KPRC's Andy Cerota talks moving stations & new anchor gig

To contact us Click HERE
I’m teaming up with TXU Energy to help get the word out about the upcoming TXU Energy Turkey Trot benefiting Sheltering Arms Senior Services. The race takes place at Dillard’s near the Galleria on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2012.

That means I'm also promoting the Houston media turkey calling contest (The contest will be 10am, Saturday, November 10th at the Houston Zoo - Butterfly Stage in the Children’s Zoo).

The media winner will have the opportunity to designate a public place to have a tree planted by TXU Energy and the Texas Trees Foundation.

KPRC 2 anchor Andy Cerota will be participating in the media contest this Saturday. Cerota talked with me about moving from one Houston TV station to another (KTRK 13 to KPRC 2) and his new anchor gig.

Mike McGuff: So how is it settling in at a station 'across the street?'

Andy Cerota: Wow, it's been fantastic! I can't believe it's been almost 5 months! I hit the ground running from day one.

I've been afforded some great new opportunities at KPRC and I couldn't have asked for a smoother transition. I've never gone "across the street" before so for me, this is uncharted territory but I am so fortunate.

I went from working with a great group of hard-working, talented journalists to working with another great group of hard-working, talented journalists. It's a win-win situation. Everyone at Local 2 welcomed me into the family with open arms.

How is life as an anchor?

I'm thoroughly enjoying my new role. It's been fun and extremely rewarding on both a personal and professional level.

Lauren, Anthony, Jennifer, Daniel, our executive producer and Mia, our midday producer, made me feel comfortable from the get go. They gave me a big on-air welcome when I started and they've all treated me like a valued member of the team since day one. If it sounds like I'm laying it on thick, guess what, I am!

The days where we've got a lot of big, breaking news have been some of the best, especially during fluid situations that are changing by minute. There have been so many recently. I've grown so much as a journalist and as an anchor in the short time I've been at KPRC because of my colleagues and because of those moments.

------------------------------------------

Thanks Andy!

Also participating from KPRC will be morning reporter Mark Boyle. I'll have a full list of all the participants later this week!

Come by Saturday and see the fun. You can participate in a turkey calling contest too.

Get all the details for the race and Sheltering Arms Senior Services at http://turkeytrot.shelteringarms.org/.

(This post has been sponsored by TXU Energy. Learn more about the company at txu.com.)

Fox 26's Natalie Bomke talks shirtless men and morning news

To contact us Click HERE
I’m teaming up with TXU Energy to help get the word out about the upcoming TXU Energy Turkey Trot benefiting Sheltering Arms Senior Services. The race takes place at Dillard’s near the Galleria on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2012.

That means I'm also promoting the Houston media turkey calling contest (The contest will be 10am, Saturday, November 10th at the Houston Zoo - Butterfly Stage in the Children’s Zoo).

The media winner will have the opportunity to designate a public place to have a tree planted by TXU Energy and the Texas Trees Foundation.

KRIV FOX 26 Morning News' Natalie Bomke is a participant in the turkey calling contest. She talks with me about anchoring the morning shift and what she likes about Houston.

Mike McGuff: FOX 26 has a big morning show - in terms of number of hours and the number people on air during those times - how do you all juggle it?

Natalie Bomke: “FOX26 Morning News” isn’t just a 6-hour newscast, it’s a 24-hour operation. When “FOX26 News at 9p.m.” with Don and Melinda wraps up, our 4 and 5am producers arrive. The producers, along with our assignment desk, monitor network news feeds, Twitter, Facebook, local papers, police scanners (and the coffee machine) to provide new content for our morning news program.

There is a producer for each hour of the show, so you can bet that behind every (great) FOX26 anchor is a team of experienced producers developing unique news content for the viewer.

My co-anchor, Chris Stipes and I, deliver the news at 4,5 and 6am. And then, kind of like a rock band, Mike Iscovitz is on weather, Michelle Merhar is on traffic and Ford Atkinson and Andrea Watkins are out on the streets presenting either developing stories or hot topics that impact the viewers. Jose Grinan and Melissa Wilson pick up anchor duty at 7am, and then Melissa and Mike co-anchor “FOX26 Morning News Extra” at 9 a.m. In all, we have a team of about 40 people working on “FOX26 Morning News.” I like to think the imagination of our morning team though makes it more like 140.
(We’re still trying to figure out how Mike can do impressions of nearly all of our co-workers between his weather forecasts.)

Morning television anchors must be ready to wake up the audience and keep the show moving. What's your secret to having energy that early in the morning?

I have been anchoring a morning newscast for six years now and the hours never get any easier. That said, I adore my co-workers and spending 8 hours a day with them is incentive enough to get out of bed. With a six-hour newscast, there is always something to do. My favorite (extra) responsibility is live reporting, especially if it involves firemen, police officers or cats. Not all at the same time though. That would be too much.

Having worked in Houston a few years now, what are your thoughts on the city? Are you feeling settled in?

I love Texas! People complain about the weather, but growing up in Central Illinois, I’d take the heat over waking up in the mid-30’s any day! Using a credit card to scrape ice off your windshield, wearing heels and two pairs of pantyhose, is not my idea of a good time. But, I do miss my family.

I love the patriotism of this city. People here stand their ground. They are proud of their beliefs and their freedoms. This is what unites us as a city. I love the southern cooking, the Cajun influences and life by the Gulf. The Texas economy is strong and there are so many inspiring entrepreneurs in our midst.

But my favorite thing (and no, I’m not getting paid to say this) is my job. I LOVE IT! FOX26 is the best television station I’ve worked for during my career.  I have never met a more caring and compassionate group of people. The reporters genuinely care about the people they profile in their stories.
The engineers and photographers and directors, everyone, is here because news is a career they love. The support is overwhelming.

And, if I had to choose a runner-up “thing” to love about our city, it would be all the men at Memorial Park who think it’s a good idea to run shirtless. I’ve never encountered so many, anywhere else I’ve lived. But, it’s an idea I totally support!

See YOU in the morning!

------------------------------------------

Thanks Natalie!

Click for a list of all the other Houston media turkey calling participants.

Come by Saturday and see the fun. You can participate in a turkey calling contest too.

Get all the details for the race and Sheltering Arms Senior Services at http://turkeytrot.shelteringarms.org/.

(This post has been sponsored by TXU Energy. Learn more about the company at txu.com.)

NewsFix puts Constable Victor Trevino on 'hiatus'

To contact us Click HERE
Earlier today on my Wayne Dolcefino KTRK 13 sighting post, I mentioned how Precinct 6 Constable Victor Trevino was indicted on four felony charges.

Constable Trevino has been one of the few on air faces for KIAH 39's NewsFix. Since day one, he's read the crime reports.

I reached out to KIAH 39 to ask about Trevino's status after the hoopla surrounding him. Here is the official statement the Tribune station gave me tonight:

"Victor Trevino has been a valuable friend to Newsfix since the show started. His on-air segments have provided a valuable public service, informing our viewers about the crime in their neighborhoods. 'Crime Bureau' will remain on hiatus while he deals with these charges."

Wayne Dolcefino's next career move & party photos

To contact us Click HERE

After posting about Wayne Dolcefino leaving KTRK last week, I almost thought about not posting for the rest of 2012.  No post this year could be bigger than Dolcefino's departure in terms of reader interest and blog traffic. Then I came to my senses.

Last night, the infamous Houston Media Roundtable had a big goodbye party for Dolcefino at The Reef in Houston's Midtown. (Photos slideshow above - mobile users who can't see it, click here).

Wayne told me he is not interested in going back into TV right now. He also said people have been approaching him asking if he is retiring - that is not the case. In fact Wayne just created Dolcefino Communications LLC a few days ago. He is currently taking lots of phone calls and weighing his options.

Can you imagine Dolcefino as a consultant? He certainly has lots of knowledge and advice stored up for media, legal and political types after more than 30 years in broadcasting/investigative reporting.

Stay tuned.

As for some of the folks in attendance for the big Wayne-O sendoff: Rusty Hardin, Bob Martin, Paul Bettencourt, Margaret O'Brien-Molina, Mary Benton, Phil Archer, Doug Miller, Ned Hibberd, Ed Brandon, Minerva Perez, Elma Barrera, Lori Reingold, Bob Dows, Janice Evans, Jessica Michan, Joel Androphy, George Flynn, Carl Davis, Omar Perez, Scott Braddock, August Skamenca, Mary Flood, David Barron and Dr. Richard Murray among others.

KPRC's Andy Cerota talks moving stations & new anchor gig

To contact us Click HERE
I’m teaming up with TXU Energy to help get the word out about the upcoming TXU Energy Turkey Trot benefiting Sheltering Arms Senior Services. The race takes place at Dillard’s near the Galleria on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2012.

That means I'm also promoting the Houston media turkey calling contest (The contest will be 10am, Saturday, November 10th at the Houston Zoo - Butterfly Stage in the Children’s Zoo).

The media winner will have the opportunity to designate a public place to have a tree planted by TXU Energy and the Texas Trees Foundation.

KPRC 2 anchor Andy Cerota will be participating in the media contest this Saturday. Cerota talked with me about moving from one Houston TV station to another (KTRK 13 to KPRC 2) and his new anchor gig.

Mike McGuff: So how is it settling in at a station 'across the street?'

Andy Cerota: Wow, it's been fantastic! I can't believe it's been almost 5 months! I hit the ground running from day one.

I've been afforded some great new opportunities at KPRC and I couldn't have asked for a smoother transition. I've never gone "across the street" before so for me, this is uncharted territory but I am so fortunate.

I went from working with a great group of hard-working, talented journalists to working with another great group of hard-working, talented journalists. It's a win-win situation. Everyone at Local 2 welcomed me into the family with open arms.

How is life as an anchor?

I'm thoroughly enjoying my new role. It's been fun and extremely rewarding on both a personal and professional level.

Lauren, Anthony, Jennifer, Daniel, our executive producer and Mia, our midday producer, made me feel comfortable from the get go. They gave me a big on-air welcome when I started and they've all treated me like a valued member of the team since day one. If it sounds like I'm laying it on thick, guess what, I am!

The days where we've got a lot of big, breaking news have been some of the best, especially during fluid situations that are changing by minute. There have been so many recently. I've grown so much as a journalist and as an anchor in the short time I've been at KPRC because of my colleagues and because of those moments.

------------------------------------------

Thanks Andy!

Also participating from KPRC will be morning reporter Mark Boyle. I'll have a full list of all the participants later this week!

Come by Saturday and see the fun. You can participate in a turkey calling contest too.

Get all the details for the race and Sheltering Arms Senior Services at http://turkeytrot.shelteringarms.org/.

(This post has been sponsored by TXU Energy. Learn more about the company at txu.com.)

Fox 26's Natalie Bomke talks shirtless men and morning news

To contact us Click HERE
I’m teaming up with TXU Energy to help get the word out about the upcoming TXU Energy Turkey Trot benefiting Sheltering Arms Senior Services. The race takes place at Dillard’s near the Galleria on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2012.

That means I'm also promoting the Houston media turkey calling contest (The contest will be 10am, Saturday, November 10th at the Houston Zoo - Butterfly Stage in the Children’s Zoo).

The media winner will have the opportunity to designate a public place to have a tree planted by TXU Energy and the Texas Trees Foundation.

KRIV FOX 26 Morning News' Natalie Bomke is a participant in the turkey calling contest. She talks with me about anchoring the morning shift and what she likes about Houston.

Mike McGuff: FOX 26 has a big morning show - in terms of number of hours and the number people on air during those times - how do you all juggle it?

Natalie Bomke: “FOX26 Morning News” isn’t just a 6-hour newscast, it’s a 24-hour operation. When “FOX26 News at 9p.m.” with Don and Melinda wraps up, our 4 and 5am producers arrive. The producers, along with our assignment desk, monitor network news feeds, Twitter, Facebook, local papers, police scanners (and the coffee machine) to provide new content for our morning news program.

There is a producer for each hour of the show, so you can bet that behind every (great) FOX26 anchor is a team of experienced producers developing unique news content for the viewer.

My co-anchor, Chris Stipes and I, deliver the news at 4,5 and 6am. And then, kind of like a rock band, Mike Iscovitz is on weather, Michelle Merhar is on traffic and Ford Atkinson and Andrea Watkins are out on the streets presenting either developing stories or hot topics that impact the viewers. Jose Grinan and Melissa Wilson pick up anchor duty at 7am, and then Melissa and Mike co-anchor “FOX26 Morning News Extra” at 9 a.m. In all, we have a team of about 40 people working on “FOX26 Morning News.” I like to think the imagination of our morning team though makes it more like 140.
(We’re still trying to figure out how Mike can do impressions of nearly all of our co-workers between his weather forecasts.)

Morning television anchors must be ready to wake up the audience and keep the show moving. What's your secret to having energy that early in the morning?

I have been anchoring a morning newscast for six years now and the hours never get any easier. That said, I adore my co-workers and spending 8 hours a day with them is incentive enough to get out of bed. With a six-hour newscast, there is always something to do. My favorite (extra) responsibility is live reporting, especially if it involves firemen, police officers or cats. Not all at the same time though. That would be too much.

Having worked in Houston a few years now, what are your thoughts on the city? Are you feeling settled in?

I love Texas! People complain about the weather, but growing up in Central Illinois, I’d take the heat over waking up in the mid-30’s any day! Using a credit card to scrape ice off your windshield, wearing heels and two pairs of pantyhose, is not my idea of a good time. But, I do miss my family.

I love the patriotism of this city. People here stand their ground. They are proud of their beliefs and their freedoms. This is what unites us as a city. I love the southern cooking, the Cajun influences and life by the Gulf. The Texas economy is strong and there are so many inspiring entrepreneurs in our midst.

But my favorite thing (and no, I’m not getting paid to say this) is my job. I LOVE IT! FOX26 is the best television station I’ve worked for during my career.  I have never met a more caring and compassionate group of people. The reporters genuinely care about the people they profile in their stories.
The engineers and photographers and directors, everyone, is here because news is a career they love. The support is overwhelming.

And, if I had to choose a runner-up “thing” to love about our city, it would be all the men at Memorial Park who think it’s a good idea to run shirtless. I’ve never encountered so many, anywhere else I’ve lived. But, it’s an idea I totally support!

See YOU in the morning!

------------------------------------------

Thanks Natalie!

Click for a list of all the other Houston media turkey calling participants.

Come by Saturday and see the fun. You can participate in a turkey calling contest too.

Get all the details for the race and Sheltering Arms Senior Services at http://turkeytrot.shelteringarms.org/.

(This post has been sponsored by TXU Energy. Learn more about the company at txu.com.)

NewsFix puts Constable Victor Trevino on 'hiatus'

To contact us Click HERE
Earlier today on my Wayne Dolcefino KTRK 13 sighting post, I mentioned how Precinct 6 Constable Victor Trevino was indicted on four felony charges.

Constable Trevino has been one of the few on air faces for KIAH 39's NewsFix. Since day one, he's read the crime reports.

I reached out to KIAH 39 to ask about Trevino's status after the hoopla surrounding him. Here is the official statement the Tribune station gave me tonight:

"Victor Trevino has been a valuable friend to Newsfix since the show started. His on-air segments have provided a valuable public service, informing our viewers about the crime in their neighborhoods. 'Crime Bureau' will remain on hiatus while he deals with these charges."

Wayne Dolcefino's next career move & party photos

To contact us Click HERE

After posting about Wayne Dolcefino leaving KTRK last week, I almost thought about not posting for the rest of 2012.  No post this year could be bigger than Dolcefino's departure in terms of reader interest and blog traffic. Then I came to my senses.

Last night, the infamous Houston Media Roundtable had a big goodbye party for Dolcefino at The Reef in Houston's Midtown. (Photos slideshow above - mobile users who can't see it, click here).

Wayne told me he is not interested in going back into TV right now. He also said people have been approaching him asking if he is retiring - that is not the case. In fact Wayne just created Dolcefino Communications LLC a few days ago. He is currently taking lots of phone calls and weighing his options.

Can you imagine Dolcefino as a consultant? He certainly has lots of knowledge and advice stored up for media, legal and political types after more than 30 years in broadcasting/investigative reporting.

Stay tuned.

As for some of the folks in attendance for the big Wayne-O sendoff: Rusty Hardin, Bob Martin, Paul Bettencourt, Margaret O'Brien-Molina, Mary Benton, Phil Archer, Doug Miller, Ned Hibberd, Ed Brandon, Minerva Perez, Elma Barrera, Lori Reingold, Bob Dows, Janice Evans, Jessica Michan, Joel Androphy, George Flynn, Carl Davis, Omar Perez, Scott Braddock, August Skamenca, Mary Flood, David Barron and Dr. Richard Murray among others.

TV's Alan Hemberger becomes radio DJ

To contact us Click HERE
Tom Petty called Los Angeles radio man Jim Ladd The Last DJ. So now I'm calling newly minted radio disc jockey Alan Hemberger The Last DJ who worked as a Houston TV anchor.

Hemberger, who worked at places like KTRK 13, KIAH 39 and Entertainment Tonight left Houston for California last May. The former newsman is now retired and has traded in the anchor desk and IFB for a radio microphone.

"The Pacific Coast Highway is out one window, the ocean out the other," Hemberger told mikemcguff.com. "I'm returning to my first love and roots. Hope to do some high school play by play too."

Hemberger is returning to his roots at 93.5 KXRN which is billed as the non-commercial, FM community radio station of Laguna. The station plays Generational Alt Rock from the 1960s to today.

'The Laguna Beach Blues Boy' as Hemberger is now known, spins tunes from the likes of Howling' Wolf, Buddy Guy and Muddy Waters to Led Zeppelin, The Stones, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. I'm already requesting some Doors.

Aside from broadcasting, instead of driving the concrete jungles of Highway 59 or Loop 610, Hemberger tells me he now walks to play golf, go to the beach or the store. Sounds rough.

Catch Hemberger on the air or Internet Friday 9pm to 12am Pacific time or 11pm to 2am Central at kx935.com.

On another Houston note, I was listening to Hemberger's show and who did I discover is the voice of KXRN? Houston's own voice over magnate Dave Crockett!

KPRC's Andy Cerota talks moving stations & new anchor gig

To contact us Click HERE
I’m teaming up with TXU Energy to help get the word out about the upcoming TXU Energy Turkey Trot benefiting Sheltering Arms Senior Services. The race takes place at Dillard’s near the Galleria on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2012.

That means I'm also promoting the Houston media turkey calling contest (The contest will be 10am, Saturday, November 10th at the Houston Zoo - Butterfly Stage in the Children’s Zoo).

The media winner will have the opportunity to designate a public place to have a tree planted by TXU Energy and the Texas Trees Foundation.

KPRC 2 anchor Andy Cerota will be participating in the media contest this Saturday. Cerota talked with me about moving from one Houston TV station to another (KTRK 13 to KPRC 2) and his new anchor gig.

Mike McGuff: So how is it settling in at a station 'across the street?'

Andy Cerota: Wow, it's been fantastic! I can't believe it's been almost 5 months! I hit the ground running from day one.

I've been afforded some great new opportunities at KPRC and I couldn't have asked for a smoother transition. I've never gone "across the street" before so for me, this is uncharted territory but I am so fortunate.

I went from working with a great group of hard-working, talented journalists to working with another great group of hard-working, talented journalists. It's a win-win situation. Everyone at Local 2 welcomed me into the family with open arms.

How is life as an anchor?

I'm thoroughly enjoying my new role. It's been fun and extremely rewarding on both a personal and professional level.

Lauren, Anthony, Jennifer, Daniel, our executive producer and Mia, our midday producer, made me feel comfortable from the get go. They gave me a big on-air welcome when I started and they've all treated me like a valued member of the team since day one. If it sounds like I'm laying it on thick, guess what, I am!

The days where we've got a lot of big, breaking news have been some of the best, especially during fluid situations that are changing by minute. There have been so many recently. I've grown so much as a journalist and as an anchor in the short time I've been at KPRC because of my colleagues and because of those moments.

------------------------------------------

Thanks Andy!

Also participating from KPRC will be morning reporter Mark Boyle. I'll have a full list of all the participants later this week!

Come by Saturday and see the fun. You can participate in a turkey calling contest too.

Get all the details for the race and Sheltering Arms Senior Services at http://turkeytrot.shelteringarms.org/.

(This post has been sponsored by TXU Energy. Learn more about the company at txu.com.)

NewsFix puts Constable Victor Trevino on 'hiatus'

To contact us Click HERE
Earlier today on my Wayne Dolcefino KTRK 13 sighting post, I mentioned how Precinct 6 Constable Victor Trevino was indicted on four felony charges.

Constable Trevino has been one of the few on air faces for KIAH 39's NewsFix. Since day one, he's read the crime reports.

I reached out to KIAH 39 to ask about Trevino's status after the hoopla surrounding him. Here is the official statement the Tribune station gave me tonight:

"Victor Trevino has been a valuable friend to Newsfix since the show started. His on-air segments have provided a valuable public service, informing our viewers about the crime in their neighborhoods. 'Crime Bureau' will remain on hiatus while he deals with these charges."

Univision 45 KXLN is Houston’s #1 TV station

To contact us Click HERE
Univision 45 claims big win against the other Houston TV stations in November sweeps:

In the first major sweep of the 2012-2013 television broadcast season, KXLN Univision 45 is Houston’s No. 1 broadcast station among Adults 18-34, Adults 18-49 and Adults 25-54 in all the major dayparts: daytime, early fringe, early news, primetime, late news and late fringe, regardless of language. KXLN Univision 45 is also the most watched station during early morning among both Adults 18-34 and Adults 18-49.

During a sweep that included extensive news coverage on a history making presidential election, KXLN’s early 5 p.m. “Noticias Univision 45 a las 5” (News 45 at 5) and late 10 p.m. local news “Noticias 45 Edición Nocturna” (News 45 Evening Edition), were the most watched local newscasts among Adults 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54.

Primetime Ratings Highlights:

· During the November sweep, KXLN achieved a higher primetime rating than all other broadcast stations including the major English-language network affiliates: KTRK-ABC, KRIV-FOX, KHOU-CBS and KPRC-NBC.


Sources: NSI Ranking based on Houston.’s 10 major television stations Live +SD. KXLN, KFTH, KPRC, KRTK, KHOU, Monday to Saturday: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m./Sunday: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; KRIV, KIAH, Monday to Saturday: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m./Sunday: : 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; KTMD, KZJL Monday to Sunday: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

· KXLN’s primetime novela, “Abismo de Pasión” (Abyss of Passion) was Houston’s most-watched primetime, non-sport program among Adults 18-34, Adults 18-49 and Adults 25-54.

· KXLN’s broadcast of the 13th Annual Latin GRAMMY® Awards was Houston’s most watched awards show among Adults 18-34, Adults 18-49 and Adults 25-54 beating ABC’s “Country Music Awards” and “American Music Awards.”

LOCAL NEWS Ratings Highlights:


· During the November sweep, KXLN achieved higher local news ratings than all other broadcast stations including the major English-language network affiliates: KTRK-ABC, KRIV-FOX, KHOU-CBS, KPRC-NBC and KIAH-CW.

Sources: NSI Ranking based on Houston’s local news television stations Live+SD. KXLN, KPRC, KRTK, KHOU and KTMD Monday to Friday: 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; KRIV, KIAH, Monday to Friday: 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.; KXLN, KPRC, KRTK, KHOU and KTMD Monday to Friday: 10:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; KRIV, KIAH, Monday to Friday: 9:00 p.m. to 10:10:00 p.m.

Note: Early Morning is M-F/6-10A (KXLN), M-F/6-9A for all other stations; daytime is M-F/9A-3P for all stations except KXLN (M-F/10A-3P) & KFTH (M-F/8A-3P; early fringe is M-F/3-5P for all stations except KFTH (M-F/3-6P); and late fringe is M-F/11P-1A for all stations except KFT, KRIV & KIAH (M-F/10P-1A).

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

RELATED
CBS 11 KTVT calls November win

Where's KHOU's Leigh Frillici?

To contact us Click HERE
Yesterday I asked where KTRK 13 Undercover's Wayne Dolcefino has been. Now I'm looking for KHOU 11 reporter Leigh Frillici.

Two sources confirm to me Frillici's bio was removed from khou.com last week. When I asked a KHOU 11 representative about Frillici's departure, I was told she left the Belo Houston station months ago. In fact she officially left the CBS affiliate in February but filled in a few times during the spring.

According to her bio, Frillici joined KHOU 11 News as a general assignment reporter in 2007. She received several Lone Star Emmy nominations for her work. Before KHOU, Frillici anchored at WGGB in Springfield, Massachusetts. She also reported for WTNH and WFSB in Connecticut. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Frillici worked as an associate producer at CBS and MSNBC. She is married to a Rice University professor.

Frillici stated in her bio that her favorite part about working in television news is meeting incredible people every day.

"Often, we talk to people who are facing some of the toughest things they'll ever face in their lives," she wrote. "I can't tell you the countless people I've met who handle life's curve balls with such grace."

My favorite Frillici story was the sweeps piece where she interviewed my wife about too much plastic surgery. Paging Dr. Franklin Rose (he was interviewed too and what is wild is that I posted about it one year ago today - someone should do a sweeps piece on numerology because of this strange coincidence [or is it?]).

I reached out to Frillici via Facebook to find out what she's up to now, but did not hear back. Frillici's LinkedIn profile still lists her as a current KHOU reporter.

UPDATE
Frillici tells me she did not renew with KHOU because she has two young children and wants to concentrate on them for now. She did tell the station she's available for fill-in work.

TV's Alan Hemberger becomes radio DJ

To contact us Click HERE
Tom Petty called Los Angeles radio man Jim Ladd The Last DJ. So now I'm calling newly minted radio disc jockey Alan Hemberger The Last DJ who worked as a Houston TV anchor.

Hemberger, who worked at places like KTRK 13, KIAH 39 and Entertainment Tonight left Houston for California last May. The former newsman is now retired and has traded in the anchor desk and IFB for a radio microphone.

"The Pacific Coast Highway is out one window, the ocean out the other," Hemberger told mikemcguff.com. "I'm returning to my first love and roots. Hope to do some high school play by play too."

Hemberger is returning to his roots at 93.5 KXRN which is billed as the non-commercial, FM community radio station of Laguna. The station plays Generational Alt Rock from the 1960s to today.

'The Laguna Beach Blues Boy' as Hemberger is now known, spins tunes from the likes of Howling' Wolf, Buddy Guy and Muddy Waters to Led Zeppelin, The Stones, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. I'm already requesting some Doors.

Aside from broadcasting, instead of driving the concrete jungles of Highway 59 or Loop 610, Hemberger tells me he now walks to play golf, go to the beach or the store. Sounds rough.

Catch Hemberger on the air or Internet Friday 9pm to 12am Pacific time or 11pm to 2am Central at kx935.com.

On another Houston note, I was listening to Hemberger's show and who did I discover is the voice of KXRN? Houston's own voice over magnate Dave Crockett!

KPRC's Andy Cerota talks moving stations & new anchor gig

To contact us Click HERE
I’m teaming up with TXU Energy to help get the word out about the upcoming TXU Energy Turkey Trot benefiting Sheltering Arms Senior Services. The race takes place at Dillard’s near the Galleria on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2012.

That means I'm also promoting the Houston media turkey calling contest (The contest will be 10am, Saturday, November 10th at the Houston Zoo - Butterfly Stage in the Children’s Zoo).

The media winner will have the opportunity to designate a public place to have a tree planted by TXU Energy and the Texas Trees Foundation.

KPRC 2 anchor Andy Cerota will be participating in the media contest this Saturday. Cerota talked with me about moving from one Houston TV station to another (KTRK 13 to KPRC 2) and his new anchor gig.

Mike McGuff: So how is it settling in at a station 'across the street?'

Andy Cerota: Wow, it's been fantastic! I can't believe it's been almost 5 months! I hit the ground running from day one.

I've been afforded some great new opportunities at KPRC and I couldn't have asked for a smoother transition. I've never gone "across the street" before so for me, this is uncharted territory but I am so fortunate.

I went from working with a great group of hard-working, talented journalists to working with another great group of hard-working, talented journalists. It's a win-win situation. Everyone at Local 2 welcomed me into the family with open arms.

How is life as an anchor?

I'm thoroughly enjoying my new role. It's been fun and extremely rewarding on both a personal and professional level.

Lauren, Anthony, Jennifer, Daniel, our executive producer and Mia, our midday producer, made me feel comfortable from the get go. They gave me a big on-air welcome when I started and they've all treated me like a valued member of the team since day one. If it sounds like I'm laying it on thick, guess what, I am!

The days where we've got a lot of big, breaking news have been some of the best, especially during fluid situations that are changing by minute. There have been so many recently. I've grown so much as a journalist and as an anchor in the short time I've been at KPRC because of my colleagues and because of those moments.

------------------------------------------

Thanks Andy!

Also participating from KPRC will be morning reporter Mark Boyle. I'll have a full list of all the participants later this week!

Come by Saturday and see the fun. You can participate in a turkey calling contest too.

Get all the details for the race and Sheltering Arms Senior Services at http://turkeytrot.shelteringarms.org/.

(This post has been sponsored by TXU Energy. Learn more about the company at txu.com.)

Fox 26's Natalie Bomke talks shirtless men and morning news

To contact us Click HERE
I’m teaming up with TXU Energy to help get the word out about the upcoming TXU Energy Turkey Trot benefiting Sheltering Arms Senior Services. The race takes place at Dillard’s near the Galleria on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2012.

That means I'm also promoting the Houston media turkey calling contest (The contest will be 10am, Saturday, November 10th at the Houston Zoo - Butterfly Stage in the Children’s Zoo).

The media winner will have the opportunity to designate a public place to have a tree planted by TXU Energy and the Texas Trees Foundation.

KRIV FOX 26 Morning News' Natalie Bomke is a participant in the turkey calling contest. She talks with me about anchoring the morning shift and what she likes about Houston.

Mike McGuff: FOX 26 has a big morning show - in terms of number of hours and the number people on air during those times - how do you all juggle it?

Natalie Bomke: “FOX26 Morning News” isn’t just a 6-hour newscast, it’s a 24-hour operation. When “FOX26 News at 9p.m.” with Don and Melinda wraps up, our 4 and 5am producers arrive. The producers, along with our assignment desk, monitor network news feeds, Twitter, Facebook, local papers, police scanners (and the coffee machine) to provide new content for our morning news program.

There is a producer for each hour of the show, so you can bet that behind every (great) FOX26 anchor is a team of experienced producers developing unique news content for the viewer.

My co-anchor, Chris Stipes and I, deliver the news at 4,5 and 6am. And then, kind of like a rock band, Mike Iscovitz is on weather, Michelle Merhar is on traffic and Ford Atkinson and Andrea Watkins are out on the streets presenting either developing stories or hot topics that impact the viewers. Jose Grinan and Melissa Wilson pick up anchor duty at 7am, and then Melissa and Mike co-anchor “FOX26 Morning News Extra” at 9 a.m. In all, we have a team of about 40 people working on “FOX26 Morning News.” I like to think the imagination of our morning team though makes it more like 140.
(We’re still trying to figure out how Mike can do impressions of nearly all of our co-workers between his weather forecasts.)

Morning television anchors must be ready to wake up the audience and keep the show moving. What's your secret to having energy that early in the morning?

I have been anchoring a morning newscast for six years now and the hours never get any easier. That said, I adore my co-workers and spending 8 hours a day with them is incentive enough to get out of bed. With a six-hour newscast, there is always something to do. My favorite (extra) responsibility is live reporting, especially if it involves firemen, police officers or cats. Not all at the same time though. That would be too much.

Having worked in Houston a few years now, what are your thoughts on the city? Are you feeling settled in?

I love Texas! People complain about the weather, but growing up in Central Illinois, I’d take the heat over waking up in the mid-30’s any day! Using a credit card to scrape ice off your windshield, wearing heels and two pairs of pantyhose, is not my idea of a good time. But, I do miss my family.

I love the patriotism of this city. People here stand their ground. They are proud of their beliefs and their freedoms. This is what unites us as a city. I love the southern cooking, the Cajun influences and life by the Gulf. The Texas economy is strong and there are so many inspiring entrepreneurs in our midst.

But my favorite thing (and no, I’m not getting paid to say this) is my job. I LOVE IT! FOX26 is the best television station I’ve worked for during my career.  I have never met a more caring and compassionate group of people. The reporters genuinely care about the people they profile in their stories.
The engineers and photographers and directors, everyone, is here because news is a career they love. The support is overwhelming.

And, if I had to choose a runner-up “thing” to love about our city, it would be all the men at Memorial Park who think it’s a good idea to run shirtless. I’ve never encountered so many, anywhere else I’ve lived. But, it’s an idea I totally support!

See YOU in the morning!

------------------------------------------

Thanks Natalie!

Click for a list of all the other Houston media turkey calling participants.

Come by Saturday and see the fun. You can participate in a turkey calling contest too.

Get all the details for the race and Sheltering Arms Senior Services at http://turkeytrot.shelteringarms.org/.

(This post has been sponsored by TXU Energy. Learn more about the company at txu.com.)

NewsFix puts Constable Victor Trevino on 'hiatus'

To contact us Click HERE
Earlier today on my Wayne Dolcefino KTRK 13 sighting post, I mentioned how Precinct 6 Constable Victor Trevino was indicted on four felony charges.

Constable Trevino has been one of the few on air faces for KIAH 39's NewsFix. Since day one, he's read the crime reports.

I reached out to KIAH 39 to ask about Trevino's status after the hoopla surrounding him. Here is the official statement the Tribune station gave me tonight:

"Victor Trevino has been a valuable friend to Newsfix since the show started. His on-air segments have provided a valuable public service, informing our viewers about the crime in their neighborhoods. 'Crime Bureau' will remain on hiatus while he deals with these charges."

Where's KHOU's Leigh Frillici?

To contact us Click HERE
Yesterday I asked where KTRK 13 Undercover's Wayne Dolcefino has been. Now I'm looking for KHOU 11 reporter Leigh Frillici.

Two sources confirm to me Frillici's bio was removed from khou.com last week. When I asked a KHOU 11 representative about Frillici's departure, I was told she left the Belo Houston station months ago. In fact she officially left the CBS affiliate in February but filled in a few times during the spring.

According to her bio, Frillici joined KHOU 11 News as a general assignment reporter in 2007. She received several Lone Star Emmy nominations for her work. Before KHOU, Frillici anchored at WGGB in Springfield, Massachusetts. She also reported for WTNH and WFSB in Connecticut. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Frillici worked as an associate producer at CBS and MSNBC. She is married to a Rice University professor.

Frillici stated in her bio that her favorite part about working in television news is meeting incredible people every day.

"Often, we talk to people who are facing some of the toughest things they'll ever face in their lives," she wrote. "I can't tell you the countless people I've met who handle life's curve balls with such grace."

My favorite Frillici story was the sweeps piece where she interviewed my wife about too much plastic surgery. Paging Dr. Franklin Rose (he was interviewed too and what is wild is that I posted about it one year ago today - someone should do a sweeps piece on numerology because of this strange coincidence [or is it?]).

I reached out to Frillici via Facebook to find out what she's up to now, but did not hear back. Frillici's LinkedIn profile still lists her as a current KHOU reporter.

UPDATE
Frillici tells me she did not renew with KHOU because she has two young children and wants to concentrate on them for now. She did tell the station she's available for fill-in work.

TV's Alan Hemberger becomes radio DJ

To contact us Click HERE
Tom Petty called Los Angeles radio man Jim Ladd The Last DJ. So now I'm calling newly minted radio disc jockey Alan Hemberger The Last DJ who worked as a Houston TV anchor.

Hemberger, who worked at places like KTRK 13, KIAH 39 and Entertainment Tonight left Houston for California last May. The former newsman is now retired and has traded in the anchor desk and IFB for a radio microphone.

"The Pacific Coast Highway is out one window, the ocean out the other," Hemberger told mikemcguff.com. "I'm returning to my first love and roots. Hope to do some high school play by play too."

Hemberger is returning to his roots at 93.5 KXRN which is billed as the non-commercial, FM community radio station of Laguna. The station plays Generational Alt Rock from the 1960s to today.

'The Laguna Beach Blues Boy' as Hemberger is now known, spins tunes from the likes of Howling' Wolf, Buddy Guy and Muddy Waters to Led Zeppelin, The Stones, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. I'm already requesting some Doors.

Aside from broadcasting, instead of driving the concrete jungles of Highway 59 or Loop 610, Hemberger tells me he now walks to play golf, go to the beach or the store. Sounds rough.

Catch Hemberger on the air or Internet Friday 9pm to 12am Pacific time or 11pm to 2am Central at kx935.com.

On another Houston note, I was listening to Hemberger's show and who did I discover is the voice of KXRN? Houston's own voice over magnate Dave Crockett!

KPRC's Andy Cerota talks moving stations & new anchor gig

To contact us Click HERE
I’m teaming up with TXU Energy to help get the word out about the upcoming TXU Energy Turkey Trot benefiting Sheltering Arms Senior Services. The race takes place at Dillard’s near the Galleria on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2012.

That means I'm also promoting the Houston media turkey calling contest (The contest will be 10am, Saturday, November 10th at the Houston Zoo - Butterfly Stage in the Children’s Zoo).

The media winner will have the opportunity to designate a public place to have a tree planted by TXU Energy and the Texas Trees Foundation.

KPRC 2 anchor Andy Cerota will be participating in the media contest this Saturday. Cerota talked with me about moving from one Houston TV station to another (KTRK 13 to KPRC 2) and his new anchor gig.

Mike McGuff: So how is it settling in at a station 'across the street?'

Andy Cerota: Wow, it's been fantastic! I can't believe it's been almost 5 months! I hit the ground running from day one.

I've been afforded some great new opportunities at KPRC and I couldn't have asked for a smoother transition. I've never gone "across the street" before so for me, this is uncharted territory but I am so fortunate.

I went from working with a great group of hard-working, talented journalists to working with another great group of hard-working, talented journalists. It's a win-win situation. Everyone at Local 2 welcomed me into the family with open arms.

How is life as an anchor?

I'm thoroughly enjoying my new role. It's been fun and extremely rewarding on both a personal and professional level.

Lauren, Anthony, Jennifer, Daniel, our executive producer and Mia, our midday producer, made me feel comfortable from the get go. They gave me a big on-air welcome when I started and they've all treated me like a valued member of the team since day one. If it sounds like I'm laying it on thick, guess what, I am!

The days where we've got a lot of big, breaking news have been some of the best, especially during fluid situations that are changing by minute. There have been so many recently. I've grown so much as a journalist and as an anchor in the short time I've been at KPRC because of my colleagues and because of those moments.

------------------------------------------

Thanks Andy!

Also participating from KPRC will be morning reporter Mark Boyle. I'll have a full list of all the participants later this week!

Come by Saturday and see the fun. You can participate in a turkey calling contest too.

Get all the details for the race and Sheltering Arms Senior Services at http://turkeytrot.shelteringarms.org/.

(This post has been sponsored by TXU Energy. Learn more about the company at txu.com.)

Fox 26's Natalie Bomke talks shirtless men and morning news

To contact us Click HERE
I’m teaming up with TXU Energy to help get the word out about the upcoming TXU Energy Turkey Trot benefiting Sheltering Arms Senior Services. The race takes place at Dillard’s near the Galleria on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2012.

That means I'm also promoting the Houston media turkey calling contest (The contest will be 10am, Saturday, November 10th at the Houston Zoo - Butterfly Stage in the Children’s Zoo).

The media winner will have the opportunity to designate a public place to have a tree planted by TXU Energy and the Texas Trees Foundation.

KRIV FOX 26 Morning News' Natalie Bomke is a participant in the turkey calling contest. She talks with me about anchoring the morning shift and what she likes about Houston.

Mike McGuff: FOX 26 has a big morning show - in terms of number of hours and the number people on air during those times - how do you all juggle it?

Natalie Bomke: “FOX26 Morning News” isn’t just a 6-hour newscast, it’s a 24-hour operation. When “FOX26 News at 9p.m.” with Don and Melinda wraps up, our 4 and 5am producers arrive. The producers, along with our assignment desk, monitor network news feeds, Twitter, Facebook, local papers, police scanners (and the coffee machine) to provide new content for our morning news program.

There is a producer for each hour of the show, so you can bet that behind every (great) FOX26 anchor is a team of experienced producers developing unique news content for the viewer.

My co-anchor, Chris Stipes and I, deliver the news at 4,5 and 6am. And then, kind of like a rock band, Mike Iscovitz is on weather, Michelle Merhar is on traffic and Ford Atkinson and Andrea Watkins are out on the streets presenting either developing stories or hot topics that impact the viewers. Jose Grinan and Melissa Wilson pick up anchor duty at 7am, and then Melissa and Mike co-anchor “FOX26 Morning News Extra” at 9 a.m. In all, we have a team of about 40 people working on “FOX26 Morning News.” I like to think the imagination of our morning team though makes it more like 140.
(We’re still trying to figure out how Mike can do impressions of nearly all of our co-workers between his weather forecasts.)

Morning television anchors must be ready to wake up the audience and keep the show moving. What's your secret to having energy that early in the morning?

I have been anchoring a morning newscast for six years now and the hours never get any easier. That said, I adore my co-workers and spending 8 hours a day with them is incentive enough to get out of bed. With a six-hour newscast, there is always something to do. My favorite (extra) responsibility is live reporting, especially if it involves firemen, police officers or cats. Not all at the same time though. That would be too much.

Having worked in Houston a few years now, what are your thoughts on the city? Are you feeling settled in?

I love Texas! People complain about the weather, but growing up in Central Illinois, I’d take the heat over waking up in the mid-30’s any day! Using a credit card to scrape ice off your windshield, wearing heels and two pairs of pantyhose, is not my idea of a good time. But, I do miss my family.

I love the patriotism of this city. People here stand their ground. They are proud of their beliefs and their freedoms. This is what unites us as a city. I love the southern cooking, the Cajun influences and life by the Gulf. The Texas economy is strong and there are so many inspiring entrepreneurs in our midst.

But my favorite thing (and no, I’m not getting paid to say this) is my job. I LOVE IT! FOX26 is the best television station I’ve worked for during my career.  I have never met a more caring and compassionate group of people. The reporters genuinely care about the people they profile in their stories.
The engineers and photographers and directors, everyone, is here because news is a career they love. The support is overwhelming.

And, if I had to choose a runner-up “thing” to love about our city, it would be all the men at Memorial Park who think it’s a good idea to run shirtless. I’ve never encountered so many, anywhere else I’ve lived. But, it’s an idea I totally support!

See YOU in the morning!

------------------------------------------

Thanks Natalie!

Click for a list of all the other Houston media turkey calling participants.

Come by Saturday and see the fun. You can participate in a turkey calling contest too.

Get all the details for the race and Sheltering Arms Senior Services at http://turkeytrot.shelteringarms.org/.

(This post has been sponsored by TXU Energy. Learn more about the company at txu.com.)

NewsFix puts Constable Victor Trevino on 'hiatus'

To contact us Click HERE
Earlier today on my Wayne Dolcefino KTRK 13 sighting post, I mentioned how Precinct 6 Constable Victor Trevino was indicted on four felony charges.

Constable Trevino has been one of the few on air faces for KIAH 39's NewsFix. Since day one, he's read the crime reports.

I reached out to KIAH 39 to ask about Trevino's status after the hoopla surrounding him. Here is the official statement the Tribune station gave me tonight:

"Victor Trevino has been a valuable friend to Newsfix since the show started. His on-air segments have provided a valuable public service, informing our viewers about the crime in their neighborhoods. 'Crime Bureau' will remain on hiatus while he deals with these charges."

Where's KHOU's Leigh Frillici?

To contact us Click HERE
Yesterday I asked where KTRK 13 Undercover's Wayne Dolcefino has been. Now I'm looking for KHOU 11 reporter Leigh Frillici.

Two sources confirm to me Frillici's bio was removed from khou.com last week. When I asked a KHOU 11 representative about Frillici's departure, I was told she left the Belo Houston station months ago. In fact she officially left the CBS affiliate in February but filled in a few times during the spring.

According to her bio, Frillici joined KHOU 11 News as a general assignment reporter in 2007. She received several Lone Star Emmy nominations for her work. Before KHOU, Frillici anchored at WGGB in Springfield, Massachusetts. She also reported for WTNH and WFSB in Connecticut. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Frillici worked as an associate producer at CBS and MSNBC. She is married to a Rice University professor.

Frillici stated in her bio that her favorite part about working in television news is meeting incredible people every day.

"Often, we talk to people who are facing some of the toughest things they'll ever face in their lives," she wrote. "I can't tell you the countless people I've met who handle life's curve balls with such grace."

My favorite Frillici story was the sweeps piece where she interviewed my wife about too much plastic surgery. Paging Dr. Franklin Rose (he was interviewed too and what is wild is that I posted about it one year ago today - someone should do a sweeps piece on numerology because of this strange coincidence [or is it?]).

I reached out to Frillici via Facebook to find out what she's up to now, but did not hear back. Frillici's LinkedIn profile still lists her as a current KHOU reporter.

UPDATE
Frillici tells me she did not renew with KHOU because she has two young children and wants to concentrate on them for now. She did tell the station she's available for fill-in work.

TV's Alan Hemberger becomes radio DJ

To contact us Click HERE
Tom Petty called Los Angeles radio man Jim Ladd The Last DJ. So now I'm calling newly minted radio disc jockey Alan Hemberger The Last DJ who worked as a Houston TV anchor.

Hemberger, who worked at places like KTRK 13, KIAH 39 and Entertainment Tonight left Houston for California last May. The former newsman is now retired and has traded in the anchor desk and IFB for a radio microphone.

"The Pacific Coast Highway is out one window, the ocean out the other," Hemberger told mikemcguff.com. "I'm returning to my first love and roots. Hope to do some high school play by play too."

Hemberger is returning to his roots at 93.5 KXRN which is billed as the non-commercial, FM community radio station of Laguna. The station plays Generational Alt Rock from the 1960s to today.

'The Laguna Beach Blues Boy' as Hemberger is now known, spins tunes from the likes of Howling' Wolf, Buddy Guy and Muddy Waters to Led Zeppelin, The Stones, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. I'm already requesting some Doors.

Aside from broadcasting, instead of driving the concrete jungles of Highway 59 or Loop 610, Hemberger tells me he now walks to play golf, go to the beach or the store. Sounds rough.

Catch Hemberger on the air or Internet Friday 9pm to 12am Pacific time or 11pm to 2am Central at kx935.com.

On another Houston note, I was listening to Hemberger's show and who did I discover is the voice of KXRN? Houston's own voice over magnate Dave Crockett!

KPRC's Andy Cerota talks moving stations & new anchor gig

To contact us Click HERE
I’m teaming up with TXU Energy to help get the word out about the upcoming TXU Energy Turkey Trot benefiting Sheltering Arms Senior Services. The race takes place at Dillard’s near the Galleria on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2012.

That means I'm also promoting the Houston media turkey calling contest (The contest will be 10am, Saturday, November 10th at the Houston Zoo - Butterfly Stage in the Children’s Zoo).

The media winner will have the opportunity to designate a public place to have a tree planted by TXU Energy and the Texas Trees Foundation.

KPRC 2 anchor Andy Cerota will be participating in the media contest this Saturday. Cerota talked with me about moving from one Houston TV station to another (KTRK 13 to KPRC 2) and his new anchor gig.

Mike McGuff: So how is it settling in at a station 'across the street?'

Andy Cerota: Wow, it's been fantastic! I can't believe it's been almost 5 months! I hit the ground running from day one.

I've been afforded some great new opportunities at KPRC and I couldn't have asked for a smoother transition. I've never gone "across the street" before so for me, this is uncharted territory but I am so fortunate.

I went from working with a great group of hard-working, talented journalists to working with another great group of hard-working, talented journalists. It's a win-win situation. Everyone at Local 2 welcomed me into the family with open arms.

How is life as an anchor?

I'm thoroughly enjoying my new role. It's been fun and extremely rewarding on both a personal and professional level.

Lauren, Anthony, Jennifer, Daniel, our executive producer and Mia, our midday producer, made me feel comfortable from the get go. They gave me a big on-air welcome when I started and they've all treated me like a valued member of the team since day one. If it sounds like I'm laying it on thick, guess what, I am!

The days where we've got a lot of big, breaking news have been some of the best, especially during fluid situations that are changing by minute. There have been so many recently. I've grown so much as a journalist and as an anchor in the short time I've been at KPRC because of my colleagues and because of those moments.

------------------------------------------

Thanks Andy!

Also participating from KPRC will be morning reporter Mark Boyle. I'll have a full list of all the participants later this week!

Come by Saturday and see the fun. You can participate in a turkey calling contest too.

Get all the details for the race and Sheltering Arms Senior Services at http://turkeytrot.shelteringarms.org/.

(This post has been sponsored by TXU Energy. Learn more about the company at txu.com.)

Fox 26's Natalie Bomke talks shirtless men and morning news

To contact us Click HERE
I’m teaming up with TXU Energy to help get the word out about the upcoming TXU Energy Turkey Trot benefiting Sheltering Arms Senior Services. The race takes place at Dillard’s near the Galleria on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2012.

That means I'm also promoting the Houston media turkey calling contest (The contest will be 10am, Saturday, November 10th at the Houston Zoo - Butterfly Stage in the Children’s Zoo).

The media winner will have the opportunity to designate a public place to have a tree planted by TXU Energy and the Texas Trees Foundation.

KRIV FOX 26 Morning News' Natalie Bomke is a participant in the turkey calling contest. She talks with me about anchoring the morning shift and what she likes about Houston.

Mike McGuff: FOX 26 has a big morning show - in terms of number of hours and the number people on air during those times - how do you all juggle it?

Natalie Bomke: “FOX26 Morning News” isn’t just a 6-hour newscast, it’s a 24-hour operation. When “FOX26 News at 9p.m.” with Don and Melinda wraps up, our 4 and 5am producers arrive. The producers, along with our assignment desk, monitor network news feeds, Twitter, Facebook, local papers, police scanners (and the coffee machine) to provide new content for our morning news program.

There is a producer for each hour of the show, so you can bet that behind every (great) FOX26 anchor is a team of experienced producers developing unique news content for the viewer.

My co-anchor, Chris Stipes and I, deliver the news at 4,5 and 6am. And then, kind of like a rock band, Mike Iscovitz is on weather, Michelle Merhar is on traffic and Ford Atkinson and Andrea Watkins are out on the streets presenting either developing stories or hot topics that impact the viewers. Jose Grinan and Melissa Wilson pick up anchor duty at 7am, and then Melissa and Mike co-anchor “FOX26 Morning News Extra” at 9 a.m. In all, we have a team of about 40 people working on “FOX26 Morning News.” I like to think the imagination of our morning team though makes it more like 140.
(We’re still trying to figure out how Mike can do impressions of nearly all of our co-workers between his weather forecasts.)

Morning television anchors must be ready to wake up the audience and keep the show moving. What's your secret to having energy that early in the morning?

I have been anchoring a morning newscast for six years now and the hours never get any easier. That said, I adore my co-workers and spending 8 hours a day with them is incentive enough to get out of bed. With a six-hour newscast, there is always something to do. My favorite (extra) responsibility is live reporting, especially if it involves firemen, police officers or cats. Not all at the same time though. That would be too much.

Having worked in Houston a few years now, what are your thoughts on the city? Are you feeling settled in?

I love Texas! People complain about the weather, but growing up in Central Illinois, I’d take the heat over waking up in the mid-30’s any day! Using a credit card to scrape ice off your windshield, wearing heels and two pairs of pantyhose, is not my idea of a good time. But, I do miss my family.

I love the patriotism of this city. People here stand their ground. They are proud of their beliefs and their freedoms. This is what unites us as a city. I love the southern cooking, the Cajun influences and life by the Gulf. The Texas economy is strong and there are so many inspiring entrepreneurs in our midst.

But my favorite thing (and no, I’m not getting paid to say this) is my job. I LOVE IT! FOX26 is the best television station I’ve worked for during my career.  I have never met a more caring and compassionate group of people. The reporters genuinely care about the people they profile in their stories.
The engineers and photographers and directors, everyone, is here because news is a career they love. The support is overwhelming.

And, if I had to choose a runner-up “thing” to love about our city, it would be all the men at Memorial Park who think it’s a good idea to run shirtless. I’ve never encountered so many, anywhere else I’ve lived. But, it’s an idea I totally support!

See YOU in the morning!

------------------------------------------

Thanks Natalie!

Click for a list of all the other Houston media turkey calling participants.

Come by Saturday and see the fun. You can participate in a turkey calling contest too.

Get all the details for the race and Sheltering Arms Senior Services at http://turkeytrot.shelteringarms.org/.

(This post has been sponsored by TXU Energy. Learn more about the company at txu.com.)

NewsFix puts Constable Victor Trevino on 'hiatus'

To contact us Click HERE
Earlier today on my Wayne Dolcefino KTRK 13 sighting post, I mentioned how Precinct 6 Constable Victor Trevino was indicted on four felony charges.

Constable Trevino has been one of the few on air faces for KIAH 39's NewsFix. Since day one, he's read the crime reports.

I reached out to KIAH 39 to ask about Trevino's status after the hoopla surrounding him. Here is the official statement the Tribune station gave me tonight:

"Victor Trevino has been a valuable friend to Newsfix since the show started. His on-air segments have provided a valuable public service, informing our viewers about the crime in their neighborhoods. 'Crime Bureau' will remain on hiatus while he deals with these charges."

Where's KHOU's Leigh Frillici?

To contact us Click HERE
Yesterday I asked where KTRK 13 Undercover's Wayne Dolcefino has been. Now I'm looking for KHOU 11 reporter Leigh Frillici.

Two sources confirm to me Frillici's bio was removed from khou.com last week. When I asked a KHOU 11 representative about Frillici's departure, I was told she left the Belo Houston station months ago. In fact she officially left the CBS affiliate in February but filled in a few times during the spring.

According to her bio, Frillici joined KHOU 11 News as a general assignment reporter in 2007. She received several Lone Star Emmy nominations for her work. Before KHOU, Frillici anchored at WGGB in Springfield, Massachusetts. She also reported for WTNH and WFSB in Connecticut. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Frillici worked as an associate producer at CBS and MSNBC. She is married to a Rice University professor.

Frillici stated in her bio that her favorite part about working in television news is meeting incredible people every day.

"Often, we talk to people who are facing some of the toughest things they'll ever face in their lives," she wrote. "I can't tell you the countless people I've met who handle life's curve balls with such grace."

My favorite Frillici story was the sweeps piece where she interviewed my wife about too much plastic surgery. Paging Dr. Franklin Rose (he was interviewed too and what is wild is that I posted about it one year ago today - someone should do a sweeps piece on numerology because of this strange coincidence [or is it?]).

I reached out to Frillici via Facebook to find out what she's up to now, but did not hear back. Frillici's LinkedIn profile still lists her as a current KHOU reporter.

UPDATE
Frillici tells me she did not renew with KHOU because she has two young children and wants to concentrate on them for now. She did tell the station she's available for fill-in work.