Why is Sharron Melton a KTRK abc13 'field anchor' now?

UPDATE OCTOBER 18, 2018
Sharron Melton returns to Houston TV on CW 39 KIAH

Sharron Melton becomes a KTRK abc13 "field anchor?"

***UPDATE MAY 06, 2015***
- Sharron Melton exits KTRK abc13
- Sharron Melton's future after KTRK abc13: We have a clue

UPDATE DECEMBER 31, 2014
This Sharron Melton post is my top post of 2014 and now of all time

Sharron Melton

I'm still on a blogging break but a KTRK abc13 development has brought me back for one quick post.

All I gotta say is I'm receiving a ton of emails, tweets and Facebook messages about KTRK abc13 anchor Sharron Melton.

Angry viewers are wondering why Melton has been removed from the morning anchor desk and is now reporting in the field during the morning news (today marks week 2). Heck, even members of the media are writing me to find out the deal.

And get this...my wife received an email asking me to get blogging again just to post something about Melton.

On the air, Melton is being called a "field anchor." That is not a term I'm familiar with. Apparently no one else knows what it means either. So let's define it as someone who is still technically called an anchor, but for some reason now reports from the field.

Melton isn't talking either. As you might imagine, I am not the only one getting a ton of queries as to where the popular morning anchor has been. Melton is getting lots of questions on Twitter and Facebook but she is keeping mum and just pumping out news items.

I think people are asking me the deal to find out if she did something wrong on air. No, I am not aware of any misdeed on Melton's part.

Really, I think we should look at the bigger picture. KPRC has been sending over press releases at the end of every TV rating sweeps periods declaring wins in the mornings since last November (February & May here). That means KPRC is beating, or close to beating, the once unbeatable KTRK morning newscast. In the past, it was true that you could add up the other Houston stations' ratings and not equal the mighty 13 morning ratings.  I told you last year there was already one abc13 morning change and there would be more (the Melton move could be the more with even more on the way).

In Melton's studio anchor absence, weekend morning anchor Samica Knight has been doing the fill-in job. Will she take over permanently? We'll just have to watch for now I guess to get that answer.

And as I've told people who have written in, we could see Melton back on the news desk tomorrow for all we know. If the ratings go down, I'm sure management will have Melton back reading the prompter again.

It's not the only move at KTRK. They have hired some new reporters and moved an executive producer from nights to weekends.

I think we'll see even more changes once a new news director shows up at the station.

PS
Besides Melton, I'm getting a lot of questions on where I have been and if I'm OK. Glad to report everything is fine.  Thanks for the concern.

 As I stated before, I am working on a bunch of other stuff I will tell you about later when I can. I'm also still chugging along with the 101 KLOL documentary writing. Hope to be back after Labor Day. If you want me back sooner, like my Facebook page. If I jump up a couple hundred likes, I will start posting sooner than later!

***UPDATE MAY 06, 2015***

Sharron Melton exits KTRK abc13

RELATED
- Where has KTRK 13 anchor Sharron Melton been?
- KTRK 13 morning anchor Sharron Melton rejoins Tom Koch

Sharron Melton exits KTRK abc13

UPDATE OCTOBER 18, 2018
Sharron Melton returns to Houston TV on CW 39 KIAH


"Field anchor" Sharron Melton announces KTRK abc13 departure on Facebook

Sharron Melton

Ever since Sharron Melton was made a KTRK abc13 field anchor in August of 2014, my readers thought the longtime morning anchor would be leaving the Disney/ABC Television Group station sooner than later.

Today that day has come.

----------
UPDATE
Sharron Melton's future after KTRK abc13: We have a clue
----------

In a post on Facebook, Melton announced her departure and broke her radio silence on the whole apparent "field anchor" demotion.

"Even as things changed, you still stayed around," Melton posted. "And I thank you for that."

Hello Everyone! It was exactly 8 years ago this week, I started my adventure. Now 8 years, and thousands of fun filled...
Posted by ABC13-Sharron Melton on Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Readers of my blog know that my post about Sharron Melton becoming a "field anchor" has become my number one blog post in the 10 years I've been writing here. That's quite a statement on her popularity considering it was just posted last year!

The San Antonio native came to Houston in 2007 from working as the weekend anchor at WSVN Miami. Before that, she was an anchor at WPMI Mobile, Alabama. She was also an anchor at KOBR Roswell, New Mexico. The award winning journalist got her start as a radio reporter for the Agriculture Communications Network in Texas.

The Texas A&M graduate also has a Master's degree in television communication from Eastern New Mexico University.

While in Houston, Melton has been very active in the community. Will she still be able to be involved in our community? We'll just have to wait and watch to see where she ends up next.

Melton was replaced at the morning anchor desk by then weekend morning anchor Samica Knight.

Sharron Melton goes digital

Former KTRK abc13 morning anchor Sharron Melton gets new website


As you saw yesterday in my top 10 mikemcguff.com posts ever piece, Sharron Melton made the top spot. So, from now on, if the former KTRK abc13 morning anchor so much as sneezes, I'm writing about her! You demand it!

Actually Melton does have news this week in the form of a new website.

At the site, you can see some of the big-time celebs Melton has interviewed over the years, her volunteer work and a sample of her anchoring.

What might excite Melton-ites (I think I will start using this term regularly) the most is her beauty pageant page. You're used to seeing Sharron Melton the TV anchor, but wait till you see Sharron Melton aka Miss New Mexico in 1993.

And before you ask, no, I don't know anything about her return to television news.

sharronmelton.com

RELATED
- Sharron Melton's future after KTRK abc13: We have a clue
- Sharron Melton exits KTRK abc13
- Why is Sharron Melton a KTRK abc13 'field anchor' now?

(Thanks Robin)

Sharron Melton's future after KTRK abc13: We have a clue

Looks like Sharron Melton is ready for takeoff in her post KTRK abc13 career

Sharron Melton

Lot's of talk here and around the web about what Houston TV anchor Sharron Melton will do next after leaving KTRK abc13 this week.

Naturally talk of a non-compete clause has come up in those conversations.

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See where Sharron Melton celebrated the weekend after she left KTRK abc13
----------

A clause like that in Melton's contract would keep her from appearing on any TV station for a determined amount of time after she leaves KTRK. Essentially it protects abc13 from Melton showing up over at KPRC 2, KHOU 11, FOX 26 KRIV...etc. and taking channel 13 viewers with her.

A person with close ties to Melton's situation told mikemcguff.com that she does not have a non-compete in her contract. In fact many of the older KTRK contracts did not contain the clause. That means Melton is free and clear to show up on another television station as soon as her KTRK contract ends.

Now the question is, did her contract end when she left the station this week, or do we still have some time left on it?

Stay tuned.

RELATED
Why is Sharron Melton a KTRK abc13 'field anchor' now?

Top mikemcguff blog posts for 2015

Based on what you're clicking here, we know who the stars of Houston TV are (even if they aren't on air anymore)

Sharron Melton

Happy New Year! Here are the top Houston media stories of 2015 by page views on mikemcguff.com. So that means you decided this list by clicking on these posts the most throughout the year.

And based on the results,  you seem to love television news more than any other form of media.

This year's question is...should I actually write new posts, or just coast off old ones? That's sorta a joke, but there is some truth to it. The new crop of Houston TV anchors and reporters need to tune in their star power, because if viewers don't care about who is on their television screen, blogs like mine fade away too! I'm like that little parasite that needs to feed off the host (Houston media) to survive. Time to get tasty!

10. Casey Curry is pregnant
We start at number 10, where we go back in time to 2013 when KTRK abc13 morning meteorologist Casey Curry was expecting. Even in 2015, loyal Curry watchers couldn't get enough.

9. Where is Dominique Sachse?
In April, KPRC 2 anchor Dominique Sachse signed a new contract with the station and left the 5pm newscast. Viewers wanted to know what happened!

8. Lucy Noland shows off sex appeal in photos
This was a 2011 post about former KHOU 11 anchor Lucy Noland who is apparently gaining new fans at her new station, FOX 29 Philadelphia, because they are still finding this post when they hit Google.

7. Sharron Melton exits KTRK abc13
In May, KTRK abc13 field anchor Sharron Melton left the Disney ABC Television Group station much to the chagrin of viewers.

6. KPRC 2's Anthony Yanez heading to KNBC LA
This post was from 2014, but KPRC 2 morning meteorolgoist Anthony Yanez officially left the Houston NBC affiliate in January so lots of sad channel 2 viewers were hitting the internet wanting more info. (RELATED: PHOTOS: KPRC staff's big Anthony Yanez KNBC send off party)

5. KPRC 2 reporters Reyna and Jáquez caught in the act
This 2010 post goes to show that if you mention KPRC 2 anchor Jennifer Reyna and former channel 2 reporter Nefertiti Jáquez, you get guaranteed web traffic.

4. Elita Loresca joins KTRK abc13 after LA's KNBC 4
This post feeds in to the star power I was talking about above because when former KNBC 4 meteorologist Elita Loresca joined KTRK abc13 in June, Houston television viewers definitely took notice.

3. Casey Curry takes a fall on KTRK abc13's 11am newscast
When one of Houston TV's established big stars fell live on the air, viewers responded with lots of sympathy for KTRK abc13 meteorologist Casey Curry. And in Where is Casey Curry?, I explained how I get questions on a weekly, if not daily basis, about where she's been since.

2. Casey Curry and Travis Herzog to switch places on KTRK abc13
It was a big moment in July, pre-fall, when KTRK abc13 managers switched the schedules of KTRK abc13 morning meteorologist Casey Curry with mid-day met Travis Herzog with little explanation.

1. Why is Sharron Melton a KTRK abc13 'field anchor' now?
And the number 1 spot goes to...drum roll please...still the biggest post of all time on this blog, this 2014 post about former KTRK abc13 morning anchor Sharron Melton becoming a "field anchor" won't go away. Outraged viewers filled my comments section, email box and social media with complaints. If I get that big of a reaction, I can't imagine how much the TV station must receive!

RELATED
- 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

Top mikemcguff blog posts for 2014

The 2014 number one post, in a matter of months, is now my most read post of all time!

Happy New Year! Here are the top Houston media stories of 2014 by page views on mikemcguff.com (although in years past, a Dallas story has been tops). So that means you decided this list by reading these posts the most throughout the year. And the number one story this year is even bigger than just 2014!

10. Courtney Zavala to leave KPRC 2 and TV
In November, popular weekend morning KPRC 2 anchor Courtney Zavala told me she was giving up TV to spend time with her family after juggling a crazy broadcast schedule.

9. Britta Merwin joins KPRC 2 as meteorologist
Last May, Britta Merwin came out of TV retirement to join KPRC 2. She had last worked at KCRA Sacramento. Merwin replaced Idolina Peralez. This week we found out Merwin is replacing the KNBC Los Angeles bound morning meteorologist Anthony Yanez.

8. KPRC 2 hires fmr. beauty queen, Sharron Melton vs Lily Jang and more
This old post from 2012 popped up because of one of the names in the title. Can you guess who? If not, scroll down to the top post for the details.

7. Casey Curry is pregnant
Once again, not a post from 2014, but when abc 13 KTRK morning meteorologist Casey Curry is mentioned, this number one 2013 entry still pops up at number 7 for this year. Curry's baby girl was born in January 2014.

6. Adela Uchida gone from abc13 KTRK with expanded weekend news on the way?
As KTRK abc13 added a half hour to its 10pm weekend newscast in January, anchor Adela Uchida left the station. She quickly joined News 92 KROI. When that station flipped to Boom 92.1 classic hip hop, Uchida announced she will join KEYE Austin.

5. KHOU 11 anchor Ron Trevino arrested; charged with DWI
In March, KHOU 11 reported, its own morning anchor, Ron Trevino, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated. In June, Trevino's DWI case was dismissed.

4. Corey Foley leaves The Bull 100.3 KILT; plus other changes
Angry The New Bull @ 100.3 KILT listeners started emailing me in April about the fact Corey Foley left the CBS country morning show. Partner Greg Thunder remained and Cowboy Dave moved to nights. By November, Greg Thunder had left the station too. Will the morning duo reunite somewhere?

3. Katherine Whaley leaving KHOU 11
In June, KHOU announced it was re-hiring Darby Douglas for morning traffic. That meant his replacement, Katherine Whaley, was going to report. The call of the commute was clearly too much, so Whaley bolted for the comfort of KTRK abc13's chroma key traffic wall. She debuted on the Disney/ABC Television Group doing evening traffic, but many of my readers suspect she will eventually replace longtime morning man Don Nelson. One of many changes that could be possible in 2015 for channel 13.

2. 93.7 The Beat Houston replaces 93.7 The Arrow KKRW
Exactly a year ago, I was attached to my computer for hours (much to my wife's New Year's Eve chagrin) blogging about the death of classic rocker 93.7 The Arrow KKRW. The station that emerged from its low rated ashes was urban formatted 93.7 The Beat KQBT. Houston radio ratings were never the same afterwards. Clear Channel IHeart Media knew how to shake things up with this move. I think this event eventually killed News 92 KROI. In my top 2013 post, I predicted this one would make 2014's top 10...nailed that one!

1. Why is Sharron Melton a KTRK abc13 'field anchor' now?

Sharron Melton

And the number one 2014 mikemcguff.com blog post is...[insert drum roll here]...the re-assignment of KTRK abc13 morning anchor Sharron Melton to field anchor.

 I got flack from readers for asking what a field anchor is in my original post. Yes, I get it is something from years ago where an anchor was in the field, you know, anchoring the news. This is not what Melton is doing. She is doing the job as a morning reporter. Sounds like a contractual thing.

And she is getting rave reviews as a reporter too.

 But not only is this late August post my number one item for the year, it is also the number one post of all time on my blog. And I have been publishing since 2005! So in a matter of months, Melton's post has shot up to my most read post...EVER. I have NEVER received so much angry email about a Houston media figure (Please don't blame me, I had nothing to do with her move!). I can just imagine what the station must be getting from her very devoted fans. So far, Melton's presumed morning anchor replacement is weekender Samica Knight.

Here is to a great 2015 for the Houston TV, radio, newspaper and digital crowd! It makes a decade for this little free media blog plugging along on blogger.com. This year it hit a high of 130,000 monthly unique readers in July! (more than a million readers overall for the year) Thank you.

RELATED
- 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

Where has KTRK 13 anchor Sharron Melton been?

UPDATE AUGUST 25, 2014
Why is Sharron Melton a KTRK abc13 'field anchor' now?

Lots of emails coming into this blog asking where KTRK 13 morning news anchor Sharron Melton has been?

Don't worry Melton fans, she will be back. Here is what Melton wrote on her Facebook fan page:

"Sorry I've been away for so long. But, for those of you who do not know I have a painful back injury. As soon as I get past this, I will be back on the air. Thank you to all who have sent words of encouragement and prayers because I really do appreciate it."

Melton is not the only KTRK anchor disappearing from the channel 13 airwaves lately. Longtime anchor Dave Ward injured himself after a fall while heading to the news desk to anchor the 10pm news a few weeks ago. He is currently recovering from surgery.

RELATED
- PHOTOS: KTRK 13 morning show promo shoot
- New KTRK 13 morning anchor Sharron Melton

(Image courtesy of Girl Scouts of San Jacinto)

Sharron Melton returns to Houston TV on CW 39 KIAH

EXCLUSIVE: The Houston on-air team of the new Houston only "Morning Dose" debuting Monday on CW39 KIAH

Sharron Melton

As I blogged this week, Tribune's syndicated morning show Morning Dose is becoming a Houston-only newscast this Monday (10/22/2018) exclusively on CW39 KIAH from 6 to 9am.

The newly relocated show will debut a new set of on-air anchors and reporters except for Maggie Flecknoe who continues with channel 39 where she has been providing local morning cut-ins for the station..

So who are the new faces of CW39's local version of Morning Dose? According to an internal email obtained by mikemcguff.com, we have the answers!

Sharron Melton – ANCHOR

The first personality needs no introduction as she is very familiar to Houston viewers from her tenure at mornings on abc13 KTRK which ended in 2015. In fact, anchor Sharron Melton has been the subject of my number two overall post of all time!

The San Antonio native came to Houston's channel 13 in 2007 from weekend anchor duties at WSVN Miami. Prior to that, she was an anchor at WPMI Mobile, Alabama and KOBR Roswell, New Mexico. The award winning journalist got her start as a radio reporter for the Agriculture Communications Network in Texas. The Texas A&M grad also has a Master's degree in television communication from Eastern New Mexico University.

Since her KTRK days, Melton has launched her podcast “Sharing the Sugar with Sharron” where she interviews some big names about the importance of giving back to their communities.

She knows something about that.

Melton is a proud member of the International Women’s Forum Houston Chapter, the National Association of Black Journalists and has been a member of the Board of Directors for the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council in Houston and Steering Committee for Women of Wardrobe with Dress For Success Houston.

Houston Woman’s Magazine named her one of the 50 Most influential Women in the City of Houston.

Shannon LaNier – ANCHOR

Shannon LaNier has most recently worked as a weekend morning anchor at Fios1 News in New York. Before that he was a multi-media journalist (One-Man-Band) at News 12 Networks.

After graduating from Kent State University, he made his New York City debut as a segment producer for the WCBS CBS2 Morning Show.

As a teenager in Cincinnati, LaNier got his first television job on “Real Exchange,” an Emmy Award winning talk show focusing on issues important to young people.

LaNier co-authored the Random House Inc. book Jefferson’s Children: The Story of One American Family along with photojournalist Jane Feldman. The book follows his journey to uncover the history behind his heritage as a 9th generation direct descendant of Thomas Jefferson and his slave Sally Hemings.

LaNier remains an active member of his church, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and the National Association of Black Journalists.

He’s married to his college sweetheart, Chandra, and they have three children - Madison, McKenzie and Carter.


Maria Sotolongo – METEOROLOGIST

My Dallas-Fort Worth readers will recognize Maria Sotolongo from her six years at FOX 4 KDFW's "Good Day," where she was not only a meteorologist, but also an entertainment reporter.

In 2007, Sotolongo stepped away from morning television to be a full-time mother - since moving to Houston.

During that time she also produced two documentaries. "Breathe,” about home births, earned her a Remi Award at Houston’s Worldfest.

Like many Houstonians, Sotolongo and her family were flooded by Hurricane Harvey's waters after the dam releases. Her desire is to share her journey and inspire changes so this doesn’t happen again. She most recently finished a documentary on Harvey called “Changed: When the Dams Opened”.

Before her time Dallas, Sotolongo did weather and entertainment for Telemundo’s “Primera Edicion.”

Her TV career started at just age 19 working for Telemundo’s nationally syndicated music video show, “Ritmo Latino” where she landed interviews with the likes of Julio Iglesias and Jennifer Lopez.

Sotolongo has two degrees, in Communications (University of Houston) and in Broadcast Meteorology (Mississippi State University).


Shane Allen – REPORTER

Another Dallas transplant, Shane Allen started his TV career in 2001 in Beaumont, then Austin and finally to the Metroplex. His bio says he has done everything from running newsrooms to anchoring newscasts. He comes to Houston from producing the syndicated version of Morning Dose at KDAF.

For his work, Shane has been awarded a National Edward R. Murrow Award, an EMMY Award, several regional Edward R. Murrow Awards, the national Society of Professional Journalists’ medal for excellence in reporting, as well as the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters / Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas Award for outstanding work in issues related to public information.

Shane is also certified and has been trained by the Texas Office of Attorney General and the Texas Bar Association in the Texas Public Information Act.


Courtney Carpenter – REPORTER

In my Flecknoe profile, I revealed that KBTX Bryan - College Station reporter Courtney Carpenter was coming to KIAH.

She has been with KBTX since February of 2016.

Carpenter started in local TV at KRBC Abilene.

It was golf that got Carpenter's foot in the TV door.

She began playing golf competitively at a young age, eventually attending Dallas Baptist University on a scholarship.

After graduation, Carpenter got the opportunity to intern with CBS Sports and travel each week with the PGA Tour. She assisted in production of CBS golf coverage for several tournaments.


So that's what I know now. Stay tuned for the debut Monday morning running from 6 to 9am.

KPRC 2 hires fmr. beauty queen, Sharron Melton vs Lily Jang and more

I told you in early January that KHOU 11 hired Lily Jang for morning anchor from KCPQ Q13 Seattle. Jang is back in her hometown of Houston and already has a channel 11 promo ready (embedded above). The Langham Creek High School grad is obviously already working at KHOU, but officially starts on the morning news next Monday.

"I am incredibly blessed that KHOU is giving me this opportunity," Jang previously told mikemcguff.com. "Excited to finally be home where I grew up and my parents can watch me."

KTRK 13 morning anchor Sharron Melton rejoins Tom Koch

Speaking of mornings, over at KTRK 13, anchor Sharron Melton has been MIA for a while. Well, she came back this week after recovering.

"I so want to thank all of you again for your thoughts and prayers," Melton told her Facebook page fans. "I know you made a difference."

And for good measure...I hear former KPRC 2 anchor Don Armstrong (and big voice over/talent guy) was reporting from Sky Eye HD recently.

KPRC 2 anchor Daniella Guzman to co-anchor with Lester Holt's son at NBC 5 WMAQ Chicago

Enjoy KPRC 2 weekend anchor Daniella Guzman while you still can. In March, Guzman is going to Chicago to be the weekday morning anchor at NBC owned and operated NBC 5 WMAQ.

Chicago media blogger Robert Feder reports Guzman's new co-anchor will be Stefan Holt. Last name ring a bell for NBC watchers? Stefan Holt is the 24-year-old son of NBC News anchor Lester Holt who joined the NBC station last year. I bet it was that cool font on his resume that got him this job.

KPRC 2 hires former Miss Lafayette, KLFY Lafayette reporter Alexandra Lewis

And here is a second note to the Guzman fan boys. I know you are losing your weekend highlight, but before you get too depressed, KPRC 2 just brought on a new reporter who is a former Miss Lafayette and 3rd place finisher in Miss Louisiana! Ca c'est bon. Fall in love with KPRC weekends all over again!

 Former KLFY Lafayette reporter Alexandra Lewis is now on the KPRC airwaves (as a freelance reporter from what I understand). Go look at her official Miss Louisiana contest page. I know where your priorities are, if you get around to it, here is one of her stories that aired on channel 2 last weekend.

Casey Curry and Sharron Melton reunite on TV

Sharron Melton and Casey Curry share the TV screen again on CW39 KIAH Moring Dose


It's been three years, as far as I know, since Sharron Melton and Casey Curry have appeared on television together and I can announce that drought is officially over as of this morning.

Looking at social media, the former abc13 KTRK morning show staples have clearly remained friends, so it is no surprise this television reunion has eventually happened.

If I could earn a dollar every time someone asks me the whereabouts of former abc13 meteorologist Casey Curry, first of all, I would never give you an answer so I could keep making a fast buck, and I would be able to splurge at Pappasito's on the weekends.

So here is the answer to "Where is Casey Curry these days?"

After leaving channel 13 in September of 2017, I was watching Curry's every move for you from filling in at KPRC 2's Houston Life and FOX 26 KRIV's weather department.

In my world, learning Curry had left channel 13 on a Sunday, then seeing her channel 2 the next day was like the Houston media covering a big weather event. I should install a bell to ring and a "breaking news" banner to hang on the wall when stuff like this happens. You might remember this was the time I jumped in the car and drove the Galleria so I could get a comment from Curry as she walked off the Houston Life set. My own wife was like, "why can't you show this much initiative around the house?"

I was very on top of things...then I blew it. Curry took a new non-TV gig and I dropped the ball for you.

In early 2018, Curry joined the alliantgroup as Community Relations Director. The company bills itself as the premier provider of specialty tax services.

I'll admit her new gig flew under the radar for me.

So long story longer, Curry appeared on Melton's new CW39 KIAH Morning Dose show this morning to promote the 2019 Alliant Group Blue Heart Fund STEM scholarship program.

Who are the most searched Houston TV & radio folks?

The top 10 Houston media members searched for on mikemcguff.com in the last decade


Just like Keanu Reeves might say, "Whoa!"

Can you believe mikemcguff.com is 10 years old? We had a blast going down memory lane looking at the top 10 posts of all time, but there's one more thing we can use to stretch the decade of media decadence!

So, which Houston media members are searched the most for on Google and other engines? That means we are seeing the big dogs in Houston TV and radio you are looking for to find my little old blog.

This will answer the question some have as to why I cover certain people so much. That's because the people have spoken!

Now, in reality the number one searched person is me. But that kind of makes sense when you consider my name gets folks to this destination. Strike the old McGuffer and fun variations of my name like "Mike McGruff" out of the mix.

So now on with the show!

1. Jennifer Reyna
Are you really surprised KPRC 2 morning traffic anchor Jennifer Reyna is the number one most searched person in Houston media on my blog? I'm not. Why? Because anytime I look at my live blog traffic stats, someone is searching for her. We're also talking about someone who had an entire Twitter feed dedicated to her at one point.

2. Dominique Sachse
Wow, look at that...KPRC 2 talent take the top two spots. Also, a no brainer even if a few commenters' heads will explode upon seeing Dominique Sachse on the list (I think Sachse bashing is a sport for a few out there). People demand to know why I cover Sachse a lot. Well here is your answer. If readers are Googling her this much, then there is demand for coverage. Simple as that. Here's a twist. If I combined Sachse's search numbers with her husband's, Nick Florescu, then these two would be number one. In fact, more people are searching for Florescu on this blog than most people actually in the media.

3. Sam Malone
When Sam Malone left 104.1 KRBE, the Internet exploded way before Kim Kardashian showed off her assets online. Then when he was let go from Mix 96.5 and 740 KTRH, the same thing happened. Malone is a true survivor in the Houston radio business. He now hosts a morning show at 1070 The Answer KNTH. When others come and go in this tough industry, Malone perseveres and thrives. Even when he is taking to YouTube challenging me to push up contests (more on that later).

4. Casey Curry
KTRK abc13 meteorologist Casey Curry dominated my top 10 blog post list of all time. No surprise people are searching for her. If I post about Curry, they will come.

5. Lisa Foronda
Former KHOU 11 anchor Lisa Foronda left the TV news biz in 2006. However, that didn't mean she left viewers' hearts. They still look her up and ask me about her all of the time. Last I heard, she is working for Memorial Hermann.

6. Lucy Noland
Foronda's successor, Lucy Noland, left KHOU in 2011. Wherever Noland goes, her viewers hit the search engines for more info and find my blog. Currently, Noland works for Philadelphia's FOX 29 WTXF. Last I heard, her co-anchor has a familiar name in Houston - former KPRC 2 anchor Iain Page.

7. Chris Baker
Remember AM talk show host Chris Baker? Sure you do. He started off at 740 KTRH in the early 2000s or so. Then he left for KTLK-FM Minneapolis. Then he came back to 950 KPRC. Then he was on the air at 700 KSEV. His listeners in both Houston and Minneapolis scoured Google for info during these years and found little ole me. It was such a big deal, I created a Chris Baker page that listed all of this stories.

8. Chita Johnson
KHOU 11 meteorolgoist Chita Johnson is searched for on search engines with all kinds of parameters. Most I cannot republish here since this is a PG blog. Yep, when Johnson first arrived, I forecasted a chance of popularity. That was met with 100% certainty.

9. Whitney Casey
Whitney Casey hosted KHOU 11's Great Day Houston when it first hit the air. Then she left and wrote a book. I remember seeing someone from the Sirius Radio network looking at my blog the day before Casey was scheduled to be on The Howard Stern Show. If you listen to Howard, then you know Baba Booey and crew do lots of research. That means even down to the granular level of my little blog. Anyone know where Casey is now?

10. Sharron Melton
We've gone over this one numerous times, but here we go again. When abc13 KTRK anchor Sharron Melton was demoted to field anchor and then left the station, she very quickly became my number one post of all time! So no surprise she made an appearance in the top 10 searches. The only difference for Melton than from some of the others above is her stuff happened in the age of social media. That means my posts were shared on Facebook, Twitter...etc. and less people were actually searching for her. It's a changing world my friends. Plus, all this happened to Melton in just the last few years. Give her more time, she'll move up the list.

HONORABLE MENTION
Pat Gray is next on the list. After all, he did leave 700 KSEV for the national airwaves of The Glenn Beck Show. Expect searches for him across the United States.

See you on the other side

Taking off blogger hat, to put on director's hat? Production assistant get me my Dr Pepper 10!!!

The real star of my blog - Sharron Melton!

"So Long Farewell" as I put the mikemcguff.com on hiatus. Lot's of stuff going on right now so it will be blog break time for a while or is it awhile?

The Houston and Texas media party will still continue on my social media accounts. Make sure to follow me on Twitter and Facebook and Instagram to keep up with what's going on while I'm away from here.

When I went to New York in April, it wasn't to get offered munchies by CNN, take a Big Apple media tour or even just to see a real space shuttle.

No, it was to interview legendary drummer Carmine Appice (Rod Stewart, Ozzy, Vanilla Fudge, Cactus to name a few of his bands) for my Rock 101 KLOL documentary.

Appice was awesome. I could have sat there all day talking rock and roll and the music industry. And you thought the TV industry was difficult!

So it's on to finishing the much talked about, little seen KLOL doc. It's almost like a radio unicorn.

Don't worry, if Sharron Melton shows up somewhere, I will return to post for that! I talked with Melton this past weekend at the Don Nelson surprise party in Galveston and she told me I would be one of the first to hear her good news when she has some.

Goodbye, I will miss you but will be back when I can!

And just because I'm not currently posting, doesn't mean you have to stop dropping by here. I have a Houston news page updating stories 24 hours a day, the same for a media news page, Houston TV Instagram photos and a page with Houston media member tweets.

Mike McGuff and Carmine Appice

Top 10 mikemcguff posts of all time

The top 10 posts ever, as chosen by readers, on mikemcguff.com


So who in the Houston media world has made my blog's top 10 posts of all time category? You've seen me mention the list, but never post it. So in honor of mikemcguff.com's 10 year existence, here are the top posts of the last decade! And to no one's surprise, Houston TV and radio are dominate with one exception.

The reason these posts are in the top 10 is by page views, so they are what readers clicked on the most.

1. Why is Sharron Melton a KTRK abc13 'field anchor' now?
No duh...huh? I've admitted the August 2014 post about Sharron Melton becoming a KTRK abc13 'field anchor' has been my number 1 post of all time for a while now. And it still remains there by leaps and bounds. From what I understand after leaving channel 13, Melton is still in Houston, but has not popped up on another station...yet.

2. Casey Curry is pregnant
There seems to be a trend of former KTRK abc13 morning folks appearing in my top spots of all time. Based on your reaction, KTRK abc13 meteorologist Casey Curry's birth announcement was akin to the royal family declaring the coming arrival of an heir to the throne. You couldn't stop reading! So I kept updating you through the whole event. Windsor "Winnie" Curry Hahn was born January 30, 2014.

3. KPRC 2's Dominique Sachse gets engaged in Rome
And speaking of Houston TV royalty, the October 2011 news of KPRC 2 anchor Dominique Sachse's engagement to Nick Florescu was a can't miss read around here too. The popular couple officially tied the knot in May of 2012. Pastor Joel Osteen of Houston's Lakewood Church performed the ceremony.

4. 93.7 The Beat Houston replaces 93.7 The Arrow KKRW
I always thought that the then named Clear Channel Houston (now IHeartMedia) switched classic rocker 93.7 The Arrow KKRW to 93.7 The Beat KQBT just to mess with Radio One's 97.9 KBXX because the latter company took on 740 KTRH with News 92 KROI. Then people will tell me to take off my tinfoil hat. Either way, things in the Houston radio ratings world haven't been the same since. I personally will remember my family waiting for me to get off the computer on New Year's Eve Day 2013 as I live blogged the big 93.7 format flip. Oh, the sacrifice of the blog.

5. Casey Curry takes a fall on KTRK abc13's 11am newscast
It just happened last month (September 2015), but when Casey Curry took a fall on KTRK abc13's new set live on TV, the post almost immediately made my top 10 list. The mega-popular meteorologist has lots of concerned fans. I'm no chief weather guesser, but I can predict Curry will return with lots of warm well wishes from channel 13 viewers.

6. Casey Curry and Travis Herzog to switch places on KTRK abc13
I know, enough about Casey Curry, but I can't help it if she's the one you want to read about non-stop! When station management swapped her schedule with mid-day met Travis Herzog in July 2015, viewers stormed my blog looking for details.

7. Elita Loresca joins KTRK abc13 after LA's KNBC 4
Clearly Elita Loresca made a big splash when she arrived at Houston's KTRK abc13 in June of 2015. Just before the Bayou City, she was working mornings in Los Angeles at KNBC NBC4's “Today in LA.” I still have loyal Southern California TV viewers on my blog looking for information about her.

8. KPRC 2's Anthony Yanez heading to KNBC LA
Speaking of Los Angles TV weather, it broke many Houston TV viewers' hearts when KPRC 2 morning met Anthony Yanez announced in October 2014 he was heading west to Loresca's old stomping ground of KNBC NBC4. KPRC knew it had to gently send him off with an ad campaign that lasted till January 2015 when he officially signed off in Houston. KPRC morning weekender Britta Merwin took Yanez's spot in Houston.

9. Jane Slater & Mark Elfenbein off 105.3 The Fan KRLD's “Elf & Slater”
What! A Dallas-Fort Worth post made my top 10 of all time list? Oh the horror! Just kidding, DFW is my second biggest area in terms of readers. This was very true in September 2013 when Jane Slater and Mark Elfenbein of 105.3 The Fan KRLD mid-day show “Elf & Slater” were taken off the air. DFW sports fans were outraged apparently.

10. Katherine Whaley leaving KHOU 11
If I were a real journalist/writer, I would take a page from Bill Carter's The Late Shift: Letterman, Leno, and the Network Battle for the Night and write a book about the KHOU 11 morning traffic job. It seems like a compelling story right off the soap opera screen! First, you have popular traffic man Darby Douglas who is seemingly let go overnight in 2009 which makes channel 11 viewers madder than being stuck on 290 in afternoon rush hour. Then Katherine Whaley takes his place and develops a following of her own. Suddenly in the summer of 2014, we get notice the erstwhile traffic man Douglas is back and Whaley will become a channel 11 reporter. So, a few months later, Whaley heads for the exit ramp and to no one's surprise lands at KTRK abc13 where longtime traffic dude Don Nelson is ready to change career lanes himself and retire. Maybe one day you'll be able to read my self-published insider tell-all "The Morning Drive: Douglas, His Hair, Whaley and KHOU 11's battle for Houston commuters."

Coming up...in the last 10 years, which Houston media members were "Googled" the most to get to my blog? Even I was shocked by this one.

Rekha Muddaraj returns to Houston TV

Rekha Muddaraj made a quiet return to Houston TV this week on CW39 KIAH Houston, taking on a "guest anchor" role, as the station described it.

Muddaraj announced she was leaving KHOU 11's 4pm newscast last April, signing off just days later.

If I had to guess...I wouldn't be surprised if Muddaraj's former Channel 11 news director, now CW39 ND Liz Roldan, made this guest anchor spot happen.

So, where is the usual CW39 morning anchor, Sharron Melton?

According to her Instagram, Melton has been judging the Miss Volunteer America Pageant in Tennessee.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CW39 Houston (@cw39houston)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sharron Melton (@sharronmelton1)

New KTRK 13 morning anchor Sharron Melton

I have a new co-worker.

Tune into KTRK Channel 13's morning news starting today and you will see a new face sitting next to Tom Koch. The new addition is anchor Sharron Melton.

Before coming to Houston TV, Sharron was at WSVN Channel 7 in Miami.

Here is a link to her bio at that station (it could be erased soon since she no longer works there).

Make sure to tune to Channel 13 and welcome her!

(Image courtesy of WSVN)

Jose Grinan honored by Houston Association of Black Journalists

FOX 26 KRIV morning anchor Jose Grinan honored at 2019 Houston Association of Black Journalists (HABJ) Media Masquerade Ball

FOX 26 KRIV morning anchor Jose Grinan was honored by the Houston Association of Black Journalists Saturday night at its 2019 Media Masquerade Ball themed: “Eyes Wide Open, Mouths Never Shut" held at the Groovey Grill Mansion in Historic Third Ward.

Grinan was honored for his commitment to excellence in Houston media, leadership and community support.

The KRIV anchor has been with the FOX Television Station since 1993.

Before Houston, Grinan was an anchor/reporter for KDFW in Dallas - Fort Worth in the early 90s. In fact his bio says he was one of the first reporters on the scene at the Branch Davidian siege in Waco, Texas. He also worked as a correspondent and host for Crime Watch Tonight and as a freelance correspondent for CNN.

From 1984 until 1990, Grinan worked for WTVJ Miami. Before that he worked as an anchor for the Satellite News Channel from 1982 to 1983.

Grinan was at Miami's WCKT (now WSVN) from 1978 to 1982.

He got his start at KTSM AM-FM-TV El Paso in 1975 as a reporter and weekend anchor.

As I've written here before, Grinan also appeared in the 1972 movie The Daredevil with George Montgomery.

Grinan attended the University of South Florida.

Other Houston journalists who received special recognition included honorees include Melanie Lawson, Isiah Carey, Jonathan Martin, Deborah Duncan, Khambrel Marshall, Brandon Walker, Shannon Lanier, Sharron Melton, Phyllis Bailey, Kathy Sapp, Jerome Solomon and Charles Hudson.

Also present was GRAMMY-nominated rapper and VH1 reality star YoYo.

Honoring our Fox26 legend ⁦@JoseGrinanFOX26⁩ at ⁦@HoustonABJ⁩ Masquerade. ⁦@FOX26Houston⁩. Congrats Jose!!! pic.twitter.com/NrLqDztiyn

— Jonathan Martin Fox26 (@JMartinTV) November 3, 2019

Thanks @HoustonABJ for the amazing award & recognition for journalistic work in the community! I am so honored! What a great way to celebrate this year’s Masquerade Ball ! And my colleague @MrShannonLanier got one too! Great night for @CW39Houston “Morning Dose”! #habj pic.twitter.com/72twBkjpDg

— Sharron Melton (@sharronmelton01) November 3, 2019

View this post on Instagram

Shout out to rapper YoYo @yoyofearless for coming to the Houston Association of Black Journalists convention! YoYo's iconic song and video with Ice Cube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rJe2tOS90E

A post shared by Isiah Carey (@isiahcareyfox26) on Nov 3, 2019 at 7:14am PST

HABJ is a nonprofit organization of media professionals from the Houston area with members in every facet of print and broadcast media. Part of HABJ’s mission is to provide professional development, honor excellence in journalism, cultivate young journalists and ensure accurate coverage of the minority community. Consistent with its mission, HABJ provides scholarships, future workforce development and summer training opportunities for college students majoring in communications. Additionally, HABJ presents community outreach programs, seminars and town hall forums free for community groups and communication professionals.

Texas TV & radio job moves for October 2015

Media job changes around Texas October 2015


DALLAS

Legendary reporter Byron Harris retires from WFAA after 41 years.

TEGNA8 adds Charlotte Huffman to investigative unit
Charlotte Huffman fills WFAA 8 investigative reporter position left open by the Oct. 9th retirement of Byron Harris.

Sonia Azad joins WFAA 8 after KTRK abc13
Former KTRK abc13 reporter/fill-in anchor Sonia Azad joins WFAA 8 as medical reporter.

NBC5's freshman class of 2011 has mostly left the building
Chris Van Horne: Last reporter standing from NBC5’s freshman class of 2011. The other seven have all since gone.

Hondo New Host For Front Porch Show On The Wolf
Cumulus Media announces that Dallas-Fort Worth Country radio personality Greg “Hondo” Robertson has been named host of the long-running Front Porch Show on KPLX 99.5 FM The Wolf.

Jasmine Sadry Joins KSCS Morning Show
Cumulus Media Dallas/Fort Worth announces that Jasmine Sadry will join New Country KSCS 96.3 FM in Dallas.

HOUSTON

Mayra Moreno is new abc13 KTRK weekend morning anchor
Mayra Moreno replaces longtime anchor Elissa Rivas on KTRK abc13 weekend mornings

Katie McCall to leave FOX 26 KRIV
Reporter/anchor Katie McCall to leave FOX 26 KRIV and television news for family

News 92 FM – Where Are They Now
It was one year ago that Houston’s only all-news radio station was shut down and 47 employees lost their jobs.

ABC O&O's Tap Tish Graham As Tech VP
KTRK abc13 chief engineer, Tish Graham, will take over Dave Converse's tech slot when he retires in December from the ABC Owned Television Station Group.

Charisma Glassman joins KTRK as Digital Marketing Manager. She comes from Gloplast Advertising in Houston.

Mariah Gardner joins KPRC 2 as Promotion Manager at KPRC in Houston.

Former FOX 26 KRIV reporter and Hit Video USA VJ, Todd Duplantis, is now the Director of HCC TV Communications.

Sharron Melton goes digital
Former KTRK abc13 morning anchor Sharron Melton gets new website.

Houston morning show hosts embark on new careers after radio
Sam Malone, Dave Crockett and Randy Hames have opened recording studios and production companies after and during their radio careers.

Welcome Ars’ new science writers
For many years, he's been the Houston Chronicle's science guy, handling general coverage but specializing in space exploration, and now Eric Berger is leaving the paper world for Ars Technica.

KPRC2 Web Editor Anavid Reyes leaves to work as anchor/reporter for KTAB Abilene/Telemundo Abilene.

Former FOX 26 KRIV meteorologist Caitilin Espinosa announced she joined the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office team as a PIO (Public Information Officer).

FOX 26 KRIV reporter Andrea Watkins is now the station's Katy bureau chief.

Former Comcast SportsNet reporter Leila Rahimi has joined the company's Chicago network.

Don Holt has retired after "toiling" on the Houston Chronicle Universal Multiplatform Desk.

Rhonda Lamon has apparently left KTRK abc13 where she was morning executive producer.

SAN ANTONIO

Brina Monterroza joins KSAT San Antonio as a producer from WBBH Fort Myers, FL.

Vicente Arenas interviewing at KENS 5 San Antonio?
Could former KHOU 11 weekend anchor Vicente Arenas be returning to San Antonio television news after CBS News departure?

Former KENS 5 anchor Jeff Vaughn leaves WXYZ Detroit for KCAL LA.

Popular S.A. radio personalities no longer on air
KENS 5 confirmed Jonny Ramirez, the voice of "Jonny Ramirez in the Morning" on 107.5 and Xavier Castro, voice of "Xavier's World" on 98.5 have both been dismissed.

KXTN 107.5FM San Antonio welcomes the return of Tejano personality Big Boyee to the station. Big Boyee and Jammin J Javi will be on the air Monday – Friday from 6:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Univision’s KBBT 98.5FM, the number one station for Hip Hop and R&B in San Antonio, is also pleased to welcome The Dana Cortez Show to its airwaves. The show will be live in San Antonio from 6:00 – 10:00 a.m. Monday-Friday.

AUSTIN

From temp to perm: Jenni Lee staying at KVUE
Jenni Lee’s fill-in assignment anchoring KVUE’s weekend morning newscasts has turned into a permanent gig.

KGSR hires new midday host
Emily McIntosh, who had been handling weekend duties at sister station 101X, can now be heard weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on KGSR.

WACO

Meteorologist Jon Haverfield leaves KWTX Waco for KJRH 2 Tulsa, OK.

Lauren Partain leaves KWTX Waco to be a multi-media journalist for KTUL Tulsa, OK.

KWTX morning and noon anchor Dan Ingham leaves KWTX Waco after 12 years to become the vice president of marketing & communications for First National Bank of Central Texas.

Kristi Gross leaves KXXV Waco to be a reporter at WINK Fort Myers, FL.

Meteorologist Tiffany Savona leaves KXXV Waco for WLKY Louisville

KCEN weekend anchor/reporter Emily Collins joins FOX 46 Charlotte, NC.

AROUND TEXAS

Summer Dashe leaves KLTV 7 Tyler to be an anchor/reporter for WPDE Myrtle Beach, SC.

Valerie Kilgore leaves the KETK Longview Bureau to be a freelance journalist based out of Austin.

Texas Reporter Heads to Florida
Jimmie Johnson is joining West Palm Beach, Fla., WPBF as a reporter from KAUZ Wichita Falls.

- Looking for TX TV jobs?
- Contact here for job changes

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- September 2015 Texas media job moves
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