Dave Ward and Houston TV stars celebrate Crime Stoppers of Houston

Crime Stoppers of Houston Gala focuses on 50 years of Dave Ward

Photo Credit: Vicky Pink

The Honorable Mayor Sylvester Turner was honored at the 2016 Celebrating History in the Making Crime Stoppers of Houston Gala on Thursday, October 27th at the Hyatt Regency for his outstanding contributions to public safety in his years as a member of the Texas House of Representatives to his current position as Mayor of the City of Houston.

The focus of the evening was Celebrating History in the Making - the history Crime Stoppers of Houston is making with the construction of the first-ever Crime Stoppers headquarters anywhere in the world, the history the building's namesake, Guinness World Record holder Dave Ward, will be making when he celebrates 50 years at ABC - 13 Eyewitness News just a few days following the gala, along with special guests who are also making history.

The annual gala, which serves as the organization's largest fundraiser, welcomed more than 500 guests from all industries and raised more than $435,000 for Crime Stoppers' Tip Line and crime prevention programs, which for over three decades have empowered, educated, and engaged the community in important conversations about crime, public safety and the protection of society's most vulnerable citizens.

The evening began with a VIP reception with keynote speaker, Senior Investigative Reporter with the Boston Globe Spotlight Team, Michael Rezendes. His incredible investigative work led him to sharing a Pulitzer Prize in 2003. Rezendes' real-life work was the basis for the 2015 award-winning movie, "Spotlight", in which his character was played by Mark Ruffalo. "Spotlight" won the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Screenplay. VIP guests were able to mingle with Rezendes and then participated in the silent auction to support Crime Stoppers' mission. Guests were also invited to place their bids during the live auction. Items included a Taft McWhorter 60" x 40" Texas Flag "Live" painting, a trip to the pleasures and treasures of Tuscany, and all that glitters with 18kt gold Italian earrings with sapphire and diamonds from Wayne Smith Jewels.

Festivities kicked off in the Imperial Ballroom with a special opening performance by The Salvation Army Harbor Light Choir of Put a Little Love in Your Heart, followed by a warm welcome and moment of silence with emcee Jan Carson, Houston Lifestyle and Homes Editor and Columnist. Jan shared that for the first time tonight, Houstonians could be a part of this history by purchasing a brick paver that would forever sit on this Public Safety and Crime Prevention Block in Midtown.

Crime Stoppers Executive Director Rania Mankarious then took the stage to continue the celebration and share that the organization's new home in Midtown is expected to open in January 2017.

"Our new facility is the result of 35 years of study and is constructed to meet the needs of our growing community." said Mankarious "It will firmly and proudly stand as our city's HUB for everything related to crime prevention and public safety. It will be a place where current, cutting edge education can be given out and community partners can gather to focus on solutions. Not competition, not working in siloes, but expanding the proven power of our programming that makes Houston a safer place to live. We are so thankful to everyone who has helped get us here."

Remarks followed from Gala coordinator and visionary Laura Ward, and friends of Crime Stoppers Tilman Fertitta and Jan Carson who both spoke about Dave Ward's contributions to this 36 year old organization and in his incredible news career.

Before the night concluded, a very special friend of Ward - NASA Astronaut Scott Kelly - delivered a heartfelt message onstage in his honor. A surprise tribute video was played to introduce both Astronaut Kelly and the Dave Ward who followed by taking the stage to reveal that his final date on the anchor desk would be December 9, 2016.

Thursday's celebration was supported by many individuals, community partners and generous underwriters, including Houston First, The Lester and Sue Smith Foundation, Cabrina and Steven Owsley, Becker Family Foundation, Valerie and Bob Brindley/Integrity Partners, CenterPoint Energy, Paula Goldstein, Harris County Sheriff's Office Foundation, Michelle Heinz, P&R Productions, Strake Foundation, Jill and Charles Talisman, Laura and Dave Ward, plus many others.

Guests included Tilman Fertitta, Scott Kelly, Amiko Kauderer, Tim Connelly, Trish and Rock Morille, Jan Duncan, Carol and Dr. Tom Sawyer, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Elva and Truett Akin, Shayna Andrews, Neil and Maria Bush and Vicki Rizzo.

Notable elected officials included Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson, Harris County Commissioner Jack Cagle, Senator John Whitmire, State Representative Gene Wu, City Council Member Brenda Stardig and Houston Police Acting Chief Martha Montalvo.

Others celebrating with Crime Stoppers included Tama Lunquist and Gary Becker, Tena and Tyson Faust, Joella and Steve Mach, Ellen and Paige Cokinos, Laurie and Tracy Krohn, Roula Christie and Tasos Kostas, Michele Strake, Jennifer Reyna, Franco Valobra, Roseann Rogers and Aashish Shah, Leisa Holland-Nelson, Paul-David Van Atta, Sherri Zucker, Joann and Bill Crassas, Elizabeth and Tom Netting, Daryl Price, Dale Lockett, Farida Abjani, Stephanie Von Stein, and Melissa Rascon.

If you would like to learn about Crime Stoppers of Houston and our prevention programs, visit www.crime-stoppers.org or call 713-521-4600.

RELATED
Dave Ward to have a building named after him - Crime Stoppers of Houston Gala

Michael Rezendes, Rania Mankarious, Dave Ward, Laura Ward (Photo Credit: Roswitha Vogler)

Melanie Lawson, Houston Police Acting Chief Martha Montalvo (Photo Credit: Vicky Pink)

Roseann Rodgers, Gina Gaston, Dave Ward, Rania Mankarious, Jan Carson, Melanie Lawson, Don Nelson, Amanda Wilkinson (Photo Credit: Vicky Pink)

Margaret O'Brien, Don Nelson, Judy Nichols (Photo Credit: Vicky Pink)

Emcee Jan Carson (Photo Credit: Vicky Pink)

Tilman Fertitta and Mayor Sylvester Turner (Photo Credit: Vicky Pink)

NASA Astronaut Scott Kelly (Photo Credit: Roswitha Vogler)

(This post has been taken from a release sent to me by Crime Stoppers of Houston)

Jan Carson remembers her times at KPRC 2

KPRC 2 anchor Jan Carson returns for the station's 70th anniversary coverage! And the reporter comes out in Carson as she tries to turn the table on anchor Bill Balleza during his interview with her on Facebook Live!

The Dave Ward Building Crime Stoppers of Houston building opening

Dave and Laura Ward (Photo Credit: Roswitha Vogler, Photos by Rovo)

Las Friday was the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Crime Stoppers of Houston HQ, The Dave Ward Building.

I'm told Ward was very touched to see the completed building, which he hadn't visited in eight months. The last time he had seen the structure, construction workers were still building it.

Those who were in attendance tell me it was apparent Dave Ward was back after his heart troubles last December.

The anchor, who built KTRK abc13 from its humble origins to a massive ratings powerhouse over the years, gave a vintage Dave Ward performance for the crowd of Houston dignitaries (as you can read about below). He ended it by using his golden baritone voice to deliver the Crime Stoppers tip line as he always has but added let's get these "assholes" who committed these crimes off the street! The crowd ate it up.

Many of you have been asking when Dave Ward will say his previously scheduled December goodbye on KTRK abc13. I hear that is still in the works. Stay tuned to Dave Ward's Houston Facebook page where he will stay connected to his loyal viewers.

Here is the Crime Stoppers of Houston official press release:

Crime Stoppers of Houston officially cut the ribbon and opened the doors to the first-ever Crime Stoppers headquarters anywhere in the world on Friday, January 27, 2017. After 36 years of exemplary service in Houston, the historical building became Crime Stoppers' first permanent home. More than 250 prominent individuals including elected officials, community partners,foundations and corporations gathered at 3001 Main Street, Houston 77002 to celebrate The Dave Ward Building, Crime Stoppers of Houston. The facility was named in honor of Guinness World Record holder, Dave Ward, for his tenure as a television news anchor and for his significant contributions to the organization since its inception.

Laura Ward, Rania Mankarious, Rachael Bagwell, Jeff Bagwell, Dave Ward (Photo Credit: Roswitha Vogler, Photos by Rovo)

The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony began with a presentation of colors and singing of the National Anthem by the Harris County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard, followed by a warm welcome from Rania Mankarious, Executive Director of Crime Stoppers. Houston City Council Member Brenda Stardig then took the stage to present a proclamation from Mayor Sylvester Turner declaring January 27, 2017 as the "First-ever Crime Stoppers Headquarters Day". Mankarious introduced Fenner Weller, Capital Campaign Co-chair and he spoke about the campaign to build the City's first public safety and crime prevention block and then an introduction to Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick followed. Once again, Mankarious kindly thanked Ward, the Building's Namesake for his incredible contribution to public safety and for putting Crime Stoppers of Houston in the national and international spotlight, and then invited him to take the stage.

Rania Mankarious and Jennifer Reyna (Photo Credit: Roswitha Vogler, Photos by Rovo)

Ward remarked that he will continue to maintain a presence in Houston and left the crowd cheering with his famous and internationally recognized Crime Stoppers Tip Line reenactment. Texas State Troopers presented Ward with a plaque and an official Texas Trooper cowboy hat for his dedication to helping law enforcement. The crowd gave Ward a standing ovation when Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee presented Ward with a Congressional Resolution that proclaims Ward's achievements in public safety. Mankarious and Crime Stoppers of Houston immediate past Board Chairmen Don DeGabrielle and Board Chairman Hazem Ahmed presented Ward with an "official" oversized keepsake key to The Dave Ward Building. With the key, Ward will forever have an office at the Crime Stoppers' headquarters. Mankarious gave her closing remarks and announced the Ribbon Cutting.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee presenting Dave Ward with a Congressional Resolution for his achievements in public safety (Photo Credit: Roswitha Vogler, Photos by Rovo)

The festivities continued after the doors to the building opened. Everyone was invited inside, where Crime Stoppers of Houston unveiled a surprise for the Building Namesake. Behind the curtains, the Dave Ward Tribute Wall was exposed and included photos spanning Ward's career. Memorabilia from Ward's career are also in display throughout the building. Guests were invited to a reception and a tour of the facility. Food and drinks were provided by Kroger.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez Dave Ward (Photo Credit: Roswitha Vogler, Photos by Rovo)

Notable elected officials included: Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, State Representative Tom Oliverson, Harris County Commissioner Jack Cagle, Council Member Brenda Stardig, Council Member Jack Christie, Council Member Karla Cisneros, Council Member Mike Knox, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzales, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, Constable Alan Rosen, and others.

Jan Carson, Shara Fryer, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg (Photo Credit: Roswitha Vogler, Photos by Rovo)

Others celebrating with Crime Stoppers included:
Houston Police Department Chief of Police Art Acevedo, Laura Ward, Jeff Bagwell, Sue Smith, Leisa Holland-Nelson, Jennifer Reyna, Alan and Gary Becker, Tena Faust, Tama Lundquist, Melanie Lawson, Art Rascon, Joy Partain, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Carol Sawyer, and others.


About The Dave Ward Building, Crime Stoppers Of Houston:
Occupying an entire square block in Midtown, the new Crime Stoppers facility is also the City of Houston's first Public Safety and Crime Prevention block and serves as a hub for crime prevention - housing centralized Crime Stoppers operations, staff, volunteers, law enforcement, safe community/safe school programming and media outreach teams in a single three-story 28,000-square-foot building.


Each facet of the new Crime Stoppers headquarters works to expand the organization's community programming and serve its vital mission to solve and prevent crime. The organization recognizes that the community can play an active role in keeping themselves safe, therefore, the entire first floor of the building is designed specifically to service the community at no charge. This includes access to a 2,500 square foot multi-purpose community center that will be used for safety seminars and informational events; a victim's family services room for families and investigators; press conference room and media editing areas equipped with on-site tools available to members of the media to relay important, time-sensitive information to news outlets.

Additionally and within a highly secure setting, law enforcement partners assigned to the Crime Stoppers Tip Line Program (713-222-TIPS) will have a dedicated space to answer the tip line and manage day to day operations.

Dave Ward and Olivia Mankarious

Outside the facility, a 12,800-square-foot Harris County Sheriff's Officers Memorial Garden will be built to pay tribute to heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. This serene memorial - the first ever of its kind paying tribute to fallen County officers, will be overseen daily by an on-site officer and welcome any and all to honor fallen heroes. Moreover, this inviting square will serve as a graceful addition to the revitalized Midtown Houston cityscape and constant reminder of the community's commitment to crime prevention and resolution.

For information about Crime Stoppers of Houston or to give to the building campaign, please visit www.crime-stoppers.org or contact Rania Mankarious at rmankarious@crime-stoppers.org or 713-817-5678.


FULL INTERVIEWS: Hear Dave Ward's stories about his past

RELATED
Dave Ward to have a building named after him - Crime Stoppers of Houston Gala

(This post is taken from a press release sent to me by Crime Stoppers of Houston)

Don Nelson catches up with former KTRK abc13 anchors [PHOTOS]

Don Nelson's surprise birthday party became a KTRK abc13 reunion

I told you yesterday about former KTRK abc13 personality Don Nelson's big Galveson birthday bash.

There were a bunch of current and former Houston television stars in attendance. That meant a reunion for Nelson who got to catch up with the likes of Jan Carson, Jan Glenn, Shara Fryer, Debbie Johnson, Don Kobos and others.

The party was thrown by a group including Margaret O'Brien-Molina and Bob Martin aka "The Accountant to the Stars."

SEE ALL THE PHOTOS [MOBILE FRIENDLY]

Bill Balleza signs off KPRC 2

Well, tonight is the night that Bill Balleza signs off KPRC 2 for the last time at the conclusion of the 10pm newscast.

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WATCH: VIDEO: Bill Balleza's goodbye on last KPRC 2 newscast

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I keep getting asked when I'm writing the Balleza retirement post and here it goes. It's a post I've been procrastinating on because it's not one I want to write. And besides, channel 2 has done some great pieces this week as tributes.

Balleza is an icon who has been on Houston TV since I was born. It's unthinkable that he won't be behind the Big 2 news desk any longer.

A steadfast and calming voice that has reported the news since May of 1971 starting at KRON San Francisco (he got back to Texas as soon as he could), Balleza would no doubt be one of the faces carved into the mythical Houston TV anchor Mount Rushmore.

From San Antonio to Vietnam and back again

The legendary channel 2 anchor always was gracious with his time when it came to my blog. In 2016, Balleza told me how he started his broadcasting journey.

Before television even came into his mind, Balleza served in Vietnam as a Marine Scout Sniper during the 1968 Tet Offensive. In a recent TV interview, Balleza said he thought after the war he would return to be a San Antonio police officer.

When Balleza's San Antonio College guidance counselor advised him not to enter broadcasting, since at the time, few Hispanics worked in the industry, Balleza pursued it anyway.

"I chose broadcasting anyway because there was no math requirement, and I had flunked algebra twice in high school," Balleza joked with mikemcguff.com.

After graduation, Balleza landed a job as a member of the KSAT San Antonio production floor crew. Then his first break came.

"In those days a studio announcer sat in a small booth and tagged out commercials and read public service announcements," Balleza told Ken Hoffman last October. "One night the studio announcer got sick at dinner and the program director pressed me into service. It was my first time ever on the air. All my family in San Antonio was listening as I said, ‘Sale good through Thursday at your neighborhood H-E-B.’ I also did ‘Joske’s of Texas, by the Alamo. Open tonight ‘til 9.’ That was my favorite day."

Go West, young man - but hurry back to Texas

His next break came thanks to a change in society and the TV business.

"Stations around the country were looking for minority candidates because activist groups began challenging their licenses based on employment practices," Balleza told me. "My first reporter job was at KRON in San Francisco in May of 1971."


The native San Antonian made his way back to Texas at Houston's KHOU 11. Famed channel 11 news director Dick John recognized the talent in Balleza's journalistic work and hired him from San Francisco TV.

"Dick hired me in June of 1973 to work at KHOU," Balleza told mikemcguff.com in 2014 upon John's death. "I had been reporting for KRON-TV in San Francisco and wanted to get back to Texas. He took me to lunch at the old Warwick Hotel where we sealed the deal. I recalled telling him that I planned to be in Houston no longer than two years. He reminded me a few months ago that two years can stretch into forty in the blink of an eye."

There the young reporter began anchoring along side the likes of Steve Smith.

Kotton Port Rail Center - "You know what I mean, Vern?"

After seven years, Balleza headed down the Southwest Freeway to KPRC in 1980 where he has been an anchor/reporter ever since. In 1990, when Ron Stone retired, Balleza became the main anchor of channel 2.

In his time anchoring for the Houston NBC affiliate, Balleza shared the desk with Paula Zahn, Jan Carson, Linda Lorelle and his current co-anchor Dominique Sachse.

"Bill, Frank [Billingsley] and I have been family since April 2001," Sachse said in a statement last year announcing Balleza's retirement. "Our friendship runs deep, palpable by our viewers and colleagues alike. What an incredible ride as a team, based on love, comradery, humor and respect. We’ve always attributed any success not to the efforts of one, but to the contribution of all. It’s that mindset that made us work and will continue to do so. I’m elated for my co-anchor who is writing his own script but sad that this era is coming to an end. What a legacy you leave, Bill, and a high bar you’ve set."

So did Balleza ever think about leaving channel 2?

"I actually did have a few offers to leave," he told Ken Hoffman in 2017. "Paula Zahn tried to get me to join her in Los Angeles, but when I went to interview for the job, the news director told me he drank four Wink sodas in less than an hour. When I told him I decided to stay in Houston, he said, 'OK, see you on another planet someday.'I also had a job offer from CNN in 1981, but I was actually making more money at Channel 2 than they were willing to pay."

“It’s never easy saying goodbye to a family member, and even more difficult losing an icon,” said KPRC 2 Vice President/General Manager Jerry Martin said in a 2019 statement. “For over 35 years on the anchor desk Bill capitalized the “J” in journalism for our newsroom. It is only fitting that he is retiring at the top of his game with both our 6pm and 10 pm newscasts leading the market since 2017.”

Never to be totally confined to the anchor desk, Balleza anchored the news from around the world. His world-wide reporting work took him aboard the aircraft carrier USS Truman during Operation Iraqi Freedom, to the Vatican while covering the death of Pope John Paul II and then the later election of Pope Francis. State side, Balleza also covered the shooting of U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson, the Murrah Federal Building explosion in Oklahoma City, and the crash of American Flight 587 in New York, one month after the 9-11 attacks. He won a Lone Star Emmy Award for his reporting of deadly West, Texas fertilizer explosion.

“Bill is an incredible journalist and anchor,” said KPRC 2 News Director David Strickland said in a 2019 statement. “His ability to communicate with the viewer and earn their trust is what makes him unique and special. He is also a wonderful co-worker, whose leadership inside this newsroom will be greatly missed.”

View this post on Instagram

The #kprc2 team toasts @kprc2billballeza on his last newscast. More on his retirement in my link.

A post shared by mike mcguff (@mikemcguff) on Jan 31, 2020 at 8:37pm PST

What's Old Is New Again

As he signs off, Balleza says the TV industry has come full circle from when he first started.

"When I started, a reporter shot film, wrote the script, and edited the pictures," Balleza told CultureMap in 2019. "They called us, ‘a one man band.’ We’re back to that again 50 years later only now they call us, ‘a multi-media journalist.’ The reason is that TV news revenues have been siphoned off by cable, the Internet, Spanish language television, and a rapidly declining TV news audience. We used to win the 10 pm news with a 17 rating. Now we win with a 1.9 rating. The television news platform is slowly dying."

Now Balleza did not make it to 50 years in the TV business as promised.

We'll forgive him.

Instead of the craft of journalism, Balleza says in retirement he will pursue his other passion - woodworking. He's made furniture, keepsake boxes and even Radar the Weather Dog's first dog house.

He'll also be spending time with family - his wife of 27 years, Melissa, three children (Heidi, Kate and Travis) and two grandchildren. And let's not forget his dog of 12 years, Brinkley.

And if you think you see a guy that looks like Balleza at Whataburger ordering a number 4, it might be him.

Congrats Bill!

Leave Bill Balleza a goodbye message!

KPRC 2 10pm newscast May 10, 1985

What was happening in Houston TV news on 5/10/1985?
Thanks to the magic of YouTube uploaders who apparently pulled out the old VHS on that day, we can find out.
Houston TV History has uploaded this complete KPRC 2 10pm newscast from the mid 1980s.
The "2 News" anchors were Jan Carson, Bill Balleza in for Ron Stone, weather with  Doug Johnson and Sports Director Ron Franklin.
You'll see reports from Rick Nelson, Bob Nicholas and Ford Atkinson.
Oh, and the original commercials are still in!

The 22nd Annual Houston Children’s Charity Gala photos

Jan Carson, Dave Ward, Gina Gaston

HOUSTON, TX (February 16, 2019) – Houston Children’s Charity held its 22 nd Annual Gala at the stunning Post Oak Hotel in Uptown Houston on Friday, February 15, 2019.

BMW of West Houston and Momentum BMW Southwest returned as the Title Sponsors for an unprecedented 11 years of the event, which honored one of Houston’s most philanthropic duos, Jana and Richard Fant, for their continued generosity, compassion and devotion to support children in need.

In a surprise move, that even surprised Laura Ward, Jana and Richard challenged her to make a call for ‘wheelchair van’ donations that would each be matched by the Fant Foundation. Within moments, 5 vans were donated which were then matched by Jana and Richard, making that a total of 10 vans for the children of Houston!

When all was done and astounding $1.9 million had been added to the coffers for the children.

Approximately 650 guests arrived on the red carpet, received a red rose and enjoyed an energetic evening that is known to never disappoint. A signature libation created specifically for the evening added to the romance.

In the ballroom, Houston Media Icon Dave Ward opened the evening which he has done for the past 22 years and introduced his esteemed colleague Gina Gaston who served as the emcee. Guests enjoyed a five-star meal, created by Executive Chef Jean Luc Royere, before kicking off the night’s purpose of fundraising for Houston’s special children.

Following dinner, guests participated in exciting live and big board auctions. Sought-after items included a trip to the home plant of the BMW Group in Munich, Germany to pick out your 2019 all new M850i xDrive Coupe; Jeff Hanson Art, Dinner with Jeff Bagwell and Alex Bregman, A Scotch adventure in Scotland, and a road trip with the Rockets.

The excitement didn’t stop there! The highlight of the night was a live performance by the award-winning band STYX. Dance floor mania completed the evening.

GUESTS: Laura & Dave Ward; Maria Moncada Alaoui & Omar Alaoui; Veronica & Tommy Kuranoff; Jana & Richard Fant; Tony Buzbee; Rachel & Jeff Bagwell; Amy & Gary Becker; Melissa Juneau; Stephanie Fleck, Kristina & Paul Somerville; Edna Meyer-Nelson; John Johnson; Grant Guthrie; Trini Mendenhall; Sue Smith; Bobby Nau; Hallie Vanderhider; Margaret Alkek Williams.

PHOTO CREDIT: Michelle Watson, Catchlight Group
Alexander's Fine Portrait Design

Richard and Jana Fant

Laura Ward and Derrick Shore

Tommy Kuranoff, Maria Moncada, Tony Buzbee

Laura and Dave Ward

Tommy Kuranoff, Veronica Kuranoff, Maria Moncada Aloui, Omar Aloui

Dave Ward and Jeff Bagwell

Dave Ward and Gina Gaston on stage

Dave Ward

Styx

Styx

KPRC 2 70 anniversary wrap up

Last week, it was great going back to revisit some of the greats that took to the airwaves of KPRC over the years as channel 2 celebrates its 70th anniversary.

Here are links to the on air coverage and Facebook Live videos I found.

- KPRC 2 remembers Doug Johnson

- Jan Carson remembers her times at KPRC 2

- Linda Lorelle remembers her time at KPRC 2

- Bob Nicholas remembers times at KPRC 2

- Craig Roberts remembers times at KPRC 2

- Phil Archer recalls being stabbed in the 1978 Moody Park riots

KTRK Anchor Emeritus Dave Ward Plaque unveiling and dedication ceremony

I was honored to be invited to cover a plaque unveiling and dedication ceremony celebrating ABC13 KTRK Houston Anchor Emeritus Dave Ward’s outstanding service and dedication to the greater Houston area during his legendary 50-year career with the Disney Entertainment Television station.

Ward did not know this honor was coming his way.  His wife, Laura, who planned the event, told him they were going to the Channel 13 studios to see some updates to the building!

As you can tell in the video, he was very surprised!

Remarks were made by former co-anchor Gina Gaston, KTRK-TV president and general manager Michael Carr, Tanya Menton of The Walt Disney Company, Houston Mayor John Whitmire, and Ward himself.

In attendance were current and former members of the KTRK staff (with former co-anchors Jan Carson and Shara Fryer), plus Tilman Fertitta, Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale, Rania Mankarious - CEO of Crime Stoppers of Houston, members of Houston-area law enforcement, Mary Benton - Chief of Communications/Senior Advisor to the Mayor and many other Dave Ward supporters!

KPRC 2 10pm newscast May 25, 1987

What was happening in Houston TV news on 5/25/1987?

We now know thanks to the YouTuber Studio 31 Media Archive and its recording of the KPRC 10pm newscast from Memorial Day which fell on May 25, 1987.

The YouTube channel's description says Ron Stone, Jan Carson and chief weather anchor Doug Johnson were in the KPRC studio and reporters Kent Kalthoff (live from Saragosa, TX) and Ford Atkinson were in the field.

A few weeks back, we just travelled back in time with the KPRC 2 10pm newscast May 10, 1985.

And if you are interested in Houston TV news history, go watch KHOU 11 behind the scenes 2021 vs 1968.

Texas TV news and radio job moves January 2019

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

FOX 4 KDFW reporter Brandon Todd has been named a co-anchor of “Good Day.” (Video)

Weekday morning anchor Marc Fein is exiting NBC5.

Todd Unger, reporter and fill-in anchor for WFAA/Channel 8 since January 2013, announced he's leaving the station.

WFAA 8 afternoon meteorologist Colleen Coyle announced she will be off the air for six weeks as she adopts a foster child.

WFAA 8 sports anchor Dale Hansen to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association.

The Dallas Morning News announced it was laying off 43 staffers, 20 in its newsroom.

Entercom/Dallas Names Mary Rogers VP/Director Of Sales.

HOUSTON

KHOU 11 Director of Digital Media Christine Di Stadio has been promoted to Digital Sales Manager at KHOU 11.

KPRC 2 producer Brenda Carden has moved to NBC10 WCAU Philadelphia.

FOX 26 KRIV senior executive producer Bryan Luhn leaves TV to join Myriad Global Media.

abc13 KTRK broadcast systems specialist Chris Silva becomes sister-station WPVI Philadelphia's Executive Director of Technology.

Dallas Morning News culture critic Chris Vognar announced he is taking a job at the Houston Chronicle starting in March. (Thanks Susan Farb Morris)

Nick Anderson, former political cartoonist of the Houston Chronicle, is now the Senior Communications Specialist for Government Relations in the Houston Mayor's office.

Houston Press gives Best of Houston® 2019: Best Radio News to Houston NPR affiliate KUHF 88.7 FM.

KFNC (ESPN 97.5)/Houston Ups A.J. Hoffman To PD

Armen Williams Named PD At KILT-A (SportsRadio 610)-KIKK-A (CBS Sports Radio 650)/Houston.

Mix 96.5 KHMX creator and veteran radio programmer Guy Zapoleon Decides On Semi-Retirement.

- Houston anchor desk replacements in 2019?
- Houston TV anchors defend Erica Simon
- Grego joins 95.7 The Spot KKHH
- Cheryl Mercedes joins KHOU 11
- Ryan Korsgard is leaving KPRC 2
- Travis Herzog new abc13 KTRK chief meteorologist; Elita Loresca to mornings
- David Tillman named Chief Forecaster for abc13 KTRK
- Craig Roberts remembers times at KPRC 2
- Bob Nicholas remembers times at KPRC 2
- Linda Lorelle remembers her time at KPRC 2
- Kaitlin Monte announced baby #2
- Jan Carson remembers her times at KPRC 2
- Ron Trevino wins the #10YearChallenge
- Mark Medici Promoted to President of the Houston Chronicle
- Former KPRC 2 anchor Sara Donchey joins KCBS 2 and KCAL 9 in LA
- Dave Ward named Houston media icon
- Katherine Whaley is expecting
- Is that Pete Holmes or KHOU's Brooks Garner?
- Former Houston TV reporter to shutter news site
- KHOU 11 appears ready for its new home
- FOX 26 KRIV anchor Jonathan Martin shows off dance moves
- Jessica Willey is one reporter on the move
- Tom Koch and Melanie Lawson make appearance on 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire'
- The abc13 KTRK baby boom of 2019
- Phil Archer recalls being stabbed in the 1978 Moody Park riots
- Rock 97.5 KIOL debuts on this day in 2005
- Vincent Crivelli joins KPRC 2
- Is my professor a Houston TV meteorologist?
- Sharron Melton and Casey Curry share the TV screen again on CW39 KIAH Moring Dose

SAN ANTONIO

Telemundo 60 KVDA San Antonio sports anchor Luis Ortiz joins Telemundo Houston.

KENS 5 Reporter Marvin Hurst Talks About Throat Cancer Diagnosis.

It was a fairy tale come true for KENS 5 anchor Sarah Forgany as she and new husband said "I do" earlier this month.

Former San Antonio news anchor Sarah Lucero to be guest GM for River City Wrestling.

AUSTIN

Gary Dinges, reporter/columnist/editor/digital editor for the Austin American-Statesman, has been promoted to the Director of National Content & Video for GateHouse Media.

AROUND TEXAS

Joe Gumm becomes main anchor of KXXV 25 Waco, Temple, Kileen from WTSP Tampa.

KBMT 12News Beaumont news director Paul Bergen has been promoted to president and general manager of the combined ABC-NBC affiliates KBMT and KJAC.

Tim Thomas joins KWES as president-GM of the NBC-CW-Telemundo affiliate in Midland-Odessa from WXIA Atlanta.

For the 3rd Best Person in TV News for 2018, FTV names KWTX Waco Anchor Tara Mergener.

Paula Divello Named VP/MM For Cumulus Abilene.

KGBT's Zoltan Csanyi has left to become news director at KYTX Tyler.

KVII reporter Lia Kamana opened up about her own arrest back in October.

REMEMBERING

Former Chronicle reporter Al Reinert, co-writer of ‘Apollo 13’ script, dead at 71.

Doug Johnson of KPRC has died. (video tribute)

KVII AM Director Malcolm Montgomery died while working on the morning newscast.

KPRC 2 Houston celebrates 75th anniversary

KPRC 2 celebrated its 75th anniversary as the first TV station in Houston on January 1, 2023.

The station signed on at 9pm way back in 1949 as KLEE-TV.  In 1951, KLEE became KPRC as a reference to Houston's industries of Kotton Port Rail Center.

Back when KPRC celebrated its 70th anniversary, the station featured lots of coverage of its massive history.  In 2018, the station sent me a press release heralding the many firsts of KPRC 2:

· The first Houston television station to hire female reporters

· The first Houston television station to use weather radar

· The first Houston television station to go “live” from the scene

· The first Houston television station to hire African-American reporters

· The first Houston television station to hire female sportscasters

Here are more highlights of KPRC's history from its 70th anniversary and beyond:

- KPRC 2 remembers Doug Johnson

- Jan Carson remembers her times at KPRC 2

- Linda Lorelle remembers her time at KPRC 2

- Bob Nicholas remembers times at KPRC 2

- Craig Roberts remembers times at KPRC 2

- Phil Archer recalls being stabbed in the 1978 Moody Park riots

- Fmr Houston TV reporter Napoleon Johnson remembers times at KPRC 2

- From KPRC 2 to NBC News

- Sara Lowrey: Houston TV news trailblazer

Sara Lowrey: Houston TV news trailblazer

Sara Lowrey of KPRC 2, Houston's first female primetime news anchor, was featured in a nice profile by Dominique Sachse (video above).

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Throughout March, KPRC 2 said in a press release it's celebrating the historic accomplishments of groundbreaking women and the current generation changing the face of our communities and country.

“Every day KPRC 2 celebrates Houston’s diverse communities through our storytelling,” said KPRC 2 Vice President/General Manager Jerry Martin. “We will continue our efforts by recognizing the wealth of history-making women who have come before us, and many currently walking amongst us.”

One of the stories in the station's “Voices of Houston” series is on the groundbreaking Lowrey, who reported and anchored "Big 2 News at 6" with Larry Rasco starting in 1974 after moving to Houston.

Lowrey told Sachse she received a warm reception but did not get as many stories to read on air at first.  

“I always felt like we had to put our best foot forward,” Lowrey told Sachse. “We had to look nice. We had to talk nice. We had to be nice, so that we wouldn’t screw it up for the people that would come behind us.”

If you Google Lowrey's name, a report from the "Houston Breakthrough" newspaper's 1977 report on women in Houston television and radio. This coverage will give you an idea of what things were like at the end of that decade.  Familiar names interviewed include Jan Carson, Elma Barrera and Deborah Wrigley of abc13 KTRK, along with Jackie McCauley of 101 KLOL.

As for Lowrey, she was on channel 2 for most of her television news career, which spanned nearly a decade.  The University of Texas grad went on to start Lowrey Communications.  

She also serves as the Director at the Institute for the Humanities at Salado.

The Houston Chronicle visits KPRC Local 2

Mike McDaniel visits the ever changing KPRC Local 2 in today's Houston Chronicle:

Some detractors say it will take years to overcome ill will developed during the station's rush to hyped-up journalism and its perceived mishandling of the Lorelle issue.

Others say real change won't come until the station increases its staff, estimated to be two-thirds the size of that of Channel 11 and Channel 13.

The station seems to have ratcheted up the number of its on-air promotions — their frequency now borders on annoying — but is behind the competition in outlaying cash for billboard and radio marketing.

Streamlining — a plague affecting all mainstream media — has resulted in photographers sharing access to company vehicles, a cutback in the hiring of journeymen and stunted growth in the station's online department, click2houston.com.

Remember the old days of channel 2? When Ron Stone and Jan Carson were there? WATCH VIDEO HERE

Dave Ward and his emotional goodbye from KTRK abc13

This is the end of a Houston TV era...


It is only fitting that after receiving the key to the city from Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Judge Ed Emmett declaring May 3rd his day, that KTRK abc13 50 year anchor and Guinness World Records holder Dave Ward was apparently having enough of the adulation.

"I told Laura (Ward) I'm getting sick and tired of hearing crap about Dave Ward to tell you the truth," the legendary anchor told the throng of TV cameras and gathered crowd of loyal viewers in front of Houston City Hall (even competing TV stations showed up to cover Ward's honor).

Before his public words, Ward spent more than an hour signing autographs for a long line of fans. I'm sure it's not that the TV newsman wasn't thrilled after the last 48 hours of people celebrating his esteemed journalism career, but if you know Ward, it makes sense. While a larger than life presence in your television, in real life, he is a quiet and modest guy.

And the accolades were not over for Ward. After the public event was over, all of the KTRK staff and dignitaries, were ushered into the Houston City Hall Legacy room for a luncheon and video preview of a Dave Ward documentary to air on channel 13 this Sunday night (UPDATE: “Good Evening Friends, I’m Dave Ward” airs Sunday night at 10:35pm).

The day before had been an emotional whirlwind for Ward from what I am told. It all started with his big sendoff from KTRK. He addressed the newsroom staff in the afternoon for the last time in a very frank and honest way from what I hear. Then it was time to prepare for his official goodbye from the Disney ABC Television Group stations's 6pm newscast. The ratings were very good from what I'm told.

With the many of the staff in the studio, Ward said goodbye to his loyal newscast audience for the last time. Viewers like myself were not even alive when he started with the station in 1966. Ward has been like a member of the family telling us about the good, bad and the ugly. From the highs of Houston Rockets championships to the lows of wars and terrorist attacks, Houston tuned in to watch what Uncle Dave had to report. In the good times, we could celebrate with him, in the bad times, maybe in some way he could calm us down and reassure us things would get better.

And with Dave Ward, you know you were getting the story straight. In the era of fake news, we can appreciate a time when anchors like Ward just gave us the facts without the tabloid sensationalism other stations dabbled in.

I was recently talking with a professional media writer who said things won't be the same anymore without Ward in the anchor chair. The end of the era has come to a close.

It's often said in Houston media circles that if you had a Mount Rushmore for Houston TV news their would be three faces - Dave Ward, Steve Smith of KHOU 11 and Ron Stone of KPRC 2. Ward even brought up Stone in his television goodbye remarks saying he was one of the greatest in Houston TV history (READ MORE: Dave Ward's relationship with Ron Stone and Steve Smith, plus how Dave was all about Luv Ya Blue and the Oilers).

After the news, the big names of KTRK headed over to Willie G's on Post Oak Blvd in Uptown to a private party thrown by CNBC Billion Dollar Buyer star and CEO of Landry's Inc., Tilman Fertitta.

KTRK past greats like Shara Fryer, Jan Carson, Tim Melton were also in attendance. I also saw Houston sports legends like Astros Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell and Oilers Hall of Fame defensive end Elvin Bethea.

Now us Dave Ward fans will have to stay tuned to see what's next for the anchor. Since he has the Crime Stoppers of Houston headquarters named after him, I'm sure that organization will be in his future.

"I just can't tell you how much I appreciate your friendship, your loyalty over all these years," Ward told the crowd at city hall in his baritone voice. "This is the city I love and I love you all."

FULL COVERAGE: Hear Dave Ward's stories about his past

davewardshouston.com/

* added/corrected quotes and video after original publishing

VIDEO: 'Live at Five' newscast turns 30

While I was away, KTRK ABC 13's Live at Five newscast turned 30 years old. So my colleagues put up the entire first episode online that you can still watch. It has all of the original commercials too:

On April 18, 1977, ABC13 aired our first 5pm newscast. The program was anchored by Dave Ward and Jan Carson. Ed Brandon delivered the weather forecast and Bob Allen had sports news. Diana Fallis was featured in a segment called "Personal," and the 'white knight' himself, Marvin Zindler was right at home at the newsdesk.

WATCH THE VIDEO

One of the stories was how the Houston Galleria 2 was just about to be completed.

KPRC legendary anchor Bill Balleza to retire

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October 16, 2019 – Houston, TX – Following an esteemed 49-year career, KPRC Channel 2 anchor Bill Balleza has announced that he will retire from the station in January 2020. The announcement was made to the KPRC 2 news team during a meeting today.

“It’s never easy saying goodbye to a family member, and even more difficult losing an icon,” said KPRC 2 Vice President/General Manager Jerry Martin. “For over 35 years on the anchor desk Bill capitalized the “J” in journalism for our newsroom. It is only fitting that he is retiring at the top of his game with both our 6pm and 10 pm newscasts leading the market since 2017.”

A native of San Antonio, Bill joined KPRC 2 News in August of 1980 as a reporter and anchor, and became main anchor in 1990, following Ron Stone. During his tenure at KPRC 2 Bill has shared the anchor desk with respected newscasters Paula Zahn, Jan Carson, Linda Lorelle and his current co-anchor Dominique Sachse since 2001.

Bill thrived on covering breaking news and has frequently been called upon to lead KPRC 2’s news coverage as field anchor on the scene. Throughout his distinguished career that has spanned more than 45 years Bill has covered thousands of stories including Operation Iraqi Freedom aboard the aircraft carrier USS Truman, the death of Pope John Paul II from the Vatican in 2005 and the Conclave to elect Pope Francis in 2013. He also covered the shooting of U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson, the Murrah Federal Building explosion in Oklahoma City, and the crash of American Flight 587 in New York, one month after the 9-11 attacks and earned the prestigious Emmy Award for his reporting on the deadly fertilizer company explosion in West, Texas.

“Bill is an incredible journalist and anchor,” said KPRC 2 News Director David Strickland. “His ability to communicate with the viewer and earn their trust is what makes him unique and special. He is also a wonderful co-worker, whose leadership inside this newsroom will be greatly missed.”

He began his career as a television reporter at KRON-TV in San Francisco in July 1971, before joining KHOU-TV in 1973. A graduate of San Antonio College, Bill is a Vietnam veteran who served as a Marine Scout Sniper during the Tet Offensive of 1968.

Bill has maintained both his illustrious career and devotion to family equally. He is married to the former Melissa Loh of Houston. He has three children, and two grandchildren. An avid woodworker, Bill has designed and built rooms full of furniture, including for families that he and his KPRC 2 colleagues sponsored for their Houston Habitat for Humanity builds.

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Jennifer Reyna is leaving KPRC 2

(This post was taken from a press release sent to me by KPRC)

Dave Ward ready to party at end of 10pm news bash

KTRK abc13 legend Dave Ward celebrates his last 10pm newscast at Tony's with TV friends and family

Dave Ward & Mike McGuff

With microphone in hand, KTRK abc13 anchor Dave Ward addressed friends and family at Tony's with something he claimed he always wanted to say on TV. He then ruffled his perfectly coiffed hair with his hand and yelled, "let's party!"

With a roar from the party crowd, the official celebration of the longest running anchor in America's last 10pm newscast on the Disney/ABC Television Group began Tuesday night.

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PHOTOS
See pictures from the Dave Ward Tony's party!
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I can't say that I've blogged about many historic moments in my almost ten years of blogging about the Houston media, but this week, I think we all just lived through one.

Ward, who started anchoring the 6 and 10pm KTRK abc13 newscasts in 1968, officially stepped down from the late news last night. He will continue anchoring the 6pm news.

There are many Houstonians, me included, who have not lived a day without Dave Ward being the 10pm anchor. Not only did he help raise the station to unbelievable ratings during that time, but Ward is a Houston institution. He was there through wars, political upheaval, NASA's triumphs/struggles, economic booms/recessions, our sports teams winning/losing...etc. Think of all the city and area county leaders that have come and gone since Ward has sat in the anchor chair.

Now for some personal Ward stories I don't think I've ever shared on my blog. For a high profile TV anchor, Ward is really the most humble news guy you could encounter. Believe me, many in his position would not be that way. Think the Ted Baxter or Ron Burgundy caricature concerning lead anchormen in the zeitgeist. Ward, the man, is actually a quiet presence who you can catch whistling to himself down the hallway who keeps to himself much of the time.

When I first got to KTRK, I was at the station cafeteria, run by Novlean Smith at the time, and who walked in but Dave Ward. I couldn't help but ask did he ever think when he started at the station all those years ago that he would rise to such success and be the top anchor all these years. His answer was something like, "No, but also no one else offered me another job." That is a line I have heard him use other times, but it kind of explains his attitude.

As a young special projects producer, I got quite an early assignment. Go with Dave Ward to Austin and produce his interview with Heisman Trophy winner and Pro Football Hall of Famer Earl Campbell. Wow. Talk about pressure for me.

So there I was, the night before the big interview having dinner with Ward, Campbell, Campbell's wife Reuna and the future Mrs. McGuff who was living in Austin at the time.

It was an amazing evening. All I could do was sit back and soak in the stories these two legends were telling.

Afterwards, we had drinks with Ward at the famous Driskill Hotel along Sixth Street. The World Series was on TV and Ward was calling the game between the the Arizona Diamondbacks and the New York Yankees. It was immediately obvious that even in another city, people recognized Dave Ward since they could not stop staring.

My original channel 13 cafeteria questioning continued since I had Ward's undivided attention. Naturally I had to ask about Marvin Zindler and the famous "Thank you Marvin" line. He told me many times it was all he could say without cracking up after Zindler's wild on-air antics.

The next day, Ward and I showed up at the interview with photographer Jim Myers and found some unexpected people at Campbell's office. Turns out, Campbell told friends in Houston that Ward was interviewing him that day. Those friends then drove to Austin to specifically meet Dave Ward and get pictures with him.

Talk about star power.

Back to present day and last night's party, those in attendance were who you might expect to see honoring Ward. Friends ranging from Kitty Borah, to Jan Carson and Ed Brandon all the way to Art Rascon and Melanie Lawson surrounded the Houston TV legend. Former bosses Dave Strickland and Don Kobos joined the crowd calling Ward the best TV anchor in America.

And luckily, we'll still be able to Watch Dave at 6pm.

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