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Showing posts sorted by relevance for query rachel mcneill. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query rachel mcneill. Sort by date Show all posts

Tuesday, July 03, 2018

Rachel McNeill leaving KPRC 2

UPDATE APRIL 22, 2019
Rachel McNeill joins 12 News KPNX Phoenix

UPDATE DECEMBER 30, 2018
Rachel McNeill's goodbye video from KPRC 2

UPDATE DECEMBER 19, 2018
KPRC 2 morning anchor Rachel McNeill announced departure date

KPRC 2 anchor Rachel McNeill will say goodbye to Houston; her family will move in January


KPRC 2 morning anchor Rachel McNeill is leaving the station she has called home for a long time.

“Deciding to say goodbye after 17 years with KPRC is one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make," McNeill told mikemcguff.com. "Since coming home to Houston, I’ve been given incredible opportunities and worked with the best of the best."

It's bad news for Houston, but good news for Phoenix as McNeill's husband, Dr. Wayne Franklin, takes on the new challenge of becoming the Chief of Cardiology and Director of Adult Medicine at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

"During that time [at KPRC], I also met and married my very talented husband and we have two handsome boys," McNeill added. "My husband was offered a fantastic opportunity at Phoenix Children’s Hospital that we just could not turn down."

"She will be missed, but we can only wish her and her family the best as they head out to a new adventure in Arizona," KPRC 2 Vice President/General Manager Jerry Martin said in an email to the staff this morning obtained by mikemcguff.com. "I am sure we will find a time later this year to say goodbye."

And I'm sure that will be a big goodbye!

McNeill was born in Jamaica but moved to Texas at an early age. Her family first lived in Galveston and then at age six, they settled in Houston.

The Cypress Creek High school graduate earned her journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

McNeill started her career as a reporter at KMID Midland-Odessa, KWES 9 Midland-Odessa and WLFL 22 Raleigh, North Carolina.

She moved into the anchor seat at WWL New Orleans. In September of 2001, McNeill arrived at channel 2 where she's been ever since, working her way up to morning anchor.

So will there be any future TV career plans for McNeill out west?

"In 2019, my prime focus will be on my family during this transition," she told me.

Enjoy McNeill while you can. She and her sons won't be moving until January.

SAY GOODBYE TO RACHEL MCNEILL HERE

UPDATE DECEMBER 19, 2018
KPRC 2 morning anchor Rachel McNeill announced departure date



Monday, April 22, 2019

Rachel McNeill joins 12 News KPNX Phoenix

Rachel McNeill is now a morning anchor for 12 News Phoenix


Former KPRC 2 anchor Rachel McNeill is joining 12 News KPNX Phoenix, Arizona as a morning anchor.

"My family is now settled here in #Phoenix & I’m super excited to join the @12newsaz #TodayinAZ team," posted McNeill. "Tune in weekdays 4:30-7am, then watch our Facebook Live After Show at 7:30am."

Unless you were living under a rock during the past year, then you know McNeill announced she was leaving channel 2 and Houston last summer. Her husband, Dr. Wayne Franklin, got the opportunity to become the Chief of Cardiology and Director of Adult Medicine at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

RELATED
Rachel McNeill's goodbye video from KPRC 2

At the time of this writing, KPRC hasn't named McNeill's replacement.

Yep, I called McNeill's new job back on January 1, 2019:

I cannot imagine that management at Phoenix TV stations will not realize a talent like NcNeill is now living in their market and not try to recruit her for their anchor desks. What could delay her Phoenix TV debut is that she truly is not interested in returning to TV at the moment or the stations have to wait till they have a position to offer her.

Speaking of KPNX, MMJ Charly Edsitty left that station to join abc13 KTRK last year.

Born in Jamaica, McNeill moved to Texas at an early age, first in Galveston and then later in Houston.

The Cypress Creek High School grad earned her journalism degree from UT Austin.

McNeill started her television news career as a reporter at KMID Midland-Odessa, then moving on to KWES 9 Midland-Odessa and WLFL 22 Raleigh, North Carolina.

She moved into the anchor seat at WWL New Orleans. In September of 2001, McNeill arrived at channel 2 where worked her way up to the morning anchor gig.




Tuesday, January 01, 2019

Houston anchor desk replacements in 2019?

UPDATE JULY 09, 2019
Taniya Wright joins KPRC 2 as Rachel McNeill replacement



OK, 2019 is officially here so let's get down to business again.

Lots of Houston TV viewers are hitting me up wanting to know who will replace the now former KPRC 2 morning anchor Rachel McNeill?

McNeill's departure is Houston's loss and Phoenix's gain. Will she start anchoring in The Valley of the Sun?

"In 2019, my prime focus will be on my family during this transition," McNeill told mikemcguff.com when she announced her channel 2 departure.

I cannot imagine that management at Phoenix TV stations will not realize a talent like NcNeill is now living in their market and not try to recruit her for their anchor desks. What could delay her Phoenix TV debut is that she truly is not interested in returning to TV at the moment or the stations have to wait till they have a position to offer her.

But more important for us, who will replace McNeill at channel 2!

I originally heard that new KPRC hire Christine Noël was hired to anchor the station's 4pm newscast, but why can't this Denver morning anchor take over for McNeill? That is my best guess right now. Of course there could always be an in-house candidate about to be named.

By the way, here is Noël's goodbye video from KUSA a few days ago (click to watch Rachel McNeill's goodbye video).

Christine Noël

But wait, there's more!

Other H-Town news viewers are asking me who will replace the soon to be retiring abc13 KTRK chief meteorologist Tim Heller?

I think based on what I am hearing - Travis Herzog is the replacement. But KTRK has a secret weapon with longtime meteorologist David Tillman in that weather department - so you never fully know.

Over the years, KTRK has pretty much told us Herzog is the replacement by moving him to high-profile newscasts and making fancy TV promos about him.

Also, since Elita Loresca has morning newscast experience at KNBC Los Angeles (TV market number 2), I fully expect her to take over channel 13's AM weather gig.

What do you think? TELL ME HERE. You might have better educated guesses about who is replacing who than I do!


UPDATE JULY 09, 2019
Taniya Wright joins KPRC 2 as Rachel McNeill replacement


UPDATE
So if you are reading this far, let's see how well I predicted. Pretty well so far!
- Travis Herzog new abc13 KTRK chief meteorologist; Elita Loresca to mornings
- David Tillman named Chief Forecaster for abc13 KTRK
- Travis Herzog takes the Chief Meteorologist reins from Tim Heller

RELATED
- The changing faces of Houston TVnews 2018
- Houston anchor desk replacements in 2019?






Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Catch Rachel McNeill on KPRC 2 in 2018 while you can!

UPDATE DECEMBER 30, 2018
Rachel McNeill's goodbye video from KPRC 2


Today, KPRC 2 morning anchor Rachel McNeill has let us know some important dates concerning her departure from the Houston NBC affiliate.

"This Friday- Tune in for my Fabulous Farewell from @kprc2," McNeill posted on Instagram. "Due to holiday vacation schedules, it’s the last day the Morning Team will all be together. My official last day is Dec. 28th. I’m leaving #Htown for #thevalleyofthesun."

Back in July, when I helped break the news of McNeill's impending Houston goodbye, we only knew that she would be moving in January.

“Deciding to say goodbye after 17 years with KPRC is one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make," McNeill told mikemcguff.com last summer. "Since coming home to Houston, I’ve been given incredible opportunities and worked with the best of the best."

The popular Houston TV anchor is moving because her husband, Dr. Wayne Franklin, is the new Chief of Cardiology and Director of Adult Medicine at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Say goodbye to Rachel here.


Thursday, March 17, 2022

Rachel McNeill to step down from 12NEWS Phoenix morning duties


Rachel McNeill announced she is stepping away from the 12NEWS KPNX Phoenix, Arizona " Today in AZ" morning news to focus on her family.

Here is what McNeill posted to Instagram:


"LIFE CHANGE ALERT Like so many of you, the last two years have really put life into perspective. I won’t bury the lede. I’ve decided to move from Mon-Fri Morning News Anchor @12newsaz #TodayinAZ to Contributing Anchor.

After 27yrs in TV, the time has come to reprioritize and embrace family time, fully rested. I’m ready to celebrate the summers while my boys are still at home. Ready to be more present and alert. That means goodbye to that 2:30am 

While I will not longer be on morning news full time, you can still catch me on 12 News for special events, projects and just helping out so my friends can enjoy their vacations.

It’s the best of both worlds - I can focus on family and still be engaged with the only career I’ve ever wanted.

A special thank you to my bosses and coworkers at 12 News who have been so supportive and understanding of my decision. Thank you to my husband @drwaynejay and sons for their love and encouragement. Let’s just hope they’re ready to see a whole lot more of me fully awake! The link to my full on air announcement is in my bio. XOXO"


As she mentioned, McNeill will still be at 12News as a fill-in anchor and for other events. You can watch her video goodbye here.

McNeill joined "Today in AZ" on 12 News in April 2019, after moving from Houston's KPRC 2 morning newscast in December 2018. 

“Deciding to say goodbye after 17 years with KPRC is one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make," McNeill told mikemcguff.com in July 2018. "Since coming home to Houston, I’ve been given incredible opportunities and worked with the best of the best."

The move from Houston happened because McNeill's husband, Dr. Wayne Franklin, took the job of co-director of the Heart Center at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

McNeill has been with KPRC since 2001.  

Before returning to Houston, where she grew up, McNeill worked for:

- WWL New Orleans

- WLFL 22 Raleigh, North Carolina

- KWES 9 Midland-Odessa 

- KMID Midland-Odessa


The Cypress Creek High School graduate received her journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

Emily Pritchard has announced she is joining 12 News on "Today in AZ" as an anchor  from 7News Boston WHDH.





Tuesday, June 07, 2011

KPRC 2 anchor Rachel McNeill delivers in hospital hallway

We've had a slight pause, but the KPRC 2 baby parade has continued. This time, anchor Rachel McNeill gave birth to her second child Monday reports click2houston.com:

Rachel and her husband, Wayne, welcomed a baby boy shortly before 4 a.m. Hudson Pierce Franklin weighed 6 pounds, 6 ounces and was 19 inches long. Hudson was very excited to meet his new family. Not only was he a few weeks early, but he was born in a hallway at the hospital. He was due on June 30. Mom and dad said he is healthy and beautiful!

Congratulations to Rachel. Let's see...that means the list of expecting talent at KPRC is as follows:

Lauren Freeman (delivered)
Rachel McNeill (delivered)
Amy Davis
Courtney Zavala (delivered)
Daniella Guzman (expecting)

***UPDATE***I got a flood of notes saying that anchor Courtney Zavala did indeed deliver at the end of May. I apologize to Courtney and her family for missing this. Here is more from click2houston.com:

Courtney and her husband, Orlando, welcomed an 8-pound, 8-ounce boy about 8 p.m. They named him Andrew. It took Courtney and Orlando three days to name their first son, Connor, who was born in 2007.



Not mentioned in the original KPRC 2 baby wave coverage were expecting new fathers Anthony Yanez and Winston Dutchin.

Monday, February 16, 2015

KPRC's Rachel McNeill wins, Austin TV changes, media job moves and more



MORE VIDEOS
- Bob Simon Interview on His Early Career: An In Memoriam Tribute
- Watch how Brian Williams' accounts of his time in Iraq have changed since 2003
- Watch BriWi spin a whopper to Tim Russert
- Eat the Press
- Creepy TV live shot with Sports Illustrated model
- Weather dog takes over weathercast
- What happens when an anchor gets more lines to read than co-anchor
- Jim Cantore gets really excited about "thundersnow"
- You know these had to sting the Peacock
- Because it is really all about us

George Riba, the man behind 8,000 stories, closes book on 37-year WFAA career
On Sept. 12, 1977, Riba began in the sports department at Channel 8. His hop-scotching from station to station was over. Almost 37 1/2 years later, Riba’s run ends Feb. 20. He’s retiring.

Kidd Kraddick's Big Al Helps Car Chase Accident Survivor
YEA NETWORKS’ syndicated KIDD KRADDICK Morning Show co-host BIG AL MACK helped give a new minivan to a DALLAS woman whose vehicle was struck during a high-speed chase in DALLAS.
- WFAA RAW VIDEO: Police chase ends in crash with mom going after suspect

102.1 The Edge announces Edgefest 2015
102.1 The Edge KDGE-FM announced EDGEFEST 2015, an iHeartRadio Festival, which will take place on April 25, 2015 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. The double staged, day-long concert event will feature an all-star lineup including The Offspring, Modest Mouse, Death Cab for Cutie, AWOLNATION, Hozier, Vance Joy, Dirty Heads, New Politics, Banks, Yelawolf, Robert DeLong, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, The Kooks, Joywave and will close with a special guest DJ performance by GIRLTALK. For over 20 years, Edgeheads have gathered together for this legendary concert event in Dallas / Ft Worth. Tickets go on-sale on Friday, February 20, at 10 a.m.

Rachel McNeill wins
KPRC 2 anchor Rachel McNeill wins Best On Air TV Personality from the Media Alliance of Houston

Houston Chronicle restaurant critic ranked low in integrity in national chefs survey
When food reviewers are rated

KEYE names new ‘We Are Austin’ hosts
“We Are Austin” will get a pair of new hosts. Jordan Steele and Taylor Ellison are set to take over KEYE’s 9 a.m. lifestyle show.

KXAN celebrates 50th anniversary
50 years ago, Central Texans turned on their televisions and discovered a brand new station.

KXAN tweaks weather team (Scroll down to see this part after linking over)
Meteorologists David Yeomans and Mark Monstrola have traded places, with Yeomans taking over the weekday morning shift and Monstrola heading to weekend evenings.

ESPN On The Way To College Station
Brazos Valley Communications’ Active Rock “Rock 103.9” KJXJ Franklin/College Station, TX is on the verge of a format change that will soon see ESPN Radio return to the home of Texas A&M University.

Hunters wound a Texas tower
Owner says the antenna used by “News Talk 95.9” KBRA, Freer, TX was "severely damaged."

MOVING

Former News 92 KROI managing editor Norm Uhl is the new director of communications and marketing for the Houston SPCA.

Casey 'Catnip' Atnip Joins KTBZ's Rod Ryan Show As AM Producer
iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KTBZ (94.5 THE BUZZ)/HOUSTON hires CASEY "CATNIP" ATNIP as morning show producer of THE ROD RYAN MORNING SHOW.

KCEN Waco reporter/producer/anchor Matt Reed leaves for NBC 10 WJAR Rhode Island, southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod.

Reeve Takes His Leave
One of the Texas Tribune's original reporters, Reeve Hamilton, is leaving.

Erik Breon Named KCBD News Director
Raycom Media announced that Erik Breon has been named News Director for KCBD, the company's NBC affiliate in Lubbock, Texas (DMA 144).

ZOLTAN CSANYI-SALCEDO returns to the ND chair of KGBT Harlingen.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- 93Q says it's almost Rodeo Houston time
- WFAA iPhone show host Mike Castellucci talks how he did it; plus advice on how you can do it
- Rekha Muddaraj adds to the KHOU 11 family

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Lauren Freeman is new KPRC 2 4pm anchor

Lauren Freeman ditches the 2:30am alarm for the KPRC 2 4pm newscast; Rachel McNeill moves to mornings from 4pm

Lauren Freeman
Lauren Freeman
When KPRC 2 morning anchor Lauren Freeman returned from maternity leave, but started anchoring the 4pm news show, I was a little confused. Turns out I was not the only one. Now her new show is permanent for Freeman as she announced on Facebook yesterday:

I have some exciting news to announce. Starting in December, I'll be anchoring the 4 PM, the midday news and continuing my special assignment reporting. Thank you for all the sweet messages you've sent me about when I'll be returning to mornings. It's so nice to be missed, I'm looking forward to the new hours and no 2:30 AM alarm! This will be an easier schedule to juggle my 4 boys… Yes I include my husband in that!

Lauren will co-anchor with Keith Garvin who has been on that show since 2012.

We can assume that Rachel McNeill, the station's former 4pm anchor, is now the new morning anchor with Owen Conflenti since she has been filling in during November sweeps.

UPDATE
The Houston Chronicle confirms that Rachel McNeill is the new morning show anchor. It also reports that KPRC won November 2013 sweeps run in the morning news.

RELATED
- KPRC 2's Lauren Freeman delivers baby boy
- Dominique Sachse's 'Due in a Few' announces Lauren Freeman's baby #3

(Thanks Taylor)



Wednesday, October 12, 2022

Rachel McNeill reveals her favorite


Rachel McNeill left the KPRC 2 morning newscast and Houston in 2018, but reveals she still has a soft spot for co-anchor Owen Conflenti, who she coyly reveals as her favorite in a recent Instagram post.

"I know you're not supposed to have favorites, BUT.... #workhusband #newsiesforever #amnewsers"

After moving to Phoenix, McNeill joined 12NEWS KPNX's "Today in AZ."  

McNeill stepped down from her 12NEWS morning anchor role in March 2022, but still fill-in anchors for the TEGNA station.



Tuesday, October 18, 2011

WFAA at it again, KRIV baby and more




- Corning 'n' Hansen: Take 2 in WFAA8's big push to make Daybreak a gamer

FOX 26 Anchor Melinda Spaulding Welcomes New Baby Boy
he FOX 26 family is growing. Anchor Melinda Spaulding and her husband Felix have a new baby boy. Little Felix weighed in at six pounds, 13 ounces and is 19-and-a-half inches long.
- Anchor Vaughn first to welcome son in TV’s baby boom

Swaggering with Fox4
"The Most Watched News Team In Texas" wants you to know it.

KAGS-TV launches as Bryan-College Station NBC affiliate
First KWTX Waco spun off KBTX, then KXXV followed with KRHD and now KCEN launches KAGS-TV as the NBC affilate of Bryan-College Station.
- KBTX Broadcasts News in High Definition

KXAN journalist leaving station
Investigative reporter Nanci Wilson and KXAN have parted ways.

KSTX expanding staff, newscasts
Starting Nov. 1, San Antonio's KSTX (89.1 FM) is doubling its local weekday newscasts and adding two reporters and an anchorman to its already competitive mix.

KPRC 2 anchor Rachel McNeill and Dress for Success
Rachel McNeill is a familiar face to KPRC Channel 2 viewers. McNeill balances life as a news anchor with her role as mother to her two young sons, but always finds time to volunteer in the community.
PHOTOS: KPRC 2 staff cause photos

Check photos! S.A. in ‘Top Chef’ season opener
San Antonio will be center stage on the premiere of “Top Chef: Texas” at 9 p.m. November 2 on Bravo.

Crying in the Parking Lot
The Austin American-Statesman experienced another round of layoffs today (Tuesday, October 11, 2011). Some 53 newspaper employees got pink slips when they arrived at work.

Houston ISD's Paula Harris blocks Texas Watchdog reporter from her Twitter, Facebook feeds, calls reporter 'unethical'
The president of the Houston school board told a Texas Watchdog reporter that she hasn’t answered requests for comments about herself and her ties to district contractors for more than nine weeks because the reporter is unethical.

KVUE News Director becomes principal for a day
Community and business leaders got the chance to find out what it was like to be a principal in the Round Rock School District. One of the lucky participants was KVUE's Executive News Director, Frank Volpicella.

MegaTV KTBU-Channel 55 in Houston, Texas Appoints Gerardo Reyes to General Sales Manager
Spanish Broadcasting System Inc., announced the appointment of industry veteran, Gerardo Reyes as General Sales Manager for MegaTV KTBU-Channel 55, SBS's television property.

Arlington man pops the question on 'Good Morning America'
In a well-executed scheme that was a secret only until the last minute, the couple, both 25, became engaged to be married on Good Morning America. It was part of a new segment on the show called "Love Live."

Democracy NOW! and Free Press coming to Houston to support KPFT
Juan Gonzalez, co-host of Democracy NOW! and Joseph Torres of Free Press are coming to Houston to support KPFT by unveiling their important new book

NATIONAL MEDIA
- College radio stations fear budget cuts could silence them
- Christine Dorfler Named CFO Of NBC O&Os
- NBC O&Os Add ‘Steve Harvey’ For 2012
- Mystery TV voices revealed
- How Conan is doing in the ratings
- A Brief History of the TV Newsmagazine
- Ted Koppel Named Special Correspondent For NBC’s ‘Rock Center with Brian Williams’
- Victory Lap for Fox and Hannity
- “The Rosie Show” sticks out on the Oprah Winfrey Network
- The Eternal Adolescence of Beavis and Butt-Head
- Randy Michaels makes news by getting arrested

DIGITAL
- Political blog buys The Albany Journal
- Grass Valley Buying IT-Based Playout Maker
- 7 keys to managing a great social media news team
- Carpenter Named ABC Station Group Digital Senior VP
- What I Learned From Steve Jobs
- Media companies worst at answering Facebook questions

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- 89.3 KSBJ's Mike Kankelfritz leaving Houston
- Is KHOU 11 getting a new set?
- KTRK 13 community affairs VP Denise Bates leaves station
- KHOU, WFAA, KVUE & KENS' battle with DirecTV
- Wake up with KHOU 11's Chita Johnson
- KTRK 13 brings Doug Zepeda Ortiz from KUVN 23
- Memorial service for Jim Myers, former KTRK 13 photog
- Houston radio changes = change in ratings? Plus news radio?
- KHOU 11 unveils the Lisa Hernandez shock and awe

Monday, January 07, 2019

Texas TV news and radio job moves December 2018


RELATED:
- Top Houston media stories 2018
- The changing faces of Houston TV news 2018

DALLAS - FORT WORTH

Clarice Tinsley: 40 years of anchoring, Hometown Heroes, and telling people’s stories.

She’s been on TV for 70 years. Now Bobbie Wygant writes about ‘Talking to the Stars.’

Mainstay Fox4 reporter Fil Alvarado retiring after 33 years in the trenches.

Juan Carlos Pinzón heads to Univision Dallas 23 as executive producer from Telemundo 39 KXTX.

GARY STRIEWSKI becomes an Anchor for ESPN and Host of SportsCenter on SnapChat from co-host of Tribune Broadcasting’s syndicated show “Morning Dose.”
- 3 KINGS ENTERTAINMENT, LLC

HOUSTON

KHOU News Director Sally Ramirez celebrates 20.

ENTERCOM/HOUSTON VP/Programming BRUCE LOGAN departs after five years of overseeing KILT and KKHH. KILT APD/MD CHRIS HUFF is interim PD.

MATT HAHN named CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER for KSBJ/HOUSTON and NGEN/HOUSTON.

Cox Media Group Houston has named Todd Elbrink as Director of Sales.

Fred Davis has left KILT's (610 AM) midday show.

Brandi Garcia To Middays At KBBT (The Beat 98.5)/San Antonio after 97.9 THE BOX KBXX.

Sarah Smith joins the Houston Chronicle where she will be doing investigative reporting into nonprofits and housing. She comes from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

John Brewer joins 740 KTRH as Reporter/Anchor/Producer.

- Carlos Robles promoted to Telemundo Houston chief meteorologist
- Frank Billingsley announces he is cancer free
- Chelsey Hernandez appears in new movie
- Hannah Trippett joins CW39 KIAH's 'Morning Dose'
- KPRC 2 celebrates 70th anniversary as Houston's first station
- Rachel McNeill officially signs off KPRC 2
- The Brooks Garner baby is here
- Steve Simon returns to CW39 KIAH as news director
- Trey Serna returns to CW39 as senior producer and talent
- Rachel Briers joins abc13 KTRK
- Rachel McNeill's goodbye video from KPRC 2

SAN ANTONIO

KENS 5 anchor Jeff Brady plans to retire from broadcast news. Brady joined KENS 5 in January 2016. Before that, he had worked as a news anchor for WFAA in Dallas and KSAT in San Antonio.

Roger Allen To Retire From KONO-AM/FM.

AUSTIN

A Farewell to Legendary Texas Political Reporter R.G. Ratcliffe.

AROUND TEXAS

Josh Young, GM of KWES Midland, takes over for Mike Wright as head of Gray Television’s KWTX Waco and KBTX Bryan.

Anchor Carlos Sánchez returns to KTDO Telemundo El Paso from KTLM Telemundo 40 Rio Grande Valley.


Saturday, December 29, 2018

Top Houston media stories 2018

Top mikemcguff blog posts for 2018 by your clicks

Darby Douglas

Here are the top Houston media stories of 2018 by page views on mikemcguff.com. So that means you decided this list by clicking on these posts the most throughout the year.

 Now these posts are only from 2018. I have some other posts and pages that show up in my top 10 posts for the year, but were not written in 2018, so I throw those out - like my Houston news headlines page. Another post, this one from 2016, that showed up in '18 is the 93Q Morning Zoo's Erica Rico and Tim Tuttle wedding post.

So as Casey Kasem use to say, "Let the countdown begin!"

10. Sally Mamdooh joins KPRC 2
7NEWS KMGH Denver reporter Sally Mamdooh joins KPRC 2 as a reporter.

9. Sara Donchey leaves KPRC 2
KPRC 2 4pm anchor Sara Donchey is no longer with the station.

8. Where is Greg Bailey on abc13 KTRK?
Greg Bailey explains his absence from abc13 KTRK sports desk.

7. Owen Conflenti announces baby
KPRC 2 morning anchor Owen Conflenti now has a baby daughter!

6. KHOU 11 blowing up its morning show post Darby Douglas?
The story to watch right now is the KHOU 11 morning show rebirth - which ended up being #HTownRush.
UPDATE: Stephanie Simmons to join KHOU 11 as traffic anchor/reporter from KCBS 2 Los Angeles

5. Natasha Barrett leaves KTRK 13
abc 13 KTRK weekend anchor Natasha Barrett has left abc13 KTRK.
UPDATE: See where Natasha Barrett works now

4. Kevin Quinn resigns from KTRK abc13
After 15 years, KTRK abc13 reporter Kevin Quinn resigns from the station he's called home for a long time - but he's not the only one leaving.
UPDATE: See where Kevin Quinn works now

3. Rachel McNeill leaving KPRC 2
KPRC 2 anchor Rachel McNeill will say goodbye to Houston; her family will move in January.

2. Kitirik, 86, still in the hearts of Houston TV viewers
Bunny Orsak, aka KTRK 13's "Kitirik" has luck on her side - Dan Lovett catches up with her and reports back to us.

AND THE NUMBER ONE POST FOR 2018...

1. Darby Douglas exits KHOU 11
Darby Douglas tells me about KHOU: "I hope our paths cross once again. I’m already missing it!"


Comment about the 2019 top Houston media stories here

RELATED
- Top Houston media stories 2017
- Top Houston media stories 2016
- Top mikemcguff blog posts for 2015
- Top mikemcguff blog posts for 2014
- Top mikemcguff.com posts for 2013
- Top mikemcguff.com posts for 2012
- Top mikemcguff.com posts for 2011
- Top 10 mikemcguff.com blog posts for 2010
- Top mikemcguff.com posts of 2009
- Top mikemcguff.com posts of 2008
- Top Mike McGuff blog posts of 2007
- Top 10 for 2006



Sunday, December 30, 2018

Rachel McNeill's goodbye video from KPRC 2


The staff of KPRC 2 gives a great send off to morning anchor Rachel McNeill as she leaves the station for Phoenix, Arizona with her family.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

NewsFix review, 1560 The Game's big profile, fmr. Dallas reporter in CBS anchor chair? and more


WRIC-TV's live truck becomes crowd's dance floor after VCU win

Attitude trumps tradition on NewsFix
KIAH CW 39's revamped newscast offers variety, sacrifices immediacy says the Houston Chronicle.

UPDATE
WFAA wins Peabody award
The three — WFAA Dallas, WTHR Indianapolis and KSTP Minneapolis — were among 39 winners of the prestigious award announced this morning via a webcast from the University of Georgia, which administers the awards.

KGOW'S KAPOW KAPOW
1560 KGOW-AM The Game weaves pop culture, locker-room humor and irreverence into sports-talk radio.  This is a huge article by The Houston Press.

Is former Dallas TV reporter headed for CBS Evening News anchor's chair?
Several national publications are reporting that Katie Couric's departure (ejection?) from the tailspinning CBS Evening News is imminent. Most list 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley as a leading candidate to replace Couric in the anchor's chair.

Fox 26 gets new live trucks
Fox 26 KRIV built two new live trucks - take a tour.

Mysterious smoke on channel 11 newscast?
Is KHOU 11 borrowing a few ideas from the KISS concert at the rodeo?

WFAA 8 chopper flies off into sunset
Fear of not flying has prompted HD Chopper 8 pilot/reporter Troy Bush to call it a day at Dallas-based WFAA8.

Isiah Carey goes national again...
Isiah Carey AKA The Insite goes national again...this time not for the bug in mouth video, but Fox 26 KRIV's pole dancing story.

Waco's Fat Ho Burger joint owner interviewed on KCOH
Craig Shelton and Marcus Coleman interview Waco's Fat Ho Burger joint owner Ms. Evans on 1430 KCOH-AM.

Rachel McNeill talks her Jamaican heritage
KPRC 2 anchor Rachel McNeill talks her Jamaican heritage on the Tea Time-With Fiona podcast.

Brooke Meris Takes APD/MD Duties For KILT
BROOKE MERIS has been announced as the new APD/MD at CBS RADIO Country KILT/HOUSTON.
- 105.3 The Fan to Talk Sports in the Morning Beginning April 11

Clear Channel Dallas signs Kidd Kraddick for four more years
Kidd Kraddick renews his contract with KHKS/Dallas (106.1 KISS-FM) and more.

What happened to Lloyd Gite at KTSU?
Isiah Carey AKA The Insite finds out if Lloyd Gite was fired or left KTSU.

Daniel Frishberg: Houston's "MoneyMan" Settles With SEC
The Houston Press reports Daniel Frishberg settled a complaint from the SEC and will be reimbursing investors $65,000 for money invested in the BizRadio network.

Forget real TV cameras
Hey, stations! Tired of buying those pesky video cameras? There’s an app for that!

Drewry Communications stations getting new cameras
The Oklahoma-based group owner is rolling out local HD newscasts with the help of JVC's GY-HM790U and GY-HM700U camcorders.

All the World's a White-Balance
It's about as sexy as changing the batteries in your smoke detector, but skip it just once and your whole day could go up in flames. I'm talking about the lowly white-balance, that in-camera calibration that separates the cameramen from the fan-boys.

Ion Twin video camera
TWIN VIDEO is a video recorder that allows you to capture both your world and your reaction to it. (Thanks Will-E)

NATIONAL
- This is How Libyan TV Anchors Deliver the News
- Which Late Night Host First Convinced Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee To Drink On-Air at ‘Today’?
- Glenn Beck TV? The Challenges Beck Would Face If He Tries to Launch His Own Cable Channel
- MTV Hits Five-Year Ratings High With 27% Quarterly Gain

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- "KHOU 11 Stands For Houston" new logo and slogan
- KIAH 39 becomes CW39 again with new look starting today
- KHOU 11's new graphics and image spot
- Houston sports guy nails Jim Rome on air
- XFINITY finally 'replaces' Comcast on my cable box in Houston
- KHOU 11 feedback on new slogan/logo plus anchor IDs

Tuesday, September 03, 2013

Sibila Vargas gets big job, stylish Houston anchor and more


MORE VIDEOS
- Phoenix TV Reporter Rescues Motorist In Flash Flood
- TV Promo Spoofs ‘Blurred Lines’: ‘You Know You Watch It’
- Morning Anchors Give Twerking a Try
- Weatherman Gets ReMixed
- Here's a Supercut of People Saying "Twerk" on the News
- Best News Bloopers 2008
- Journalist Goes Topless During Interview With Mayor to Make a Point
- WFAA Graphics Reel 2013
- Sam Malone hits 6 months on the air
- Vintage AstroWorld TV Ads to Remind Us of Summers Past
- 'Linsanity' Teaser About Upcoming Film On Houston Rockets Player Released
- News 9 Celebrates Gary England's Long, Successful Career

WFAA's Devlin to Succeed Boylan Atop ABC Affiliates Board
Mike Devlin, president and general manager of Belo flagship WFAA Dallas, will succeed Dave Boylan as ABC affiliates board chairman upon his resignation from his general manager job at WPLG Miami Sept. 20.

D/FW: KESN’s Randy Galloway “No Rehab For That Crap”
Dallas sports radio legend Randy Galloway didn’t mince words for the second time this week when he suggested what he thinks the justice system should do to the teens accused of the just-for-fun killing of an Oklahoma college baseball player: “shoot ‘em between the eyes.”

DOJ Asks for More Information About Gannett's Purchase of Belo
The Department of Justice asked Gannett and Belo for more information about Gannett's $1.5 billion purchase of Belo.

Time Warner & CBS End Standoff
Reach Content Carriage Agreement; Programming To Return Monday PM

Verne Lundquist: 50 years of sports broadcasting, memories
For longtime viewers, it’s hard to believe that Lundquist, 73, has now spent more time on network television than he did on local TV as a mainstay on WFAA (Channel 8) in Dallas and as the longtime radio voice of the Dallas Cowboys before stints on ABC and CBS, most recently as the latter network’s voice of Southeastern Conference football.

Fall TX TV 2013
The new Fall TV 2013 schedule is quickly approaching us, so I will be posting some of the television station changes from across Texas on the blog.

Sibila Vargas Joins WNBC From KCBS
Former Fox 26 KRIV anchor Sibila Vargas is joining WNBC, the NBC owned station in New York, as co-anchor of the noon and 6 p.m. newscasts.

A very pregnant local TV news star leads a Labor Day fashion show that draws a big crowd
With KTRK Channel 13 news reporter Miya Shay about to deliver a son in a few short weeks, who better to serve as emcee of the 10th annual Woman's Hospital of Texas Labor Day Luncheon and Fashion Show?

Style Setter: Rachel McNeill
KPRC Local 2 anchor Rachel McNeill in a Nicole Miller vintage dress and Christian Louboutin platforms.

Houston: Buyers target Hispanic TV
Hispanics make up nearly a third of the TV market.

Dear Chron: How Not to Write a Mean-Spirited Article
This Houston Chronicle slideshow from back in January was passed around quite a bit yesterday across Houston social media -- funny how that delayed reaction happens sometimes, isn't it?

Appreciation of BOOTED NEWS WOMEN Blog
Houston Radio DJ Erica Rico Fell Asleep In Boots

KPRC met becomes author
Look for updates on KPRC weatherman Anthony Yanez' picture book about the water cycle. (Thanks to PR Fairy @farbulous)

KTRK's watchdog is a foodie
HCN reports that KTRK 13 Undercover's Brian Collister hits lunch at Vietopia behind channel 13.

Doug Pike of Sports Talk 790 back for more episodes of Sitcom FORE!
The executive producer of the golf sitcom FORE!, Scott Pitney announced the debut of new episodes 5 and 6.

Former Texans to compete on 'The Amazing Race'
Houston Texans fans will have an extra reason to watch the upcoming season of "The Amazing Race" on CBS/KHOU 11.

S.A. anchorwoman expecting fourth child
Yes, KENS-TV viewers, your eyes aren't deceiving you. Anchorwoman Sarah Lucero is expecting her fourth child.
- An expectant Lucero: Fourth child is a boy

KXAN to produce 7 a.m. newscast for sister station KNVA
Members of the morning team at KXAN will see their workload double soon.

Time Warner picks up Longhorn Network
Time Warner Cable Launches Longhorn Network University of Texas fans will receive Longhorn Network today in time for college football season opener

KWBU bids goodbye to “Car Talk”
Waco fans of popular public radio show “Car Talk” will see it disappear from the schedule of Waco public radio station KWBU-FM (103.3; www.kwbu.org).

Radio manager rejects Texas governor’s ads
Perry’s pitch won’t be heard on “Big 550” KTRS, St. Louis. General manager Mark Dorsey has yanked the spots off the air.


MOVING

KTRK 13 Undercover investigative producer Kevin Hirten tweets he is heading to San Francisco to join Al Jazeera America's investigative unit. He joins former 13 Undercover photographer Colin McIntyre who left for the same place in June.

I got confused the other day on Twitter when I saw the Houston Chronicle energy reporter Jeannie Kever tweeting out stuff from the University of Houston. Well, her Twitter bio says she now works for UH marketing covering the same topic. According to her Chron bio, she had worked at the paper since 1997. First in the features department for 10 years then at the city desk, where she reported on higher education, the 2010 Census and health care before moving to the business desk.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Former KTRK photographer Marshall Jard's legacy
- Can you imagine Houston TV after Dave Ward?
- Jay Michaels named 102.1 KDGE program director
- KTRK abc13 had job cuts
- Ruben Galvan joins KPRC 2 from XETV San Diego 6
- KTVT CBS 11 and KTXA 21 get new Dallas CBS Tower
- CSN to air more than 50 college football games
- 97.9 The Box's Madd Hatta becomes a cartoon
- Paulina Sodi joins Telemundo Houston KTMD from TV Azteca
- Stream KTRK abc13 on app with 'Watch ABC'
- KTRK abc13 debuts new 6:30pm newscast w/ Erik Barajas & Ilona Carson
- Jace Larson joins KPRC 2 investigative team from KUSA 9News Denver
- Howard Dorsey named Fox 26 KRIV assistant news director
- KPRC crawl suffers from bad timing
- KUBE 57 high school football live coverage schedule fall 2013
- Scarlett Greyson joins FOX7 KTBC from KAMC Lubbock
- Galveston Community Radio wants to bring back 101.5 KSTB and local radio


Tuesday, April 17, 2012

TV reporter vs snake video, WFAA punk'd? and more



MORE VIDEO
- Snake Ruins WAAY Reporter’s Stand-Up
- Greek Reporter Pelted With Eggs, Yogurt Live On-Air
- Chopper Video: Texting Man Comes Face to Face with Bear
- Cop Attacks KSTP Videographer
- Anderson Cooper Has Another Giggling Fit On Air, Apologizes For “Stupid” Comment
- Houston Dynamo promo commercials with KPRC
- CNN Goes Overboard With Branded News Segments
- Russian TV news reports on flying girl
- mikemcguff video page

WFAA Channel 8 Gets Punk’d
A viewer noticed WFAA Channel 8 used a fake tornado picture on its newscast.

WFAA8's Izaguirre births her twins
Cynthia Izaguirre, co-anchor of WFAA8's early morning Daybreak, gave birth to twins a month ahead of schedule Thursday evening.
- WFAA8's Daybreak re-aligns its personalities while Cynthia Izaguirre is on maternity leave

Tony Romo, Candice Crawford welcome first child Hawkins Crawford Romo
Tony Romo and former KDAF 33 reporter Candice Crawford have welcomed their first child together.

Suzi Hanks of the Dean and Rog show on 107.5 The Eagle KGLK tells me she will be getting a face lift Thursday with Dr. Franklin Rose. The station will post the video on its website. Reminds me of when Texas State Senator Dan Patrick got a vasectomy live on the air back in his radio days.
- Cox Media Group to broadcast Skeeters' games

KSBJ changes
89.3 KSBJ announced that Joey K. and Coppelia Rivera are moving to the Afternoon Show starting May 7th. You will be able to hear them on your drive home from 3-7pm.
- 89.3 KSBJ's Liz Jordan announces departure
- 89.3 KSBJ's Mike Kankelfritz leaving Houston

This Is How Angry People Get When A Radio Station Pretends To Hire Jim Rome
So when ESPN 97.5 in Houston hired a Jim Rome impersonator, KPRC 2's Adam Clanton, to fill in for A.J. Hoffman, a vacationing host on The Blitz, its listeners lost it.

Rachel McNeill – KPRC Media Mom
KPRC 2 anchor Rachel McNeill shares her maternity story.

KFNC's future up in air
KFNC (97.5 FM) is on the market, and broker Larry Patrick of Maryland-based Patrick Communications will be looking for a potential buyer at next week's National Association of Broadcasters convention in Las Vegas.

KABB set photos
KABB-TV Fox, San Antonio, Texas 2012 set designed by Devlin Design Group

Bree Promoted To MD/Middays At KAJA San Antonio
At country KAJA (KJ 97) San Antonio, longtime station part-timer Bree has been promoted to MD and midday host.

Who's that? New faces and those who are missing on local TV
While KXAN-TV (NBC) is winning in the ratings, their newsroom staff is getting smaller and smaller and it’s beginning to show on the air.

Comedy radio station catches on with Austin listeners
Comedy 102.7, which launched in late October, has wasted no time overtaking several of Austin's best-known radio stations in the monthly Arbitron ratings — even landing in the top 10 on a few occasions.

Kimmel Co-Chairing Major Weather Conference
KEYE-TV Chief Meteorologist Troy Kimmel tells me he is co-chairing (along with Ken Carey of Noblis) the 93rd Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society.

Time Warner subscribers in Austin/San Antonio to miss three Astros games
Astros fans in San Antonio and Austin might not be able to see their favorite team on TV much lately.
- Dear Fox Sports Houston: Your Astros Broadcast Suck

KTSM's Mena leaving El Paso
El Paso's own Phillip Mena is saying adios to the Sun City.

Townsquare sells Texas FM trio
Townsquare Media says it decided to sell its three stations in Odessa-Midland, TX.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- KENS 5’s Fred Lozano Plans to Retire
- KHOU 11 hires Andrew Horansky from KVUE Austin
- Zakk United returns to Houston at 100.3 KILT
- KHOU 11 hires Scott Noll ‏from WREG Memphis
- N.D. Kalu and Greg Koch join 790 KBME from 610 KILT
- Houston summer camp directory book
- KXAS 5 hires Mark Hayes from WAGA
- KHOU 11 wins Murrow Awards for TV and website
- Feeding the Houston anchors - it's a taxing job
- KPRC 2 hires anchor Phillip Mena from KTSM/KDBC El Paso