Ken Burns and Lynn Novick come to Houston and show THE VIETNAM WAR

Filmmakers Ken Burns and Lynn Novick visit Houston for preview screening and discussion of their latest epic documentary, THE VIETNAM WAR



I had a chance to attend a great talk and documentary preview last night at the University of Houston with award-wining documentary filmmakers Ken Burns and Lynn Novick. It was hosted by Houston Public Media TV 8 which will air the duo's upcoming 10-part, 18-hour documentary film series, THE VIETNAM WAR, this Fall (also on PBS stations around the country).

As you might already know, because I have slowed way down on this blog because of it, I am putting together a documentary on Rock 101 KLOL. Burns and Novick's films have always been a great inspiration to me over the years. Just to show his filmmaking prowess, there is the "Ken Burns effect" in MAC editing software Final Cut Pro X!

Burns and Novick showed a series of clips from throughout the 18-hour documentary and then were interviewed by TV 8's Ernie Manouse. Just seeing the shortened clips last night put you inside the Vietnam War experience. It showed actual graphic war footage and the fighting's results.

Tran Ngoc Toan, a South Vietnamese soldier who now lives in Houston, is featured in the documentary. He poses with his wife Kim Tran and Lynn Novick.

Burns says the Vietnam War and associated effects/emotions are something many Americans have tried to push away and forget about it. He made this film to help the country and world deal with it.

This documentary does not just cover the American side of the battle, but the North and South Vietnam side as well. Actual Việt Cộng soldiers are interviewed in the film. Burns also uses North Vietnamese film clips to help tell their side of the story.



Here is the Houston Public Media press release explaining all the events relating to the upcoming PBS documentary and local coverage plus events.

The award-wining documentary filmmakers Ken Burns and Lynn Novick will be in Houston on April 26, 2017 for a preview screening and discussion of their latest project, THE VIETNAM WAR, a 10-part, 18-hour documentary film series set to air this fall on Houston Public Media TV 8 and PBS stations around the country.

Recognizing that Houston is home to one of the nation’s largest populations of military veterans and one of the largest Vietnamese communities, Houston Public Media is launching a yearlong series of Vietnam-focused programs and events to recognize its importance in our community. These efforts include special locally-produced TV 8 programs set to air in the fall as companions to the documentary, as well as News 88.7 news stories, discussions on the “Houston Matters” talk show and a comprehensive website with expanded digital content. In October, Houston Public Media is hosting “The Wall That Heals,” a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

“We are thrilled to host Ken Burns and Lynn Novick at the University of Houston to promote their latest project,” said Lisa Trapani Shumate, associate vice president and general manager of Houston Public Media. “This is a wonderful opportunity for Houston audiences to hear directly from two acclaimed documentary filmmakers who have given us thought-provoking explorations of important chapters of our history such as the Civil War, the Roosevelt presidencies, jazz music and now, the Vietnam War. This documentary will have a powerful impact on many in our community who were affected by the Vietnam War, so we are excited for this chance to discuss the film with the directors.”

One of the special TV 8 programs set to air with THE VIETNAM WAR is a half-hour special with Lily Jang, the popular former news anchor and an active member of the Vietnamese-American community. Jang’s family was part of a wave of immigrants that came to the U.S. at the end of the Vietnam War, eventually making their way to Houston. The program will explore today’s Vietnamese culture and reveal some interesting Vietnam/Houston connections.

Jang and a team from Houston Public Media are currently in Saigon filming. Beginning today, Monday, March 6, you can follow the crew through a five-day, behind-the scenes video blog documenting the production trip to Vietnam online at Houstonpublicmedia.org/Vietnam. You can also follow along on social media at #lilysvietnam.

A second program will bring together local Vietnam veterans, Vietnamese refugees and their families for a series of meals. The idea behind this special is to explore the nature of citizenship, assimilation and what it means to be an American. The third special will examine the history of the Vietnamese community in Houston.

Shumate added that Houston Public Media is planning other projects that will be announced later in the year. Organizations in the community are also planning special events that coincide with the initiative, including Inprint, one of Houston’s major literary arts nonprofit organizations, and Houston Grand Opera, with the third installment of their Veteran’s Songbook project and a production of Tom Cipullo’s acclaimed chamber opera “Glory Denied.”

Watch for more details about Houston Public Media’s special Vietnam initiative at Houstonpublicmedia.org/Vietnam.

'Country Covers' features Houston-area musicians to coincide with latest Ken Burns series

Houston Public Media TV8 KUHT debuts Country Covers ahead of Ken Burns' Country Music series


I had a chance to sit behind documentary filmmaker Ken Burns at a Houston preview of his Vietnam series a few years ago and I must admit that I was hoping to absorb some vibes from him. Let's face it, no one will ever want to name a Final Cut Pro effect after me!

So you know I'm excited about Burns' upcoming docu-series Country Music which debuts this Sunday at 7pm on TV8 KUHT.

Houston Public Media is excited about Burns' latest offering too. So much so, that HPM Arts and Culture Producer Troy Schulze worked on a project to coincide with the upcoming doc called Country Covers.

Country Covers is a spin-off of HPM's digital music series Skyline Sessions. The show features a variety of musicians performing their favorite country classics while sharing personal stories of their love for country music.

"For me, it was really interesting to see the songs people would choose," Schulze told mikemcguff.com. "They really run the whole country music timeline, from early country artists like Jimmie Rodgers, to ‘60s and ‘70s icons like George Jones and Loretta Lynn, to more contemporary country-pop like Garth Brooks and Miley Cyrus."

Country Covers features Houston-area musicians like The Suffers, Christina Wells and Robert Ellis, as well as Nashville-based artists Erin Rae and Stasney Mav.

“My country music relationship started at birth," said The Suffers lead singer Kam Franklin. "I feel like you can’t really call yourself a Texan if you’re not deeply immersed in it."

The half-hour Country Covers special airs 3:30pm Sunday, September 15 on TV 8 KUHT. The Ken Burns' Country Music series premieres later the same day at 7pm on channel 8.

Three TV 8 KUHT shows to air nationally in tandem with Ken Burn's THE VIETNAM WAR

The Ken Burn’s documentary series THE VIETNAM WAR premieres on Sunday, September 17 at 7pm on Houston Public Media TV 8 and PBS stations across the country

Lily Jang returns to TV for "Saigon Stories" to air on TV8 KUHT and nationally  

Last April, I wrote about attending a preview of the upcoming Ken Burns and Lynn Novick documentary THE VIETNAM WAR.

Here we are in September already and the series is debuting this Sunday at 7pm on Houston Public Media TV 8 KUHT and PBS stations across the country.

Episodes 1-5: Sun-Thu, Sept 17-22 @ 7 p.m.
Episodes 6-10: Sun-Thu, Sept 24-28 @ 7 p.m.

Trust me when I say this is going to be an unflinching look at a tumultuous time in our history. Very raw and emotional. What makes this docu-series different from the other films I've watched is the access to the North Vietnamese view of the war.

If you are a fan of Burn's work, then you know what you are getting. Just like any of his other covered topics, it will be a very comprehensive and passionate look at a wound in history Burns says we are still healing from as a country.

On a local note, Tran Ngoc Toan, a South Vietnamese soldier who now lives in Houston, is interviewed for the documentary.

Since so many Vietnamese families relocated to the Houston-area after the war, Houston Public Media has produced three accompanying shows that localize the complex history the series will cover.

And I just found out that PBS stations across the country have picked up the Houston produced shows and will be airing them as complimentary programming to the Ken Burns series. VIETV, the largest Vietnamese language TV network in the country, is airing all three as well.

The first show is one I covered on Facebook earlier this year while I was on my blogging break.

Former KHOU 11 anchor Lily Jang hosts and co-produces "Saigon Stories." Houston Public Media Executive Producer Don Geraci, and former KHOU colleague to Jang, approached the former morning anchor about working on the show with the station.


This show will be worth a watch. Not only is it great seeing Jang on television again, but this is a fantastic show from top to bottom. I called Jang after watching an advanced copy and told her submit this for the Lone Star EMMY awards.

Even though Houston is home to one of the largest Vietnamese communities, I don't know much about the Vietnam of today. Jang, Geraci, and crew travelled to Vietnam to provide a look at how Saigon has transformed after the war. She also gives us a glimpse of her personal story as she is originally from Saigon or as it is now known, Ho Chi Minh City.

The next KUHT produced show is “Getting Here: Journeys From Vietnam.”

This show features stories of Houstonians who were Vietnamese refugees. One name many will know is H-Town designer Chloe Dao and winner of Project Runway.

This show will either bring you to tears or make the hair on the back of your neck raise. Dao and others, like VIETV marketing director Jimmy Nguyen, talk about the harrowing experience of escaping their homeland and facing a high probability of death during their journey.

You'll also learn of their experience in coming to America.

There is a third show called “Peace Meals” which I honestly did not have time to preview at the time of this writing. But if it's anything like the other two shows, it will be a worthwhile watch.

Kudos to the entire Houston Public Media team for their excellent work. I know they have been working on these shows for much of 2017.

“Saigon Stories” with Lily Jang – Sept. 18 @ 8:30pm
“Getting Here: Journeys From Vietnam” – Sept. 24 @ 8:30pm
“Peace Meals” – Sept. 21 @ 8:30pm

houstonpublicmedia.org/Vietnam/

Watch the final Conan O'Brien Tonight Show episode

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Ken Hoffman has died

My social media feeds are filled with heartwarming tributes to my all-time favorite Houston columnist, Ken Hoffman who died this weekend.

I said in a recent interview on the 90.1 KPFT "Houston Hour" with Mister McKinney and Heidi Vaughan, that my whole blog is just ripping off Hoffman's TV column work...he just did it way better.  And I could never write the fantastic non-media columns he did.  I am not interesting or witty enough.

When I first started this blog almost 20 years ago, one of my first sit down interviews was with Hoffman who was a columnist with the Houston Chronicle (listen to the interview embedded below).

To be honest, I was totally starstruck. In fact, the photo of Hoffman many people are using in Facebook posts today was the one I took all the way back then. 

He seemed to be notoriously camera shy and wasn't thrilled to take the photo, but was nice enough to do it for me.  We met that day in 2007 to do the interview at the now shuttered JMH Market & Cafe in Hoffman's favorite city of West University where he lived and often wrote about. I framed the interview about his new position with the newly signed on 1560 The Game KGOW, but I just wanted to interview him period.

I would go on to be a Hoffman show guest and usually there was some kind of controversy that followed!  

And you have to know, I really don't know anything about sports.  I am the last person who should be on sports talk radio, but it was Hoffman and no way was I going to miss that opportunity!

The first time, I got in major trouble for going on the air with Hoffman and co-host Raheel Ramzanali with my employer at the time, abc13 KTRK.  I showed up to promote the new abc13.com high school sports section which eventually earned a Lone Star EMMY award.  However, my promotional efforts were not appreciated.  I was asked to write an essay about what I had done.  It was like being back in school.

If anything the luster of working for channel 13 was quickly disappearing after that and I eventually bailed.  So what did I do next?  Went back on as a guest with the Hoff again!  

This time, co-host David Nuno and I hatched a plan to surprise Hoffman.  I arranged a surprise phone call from then KPRC 2 evening anchor Dominique Sachse during the show.  Unfortunately, Hoffman did not like surprises, but his interview with her turned out great!

Speaking of camera shy, I tried to interview Hoffman for my 101 KLOL documentary "Runaway Radio."  He had covered the station extensively for the Houston Post, Chronicle and CultureMap, but he did not want to participate.  As he wrote in his own column, he wasn't exactly a fan of the station, but I thought his perspective would be good.  One of many who got away. Still, he was always supportive of my efforts as he covered the film numerous times.

Appearing in his column never got old to me.  He revealed my new gigs, and he was nice enough to reveal his on my blog.   Both of us are night owls because we would email after midnight on multiple occasions.

I would like to hope there was a mutual appreciation between the two of us.  There certainly was a big appreciation from my side.

Rest in peace Hoffy, Houston will miss your humor, witty writing and unique takes.  Where else will be able to learn about H-Town, Beatles, Seinfeld, Reg “Third Degree” Burns...etc.?

Lily Jang to return to Houston TV

Former KHOU morning anchor Lily Jang to produce documentary for Houston Public Media TV 8 KUHT

Former KHOU morning anchor Lily Jang has announced she will be working with Houston Public Media (TV 8 KUHT) on producing a documentary about Vietnamese refugees that came to Houston after the Vietnam War.

Jang, who was born in Vietnam, and whose family made the journey to Houston themselves, will have a unique look on the subject.

She and a KUHT crew will travel to Vietnam to document her family's history.

This local look at Vietnam will be aired in tandem with THE VIETNAM WAR, a ten-part, 18-hour documentary film series directed by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick that will air on PBS in September 2017.

Jang left KHOU last December where she had worked since 2012.

UPDATE
Houston Public Media sent me a synopsis of what Jang will be working on:

Lily will travel to Vietnam to show the vibrant culture of the country today. They will meet expats from Houston including a fashion designer who started “Project Runway Vietnam.” He’ll show the crew the youthful and edgy fashion scene in Vietnam. They will meet an advertising executive who lives a global existence: raised in the Texas Hill country, he now works in Vietnam, has a son in Norway and a home in Houston. Lily will also experience the street food scene from the back of a moped on a “Back of the Bike” foodie tour, where she’ll surely look for the best banh-mi and pho in Saigon. Lily will also journey back to the street where she was born and share the incredible trails that her family experienced making their way to America. It will be a personal journey full of joy and excitement.

Producing videos from home

Here is some of the equipment I used to produce my Alzheimer's fight thank you video

My DC #ENDALZ trip was cancelled thanks to #COVID19, but the fight continues. Thanks @RepFletcher for your help in fighting the disease. #TX07 @alztex @ALZIMPACT pic.twitter.com/P9Q8qjXWTC

— mike mcguff (@mikemcguff) March 25, 2020

Since I wasn't able to attend the Alzheimer's Association Forum in Washington DC this year because of the coronavirus, I made this video thanking Representative Lizzie Fletcher, for her work on fighting the disease.

As an Alzheimer's Association Ambassador, I represent Fletcher's district, Texas District 7 of the United States House of Representatives.

We were scheduled to meet with the congresswoman at her Capitol Hill office to thank her in person, but since we can't, this was the next best thing.

Making this video got me thinking of all the Houston TV folks broadcasting from their homes.

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It was a good activity for my kids. Kept them busy for a while. My youngest son told me he was going to stick with me till we were finished. He is ready for the production world one day with that attitude!

This was the first time they seemed interested in production work.

People have been asking me about the technical aspects of shooting video at home. This was shot with a Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Savage Lavalier wired Microphone, Sunpak - LED 448 19" Bi-Color Ring Light and Ikan DH5e-DK-C monitor.

If you don't have this stuff, don't worry, a phone works well to. You can even plug a Lav mic into a phone while using a ring light for good looking video. This is how some of the TV people are doing it.

Since 2013 or so, I have been editing with Final Cut Pro X, but have just now started transitioning to Adobe Premiere since that seems to be what lots of people are using these days. Both are great programs, but I do miss the ease of the Ken Burns effect when using Premiere.

Here are the equipment specs if you are interested in this type of thing.

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

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.

Texas TV news and radio job moves December 2024

Send tips for the monthly Texas media job list here.

- Top Houston and Texas TV stories 2024

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

Salem Media Group has announced the sale of seven of their Christian AC stations to Educational Media Foundation including 94.9 KLTY.

News director Robin Whitmeyer announces retirement from FOX 4 KDFW after 13 years.

Dallas’ KSCS Sees Greatest Share In 24 Years.

Houston, Dallas Stations Dominate Country's Top 10.

Anchor Clarice Tinsley celebrates 46 years at FOX 4 KDFW.

Seven Questions With the Dallas Observer's New music, food and culture writer, Simon Pruitt.

KFAA, TEGNA announce broadcast partnership with Dallas Mavericks G League affiliate Texas Legends.

Dallas Mavericks Launch New Streaming Platform With Endeavor Streaming.

Dallas Morning News hires Javier David  as business editor.

“The Ticket” 1310 KTCK Dallas/96.7 KTCK-FM unveiled a new jingle/branding package from TM Studios.

Cumulus Media’s New Country 96.3 and 99.5 The Wolf Join Forces for 11th Annual Cook Children’s Radiothon, Raising Over $1,327,708 for Cook Children’s, a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in Fort Worth.

- Where are Steve Lamb and Nicole Osei on WBAP?
- McKenna King joins CBS News Texas
- Sybil Summers joins 570 KLIF DFW
- Dominique Sachse and Vic Mignogna holiday special

HOUSTON

Houston Chronicle reporters Andrew Dansby, Steve Schaeffer, Jonathan Feigen, Brent Zwerneman, Joyce Lee, Katherine Feser and Melissa Aguilar are leaving the paper.

iHeartMedia has promoted Paul Lambert to Region President for Houston.

Traci Pelter named new publisher of Houston Business Journal, succeeding Bob Charlet.

HABJ Awards Scholarships to 12 Students at Annual Sneaker Ball.

Adam Clemons named the new KPRC 2 morning executive producer.

Karen Warren's favorite images from her 27 years at the Chronicle.

Enjoy "The Rowdy Ride Home" and "The Original Country Gold" on Hawaii's newest country radio station, KIX-95.1 Maui’s Best Country. 

Hope Media Group (HMG) announces Jon Hull as its new Vice President Emeritus, effective January 1, 2025. In his new position, Hull will use his extensive experience to help lead and encourage the on-air donor acquisition teams, while also working with those teams that engage existing and lapsed donors off-air.  In addition, Hull will join the leadership team that strategizes support drives & programming initiatives.

- Jacob Rascon leaving ABC13 Houston
- Shara Fryer 740 KTRH update
- Mayra Moreno defends Spanish pronunciations on TV
- KPRC 2 team report on their own assault
- ABC13 photojournalist Mike Menchaca toasted by legendary anchors
- Courtney Fischer leaves ABC13 Houston
- Kathryn Bonfield joins KHOU 11 as news director
- Michael Garfield syndicates "High Tech Texan" show around Texas
- Daniela Hurtado takes time off to aid her mom
- Nexstar lays off 2% of staff, including at CW39 Houston
- Candace Burns on KPRC 2?
- Daniella Guzman goes to mornings?
- The Vibe now on 88.7 KUHF HD3
- Tessa Barrera leaves 94.5 The Buzz
- Michael Garfield fills-in on TV and national radio
- Dean and Rog exit The Eagle 106.9/107.5
- 100.3 The Bull 'Morning Bullpen' signs off
- La Ley 92.1 FM launches in Houston
- A busy month in Houston and DFW radio!
- Taylor Mills to return to 89.3 KSBJ
- Anthony Yanez, the actor?
- Rosie Nguyen leaves ABC13 Houston
- Mackailyn Johnson joining Houston TV?
- Charly Edsitty hosts ABC Audio podcast
- Courtney Fischer named Harris County District Attorney Chief of Communications

SAN ANTONIO

Former KENS 5 anchor Karen Grace returns to San Antonio TV.

Ex-News 4 San Antonio anchor Delaine Mathieu returns to TV.

Federal agents arrest San Antonio investment adviser, radio host.

A San Antonio Express-News editorial series complicated the border policy narrative. That was the goal.

TV reporter honors late San Antonio street performer ‘Hispanic Elvis’ with short film.

- Hannah Tiede leaves KENS 5 San Antonio
- KSAT 12 San Antonio "Pregnant Pals"
- WOAI 4 celebrates 75 years as San Antonio's first TV station
- Ken Slama fills in at KSAT 12 San Antonio
- Sarah Spivey gives birth
- Tony Cortez joins KONO 101.1 San Antonio
- Justin Horne celebrates 14 years at KSAT12 San Antonio
- News 4 Anchor David Chancellor

AUSTIN

FOX 7 KTBC weekend anchor John Krinjak celebrates 4 years.

Austin chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby awarded the KXAN First Warning Weather team the 2024 Climate Coverage Champion Award. Jim Spencer was also given an award for his 30+ years of climate change coverage in Austin.

Texas Monthly hires longtime magazine contributor Paula Forbes as its new senior food and drink writer, and contributor and former editor Lauren Larson rejoins the team as a senior writer.

- Jonathan Thomas leaves KXAN Austin

AROUND TEXAS

Andra Litton, an award-winning journalist and KTSM 9 El Paso’s Assignment Manager and Investigative Director, has left the station.

Tre Sanchez hired at KFDM 6 Beaumont as a multimedia journalist. 

25 News KXXV/KRHD Waco-Temple-Killeen Chief Meteorologist Matt Hines celebrates 17 years with the station.

25 News Now KAVU Victoria sunrise meteorologist Trey Meynig celebrates 14 years with the station.

RCA Broadcasting Acquires KVUT From The University of Texas at Tyler.

Larry Allen celebrates 36 years as ‘radio voice of the Carthage Bulldogs.’

- Doppler Dave Speelman celebrates 25 years with KVIA El Paso
- Stephanie Valle to leave KVIA El Paso
- Derek Rogers joins KXII and FXII Sherman
- Sydney Wicker joins KCEN 6 Waco
- Carlos Sánchez joins Noticiero Telemundo 52 Los Angeles
- Jasmine Perry leaves KTSM 9 El Paso
- Ariana Parra leaves KFOX14/CBS4 El Paso
- Sydney Dishon leaves KCEN 6 Waco

REMEMBERING

Former Texas TV anchor and A&M grad Ana Orsini dies at 28.

Former and longtime ABC13 KTRK Houston photojournalist Tony Chapa has passed away.

Former KFDA NewsChannel 10 Amarillo anchor and Texas House of Representatives member Ralph Wayne died at 92.

- Tim Bristow has died

Texas TV news and radio job moves April 2025

Send tips for the monthly Texas media job list here.

- 2025 Texas Broadcast News Awards winners

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

Dallas to buy part of old Dallas Morning News building for $51.5M.

Frank Reed has joined Classic JOY, hosting the weekday afternoon show.

Jane Slater is Shining a Spotlight the Dallas Cowboys Command on NFL Network.

Meet Eric Diep, the Observer's New Music Editor.

WFAA selected as partner in new, yearlong investigative project with ProPublica and the Texas Tribune.

The Dallas Morning News Business section unveiled newly designed listings offering more information than the old report. The reaction? Readers were not pleased.

Dr. Phil‘s media company Merit TV has named Ken Solomon as its new president and CEO.

Lana Ferguson named the Dallas Morning News Reporter of the Year for reporting in 2024.

- Greg Fields celebrates 27 years with WFAA
- Scott Padgett to leave CBS News Texas
- Dominique Sachse addresses hateful comments
- Marissa Armas joins CBS News Texas
- Jane McGarry addresses Good Morning Texas viewers
- Bob Mackay promoted to Audacy Dallas Senior VP and Market Manager
- Dallas Wings expand local TV
- Shannon Miller joins NBC 5 KXAS DFW
- Dan Godwin celebrates 25 years with FOX 4 KDFW
- CW33 KDAF DFW new set 2025

HOUSTON

Houston Chronicle named 2024 Newsroom of the Year by Texas Managing Editors.

Houston Landing wins two Texas Managing Editors Awards; collects 13 total prizes.

Two Houston Landing reporters honored as Livingston Award finalists.

ABC13 KTRK's Marvin Suggs celebrates 45 years as a TV News Photographer.

Photographer Sergio Soto celebrates 30 years at KHOU 11.

Former KHOU 11 and CW39 KIAH EP Perry Pace joins Local 3 WRCB Chattanooga, Tennessee, as news director.

Houston Chronicle selected as partner in new investigative project with ProPublica and the Texas Tribune.

Why are Astros only MLB team without direct-to-consumer streaming?

Syndicated Host Rowdy Yates Was Born To Be In Radio.

Keri Blakinger joins Houston Chronicle as new senior investigative reporter.

Houston Business Journal names new managing editor Erica Ponder.

Florian Martin to lead the Houston Business Journal Growth Team.

'Street Flava' has been celebrating Houston hip-hop for more than 30 years.

97.9 The Box DJ Keisha Nicole believes it's about more than just playing music.

93Q’s Lo Sessions Understands the Importance of Live and Local Radio.

93Q KKBQ's “The Q Morning Show with Riggs, Katelyn & Erica” partnered with Honor Flight Houston to celebrate local veterans with a trip to Washington, DC.

Assignment Editor Jaime Martínez celebrates ten years with Telemundo Houston.

ABC13 KTRK digital producer Sarah Rolen follows former GM Wendy Granato to ABC7 KABC Los Angeles for the same position.

Iconic Houston Eyewitness News theme song now available for purchase.

Jeremy Ness joins KPRC 2 as Local Sales Manager.

KHOU 11 Senior News Producer Polly Smith says she was let go in the latest TEGNA restructuring.

Paige Hubbard returns to KPRC 2 as a producer.

Lisa Michie hired as FOX 26 KRIV producer from WVUE in New Orleans.

Joshua Padilla joins the KPRC 2 marketing team.

Houston Chronicle photojournalist and videographer Jon Shapley leaves the newspaper.

Michael Edison joins KPRC 2 as a photographer.

KENS San Antonio 5pm producer Olivia Villaloboz joins sister station KHOU 11.

- Josh Adams named Houston Public Media General Manager
- Bill Spencer returns to KPRC 2 Houston
- Rita Garcia gives birth to baby #2
- John Wesley Downey debuts 950 KPRC Movie Show
- Jillian Hartmann joins FOX 26 Houston
- Jacob Rascon interviewed by Ron Treviño
- KPRC 2 gets new graphics 2025
- Rekha Muddaraj leaves KHOU 11 Houston
- Ron Treviño's time on KHOU 11 Morning News celebrated
- A Houston TV weather crossover?
- Rekha Muddaraj signs off KHOU 11 Houston
- Is she my next goodbye post?
- Lisa Hernandez returns to KPRC 2
- Houston Landing nonprofit news to shut down
- SportsRadio 610 Host Clint Stoerner Inducted into Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame
- Yes, Mario Díaz will chase someone through a courthouse on live TV
- 104.1 KRBE HD2 flips to "NASH Icon" country
- Another KPRC 2 reporter is a crime victim
- Keith Garvin's giant revelation
- Tom Zizka's son-in-law selected in 2025 NFL Draft
- Amanda Goluszka leaves KPRC 2 Houston
- Anthony Yanez makes Texas TV history

SAN ANTONIO

Longtime Spurs radio broadcaster Bill Schoening announces retirement.

KSAT 12 Meteorologist Sarah Spivey celebrates eight years with the station.

Documentary revisits a 20-year-old Hill Country case covered by KSAT reporter.

Former KENS 5 anchor Aaron Wright joins Seattle news radio station.

- Phil Anaya leaves KENS 5 San Antonio
- Courtney Friedman moves to KSAT12 News at Noon alongside Stephanie Serna
- Deborah Knapp announces retirement from KENS 5 San Antonio
- Glen Horn joins News 4 San Antonio WOAI
- Santiago Gallego leaves Telemundo 60 San Antonio
- San Antonio TV 2025 Fiesta medals
- Mario Orellana leaves KSAT 12 San Antonio
- John Paul Barajas named KSAT 12 weekend anchor

AUSTIN

Austin PBS Unveils Next-Generation Broadcast Facility.

Austin PBS shows off headquarters redesign with stunning green room.

After 30 years on 590 KLBJ-AM, Carl Stuart moved his "Money Talk" show to KUT-FM 90.5.

New Texas PBS Series ‘Texas Monthly Presents’ Takes Viewers on a Special Storytelling Journey.

Norsan Media purchases Genuine Austin Radio.

John Diaz becomes TEGNA Texas Digital Content Director from his digital EP position with KVUE.

- Bryan Mays returns to KVUE Austin mornings
- KC Sherman joins KVUE Austin
- Baby news for Texas TV anchor, hosts and more
- John Krinjak leaves FOX 7 Austin

AROUND TEXAS

Mike Forman says he was let go from the Victoria Advocate after 42 years.

Texas radio stations request that their licenses to be cancelled.

Neighborhood Reporter Kadence MaKenna left 25 News KXXV Waco-Temple-Killeen after joining the station in May 2024.

Young Country 93.1 Lubbock launches after flipping from 93.1 Yes-FM.

KMOC FM 89.5 Wichita Falls dedicates cross after years of construction.

“TUDN Deportes” 1530 KGBT Harlingen flips to “Puro Tejano 1530” KYWW.

KVEO producer Jessica Amaya moved to new job.

Iman Abraham joins KFDM/FOX4 Beaumont as a multimedia journalist.

“Lift Worship” 91.3 KGLY Tyler began simulcasting on 95.3 KELW.

A voice Texomans have heard for decades: Cedric Bailey celebrates 40 years in the broadcasting industry.

Madison Fisher joins KFDA NewsChannel 10 Amarillo as morning reporter.

Beaumont Enterprise hires Mbu Maqungo as new business reporter.

Angelo State University Ram Media Students Win Top Honors at Statewide Journalism Convention.

CBS 4 News Rio Grande Valley morning producer Xavier Aguilar left the station.

Rock 98.1 KTLT Abilene flips to “Abilene’s Feel-Good Station.” 

 Nayeli Carrillo joins KYTX CBS19 East Texas as digital host.

Tyler Dupnick joined KRHD Bryan-College Station in April 2025 as a multimedia journalist from NewsWest 9 KWES Midland - Odessa where he was a weekend anchor.

- Marcel Clarke joins ABC-7 KVIA El Paso
- KWTX 10 Waco celebrates 70 years
- Texas anchor hospitalized by red light runner
- Corpus Christi anchor recovering from surgery
- Sydney Hernandez and GM leaving CBS 4 Rio Grade Valley
- Texas anchor Shatanya Clarke Scholarship
- Inside East Texas debuts on CBS19+ Tyler
- NewsWest 9 anchor Victor Lopez battling stage 4 colon cancer
- Two Texas TV stations celebrate big anniversaries
- Ally Kadlubar leaves KWTX 10 Waco
- KVIA El Paso has familiar faces moving and returning

REMEMBERING

Matt Thomas, award-winning radio journalist and News 88.7 anchor, dies at 41.

Waterloo Media owner Robert Lindsay ‘Bob’ Sinclair, 79, passed away.

Broadcasting Pioneer Elizabeth Murphy Burns, Former Morgan Murphy Media CEO, Dies at 79.

Former KFDX Wichita Falls weathercaster, Ben Strickland passes away.