Jessica Willey announces pregnancy - score one for the abc13 KTRK delivery room

abc13 KTRK reporter Jessica Willey is covering the news for two

UPDATE OCTOBER 02, 2013
KTRK abc13's Jessica Willey has her baby

Jessica Willey

Jessica Willey, KTRK abc13 reporter, announced on Facebook Tuesday evening that she is expecting another child.

"It's getting pretty obvious so I wanted to share," Willey wrote. "I am due in a few months with our second girl and third child."

In my May post, 5 Houston TV anchors with baby bumps, I hinted there would be a future announcement and this is it. Although you might say ace Houston Chronicle reporter Mike Glenn broke the news on this very blog a few weeks ago.

According to her bio, Willey has been at KTRK since 2000. She previously worked at KOKH Oklahoma City and started her career in Denison.

In a strange twist of fate, the bio also states her son and daughter were born on the same day!

Speaking of KTRK, we've already had one of those five previously mentioned babies enter our world. Live Well Deals host Katishia 'Kat' Cosley announced the birth of her son in early June.

Click here to see which other TV folks are still expecting.

UPDATE OCTOBER 02, 2013
KTRK abc13's Jessica Willey has her baby

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
KTRK abc13's Miya Shay& Gene Wu delivers baby

KTRK abc13's Jessica Willey has her baby

KTRK abc13 reporter Jessica Willey has a baby girl

For mos she has accompanied me to crime scenes & news conferences, now meet baby Bobbie. #3 #blessed @crossbartley pic.twitter.com/6Fne36yTMy
— Jessica Willey (@jwilleyABC13) October 2, 2013

It seems like just last week KTRK abc13's Miya Shay and Democratic State Representative Gene Wu's new baby son #babywu entered the world...oh yeah...because it was just last week.

A week later fellow abc13 reporter Jessica Willey did the same. Here is what Willey posted on Facebook:

Jessica Willey

She's here! My husband and I are happy to announce the arrival of baby Bobbie Anne. She was born yesterday, September 30th, and weighed in at 6lbs, 9oz.

She is named after her great-grandmother and grandmother, respectively.

Though she came a little early, she is healthy. Her older brother (6) and sister (4) had fun meeting her last night.

Congrats to the growing family! Now the Willey and Shay crew can have joint KTRK parties for their little ones.

As for channel 13, we have weekend morning anchor Elissa Rivas and morning meteorologist Casey Curry left on baby patrol.

RELATED
- 5 Houston TV anchors with baby bumps
- KTRK hires three temp reporters for maternity leaves
- Fox 26 KRIV shuffles anchor schedules for maternity/paternity leaves and Natalie Bomke's departure

Jessica Willey runs the 2023 Boston Marathon

Jessica Willey, yet again, ran the Boston Marathon taking place this year on April 17, 2023.

It was a time of remembrance for the abc13 KTRK Houston reporter, who not only graduated from Boston University, but was also there covering the horrific bombings in 2013.

"10 years ago I was here in Boston covering the deadly bombings," Willey posted on Facebook ahead of the marathon. "What was supposed to be a day of joy and triumph was one of terror. Since then, I’ve been back twice to run and always think of the victims, survivors and their families. This year, there have been a number of memorials marking a decade and once again declaring Boston Strong."

So how did, Willey do in the 127th running of the Boston Marathon? She finished in 3:54:08.

Willey also ran the Boston Marathon in 2021 and qualified for it at the Chevron Houston Marathon in 2019. 

Listen to Cliff Saunders of IHeartRadio Houston interview Willey about training raining while being a mom of three and working crazy hours for his GenX Fit podcast below. 

Listen to "Jessica Willey juggles motherhood, career while training for the Boston Marathon." on Spreaker.

Jessica Willey is one reporter on the move

Good luck keeping up with abc13 KTRK reporter Jessica Willey


Congrats to reporter Jessica Willey who abc13 KTRK reports carved 30+ minutes off her Chevron Houston Marathon time and is now qualified for Boston Marathon!

"Truth. I never EVER thought I’d qualify for the #BostonMarathon," Willey posted on Instagram. "It wasn’t necessarily my goal this year, but I felt great and just went with it."

Willey posted "the conditions were perfect" on the day of the big race.

Running in Boston would be a return to Beantown for Willey who graduated from Boston University. As a student, she was a member of BU's Varsity Crew Team. In her bio, she states that her big challenge now is running in marathons.

Tell her congratulations!

And speaking of talent and hard work, check out this Houston anchor that's winning dance competitions!

And here I get out of breath running to the mailbox.

Jessica Willey completes Boston Marathon

Jessica Willey ran her first Boston Marathon.

Here is part of what the abc13 KTRK reporter posted about the experience on Facebook:

"I will never forget the feeling of anticipation as I turned right on Hereford and then left on Boylston to run the remainder to the finish line. It was exhilarating. The last time I was in Boston was to report after the marathon bombing in 2013 so I also thought about the victims, their families, the runners who were left on the course, and the city. I was truly humbled to be able to be running towards the finish and fulfilling a goal."

So how did Willey do?  Her time was 4 hours and 10 minutes.  A time she wrote, "is far from what I had hoped for but I’m proud, nonetheless." 

Hey, we're all proud!

The Boston University graduate had been a spectator of the marathon in the past so she was "vaguely familiar with the course."

She says the cheers from the crowd really helped as did the support from her husband, kids and friends in the stands. 

Back in 2019, I blogged how Willey qualified for the Boston Marathon based on her performance at the Chevron Houston Marathon. She did not end up running it at that time.

Nevertheless, Willey did close her post with a "Go Astros" being the times we are in and all!

 

5 Houston TV anchors with baby bumps

I really enjoyed the KPRC 2 baby wave of 2011 because my son had just been born. But that's yesterday's news. Now we have a Houston TV baby wave across multiple stations!

UPDATE
- Casey Curry is pregnant

UPDATE OCTOBER 02, 2013
KTRK abc13's Jessica Willey has her baby

Katishia Cosley

Live Well Network Deals host Katishia Cosley is the first mom up...with a summer delivery.

"After 12 years of marriage, my husband and I are adding to the family," Cosley told mikemcguff.com. "We are expecting our first child in June. We are very excited and a bit nervous about this new adventure!"


UPDATE JUNE 09, 2013
Deals host Katishia 'Kat' Cosley gives birth

Sally MacDonald

Next, Fox 26 KRIV weekend morning anchor Sally MacDonald just completed her first trimester with baby number two.

"I'm going to be a mommy for a second time," MacDonald told me. "We knew it was time for another one when chasing our toddler around the house covered in spaghetti wasn't challenging enough. I am due in the fall, although some might guess summer as I'm learning women get bigger, and bigger faster, the second time around. We love our daughter, Jenna, to pieces and can't wait to spread the love to another little one!"

UPDATE OCTOBER 15, 2013
Fox 26's Sally MacDonald delivers

Chris Stipes

We stay at Fox 26 and KTRK abc13 for the next little one.

 Fox 26 KRIV morning anchor Chris Stipes and his wife, KTRK abc13 weekend morning anchor Elissa Rivas, are also expecting their second child.

Elissa Rivas

"We are expecting our second child in October," Stipes told me. "No, we don't know if it's a boy or girl yet [but] very excited either way!"


UPDATE OCTOBER 22, 2013
Elissa Rivas and Chris Stipes get a baby girl

Already announced are expectant mothers KTRK abc13 reporter/fill-in anchor Miya Shay and KPRC 2 morning anchor Lauren Freeman.

AUGUST 15, 2013
KPRC 2's Lauren Freeman delivers baby boy

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
KTRK abc13's Miya Shay& Gene Wu delivers baby

As I blogged before, KPRC 2 anchor Dominique Sachse announced Freeman's pregnancy in a story about her new venture Due in a Few.

So make sure to send some well wishes towards these Houston TV folks and their families. And are there anymore pregnancy announcements coming up? Stay tuned here...

KTRK abc13 reporter Miya Shay and anchor Tom Koch a the 32nd Annual ESCAPE Celebrity Serve Benefit (Courtesy: PR Fairy @farbulous)  

Houston TV baby wave of 2013

Houston TV pregnancies and baby births 2013

There have been so many comings and goings in the baby delivery room for Houston TV anchors and reporters this year that I've been putting myself on call trying to keep track of all of them.

Things have been so busy, that an entire business, Due in a Few, was launched around the news.

As for me, I've been swaddling my computer anxiously, waiting for birth announcements. Sometimes, I wake up throughout the night, suck down a bottle of milk and check Facebook to make sure I haven't missed newborn news.

So far we've had the following baby births in 2013-2014:

- Michelle Merhar, Fox 26 KRIV, delivers baby girl
- Deals host Katishia 'Kat' Cosley gives birth
- KHOU 11's Jeremy Desel gets baby #4
- KPRC 2's Lauren Freeman delivers baby boy
- KTRK abc13's Miya Shay & Gene Wu deliver baby
- KTRK abc13's Jessica Willey has her baby
- Fox 26's Sally MacDonald delivers
- Elissa Rivas and Chris Stipes get a baby girl
- Anthony Yanez adds to the KPRC 2 family
- Casey Curry delivers baby girl
- KPRC's Robert Arnold's new baby

Waiting for the delivery date:

- KPRC's Amy Davis & Joel Eisenbaum expecting a baby girl

With maternity leaves in progress, or coming up, Houston TV stations have had to make some staffing decisions. KTRK abc13 hired three temp reporters, while Fox 26 KRIV made internal scheduling changes.

Maybe I should have a cigar now (at least a bubble gum one).

Obviously I will be updating this page has things develop. If you see breaking Houston TV baby birth news somewhere, email me!

RELATED
KPRC 2 baby wave of 2011

Three big abc13 anniversaries

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KPRC 2's Lauren Freeman delivers baby boy

KPRC 2 Lauren Freeman and her third child

Here is a baby alert for you. KPRC 2 morning anchor Lauren Freeman and her husband just had their third child early Thursday morning.

The station announced the baby boy was born at 1:12am weighing 6lbs and 14oz.

"We have a name picked out, we just want to make sure it fits him before we make it official," Freeman posted. "The hospital staff put a blue and pink hat on him. The pink may show up better in the picture. We are both doing well!"

You might remember that KPRC 2 anchor Dominique Sachse announced Freeman's new addition through her new venture Due in a Few.

By my count, here are the other current Houston TV folks with child.

Fox 26 KRIV weekend morning anchor Sally MacDonald with baby number two.

Fox 26 KRIV morning anchor Chris Stipes and his wife, KTRK abc13 weekend morning anchor Elissa Rivas, are also expecting their second child.

KTRK abc13 reporter/fill-in anchor Miya Shay and husband Gene Wu are expecting their first.

KTRK abc13 Casey Curry and husband Carl are expecting their first baby.

KTRK abc13 reporter Jessica Willey and hubby are expecting their third child.

KPRC 2 reporters and TV power couple Amy Davis and Joel Eisenbaum are having a little girl!

RELATED
KHOU 11's Jeremy Desel gets baby #4

Houston TV lost two legendary photojournalists

Former longtime Houston TV photojournalists Tony Chapa of KTRK 13 and Steve Long of KPRC 2 have died in the past week. 

Chapa was nearly a 30-year employee of ABC13 KTRK who previously worked for KIII 3 Corpus Christi.

"He was a quiet and sometimes intimidating presence on scenes and at news conferences," wrote Channel 13 reporter Jessica Willey.  "He was a hard worker, incredibly capable and could rig anything but, more importantly he was my friend. Actually, Tony was like a big brother to me. He and I travelled extensively together to cover the biggest news at the time—Hurricane Katrina, the Pope’s death, a World Series, the War in Iraq, a presidential Inauguration, the DNC, to name a few."

Chapa also helped cover the Branch Davidian compound standoff near Waco in 1993 with reporter Wayne Dolcefino.

"Tony was someone I looked up to since we both worked in the Corpus TV market when I was just a kid starting in the business," former KTRK photojournalist Jaime Zamora told mikemcguff.com.  "When he moved to Houston TV he encouraged me to try to get in with KTRK and was influential in me getting hired at Channel 13.  A giant man with a bigger heart.  A great photographer who covered any story with ease.  A lover of great music and baseball, we had so many fun times together.   I loved him and my family loved him.  He will be dearly missed."

And I just heard that former KPRC 2 photojournalist Steve Long also died.  Long joined KPRC in 1975 after serving in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He worked with the famous police beat reporter Jack Cato. 

"He was a great singer and keyboardist—played in a band—and just had the best, funniest personality," former KPRC 2 reporter Ron Stone Jr. told mikemcguff.com  "And he was a terrific newsman—-just had a nose for news and I was so fortunate to work alongside him and learn from him. Loved the guy! We all did!"

"Everyone remembers him for his calmness in a tough job," added former KPRC 2 photojournalist John Treadgold.  "Also a great teacher of newbies in the business in the 70s/80s like myself."

Texas TV news and radio job moves April 2023

Send tips for the monthly Texas media job list here.

Broadcasters from all over Texas came to Austin on Saturday, April 15 to celebrate the winners of TAB's Second Annual Texas Broadcast News Awards.

- Best TV News Bloopers April 2023

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

The Dallas Morning News honors 18 staff members as 2022 Journalists of the Year.

NBC 5 Investigates Wins 2023 Walter Cronkite Award for Streaming Series ‘Against All Enemies.'

NBC DFW KXAS sports anchor/reporter Pat Doney celebrates 10 years with the station.

"How a workout injury revealed my rare heart condition and saved my life" by WFAA 8 reporter Matt Howerton.

Dallas Morning News hires Mel Fronczek as a graphics reporter.

Matt Houston joins WFAA Dallas
FOX 4's Shannon Murray is married
Nicolette Perdomo joins Spectrum News 1 Texas
Dylan Federico joins FOX 4 KDFW DFW
Ariel Plasencia leaves WFAA 8

HOUSTON

Houston Chronicle named Texas' 'Newsroom of the Year' for fifth straight year.

"Houston Matters" celebrates 10 years on Houston Public Media's News 88.7 KUHF.

Jim Nantz reflects on career after last Final Four game.

Astros reporter Julia Morales gets birthday cake surprise from Pirates on live TV during game.

Houston Chronicle Astros Beat Reporter Chandler Rome joins The Athletic on the same beat.

KHOU 11 News Director of Sales Lori Clark was presented the 2023 Silver Star of Excellence at the Media Alliance of Houston Star Awards Gala. 

COVID catches Ken Hoffman: CultureMap's columnist chronicles his case after a 3-year dodge.

Rick Lovett leaves SUNNY 99.1 afternoons.

90.1 KPFT debuts new schedule.

KPRC 2 Assignment Editor John Steiger announced his upcoming retirement. Congrats on his 40 years with channel 2!

Producer Erica Young promoted to KPRC 2 Manager of Special Projects & Producer Development.

Monroe Trombly joins the Houston Landing as a public safety reporter.

Tim Carlin joins the Houston Landing as a civic engagement reporter.

89.3 KSBJ Houston Fill-in Announcer and Traffic Reporter Lisa Marie interview.

KHOU 11 10pm newscast executive producer Molly Baker Cuculich leaves the station after eight years.

Programming Executive Producer Laura Berryhill Taglialavore celebrates 5 years at abc13 KTRK Houston.

SuiteRadio’s “Gallo Go Round” and “The Rowdy Ride Home” sign up a pair of new affiliates. KJVC-FM 92.7 Mansfield/Shreveport, Louisiana, and “Caribbean Country 93.5” WVVI-FM in Christiansted on St. Croix Island (U.S. Virgin Islands.) Both shows will debut on Monday 5/1/2023. 

Caroline Brown is engaged
Denise Middleton returns to FOX 26 Houston
Rita Garcia returns to abc13 Houston after maternity leave
Roula Christie wins a 2023 Gracie Award
Bill Barajas promoted to KPRC weekend anchor
Rachel Briers returns to abc13 KTRK after maternity leave
Syan Rhodes to leave KPRC 2
Tiffany Craig leaves KHOU 11 Houston
Houston Cox radio stations to be sold to Urban One
"Dana Tyson in the Morning" changes at SUNNY 99.1 KODA Houston
Katelyn Maida returns to 93Q mornings from maternity leave
Made in Texas Radio goes syndicated
Frank Billingsley emcees Alzheimer's Association Houston gala with special guest Maria Shriver
Casey Curry running for Houston City Council At-Large Position 1
Former KHOU ND Sally Ramirez goes to NBC Chicago
Tessa Barrera guest co-hosts "Houston Life"
Cathy Hernandez and Brittany Jeffers make it official
Madd Hatta named KTSU operations manager
“Outlaw Radio with Outlaw Dave” on SuiteRadio
Jonathan Martin to leave FOX 26 Houston
Praise 92.1 KROI Houston sold to Spanish Broadcasting System
Adam Krueger appearing on NewsNation
Jessica Willey runs the 2023 Boston Marathon
Telemundo Houston names new sales managers
Houston country radio stations honored in Academy of Country Music Awards
Taisha Walker to leave KPRC 2
Owen Conflenti goes Wes Anderson
Jonathan Martin signs off FOX 26 Houston
Bill Balleza honored with Dave Ward "Excellence in Media" award
Dominique Sachse talks about new podcast
Candace Burns named KPRC 4pm anchor

Justina Latimer joins KPRC 2

SAN ANTONIO

KENS 5 morning anchor Sarah Forgany celebrates 13 years with the station.

San Antonio Biz Journal hires Zoe Gottlieb as energy and tech reporter.

Kyle Mahnke announces his departure from the San Antonio Express-News.

Ariel Rivera-Vázquez promoted at Telemundo 60 San Antonio
Larry Ramirez becomes KSAT San Antonio sports director

AUSTIN

KVUE's Jenni Lee, Dennis Thomas awarded Texas Medical Association Anson Jones Award.

Texas Monthly Is Nominated for Two 2023 Media Awards by the James Beard Foundation.

Erin Quinn-Kong is new managing editor of Texas Highways Magazine.

KUTX Austin Celebrates 10th Birthday With Limited Edition Vinyl.

Thanks to KXAN Austin and CW39 Houston
Pamela Comme of KVUE Austin is engaged
KXAN Austin returns to channel 36.1
Britt Moreno returns to KXAN Austin
Emily Chavez leaves CBS Austin

AROUND TEXAS

106.7 FM and 1390 AM KULP El Campo celebrates 75th anniversary.

Gray Television recognizes KGNS Laredo Chief Meteorologist Richard Heatwave Berler for his commitment to forecasting in the community for over 40 years.

Tyler Morning Telegraph earns 15 awards in North and East Texas Press Association Better Newspaper Contest.

Paige Ellenberger announced she is leaving the 15 ABC KRHD Bryan - College Station Good Morning Texas anchor gig to be a reporter and other duties.

James Duncan, host of KMHT Radio 103.9 FM Marshall's “World Famous Swap Shop,” retired on his 84th birthday. I wonder if Richard and Sal ever called in?

Skylar Soto joined KTSM-9 News El Paso as a Multimedia Journalist. She had been a KLBK Lubbock MMJ since July 2021.

Recent Texas Southern University grad Karina Hollingsworth joins KTXS 12 News Abilene as a multimedia journalist.

Soon to be University of Texas at Austin grad Madeline Salinas has been hired as a 3 News KIII Corpus Christi multimedia journalist. 

Brenda Medina leaves KTSM El Paso
"Hello, South Texas!' KIII Corpus Christi song
KDFX 3 Wichita Falls celebrates 70 years
CBS19 KYTX Tyler celebrates 19 years on air
Rusty Garrett declared cancer free
Jeremiah Wilcox leaves NBC 23 KVEO RGV
Chris Jacobs leaves CBS 4 KGBT Rio Grande Valley
Clara Benitez joins KRIS 6 Corpus
PJ Heussner promoted to FOX 44 KWKT Waco weekend anchor
Estela Casas joins KTSM 9 El Paso
Natassia Paloma and Trevor J. Thompson's baby is here
Samantha Smerechniak and Karsen Buschjost leave ABC Big 2 News KMID Odessa/Midland
El Paso TV news anchor jailed on criminal mischief charge

REMEMBERING

Frank Masling Hicks, who worked 46 years in broadcasting at KLEE radio and KPRC 2, died at age 95.

Dallas Morning News sportswriter Chuck Carlton passes away at 64.

ABC13 photojournalist Mike Menchaca toasted by legendary anchors

Mike Menchaca, a photojournalist with ABC13 KTRK Houston for over three decades who just retired, was toasted by family and current and former Channel 13 colleagues Friday night.

Menchaca's wife, Traci, threw the party and told the crowd how she met Mike by calling the Channel 13 sports department!  Now you know KTRK is all about news, weather, sports...and love!

Retired KTRK photojournalist Jaime Zamora read a proclamation by Houston Mayor John Whitmire and emotionally recounted how he and Menchaca, friends for decades, helped each other through the Texas television landscape from Corpus Christi to KVUE Austin and KTRK.

In thanking everyone for coming to his retirement party, Menchaca remembered those who were important to him and who couldn't attend. He mentioned names like 13 Outdoorsman Thom Dickerson, Bob Allen, Tim Melton, and former KTRK general manager Jim Masucci.

Iconic anchors and reporters such as Shara Fryer, Tom Koch, Don Nelson, Don Kobos, Art Rascon, Deborah Wrigley, and Jeff McShan were there to honor Menchaca. 

I saw current KTRK staffers celebrating the legendary photographer, including Jessica Willey, Jeff Ehling, Pooja Lodhia, Mycah Hatfield, Joe Gleason, Chaz Miller, Courtney Fischer, Rosie Nguyen, Pat Tobin, Damion Smith, David Aguillard, John Carreon, and Doug Schurtz among others.

Menchaca and I reminisced about our trip to Central Texas to interview the legendary Cadet Don, AKA Al Eisenman, who entertained Channel 13's younger viewers on weekday mornings from 1959 to 1968. Now, before you ask, no, I can't remember if we got to "meet" his pal Seymour or not! The Houston Chronicle even mentions our Cadet Don story!

Photographer Willie Dixon remembered by Houston media world

Social media tributes are flowing for abc13 KTRK photojournalist Willie Dixon, 52, who died yesterday according to posts.

Dixon's colleague and channel 13 reporter Miya Shay posted this touching remembrance in a series of tweets:

A lot of good people are in TV news, but Willie Dixon was exceptional. Since #COVID19, Willie and I worked together daily. For 6 weeks, he picked me up at my house, covered testing & news conferences, did live shots, and he dropped me off at the end of the day.

Friday, he dropped me off at my house around 6:30 pm. Never could I imagine the text messages we exchanged on Saturday would be our last. He died suddenly last night. He leaves behind his beautiful wife Dorothy, & his two accomplished daughters.

Willie was everyone’s favorite. We all claimed him as our own. If you were assigned Willie, you knew it was going to be a good day. I had the privilege of working with him daily the past six weeks. This last pic I took of him was at a COVID_19 testing site.

Willie Dixon made all of us better, but we could never be as kind, as generous, as loving, or hardworking as Willie. He lived an exemplary life. His family is a reflection of his character.

May we carry on our jobs as Willie did: with an open heart & an unending smile.

UPDATE
After I wrote this post, KTRK reported Dixon's death was unrelated to COVID-19. He came to work at channel 13 in 2006 from WFTV Orlando, Florida. He was from Mobile, Alabama and is a graduate of Alabama State University. Dixon is survived by his wife and two daughters.

A lot of good people are in TV news, but Willie Dixon was exceptional. Since #COVID19, Willie and I worked together daily. For 6 weeks, he picked me up at my house, covered testing & news conferences, did live shots, and he dropped me off at the end of the day. 1/ pic.twitter.com/iwx6z9KOcb

— Miya Shay (@ABC13Miya) April 26, 2020

We are truly devastated.

Some people are pure sunshine & always have a kind word to say.

Some work really hard & even make the job fun.
That was Willie Dixon...the kindest ever.

We lost him suddenly, but we will always love him & we thank his family for sharing him. 🙏🏽🙏🏽❤️ pic.twitter.com/iLAcxwMKpW

— Melanie Lawson (@MelanieLawson13) April 26, 2020

Willie Dixon was singular. He was a bright light. He was a beautiful soul. He was a devoted husband and proud loving father. He was a talented, smart, tireless journalist who always saw the best in people. He was kind and genuine. And he was my friend. 🎥🎥 pic.twitter.com/b84N9fSy2l

— Tom Abrahams (@TomAbrahams13) April 26, 2020

Willie Dixon was the best. The best coworker. The best photojournalist and the best friend. This was Willie. Fun, happy, hardworking. He made us all better. I pray for his family, whom he loved so much.
We loved him. @abc13houston pic.twitter.com/38jMCQvyxI

— Jessica Willey (@ImJessicaWilley) April 26, 2020

I’m speechless and heartbroken. 💔Willie Dixon, one of the best photographers and friends I could ask for, passed away suddenly last night. He never complained, never forgot our milestones or failed to encourage us. Here’s his last voicemail to me: pic.twitter.com/sdaonkijaQ

— Erica Simon (@EricaOnABC13) April 26, 2020

Devastated. I will miss my dear friend, Willie Dixon. The kindest heart. Best attitude. Amazing work ethic. Always smiled. Praying for his family. pic.twitter.com/cowscyujBR

— David Nuño (@DavidNunoABC13) April 26, 2020

We all know one of the people in this photo. I wish you knew the other too. Willie Dixon was an @abc13houston photojournalist. He worked hard, laughed harder, smiled bigger & loved more. We lost him. I pray his family never forgets how much we loved him too. Photo: @HoustonChron pic.twitter.com/paGEsOFEX8

— Ted Oberg (@TedABC13) April 26, 2020

Mayor @SylvesterTurner’s Office of Communications extends condolences to the family of news photojournalist Willie Dixon and to his extended @abc13houston family. Willie covered the mayor’s daily #COVID19 briefings. His professionalism, positive attitude and smile will be missed. https://t.co/vKcG85cBhO

— Mary Benton (@IAmMaryBenton) April 26, 2020

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.

Lots of Dallas TV job changes, plus lots of funny TV news videos

MORE VIDEOS
- "Rapping reporter" Mattafact strikes again (audio)
- Great Grandmother Reporter Interview News Blooper
- FOX Reporter Takes Sideline Hit
- Man in shorts wanders behind anchor
- Reporter rocks out to Rush during liveshot
- Chicago reporter gets even on video bombers
- Best "Video Bombs" of the 2012-2013 Season
- Jim Swift preparing to sign off on 36-year career
- Man of Steel's Dylan Sprayberry (teenage Superman) is from Houston
- 1070 The Answer KNTH promo
- KHOU crews rolling as deputy shoots, kills dog that mauled woman
- KTRK Special Report - Toxic Cloud at Woodland Acres Schools (1990)
- TV Reporter Mocks Police Response Time in Dramatic Fashion

Jason take the wheel -- of WFAA8's new 4 p.m. newscasts
Jason Wheeler, who joined WFAA8 in late November of last year, will solo anchor the Dallas-based station’s new 4 p.m. weekday newscasts, several sources confirm to Uncle Barky.

WFAA8's latest new hire is Marie Saavedra from Phoenix
WFAA8 has hired a replacement for former anchor/reporter Jonathan Betz - Marie Saavedra from KTVK Phoenix.

Former CW33 Eye Opener meteorologist Laura Thomas now heating up Phoenix
Laura Thomas is the brand new weekend meteorologist at KNXV Phoenix after leaving KDAF.

Cumulus sells Dallas FM
Cumulus Media is selling one of its FMs in Dallas, but it’s likely not downsizing in the Big D.

Fox4 anchor/reporter Adrian Arambulo leaving station after six-year stint
Fox4 anchor/reporter Adrian Arambulo, a six-year veteran at the Dallas-based station, is leaving for an on-air position at KNBC-TV in Los Angeles.

100 Creatives 2013: Tom Abrahams, Author and Newscaster
Tom Abrahams' Sedition: A Political Thriller has passed 2100 copies sold in nine countries (US, Canada, Spain, France, UK, Germany, Brazil, Australia, and New Zealand). The TV anchor is at work on his next novel and was just named in the Houston Press "100 Creatives" for 2013.

Catching up with Ed Fowler
Former Houston Chronicle columnist Ed Fowler is now the vicar at All Saints Anglican Church in Durango, Colo.

Michael Berry Show Fundraiser Nets $100,000
KTRH's Michael Berry and his crew will be needing a lot less shampoo after raising money for a good cause.

Erica Rico gets booted
Erica Rico Of 93 The Q Radio In Houston Has Been Busy In Boots.

REMEMBERING

Former KTRK abc13 photographer Marshall Jard has passed away.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Jessica Willey announces pregnancy - score one for the abc13 KTRK delivery room
- KHOU has 'Great Day' for weddings
- Houston Chronicle's SciGuy Eric Berger joins CW39's NewsFix
- Mike Barajas drops the microphone for baton