Lance Zierlein reunites with John Granato on ESPN 97.5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Two legendary Houston radio morning teams reunite (w/ AUDIO)

Houston AM and FM radio morning superstars reunite for one off trip down memory lane

Last week, the Super Moon came out and two legendary Houston morning radio teams reunited. Coincidence?

Lance Zierlein and John Granato reunite for podcast

In "The Great Houston Chronicle Blog Purge of 2013" we are losing The Z Report with Lance. So to celebrate the end, sports talker Lance Zierlein reunited with his old radio team.

 That's right, Zierlein recorded an almost two hour podcast with former Sports 610 KILT and 1560 The Game KGOW pals John Granato and Chance McClain.

And let me tell you, it is great. If you were a regular listener at any point in their career together, you will love it. But if you just are interested in broadcasting, and have never set foot in Houston, you will still love it because of all the great inside radio stories. Just goes to show morning radio seems glamorous on the outside, but you never know about the crap that's going on inside the station (unless you've listened to Howard Stern over the years). Let me tell you, there are some wild party stories too.

Head over to our friends at Houston Media Watch for the uncut video or straight unedited audio feed.

As you might already know, Lance Zierlein is now doing afternoons with Charlie Pallilo on Clear Channel's Sportstalk 790 KBME. In a strange twist of fate, John Granato is also doing afternoons on Yahoo! Sports Radio 1560 KGOW with Sean Pendergast against Zierlein. McClain is involved with a little bit of everything including a production called Kissless the Musical.

Maria Todd and Sam Malone

On the FM side, there was a briefer reunion between former 104.1 KRBE morning team Sam Malone and Maria Todd on Malone's new AM 1070The Answer KNTH/Phonoscope TV show.

It took a big death to get these two back together, but it's not all mourning for the morning duo. Listen for an awesome shout out they give at the end.

Maria Todd now anchors news on News 92 KROI.

Sam and Maria: Reunited from Phonoscope New Media on Vimeo.

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

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

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

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

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

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

More from The Chronicle's David Barron:

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

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

RELATED - (blogHOUSTON)

John Granato and Sean Pendergast to 1560 KGOW afternoons

John Granato moves to afternoons

David Barron reports that John Granato and Sean Pendergast of 1560 KGOW The Game Yahoo Sports Radio are reshuffling the deck and moving to afternoons.

His report says that means Adam Clanton and John Wessling are out of the station after arriving last August.

Steve Czaban of YSR is the new 1560 morning show.

See the rest here.

Houston Media Watch writes there has been a Twitter backlash concerning the Clanton/Wessling show cancellation.

Wendy Granato is KTRK abc13 news director

UPDATE AUGUST 07, 2019
Wendy Granato named KTRK President and General Manager

Wendy Granato gets newly expanded role of KTRK abc13 Vice President of News and Digital Content

Wendy Granato

Yesterday, the news came out of KTRK abc13 that special projects executive producer Wendy Granato is taking over the seat left by longtime news director Dave Strickland in July. This makes Granato the first female news director in the station's history.

If Granato's last name sounds familiar...there's a reason for it. Her husband is longtime sports radio talker John Granato (now 1560 KGOW; Formerly 610 KILT, Houston Texans sideline reporter & KNWS 51).

 The couple's quarterback son also made news when Rice University creatively recruited him from Kinkaid.

I don't know if KTRK bothered to send a press release like the other stations do for such a big hire, so I'm posting the internal memo KTRK general manager Henry Florsheim sent the staff:

After literally speaking with candidates from coast to coast, it turns out the next ABC 13 News Director was already right here in Houston. I’m most pleased to let everyone know that Wendy Granato has a agreed to become the new Vice President of News and Digital Content at KTRK-TV. Along with an extensive news background, everyone who has worked with Wendy knows she has suburb communication and organizational skills. As technology has allowed viewer patterns and consumption practices to change, she has taken a leadership position in the newsroom embracing and initiating any number of new digital projects. At a time when our industry and business is facing unparalleled change and challenge, Wendy has time and again demonstrated an ability to create top quality content across a wide range of formats and platforms.

Over the last twelve years at the Station, Wendy has a proven track record of success on multiple high profile projects in both the News and Programming Departments including signature Station events that cross departments . As senior Executive News Producer, Special Projects for a decade, Wendy has overseen special promotable news reports, medical reporting, and consumer reports, alerts, and investigations. For many seasons she coordinated much of the station’s pre and regular season Texans coverage; and has served as Executive Producer of the Houston Marathon programming and race coverage. Wendy has moved from News to Programming and back throughout her career. She first came to the station in 1998 to join the Programming Department. She was promoted from Producer, to Senior Producer to Executive Producer of the Debra Duncan Show.

Wendy’s first broadcast experience was in News as a producer/reporter/ anchor/ assignment editor and Executive Producer at various times at KATC-TV in Lafayette, Louisiana. She moved to Houston to a position of anchor/ producer at KNWS-TV--the 24 hour news operation-- in 1993. Over time, as had occurred previously, she found herself increasing drawn toward production; and over a span of three years held a series of positions culminating in being named News Director from 1996 to 1998. During that period she oversaw editorial content, staffing, and operations of station.

An Louisiana State University graduate, Wendy double major in Broadcast Journalism and History. In case you haven’t heard, she’s said to have a keen interest in football. I’m sure we’ll all give her a hand as she steps into her new role.

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Texas Radio Hall of Fame 2024 induction ceremony recap

Top row: Jay Jones, Gary Stone, Mat “The Mighty Quinn” and Lance Zierlein. Middle row: Paul Gleiser and John Granato. Front row: Jud Ashmore, Val Wilson, Mary Lanoue, Melanie Miller, Terri Thomas, and “Big Frank” Franklin (Photo credit: Bachman-Hand)

The Texas Radio Hall of Fame (TRHOF) inducted its new batch of members at the Texas Broadcast Museum in Kilgore the first weekend of November 2024.

The Friday night before the big induction ceremony, the radio greats were treated to a special screening of my 101 KLOL documentary "Runaway Radio!"  On stage for a terrific doc Q&A were 2024 inductee Jay Jones (former KLOL owner), members Dayna Steele and Doug Harris, and me, your favorite media blogger/director.

Fun fact, some "Runaway Radio" scenes were shot at the Texas Broadcast Museum so it was super cool to actually show the film there! If you love broadcasting, the museum is worth the drive!

Mister McKinney's Historic Houston and ABC7 KABC Los Angeles president and general manager Wendy Granato were seen in the crowd for the Houston radio film.

You can watch "Runaway Radio" on VOD / Tubi or DVD. 

On Saturday, Hall of Famer Scott Arthur kicked off the ceremony with the induction of San Antonio's Jud Ashmore, who had just celebrated his 100th birthday. 

Hall of Famer Steele returned to the stage to welcome Mary McCoy, holder of the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest career as a female radio personality (72 years!), and nine-year-old Mary Ella Woodstock, host of KIDZ STAR Radio on DFW's KNON-NOW. 

Texas Association of Broadcasters president Oscar Rodriguez provided a legislative update, and THROF Executive Director Josh Holstead touted the organization's scholarship program. 

TRHOF Executive Director Doug Harris noted that the Induction ceremony was sold out for the third consecutive year. As a result, the event will again be held in Kilgore on November 7-8, 2025. 

A complete list of the TRHOF's Class of 2024:

 

Jud Ashmore - WOAI, KENS, KBUC San Antonio

Jay Britt -  KBZB Odessa and KILT FM100 Houston

Raoul Cortez -  Founded KCOR San Antonio, the first full-time Spanish-language radio station in the contiguous United States

“Big Frank” Franklin - K-99 Corpus Christi and 98-1 KVET Austin

Paul Gleiser - owner of 600 KTBB-AM and 97.5 KTBB-FM and "92.1 The Team" KRWR Tyler-Longview

John Granato and Lance Zierlein - ESPN 97.5 Houston and previously SportsRadio 610 KILT morning hosts

Henry Guerra - "Voice of San Antonio" WOAI

Mat "The Mighty Quinn" Guinn - 104.1 KRBE Houston

Dene Hallam - 93Q Houston and WWWW Detroit, WHN New York, KYCY San Francisco, WKHX Atlanta and WDAF Kansas City

Jay Jones - Rock 101 KLOL and 740 KTRH Houston owner

Mary Marin Lanoue - Cox Media, KISS-FM San Antonio

Melanie Miller - KPDN-AM Pampa, KGNC-AM -  KIXZ-AM - KAMR-TV Amarillo, KTLK-AM Lubbock, 740 KTRH Houston

Charlie Parker - WOAI San Antonio morning host and KCCW, KLLS, KKYX, KRIO, KTSA

John Roberts - Classic Rock 96.1 KKTX Kilgore

Clifton “King Bee” Smith - KCOH Houston.

Gary B. Stone - President Chief Operating Officer with 40 years of Broadcast experience. 30 years of Spanish media experience, 25 years with Univision Radio.

Terri Thomas - Former Director of Operations/Programming for 97.9 THE BOX KBXX, MAJIC 102.1 KMJQ

Harvey “Harvey T” Thompson - 95.7 KIKK Houston

Jerry Trupiano - Houston sports play-by-play announcer

Val Wilson - Radio One "Sunday Morning Live," KTSU2 and Texas Southern University - School of Communication Adjunct Professor - Radio, Television, Film Department

 

Following Saturday's induction ceremony, a reception for inductees and their families was held at the restored Post Office, operated by the Kilgore Historical and Preservation Society.

Houston TV power couples talk Valentine's Day

Steven Devadanam and Gabi De La Rosa of CultureMap Houston featured 14 Houston power couples who spilled secrets and spread all the love on Valentine's Day.

For the purposes of this blog, we are going to feature the local TV couples.

Wendy and John Granato 

abc13 KTRK Houston President and General Manager Wendy Granato and ESPN 97.5 KFNC's The Bench co-host John Granato (both Culturemap and KFNC are owned by Gow Media) were featured in the piece.

I am not going to share the whole interview, but John's humor shows through with his answer of "something that you lovingly overlook about your partner:"

JG: There is literally not a day that goes by that we don’t have a truck delivering a package — or packages — to our house. She’s amazing. I don’t know how she works as hard as she does and yet, her ability to purchase things is unaffected. She’s the Michael Jordan of shopping. It’s impossible for Wendy to answer this because she doesn’t overlook any of my shortcomings.

Derrick Shore and Brandon Bourque

Houston Life co-host Derrick Shore and partner Brandon Bourque are also featured.  Their answer for "Your own couple goals:"

DS: Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. They've been together 40 years, they play by their own rules and they're always smiling.

BB: Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos. They seem open, honest and genuinely happy together — with a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor.

Go read the entire article.

Lance Zierlein exits Sports Radio 610 KILT in Houston?

Lance Zierlein has taken off his KILT and left Sports Radio 610 AM says the Chron's David Barron. Where will he go next?:

Zierlein declined Saturday to address rumors that he will join former KILT partner John Granato on the soon-to-be-reformatted KILE (1560 AM) or will seek a position with one of Houston's two other sports-talk stations -- KBME (790 AM) or KFNC (97.5 FM).

At this point, reports have Granato hosting a morning drive-ime show at 1560, which will have new call letters when it launches its new format later this year, with Sean Pendergast, the former Houstonian who is a five-time winner of the Jim Rome smack-off.

READ THE REST

Now it's everyone's guessing game to see if he goes to the new 1560 KILE with John Granato and Ken Hoffman.

Supposedly they are dumping the KILE call letters at the new station, so lets have some fun and come up with names for the new station that is rumored to be sports/guy talk focused. I'll go first:

1560 The Game
1560 The Locker Room
1560 The Testosterone
1560 The Fourth Houston Sports Station
1560 We're Way Up the AM Dial!!!
1560 KILT Free Radio
1560 The Hoff
1560 Dudes Talking and Stuff

Wow, I've been racking my brain all night. I need help. Comment below, clearly I am no radio programming genius.

UPDATE:
Barron leaks the new KILT lineup:

As expected, Marc Vandermeer and Andre Ware will man the morning shift from 6 to 11 a.m., followed by the Jim Rome show from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Rich Lord and Matt Jackson from 2 to 6 p.m. Adam Wexler will remain on 6 to 10 p.m. shift, to be joined by a co-host to be named later. Jeremy Foster and Dave Harbison continue as news readers for mornings and afternoons, respectively.

READ THE REST

Barron reports that KILT still wants to work it out with Lance Zierlein.

KTRK GM Wendy Granato tests positive for COVID-19

KTRK abc13 is reporting that its own President and General Manager, Wendy Granato, has tested positive for COVID-19.

This is the second positive result for a Houston television staffer that I am aware of. The first positive COVID-19 test in the Houston TV world was channel 13 anchor Chauncy Glover.

COX Media Group on-air talent Adrian ‘Producer Hoss’ Perez was the only positive test that I am aware of in the Houston radio world.

RELATED
Houston media members affected by novel coronavirus

The station says Granato contracted it from her 22-year-old daughter, Frankie:

Wendy and Frankie are both working from home and said they have made it through the worst part, and are feeling much better.

Frankie says she started showing symptoms after her boyfriend was exposed to the virus and was experiencing some symptoms.

It took four days to get Frankie's positive results back. That's when Wendy and her husband, John, immediately got tested. READ THE REST

John Granato, as many will know, is a long-running, popular Houston sports radio talks show host on ESPN 97.5 FM.

John Granato breaks down worst Houston roads

John Granato, co-host of "The Bench" on ESPN 97.5 KFNC, talks with City Cast Houston host Raheel Ramzanali and newsletter editor Brooke Lewis, about bad Houston roads and freeways. 

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

Houston media, society and political world show up to honor Dave Ward at Crime Stoppers of Houston Gala 2015


Houston media icon Dave Ward, was honored at the 2015 Building the Block Crime Stoppers of Houston Gala on Thursday, October 29, 2015 at the Omni Houston Hotel. The Annual Gala, which serves as the organization's largest fundraiser, welcomed more than 560 guests and raised over $510,000 for Crime Stopper's Tip Line and crime prevention programs, which empower, educate, and engage the community in important conversations about crime, public safety and the protection of society's most vulnerable citizens.

Chita Johnson, Gala Auction Chair Courtney Zubowski Haas (Photo Credit: Michelle Watson)

Chairs Joella and Steve Mach, along with auction chairs Courtney Zubowski Haas and Dr. Eric Haas, led the grand effort and celebration that marked a significant achievement and announced plans for the future. The evening began with a VIP reception with keynote speaker, best-selling author and Emmy award winning journalist, Ted Koppel. VIP guests were able to mingle with Koppel and then continued in to the silent auction and big board, all in support of the Crime Stoppers' mission. The cocktail reception opened up with a warm welcome from Rania Mankarious, Crime Stoppers Executive Director and invocation by Monsignor Frank Rossi, followed by emcee Melanie Lawson of KTRK abc13 taking the stage to kick off the night's festivities and surprise performances - all of which Ward knew nothing about!

Dave Ward, Laura Ward, Ted Koppel (Photo Credit: Michelle Watson)

The entire evening was weaved together perfectly with the direction and guidance of the visionary, Laura Ward.

The focus of the evening was to honor Ward for playing an instrumental role in creating the "media" reach of Crime Stoppers of Houston back in the early 1980s. It was his creativity and ingenuity that contributed to the famous (and internationally recognized) Crime Stoppers' reenactments. Thanks to his vision, Crime Stoppers of Houston has created a model that now leads the nation. Koppel was honored to be in Houston to celebrate Ward's contributions to Crime Stoppers and his incredible achievement of being the only news anchor to stay almost 50 years on one anchor chair, in one station, in one city, in one state. Surprise video tributes from two very special friends of Ward, former First Lady Barbara Bush and NASA Astronaut Scott Kelly all the way from outer space, were played during the night.

The celebration continued with messages from several 'Friends of Dave', Governor Mark White, 43rd Governor of the Great State of Texas, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Founder, President and CEO of The Richland Companies and John Eddie Williams, founding partner of Williams Kherkher.

One of the biggest highlights of the night was a surprise visit from a very special friend of Ward who insisted on flying to Houston for this special occasion - Grammy and Emmy Award-winning artist and producer Steve Tyrell who sang "You've Got a Friend in Me" live on stage for his friend.

Before the night was over, the surprises continued as a well-kept secret was finally revealed. Because of Ward's dedication to his city, career and Crime Stoppers, Mankarious announced that the first-ever Crime Stoppers of Houston headquarters will forever be named The Dave Ward Building Crime Stoppers of Houston. Ward was astonished by the big unveil and was lost for words as he stood in front of the podium. He compared the extraordinary moment to his wedding day and birth of his children.

The evening left Ward speechless, but the celebration continued on the next day, Friday, October 30, 2015 at the 3000 Block on Main Street for the Crime Stoppers of Houston Headquarters Groundbreaking Ceremony. Koppel along with the Board of Directors, elected officials, men and women in blue and others joined in for photos to commence the city's first Public Safety and Crime Prevention Block. Welcoming remarks were made by Crime Stoppers Executive Director Rania Mankarious, Capital Campaign Co-Chairs Kathryn Stasney Childers and Fenner Weller, Franco Valobra of Harris County Sheriff's Office Foundation, Dave Ward, Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson, Houston Police Department Chief Charles McClelland and Harris County Sheriff Ron Hickman. State Representative Gene Wu presented a resolution honoring the work of Crime Stoppers and recognition of Dave Ward at the 2015 Gala. Closing remarks were made by Crime Stoppers Vice Chairman of the Board Hazem Ahmed.

Dave Ward, Laura Ward, Rania Mankarious, Ted Koppel (Photo Credit: Michelle Watson)

Future Crime Stoppers Office (Courtesy Crime Stoppers of Houston)

The new home of Crime Stoppers of Houston will be a state-of-the-art facility serving as a hub for crime prevention, housing centralized operations, staff, volunteers, law enforcement, safe school, safe community and media teams in a single 28,000-square-foot building. Outside the facility, a 12,800-square-foot Harris County Sheriff's Officers Memorial Garden will pay tribute to heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

John and Wendy Granato (Photo Credit: Michelle Watson)

Henry Florsheim, Rebecca Campbell, Mayor Annise Parker & Doe Florsheim (Photo Credit: Michelle Watson)

Thursday's celebration (Gala) was supported by many individuals, community partners and generous underwriters, including The Mach Family, Ellen and Paige Cokinos/The Higginbotham Community Foundation, Dr. and Mrs. C. Richard Stasney/Mr. and Mrs. Staton Childers. Among guests were, Trini Mendenhall, Cora Sue and Harry Mach, Maria and Neil Bush, Maria and Christopher J. Pappas, Wendy and John Granato, Henry Florsheim, Katherine and Bobbie Hatcher, Stephanie and Ernie Cockerall, Roula Christie, Leisa Holland-Nelson, Michelle Heinz and Vicki Rizzo.

Rania Mankarious, Steve Tyrell, Roula Christie (Photo Credit: Michelle Watson)

Notable guests include Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson, Harris County Sheriff Ron Hickman, Harris County Commissioner Jack Cagle and Harris County District Clerk Chris Daniels, Mayor Annise Parker, City Council members Brenda Stardig, Jack Christie, Dave Martin, David Robinson, Robert Gallegos and Ellen Cohen, State Representatives Jim Murphy, Gene Wu and Sylvester Turner, plus Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland, Jr.

Miya Shay and State Representative Gene Wu, Gina Gaston Ellie (Photo Credit: Michelle Watson)

Others celebrating with Ward included Linda Heatley, Jim Holley, Rachelle Rowe, Shelby Hodge and Shafik Rifaat, Dan Pastorini and Pam Morris, Carol and Tom Sawyer, Roz and Alan Pactor, Pamela and Jack Wright, Lindsey and Scott Aronstein, Cathy and John Crapitto, Melissa Davis, Paula Goldstein, Nancy Sims, Allison and Stephen Lewis, Sidney Evans II, Bryan Beene, Gina Gaston Elie, Toni and Bob Lawrence, Bob Meehan, Sonya and Jeff Vaden, Yvette Webb, David Wilson II, Mike Wilson, plus many more!

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.

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

Voting begins for 2024 Texas Radio Hall of Fame inductees

(Houston, TX) July 22, 2024: The Texas Radio Hall of Fame (TRHOF) has released the names of the fifty (50) nominees for its 2024 Induction Class.

 The voting portal will be open and accessible to voting members via www.TRHOF.net through midnight on Monday, August 5th. 

“We’ve been continually working to refine, streamline, and demystify the nomination and voting process” observes TRHOF Executive Director Doug Harris, “and each year we continue to make major steps forward. Once again, we have a group of outstanding broadcasters for our voting members to consider with a balloting platform that includes their photos and biographical information for review.” 

Over two hundred broadcast professionals with ties to Texas radio were nominated for consideration by the TRHOF Review Committee, which reached a consensus on the final fifty. Voting members of the TRHOF will now determine the twenty individuals who will be honored in the TRHOF’s Annual Induction Ceremony at the Texas Museum of Broadcasting and Communications in Kilgore, TX. 

“We are very pleased with this slate of nominees, which spotlights the depth and breadth of Texas radio talent,” says Harris. “From the tower to the boardroom to the conference room, this list of nominees touches the geographic boundaries of the state and connects to a variety of markets, formats and virtually every position of service in the broadcast world.”

Those selected for the 2024 Induction Class will be honored during the organization’s Annual Induction and Reunion Weekend, November 1-2, 2024, at the Texas Museum of Broadcasting and Communications in Kilgore, Texas. Information on becoming a TRHOF voting member is available on the organization’s website and interested parties may still join—and vote—in this year’s selection. 

TEXAS RADIO HALL OF FAME 2024 NOMINEES

DAN ACREE

DAVID ANDERSON 

JUD ASHMORE 

BOB BARRY 

JAY BRITT

MIKE CAPPS

STEVE COFFMAN 

RAOUL CORTEZ

FRANK “BIG FRANK” EDWARDS

STEVE EVERETT

JOHN FROST

PAUL GLEISER

JOHN GRANATO AND LANCE ZIERLEIN

HENRY GUERRA 

MAT “THE MIGHTY QUINN” GUINN

DENE HALLAM

JERRY AND WANDA HANSZEN

JAY HOWARD

JOJO AND PATCHES

JANE PRINCE JONES

JAY JONES

MARY LENOUE 

ANDY LOCKRIDGE

MICHAEL MAIN 

GARY MASON 

MELANIE MILLER

GEORGE HENRY NELSON

JOHN NELSON

JOHN “THE LAMA” OAKES

MICHAEL PACKER

CHARLIE PARKER 

PHIL PARR

DAN PENA

TOM PERRYMAN

PAULA PRINCE 

TOM RICHARDS

ROSINDA RIOS BURNS 

CHRISSIE ROBERTS

JOHN ROBERTS

J D ROSE

KEN RUSH

RAY SCHILENS

CLIFTON “KING BEE” SMITH

DR. J. THOMAS SMITH

GARY STONE

TERRI THOMAS

HARVEY “HARVEY T” THOMPSON

JERRY TRUPIANO

GARY “BLUE EYES” WALKER

VAL WILSON

Secret lives of DFW anchors, Lance Zierlein to 790 KBME? and more

KHTV (now KIAH) 39 Houston TV News (1990) - David Scott (now weekend anchor KXAN Austin) and Lori Tucker (WATE) anchored the news, Alan Ashby was on sports and Kathy Turner (previously at KHOU) was the chief meteorologist.

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UPDATE: Lance Zierlein joins SportsTalk 790 KBME
Sports-Talk 1560 Loses Another Veteran: Lance Zierlein Calls It Quits at The Game
So morning guy Lance Zierlein shows his double rods and exits 1560 The Game KGOW leaving long time co-host John Granato solo for now. If Zierlein wants to stay in Houston sports radio he is lucky because there are four stations. He's already worked at SportsRadio 610 KILT and obviously 1560 KGOW...that leaves SportsTalk 790 KBME and ESPN 97.5 The Ticket KFNC. I am hearing rumors from multiple sources that SportsTalk 790 KBME is the likely choice. If an announcement is made on KBME, please let me know. Stay tuned...
UPDATE: Lance Zierlein joins SportsTalk 790 KBME
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WFAA reporter shoved by Commissioner Price
Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price physically accosted WFAA reporter Brett Shipp while Shipp was trying to gain access to Price's county office.
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Away from the anchor desk or the weather map, local TV personalities explore personal passions
See the secret lives of Dallas TV anchors and meteorologists. Featured are John McCaa WFAA 8, Rebecca Miller KDAF33, Doug Dunbar KTVK 11, Fiona Gorostiza and Clarice Tinsley KDFW 4, Tracy Kornet KTVT 11 and Grant Johnston KXAS 5.

KDFW news director Maria Barrs leaves DFW
Gannett’s Broadcasting Division has named Maria Barrs president and general manager at KXTV-TV in Sacramento, CA. Barrs most recently served as vice president and news director for KDFW-TV in Dallas, TX.

Austin Businessman and Philanthropist Milton Verret Hires Former KVUE Anchor Olga Campos
KVUE broadcast journalist Olga Campos to help lead his charitable efforts for children.

KHOU-TV Shoots Morning Promo on the Rail
The KHOU-TV Morning News team - anchors Ron Trevino and Christine Haas, meteorologist David Paul and traffic reporter Katherine Whaley - mingled with riders, passed out freshly baked doughnuts and KHOU T-shirts and chatted with riders about their experience watching Channel 11.

Catching Up with UH Alum, ‘America’s Got Talent’ Star Barbara Padilla
It’s been two years since Barbara Padilla wowed audiences and judges on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” (“AGT”). The University of Houston opera alumna sang her way into the show’s finals and emerged as the 2009 runner-up. Padilla will serve as the local “AGT” analyst for KPRC Channel 2. On Wednesday mornings (around 6:20 a.m.).
- Padilla with Jennifer Reyna

Weather and charity bring pals together
Have you seen the Channel 2 commercial with Today show weatherman Al Roker and Channel 2's morning weather guesser Anthony Yanez?
- Hot summer turns up the heat on meteorologists, too

Hema Mullur leaving KFOX14
KFOX14 is announcing the departure of primetime anchor Hema Mullur who has been with the company since 2008.

‘Top Chef’s’ Texas-set season
The Bravo release states it will be called “Top Chef: Texas” and will not only visit San Antonio but two other Texas cities.

Exclusive July PPM Analysis: Dallas
Dallas' KLTY Moves From #5 To #3. KZPS Makes Strides In Key Demos.
- Two Austin radio traffic reporters laid off; updates now coming from Dallas
- KISS-FM remains city’s No. 1 station

London Broadcasting wins Broadcaster of the Year Award
The Texas Association of Broadcasters has named Terry London Broadcaster of the year.

22 high school games to be aired in HD
KBVO, My Austin TV, will broadcast 22 local high school football games for the 2011 season, doubling the number of games from its inaugural season.

KTXS begins broadcasting local news programs in high definition
Television stations KTXS in Abilene and KTXE in San Angelo, both ABC affiliates operated by Bonten Media Group, this week became the first stations in their markets to broadcast local news programs in high definition.

NATIONAL
- CBS News Ad Claims 'We Invented Original Reporting On Television' (Thanks Murdock)
- What Did TV News Really Learn From 9/11?
- RTDNA / Hofstra Survey Shows Sharp Rise in TV & Radio News Salaries
- SEC alleges insider trading related to Disney-Marvel deal
- Disney Broadcasting (ABC Network and O&O stations) saw revenues slip 1% to $1.43 billion
- It's "Studio 54" time at Sirius XM – but the good times replace BBC Radio 1
- Get BBC Radio 1 Back on Sirius XM

DIGITAL
- Houston TV website user traffic data
- Meet the Twitter Account Behind Countless LOLs: @Channel11News (Thanks Shea)
- SiriusXM To Get Pandora-Like Upgrade
- Television Company Belo Corp. Expands Advertising Reach with Yahoo!
- Study Says Drudge Report Drives More Traffic Than Facebook and Twitter Combined
- Disney to put its shows behind a pay wall online, too
- Oprah-fy yourself

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Telemundo 47 KTMD to launch morning news; weekend newscasts with KXTX Dallas
- Bug in mouth strikes former KPRC 2 staffer on live TV
- PICS: KHOU 11's Chita Johnson with Texans cheerleaders
- 107.5 The Eagle KGLK's ratings jump after taking over 106.9 The Zone
- Fox 26 KRIV promotes mikemcguff.com on prime time TV

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

Richard Justice is going to 1560 KILE says David Barron:

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

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

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

READ THE REST

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

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

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

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

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

1560 The Game KGOW keeps moving on up

John Royal of the Houston Press has a nice writeup on local sports station upstart 1560 The Game KGOW. This non-corporate station is getting a stronger signal and more programming:

Along with Sporting News at night, 1560 is also adding Tim Brando's mid-morning Sporting News program, which will be heavy on college sports, starting on August 17, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (Sporting News overnight will not begin until September 14.) The morning show with John Granato and Lance Zierlein will move to 6 a.m.-10 a.m. Ken Hoffman and David Nuno's show will then air from 1 p.m.-3 p.m.. And John Harris and Sean Pendergast will have the afternoon shift from 3 p.m.-7 p.m.. READ THE REST

I've been to the station's studios a couple of times and it has a good feeling in the hallways. I can't say that for every radio company I've visited.

Voting beings for 2023 Texas Radio Hall of Fame inductees

 

(Houston, TX) July 20, 2023: The Texas Radio Hall of Fame (TRHOF) has released the names of the fifty (50) nominees for its 2023 Induction Class. 

UPDATE AUGUST 2023
Texas Radio Hall of Fame 2023 inductees

The voting portal will be open and accessible to voting members via www.TRHOF.net through Monday, July 31st.

“We’ve been continually working to refine, streamline, and demystify the nomination and voting process” observes TRHOF Executive Director Doug Harris, “and this rollout represents a major step forward. We are fortunate to have a group of outstanding broadcasters for our voting members to consider and a rejuvenated balloting platform that includes their photos and biographical information for review.”

Over 200 broadcast professionals with ties to Texas radio were nominated for consideration by the TRHOF Review Committee, which reached a consensus on the final fifty. Voting members of the TRHOF will now determine the twenty individuals who will be honored in the TRHOF’s Annual Induction Ceremony at the Texas Museum of Broadcasting and Communications in Kilgore, TX.

“We are very pleased with this slate of nominees, which spotlights the depth and breadth of Texas radio talent”, says Harris. “From the tower to the board to the conference room, this of list nominees features small town and major market representation, connected to a variety of formats and virtually every position of service in the broadcast world.”

Those selected for the 2023 Induction Class will be honored during the organization’s Annual Induction and Reunion Weekend, November 3-4, 2023, at the Texas Museum of Broadcasting and Communications in Kilgore, Texas. Information on becoming a TRHOF voting member is available on the organization’s website and interested parties may still join—and vote—in this year’s selection.

Dan Bell

Skip Bishop

Bill Branch

Chuck Brinkman

Jay Britt

John Breland

Albert Calvo

Steve Coffman

Raoul Cortez

Manuel Davila

Patti Diaz

Dave Dillon

George Dunham & Craig Miller MUSERS

Kandi Eastman

Rudy Fernandez

John Granato and Lance Zierlein

Garry Harmon

Lynne Haze

Gladys "Gee Gee" Hill

Buddy Holiday

Chris Huff

Dallas Huston

Chris Kelley

Mark Landis

Mary Lanoue

Walt “Baby” Love

Mike Marshall

Eddie Martiny

Gary Mason (Aycock)

Linda O’Brien

Sean O'Neel

John “The Lama” Oakes

Charlie Parker

Tom Perryman

David Rancken

Frank Reed

Tom Richards

Smokey Rivers

Woody Roberts

Claude “Rick” Roberts

Steve Robison

JD Rose

Gregory Rodriguez

Chuck Shramek

Clifton "King Bee" Smith

Bob Stroupe

Terri Thomas

Chuck Tiller

James White

Val Wilson

Best local TV news interviews, 1560 The Game tell all and more

MORE VIDEO
- Mila Kunis intimidates BBC Radio 1 interviewer
- Homey 'n' hokey: "Come Home to Channel 5"
- KTXH Paramount 20 Station ID, 1/1995
- KQUE-FM Houston from 1989
- Snow Stick Deck News Blooper

NBC5 hires Pat Doney as Matt Barrie's weekend sports anchor replacement
Matt Barrie leaves the NBC 5 KXAS sports desk and Pat Doney of WDRB replaced him.

Fox4 reporter Lynn Kawano's crime scoop: what you didn't hear
Dallas-based Fox4, first TV station to report the arrest of a suspected "serial rapist," may not have been as enterprising as viewers were led to believe.

J Kruz's New TV Eye-Opener
RADIO ONE Top 40/Rhythmic KBFB (THE BEAT)/DALLAS night-timer J-KRUZ has joined CW Network's Eye Opener morning show as the host and Co-Producer of the new music segment "The Underground."

Chance McClain 1560 The Game tell all
Former 1560 The Game KGOW program director Chance McClain spills the beans on how the station changed.

Sugar Land TV host killed in Montana in murder-suicide
The host of the Sportsman Channel show "A Rifleman's Journal" was killed in an apparent jealous rage while the TV personality was visiting the shooter's wife, police said.

Milo back in the captain’s chair
Milo Hamilton was back on the air, working the second of five spring training games from Florida on KBME (790 AM) and the Astros radio network.

New KCOH lineup
KCOH 1230AM "The Connect's" new lineup.

KUHF News Wins Ten Texas Associated Press Broadcast Awards
KUHF News 88.7 FM, a division of Houston Public Media, is pleased to announce the receipt of ten 2012-2013 Texas Associated Press Broadcasters (TAPB) Awards.

Belo Television Stations Honored With 2013 Walter Cronkite Awards
Belo Corp. announced that its television stations were selected to receive a Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Television Political Journalism in the Local Station Group category.

‘John Lisle Show’ needs more Lisle
The San Antonio Express-News says John Lisle show needs to stop taking music breaks and let the morning host talk on KZEP.

Clear Channel Launches SXSW Micro Format In Austin
Clear Channel has replaced Rhythmic Oldies “Jammin 103.1” K276EL Austin with a temporary micro-format dedicated to the South By Southwest Music, Film, and Interactive Festivals.

KINT news director leaving for ESPN
El Paso's KINT news director Zoltan Csanyi-Salcedo takes off to be a coordinating producer for ESPN.

MOVING

KTRK 13 morning producer Brett Birkinbine is moving on to an EP job at KIRO Seattle.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- John Granato and Sean Pendergast to 1560 KGOW afternoons
- Remembering radio station record albums
- KHOU's Courtney Zubowski's amazing looking wedding
- Ryan McCredden is new 610 KILT & 650 KIKK PD
- Fox 26's new weekend sportscaster...Rita Garcia?
- Mariza Reyes Mendoza, formerly of KPRC 2, joins KSAT 12
- Gianna Caserta makes KPRC 2 debut
- Where is Ilona Carson of KTRK 13?
- Brooks Garner joins KHOU 11 from WFLA 8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

El Paso Radio
KSNM Flips From Talk To Classic Country.

MOVING

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

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

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

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

Lance Zierlein wants back on Houston radio, plus KPRC

I can't even begin to tell you how many readers come to this blog looking for the scoop on Lance Zierlein. Well, my main man Mr. David Barron has the latest news on how the former Sports Radio 610 KILT talent wants back on Houston radio:

Laura Morris, general manager of CBS Radio's Houston stations, said she removed Zierlein from the morning drive slot because KILT needed to move forward after the departure of Zierlein's longtime co-host John Granato, who left in late April after reaching an out-of-court settlement in a breech-of-contract lawsuit against the station.

Morris, who installed Marc Vandermeer and Andre Ware in the morning drive slot, said she hoped KILT could reach an agreement that would keep Zierlein on board. However, Zierlein and his attorney, Brian Zimmerman, said Morris has made no efforts toward that end.

[snip, snip]

"Everyone assumes there is a preference, but not really," Zierlein said. "Right now, no one will touch me because I'm under contract. I'm interested in seeing what is out there and whether there will be anything open for me."

Despite the consequences of his decision, Zierlein said he does not regret rejecting KILT's offer of a contract extension, which came as he was still reeling from Granato's departure.

READ ALL OF THE REST

As Barron states, the Z-man could end up on KBME or KFNC but we all just assume it will be 1560 KILE. Maybe we have been wrong all this time?!

In other Houston radio news, the drum beat gets louder and louder. My ear drums hurt! Rumored changes are on the horizon for 950 KPRC and 740 KTRH. Hey Michael Berry told me he would be making some big changes. Maybe we are starting to hear the Berry wheels of change!

But what are these changes? Hosts? Station formats? A new coffee machine and a fresh coat of paint on the studio wall? Who knows?

TV anchor falls showing off, Maria Todd exits Mix 96.5 and more

MORE VIDEO
- VIDEO: WPIX Anchor Falls After Showing Off Heels
- KDFW 4's Tim Ryan Refuses to Utter Kim Kardashian’s Name
- Fox Camera Person Maybe Still Learning the Ropes
- ABC NEWS ANCHOR 'Comes Out' During Report on Zach Quinto
- Savannah Guthrie Shocked When Al Roker Gets Her Name Wrong
- Harry Belafonte not snoozing, rather "meditating," on air
- Internet trolls on SNL

Maria Todd Exits Afternoons At KHMX
After two years at CBS Hot AC KHMX (MIX 96.5)/HOUSTON, the last few in afternoons, market legend MARIA TODD has made an exit.
- Kidd Kraddick replaces Maria Todd mornings on Mix 96.5 KHMX
- Maria Todd and Brad Booker team up for Mix 96.5 KHMX mornings

Fred Cantu returns to KEYE for fill-in work
Avuncular Austin newscaster Fred Cantu is back at KEYE, filling in on the station’s morning show.

Baby boom continues to be in the news
KENS-TV's 6 and 10 p.m. anchorwoman Sarah Lucero sounded over the moon when she shared the big news: She's expecting a baby girl.

Univison 45 gets new news director
Rick Gevers reports Martha Kattan is being promoted to news director for Univision owned station KXLN 45 in Houston. Kattan has been ND for sister-Univision station KUVN-TV in Dallas.
- KXLN 45's Isabel Gonzalez leaves

Don't count John Granato out just yet
Craig Shelton of Houston Media Watch says 1560 The Game's Granato is a survivor.

KLBJ-FM shuffles on-air lineup
KLBJ-FM is shuffling its deejay lineup.

‘Top Chef: Texas’: Bravo’s not saying much
Bravo has been really, really quiet about what’s in store this season on “Top Chef: Texas.”
- First look at new ‘Top Chef’: S.A. stunning, challenges hard

So Why Didn't WFAA Air Colbert's Super PAC Spot? "Old-Fashioned Human Error"
Here's the boring truth behind Stephen Colbert's WFAA rant.

Glenn Beck Hopes to Transform Former Mega-Church into his Dallas Studios
Glenn Beck has his eyes on the former Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas for his new GBTV offices and studios.

Dallas Morning News publisher
No plans to discontinue printing daily.

Houston Emcee Calls KTSU a "Concentration Camp," Station's Assistant General Manager Responds
Houston Press finds out the details.

Austin's newest station is a laugh riot: "Comedy 102.7"
Emmis is basing its new FM translator-carried station on the "24/7 Comedy Radio Network."
- Salem grows in Dallas as Mortenson spins again

WFAA says farewell to veteran director
David Elder, the director of News 8 at 10, is retiring after 35 years with WFAA.

Community Honors Legendary Radio Host Wash Allen
For more than four decades, radio personality Wash Allen has given his heart and soul to the community. He’s been a smooth and consistent voice behind the microphone on KCOH Radio. On Saturday night, the community turned out to honor Wash and celebrate his 45 years of broadcasting excellence. Wash Allen was the recipient of the 2011 Legacy Award given by Rice University’s HERE Project.

Former local sportscaster Woody VanDyke passes
Woody VanDyke, 74, died on Sunday in Lubbock. At one time in Lubbock, he was the general manager of KJAK radio and was involved in broadcasting high school sports in the Hub City. He was sports director of KVII (Channel 7) from 1968-74.

PRSA Houston’s Annual Professional Development Conference
What is the most trusted news source in 2011? The TV media roundtable features investigative reporters, Wayne Dolcefino, Channel 13, and Amy Davis, Channel 2, along with Gary Jaffe, NewsFix 39’s Imaginator discussing trust in TV news.

MOVING
Cory Hepola has accepted a sports anchor-reporter position at KVUE in Austin. Hepola moves to Texas from Rochester, NY, where he covered sports for WROC.

NATIONAL MEDIA
- Regis Philbin says he was forced out of 'Live'
- Post-‘Oprah’ Newscasts: So Far, So Good
- BandC: Investigative Reporting Resurgent in Local News
- Norman Corwin Dead: Radio Legend Dies At 101
- Sirius XM Launches 2.0 Tech with New Radio, Expanded Channels
- Chris Wragge Faces Health Setback, Return to CBS TBA
- DirecTV and News Corp. at Odds Over Fees
- CBS Correspondent Robert Pierpoint Dies at 86
- In a Gloomy Economy, TV Sitcoms Are Making a Comeback

DIGITAL
- Americans Are Watching More Video Online — and Everywhere Else
- New York Times Paywall Helps it Turn a Profit
- Pew Internet: Diving Into How We Access Local News

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- KPRC 2's Dominique Sachse gets engaged in Rome
- Former KHOU 11 reporter Dave Fehling joins NPR
- Former KTRK 13 reporter Laura Whitley in new role
- KHOU 11's Greg Hurst gets love from station too