Wendy Granato is KTRK abc13 news director

UPDATE AUGUST 07, 2019
Wendy Granato named KTRK President and General Manager

Wendy Granato gets newly expanded role of KTRK abc13 Vice President of News and Digital Content

Wendy Granato

Yesterday, the news came out of KTRK abc13 that special projects executive producer Wendy Granato is taking over the seat left by longtime news director Dave Strickland in July. This makes Granato the first female news director in the station's history.

If Granato's last name sounds familiar...there's a reason for it. Her husband is longtime sports radio talker John Granato (now 1560 KGOW; Formerly 610 KILT, Houston Texans sideline reporter & KNWS 51).

 The couple's quarterback son also made news when Rice University creatively recruited him from Kinkaid.

I don't know if KTRK bothered to send a press release like the other stations do for such a big hire, so I'm posting the internal memo KTRK general manager Henry Florsheim sent the staff:

After literally speaking with candidates from coast to coast, it turns out the next ABC 13 News Director was already right here in Houston. I’m most pleased to let everyone know that Wendy Granato has a agreed to become the new Vice President of News and Digital Content at KTRK-TV. Along with an extensive news background, everyone who has worked with Wendy knows she has suburb communication and organizational skills. As technology has allowed viewer patterns and consumption practices to change, she has taken a leadership position in the newsroom embracing and initiating any number of new digital projects. At a time when our industry and business is facing unparalleled change and challenge, Wendy has time and again demonstrated an ability to create top quality content across a wide range of formats and platforms.

Over the last twelve years at the Station, Wendy has a proven track record of success on multiple high profile projects in both the News and Programming Departments including signature Station events that cross departments . As senior Executive News Producer, Special Projects for a decade, Wendy has overseen special promotable news reports, medical reporting, and consumer reports, alerts, and investigations. For many seasons she coordinated much of the station’s pre and regular season Texans coverage; and has served as Executive Producer of the Houston Marathon programming and race coverage. Wendy has moved from News to Programming and back throughout her career. She first came to the station in 1998 to join the Programming Department. She was promoted from Producer, to Senior Producer to Executive Producer of the Debra Duncan Show.

Wendy’s first broadcast experience was in News as a producer/reporter/ anchor/ assignment editor and Executive Producer at various times at KATC-TV in Lafayette, Louisiana. She moved to Houston to a position of anchor/ producer at KNWS-TV--the 24 hour news operation-- in 1993. Over time, as had occurred previously, she found herself increasing drawn toward production; and over a span of three years held a series of positions culminating in being named News Director from 1996 to 1998. During that period she oversaw editorial content, staffing, and operations of station.

An Louisiana State University graduate, Wendy double major in Broadcast Journalism and History. In case you haven’t heard, she’s said to have a keen interest in football. I’m sure we’ll all give her a hand as she steps into her new role.

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Wendy Granato: "TV is seeing a huge resurgence"

Wendy Granato, abc13 KTRK president and general manager: "We thought we'd lost the 20-something year olds, we thought we lost them to social media, we haven't."


It's not everyday we get to hear from a Houston TV general manager in such an honest and refreshing way, but Director of Houston Community College's (HCC) TV Communications, Todd Duplantis, got the scoop out of abc13 KTRK president and general manager Wendy Granato.

UPDATE
KTRK GM Wendy Granato tests positive for COVID-19

Duplantis knows TV well after working as a reporter for FOX 26 KRIV and, I have to throw this in there because my wife and I watched him on channel 5 in Houston, as a host on Hit Video USA.

One thing I learned about Duplantis in the interview was that he and Granato both worked at KNWS 51, Houston's own 24-hour news channel which aired from 1993 to 1996 or so.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

- Positive COVID-19 case at KTRK - How the station handled the positive COVID-19 test of anchor Chauncy Glover. Granato says she talks to Glover almost everyday and has to keep him from hurrying up and returning to work too soon.

- "What's old is new again" - Granato discusses how TV is being forced to return to ways it was decades ago when one person was doing it all - from being on camera to capturing the video all by yourself and everything in between. I would go a step further and say TV was starting to do this even before COVID-19 as you see news departments shrink thanks to technology and more MMJs hired (a person who runs the camera, appears on camera, edits the story...etc. all by themselves). When I have interviewed Dave Ward, his stories of KTRK in the 1960s involve a far smaller news department where reporters filmed/edited everything themselves.

"Even the most high tech, live television, we are in many ways going back to the way it all began," Granato added.

If you read the TV trades and social media chatter, many TV staffers think the changes being made now because of the coronavirus, might not return to the way TV station have traditionally done things, even after the virus goes away.

- Houston media working together at press conferences - Granato talks about how the TV stations and the Houston Chronicle now work together to cover press conferences to comply with social distancing. One station (or the Chron) is responsible for asking officials questions for a week. Then the next week comes and a new station covers all pressers for that week.

- "TV is seeing a huge resurgence" - Over the last decade, many TV stations have seen sharp ratings declines. But the pandemic, with its stay at home orders, is getting people to turn on TV newscasts again. The New York Times even wrote an article headlined "The Evening News Is Back."

"We just got off a research presentation, where we're seeing television is the number one, dominant source for local news right now for all ages - especially you younger viewers out there," Granato said. "We thought we'd lost the 20-something year olds, we thought we lost them to social media, we haven't. The younger viewers now realize, they do want to tune into television to get those very important updates."

But Granato says the station has pivoted to "go all in" on Facebook to show press conferences and values all the various social media platforms. She says the station's mantra is, "You won't be number one at anything, unless you're number one at everything."

Unfortunately for TEGNA employees who are being furloughed, sudden surging television ratings don't matter much as advertisers are pulling commercials.

"On one hand, we're experiencing large increases in ratings and traffic across all our platforms," Dave Lougee, president and CEO of TEGNA recently told employees in an email. "But on the other hand, and for obvious reasons, many businesses have decreased or in some cases pulled their current advertising and marketing campaigns because of COVID-19. In anticipation of this possibility, we made operational decisions in early March to keep costs down, including eliminating all non-essential expenses."

Radio companies are also making sacrifices.


RELATED - OTHER HOUSTON TV MANAGERS IN THE NEWS
- KPRC A Disaster Expert, But Pandemic’s Different
- Hey COVID-19 — Meet Harvey ‘17!

Wendy Granato joins KABC from KTRK

Wendy Granato has been named president and general manager of ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles — the No.1 station in Southern California — it was announced today by ABC Owned Television Stations President Chad Matthews.

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 3, 2024
Mike Carr named ABC13 Houston KTRK president and general manager

Granato arrives in Los Angeles from Houston, where she is currently the president and general manager of ABC13/KTRK-TV, also No. 1 in the market on both broadcast and digital platforms. In her new role at KABC, she will be responsible for leading and building on the momentum of this iconic station in the nation’s second largest market and the entertainment capital of the world, shaping its editorial vision and managing the strategies and teams that drive audience and growth across platforms. She assumes the position left vacant by the retirement of Cheryl Fair in March.

“Wendy is a true innovator, long championing modernization in the newsroom with a laser focus on how best to optimize programming across platforms,” said Matthews. “She is also keenly aware of what is important to viewers and is resolute in her commitment to impactful, high-quality journalism. I know she will put her trademark tenacity, passion for problem-solving and creative thinking to work to ensure that KABC continues to be the market leader in Los Angeles.”

“I’ve had ample opportunities over the years to collaborate with the KABC team. They are among the most pioneering and innovative storytellers in the business, and I’m very much looking forward to leading this remarkable team,” said Granato. “I’m particularly impressed with their forward-thinking approach to breaking news and how best to elevate it across myriad platforms. I look forward to working closely with community leaders across the city to amplify stories and organizations that make a difference in the lives of Los Angeles viewers. And I cannot wait to immerse myself in all things SoCal!”

Granato added: “On a personal note, it’s such an honor to step into the shoes of the great Cheryl Fair, who is such an inspiration to so many of us in the industry. I’m incredibly fortunate to have worked alongside her during her tenure and to continue to call her my friend.” 

Matthews will oversee management at KTRK until a new general manager is named, with Granato continuing to provide support during this transitional period.

As general manager of KTRK, Granato spearheaded the launch of the station’s 24/7 news stream, delivering the most live, local coverage in the Houston market and cementing the station’s status as Houston’s leading source for local news and information across broadcast, digital and social platforms.

She has led the station through numerous weather emergencies, including Hurricane Beryl, which hit Houston earlier this week resulting in multiple fatalities, extreme flooding and power outages. In addition to hurricanes, tornadoes and freezes, the station has chronicled additional big, breaking news events of national significance like the border crisis, the Santa Fe and Uvalde school shootings, and the Astro World concert tragedy.

Under her leadership, ABC13 produces 13 hours of live news daily, including “ABC13 Weather Now,” a first-of-its-kind weather show. In addition to newscasts, the station produces 175-plus hours of premium content each year, including community specials, station drives and live events. Granato also led the station’s introduction of two advocacy journalism documentary series, “Unsolved” and “Texas True Crime,” that are so popular they’re now available on Hulu.

Prior to becoming general manager at ABC13, Granato served as the vice president of News for ABC13 for five years. In charge of all editorial decisions and operations, she was responsible for the successful merger of broadcast and digital departments, and helped the station become the No. 1 local news station in the market. Before that, she was executive producer of special projects and executive producer of the daily talk show, “Debra Duncan.”

As a leader who is passionate about innovation and investing in skills of the future, Granato is a founding director of OTV University, an educational program for all eight ABC Owned Television Stations.

During her tenure, the station has won 99 Emmys® and 13 Edward R. Murrow Awards. Most notably, as VP of News, she was instrumental in leading the station’s Emmy Award-winning coverage of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, during which time KTRK was on the air nonstop for eight consecutive days. Most recently, the station won both a regional and national Edward R. Murrow Award in Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for its piece “Taking Back Gulfton.” She has been named to Radio+Television Business Report’s Top Local Leaders list twice, was named among the Top 30 Influential Women of Houston in 2022, and most recently named 2024’s TV Market Manager of the Year by Media Alliance of Houston.

Granato is also passionate about the station’s community outreach efforts, working closely with partners such as Black Heritage Society, Crimestoppers, Goodwill Houston, the Houston Marathon Foundation, the Houston Texans, Latino Learning Center, League of United Latin American Citizens and VOICE of Asia News. Notably, the station supports Share Your Holidays, an annual food drive benefiting the Houston Food Bank; and hosts an E-cycle Drive, a collection/recycling effort for outdated electronic equipment in conjunction with Earth Day. The station also broadcasts the city’s major events, including The Chevron Marathon, the annual July 4th Freedom Over Texas celebration, and numerous parades such as Art Car, Cinco de Mayo, Dia de los Muertos, Galveston Mardi Gras, MLK, Pride and more.

Before joining ABC13, Granato was the news director for KNWS Houston. Earlier in her career, she was a news reporter and morning news anchor for KATC in Lafayette, Louisiana.

She studied at the Manship School of Mass Communication, where she received a degree in broadcast journalism from Louisiana State University.

(This post taken from a press release)

Wendy Granato named KTRK President and General Manager

News executive Wendy Granato has been named the president and general manager of KTRK-TV, announced Wendy McMahon, president, ABC Owned Television Stations Group. In this new role, Ms. Granato has overall management responsibility for KTRK ABC13 and all of its ancillary businesses.

RELATED
KTRK GM Henry Florsheim announces retirement

As the vice president of News at KTRK ABC13 for five years, Ms. Granato cemented the station’s status as Houston’s leading source for local news and information, expanding coverage to serve audiences across broadcast, digital and social platforms.

In charge of all editorial decisions and operations, she was responsible for the successful merger of broadcast and digital departments. During her tenure, KTRK ABC13 became the home of Houston’s most-watched local newscasts and the leader across all social media platforms in the market.

She was instrumental in leading the station’s Emmy ® Award-winning coverage during historic events such as Hurricane Harvey in 2017, during which time KTRK was on the air nonstop for eight consecutive days.

Ms. Granato also helped build many of the station’s community outreach efforts with partners such as the Houston Marathon, the Houston Texans, Gow Media, VYPE High School Sports Magazine and the Voice of Asia News Group.

“As our head of News in Houston, Wendy has done an incredible job upholding our commitment to quality journalism and the communities we serve while driving modernization across the organization,” said Ms. McMahon. “I am incredibly excited to now have Wendy leading the way for us at KTRK ABC13, embracing change and innovation while maintaining a dynamic and vibrant culture.”

“Service to the Houston-area community is at the heart of everything we do here at KTRK ABC13, and I am beyond honored and proud to now serve in this new role,” said Ms. Granato. “Providing accurate, timely and relevant local news and information on all platforms has never been more important or necessary, especially when keeping the safety and security of our viewers in mind, and sharing the positive stories from all our Houston-area communities. I look forward to upholding the long-standing values and traditions of KTRK ABC13, and forging ahead with ideas and innovations that will grow our business. I am equally as excited about working closely with OTV President Wendy McMahon and our powerhouse sister stations across the country to achieve our goals of excellence and service.”

Prior to serving as vice president of News at KTRK ABC13, Ms. Granato served as executive producer of special projects and executive producer of the daily talk show “Debra Duncan.”

Before joining KTRK, Ms. Granato was the news director for KNWS Houston. Earlier in her career, she was a news reporter and morning news anchor for KATC in Lafayette, Louisiana. She studied at the Manship School of Mass Communication where she received a degree in broadcast journalism from Louisiana State University.

I just confetti’d @wendygranato after the big announcement: She’s @abc13houston’s new GM! 🎉❤️😎🙌🏽💎📺💻📲 Congrats, Wendy! pic.twitter.com/gAEAOK3kRJ

— Brandon De Hoyos (@BrandonABC13) August 7, 2019

About the ABC Owned Television Stations Group

The ABC Owned Television Stations Group includes WABC-TV New York, KABC-TV Los Angeles, WLS-TV Chicago, WPVI-TV Philadelphia, KGO-TV San Francisco, KTRK-TV Houston, WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham and KFSN-TV Fresno. The eight owned stations reach 23% of all U.S. television households. The Stations Group also includes the Live Well Network, a broadcast programming service for digital channels in owned markets. The Group further expanded the stations’ content portfolio and reach with the launch of the multiplatform, national lifestyle brand Localish, which is ABC’s viral storytelling brand that brings out the good in America’s cities. Created by and for millennials, Localish serves locally sourced stories that transcend city limits.

(This post was taken from a release sent to me by ABC)

KTRK GM Wendy Granato tests positive for COVID-19

KTRK abc13 is reporting that its own President and General Manager, Wendy Granato, has tested positive for COVID-19.

This is the second positive result for a Houston television staffer that I am aware of. The first positive COVID-19 test in the Houston TV world was channel 13 anchor Chauncy Glover.

COX Media Group on-air talent Adrian ‘Producer Hoss’ Perez was the only positive test that I am aware of in the Houston radio world.

RELATED
Houston media members affected by novel coronavirus

The station says Granato contracted it from her 22-year-old daughter, Frankie:

Wendy and Frankie are both working from home and said they have made it through the worst part, and are feeling much better.

Frankie says she started showing symptoms after her boyfriend was exposed to the virus and was experiencing some symptoms.

It took four days to get Frankie's positive results back. That's when Wendy and her husband, John, immediately got tested. READ THE REST

John Granato, as many will know, is a long-running, popular Houston sports radio talks show host on ESPN 97.5 FM.

One Year After Eyewitness News Creator’s Death, Story of Houston Friendship Surface

Wendy Granato and Michael Quinn

September 29, 2023 marks one year of the passing of Al Primo, the man who created the Eyewitness News concept for the ABC Owned and Operated television stations in the mid to late 1960s. 

Former KNWS-TV51 anchor Michael Quinn tells us for the first time about his unique low-key friendship with the ‘Father of Eyewitness News’, Al Primo:

I never met Al Primo, but we talked several times a year. Only a few people knew that I had a connection with Al. 

We became friends over the phone – either he would call me…or I would call him. We would talk about Detroit and WXYZ-TV, Channel 7, where that market’s legendary Bill Bonds once worked for several decades…or his time in New York when he ran the news operation for WABC, Channel 7, with anchors Bill Buetel and Roger Grimsby…and, there was stories about Philadelphia and KYW-TV where Mort Crim worked (where Al first implemented the Eyewitness News concept—KYW rose to #1 in the ratings—he would tweak the format when he left for WABC-TV), Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco…and of course we talked about Houston and KTRK-TV, our city’s own Channel 13, where we have our own legendary Dave Ward, now retired. Dave Ward and Mort Crim are the only two original Eyewitness News anchors left for us to honor and pick their brains for advice about television news.

How did our unique friendship begin? 

Al Primo and I connected in 2013 on social media – then he called. He enjoyed talking about television. I was very nervous...this was the guy newsrooms around the country need to thank for starting faster-paced newscasts, ‘happy talk’ between anchors, better use of sound bites…the list goes on. When he called the second time, I was at ease. Year after year, we talked about the television news industry.

As many know, one of my long-time friends is former TV51 anchor Wendy Granato…now President and General Manager of KTRK-TV, Channel 13. Every year, I like to do something different for Wendy’s birthday –and for two- years in a row, once while Wendy was still Vice President of News and once as President and General Manager – I still remember where I was, in my SUV, driving up Kirby, I just crossed Richmond Avenue, Al was returning my call, “Al I have a favor to ask”…I had asked Al Primo to call her on her birthday. Al was happy to have been asked to do it. This is the kind of guy he was – I figured he had guided the ABC O&O’s in the late 1960s and into the 1970s – it would just be a nice gesture.

He really was the nicest person in the world—and he would call me back to tell me that he had called Wendy to wish her ‘Happy Birthday’. In August of 2022, I had checked in on him – his daughter had texted me from Al’s cell number that he was sick. Al Primo died on September 29, 2022.

It was really a great experience to know the man who thought up the concept of Eyewitness News. I was the kid who would draw news sets when I was age 4 and 5. There were drawings all over my room. At that age it was all I ever wanted to do. In college, to interned at WXYZ-TV, Channel 7 and to work years later at KTRK-TV, Channel 13 – and for a ten-year span to know the man who helped create what we see as modern-day television news, Eyewitness News. Al, thank you for your friendship and I know Wendy appreciated those kind birthday calls, too.

As the kid who drew hundreds of news sets, and dreams of being a television news anchorman…and made it...from me to you – may you rest in peace, my friend. I miss our conversations.

 

Remember KNWS 51? Anchor Michael Quinn's reunion stories

Michael Quinn

Remember KNWS 51? Back in 1993, it began as Houston's version of CNN's Headline News at the time. And come on, you can't get better call letters for an all news station!

The station had a loop of local news, tons of local sports coverage and a morning talk show with former KPRC 2 weatherman Doug Johnson.

Years later, the concept would serve as a blue print for Time Warner's News 24 Houston. Both eventually would leave the airwaves and cable lineup, but did usher in the era of MMJs which all the stations have now. Back then they were called one-man bands, VJs, backpack journalists...etc.

Former channel 51 morning anchor Michael Quinn has been thinking back fondly on his time with the all news station and making the rounds this month, catching up with his former news team.

Michael Quinn and Wendy Granato

He first got to catch up with KNWS anchor/news director Wendy Granato, who you will know now as the Vice President of News at abc13 KTRK.

"Wendy is like a sister to me, she's awesome, and look at her, she's as beautiful as the first day I met her in 1993," Quinn said.

Melanie Johnson and Michael Quinn

Quinn also met up with another person who he says was instrumental in his career, former 51 anchor and station owner Melanie Johnson.

"She is responsible for my television news career...period," Quinn added. "If there wasn't Melanie Johnson, Wendy nor Channel 51 would have been in my life or Houston for that matter."

Michael Quinn and Dave Ward

Also he wishes Dave Ward a speedy recovery. It was just by chance he visited channel 13 and got a selfie with the legendary anchor.

"Dave is a good man and the last of the original Eyewitness News anchors started by Al Primo in the 60's," Quinn said. "I interned under the legendary Bill Bonds at WXYZ-TV in Detroit. Dave told me he never met Bill (who is now gone), but they remind me of each other every day. I've been fortunate to have worked in two major Eyewitness News markets (Detroit & Houston). Dave always remembers me, is always kind and an honor to know."

Rehan Aslam named abc13 KTRK news director

UPDATE APRIL 29, 2021Rehan Aslam named WABC NY news director

Word is breaking on social media that abc13 KTRK assistant news director Rehan Aslam has been named the Walt Disney Television's new news director.

Aslam has been upped to the top news job after former news director, Wendy Granato, was promoted to the KTRK president and general manager position in early August.

Longtime GM Henry Florsheim retired from the news business after 22 years with channel 13 in July.

Aslam came to KTRK back in 2014 to be Granato's assistant news director.

He came from WFLD Chicago where he served as an executive producer for the FOX Television Station's 9pm newscast. According to his LinkedIn profile, Aslam started as a producer for WFLD in 2007. He worked in that role until 2010. From there he was named executive producer for “Good Day Chicago” in 2010.

He attended the University of Pittsburgh.

Congrats @AslamABC13! The next news director at @abc13houston! 🎉✨🦄🎈 pic.twitter.com/u6boDB5csA

— Brandon De Hoyos (@BrandonABC13) September 6, 2019

UPDATE

Here is the press release KTRK sent me after the original post:

September 6, 2019

KTRK-TV announced today Rehan Aslam has been named the station’s Vice President, News Director overseeing Broadcast and Digital content.

“When Rehan joined KTRK 5 years ago as Assistant News Director, I knew we had found the kind of leader who believes in total motivation and achieving excellence by lifting people up, not tearing them down.” said Wendy Granato, KTRK President &
General Manager. “ Rehan leads teams by listening, including, and settling for nothing less than our very best. Rehan also knows what it means to be a fighter. How to fight to stay on top. Fighting to find ways to do things better. Fighting to serve our diverse
audience and community. I am confident that Rehan’s plans for the future will help us solidify our place as Houston’s News Leader and I look forward to this great new era at ABC/13."

Rehan began his television news career in Cleveland, Ohio, working at both WJW Fox 8 and WEWS as a producer. Rehan was also Executive Producer at Fox 32/WFLD in Chicago before moving to Houston in 2014 to join KTRK as Assistant News Director.

“Houston is home and KTRK ABC13 is the city’s news leader. I am so honored for this new role and responsibility. I am very excited to work alongside my colleagues in one of the country’s top newsrooms. We will continue seeking and creating innovative ways to serve Houston’s diverse communities with content on all of our platforms. We have a responsibility to provide stories that are relevant and meaningful, while also providing information that keeps our viewers safe. I am very excited for the direction we are going and what we collectively will come up with next.”

Rehan is a member of the Disney Owned Television Station’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. He is a 2009 Peabody Award winner for his work on the Derrion Albert story in Chicago.

A native of Northwest Pennsylvania, Rehan and his wife Sadaf are the proud parents of 7 year old son, Rafae. In his spare time, Rehan loves golfing and spending time with his family and friends. Rehan is also a diehard Marvel movie fan and is counting down the days until the launch of Disney+.

Chauncy Glover funeral service had ABC13 memories

Chauncy Glover's family, friends, and television co-workers celebrated and remembered him at his funeral service Saturday in Athens, Alabama, at the Lindsay Lane Baptist Church.

UPDATE FEBRUARY 2025
Glover's cause of death released

RELATED
Tributes from across the US

Glover, 39, former ABC13 Houston KTRK anchor and current CBS Los Angeles stations KCBS 2- KCAL 9 co-anchor, died in early November.  No cause of death has been released. CBS Los Angeles live-streamed Glover's funeral service for the world to see.

His ABC13 KTRK Houston work family members, including Melanie Lawson, Mayra Moreno, David Tillman, Erica Simon, Rosie Nguyen, Briana Conner, and Elita Loresca, were in attendance. Former KTRK president and general manager Wendy Granato, now president and general manager of ABC7 KABC Los Angeles, was also there.

Moreno and Lawson participated in the service, giving emotional remembrances of the former television anchor that let the rest of us know the person he was off camera.

Moreno celebrated Glover for their special bond as an anchor team:

"For eight years, Chauncy and I sat side by side delivering the news, but he was so much more than a co-worker. He was a friend, my confidant, my partner in crime. We were, as many would say, two peas in a pod. When you saw us on TV, we had our little routine. We had matching outfits and matching energy. And boy, did people think we were married. So to this day, if you Google his name, the top search is are Chauncy Glover and Mayra Moreno still married.

 Over the years we bonded because we grew together as a team. We started weekend mornings getting to the station at three in the morning. And boy, was that so rough. We would say this is temporary. One day we'll go Monday through Friday, which we did. And we launched the station's first 3:00 newscast in the city. And that was just the beginning. On days when he was low on energy, he was like, boo! I'm gonna need you to carry this newscast today. And I was like, I got you. On days when I was low, I said, boo. It's been a week. He already knew what to do. We cared about our product. And everything that people saw on screen was real. We knew how to roll with the punches at work, with breaking news or last minute changes. We could finish each other's sentences. And if my hair was off, he would fix it. If his forehead was shiny, I would tell him.

One time, a button from his suit popped out and he was like, Myra, I'm gonna need your help, girl. And there I was, trying to figure out how am I going to get his suit together, y'all. I had a safety pin and getting him together during a commercial break, trying to count down the time. He was mind blown, y'all. I told him, baby, I'm a Mexi-CAN. 

When he left for L.A. it was bittersweet. I wanted him to get that dream job, that big time TV market. But I also knew that meant breaking up the team. I joked with him saying, you're going to miss this Mexi-CAN. And sure enough, he did. And it felt so much recently when I would get a message from him simply saying I miss you, or texting a picture of us from back in the day and I would simply text him, I miss you too, boo! Since I heard about Chauncy's passing, his laughter, his smile, and his bright, joyful spirit have been on my mind constantly. Those memories, the way he could light up a room with a single joke or just a kind word, are all the things that I'm going to hold close to my heart. I take comfort in knowing that he is now at peace, embraced by God's love. I trust that he's in a place where laughter never fades and joy never ends. Until we meet again."

Here is a portion of how Lawson remembered Glover joining ABC13 KTRK:

"He was such an amazing man. He taught us how to live life to the fullest and love people to the deepest. Chauncy was born to enrich the lives of others. He made us all feel like his best friend. And as I listen to everybody else talk clearly, he learned it right here. We come to you from a city now in grief. Houston is mourning the loss of Chauncy Glover. I'm a Houstonian. I've worked at the station longer than Chauncey's been alive, if you do the math on that. Um, but I have to tell you, I've never seen so many people in such grief so devastated by the loss of a single person, including so many who never met him in person but felt like they knew him because we all saw Chauncey on screen, was just like Chauncey in person. He adopted Houston and we adopted him. 

I was so blessed to get a chance to meet him on the first day, thanks to our former president and general manager, Wendy Granato. Wendy. Stand up, if you would. Just so we can see you. Wendy came to me and said, I'm interviewing this guy. We really want him to come here. He's got a lot of other offers. So close the deal for me. Melanie and I thought, close the deal, but it wasn't hard. We got a chance to sit down and talk for almost an hour, and by the time he left, we were already family. I have to thank Wendy for being so smart.

That was Chauncey's M.O. He was the new kid, but suddenly he knew more about the station than any of us. Within weeks, he knew everybody in town from the mayor, half of the Congress people to barbers and bus drivers. Right. That was Chauncey. He saw everyone as the same, and everyone was part of his family."

It was a beautiful day celebrating our wonderful friend & colleague.

Still hard to believe you’re gone Chauncy… pic.twitter.com/xN1RZRVQdk

— Elita Loresca (@ABC13Elita) November 17, 2024

 

Houston TV power couples talk Valentine's Day

Steven Devadanam and Gabi De La Rosa of CultureMap Houston featured 14 Houston power couples who spilled secrets and spread all the love on Valentine's Day.

For the purposes of this blog, we are going to feature the local TV couples.

Wendy and John Granato 

abc13 KTRK Houston President and General Manager Wendy Granato and ESPN 97.5 KFNC's The Bench co-host John Granato (both Culturemap and KFNC are owned by Gow Media) were featured in the piece.

I am not going to share the whole interview, but John's humor shows through with his answer of "something that you lovingly overlook about your partner:"

JG: There is literally not a day that goes by that we don’t have a truck delivering a package — or packages — to our house. She’s amazing. I don’t know how she works as hard as she does and yet, her ability to purchase things is unaffected. She’s the Michael Jordan of shopping. It’s impossible for Wendy to answer this because she doesn’t overlook any of my shortcomings.

Derrick Shore and Brandon Bourque

Houston Life co-host Derrick Shore and partner Brandon Bourque are also featured.  Their answer for "Your own couple goals:"

DS: Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. They've been together 40 years, they play by their own rules and they're always smiling.

BB: Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos. They seem open, honest and genuinely happy together — with a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor.

Go read the entire article.

Houston TV & radio job moves

What went down in the Houston media job scene while I was on my blogging break

Qui West leaves 97.9 The Box KBXX
Qui West in his first interview since his departure from 97.9 The Box, he talks his new projects, his podcast “Qui West Uncut."

From WBRZ to KHOU
This actually just happened...WBRZ news producer Brittany Rivas Aucion is heading to KHOU for the same job she announced on Twitter.

Charlotte ND Returning to Houston, WWOR Station Manager to Help Out in Interim
WJZY-WMYT news director Geoff Roth has announced he’s leaving the Charlotte FOX owned station and going back to KRIV in Houston. Face it, Houston is better than anyplace else.

Michael Shiloh Named News Dir./Morning Drive At Salem Radio's Houston Cluster
MICHAEL SHILOH been named News Dir./morning drive for SALEM RADIO’s cluster of News-Talk KNTH (1070 THE ANSWER)/HOUSTON, Christian teaching KKHT (100.7)/HOUSTON and Business News KTEK (1110) /HOUSTON.

KPRC's Joe Campos retires
He was at KPRC 2 since 1974, and now photographer Joe Campos has retired.

The Houston Chronicle names a senior editor
Maria Carrillo has been named the Sunday senior editor and a senior editor of enterprise at the Houston Chronicle.

Jessica Holloway lands KTRK abc13 reporter gig
Former KVUE 24 reporter/fill-in anchor Jessica Holloway starts reporting at KTRK abc13.

James Starks

James Starks joins KPRC 2 as sports anchor/reporter
James Starks comes to KPRC 2 as a sports anchor/reporter from WLTX Columbia, South Carolina.

Don Kobos retires from KTRK abc13
Assistant news director and former reporter Don Kobos to retire from KTRK abc13.

Wendy Granato is KTRK abc13 news director
Wendy Granato gets newly expanded role of KTRK abc13 Vice President of News and Digital Content.

KTRK abc13 EP Jerry Vazquez to be KTMD news director
From KTRK to KTMD, executive producer Jerry Vazquez becomes Vice President of News.

Amanda Perez leaves KPRC 2 for Fort Bend ISD
KPRC 2 reporter Amanda Perez will graduate to the PIO world at FBISD.

Steve Fixx leaves Houston radio
Former 93.7 The Arrow and Rock 101 KLOL DJ Steve Fixx leaves radio world.

Houston Internet musical "Horrible Turn" debuts with KTRK 13 cameo

Horrible Turn from Horrible Turn on Vimeo.



The Houston shot Internet musical Horrible Turn has finally hit the Web and it is amazing. 1560 The Game KGOW program director Chance McClain (one of the folks behind the project) gave us a preview a few weeks ago. He told us there was a celebrity cameo from CBS sports guy Spencer Tillman, but he did not tell us there was a KTRK Channel 13 manager acting too! More on that below...

This movie is a mixture of Grease, math geeks, Prodigy mixed in with evil villains. If you are a fan of the Dr. Horrible series with Neil Patrick Harris, you will recognize this as a prequel (and it will probably make even more sense). But don't worry, I've never seen Dr. Horrible and was still laughing out loud (with the movie, not at it). I will go watch the Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog series now because I enjoyed Horrible Turn so much.

McClain and partners did an amazing job on the production of the movie. This is top notch for a fan made film. The songs are great (and I am no musical fan), the story is good, jokes funny all mixed in with good acting and singing.

But for me there was a personal connection.  Within the first 10 seconds of the movie there was my former abc13 boss playing a news anchor. That's right KTRK 13 Special Projects Executive Producer Wendy Granato opens the film reading the news! Hey channel 13, if you ever have an anchor out sick, just go look in the special projects department for a fill in! (PRESS PLAY ABOVE TO IMMEDIATELY SEE HER PERFORMANCE)

Hopefully the Houston media (and others) will start featuring this film and expose it to more people. The filmmakers' work should be applauded.

http://www.horribleturn.com/

RELATED
Chance McClain of 1560 The Game talks about new film "Horrible Turn"

Houston media members affected by COVID-19

Rucks Russell has passed away 

May 12, 2021

John "Rucks" Russell, former KHOU 11 reporter, has died at the age of 55.

Courtney Fischer recovering from COVID-19
February 2021
Courtney Fischer announced right before our Texas arctic blast that she is battling COVID-19 but feeling better.

Keith Garvin and Christine Noël recover from COVID-19 

January 15, 2021

KPRC 2 anchors Keith Garvin and Christine Noël announced on social media  they have both recovered from COVID-19 in the last weeks.

Art Rascon, and son Jacob, battling COVID-19

January 15, 2021

Longtime abc13 KTRK anchor Art Rascon and his son, KPRC 2 anchor Jacob Rascon, took to Facebook to publicly talk about their family's battle with COVID-19.

Courtney Zavala and Darby Douglas dealing with COVID-19 

January 08, 2021

Courtney Zavala's husband, Orlando, is battling COVID, while former KHOU 11 morning traffic anchor Darby Douglas has tested positive.

Dominique Sachse tests positive for COVID-19

January 07, 2021

Dominique Sachse posted to YouTube about her battle with COVID-19.

David Nuño returns after COVID-19
DECEMBER 25, 2020
David Nuño, the abc13 KTRK weekend sports anchor, took to Twitter to say his COVID-19 battle made him feel like Baby Yoda.

Melanie Lawson returns to work after COVID-19
DECEMBER 11, 2020
abc13 KTRK anchor Melanie Lawson and others report on their COVID-19 quarantine or positive test.

Britta Merwin returns after COVID
DECEMBER 7, 2020
KPRC 2 morning meteorologist Britta Merwin announced her return after a COVID quarantine.

Bob Slovak leaves abc13 KTRK
SEPTEMBER 09, 2020
abc13 KTRK weekend sports anchor Bob Slovak says his job is like so many others - a misfortune of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Janel Forte requests prayers for her grandmother
AUGUST 19, 2020
KHOU 11 reporter Janel Forte tweets that her grandmother has sadly passed away at age 96.

abc13 KTRK hosts 'COVID-19 and Our Schools' town hall
JULY 28, 2020
ABC13, Houston’s news leader, presents, “COVID-19 and Our Schools” a two-night town hall.

Astros TV's Todd Kalas to miss beginning of season after positive COVID-19 test
JULY 24, 2020
Todd Kalas, Houston Astros TV play-by-play broadcaster, posted on Twitter he will be missing the start of the 2020 season due to a positive COVID-19 test result.

Lily Jang's father dies of COVID-19
July 9, 2020
Former KHOU 11 morning anchor Lily Jang posts that after a hard fought battle that began with COVID-19 nearly five weeks ago, her beloved father has passed away.

Taniya Wright reveals why she had to put her health first
JULY 08, 2020
Former KPRC 2 morning anchor Taniya Wright reveals what it was like to have a hospital procedure during COVID-19.

Ryan Chase tests positive for COVID-19
June 29, 2020
104.1 KRBE "Roula and Ryan Show's" Ryan Chase tested positive for COVID-19 he revealed on Twitter.

Bill Barajas tested positive for COVID-19
June 28, 2020
KPRC 2 reporter Bill Barajas announced Sunday night on Facebook that he has returned to work after testing positive for COVID-19.

Houston Public Media experiences staff cuts due to COVID-19 budget shortfalls
June 23, 2020
Current reports that Houston Public Media (News 88.7 KUHF/Houston PBS 8 KUHT) is among the latest public broadcaster cutting staff due to budgetary shortfalls stemming from the coronavirus pandemic.


ABC13 President and GM shares warning after contracting COVID-19 from young daughter
June 22, 2020
KTRK abc13 is reporting that its own President and General Manager, Wendy Granato, has tested positive for COVID-19.

abc13 KTRK Virtual Town Hall discusses COVID-19 impact in Houston Asian American Community
May 24, 2020
Hosted by ABC13’s Eyewitness News reporter Miya Shay, the town hall coincides with the observation of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month and will discuss the disparate challenges of COVID-19.

KUBE 57 High School Sports Zone cancelled
May 20, 2020
Todd Freed's High School Sports Zone show on KUBE 57 has been cancelled due to economic factors stemming from the Coronavirus.

"Producer Hoss" in hospital with COVID-19
May 17, 2020
Radio producer/on-air talent Adrian ‘Producer Hoss’ Perez for Cox Media Group Houston is battling COVID-19.

KLOL's Dayna Steele starts podcast
May 14, 2020
While quarantining from home, the Texas Radio Hall of Famer and former Rock 101 KLOL DJ has been reaching out to her vast network and landing some great interviews.

The future of TV news work after COVID-19
May 12, 2020
TV stations have been forced to jump technologically thanks to the coronavirus, so when this is over, do we fully return to normal operations?

97.5 FM KFNC hosts Raheel Ramzanali and Barry Laminack out
May 6, 2020
The duo reportedly lost their jobs because of the economic downturn associated with the COVID-19 pandemic the station said.


abc13 KTRK holds virtual town hall to address COVID-19 & communities of color
May 06, 2020
ABC13 anchor Chauncy Glover, who battled COVID-19 and has since recovered, will moderate the discussion, featuring U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, entrepreneur and community activist Tina Knowles-Lawson and other community and medical leaders.

Univision cancels some weekend newscasts, announces job cuts
April 28, 2020
Univision layoffs and furloughs announced, cancellation of Saturday newscasts


Houston film critics review "Movies on Lockdown" free for broadcast
APRIL 24, 2020
With movie theatres shuttered, the Houston Film Critics Society is now posting at home viewing suggestions on its website to help movie fans endure lockdown, while offering free access to movie reviews from select Society members to broadcast stations across the US and Canada (the critics will also appear live).

KPRC 2 went bananas and then this happened
APRIL 23, 2020
On a story about Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo’s mandatory mask order and $1000 potential fine, the NBC affiliate accidentally wrote you can wear "homemade masks, scarfs, bananas."

VIDEO: Randy McIlvoy talks sports broadcasting during COVID-19
APRIL 23, 2020
KPRC 2 sports director Randy McIlvoy talks to the High Tech Texan Michael Garfield for "The Quarantine Chronicles."

Familiar Houston radio voice battled COVID-19; family still in quarantine
Apr 17, 2020
Marc Sherman's voice is familiar to many Houston radio listeners. He spent years on sister station Sunny 99.1 with Dana Tyson. And like thousands of people in the Greater Houston area, Sherman fought a battle he never expected to; one with COVID-19.


EXPLAINED: How KPRC 2 decides how long to keep a press conference running on live television
April 17, 2020
Why do you always cut off the President of the United States in the middle of his televised speech and why don’t you cut off President Donald Trump when he is giving an obvious campaign stump speech?

New York Times Best-Selling Author Shea Serrano Raises $31,000 for the Houston Press
April 13, 2020
Last week, we ran an appeal to readers as part of our recent campaign to attract donor/members to help support the continuing work of the Houston Press.

KTRK GM Granato: "TV is seeing a huge resurgence"
April 13, 2020
abc13 KTRK president and general manager Wendy Granato: "We thought we'd lost the 20-something year olds, we thought we lost them to social media, we haven't."


Mia Gradney to anchor CBS Weekend News Easter weekend
April 11, 2020
KHOU 11 5, 6 and 10pm anchor Mia Gradney anchoring for CBS News' weekend newscasts

Carlos Robles using augmented reality weather graphics from home
April 10, 2020
Telemundo Houston KTMD chief meteorologist Carlos Robles is using augmented reality weathercasting in his living room.

KPRC 2, KHOU 11, FOX26, CW39 join forces for COVID-19 PSA
April 9, 2020
Channels 2, 11, 26 and 39 come together to show Houston TV solidarity during coronavirus pandemic.

Houston churches to air on local TV Easter Sunday
April 8, 2020
While you can't physically attend Easter Service, Houston churches and television stations are joining forces to help you celebrate without leaving your house.

TEGNA, owner of KHOU and many Texas stations, announces furloughs
April 6, 2020
TEGNA, owner of Texas stations like KHOU Houston, WFAA Dallas, KENS San Antonio, KVUE Austin, KCEN Waco, KAGS College Station, KYTX Tyler, KIII Corpus Christi, KBMT-KJAC Beaumont, KXVA Abilene and KIDY San Angelo has announced week long furloughs to come this month.

Nick Natario takes stay at home studio to next level
April 5, 2020
abc13 KTRK multi-media journalist (MMJ) Nick Natario builds awesome home studio, while channel 13 tests emergency broadcast location

Former KHOU photographer John Shaw loses wife to COVID-19
April 1, 2020
Shaw tells his former station that he recently lost his wife to COVID-19 after being with her for more than 50 years.


Chauncy Glover discusses experiencing COVID-19
March 31, 2020
Chauncy Glover goes live with his 3pm co-anchor, Mayra Moreno, about his condition.

Morning Dose returns to CW39 Monday away from studio
March 29, 2020
After being off the air Friday, CW39 KIAH's Morning Dose returns Monday.

FOX 26 KRIV tests remote broadcasts
March 29, 2020
Weekend anchor Tom Zizka posted photos on Facebook of FOX 26 KRIV conducting broadcasting tests from its transmitter location.

COVID-19 pandemic forces sports media to adapt
March 27, 2020
With a lack of sporting events for the foreseeable future, media outlets have pivoted in attempts to fill a content void for their audience.

Chauncy Glover tests positive for COVID-19
March 26, 2020
Chauncy Glover, 3pm and 6:30pm anchor for abc13 KTRK, announced today he has tested positive for coronaviurs and is self-quarantining.

Cleverley Stone puts show on hold
March 21, 2020
CBS SportsRadio 650 KIKK "Cleverley Food Talk" radio host Cleverley Stone posted the following: "Due to the Coronavirus issue and my illness (I’m fighting stage 4 uterine cancer with chemotherapy treatments), we are putting The Cleverley Show on hiatus for now."

From the Houston Chronicle editor: During coronavirus crisis, we’re working for you
March 20, 2020
A word about newspaper delivery during these troubled times: We have no indication from health authorities that the coronavirus can be spread on newsprint. But in an abundance of caution, we have provided gloves to all our press workers and delivery agents. And we are aggressively sanitizing our facilities daily.

TV anchors broadcast from home
March 20, 2020
Houston news anchors are staying home, but still delivering the news on TV.
- Houston TV helps the kids online

VIDEO: New ways TV news crews are working during COVID-19
March 19, 2020
Many Houston TV news stations are not letting their field crews (reporters/photographers) come into the station unless absolutely needed. Many are now staging from home and going to the story in their own vehicles. Some stations pair teams together to work strictly away from the station.

The Houston Press Not Immune to These Hard Times, Needs Help
March 19, 2020
As the Houston Press has documented for you over the last several days, these are hard times for our city. We’ve gone out of our way to detail the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, especially for those in the arts, music and restaurant/bar communities, as well as relaying important public-health news and updates.

abc13 KTRK reporter Miya Shay and photographer Mario Segura confronted during live shot
March 13, 2020

I’m just going to assume this guy dropped a bunch of F bombs on me this morning because his wife sent him for toilet paper too early. #jobhazard#Coronavirus #COVID19 is serious. We are not hyping it. #abc13 https://t.co/fWUjPZUbWc pic.twitter.com/9zMhcP46xp

— Miya Shay (@ABC13Miya) March 13, 2020

Houston Chronicle news staffers could have been exposed to coronavirus
March 10, 2020
Four Houston Chronicle journalists attended a conference last week where a participant has had a presumptive positive test for novel coronavirus.

Former abc13 KTRK photographer Jaime Zamora's daughter is blogging for KPRC 2 on what it is like on lock down in Spain
March 9, 2020 and ongoing
Isabella Zamora, a Houston native and Maddie Wharton, of Portland, Oregon, were teaching in Spain together when Madrid went on lockdown over the coronoavirus. They will share their experiences on click2houston.com to provide a real-life view of what life is like right now in Spain.

KPRC 2′s Eric Braate under self-quarantine after returning from trip to Asia
March 9, 2020
KPRC 2 meteorologist Eric Braate just returned from a two week trip to Asia and has been asked to self-quarantine as a precautionary measure. Braate says he was not anticipating having to self-quarantine because when he left for the trip, the situation had not grown to what it is now. He feels fine and is healthy and said had he known how the coronavirus crisis would play out, he would have reconsidered his two-week trip.
- UPDATE 3-17-2020: ‘I’m on a 14 day quarantine. This is what it’s like.’

Texas Radio Hall of Fame 2024 induction ceremony recap

Top row: Jay Jones, Gary Stone, Mat “The Mighty Quinn” and Lance Zierlein. Middle row: Paul Gleiser and John Granato. Front row: Jud Ashmore, Val Wilson, Mary Lanoue, Melanie Miller, Terri Thomas, and “Big Frank” Franklin (Photo credit: Bachman-Hand)

The Texas Radio Hall of Fame (TRHOF) inducted its new batch of members at the Texas Broadcast Museum in Kilgore the first weekend of November 2024.

The Friday night before the big induction ceremony, the radio greats were treated to a special screening of my 101 KLOL documentary "Runaway Radio!"  On stage for a terrific doc Q&A were 2024 inductee Jay Jones (former KLOL owner), members Dayna Steele and Doug Harris, and me, your favorite media blogger/director.

Fun fact, some "Runaway Radio" scenes were shot at the Texas Broadcast Museum so it was super cool to actually show the film there! If you love broadcasting, the museum is worth the drive!

Mister McKinney's Historic Houston and ABC7 KABC Los Angeles president and general manager Wendy Granato were seen in the crowd for the Houston radio film.

You can watch "Runaway Radio" on VOD / Tubi or DVD. 

On Saturday, Hall of Famer Scott Arthur kicked off the ceremony with the induction of San Antonio's Jud Ashmore, who had just celebrated his 100th birthday. 

Hall of Famer Steele returned to the stage to welcome Mary McCoy, holder of the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest career as a female radio personality (72 years!), and nine-year-old Mary Ella Woodstock, host of KIDZ STAR Radio on DFW's KNON-NOW. 

Texas Association of Broadcasters president Oscar Rodriguez provided a legislative update, and THROF Executive Director Josh Holstead touted the organization's scholarship program. 

TRHOF Executive Director Doug Harris noted that the Induction ceremony was sold out for the third consecutive year. As a result, the event will again be held in Kilgore on November 7-8, 2025. 

A complete list of the TRHOF's Class of 2024:

 

Jud Ashmore - WOAI, KENS, KBUC San Antonio

Jay Britt -  KBZB Odessa and KILT FM100 Houston

Raoul Cortez -  Founded KCOR San Antonio, the first full-time Spanish-language radio station in the contiguous United States

“Big Frank” Franklin - K-99 Corpus Christi and 98-1 KVET Austin

Paul Gleiser - owner of 600 KTBB-AM and 97.5 KTBB-FM and "92.1 The Team" KRWR Tyler-Longview

John Granato and Lance Zierlein - ESPN 97.5 Houston and previously SportsRadio 610 KILT morning hosts

Henry Guerra - "Voice of San Antonio" WOAI

Mat "The Mighty Quinn" Guinn - 104.1 KRBE Houston

Dene Hallam - 93Q Houston and WWWW Detroit, WHN New York, KYCY San Francisco, WKHX Atlanta and WDAF Kansas City

Jay Jones - Rock 101 KLOL and 740 KTRH Houston owner

Mary Marin Lanoue - Cox Media, KISS-FM San Antonio

Melanie Miller - KPDN-AM Pampa, KGNC-AM -  KIXZ-AM - KAMR-TV Amarillo, KTLK-AM Lubbock, 740 KTRH Houston

Charlie Parker - WOAI San Antonio morning host and KCCW, KLLS, KKYX, KRIO, KTSA

John Roberts - Classic Rock 96.1 KKTX Kilgore

Clifton “King Bee” Smith - KCOH Houston.

Gary B. Stone - President Chief Operating Officer with 40 years of Broadcast experience. 30 years of Spanish media experience, 25 years with Univision Radio.

Terri Thomas - Former Director of Operations/Programming for 97.9 THE BOX KBXX, MAJIC 102.1 KMJQ

Harvey “Harvey T” Thompson - 95.7 KIKK Houston

Jerry Trupiano - Houston sports play-by-play announcer

Val Wilson - Radio One "Sunday Morning Live," KTSU2 and Texas Southern University - School of Communication Adjunct Professor - Radio, Television, Film Department

 

Following Saturday's induction ceremony, a reception for inductees and their families was held at the restored Post Office, operated by the Kilgore Historical and Preservation Society.

KDAF33 sports office empty, Belo exec killed, KTRK 13 royal wedding plans and more

KTRK 13's Wendy Granato to report on royal wedding
While millions of people around the world watch the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on television Friday, New Iberia native Wendy Oubre Granato will help make that happen for viewers in the Houston area as director of special projects for KTRK Channel 13.
- Dominique Chooses Hat For Royal Wedding

Anchor Ron Corning, Heading for WFAA in Dallas, ‘Enjoyed’ Stint at News 12 Long Island
Nassau and Suffolk County residents have been able to stay in touch with the career of Ron Corning. The anchorman–infamously ousted from Fox 5/WNYW’s Good Day New York while on vacation in April 2008—turned up at News 12 Long Island in November 2009. Now he's going to WFAA 8 Dallas-Fort Worth.

Sports department of one shrinking to none at CW33 with departure of Dave Crome
Veteran CW33 KDAF sports anchor-reporter Dave Crome, who joined the Dallas-based station in 1999, will be signing off this week.

WFAA8 anchor Gloria Campos hopes to be back early next week after back surgery
It's been a rough several months for longtime WFAA8 anchor Gloria Campos, who had back surgery on Good Friday and earlier broke a kneecap in December after a fall outside the Dallas-based station's Young Street offices.

Belo executive slain outside daughter's Arlington school
Steve McIntosh, an executive with Belo Corp., WFAA's parent company, was shot in front of his three-year-old daughter Friday evening shortly after he had picked her up at Arlington Country Day School Montessori.

Houston grandmother is nation's first 'Super Wi-Fi' user
When the Federal Communications Commission worked out the rules last fall to convert unused TV channels for a new long-range, wall-piercing version of Wi-Fi, Houston resident Leticia Aguirre had no way of knowing that she'd host the nation's first residential "Super Wi-Fi" hot spot. (Thanks GRIDLOCKJOE)

Former TV anchor finds a new calling
Ken Hoffman tracks down former KHOU 11 anchor Chau Nguyen.

KTRU’s last day will be Thursday
KTRU will no longer be broadcast from 91.7 starting at 6 a.m. on April 28.
- No staff changes expected at KUHF as Houston radio merger set for May moves closer
- 91.7 KTRU signal now in UH control says FCC

Cumulus KC market chief moving to Houston
Donna Baker, who has run the Kansas City market for Cumulus Media since 2007, scored a nice promotion to market manager in Houston. She'll oversee legacy station KRBE-FM as well as sports talker KFNC.

Fox4 reporter Sophia Reza leaving
Reporter Sophia Reza, who has spent close to three years at Dallas-based Fox4 KDFW, is resigning from the station.
- Fox4 meteorogist Ron Jackson loses Cedar Hill home and pets to Good Friday fire of still unknown origin

NATIONAL
- Couric Is Expected to Say She’s Leaving CBS
- Piers Morgan Ratings Hit All-Time
- ABC soap cancellation fallout
- YouTube's Local News Plans
- The Comic Stylings of Brian Williams
- Charlie Sheen launches "Masheen" mobile app
- In-car streaming numbers, perceptions, misperceptions examined
- May 4 is moving day at Sirius XM: some channels move, some are combined

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Former KPRC 2 meteorologist Byron Miranda talks new KNBC gig
- What was the appeal of Marvin Zindler of KTRK 13 Eyewitness News?
- What KTRK 13 staffers learned from Eyewitness News Action 13's Marvin Zindler
- Could there be another KTRK 13 Eyewitness News Marvin Zindler on TV news?
- SXSW getting too big for Austin? Move it to Houston!
- KHOU 11 honored with 3rd straight ‘Overall Excellence’ Murrow Award and more

Dave Ward to have a building named after him - Crime Stoppers of Houston Gala

Houston media, society and political world show up to honor Dave Ward at Crime Stoppers of Houston Gala 2015


Houston media icon Dave Ward, was honored at the 2015 Building the Block Crime Stoppers of Houston Gala on Thursday, October 29, 2015 at the Omni Houston Hotel. The Annual Gala, which serves as the organization's largest fundraiser, welcomed more than 560 guests and raised over $510,000 for Crime Stopper's Tip Line and crime prevention programs, which empower, educate, and engage the community in important conversations about crime, public safety and the protection of society's most vulnerable citizens.

Chita Johnson, Gala Auction Chair Courtney Zubowski Haas (Photo Credit: Michelle Watson)

Chairs Joella and Steve Mach, along with auction chairs Courtney Zubowski Haas and Dr. Eric Haas, led the grand effort and celebration that marked a significant achievement and announced plans for the future. The evening began with a VIP reception with keynote speaker, best-selling author and Emmy award winning journalist, Ted Koppel. VIP guests were able to mingle with Koppel and then continued in to the silent auction and big board, all in support of the Crime Stoppers' mission. The cocktail reception opened up with a warm welcome from Rania Mankarious, Crime Stoppers Executive Director and invocation by Monsignor Frank Rossi, followed by emcee Melanie Lawson of KTRK abc13 taking the stage to kick off the night's festivities and surprise performances - all of which Ward knew nothing about!

Dave Ward, Laura Ward, Ted Koppel (Photo Credit: Michelle Watson)

The entire evening was weaved together perfectly with the direction and guidance of the visionary, Laura Ward.

The focus of the evening was to honor Ward for playing an instrumental role in creating the "media" reach of Crime Stoppers of Houston back in the early 1980s. It was his creativity and ingenuity that contributed to the famous (and internationally recognized) Crime Stoppers' reenactments. Thanks to his vision, Crime Stoppers of Houston has created a model that now leads the nation. Koppel was honored to be in Houston to celebrate Ward's contributions to Crime Stoppers and his incredible achievement of being the only news anchor to stay almost 50 years on one anchor chair, in one station, in one city, in one state. Surprise video tributes from two very special friends of Ward, former First Lady Barbara Bush and NASA Astronaut Scott Kelly all the way from outer space, were played during the night.

The celebration continued with messages from several 'Friends of Dave', Governor Mark White, 43rd Governor of the Great State of Texas, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Founder, President and CEO of The Richland Companies and John Eddie Williams, founding partner of Williams Kherkher.

One of the biggest highlights of the night was a surprise visit from a very special friend of Ward who insisted on flying to Houston for this special occasion - Grammy and Emmy Award-winning artist and producer Steve Tyrell who sang "You've Got a Friend in Me" live on stage for his friend.

Before the night was over, the surprises continued as a well-kept secret was finally revealed. Because of Ward's dedication to his city, career and Crime Stoppers, Mankarious announced that the first-ever Crime Stoppers of Houston headquarters will forever be named The Dave Ward Building Crime Stoppers of Houston. Ward was astonished by the big unveil and was lost for words as he stood in front of the podium. He compared the extraordinary moment to his wedding day and birth of his children.

The evening left Ward speechless, but the celebration continued on the next day, Friday, October 30, 2015 at the 3000 Block on Main Street for the Crime Stoppers of Houston Headquarters Groundbreaking Ceremony. Koppel along with the Board of Directors, elected officials, men and women in blue and others joined in for photos to commence the city's first Public Safety and Crime Prevention Block. Welcoming remarks were made by Crime Stoppers Executive Director Rania Mankarious, Capital Campaign Co-Chairs Kathryn Stasney Childers and Fenner Weller, Franco Valobra of Harris County Sheriff's Office Foundation, Dave Ward, Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson, Houston Police Department Chief Charles McClelland and Harris County Sheriff Ron Hickman. State Representative Gene Wu presented a resolution honoring the work of Crime Stoppers and recognition of Dave Ward at the 2015 Gala. Closing remarks were made by Crime Stoppers Vice Chairman of the Board Hazem Ahmed.

Dave Ward, Laura Ward, Rania Mankarious, Ted Koppel (Photo Credit: Michelle Watson)

Future Crime Stoppers Office (Courtesy Crime Stoppers of Houston)

The new home of Crime Stoppers of Houston will be a state-of-the-art facility serving as a hub for crime prevention, housing centralized operations, staff, volunteers, law enforcement, safe school, safe community and media teams in a single 28,000-square-foot building. Outside the facility, a 12,800-square-foot Harris County Sheriff's Officers Memorial Garden will pay tribute to heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

John and Wendy Granato (Photo Credit: Michelle Watson)

Henry Florsheim, Rebecca Campbell, Mayor Annise Parker & Doe Florsheim (Photo Credit: Michelle Watson)

Thursday's celebration (Gala) was supported by many individuals, community partners and generous underwriters, including The Mach Family, Ellen and Paige Cokinos/The Higginbotham Community Foundation, Dr. and Mrs. C. Richard Stasney/Mr. and Mrs. Staton Childers. Among guests were, Trini Mendenhall, Cora Sue and Harry Mach, Maria and Neil Bush, Maria and Christopher J. Pappas, Wendy and John Granato, Henry Florsheim, Katherine and Bobbie Hatcher, Stephanie and Ernie Cockerall, Roula Christie, Leisa Holland-Nelson, Michelle Heinz and Vicki Rizzo.

Rania Mankarious, Steve Tyrell, Roula Christie (Photo Credit: Michelle Watson)

Notable guests include Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson, Harris County Sheriff Ron Hickman, Harris County Commissioner Jack Cagle and Harris County District Clerk Chris Daniels, Mayor Annise Parker, City Council members Brenda Stardig, Jack Christie, Dave Martin, David Robinson, Robert Gallegos and Ellen Cohen, State Representatives Jim Murphy, Gene Wu and Sylvester Turner, plus Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland, Jr.

Miya Shay and State Representative Gene Wu, Gina Gaston Ellie (Photo Credit: Michelle Watson)

Others celebrating with Ward included Linda Heatley, Jim Holley, Rachelle Rowe, Shelby Hodge and Shafik Rifaat, Dan Pastorini and Pam Morris, Carol and Tom Sawyer, Roz and Alan Pactor, Pamela and Jack Wright, Lindsey and Scott Aronstein, Cathy and John Crapitto, Melissa Davis, Paula Goldstein, Nancy Sims, Allison and Stephen Lewis, Sidney Evans II, Bryan Beene, Gina Gaston Elie, Toni and Bob Lawrence, Bob Meehan, Sonya and Jeff Vaden, Yvette Webb, David Wilson II, Mike Wilson, plus many more!

If you would like to learn about Crime Stoppers of Houston and our prevention programs, visit www.crime-stoppers.org or call 713-521-4600.

(This post is taken from a press release sent to me by Crime Stoppers of Houston)