Shannon Wolfson to replace Leslie Rhode at KXAN Austin

KXAN Austin investigative reporter Shannon Wolfson to replace longtime anchor Leslie Rhode in December


KXAN in Austin announced investigative reporter Shannon Wolfson is taking over as main anchor. She will be replacing Leslie Rhode, who in October announced she was leaving by the end of the year after anchoring at the station for 14 years.

Shannon Wolfson

Investigative reporter Shannon Wolfson will be the new KXAN evening main anchor, joining the team of Robert Hadlock, First Warning Weather’s Jim Spencer and Sports Director Roger Wallace beginning Dec. 2.

The team anchors the 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts on KXAN and the 9 p.m. newscast on The CW Austin.

"This is an exciting time for KXAN News, as we name a new leader to join our main anchor team," said News Director Chad Cross. "Shannon consistently contributes to the newsroom behind the scenes as well, with strong news judgment and an assertive, yet thoughtful approach to coverage."

Shannon will take over for Leslie Rhode, who has co-anchored KXAN's newscasts for a total of 14 years and has decided to step down. Her last day at KXAN is Nov. 27.

Most recently Wolfson was a full-time investigative reporter and will continue delivering investigative stories in this new role for KXAN.

"I have been so honored and humbled to be part of this team of incredible journalists at KXAN for the last seven years,” said Wolfson. “I am beyond excited about this new opportunity and look forward to continuing my investigative reporting, as well."

Wolfson, named Best TV Reporter for 2013 by the Austin Chronicle, began her career at KXAN in 2006 as a general assignment reporter. In 2009 she was named main anchor of KXAN News at 9 p.m. on The CW Austin. Her journalism career began at KXII-TV in Sherman, Texas where she was a reporter and an anchor.

Wolfson has covered memorable stories for KXAN like the Fort Hood Shootings, the plane crash into the IRS building in North Austin and the Michael Morton story where a man who was wrongfully imprisoned for 25 years was released after new DNA evidence testing.

Wolfson graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Journalism and a specialty in Broadcast News.

Rhode plans to stay in the Austin area where she plans to "contribute and maintain the friendships I am so blessed to have," she said. "I have always loved telling stories. Now I get to tell a few more bedtime stories."

RELATED
KXAN 36 launches 9pm newscast on KNVA 54

KXAN Austin has transmitter issues due to ice storm

KXAN Austin anchor Sally Hernandez says to tune your over the air antennas to Nexstar sister-station channel 54.4 KNVA to watch its's signal and NBC programming. Morning meteorologist Kristen Currie says the best estimate of a new transmitter to be up and running is late March.  

UPDATE APRIL 2023
KXAN Austin returns to channel 36.1

PROGRAMMING NOTE: Last week’s ice storm damaged the KXAN transmitter site. This affects viewers who receive KXAN over the air. While we work to get the transmitter replaced, we are temporarily moving our KXAN signal to Channel 54.5. Watch newscasts online: https://t.co/1pKmCQBgLG pic.twitter.com/AsobDgsllq

— KXAN News (@KXAN_News) February 6, 2023

KXAN Austin issued an update Sunday night via chief meteorologist David Yeomans concerning its transmitter troubles from last week's ice storm:

---ORIGINAL POST FROM FRIDAY---

KXAN Austin reports that it's having transmitter issues due to this week's terrible Texas ice storm.

A KXAN transmitter is down due to damage from this week’s ice storm. We are working to get it fixed ASAP. This affects services like DirecTV and DISH, as well as people trying to access it over the air. Watch KXAN newscasts here: https://t.co/WaN8U42aGg pic.twitter.com/vQAYGPdMP0

— KXAN News (@KXAN_News) February 3, 2023

Once again due to the ice storm, earlier this week, KVUE Austin lost power to its studio which took the station off air for a few hours.

In related news, KXAN just debuted its new set Thursday. 

Robert Hadlock to leave KXAN Austin

Robert Hadlock, the longest continuously serving Austin TV news anchor, will be ending his time at KXAN this summer according to an internal email obtained by mikemcguff.com.

His final airdate was July 29, 2022.

UPDATE JULY 2022
- Robert Hadlock signs off KXAN Austin
- Daniel Marin replaces retiring Robert Hadlock at KXAN Austin

RELATED
Amanda Dugan leaves KXAN Austin

Newly promoted KXAN news director Haley Cihock shared this message from the longtime 4:30, 5, 6 and 10pm anchor (and 9PM on The CW Austin KNVA) with the Central Texas NBC affiliate's news department:

"I am proud that KXAN has been my work home for nearly 32 years. Take it from me - that's a long time at one place!  

When I graduated from UT in 1977, my goal was to make it back to Austin to work in television one day. I think it worked out ok. I have had the privilege to work alongside wonderful colleagues here who have become lifelong friends. 

We have been through a lot together. The folks in this building today in 2022 are the best and hardest working crew we have ever had at KXAN. Eric and Haley have this newsroom running on all cylinders. Because of that it’s gratifying to go on camera every night to present your great work.

It is hard to walk away from a job that I have loved doing with people I enjoy working with. However, life is short, and after 43 years in this business it is time to turn the page and see what not driving to 908 West MLK Boulevard every weekday will be like. That all starts on August 1. 

In the meantime - the most important newscast is the one we do next - so let's get after it!"

One might guess this is the Nexstar Media Inc. job opening description for Hadlock's position, but his spot at the evening news desk will be a hard one to replace.

In August 2020, Hadlock celebrated 30 years with KXAN Austin having started with the August 29, 1990 edition of the channel 36 6pm newscast.

Hadlock is one of those types of news anchors who likes to get out of the studio to report.  I can rattle off a bunch of big stories Hadlock has personally covered, but first, let's look at the caliber of person he is in the newsroom.

I had to do a little digging, but when Hadlock celebrated 20 years with KXAN, the station's own report on his anniversary says it all.

"Robert’s coworkers know him as that 'go to' guy when any question comes up about Texas history and politics. He has covered several national political conventions throughout his career and interviewed national and Texas leaders.

He is also the kind of guy who will stop whatever he is doing to listen to the concerns of a coworker.

Simply said, Robert is a very rare breed. In the broadcast journalism industry, a ten year career is a long one. Spending two decades at one television station is almost unheard of."

Little did the staff know at that time that Hadlock would continue delivering the news to Central Texas for another decade and more!

And yes, Hadlock has been an eyewitness to Texas news history covering such events as the 1993 Branch Davidian standoff in Elk near Waco and the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy debris site in Nacogdoches. Beyond Texas, Hadlock reported from New York in the aftermath of the 9/11/2001 attacks and from Louisiana in 2005 as Hurricane Katrina made landfall.

Hadlock's reporting from Cuba during Pope John Paul II's historic visit in 1998 earned KXAN the “Texas Headliners Award” for Best Hard News coverage. He was the only Austin journalist to report live via satellite from the Cuba trip. In the next few years, Hadlock would cover the pope two more times. 

In November 2015, his longevity in the broadcast business led Hadlock to an induction into the Lone Star Emmy Silver Circle for his 25 years in television news. Hadlock said the night before the ceremony on the station's 5pm newscast that he was the first journalist from Austin to be inducted.

The University of Texas at Austin graduate interned with NewsRadio 590 AM KLBJ.

Hadlock's first TV job was with KPLC 7 Lake Charles in 1979 as an anchor/reporter.   From there, he anchored for KSLA 12 Shreveport and KCRA 3 Sacramento.

In 1987, Hadlock returned to Austin television as an anchor/reporter, not at KXAN, but at rival KVUE 24. Three years later Hadlock moved "across the street" as they say in the TV biz to KXAN and the rest is history.

The family man, who raised two daughters with his wife Kathy, has served on numerous boards and devoted countless hours for Austin charities.

There will be criticism when the term "legendary" is used, but in Hadlock's case, I think it fits. 

Jim Spencer semi-retires from KXAN, David Yeomans takes place

Jim Spencer, the chief weathercaster for KXAN 36 Austin, announced his semi-retirement slated for the end of February.  Central Texas weather watchers will be happy to know he is staying on with the NBC affiliate part-time.

RELATED
- David Yeomans in GQ, Jim Spencer on CW's "Walker"

"For the past 37 years I’ve had the incredibly good fortune of living my childhood dream — telling people about the weather on television every day — now I’m looking to also do some other things," Spencer said on KXAN.com. "Over the years, I’ve started or become a partner in four businesses that I plan to be more involved in, while still stepping in here at KXAN whenever I’m needed."

He adds that he told station management four years ago he planned on reducing his hours on air when he hit 30 years with the now Nexstar station. 

In Spencer's place will be current KXAN weekday morning meteorologist, David Yeomans.

Spencer's journey into broadcasting started at KADA-AM while as a student at East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma. 

"I was probably the only third grader who watched the weather every night" Spencer told Austin Monthly in 2015. "By the time I was in fourth grade, I told my teacher that I was gonna be a weatherman when I grew up. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have the career of my dreams."

In 1983, he moved to television at KTEN Ada–Sherman and became the station's chief upon graduating college. 

Spencer joined KXAN in 1990 as the station's first weathercaster for its hour-long morning newscast. By 1993, he was named chief weathercaster.

"When I started here, I didn’t realize how good I had it," Spencer also told told Austin Monthly. "We were the very first one-hour morning newscast in Austin, from 6 to 7 a.m. Then, all I had to do was the local cut-ins for the Today Show at 9 a.m. I didn’t have voice mail. No Internet to update! We all really had it easy back then."

The longtime Austin weathercaster leaves behind a ton of awards such as three Lone Star EMMYs, five Texas Associated Press awards and 21 Austin Chronicle "Best Weathercaster" honors. Think that's enough?  He also won Austin’s American Women in Radio "TV Personality of the Year" five times and the Austin American Statesman’s "Best Weather Reporter" in 2018.

Honors and awards aside, many Austinites will remember Spencer for his hours of charitable work and community involvement. Some organizations that KXAN's website says Spencer concentrates on include Family Eldercare, the Helping Hand Home for Children and animal welfare groups.

"I couldn’t be handing over my responsibilities to a more capable meteorologist," Spencer said about Yeomans on the station's website.

Yeomans, who starts on the nightly newscasts March 1st, actually interned with Spencer while attending University of Miami where he earned both a Bachelor's and Master's Degree.

"I’ve been so fortunate to learn from the best in Central Texas,” Yeomans added. “Jim has been my mentor since age 19. To then have the chance to work side-by-side with him through some of Austin’s biggest weather events, and now carry on what he has built here at KXAN, is an incredible honor."

The three-time Lone Star Emmy Award winner started with KXAN in 2012.

KXAN also announced weekend evening and noon meteorologist Kristen Currie will move to the morning news to replace Yeomans.

Newly hired KXAN meteorologist Nick Bannin takes over weekend evenings for Currie. 

KXAN's CW Austin debuts weather and traffic AM news

KXAN Austin is following sister station CW39 Houston KIAH's lead with a NON-STOP weather & traffic morning newscast on its CW Austin station KNVA 54. 

KXAN weekend meteorologist Kristen Currie fills us in:

"NEW SHOW: starting tomorrow, get NON-STOP weather & traffic weekday mornings from 7AM-9AM on the CW Austin. 

It’s a morning show like you haven’t seen before. 

We’re taking you beyond the forecast & traffic cams with new graphics, in-depth weather/climate segments, Q & A discussions & only 1 MINUTE commercial breaks. 

[David Yeomans] & [Amanda Dugan] will be leading the charge - and I’ll be poppin’ in every Wednesday, Thursday & Friday to join the fun."

UPDATE: 9-30-2020: KXAN posted a press release on its site with more info:

“We are super excited to offer a new type of newscast that presents non-stop weather and traffic,” said Vice President and General Manager Eric Lassberg. “We feel that a 7a-9a audience is looking exactly for this type of focused reporting.”

Along with forecasts and traffic maps, the new program features segments such as KXAN’s First Warning Weather University, where meteorologists teach viewers about specific weather topics, and KXAN’s First Warning Traffic Reporter Amanda Dugan highlights big construction projects that impact commutes as part of in-depth conversations with transportation leaders.

KXAN Weather and Traffic also features graphics that display weather and traffic data during shortened commercial breaks. 

“People in Central Texas count on KXAN News each morning as they plan ahead. They need up-to-the-minute information about weather and getting from point A to B,” said KXAN news director Chad Cross. “We’re making it quick and convenient, with this new, unique format of local weather and traffic coverage. No one else provides it like this.”

View this post on Instagram

NEW SHOW: starting tomorrow, get NON-STOP weather & traffic weekday mornings from 7AM-9AM on the CW Austin. It’s a morning show like you haven’t seen before. We’re taking you beyond the forecast & traffic cams with new graphics, in-depth weather/climate segments, Q & A discussions & only 1 MINUTE commercial breaks. @davidyeomansweather & @amandadugankxan will be leading the charge - and I’ll be poppin’ in every Wednesday, Thursday & Friday to join the fun. ⚡️🚦 • • KXAN Weather & Traffic • CW Austin • Monday-Friday • 7AM-9AM. #Austin #ATX @kxan_news

A post shared by Kristen Currie (@kristencurrietv) on Sep 27, 2020 at 9:49am PDT

Amanda Dugan leaves KXAN Austin mornings

Amanda Dugan announced she was leaving KXAN Austin morning newscast after more than a decade as a traffic and news anchor.

UPDATE JANUARY 2023
Amanda Dugan gives birth to baby #3

UPDATE AUGUST 26, 2022
Erica Brennes replaces Amanda Dugan on KXAN morning traffic

Dugan announced on her last day on-air (July 1, 2022) that she is pregnant with a baby delivery date of December. 

She later revealed that her new job is with the KXAN sales department.

Here is what Dugan posted on social media:

"This Friday will be my last on KXAN Today, Nonstop Weather & Traffic and KXAN News at Noon. 

In the past 11 years I’ve learned and matured at KXAN News and feel very grateful for my time in the newsroom. 

As my family has grown, I found that I need to make adjustments to my work life that better fit my home life. I’m sure many of you can relate. 

I’ve been blessed to work with incredible people and very lucky that you have all been so kind and supportive. 

Stay positive and stay safe."

Dugan joined KXAN in March 2012.

She was led to the station after being voted as the "2011 CW Austin Star" on KXAN sister-station KNVA 54. In the role, Dugan was the voice, face and personality of The CW Austin.

The Texas State University grad got her start in broadcasting with the school's KTSW 89.9 FM. She also interned with "The Bobby Bones Show."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Amanda Dugan (@amandadugankxan)

 

KXAN Austin debuts 4pm newscast

KXAN Austin keeps getting the headlines here as it has debuted a new 4pm newscast with weekend anchor Jennifer Sanders as of July 5, 2022. 

She also replaces Amanda Dugan on the KXAN News at Noon.

Sanders joined KXAN in 2020 as weekend anchor. 

RELATED

- Amanda Dugan leaves KXAN Austin
- Daniel Marin replaces retiring Robert Hadlock at KXAN Austin
- KXAN Austin getting new set

"It’s LAUNCH DAY for @kxan_news new 4pm newscast, and my good friend @JenSandersTV is the anchor," tweeted KXAN Bilingual TV Storyteller/TX Capitol Correspondent Jala Washington. "I’m soooo excited you all will get to see more of her, M-F! She’s talented beyond measure, and adds such value to our news team. Congratulations, Jen!"

Chief meteorologist David Yeomans handled the weather. 

So, what does this mean for the KXAN weekday afternoon programming schedule lineup?

Jeopardy! (2 episodes) moves from the 4pm slot to 3pm slot.

Dr. Phil which originally aired at 3pm, moves to 2pm.

Rachael Ray leaves the 2pm slot, moving to sister-station KBVO 14.1 at 3pm, replacing 'The Doctors.' 

It’s LAUNCH DAY for @kxan_news new 4pm newscast, and my good friend @JenSandersTV is the anchor!

I’m soooo excited you all will get to see more of her, M-F! She’s talented beyond measure, and adds such value to our news team.

Congratulations, Jen! Your ✨ is contagious. ✨💜 pic.twitter.com/SFjdHf1WoP

— Jala Washington (@Jala__WashTV) July 5, 2022

 

Sydney Benter leaving KXAN Austin

Sydney Benter, a KXAN Austin evening anchor, signed-off the station Friday, May 28, 2021.

Benter posted on Facebook in June that her contract was not renewed:

"I appreciate the inquiries regarding my whereabouts given I'm no longer on your TVs each night. I know there are plenty of folks who won't mind my absence, but to those who've taken the time to reach out, compliment my work and wish me well, please know I'm so thankful for your support. I value authenticity and professionalism and I'm heartened to hear that came across to many of you.

So, the short version of the story is this: my contract expired and I wasn't asked to stick around."

You can read Benter's full Facebook message below. 

On June 10, 2021, Britt Moreno debuted as the new KXAN evening news anchor. 

Benter announced her departure from the Nexstar station on her social media accounts at the end of May.  

 

"It’s time to remove the blinders that have allowed me to plow through the last couple months. I can’t avoid the date on my calendar any longer—Friday says: 'last day at KXAN.'

If life came with an instruction manual, I’d follow the directions to the next step. Instead, I’m staring at a blank page that’s daring me to write a plot twist. It’s at once liberating and terrifying.

Whatever lies ahead, I’m so fortunate to have friends, family and (soon-to-be-former) colleagues who offered encouragement and validation when life threw me a curveball I wasn’t anticipating. At least I can safely cross baseball player off the list! One down, plenty other possibilities to explore."

UPDATE: Benter posted on her LinkedIn account that in November 2021, she joined the City of Austin as a Public Information Specialist.

Benter came to KXAN in October of 2017 from WKRC Cincinnati, Ohio where she was an evening news reporter and anchor.  

She previously worked for WTWO Terre Haute, Indiana as an evening news anchor.  

The Cincinnati native is a University of Cincinnati grad.

There has been lots of changes at KXAN as of late.  Just this week, I posted that KXAN investigative reporter Erin Cargile was leaving the station.  

In January, longtime chief weathercaster, Jim Spencer, announced his semi-retirement from KXAN. 

*Post updated with Benter June update and news about Britt Moreno joining KXAN as afternoon/night news anchor.

KXAN Austin anchor 2024 changes

Mike Rush is leaving his KXAN weekend anchor role and moving to weekdays with Jennifer Sanders for an expanded 11am to 1pm newscast starting January 29, 2024, the station tells mikemcguff.com.

UPDATE FEBRUARY 2024
David Yeomans leaves KXAN Austin

Rush is also the KXAN investigative reporter. 

He joined KXAN in 2022 after leaving cross-town rival KVUE 24 in 2021, where he anchored evenings and later mornings. 

Before Austin, the native Houstonian worked as an anchor for KSDK NewsChannel 5 St. Louis, Missouri.  

He previously worked as a:

- Weekend Anchor WPMI Mobile, AL
- General Assignment Reporter WGNO New Orleans, LA
- Weekend Anchor KPLC Lake Charles, LA 

RELATED
Sean Kelly leaves KXAN

Reporter Nabil Remadna has been promoted to weekend evenings to take over for Rush.

Here is what Remadna posted on Facebook:

"After four years of full time reporting I will soon be moving to full time anchor for the @kxan_news weekend evening shows! 

As a kid I remember watching KXAN with my parents. @jimspencerkxan, Robert Hadlock and Roger Wallace were always welcomed into our home to deliver the news, weather and sports and I hope to continue that tradition with y’all. 

This 4th generation Austinite can’t wait to deliver the news to all my family and friends, the original Austinites and those who have just moved here! I’m also pumped about working with @nick_bannin_meteorologist!" 

Remadna joined KXAN as a morning reporter /MMJ in June 2020 from WKRN News 2 Nashville, Tennessee.

The University of Mississippi grad previously worked as a reporter for KHON 2 Honolulu, Hawaii and got his TV news biz start as a weekend sports anchor/news reporter at KOTA Rapid City, South Dakota.

Nick Bannin promoted to KXAN Austin chief meteorologist

Nick Bannin has been named the new chief meteorologist of the KXAN Austin First Warning Weather Team starting Monday, May 6, 2024.

He takes over for David Yeomans, who left for CBS Chicago. Former chief Jim Spencer has been filling in ever since.

"Nick’s performance over his three and a half years here at KXAN has been nothing less than outstanding," KXAN Vice President & General Manager Eric Lassberg said in a statement.  "He is 100% KXAN’s core values especially in the humility category. We look forward to implementing some of Nick’s ideas that will grow KXAN’s weather coverage and provide an even greater value to our audience."

"Central Texas is such an incredible place to live, and my wife and I couldn’t imagine raising our two children anywhere else," Bannin added. "“As part of KXAN’s First Warning Weather team, I am dedicated to keeping viewers safe during dangerous weather and well-informed so they can plan their lives in all types of conditions."

Speaking of Mrs. Bannin, who gave birth to a baby daughter, Mila, in 2022, the couple met when Nick interviewed her for a story.

Bannin joined KXAN as a weekend evening meteorologist in 2021 from 22News WWLP Western Massachusetts. 

The award-winning meteorologist launched his television news journey at WETM 18 News in Elmira, New York. 

Originally from Bristol, England, he's a Cornell University graduate who toggled between the UK and the US during his childhood and remains a fervent supporter of Manchester United.

John Engel leaves KXAN Austin

John Engel, KXAN Austin political reporter, announced he is leaving the Nexstar Media Group station after a little more than a year.

"Surprise! Today was my last at KXAN," Engel tweeted.  "We’re heading to North Carolina so that my wife can pursue an amazing, new opportunity — I’m really proud of her. Thanks for letting me into this crazy world of Texas politics for a bit."

Engel announced he was joining KXAN in April 2020 from WCYB Johnson City, TN where he worked for two years.

Previously he worked in radio as a news anchor at News 104.5 WOKV-FM Jacksonville, FL and ESPN 730 Boise, ID.

He is a graduate of Boise State University.

KXAN Austin has had lots of job movements lately.  In May, weekend anchor/investigative reporter Erin Cargile left followed by evening news anchor Sydney Benter. 

CBS 4 Denver KCNC morning and noon anchor Britt Moreno debuted as the KXAN Austin evening news anchor in June.

Surprise! Today was my last at KXAN. We’re heading to North Carolina so that my wife can pursue an amazing, new opportunity — I’m really proud of her.

Thanks for letting me into this crazy world of Texas politics for a bit. Now, onto that personal injury law calling. pic.twitter.com/jyq9MYEmvU

— John Engel (@EngelsAngle) June 18, 2021

 

Austin 2025 TV and radio job moves

JANUARY

- Brianna Perez joins KVUE Austin
- Ryan Chandler joins NBC News from KXAN Austin
- Austin Burkes joins KATV ABC 7 Little Rock
- Atiana San Miguel joins FOX 7 Austin
- Live from UT Austin, it's the Saturday Night Live archives
- Avery Travis and Will DuPree promoted to KXAN anchors
- Zack Shields celebrates 25 years with FOX 7 Austin

FEBRUARY

- Hearst to buy Austin American-Statesman, now covering Austin, Houston and San Antonio
- Fred Cantú to retire from CBS Austin after 53 year broadcasting career

MARCH

- Michael Crowley joins CBS Austin
- Michael Garfield joins FOX 7 Austin
- Fred Cantú CBS Austin sign-off special

APRIL

- 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

MAY

- Matt Fernandez leaves KVUE Austin
- Sophia Stamas leaves CBS Austin
- Tyler Feldman joins Locked On NHL Game Night
- LeVon Whittaker joins KXAN Austin
- KVUE anchor can't resist the pet segment

JUNE

- Ryan Chandler is trying to save lives
- Rebecca Thomas leaves FOX 7 Austin
- Casey Claiborne leaves FOX 7 Austin
- Kristen Currie fills in on CW39 Houston
- Michael Courier joins KVUE Austin

JULY

- Lauren Rangel leaves FOX 7 Austin
- Tan Radford leaves FOX 7 Austin
- Marc Mullins joins KVUE Austin
- Noah Gross is the KXAN weekend sports anchor
- KXAN Austin gets new control room
- Allison Martinez joins KVUE Austin
- Tatjana Deegan promoted to Audacy Austin Senior VP and Market Manager
- Amanda Ruiz joins FOX 35 Orlando

AUGUST

- Alec Nolan joins FOX 7 Austin
- TV anchors guess is it name-brand or HEB?
- Chelsey Khan leaves "We are Austin"
- Sally Hernandez celebrates 25 years at KXAN Austin

SEPTEMBER

- CBS Austin ND Rob Cartwright joins CBS Boston
- Sierra Waggoner joins KEYE's We Are Austin
- “Faders Up: The John Aielli Experience” documentary out now

OCTOBER

- Taylor Alanis joins KXAN Austin
- Bryanna Carroll joins FOX 7 Austin
- Abigail Velez leaves CBS Austin
- Emilee Miranda joins CBS Austin
- Erin Garza named CBS Austin news director

NOVEMBER

- Abigail Velez joins ABC7 KABC Los Angeles
- Andrew Lamparski joins CBS Austin

DECEMBER

- Lisette Hernandez joins "Your Mornings" on Spectrum News 1 Texas
- Maddie Kirker moves to Spectrum News 1 Texas evenings

Brian Collister exits KTRK abc13 for KXAN

Brian Collister exits KTRK abc13 for investigative gig at KXAN Austin

Brian Collister

I told you how KTRK 13 Undercover investigative reporter Brian Collister was leaving the Houston ABC owned and operated station after a year, and now we learn where he is ending up in Texas.

Austin's KXAN just issued a news release on its website saying Collister is heading to the state capital to use his investigative skills:

KXAN News Director Chad Cross announced the addition of longtime investigative reporter Brian Collister to the KXAN Investigates team.

Collister specializes in uncovering stories of fraud, corruption and government waste. He is a licensed private investigator and board member of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. Collister is also a widely-recognized member of the national organization, Investigative Reporters and Editors.

“Brian has earned a reputation throughout Texas and across the country as a powerful investigative reporter who gets results and holds powerful people accountable,” said Cross. “His hire speaks volumes about our station and company; investigative journalism is a top priority.”

Joining KXAN is a return to Austin for Collister. He started building his career as an investigative reporter in Central Texas, then continued his work in Phoenix, San Antonio and Houston. His awards include seven regional Emmys.

“He has more than two decades’ experience digging into stories all around Texas. Because KXAN News focuses on in-depth, investigative journalism, it’s crucial to have reporters like Brian on our team,” said Cross. “He’s an expert at using our lawful right to access public information. He knows who to talk to, where to get the answers viewers want.”

Collister is a native Texan and graduate of Sam Houston State University.

This will be a Central Texas return for Collister who previously worked at Fox 7 KTBC as an investigative journalist.

Maggie Glynn promoted to KXAN weekend morning anchor

Maggie Glynn announced on Twitter she is the new KXAN Austin weekend morning anchor.

"After 2 years covering all things politics & breaking news across Texas in our capital bureau, I’m happy to announce I’ve officially been promoted to weekend morning anchor here at @kxan_news!

I’m so excited for this new chapter, and so grateful to my KXAN family.

Can’t wait!"

She takes over the weekend anchor seat from Erin Cargile who left KXAN in May 2021.

Glynn joined KXAN in February of 2020 as a Capitol Correspondent for the Nexstar Austin Bureau.

Before Austin, Glynn was a weekend anchor and reporter for Local 4 News KAMR Amarillo.

The Marquette University grad grew up in the Chicago area and interned for TODAY’S TMJ4 WTMJ Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

After 2 years covering all things politics & breaking news across Texas in our capital bureau, I’m happy to announce I’ve officially been promoted to weekend morning anchor here at @kxan_news! I’m so excited for this new chapter, and so grateful to my KXAN family ❤️ Can’t wait! pic.twitter.com/4QLQ3b2qG6

— Maggie Glynn (@maggie_glynn1) December 17, 2021

Nexstar shows Houston how it competes during Hurricane Laura

Texas-based TV owner Nexstar Media Group flexes its news resources for CW39 KIAH Houston Hurricane Laura coverage


Now Houston TV news viewers are watching how new entrant to our television market, station owner Nexstar Media Group, competes as it starts to cover Hurricane Laura.

Nexstar bought Tribune stations like CW39 Houston KIAH last year, and started making changes to the CW affiliate a few months ago.

Last week, the station stopped the Morning Dose show name on its only Houston newscast, altered its set, and changed the station's overall branding with a new color scheme.

As Hurricane Laura approaches land, Nexstar is using its massive ownership across Texas to supply talent to Houston from its other stations. The company has stations in 13 Texas markets - and in many of those owning multiple stations.

"The #NexstarNation is proud to support @CW39Houston during a critical time for this part of Texas," Director of Digital Content for Nexstar Media Group Austin Kellerman tweeted me. "Similar work being done in Louisiana as #Laura approaches."

For those keeping score about Nexstars reach, the TV company says on its own website:

Upon completion of its acquisition of Tribune Media in 2019, Nexstar became the largest local television broadcast and digital media company in the nation with a portfolio of 196 full power owned or serviced stations in 114 markets reaching approximately 63% of US television households.

While I have never covered Nexstar until recently, the company has a reputation for running stations efficiently and knowing how to share resources. KIAH's hurricane coverage is proof positive of this thought.

With the extra help from Nexstar Texas stations, KIAH is doing news cut-ins throughout the day.

To help add news coverage, feature reporter Maggie Flecknoe is anchoring some of these cutins from what I have seen.

Also added is former FOX 26 KRIV meteorologist Lindsey Day who joined KIAH in 2018 as a fill-in meteorologist for Maria Sotolongo and fitness segment expert.

Helping out from other TX Nexstar stations:
KXAN Austin Capitol Correspondent Maggie Glynn
NBC 23 KVEO Brownsville meteorologist Chris Ramirez
KXAN Texas Capitol Correspondent Wes Rapaport
CBS 4 Meteorologist KGBT Rio Grande Valley Andrew Shipley
KXAN Austin Education Reporter Alex Caprariello
FOX51 KETK Tyler anchor Trent Bennett
Chief Photographer at KETK Tyler William Bethancourt
KXAN Austin Digital Photojournalist Todd Bailey
KXAN Austin Meteorologist David Yeomans
FOX 44 KWKT Waco Operations Director & Assistant Engineer Johnathan Kiker
KXAN Austin Executive Producer Wes Wilson
Director of Digital Content for Nexstar Media Group Austin Kellerman
CBS 4 KGBT Rio Grande Valley reporter Chris Jacobs
News Photographer/Drone Pilot Gage McAllen, TX

SEE ANOTHER NEW FACE?: Let me know any other non-Houston anchors/reporters you see on CW39

Currently KIAH is paying KTRK to run a nightly newscast “ABC13 Eyewitness News at 9 PM on CW39."

Readers are asking me how long will KIAH even need to do that? Will Nexstar being adding new newscasts to CW39?

Stay tuned.

(Thanks David!)

Maggie Glynn leaves KXAN Austin

Maggie Glynn announced September 9, 2022 was her last day on air at KXAN Austin as a weekend morning anchor and reporter.

UPDATE
Jala Washington promoted to KXAN weekend mornings

"Today is officially my last day reporting on-air, bringing my 4-year TV news career to an end," Glynn tweeted.  "It’s been such a  blessing covering stories across TX, from Amarillo down to the RGV, but most often right here at the Capitol. Exciting things to come - I’ll still be at the Capitol."

Glynn was promoted to weekend morning anchor in January 2022.

RELATED
KXAN's weekend morning show celebrates 30th anniversary

With her bio featured on Nextstar Media Group "meet the team" website pages across Texas, Glynn joined KXAN in February 2020 as a Capitol Correspondent for the Nexstar Austin Bureau. In this role, she reported on state stories and the Texas Legislature for more than a dozen Texas television stations. 

Previously Glynn was a weekend anchor/reporter for KXAN sister-station Local 4 News KAMR Amarillo.

Raised in the Chicago area, Glynn graduated from Marquette University.

Today is officially my last day reporting on-air, bringing my 4-year TV news career to an end. It’s been such a blessing covering stories across TX, from Amarillo down to the RGV, but most often right here at the Capitol. Exciting things to come - I’ll still be at the Capitol 😉 pic.twitter.com/qsjydYpbJb

— Maggie Glynn (@maggie_glynn1) September 9, 2022

 

Reporter wipes out video, Sachse and the Bush twins plus more

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Did Dallas Police Stage an Arrest for KDFW?
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Freelance dance brings Selena Hernandez to Fox4 while full-time Emily Lopez is on leave
Freelance reporters for D-FW television stations lately are hopping around while hoping to land permanent situations.

Sachse and the Bush twins
KPRC-TV news anchor Dominique Sachse conducted an interview with the Bush sisters.

North Texas gets new television station this month
North Texas will get a new television station before the end of the month as KTXD launches classic television shows on channel 46 KTAQ on the broadcast dial or 47 on most cable or satellite boxes.

Two new Mexico-based channels arrive on KHLM Houston
KHLM channel 43 has added two new subchannels from Mexico - a general entertainment channel and an all-news channel.

New S.A. anchor grandma gives tips on staying youthful
Hard to believe by looking at her, but Deborah Knapp of KENS’ 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. newscasts is San Antonio television’s only anchoring grandma.

KABB's Mileka Lincoln to KEYE
San Antonio anchor Mileka Lincoln of KABB is going to KEYE in Austin to launch a new morning show.

A Quiet Debut for KXAN’s New Morning Anchor
In what retailers call a “soft opening,” new KXAN-TV morning co-anchor Robert Maxwell simply sat down this morning at 4:30 a.m. beside long time anchor Sally Hernandez and meteorologist Natalie Stoll.

Brian Sanders Named Permanent Weekend Morning Anchor at KXAN
KXAN-TV’s fill-in weekend morning anchor, Brian Sanders, is dumping the “part time” tag. News Director Michael Fabac has told the KXAN staff that Sanders, 33, has won the Saturday-Sunday AM anchor job, no surprise since the weekend evening sports anchor has been doing an outstanding job in his long morning “audition” since early December.

KVUE news clip pops up on Conan’s show
KVUE morning and midday anchors Bryan Mays and Melissa Gale made it onto O’Brien’s show in a collection of clips from about 30 newscasts.

National Comm. Buying KUQI Corpus Christi
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Anthony Lewis Maisel Named GM Of KTEN
The former news director of KXII Sherman, Texas-Ada, Okla., moves across the market to lead Lockwood's NBC affiliate.

"92.9 Shooter FM" Debuts In Waco, Texas
Waco, Texas, hot AC station KRMX, owned by M&M Broadcasters, made the move to country as “92.9 Shooter FM.”

Big 12, ESPN near TV rights extension
The Big 12 is on the verge of a blockbuster TV contract that will put its media revenue among the top tier of college conferences, despite losing several marquee programs in the last two years.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
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Jala Washington joins NBC DFW KXAS

Jala Washington is joining NBC DFW 5 KXAS Dallas-Fort Worth in 2026. She leaves KXAN Austin, where she is a weekend morning anchor and a reporter.

Here is a portion of what Washington posted on social:

"After 5 amazing years, my journey has come to an end at KXAN News. 

I got the incredible opportunity to join the NBC DFW /Telemundo 39 team at the start of the new year. Thanking God for the major blessing, as it’s a true dream of mine realized. 

Next weekend will be my last on air with my bestie Rich Segal. (I’m UNWELL!!!!!!!)

I still don’t quite have the words to express my gratitude to the incredible community here, MY incredible village…so I’ll share more later."

- Keenan Willard joins NBC Los Angeles
- Evan Anderson leaves NBC 5 KXAS DFW

Speaking of the KXAN-to-NBC pipeline, former Austin reporter Ryan Chandler joined the network as a correspondent. Here is something for the TV nerds...did you know that KXAN and KXAS were once sister stations, both owned by LIN Media? When mainstream sites use my posts, they take out the extra factoids like this. 

Washington joined the KXAN in late 2020 as the Hays County reporter, covering stories across nearly a dozen Central Texas communities. Her reporting led to an expanded role as the station’s Texas Capitol correspondent, covering major statewide news and political developments for KXAN and 14 Nexstar Media Group television stations across Texas.

In September 2022, Washington was promoted to weekend morning anchor, taking over the role following Maggie Glynn’s departure from the TV biz.

Before moving to Austin, Washington worked as a multimedia journalist in El Paso and Amarillo, Texas. She began her television career at ABC 7 Amarillo KVII and later reported for KFOX 14 and CBS 4 KDBC in El Paso. She is bilingual in English and Spanish.

A native of Indianapolis, Indiana, Washington is a graduate of Ball State University, where she worked as an anchor and reporter for the university-owned NewsLink Indiana and also interned at WISH-TV in Indianapolis.

- NBC DFW team announces most watched status
- David Finfrock celebrates 50 at NBC DFW

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jala Washington (TV News) (@jalawashtvtexas)

 

2025 Texas National Edward R. Murrow Award Winners

The Radio Television Digital News Association announced the national winners of the 2025 Edward R. Murrow Awards. 

SEE THE FULL LIST OF WINNERS

Here are the Texas winners:

Excellence in Innovation
A Hanging on Backbone Creek: Unraveling Texas' antiquated death investigations
KXAN
Austin, TX 

The mysterious death of 13-year-old Daynon Lewis haunts the town of Marble Falls, TX, nearly 60 years after her body was discovered hanging in a shed behind her family’s home. Quickly ruled an accidental strangulation by a local justice of the peace, questions linger about this case and others nearby. KXAN’s reporting exposed an antiquated process still used in most Texas counties that gives certain elected officials the power to determine cause and manner of death with scant training and often without autopsies or forensic expertise.

During KXAN’s reporting, Texas lawmakers resumed their efforts to modernize this dubious system and initiated a fresh review of Miss Lewis’s case.

https://www.kxan.com/backbone-creek/

“The national Edward R. Murrow award won by KXAN-TV highlights the work of our journalists across the company and their commitment to innovation in storytelling, trusted broadcast journalism, exceptional public service, and community involvement,” said Andrew Alford, President of Nexstar’s broadcasting division. “We are honored and grateful to the RTDNA for recognizing KXAN-TV.”

Excellence in Writing
I Need a Last Line
WFAA
Dallas, TX 

Jjournalist Jobin Panicker showcases the power of strategic storytelling across diverse narrative formats. Each piece takes a different approach, from in-depth features developed over several days to same-day breaking news that requires tight, clear reporting.

Hard News
Austin airport is getting new runway safety tech that could have prevented near-miss
KUT
Austin, TX 

Newscast
Texas Public Radio's Morning Edition
Texas Public Radio
San Antonio, TX 

Hard News
In West Texas, rural sheriffs may not enforce state’s controversial new immigration law
Marfa Public Radio
Marfa, TX 

Breaking News Coverage
Biden steps down — Harris steps up
The 19th
Austin, TX

Erin Cargile leaving KXAN Austin

Erin Cargile, KXAN Austin Investigative Reporter, posted on Facebook that she is signing off the Nexstar station:

"When you’ve been somewhere for a long time doing something you love, change is hard. But the thought of branching out and growing in new ways is exciting, too. 

I’ve decided to sign off the air at KXAN at the end of May. Thank YOU for your support, and for trusting me with your tips and story ideas over the last 13 years. From my humble beginnings as the Hill Country reporter, to covering the Olympics, to anchoring the weekend newscasts, to joining our dedicated investigative team — I have thoroughly enjoyed keeping Central Texans in the know and serving this great city. It has been an honor and a job I've never taken lightly.  

I will continue to support local journalism, and will always be a storyteller.

My family and I are staying in Austin so I’ll definitely see ya around, and keep you posted on my next adventure."

RELATED
Sydney Benter leaving KXAN Austin 

Cargile has been with KXAN for 13 years.  

She arrived in June 2008 as the Hill Country bureau reporter, moving to the education beat, then weekend news anchor and adding investigative duties in 2018.

Before Austin, the award-winning TV journalist worked as a reporter for KRIS Corpus Christi and KXII Sherman.

She grew up in Waxahachie and is a graduate of Oklahoma Christian University.

UPDATE
After KXAN, Erin Cargile joined latakoo as a Director of Content & Training.