technical problems. Wow. Honestly this was the first time I've watched an entire Houston newscast since I left KTRK in 2009. It was shocking and sad. I've been receiving lots of channel 13 viewer emails in the past year asking me what's up with the station's on-air mistakes but this even surprised me. This reminded me of when I worked in Waco TV. First time I've seen this much go wrong technically on a channel 13 newscast.

Here is what I noticed:
- There was a wild robotic camera problem. It was like the camera got hit by lightning like Johnny 5 and came to life with a mind of its own. It would have been better if an anchor named Stephanie said, "forward" and then NOVA showed up. OK, a bit of an exaggeration, the camera was moving while Barajas was talking, but I love Steve Guttenberg and try to work his films in here.
- Anchors looking at wrong cameras
- A giant screen behind the anchors went blank
- Not a technical error but a mistake in my book - I hate that Smart Board.  It looks like a gimmick. Does the average viewer care? I think it just slows down the pace even more than normal.
- And then there was this:


A member of the floor crew walked in front of Chief Meteorologist Tim Heller. Based on Heller's reaction, I bet he didn't even predict that one.

Better luck on episode #2 abc13.  Although if it is really like this all the time, I need to start watching more often with my camera ready.

Erik Barajas wins 2016 HAIRRY: Local Newsmen With The Best Hair

2016 HAIRRY: "Emmys are nice. They really are. We’re not trashing the Emmys – they do fine work. But the HAIRRYs? They showcase the true talent that lives within these United States of America!"

This is what we missed during the Thanksgiving holiday break. I apologize for just getting to it, but it's been a little "hairy" around here.

KTRK abc13 anchor Erik Barajas, or you might say "a real life Superman," has been honored with a 2016 HAIRRY: Local Newsmen With The Best Hair. That means website getgoodhead.com, the folks who are behind the coiffure award, believe the Houston newsman has the best TV news hair for the entire Lone Star State!

"Decades of trial and error," Barajas wrote on Facebook. "Hundreds of gallons of pomade and gel, that have been applied and shampooed out. Patiently instructing all my hair stylists over the years and finally, finally someone takes notice. This is mine. I earned it."

Here is how the HAIRRY folks describe Barajas:

Erik Barajas is a real life Superman. At least, he sure looks like one. Erik’s hair is so impeccably stylized and slick, there was no question as to whether he should win first prize for Texas.

When you’re reporting for KTRK-TV’s 13 Eyewitness News, or flying through the sky looking for villains to rain justice down upon, your hair has got to be gelled to the tee. Some hair just looks flat and wet when styled with gel, but Erik’s is voluminous and shiny; perhaps he’s found the perfect product – GIVE US YOUR SECRETS!

So just how are the winners chosen for this hair-raising award? Here are the criteria:

The HAIRRYs celebrate fabulous hair and the people who have it. There are no nominations, no voting, and no turning back. As hair experts, we scour multiple images and video from all of our potential winners. Then, we consult with other stylists and creatives in the field to narrow it down to one HAIRRY Winner and up to two HAIRRY Runner-Ups.

Our Criteria For Great Hair

When choosing our recipients we look for the following characteristics:

thick
full volume
well styled
limited/no receding hairline

The Texas runner ups included another Houston newscaster - KHOU 11 traffic anchor Darby Douglas!

With a styled salt-and-pepper ‘do that’s as enticing as they come, our bet is that co-runner up Darby Douglas won’t be a runner-up for long. Look out Erik and Brandon, next year’s HAIRRY might just belong to Darby Douglas and KHOU.

WFAA 8 Dallas reporter Brandon Hamilton shares the runner up honor with Douglas.

Now Barajas wasn't the only winner you've heard of.

Former FOX 26 KRIV movie critic Jake Hamilton, won for the Prairie State:

Jake Hamilton, Emmy-award winning reporter, Good Day Chicago, and we theorize, time traveling Norse god, is the clear HAIRRY winner for Illinois. (And Trump better not tweet this Hamilton asking for an apology for his amazing hair!)

Jake has that dreamy viking look going on: striking light blue eyes, and incredibly fair blonde hair – we’re surprised he wasn’t imported directly from Iceland. Unlike a real viking, Jake’s hair is immaculate; lengthy and slicked back with product, keeping his fringe bouncy and full up top.

TV anchors named Barajas taking over Houston and Texas

It's a Barajas TV news world in Houston - you and I just happen to watch it. Fox 26 KRIV and KTRK 13 have helped launch what Isiah Carey AKA The Insite is calling a Barajas media dynasty.
Longtime Houston television news viewers will know Fox 26 KRIV anchor Mike Barajas. Many will also know his nephew, Erik Barajas, an anchor at KTRK 13.

But that is just the beginning blogs The Insite.

Mike's son, Bill Barajas, who interned at KTRK 13 when I was there, is now a reporter at KRGV 5 in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. It doesn't stop there. Supposedly Mike's other son, John Paul, is interested in the TV news business when he graduates. (UPDATE 8/7/2013 - Bill Barajas joins KSAT from KRGV)

TV dynasties are nothing new. Go to the Oklahoma City TV market and you'll find the Ogle brothers working for various television stations. But there are only three Ogles. Sounds like the Barajas family could overtake their numbers in Houston one day.

Imagine Barajas anchors on every TV station:
- They could all perform a comedy/dance routine at the Houston Press Club's Gridiron Show.
- Pose for a Barajas TV news guy calendar
- Team Barajas: Crush other anchor teams in organized sporting events
- Send coded family messages to each other through their news scripts and on camera facial expressions
- Buy a Houston TV station, change the call letters to KBAR and have a Barajas anchor on every day part
- Use their media positions to overthrow city government and install other Barajas family members

This list could go on forever.

RELATED
What Fox 26 KRIV anchor Mike Barajas drives

Bill Barajas promoted to KPRC weekend anchor

Bill Barajas just announced he has been promoted to KPRC 2 Houston weekend anchor.

UPDATE
Syan Rhodes to leave KPRC 2

Here is what Barajas posted to Facebook:

"Big news! Happy to announce that I’ve been promoted and given a wonderful opportunity as a weekend evening anchor at KPRC.

I’ve been back in Houston for almost 4 years now and It’s a dream come true to anchor in my hometown.

Make sure to check us out Saturday’s at 6pm and 10pm and Sundays at 5pm and 10pm."

Barajas takes over the spot left by Jonathan Martinez who was hired to be evening anchor for News 4 San Antonio WOAI in 2021.

RELATED
- Cathy Hernandez and Brittany Jeffers new KPRC 2 weekend morning anchors

Barajas joined KPRC 2 from Graham Media Group sister-station KSAT 12 San Antonio in 2019. 

As I have written many times, the Barajas name is a big one in Texas TV.  

"Bill is a graduate of the University of Houston just like his old man and he is following in the broadcasting footsteps," former FOX 26 KRIV evening anchor Mike Barajas told mikemcguff.com back in 2013 when Bill Barajas started at KSAT 12.

Mike Barajas' former co-anchor, now FOX 26 KRIV morning anchor Melissa Wilson, commented on my Facebook post that Mike was very excited about Bill's weekend anchor promotion and is "having a blast being a granddad."  Bill added in the comments that his dad has been enjoying retirement. 

Then there is his cousin, Erik Barajas, who is an abc13 KTRK evening anchor.

Bill's brother, John Paul Barajas, now works for KSAT San Antonio.

Both of the Barajas brothers previously worked for KRGV 5 Rio Grande Valley.

I've said it before, Isiah Carey called the Barajas media dynasty back in 2010.

"KRIV and Barajas mutually agreed to part ways"

A KRIV FOX 26 spokesperson confirmed to me after my initial post about Mike Barajas being removed from the station's website that, "KRIV and (anchor Mike) Barajas mutually agreed to part ways.”

It was back on January 16th, that I blogged how Fox 26 KRIV employees told me anchor Mike Barajas was gone. A few days later FOX TV told me he was listed as on vacation. Then the Houston Chronicle's Ken Hoffman found out Barajas was not scheduled to anchor a newscast.

I think anyone who knew something about the TV business could read between the lines on what was really happening.

According to Barajas' online bio, he was with FOX 26 since 1986. He started out as the weekend anchor and was later promoted to anchoring the midday newscast. In 1992, he was promoted to the main newscast FOX 26 News at 9. Before KRIV, Barajas was a reporter for KPRC.

And as I have written before, KTRK 13 anchor Erik Barajas is Mike's nephew. Once again, Houston will only know what it is like to have one Barajas on TV news.

I reached out to Mr. Barajas through an intermediary. Have not heard back from him.

RELATED
- Mike Barajas leaves Fox 26 KRIV?
- FOX: KRIV 26 anchor Mike Barajas is on vacation
- Fox 26 KRIV anchor Mike Barajas "not scheduled" for newscasts

Mike Barajas leaves Fox 26 KRIV?

UPDATE 2/9
Anchor Mike Barajas off Fox 26 KRIV website

UPDATE 1/18/2011
FOX: KRIV 26 anchor Mike Barajas is on vacation

The emails started coming in after midnight Saturday morning and went into the night. Sorry I am only posting this now, but I was busy watching my son and reporting on Texas gun owner fears after the Arizona shooting.

I am told by multiple sources connected with Fox 26 KRIV that main anchor Mike Barajas is no longer with the station. His last show was the Friday 9pm newscast. There was supposedly no mention about his departure on TV. Barajas announced his departure after the show to a surprised staff.

According to Barajas' online bio, he's been with FOX since 1986. He started out as the weekend anchor and was later promoted to anchoring the midday newscast. In 1992, he was promoted to the main newscast FOX 26 News at 9. Before KRIV, Barajas was a reporter for KPRC.

And as I have written before, KTRK 13 anchor Erik Barajas is Mike's nephew. Once again, Houston will only know what it is like to have one Barajas on TV news.

I have been told various reasons as to why he is leaving, including news about other possible talent departures coming up. Will try to sort it out with the Fox Broadcasting Monday. Stay tuned.

(Thanks to all that sent me this info and even complained I did not have it up Saturday...I know you care!)

UPDATE 1/18/2011
FOX: KRIV 26 anchor Mike Barajas is on vacation

RELATED
- TV anchors named Barajas taking over Houston and Texas
- What Fox 26 KRIV anchor Mike Barajas drives

John Paul Barajas joins KSAT

John Paul Barajas is leaving KRGV 5 Rio Grande Valley as an anchor/reporter to be a general assignments reporter for KSAT 12 San Antonio starting June 26th mikemcguff.com can confirm.

Television viewers in both San Antonio and Houston will recognize the famous Barajas TV news name.  

John Paul is the son of former Fox 26 KRIV anchor Mike Barajas.  He is also the younger brother of current KPRC reporter (and former KSAT 12/KRGV reporter) Bill Barajas. 

He is also the cousin of abc13 KTRK anchor Erik Barajas.

"Erik worked at KSAT before moving up to KTRK," Bill Barajas told mikemcguff.com in 2013. "He always talked about the first rate station that they run there."

John Paul has been with KRGV since 2017.

He is a graduate of the Jack J. Valenti School of Communication at the University of Houston.  

According to his bio, Barajas wears red ties on most Fridays in honor of the Cougar Red Friday’s tradition.  

While in school he participated in UH's Coog TV.  He also interned in Houston at abc13 KTRK, FOX 26 KRIV and in San Antonio at KSAT 12.

So after KSAT, any guesses on which Houston TV station John Paul will join in the future?  I joked in the past, it has to be KHOU 11, so the Barajas television dynasty can add another station to their list! 

Two Barajas reporters at channel 2?

You are not hallucinating. There are two reporters named Barajas on KPRC 2 Houston at the moment.

The Channel 2 audience knows the recently engaged weekend anchor Bill Barajas, who has been here since 2019.  

But now, you also see his brother, John Paul Barajas, on Houston TV. He's here in Houston helping out after Hurricane Beryl from Graham Media Group's sister station KSAT 12 San Antonio, where Bill previously worked.

And guess who their father is?  That's right, former FOX 26 KRIV evening anchor Mike Barajas.

"Bill is a graduate of the University of Houston just like his old man and he is following in the broadcasting footsteps," Mike Barajas told mikemcguff.com back in 2013 when Bill Barajas started at KSAT 12.

And then some of you are yelling at me through the screen about ABC13 KTRK Houston anchor Erik Barajas.  Yes, Erik is Bill's and John Paul's cousin.

Isiah Carey called it in 2010. It's the Barajas Media Dynasty.

You can watch John Paul's reporting for KPRC 2 below.

John Paul Barajas named KSAT 12 weekend anchor

John Paul Barajas announced this evening that he has been promoted to KSAT 12 San Antonio weekend evening anchor from his reporting role.

"I’m honored to be stepping into the role of Weekend Evening Anchor," Barajas posted. "It’s a position that has been held by so many amazing journalists and KSAT greats. I'm excited about this next chapter and added responsibility which truly is a privilege. See you tomorrow at 5 and 10!"

Barajas fills the void left by Courtney Friedman, who was just promoted to weekday anchoring.

That means he and his brother, Bill Barajas, will anchor simultaneously in Texas, and only a few hours down I-10 from each other! Bill is the weekend anchor for Graham Media Group's sister station, KPRC 2 Houston, and he previously worked for KSAT. 

We've been talking about the Barajas television dynasty for years. So, to catch you up, Jon Paul and Bill are the sons of former FOX 26 KRIV evening anchor Mike Barajas. They are the cousins of ABC13 KTRK Houston evening anchor Erik Barajas.

John Paul Barajas joined KSAT 12 in June 2021 from KRGV 5 in the Rio Grande Valley, where he was an anchor and general assignment reporter.

Barajas got his start in television journalism through internships at KTRK and KSAT.

A Jack J. Valenti School of Communication graduate at the University of Houston, Barajas is known to wear red ties on Fridays in honor of the Cougar Red Friday tradition.  You might have seen him on this very blog cheering on the Coogs ahead of the NCAA Championship in San Antonio. 

Also, announced today is the departure of the KSAT 12 news director.

Bill Barajas joins KSAT from KRGV

Bill Barajas is heading to his cousin Erik's old station KSAT

Bill Barajas

News 92's Mike Barajas let me know his son, Bill, is moving up to a higher TV market.

For the last three years, the younger Barajas has been working as a reporter at KRGV in the Rio Grande Valley. But starting Monday, August 12th, Bill moves up to KSAT, San Antonio's top rated station.

"KRGV was my first job and an experience I'll never forget," Bill Barajas told mikemcguff.com. "I covered everything from cartels to human and drug stash houses. My move to KSAT was made possible with the experience and hard work I put in there and the guidance of my father and cousin Erik.

"Erik worked at KSAT before moving up to KTRK. He always talked about the first rate station that they run there and I couldn't be more excited."

Naturally Bill's dad, Mike, is very excited.

"Bill is a graduate of the University of Houston just like his old man and he is following in the broadcasting footsteps," the elder Barajas told mikemcguff.com. "After completing his 3-year stint in South Texas he is moving to the number one station in San Antonio."

According to his bio, Bill interned at four different stations in Houston - Fox 26 KRIV, abc13 KTRK, Telemundo, and KIAH CW39. I personally remember seeing him intern when I was at KTRK.

I've said it before, long live the Barajas TV dynasty!  And you would have known about this move weeks ago if you had followed me on Facebook.  I posted it there first!

RELATED
- News 92FM's Mike Barajas & Bonnie Petrie honored by Texas AP
- Mike Barajas drops the microphone for baton

What is that Houston TV anchor wearing?

Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!: Houston TV anchors revive the classic tie bar

Erik Barajas & Ilona Carson

He first noticed former FOX 26 reporter/anchor Ned Hibberd wearing them. Then the characters on AMC's Mad Men. Now Bob Martin aka "The Accountant to the Stars" is spotting tie bars on multiple male anchors across the Houston TV dial.


"When I was growing up, we called them 'tie clips'", Martin told mikemcguff.com. "The tie clips served a great function. One of my first jobs was as a manager of a restaurant. I was required to wear a tie which was always getting in the way and getting soiled in the kitchen. My dad gave me some of his tie clips which were very helpful in keeping my ties out of harm's way."

Houston anchors must be trying to keep their ties from being soiled from breaking news now. Martin has spotted abc 13 KTRK anchors Erik Barajas, Chauncy Glover and FOX 26 KRIV weekend anchor Chris Stipes with the fashion accessory.

"Tie bars are not a new accessory in menswear," Houston menswear consultant and former Chron.com blogger David Yarbrough explained to mikemcguff.com. "It's function in keeping the tie in place becomes even more practical when two-button jackets are being worn vs. three-button. It also attracts the eye toward the man's torso, which can highlight an athletic figure."

Fashion experts will tell you the tie bar has actually been around since the 1920s and like any trend comes and goes through the years.

Ashley Martini, styling consultant and founding member of Martini Fashions, LLC, says this timeless piece can be worn by a man of any age.

"Let a tie bar show a little bit of your personality off," Martini, who also interned with Jennifer Lopez’s fashion company Sweetface/JustSweet/JLO told me. "There are so many different shapes, designs and textures out there. Opt for a tie bar in a metal that matches your current accessories. For example, if you wear a gold watch and gold cuff links you should complete your look with a gold tie bar rather than mixing metals.

"Make sure your tie bar fits your tie appropriately. Also keep in mind it should be placed between your third and fourth buttons of your shirt. Avoid a tie bar if you have an oval body shape so you don't accentuate your midsection."

So did Martin keep any of his father's tie bars?

"Unfortunately all of my tie bars and those that belonged to my dad were sold long ago in garage sales," he said. "Now that I’m seeing the revival of them, I’m regretting that I did not keep a few of them for my TV interviews."

And as for this Houston TV anchor fashion trend...

"If male anchors are going to wear accessories, tie bars are much safer for their careers than wearing something like earrings," Martin added.

Chris Stipes

Chauncy Glover

I just use it to keep my tie straight. Nice article @mikemcguff http://t.co/zW94CU5eil @abc13houston #mensfashion pic.twitter.com/I2MkNxEv0L

— Erik Barajas (@ErikOnTV) March 11, 2015

Mike Barajas drops the microphone for baton

News92 KROI's anchor a conductor?

Mike Barajas

Got a reader tip that News92 KROI anchor Mike Barajas was a special guest conductor at the Houston Symphony Orchestra's performance of the Music of the Rolling Stones last weekend.

Shortly before the intermission, Barajas led the combo through a spirited rendition of Jumpin' Jack Flash.

"I am not really sure he was actually conducting, but he channeled his inner rock star," the tipster told me. "He definitely stole the show."

Maybe next we will see his nephew, abc13 KTRK anchor Erik Barajas, guest with the Houston Ballet. Now that would be a gas, gas, gas like Mick says.

You never know where the Barajas anchor family will show up, but one thing for sure, they will probably be broadcasting something to you.

UPDATE
Photos of Barajas in action

A TV Barajas makes "The Rock" laugh in San Antonio

It wasn't Mike Barajas, Erik Barajas or Bill Barajas, but KSAT 12 reporter John Paul Barajas who made Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson laugh in San Antonio last weekend during the XFL Brahmas’ season opener.

Let me point out I've been covering the Barajas media dynasty since 2010 when Isiah Carey coined the term!

Barajas explains below. 

The Pebble! 🪨
I remember this moment the other night. Fun stuff brother. Thanks for the laugh. Rocky Maivia baby! 😊👊🏾#XFL #HowBoutDemBrahmas 🤘🏾@XFLBrahmas https://t.co/XdDyN3xnrf

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) February 22, 2023

 

Erik and Bill Barajas are dueling cousin anchors

Gina Gaston announced she was leaving the abc13 Houston 10pm news Friday night, but that was not the only big event happening.  

"Crazy to think that my cousin Erik Barajas and I will be on the airwaves at the same time but for competing stations in the city we love," posted KPRC 2 weekend anchor Bill Barajas.

So yes, two members of the Barajas TV Dynasty were on the air against each other!  Bring in Bill's brother, John Paul, from KSAT San Antonio, put him at his dad, Mike's former station of FOX 26 KRIV, and then you have the Barajas media triumvirate!

Can you imagine Houston TV after Dave Ward?

Dave Ward wants to hit 50 years with KTRK abc13 - but what happens to us after that?

UPDATE NOVEMBER 10, 2014
Dave Ward to step down from KTRK ABC13's 10pm news
Dave Ward to start 2015 with reduced workload

Bob Allen, Laura Ward, Dave Ward

While I was on my blogging break, David Barron wrote about Dave Ward's latest contract extension. Ward's goal is to stay on KTRK abc13 for 50 years.

Then it hit me...we will one day have Houston TV without Dave Ward (I guess we had David Ward for a spell, but that's a different story).

As I said on the radio a few weeks ago, on the day I was born, The Houston Chronicle listed Ward, Ed Brandon and Bob Allen as the talent on that day's Live at 5 in the TV section.

From hurricanes to wars, Ward has been there giving us the details for decades. Others like me only know life with Dave Ward on TV! Seriously, he's probably been more consistently in the lives of Houstonians than family members.

Just on this blog alone, I've watched Ward hit the 40 year milestone, 45 year milestone to last year just announcing, "They’ll probably carry me out of [KTRK abc13] feet first."

All good things must come to an end though (unless Ward can become virtual like Max Headroom).

So that leads us to who will take over Ward's main anchor chair at Houston's top rated station KTRK?

Will it be?
A) Tom Koch
B) Art Rascon
C) Tom Abrahams
D) Erik Barajas
E) Another internal candidate
F) Someone from the outside

If I were a betting man, I'd pick D. Why? You never bet against the Barajas TV Dynasty. It is their destiny!

If this prognostication becomes true, I will link back to this post over and over again forcing you to call me by the snazzy name "The Newstradamus of H-Town." If it doesn't happen, you'll never see a link to this post again.  This is preparing me for a life as a political pundit one day.

UPDATE NOVEMBER 10, 2014
Dave Ward to step down from KTRK ABC13's 10pm news
Dave Ward to start 2015 with reduced workload

RELATED
- VIDEO: KTRK 13 anchor Dave Ward's movie performance
- Original KTRK news team reunites: Ward, Lovett & Dungan
- Ward and other Houston radio DJs of the 1960s talk about era
- News 92FM's Mike Barajas & Bonnie Petrie honored by Texas AP
- Mike Barajas drops the microphone for baton
- Bill Barajas joins KSAT from KRGV
- Gina Gaston supports the kids

KTRK abc13 and Univision 45 live webstream Houston mayoral debate

Univision 45/KXLN-TV and ABC-13/KTRK-TV have joined to co-host the Houston Mayoral Debate, streaming it live from Hobby Center’s Zilkha Hall, 800 Bagby St. at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 10.

The Mayoral Debate will feature the top seven announced candidates and will be accessible exclusively online at www.abc13.com and www.univision45.com. Simultaneous Spanish-language translation will be available on Univision 45’s website.

ABC-13’s Erik Barajas and Univision 45’s Rebecca Suarez will moderate the debate. The audience will be by invitation only; however, Houston voters are encouraged to submit their questions in English or Spanish by posting them to twitter using #HOUSTONVOTE.

The Houston Mayoral Debate’s direct to web live stream will be the first of its kind for a local debate (FOX 26 KRIV previously held Mayoral debates in the past). ABC-13 will telecast the debate that same night at 10:35 p.m.

“We are thrilled with our partnership with ABC-13. By co-hosting this mayoral forum, we are providing a great service to our community. The top mayoral candidates will have an opportunity to convey their respective visions and plans for the city of Houston,” said David Loving, General Manager of Univision Houston Local Media.

“We’re delighted to collaborate with Univision and co-host Houston’s Mayoral Debate. It is an exciting opportunity to use our digital platforms to deliver information to Houstonians in new and innovative ways,” said Henry Florsheim, General Manager of KTRK ABC-13.

The Houston mayoral candidates include Chris Bell, Stephen Costello, Adrian Garcia, Ben Hall, Bill King, Marty McVey, and Sylvester Turner.

Rebecca Suarez is an award-winning broadcast journalist. She has been a member of the Univision 45 news team since 2011, working as a news anchor and reporter. She is a native Houstonian with expertise in covering local and statewide elections. Erik Barajas has served as a respected 13 Eyewitness News anchor for seven years. A true Texas journalist, he’s worked as a reporter and anchor in several cities across the state.

(This post was taken from a release sent to me by KTRK abc13)

Chauncy Glover adds 6:30pm news duties

Chauncy Glover is a news anchor on the rise. We've watched him start the 3pm newscast and now he is also anchoring the 6:30pm newscast.

UPDATE NOVEMBER 2024
Glover has passed away

UPDATE JULY 2023
Chauncy Glover leaves abc13 Houston

"HAPPY NEW YEAR FRIENDS! New Year, New time slot! Kicking of 2020 with my new partner in crime ABC13-Ilona Carson. Catch us Monday-Friday on ABC13 at 6:30. (Yes, I’ll still be on at 3 getting your afternoons started) God is so good! I pray hard, work hard, show up ...and HE does the rest! Love you Houston!"

I told you this was coming way back in 2018 when Glover debuted the channel 13 3pm newscast:

What I can guess is that news director Wendy Granato has high hopes for the Glover and Moreno anchor team. Considering the attention, that especially Glover has been receiving, are we seeing the future main anchors move up through the Eyewitness News ranks? The 3pm today, the 6pm and 10pm news in the future?

OK, I didn't say 6:30pm, but I was close!

So, does this mean that now 6:30pm anchor, Erik Barajas, will move to the 6pm show with Gina Gaston and still continue to anchor the 10pm too?


Barajas has been hanging out in LA with late night ABC host Jimmy Kimmel (Baba Booey) as of late.

Here is my plea to Barajas, no matter how much Kimmel tells him using broadcast tones in his story is a good idea, DON'T DO IT!

If Barajas moves to the 6pm, the Glover domino effect also puts Art Rascon on the 11am and Live at Five only? Right?

Stay tuned my friend.

KTRK abc13 and Univision 45 KXLN present runoff candidates in live Houston mayoral debate

Univision 45/KXLN-TV and ABC-13/KTRK-TV have joined to co-host the Houston Mayoral Debate, streaming it live from the University of Houston-Downtown at One Main Street, Houston, Texas at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 2nd.

The Houston Mayoral Debate will feature runoff candidates Bill King and Sylvester Turner and will be accessible live on-air on KTRK-TV abc13 and online at www.abc13.com and www.univision45.com.

Simultaneous Spanish-language translation will be available on Univision 45’s website and will air the same day at 10 p.m. The debate will be presented in partnership with the University of Houston-Downtown and Mi Familia Vota.

ABC-13’s Erik Barajas and Univision 45’s Rebecca Suarez will moderate the debate. The audience will be by invitation only; however, Houston voters are encouraged to submit their questions in English or Spanish by posting them to twitter using #HOUSTONVOTE.

“We look forward to working with Univision 45 to bring this most important and newsworthy event to Houston in Prime Time so that voters have the opportunity to hear from the candidates, one of whom will be the next mayor,” said Henry Florsheim, General Manager of KTRK ABC-13.

“We are excited to partner once again with ABC-13 to present this mayoral debate. This is an important opportunity for the candidates to present their plans and answer key questions about the future of our city,” said David Loving, General Manager of Univision Houston.

Rebecca Suarez is an award-winning broadcast journalist. She has been a member of the Univision 45 news team since 2011, working as a news anchor and reporter. She is a native Houstonian with expertise in covering local and statewide elections. Erik Barajas has served as a respected 13 Eyewitness News anchor for seven years. A true Texas journalist, he’s worked as a reporter and anchor in several cities across the state.

(This post was taken from a release sent to me by KTRK abc13)

What Fox 26 KRIV anchor Mike Barajas drives

Isiah Carey aka "The Insite" always "ambushes" his coworkers in the Fox 26 KRIV Houston parking lot to see what they drive. Then he posts it on his blog. I like the segment. This would not have been allowed at my old station.

In the latest entry he catches up with main anchor Mike Barajas who drives a 2010 Chevy Camaro. Next Isiah needs to photograph Erik Barajas' ride.

(Image courtesy of UH)