Erika Lopez re-joins KVUE Austin

KHOU 11 noon and 4pm meteorologist Erika Lopez re-joins KVUE Austin as chief meteorologist

Well that was fast! KVUE Austin just announced that KHOU 11 meteorologist Erika Lopez is moving back to the Austin TEGNA station and becoming its chief meteorologist beginning Monday, June 22.

UPDATE AUGUST 2022
Erika Lopez to leave KVUE Austin


Lopez just got to KHOU from KVUE in April 2019!

“I am so excited to be back serving the Austin and Central Texas community," Lopez told KVUE. "Austin and KVUE always felt like home, and I am so thankful for this opportunity to lead the KVUE Storm Team in keeping us all prepared and safe during severe weather."

RELATED
- Erika Lopez is married
- Six degrees of separation Houston TV style

I heard she was popular in Austin...this proves that!

Lopez takes over for former chief met Albert Ramon who left KVUE for the upcoming News Nation on WGN America.

“Erika is one of the most talented and dedicated meteorologists in the business,” Ramon told KVUE. “With experience in multiple TV markets in Texas, including Austin, KVUE viewers will be in good hands under Chief Meteorologist Erika Lopez’s leadership at KVUE.”

Lopez joined KVUE in 2017 from Weather Nation TV located Denver, Colorado.

She previously worked for KAVU Victoria.

Raised in Phoenix, Lopez graduated with a BS in Meteorology from Arizona State University.

(Thanks Daniel!)

HAPPENING THE SAME DAY
- Chrisdyann Uribe leaves FOX 26

Terri Gruca leaving KVUE Austin

Terri Gruca is leaving KVUE Austin Friday, September 3, 2021.

"Hope you all know how much I appreciate you inviting me into your home all these years, for all of you who have followed me as I moved from market to market, for all of you who allowed me to share your stories," Gruca posted on Facebook. "Since I was a little girl, watching 60 Minutes with my family, I wanted to be a journalist. How lucky I am to have gotten to live that dream for 30 years! I am forever grateful!"

In an accompanying KVUE 24 article, the TEGNA staff writes that over the last months, Gruca and station managers have discussed how the longtime anchor could spend more time with her family.

As I blogged in June 2021, Gruca left the KVUE 5pm anchor role to solely work on the 11am to noon mid-day newscast. Anchor/political reporter Ashley Goudeau was named the KVUE 5pm anchor a few days later.

The KVUE article states Gruca is now leaving the TV news business.

RELATED
Jason Mikell's last day at KVUE today (VIDEO)

"Anyone who is a working parent understands the juggle," Gruca added on KVUE.com. "Our boys are starting to get more involved in school activities and I don’t want to miss out. Leaving has not been an easy decision for me, but one I feel I have to make right now for my family. My boys are making their way through these challenging times, and I want to make sure I can be there to help them navigate it all without feeling like I’m short siding them or KVUE."

“Terri has been our rock and a tremendous mentor in the KVUE newsroom," said KVUE president and general manager Kristie Gonzales on the station's website. "While we are sad to see her go, she will always be a part of the KVUE family. We wish Terri and her family the best.” 

Gruca joined KVUE in 2008, serving as the station's evening news anchor for nearly ten years.

Before Texas, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill grad worked at the following stations:

- Anchor / Investigative Reporter - WCCO Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area Minnesota

- Anchor / Investigative Reporter - WSPA Spartanburg, SC

- Anchor - WBIR Knoxville, Tennessee

- Reporter, Fill-in Anchor - WRAL Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina Area

No word yet on what profession Gruca will join in the future. 

(Thanks Adam!)

TEGNA’s Texas TV to Livestream U.S. Senate Democratic Primary Debate Feb. 18

Media partnerships with The Texas Tribune and KUT 90.5 will enable Texas voters to access the debate across television, digital and radio platforms

Tysons, VA – TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) today announced KVUE, TEGNA’s ABC affiliate in Austin, will host a live debate between the Texas Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate on Tuesday, February 18 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. (CT) as part of KVUE’s Emmy-winning VOTE TEXAS initiative.

Partnering with KVUE to host and distribute the debate are The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit news organization that reports on Texas politics, policy and government, and KUT 90.5, Austin’s NPR station.

KVUE will broadcast the first half-hour of the debate live and commercial-free from its studio. The entire debate will air live on KVUE.com, KVUE’s YouTube channel, and other KVUE social platforms.

The debate will also be streamed live across all 12 of TEGNA’s Texas stations’ digital properties: WFAA (Dallas), KHOU (Houston), KENS (San Antonio), KVUE, KCEN (Waco-Temple), KAGS (College Station), KYTX (Tyler), KIII (Corpus Christi), KBMT-KJAC (Beaumont), KWES (Odessa). KXVA (Abilene) and KIDY (San Angelo). TEGNA’s Texas stations cover 87 percent of the state.

KUT will broadcast the debate live on 90.5 in the Austin area, and will stream the debate at KUT.org. The Texas Tribune will stream the debate at texastribune.org.

“Our mission at KVUE is to make Austin better, and we have a responsibility to help educate voters on where the candidates stand on critical issues facing our community,” said Kristie Gonzales, president and general manager, KVUE. “KVUE is proud to partner with our TEGNA station colleagues across Texas, the Texas Tribune and KUT to give voters access to the candidates.”

The March 3 statewide primary will determine the nominee who will face incumbent Republican Senator John Cornyn in the November general election. Eleven of the 12 Democrats have been confirmed to participate in the debate. The candidates are: Former U.S. Representative Chris Bell, Michael Cooper, Amanda Edwards, Jack Daniel Foster, Annie “Mama” Garcia, Victor Harris, MJ Hegar, Sema Hernandez, Adrian Ocegueda, Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez, and State Sen. Royce West.

The debate will be moderated by KVUE political anchor Ashley Goudeau, along with Texas Tribune political reporter Patrick Svitek and KUT reporter Ashley Lopez.

(This post taken from a TEGNA press release)

KVUE Austin loses power during winter storm

KVUE Austin was off the air from 6:20am to 9:55am, according to the station, on February 1, 2023 due to power issues thanks to the winter storm hitting Texas.

However social media reports from staff suggest KVUE started to come back on air for some around 8am. 

The Austin American-Statesman reports more than 100,000 customers were without power earlier this morning due to the ice and falling tree limbs.

When asked on social media if they station had backup power, a staffer responded it does, but no explanation was given as to why it wasn't keeping the signal going.

There are tweets from Austin TV viewers not being able to receive KVUE over the air (OTA), so the station says rescan your televisions.

While the station was off, I checked KVUE.com and found the stations live video consisting of a radar feed from Houston TEGNA sister-station KHOU.com.

KVUE  has been broadcasting its Daybreak morning show with extended hours recently from 4am until noon.

Thank you for your patience as @KVUE works to restore our signal on all platforms. You can watch us on Spectrum, KVUE+ or https://t.co/g8VOj2YPZk right now.

This is video of the power situation outside our station right after we were knocked off-air. pic.twitter.com/54I9Qu9EcJ

— Kristie Gonzales KVUE (@GonzalesKristie) February 1, 2023

We almost lost power here at @KVUE but our generator kicked into gear. Thousands of people are without power right now across the state of Texas.

🙏⚠️

Stay safe y’all, we’re going to get through this together. pic.twitter.com/P55teL7p8N

— Hannah Rucker KVUE (@suphannahrucker) February 1, 2023

Albert Ramon leaving KVUE Austin for?

UPDATE JUNE 15, 2020
Erika Lopez re-joins KVUE Austin

KVUE 24 Austin Chief Meteorologist Albert Ramon is heading to News Nation on WGN America

So where is Chief Meteorologist Albert Ramon going after he leaves KVUE 24 Austin after a decade?

He just announced announced May 9th on Facebook he was leaving Austin and the TEGNA Texas station:

Hey friends, I have a life announcement to share with you all:

After an amazing 10 years in Austin, I will be leaving KVUE later this month. My last day on-air will be Wednesday, May 20th.

Working at KVUE has been the honor of a lifetime, especially the last 4 years serving as chief meteorologist. I love this station and this community so much, the decision to leave was not an easy one.

I've been blessed to make so many close friends here and work for managers who truly care about my career. This has been a dream job.

Earlier this year I told the management team that I would only leave KVUE for an opportunity I couldn't pass up and that's what has happened. My new employers are planning a big announcement, so I'll be able to tell you all the details about my next career move soon. The good news is that the new gig will still allow me to cover Texas weather extensively.

Thank you for allowing me to be a source for your weather information for the last decade here in Central Texas. I'm grateful for your support and trust over the years, but this isn't goodbye. You'll still be able to see me and follow me on social media for weather updates, especially when the weather turns rough.

Sincerely,
Albert

UPDATE JUNE 2, 2020
Albert Ramon is heading to News Nation

UPDATE MAY 18, 2020
KVUE says goodbye to Chief Meteorologist Albert Ramon

Now Scott Jones at FTVLive is reporting that Ramon is heading to Nexstar Media Group's News Nation on WGN America. Yep, gone are the days of my youth watching Bozo and Cubs game from ChicagoLand.

Deadline is reporting the new primetime cable block of news will premiere from Chicago's WGN studios on September 1, 2020.

As for Ramon's new national gig in Chicago, Nexstar hasn't made an official announcement yet.

Ramon started at KVUE almost 11 years ago. In October of 2009 he was named the weekend morning/evening meteorologist/reporter eventually moving up to the chief job in April of 2016.

The Beeville native started in broadcasting in 2004 at K99 Country KRYS-FM Corpus Christi. Just a few months later he joined CBS 10 KZTV Corpus where he also worked his way up to chief meteorologist.

Earlier in 2020, Ramon was actually splitting his time at KVUE and TEGNA sister station KIII Corpus Christi where he was filling in for Bill Vessey who suffered a hemorrhagic stroke.



UPDATE JUNE 15, 2020
Erika Lopez re-joins KVUE Austin

KVUE Austin shifts Bryan Mays and Mike Rush

KVUE Austin announced that morning Daybreak anchor Bryan Mays is swapping roles with 5, 6 and 10pm evening anchor Mike Rush starting July 27.

UPDATE MARCH 2025
Bryan Mays returns to KVUE Austin mornings

UPDATE MARCH 2021

Mike Rush exits KVUE Austin

RELATED
Mike Rush has revelations for new morning colleagues

"KVUE anchors are shifting seats to keep the news we bring you informational, entertaining, and when we can – fun," the station said on its website.

A few months ago there were big changes when KVUE chief meteorologist Albert Ramon left for Nexstar Media Group's News Nation on WGN America and KHOU 11 meteorologist Erika Lopez returned to fill Ramon's duties.

RELATED
Erika Lopez interviewed by GMA's Ginger Zee

The Central Texas ABC affiliate also says meteorologist Jason Mikell will move to the 4:30am anchor role and eventually traffic anchor when that need returns.

In the meantime, meteorologist Hunter Williams will work both weekend mornings and nights until Mikell's weather team slot successor is hired.

Mays joined KVUE in 2004 as weekend sports anchor. Before returning to Austin (he studies journalism at the University of Texas at Austin), Mays was Sports Director at News 9 San Antonio and Sports Director at KTRE Lufkin.

Rush, a native Houstonian, joined KVUE in 2017 from KSDK NewsChannel 5 Saint Louis, Missouri after six years.

He previously worked at:
- WPMI Mobile, AL Weekend Anchor
- WGNO New Orleans, LA General Assignment Reporter
- KPLC Lake Charles, LA Weekend Anchor
- The University of Houston grad interned at FOX 26 KRIV.

Mikell joined KVUE in 2018 as the weekend Daybreak meteorologist. Befor Texas, he served as the chief meteorologist at WLIO in Lima, Ohio.

Williams joined KVUE as a meteorologist in 2020. Prior to Austin, Williams worked for WMAZ Macon, Georgia.

Byron Wilkinson named KVUE Austin President and General Manager

Byron Wilkinson has been named president and general manager of KVUE Austin.

RELATED
- KVUE's Kristie Gonzales leaves for WXIA Atlanta president-GM role
- Travis Sattiewhite named KVUE Austin news director

Wilkinson has been serving as interim general manager at KVUE, and previously served as interim general manager at TEGNA-owned duopoly KBMT/KJAC in Beaumont, Texas. 

He will be responsible for the station’s operations across all platforms, as well as community outreach efforts and driving results for advertisers.

Wilkinson was most recently director of sales at KVUE for the past seven years. The Center for Sales Strategy named Wilkinson a 2020 “Talent Superhero” award winner. 

Prior to his role at KVUE, Wilkinson was director of sales at KTHV in Little Rock, Arkansas, and local sales manager at KHOU in Houston, both TEGNA sister stations.

“Among an outstanding pool of candidates, Byron stood out for his commitment to KVUE and the Austin community, and his track record of leadership and results,” said Brad Ramsey, senior vice president, media operations, TEGNA. “From sales leadership roles in Houston and Little Rock, to interim general manager roles in Austin and Beaumont, Byron has demonstrated the importance of developing strong teams and leaders. He will continue KVUE’s momentum and build on our commitment to Central Texas.”

Added Wilkinson, “As a native Texan and someone whose family has fallen in love with Austin, I am deeply honored and excited to take on this new role at KVUE. Together with our talented team, we will continue to strive for excellence in all that we do, while making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.”

Wilkinson is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree. He is an active volunteer in the Austin community with Mobile Loaves and Fishes, Coats for Kids, and the Austin Chamber of Commerce, where he is a past member of the Nominating Committee.

Erika Lopez to leave KVUE Austin

Erika Lopez announced she is leaving her KVUE Austin chief meteorologist role in August 2022.

UPDATE
Erika Lopez joins OTA Talent as TV agent

VIDEO: Erika Lopez signs off KVUE Austin

Here is a portion of Lopez posted on Facebook:

"Aug 12th will be my last day on air and with KVUE! 

I have made this decision with full support from my husband and managers to allow me to focus on this cutie patootie of a baby, Odie. 

I’m beyond excited for this next chapter of my life and look forward to all of the exciting adventures ahead with my new little fam. 

Don’t know if this will be forever, but it’s what is best and will make me the happiest right now.

See y’all for 2 more weeks on KVUE!"

Speaking her baby, recently we saw Lopez do the KVUE weather with Odie!

Odie was born to Lopez and husband Otto Staudt (of the Staudt Brothers fame) in December 2021. Lopez did a great gender reveal on-air.

Lopez did two tour of duties at KVUE Austin.  

Austin television viewers first saw Lopez on Daybreak from 2017 to 2019.

Lopez then joined KHOU 11 which is KVUE's TEGNA Houston sister-station.  In Houston, Lopez was the noon and 4pm meteorologist. 

When Albert Ramon left KVUE for News Nation, Lopez returned to KVUE as chief meteorologist in 2020.

Prior to Austin, Lopez worked for Weather Nation out of Denver, Colorado.

The Arizona State University grad and Phoenix native got her start in the TV biz at KAVU Victoria.

RELATED
- Six degrees of separation Houston TV style
- Erika Lopez interviewed by GMA's Ginger Zee

Shane Hinton moves to KVUE Austin mornings

Shane Hinton moves to the KVUE Austin Daybreak morning newscast meteorologist role from the weekend morning weather shift.

UPDATE OCTOBER 2024
Shane Hinton leaves KVUE Austin

Here is what Hinton posted on Facebook:

"I’ll let you in on a little secret…I’m not a morning person. At least I didn’t use to be.

When I moved to Austin and started on KVUE’s weekend morning shows, I realized the impact you can have on someone’s day. Whether it be with a laugh, smile, or a story, you can completely set the tone for anyone’s daily journey.

It’s with this new understanding I’ve learned my purpose as a meteorologist: preparing you for what to expect with professionalism and positivity. If I can sometimes make you laugh along the way, then that’s a bonus.

I’m proud to finally announce I’ve accepted the role of Daybreak Meteorologist at KVUE and will officially be joining our weekday team. I’m thankful for all of the love and support I’ve been shown in my life to get to this moment. Now I want to take that love and share it with all of you each morning.

Now let’s get to rising and shining."

THE KVUE WEATHER SHIFT

- Erika Lopez leaves KVUE Austin

- Hunter Williams named KVUE chief meteorologist from mornings

Hinton joined KVUE Austin in November 2020 from WCTI TV 12 and FOX 8/14 New Bern, North Carolina where he was a weekend meteorologist.

The University of Miami logo grad interned with NBC News. He was also a meteorologist for the school's UMTV.

Jenni Lee promoted to KVUE midday anchor

Jenni Lee has been promoted to the Midday newscast KVUE Austin anchor Monday through Friday from 11am to noon.  She also joins the KVUE Defenders as an investigative journalist. 

"It’s not lost on me that this position was recently occupied by the great [Terri Gruca] and I only hope I can do half the job she did," Lee posted on Facebook.  "She was a great mentor and is a great person, friend and journalist."

As Lee notes, Gruca left KVUE in August 2021. She served as the KVUE 24 evening anchor for nearly a decade.  She later anchored the 11am and 5pm newscasts while working as a KVUE Defenders investigative journalist. 

Lee joined KVUE as the weekend morning anchor/reporter back in June of 2015. 

Before KVUE, Lee worked for FOX 7 KTBC as a weekend anchor/reporter.   

In between the two Austin stations she worked as a marketing consultant for the City of Austin Transportation Department and as a Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Round Rock Police Department.

The University of Texas at Austin grad started her broadcast journalism career at KBTX 3 Bryan/College Station where she was an evening news anchor/reporter.

Lee starts anchoring the KVUE Austin Midday news October 11, 2021.

KVUE 24 Austin to start morning news at 4:30am

We've seen the shift to 4:30am morning news start times in Houston and Dallas and now KVUE 24 is doing it in Austin. KVUE News Daybreak will extend its morning news by a half hour running from 4:30am to 7am.

“This underscores our continued commitment to serving the changing needs of our viewers,” says KVUE president and general manager Patti C Smith.

"KVUE sets the standard for news excellence in Austin. By adding a 4:30 am newscast, we will provide news, weather and information at a time when more and more people are depending on us," said KVUE news director Frank Volpicella. "Expanding our news is our commitment to our viewers, that KVUE is indeed Austin's news station."

The station says KVUE News Daybreak with Melissa Gale, Olga Campos and meteorologist Albert Ramon is currently the most watched morning news and information program in Austin.

Look for the time change this Fall.

Terri Gruca stepping down from KVUE 5pm newscast

Terri Gruca announced she is stepping down from anchoring the KVUE Austin 5pm newscast.

UPDATE FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021
Terri Gruca leaving KVUE Austin

RELATED
Ashley Goudeau new KVUE Austin 5pm anchor

Here is what Gruca posted on Facebook:

"Today is my last day anchoring the 5pm newscast at KVUE. I’m taking a little time off with my family and when I come back in July I will be anchoring the midday show 11-noon. 

Anyone who is a working parent understands the juggle. Our boys are starting to get more involved in school activities and I don’t want to miss out. If this last year taught us anything it’s that being there matters. I’m #grateful my managers cared enough to let me give this a shot."

RELATED
Rob Evans joins KVUE Austin

Gruca has been with KVUE since 2008. She was a KVUE evening anchor for nearly a decade.  

As of late she has been the 5pm anchor with occasional appearances on the 11am midday newscast.  She also serves as an investigative reporter.

Prior to Austin, TX, Gruca worked as:

- Anchor / Investigative Reporter - WCCO Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area Minnesota
- Anchor / Investigative Reporter - WSPA Spartanburg, SC
- Anchor - WBIR Knoxville, Tennessee
- Reporter, Fill-in Anchor - WRAL Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina Area

She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Christopher Nunley, Ph.D. joins NewsChannel 8 KTUL

Christopher Nunley, Ph.D. joined NewsChannel 8 KTUL Tulsa, Oklahoma in September 2023 as chief meteorologist after KING 5 Seattle.  

"This is not a role I take lightly," Nunley tweeted. "I know the importance of the position and I’ll strive every day to provide accurate, timely forecasts and information to help keep the viewers prepared."

🧵1] I’m excited to announce I’m the newest Chief Meteorologist at News Channel 8 in Tulsa. This is not a role I take lightly. I know the importance of the position and I’ll strive everyday to provide accurate, timely forecasts and information to help keep the viewers prepared,… pic.twitter.com/pPaNR8vYFl

— Chris Nunley, Ph.D. (@chrisnunley) September 23, 2023

He joined KING 5 Seattle as a meteorologist in March 2022 and left in 2023.

"I was born in Everett and spent my childhood in Mason County (on the other side of the Sound from Seattle)," Nunley tweeted.  "My family still lives in Mason County and they will now get to watch me every day on the television (instead of on the app/website)."

"That’s a wrap Texas! The past three-ish years have been great Central Texas & Brazos Valley," Nunley tweeted in a later follow-up KVUE Austin goodbye. "I’ve loved my time at KVUE & KAGS.  Excited for my next and final stop in Seattle at the BEST tv station in the entire country."

AT THE SAME TIME
- Dominique Newland joins KVUE
- Daranesha Herron promoted to KVUE anchor

Dr. Nunley joined KING 5 from TEGNA sister-station KVUE Austin where he  filled-in for chief meteorologist Erika Lopez while she was on maternity leave. He started at KVUE near the end of 2021.

Bryan-College Station readers of my blog will recognize Dr. Nunley since he came from the Brazos Valley where he was the KAGS chief meteorologist taking over for the legendary Bob French.

Before I get into the usual formula of telling you where he worked before, I have to point out that Dr. Nunley is a part-time lecturer at Mississippi State University.  So let's just say he must really know the weather.

The Dallas raised Dr. Nunley crossed the Red River to study meteorology at the University of Oklahoma and then went for his Ph.D. in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences from Mississippi State University.

Now back to the job listings.

Prior to Bryan-College Station, Dr. Nunley worked as a meteorologist for:

- KRQE News Albuquerque, New Mexico 

- KTEN Sherman/Denison

That’s a wrap Texas! The past three-ish years have been great Central Texas & Brazos Valley⭐️

I’ve loved my time at KVUE & KAGS🧡

Excited for my next and final stop in Seattle at the BEST tv station in the entire country💛

I hope you’ll follow Ca💰h and I’s journey🗺 pic.twitter.com/zpL5UGfn6t

— Christopher Nunley, Ph.D. (@chrisnunley) March 14, 2022

* Post updated with Dr. Christopher Nunley's departure from KVUE Austin to KING 5 Seattle to NewsChannel 8 KTUL Tulsa.

Daranesha Herron promoted to KVUE anchor

 

Daranesha Herron is being promoted to weekend evening anchor at KVUE Austin.

AT THE SAME TIME
- Dominique Newland joins KVUE
- Christopher Nunley, Ph.D. joins KVUE Austin

Herron anchors with Jake García and meteorologist Hunter Williams.  

"I am feeling blessed and excited about this new role," Herron posted to Facebook on December 5th, 2021 when she debuted on air as KVUE's new weekend anchor. "I've been working hard on my craft and myself personally. I didn't know when this opportunity would come but I knew when it did, I would be ready."

She takes over the anchor chair from anchor Jenni Lee who was promoted to KVUE Midday weekday newscast in October 2021. 

The native Houstonian was hired as a KVUE reporter in October 2019.

Before returning to Texas, Herron was a weekday morning anchor/reporter for WTVA 9 - WLOV Tupelo, Mississippi.

While pursuing her bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Houston, Herron was a Houston Texans cheerleader.  

Before that she attended Texas State University.  She interned with FOX 26 KRIV.

*updated with new quote after Daranesha Herron debuted on the KVUE Austin weekend anchor newscast

KVUE News at Four launches September 2024

KVUE Austin is adding a new newscast, "KVUE News at Four," an extra hour of news every weekday beginning Monday, September 9, 2024.

"KVUE News at Four" will launch a new 1.5-hour evening news block that will lead into KVUE News @ 5. The new Austin 4 pm newscast replaces Inside Edition and Extra.

No word on who will anchor the newscast.

The station says the newscast will feature live, in-studio interviews with Central Texas newsmakers, allowing KVUE to dig into essential stories and highlight issues.

"We're excited about a new opportunity to serve our clients with programming that connects with a local audience," Byron Wilkinson, KVUE's president and general manager, said. "Our experienced team of trusted journalists are thrilled for another opportunity to tell stories that matter to Central Texans."

"It's our privilege to serve the Central Texas community with news and information that is urgent and impactful," KVUE News Director Travis Sattiewhite said. "The launch of our 4 p.m. newscast extends our opportunity to serve our community."

Hunter Williams named KVUE chief meteorologist

Hunter Williams has been named the KVUE chief meteorologist on October 4, 2022 after Erika Lopez left to become a stay-at-home mom in August 12, 2022.

RELATED
Hunter Williams is engaged

"I’m so grateful to work with some of the best in the business here at KVUE," Williams tweeted. "The past few years here in Austin have been amazing, and I can’t wait for many more!"

Williams moved to KVUE Daybreak weekday morning newscast from weekend evenings in March 2022.

"What makes Hunter special is his work ethic," KVUE News Director Christina Ginn said on the station's website.  "He’s the first person in and the last person off when severe weather hits. Hunter has seen how weather can impact Central Texans in an instant. He’s constantly looking ahead with the forecast because he understands how important it is to keep everyone informed, down to the second."

He joined KVUE in January 2020 from WMAZ Macon, which is a TEGNA sister-station.

The Penn State University grad got his TV start at WVUA 23 Tuscaloosa, Alabama as a Weekend/Fill-In Weather Anchor.

Happy Tuesday! Quick announcement…I’m very excited to let y’all know that I am now Chief Meteorologist here at KVUE!

I’m so grateful to work with some of the best in the business here at KVUE. The past few years here in Austin have been amazing, and I can’t wait for many more! pic.twitter.com/gVfsrRUx8E

— Hunter Williams (@Hunt_Wx) October 4, 2022

 

Erika Lopez does KVUE weather with baby Odie

Erika Lopez proved family comes first as she did the KVUE Austin weather Thursday evening with her baby son Odie. 

UPDATE AUGUST 2022
Erika Lopez to leave KVUE Austin

Anchors Bryan Mays and Ashley Goudeau enjoyed the little weather helper.  

Mays remarked Odie might have been one of the youngest guest meteorologists he had ever seen. Goudeau said Odie was giving her baby fever as he gave her a giant smile.

"Today is unofficially bring your child to work day," the KVUE 24 chief meteorologist told the anchors during the 5pm newscast. "And officially life just happened and you do what you gotta do."

Lopez received a ton of support from her KVUE co-workers. Odie even got a hashtag named for him...#Odieishere.

Odie was born in December of 2021.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ☔️KVUE’s Chief Meteorologist ⛈ (@erikalopezkvue)

LOVING our guest meteorologist today 🥰

All working parents know, sometimes life happens and in this case, today turned into take your baby to work day and we all got to meet @ErikaLopezKVUE’s bundle of joy! pic.twitter.com/CMxMD2v1lx

— Ashley Goudeau (@AshleyG_KVUE) July 21, 2022

Y’all…@ErikaLopezKVUE wins “Most Amazing Meteorologist” award today. She’s got little baby Odie with her today on KVUE! pic.twitter.com/O0sgWb0500

— Shane Hinton (@MakeItRainShane) July 21, 2022

Hard working momma @ErikaLopezKVUE brings one of our favorite little people to work! 😍 #Odieishere #babylove pic.twitter.com/FAIfxy8FfX

— Quita Culpepper (@QuitaC_KVUE) July 21, 2022

Texas TV news and radio job moves December 2021

Top Texas TV stories 2021

Send tips for the monthly Texas media job list here.

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

Former CBS 11 KTVT anchor Ken Malloy set to retire from CBS47 Eyewitness News KSEE Fresno, California and move back to Texas.

Cindy Scull Exits Mornings At 97.1 The Eagle KEGL.

Mede Nix named Senior Editor of the Dallas Morning News after five years as politics editor.

VCY America Acquires ESPN 103.3 Dallas.

Mariel Ruiz joins WFAA 8 Dallas
WFAA moves studios out of Victory Park
WFAA 8's uncut 1964 Beatles interview
CBS 11 KTVT DFW tests at home broadcasts
Mireya Villarreal joins ABC News
Alexis Wainwright joins CBS 11 KTVT DFW

HOUSTON

As Dominique Sachse Moves Past TV, the Remarkable River Oaks Mansion She Called Home is Hitting the Market.

Theresa moves to afternoons from 2-7pm succeeding AD Rowntree on 94.5 The Buzz KTBZ.

KTRK abc 13 reporter Miya Shay and State Representative for District 137 Gene Wu named in Houston Chronicle's "Power Couple" list.

Tyler Frye to host middays on 95.7 The Vibe KCHZ Kansas City after leaving 104.1 KRBE.

Houston Chronicle energy reporter Marcy de Luna joins Thomson Reuters as an energy reporter.

Former Univision Houston KXLN anchor/reporter Mariana Pineda joins NASA as a Public Affairs Specialist.

SportsMap Radio Network Adds Weekly 'Sports Collectors Club' Show.

Samica Knight is a singer?!
Houston TV stations launch NEXTGEN TV
FOX 26 KRIV is on tops in November 2021 sweeps
Telemundo Houston November 2021 sweeps highlights
Univision Houston November 2021 sweeps wins
Jack Williams re-joins Houston Public Media's News 88.7 KUHF
New Jennifer Reyna and Chita Craft promo
Univision Houston getting new studio set
Art Rascon to leave January 3, 2022
Maria Salazar left FOX 26 KRIV
Vanessa Richardson leaves KPRC 2

SAN ANTONIO

Michelle Germano hired as news director of Sinclair duo News 4 San Antonio WOAI and FOX 29 KABB.  She takes over for Mandi Mendoza who left in September.

Fox29 KABB and News 4 SA WOAI traffic anchor Vanessa Martin's mom searches for liver donor along with 1,400 Texans.

San Antonio PD offers $5,000 reward for tips on murdered former WOAI employee.

Spanish-language leader built radio, TV stations.

KSAT 12 morning anchor Mark Austin celebrates 23 years with the station.

Sue Calberg celebrated 20 years at KENS 5 on 12/20/2021.

Vinnie Vinzetta celebrates 10 years at KENS 5.

Diana Rocco hired at News 4 San Antonio WOAI
Wedding bells for San Antonio TV
Aaron Wright to leave KENS 5 for Seattle
Gloria DeLeon leaves News 4 SA and FOX29

AUSTIN

KXAN Traffic Reporter Amanda Dugan celebrates 11 years with the station.

FOX 7 KTBC executive producer Jennifer Ruffcorn joins Texas Health and Human Services as Assistant Press Officer.

Troy Kimmel (formerly of KVUE, KEYE, FOX 7 KTBC meteorologist), now University of Texas at Austin professor, was named a 2022 fellow for the American Meteorological Society for his contributions to meteorology and teaching.

Erika Lopez gives birth to first baby
Paige Hubbard joins CBS Austin KEYE
Molly Oak leaves KVUE Austin
Maria Aguilera joins KVUE Austin
Ron Oliveira on KVUE Austin's 50 years
How KVUE Austin began
Former KVUE anchor Judy Maggio tells her story
How getting the news to KVUE viewers evolved

AROUND TEXAS

Straight from his native El Paso, Juan Carlos “JC” Navarrete from KVIA has been hired as a reporter and weekend morning news anchor at NBC-owned WMAQ-Channel 5.

Texas Country Reporter Joins Forces With Texas Monthly.

FTV asks is this Texas news manager being objective based on social media posts?

New Year’s Eve marked the end of an era for radio personalities Tucker “Frito” Young and Katy Dempsey at Bryan Broadcasting’s Candy 95 KNDE College Station.

Rock 92.7 KKBA Corpus Christi adds Jared Dey for weekends.

106.5 FM The Tank Livingston, Texas: The prison radio station giving Texas men on death row a voice.

1600 KOGT Orange TX ceased operations on December 31, 2021.
- Final Moments and sign off of KOGT-AM 1600 Orange TX 12/31/21

Kevin Selle joins NewsChannel 10 KFDA Amarillo
Laura Laughead promoted to KAMC Lubbock morning anchor
Joe Gazin talks state of TV news
Mike Lucas leaving KAGS College Station

REMEMBERING

Distinguished Texas sports journalist Dave Campbell dies at 96.

Journalist, Dallas Morning News politics reporter, author Wayne Slater killed in car crash.

Former Houston Chronicle copy editor Larry Lovelace has died.

Former El Paso radio personality Lorraine Austin (KHEY, KISS-FM and The FOX) passed away on Sunday, December, 26 from a long term illness.

Jordan Darensbourg joins KVUE Austin

Jordan Darensbourg is joining KVUE Austin as weekend evening meteorologist from TEGNA sister-station KCEN 6 Waco/Temple/Killeen, but for a period of time, he will be pulling double duty on both stations' green screens!

RELATED
Christopher Nunley, Ph.D. to join KING 5 Seattle from KVUE Austin

Here is what Darensbourg said on social:

"To Waco/Temple/Killeen, thank you so much for welcoming me into your homes these past 16 months. It has been a blessing to continue my career in such a great, vibrant area that has so much going for it!

With that said, I am pleased to announce that I have accepted an opportunity to continue my career down I-35 as the new weekend evening meteorologist at KVUE in Austin! I am grateful for this opportunity and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the best station in the fastest growing city in the nation!

While I’ll be starting at KVUE this Saturday April 9th, I’m not done with 6 News quite yet, as my last day isn’t until April 29th! I’ll be covering KVUE part time for a couple of weekends before going full time at KVUE in May. 

I’ll miss my amazing coworkers, management, and all of you amazing viewers in the Waco/Temple/Killeen area. This area will have a special place in my heart."

It's safe to say he will be covering ALL of Central Texas since the region encompasses both television markets.

Darensbourg joined the KCEN 6 News weather team in November 2020.

His television news career began at WDTV 5 West Virginia.

The Atlanta native has bachelor degrees from both Jackson State University and Mississippi State University.

While attending Mississippi State, Darensbourg was a meteorologist/MMJ for the school's Take 30 News on MSTV.  

Rob Evans joins KVUE Austin

Rob Evans is joining the KVUE Austin Daybreak team from THV11 KTHV Little Rock, Arkansas, June 21, 2021.

UPDATE APRIL 2025
He leaves the morning news for digital and afternoons

"The people who work and lead the newsroom at KVUE are world-class," Evans said on the KVUE website.  "I’m so excited to learn from them, while sitting next to the incredible Yvonne, working alongside Jason and reuniting with Mariel, whom I worked with in Arkansas."

As Evans noted, meteorologist Mariel Ruiz left the KTHV AM newscast in August of 2019 to join KVUE.

Evans will anchor with Ruiz, Yvonne Nava and Jason Mikell on the Central Texas morning newscast.

Prior to arriving in Little Rock in September 2016, Evans worked for ABC7 WZVN Fort Myers, Florida.  Before that he was at KOLR Springfield, Missouri.

The St. Louis native is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Based on his bios, Evans is a "handyman" and frequently found at hardware stores when he is not with his wife and two kids. 

"What’s exciting about Rob is that he’s not just another anchor who sits at a desk, he’s a reporter at heart," KVUE President and General Manager Kristie Gonzales said on the station's website.  "He believes in getting out in the community, meeting people and telling the stories of Austin." 

Evans takes over for Mike Rush who left KVUE a few months ago and has been a top clicked story on my blog for a long time.