KTRK 13's Don Nelson back on air after surgery

To contact us Click HERE
After weeks away, KTRK's Don Nelson returns to abc13's morning news

One of the top questions I've been getting lately is "Where is channel 13's Don Nelson?" I posted on January 30th, that Live Well HD Mirror/Mirror host Rebecca Spera was filling in for Nelson in his absence (Bob Slovak did some fill-in time too).

A tipster notified me soon after his disappearance, "Just saw Don Nelson at St Luke's Hospital Med Center with left arm in sling, waiting for passenger pickup."

This morning Nelson was back at the KTRK abc13 studios ready for some traffic duty.

"After joking that he couldn't get his arm to move above I-10 while standing in front of the traffic map, Don had shoulder surgery," the KTRK Facebook account posted about his time off.

One of the most beloved TV personalities in Houston, Nelson is a guy that plays a major role on his newscast. He and Tom Koch have been on the morning shift for decades and the viewers pay them back for the early wake up call with great ratings. I heard there were times in the 1990s that you could add all the other Houston station's morning ratings together and that number could not reach KTRK's AM news ratings.

When Nelson does eventually retire, God help whomever takes that job over. Those will be tough shoes to fill (figuratively and literally since he is a pretty tall guy).

VOTE!:  I'm trying to win money for charity from Reliant Energy's Rodeo Roundup...all you have to do is click a button to vote (and you can even do it once a day!) VOTE HERE

RELATED
- VIDEO: Don Nelson on Good Morning Houston
- PHOTO: Tom Koch and Don Nelson serving drinks
- Don Nelson, Doug Brown and Tom Koch - the old team together in photo

Sam Malone's debut on 1070 The Answer KNTH

To contact us Click HERE
Video shows off Sam Malone's first day on AM 1070 The Answer KNTH


As I first blogged last week, Houston radio's Sam Malone is the new morning show host on AM 1070 The Answer KNTH from 7 to 10am. Yesterday was his very first show and Sam's crew put together this video (embedded above).

Close observers might notice that Malone is doing the show from the radio station. You might remember that what makes this show very different is the television component on Phonoscope cable channel 11. Well, hold your horses and put down the TV remote till next week.

"We start the TV launch next Monday the 25th," Malone told me. "We are fired up about this ground breaking project!"

Radio fans will notice that longtime Houston radio man Chuck Tiller is featured in the video too. According to his bio, Chuck has been on the air in Houston for more than 33 years (he was the first producer of the legendary Hudson & Harrigan Show on KILT).

I understand a caller gave me a shout out on Malone's premiere show. Thanks for that. If you are a radio station caller, I suggest giving me a shout out all the time from now on (Boatie in Pearland, I'm looking at you!). In fact, maybe I can become the Baba Booey of Houston!

VOTE!:  I'm trying to win money for charity from Reliant Energy's Rodeo Roundup...all you have to do is click a button to vote (and you can even do it once a day!) VOTE HERE

Houston TV reporters' rodeo hits and misses

To contact us Click HERE

Cleverley Stone and Sonia Azad showing the right way to rodeo

When it comes to rodeo fashions, I'm a hard case. In fact, major Houston PR mover and shaker Shirley Barr told me my western wear needed help (see a photo here).

Thankfully Barr is here to set us straight by sending me her latest observations of Houston TV reporters covering the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Here is Barr's report:

In past years, Houston TV personalities donned lots of rodeo gear. Mia Gradney at KHOU 11 and Mary Lee at KPRC 2 both showed up at the Trail Ride sans Stetsons. We only spotted two cowgirls on the tube: Cleverley Stone, FOX 26 KRIV, was wearing a handsome black felt with rhinestone hatband and KTRK 13's Sonia Azad knew how to wear her straw hat down on her forehead, looking sharp.

And speaking of the rodeo, you can help me give $2,500 to charity. Just click here and you can help me win Reliant Energy's Rodeo Roundup. All it takes is one click (no Facebook log in required).

Find out more about Barr and Shirley Barr Public Relations at shirleybarrpr.com.

RELATED
- Houston TV newscasts full of lovely ladies
- Houston TV anchors' changing hairdos

VOTE!: I'm trying to win money for charity from Reliant Energy's Rodeo Roundup...all you have to do is click a button to vote (and you can even do it once a day!) VOTE HERE

Where's KHOU's Chita Johnson at high noon?

To contact us Click HERE
Is Chita Johnson on the KHOU noon news or not?

Chita Johnson

Chita Johnson, KHOU 11's morning meteorologist, originally worked the noon and 4pm news when she first arrived to Houston. Then David Paul was moved to nights (eventually replacing Gene Norman as the chief) and Johnson started waking up really early.

So where does that leave the Belo station's noon show weather schedule?
I'm getting lots of questions about Johnson's status on that show. 

According to KHOU news director Philip Bruce, Chita Johnson will continue to work the noon show Monday and Tuesday. Weekend meteorologist Mario Gomez will handle the noon show Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

And by the way, I've never met Johnson, but she seems like a very community minded person. I bet if she were here with us right now, she would want you to vote for me in the Reliant Energy Rodeo Roundup by CLICKING HERE. With your one click (no Facebook log in required), I can win my son's school $2,500 from Reliant Energy!

Back to the issue at hand, as far as the 4pm newscast's weather schedule, that's another story. A KHOU rep tells me there's no new info on that at this point.

Houston media watchers will know there is still a KHOU meteorologist job posting still open at the time of this post's publishing. We can only assume that person will replace Chita on the noon and 4pm shows.

You can see more open positions on my Texas TV jobs page.

VOTE!: I'm trying to win money for charity from Reliant Energy's Rodeo Roundup...all you have to do is click a button to vote (and you can even do it once a day!) VOTE HERE.

Click for charity and I might go extreme

To contact us Click HERE
With one click, you can help me give to charity thanks to Reliant Energy's Rodeo Roundup

Don't make me do stuff like this for charity, just click to vote to make a difference.

Hopefully you enjoy the posts on mikemcguff.com. I work hard on this blog. {Turn on public radio fundraising voice} And now here is your chance to keep it all going.

All you have to do is click. That's it. You can help me win $2,500 for charity. Only one click. Easy. You don't have to log in to Facebook or download anything. It's just one click (you can actually vote everyday too).

If I win, Reliant Energy gives Westbury Methodist Day School $2,500 for some facility repairs. Pretty easy on your part for a good cause!

VOTE FOR ME HERE

Voting closes March 1st.

I'm up against Houston TV, newspaper and radio types. That already puts a guy with a free blogger.com account (me) at a major disadvantage numbers and audience reach wise. But you can make a difference!

Maybe I should set up some goal. Like if I get enough votes, I shave my body hair or drink a gallon of water from the Gulf of Mexico...

By the way, if you have friends who play Farmville or something like that, tell them my voting page is a game and that if you click enough, they win.

Iain Page's new job, TV host's weight battle and more

To contact us Click HERE

MORE VIDEO
- Time for the Kids to Play Weatherman
- Are You Not Entertained?: LA Freeway Car Chase Concludes with Fiery Crash
- Dr. Jim Siebert of Fox 26 KRIV gets down!
- Houston media interviews Alex Jones after Piers Morgan Katy, TX confrontation
- Karen Borta Knows North Texas
- News 8 Daybreak - "Babysitter"
- Meet the new CBS 11 News I-team
- Weather Woman Slip on Valentine's Day Forecast. Fail.
- TV Station's Emergency Alert System Hacked, Warns of Montana Zombie attack

Former KPRC anchor Iain Page lands at WTXF Philadelphia
TVNewsCheck reports Iain Page has been named co-anchor of Fox O&O WTXF Philadelphia's Fox 29 News at 5 p.m.

The Colonel hits 40
Colonel St. James wrote on his Facebook page that February 2013 marks an important milestone. He started his broadcasting career in February 1973 sio he's been on the air for 40 years.

Sale of Historic KCOH Okayed
Declining to get into a discussion about formats, the FCC has cleared the way for La Promesa Foundation to buy historic KCOH(AM) in Houston.

NGEN introduces new radio show: ‘PHENOMENON’
NGEN radio is excited to launch PHENOMENON, an hour-long radio show hosted by Solomon Olds aka Soul Glow Activatur of Family Force 5. Airing Friday nights at 10 PM, PHENOMENON celebrates that we are alive in Christ through electronic remixes and dance tracks.

CSN boosts coverage of Astros' preseason games
Comcast SportsNet Houston will broadcast 10 Houston Astros spring training games this year.
- Hey Astros, You Might Want To Hire Some Radio Broadcasters
- Surely this is the week to announce Astros announcers

Houston Dynamo partners with Mega TV for Spanish broadcasts
Mega TV will be the official Spanish-language TV partner of the Houston Dynamo.

Local TV star fights back from bike accident, loses 60 pounds in dramatic weight battle
September 2011 marked the beginning of a rough patch for Houston public television celeb Ernie Manouse.

KSBJ welcomes Tammy Johnson to the team!
KSBJ is excited to announce that Tammy Johnson has joined the KSBJ leadership team as NGEN Station Manager and Vice President of Special Events.

'Bobby Bones Show' heads to Nashville
96.7 KHFI-FM Austin radio sensation "The Bobby Bones Show" heads to "Music City, USA" to broadcast nationally from Nashville.
- Kiss FM names Bobby Bones’ replacement

Blind date leads to marriage for Fox 7 anchor
While blind dates frequently get a bad rap, Fox 7 newscaster Keri Bellacosa says she’s a big believer.

Waco Radio: WACO-FM Sees Big Drop In Ratings
Longtime Waco radio market king WACO-FM 100 99.9 FM stumbled in the fall Arbitron ratings, but still retained its No. 1 crown, as Waco’s newest radio stations continued to build their audiences.

Gray’s KWTX Adopts Sony Media Backbone
KWTX Waco, Texas (DMA 88), plans to go on-air in March with Sony’s Media Backbone Production System, becoming the third Gray Television-owned station to do so in the past 12 months.

Internet Radio Reaches Out to Fort Hood Community
In a few weeks, FortHoodRadio.com will sign on with a new live morning show.

Greg McAlister Named President-GM Of KRIS
Cordillera Communications taps the former GM of Nexstar’s Lubbock, Texas, duopoly to head up its multiple operations in Corpus Christi, Texas.

WELCOME BACK

Richard Connelly of the Houston Press has returned to duty over the last weeks.

HOUSTON AGENCIES

New Sports Marketing Agency Launches in Houston
Professional Sports Partners (PSP), a newly formed sports marketing company, opened its doors with the goal of maximizing brands’ status and clients’ investment by utilizing the enthusiasm, excitement and energy associated with sports and their loyal fan bases. The new sports-oriented agency will bring top-notch talent to the court following the ignition of a partnership with between Jason Kohll and Cathy and Alex López Negrete of Lopez Negrete Communications, Inc., the largest independently owned and operated Hispanic advertising agency in the country. PSP and Lopez Negrete Communications will work hand-in-hand to deliver best-in-class marketing solutions.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Elizabeth Burpo named National Sales Manager, Fox 26 KRIV & My20 KTXH
- Houston Astros to Sportstalk 790 KBME
- Sam Malone announced new radio show...sort of
- KNUZ 1966 aircheck
- Sam Malone joins 1070 The Answer KNTH

TV news' lost opportunity on Carnival Triumph story

To contact us Click HERE
With the advent of cell phone video transfer, satellite phones...etc., hundreds of TV news crews flock to the big national stories as they happen. But why not the Carnival Triumph story?

That's the cruise ship in the Gulf of Mexico that had a fire, can't move on its own as a result and is now being towed back to port. Passengers reportedly relieve themselves in a bag and put it outside of their cabin door (almost sounds like my college dorm days).

An enterprising television station should have rented a hot air balloon from the closest land available, flown a reporter to the ship and had that ace land on board to start phoning in or transmitting live shots 24 hours a day. No sleep, no food, no bathroom breaks, just news.

I smell an Emmy...or maybe that is just that bag left outside someone's room.

Then that reporter could arrive to port in Mobile, Alabama and switch out with another reporter to embed themselves on the bus ride to Galveston or Houston. Live shots galore.

Has blogging all of these years finally made me think like TV news management?

I originally posted this plan on my Facebook account and Evan commented, "The weather men in the storms would have to figure out a way to kick it up a notch."

I replied, "That is true. They could strap themselves to the outside of the hurricane hunter plane with an iPhone and a prayer."

Where is Dan Rather when you need him?

KTRK 13's Don Nelson back on air after surgery

To contact us Click HERE
After weeks away, KTRK's Don Nelson returns to abc13's morning news

One of the top questions I've been getting lately is "Where is channel 13's Don Nelson?" I posted on January 30th, that Live Well HD Mirror/Mirror host Rebecca Spera was filling in for Nelson in his absence (Bob Slovak did some fill-in time too).

A tipster notified me soon after his disappearance, "Just saw Don Nelson at St Luke's Hospital Med Center with left arm in sling, waiting for passenger pickup."

This morning Nelson was back at the KTRK abc13 studios ready for some traffic duty.

"After joking that he couldn't get his arm to move above I-10 while standing in front of the traffic map, Don had shoulder surgery," the KTRK Facebook account posted about his time off.

One of the most beloved TV personalities in Houston, Nelson is a guy that plays a major role on his newscast. He and Tom Koch have been on the morning shift for decades and the viewers pay them back for the early wake up call with great ratings. I heard there were times in the 1990s that you could add all the other Houston station's morning ratings together and that number could not reach KTRK's AM news ratings.

When Nelson does eventually retire, God help whomever takes that job over. Those will be tough shoes to fill (figuratively and literally since he is a pretty tall guy).

VOTE!:  I'm trying to win money for charity from Reliant Energy's Rodeo Roundup...all you have to do is click a button to vote (and you can even do it once a day!) VOTE HERE

RELATED
- VIDEO: Don Nelson on Good Morning Houston
- PHOTO: Tom Koch and Don Nelson serving drinks
- Don Nelson, Doug Brown and Tom Koch - the old team together in photo

Sam Malone's debut on 1070 The Answer KNTH

To contact us Click HERE
Video shows off Sam Malone's first day on AM 1070 The Answer KNTH


As I first blogged last week, Houston radio's Sam Malone is the new morning show host on AM 1070 The Answer KNTH from 7 to 10am. Yesterday was his very first show and Sam's crew put together this video (embedded above).

Close observers might notice that Malone is doing the show from the radio station. You might remember that what makes this show very different is the television component on Phonoscope cable channel 11. Well, hold your horses and put down the TV remote till next week.

"We start the TV launch next Monday the 25th," Malone told me. "We are fired up about this ground breaking project!"

Radio fans will notice that longtime Houston radio man Chuck Tiller is featured in the video too. According to his bio, Chuck has been on the air in Houston for more than 33 years (he was the first producer of the legendary Hudson & Harrigan Show on KILT).

I understand a caller gave me a shout out on Malone's premiere show. Thanks for that. If you are a radio station caller, I suggest giving me a shout out all the time from now on (Boatie in Pearland, I'm looking at you!). In fact, maybe I can become the Baba Booey of Houston!

VOTE!:  I'm trying to win money for charity from Reliant Energy's Rodeo Roundup...all you have to do is click a button to vote (and you can even do it once a day!) VOTE HERE

Iain Page's new job, TV host's weight battle and more

To contact us Click HERE

MORE VIDEO
- Time for the Kids to Play Weatherman
- Are You Not Entertained?: LA Freeway Car Chase Concludes with Fiery Crash
- Dr. Jim Siebert of Fox 26 KRIV gets down!
- Houston media interviews Alex Jones after Piers Morgan Katy, TX confrontation
- Karen Borta Knows North Texas
- News 8 Daybreak - "Babysitter"
- Meet the new CBS 11 News I-team
- Weather Woman Slip on Valentine's Day Forecast. Fail.
- TV Station's Emergency Alert System Hacked, Warns of Montana Zombie attack

Former KPRC anchor Iain Page lands at WTXF Philadelphia
TVNewsCheck reports Iain Page has been named co-anchor of Fox O&O WTXF Philadelphia's Fox 29 News at 5 p.m.

The Colonel hits 40
Colonel St. James wrote on his Facebook page that February 2013 marks an important milestone. He started his broadcasting career in February 1973 sio he's been on the air for 40 years.

Sale of Historic KCOH Okayed
Declining to get into a discussion about formats, the FCC has cleared the way for La Promesa Foundation to buy historic KCOH(AM) in Houston.

NGEN introduces new radio show: ‘PHENOMENON’
NGEN radio is excited to launch PHENOMENON, an hour-long radio show hosted by Solomon Olds aka Soul Glow Activatur of Family Force 5. Airing Friday nights at 10 PM, PHENOMENON celebrates that we are alive in Christ through electronic remixes and dance tracks.

CSN boosts coverage of Astros' preseason games
Comcast SportsNet Houston will broadcast 10 Houston Astros spring training games this year.
- Hey Astros, You Might Want To Hire Some Radio Broadcasters
- Surely this is the week to announce Astros announcers

Houston Dynamo partners with Mega TV for Spanish broadcasts
Mega TV will be the official Spanish-language TV partner of the Houston Dynamo.

Local TV star fights back from bike accident, loses 60 pounds in dramatic weight battle
September 2011 marked the beginning of a rough patch for Houston public television celeb Ernie Manouse.

KSBJ welcomes Tammy Johnson to the team!
KSBJ is excited to announce that Tammy Johnson has joined the KSBJ leadership team as NGEN Station Manager and Vice President of Special Events.

'Bobby Bones Show' heads to Nashville
96.7 KHFI-FM Austin radio sensation "The Bobby Bones Show" heads to "Music City, USA" to broadcast nationally from Nashville.
- Kiss FM names Bobby Bones’ replacement

Blind date leads to marriage for Fox 7 anchor
While blind dates frequently get a bad rap, Fox 7 newscaster Keri Bellacosa says she’s a big believer.

Waco Radio: WACO-FM Sees Big Drop In Ratings
Longtime Waco radio market king WACO-FM 100 99.9 FM stumbled in the fall Arbitron ratings, but still retained its No. 1 crown, as Waco’s newest radio stations continued to build their audiences.

Gray’s KWTX Adopts Sony Media Backbone
KWTX Waco, Texas (DMA 88), plans to go on-air in March with Sony’s Media Backbone Production System, becoming the third Gray Television-owned station to do so in the past 12 months.

Internet Radio Reaches Out to Fort Hood Community
In a few weeks, FortHoodRadio.com will sign on with a new live morning show.

Greg McAlister Named President-GM Of KRIS
Cordillera Communications taps the former GM of Nexstar’s Lubbock, Texas, duopoly to head up its multiple operations in Corpus Christi, Texas.

WELCOME BACK

Richard Connelly of the Houston Press has returned to duty over the last weeks.

HOUSTON AGENCIES

New Sports Marketing Agency Launches in Houston
Professional Sports Partners (PSP), a newly formed sports marketing company, opened its doors with the goal of maximizing brands’ status and clients’ investment by utilizing the enthusiasm, excitement and energy associated with sports and their loyal fan bases. The new sports-oriented agency will bring top-notch talent to the court following the ignition of a partnership with between Jason Kohll and Cathy and Alex López Negrete of Lopez Negrete Communications, Inc., the largest independently owned and operated Hispanic advertising agency in the country. PSP and Lopez Negrete Communications will work hand-in-hand to deliver best-in-class marketing solutions.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Elizabeth Burpo named National Sales Manager, Fox 26 KRIV & My20 KTXH
- Houston Astros to Sportstalk 790 KBME
- Sam Malone announced new radio show...sort of
- KNUZ 1966 aircheck
- Sam Malone joins 1070 The Answer KNTH

TV news' lost opportunity on Carnival Triumph story

To contact us Click HERE
With the advent of cell phone video transfer, satellite phones...etc., hundreds of TV news crews flock to the big national stories as they happen. But why not the Carnival Triumph story?

That's the cruise ship in the Gulf of Mexico that had a fire, can't move on its own as a result and is now being towed back to port. Passengers reportedly relieve themselves in a bag and put it outside of their cabin door (almost sounds like my college dorm days).

An enterprising television station should have rented a hot air balloon from the closest land available, flown a reporter to the ship and had that ace land on board to start phoning in or transmitting live shots 24 hours a day. No sleep, no food, no bathroom breaks, just news.

I smell an Emmy...or maybe that is just that bag left outside someone's room.

Then that reporter could arrive to port in Mobile, Alabama and switch out with another reporter to embed themselves on the bus ride to Galveston or Houston. Live shots galore.

Has blogging all of these years finally made me think like TV news management?

I originally posted this plan on my Facebook account and Evan commented, "The weather men in the storms would have to figure out a way to kick it up a notch."

I replied, "That is true. They could strap themselves to the outside of the hurricane hunter plane with an iPhone and a prayer."

Where is Dan Rather when you need him?

KTRK 13's Don Nelson back on air after surgery

To contact us Click HERE
After weeks away, KTRK's Don Nelson returns to abc13's morning news

One of the top questions I've been getting lately is "Where is channel 13's Don Nelson?" I posted on January 30th, that Live Well HD Mirror/Mirror host Rebecca Spera was filling in for Nelson in his absence (Bob Slovak did some fill-in time too).

A tipster notified me soon after his disappearance, "Just saw Don Nelson at St Luke's Hospital Med Center with left arm in sling, waiting for passenger pickup."

This morning Nelson was back at the KTRK abc13 studios ready for some traffic duty.

"After joking that he couldn't get his arm to move above I-10 while standing in front of the traffic map, Don had shoulder surgery," the KTRK Facebook account posted about his time off.

One of the most beloved TV personalities in Houston, Nelson is a guy that plays a major role on his newscast. He and Tom Koch have been on the morning shift for decades and the viewers pay them back for the early wake up call with great ratings. I heard there were times in the 1990s that you could add all the other Houston station's morning ratings together and that number could not reach KTRK's AM news ratings.

When Nelson does eventually retire, God help whomever takes that job over. Those will be tough shoes to fill (figuratively and literally since he is a pretty tall guy).

VOTE!:  I'm trying to win money for charity from Reliant Energy's Rodeo Roundup...all you have to do is click a button to vote (and you can even do it once a day!) VOTE HERE

RELATED
- VIDEO: Don Nelson on Good Morning Houston
- PHOTO: Tom Koch and Don Nelson serving drinks
- Don Nelson, Doug Brown and Tom Koch - the old team together in photo

Sam Malone's debut on 1070 The Answer KNTH

To contact us Click HERE
Video shows off Sam Malone's first day on AM 1070 The Answer KNTH


As I first blogged last week, Houston radio's Sam Malone is the new morning show host on AM 1070 The Answer KNTH from 7 to 10am. Yesterday was his very first show and Sam's crew put together this video (embedded above).

Close observers might notice that Malone is doing the show from the radio station. You might remember that what makes this show very different is the television component on Phonoscope cable channel 11. Well, hold your horses and put down the TV remote till next week.

"We start the TV launch next Monday the 25th," Malone told me. "We are fired up about this ground breaking project!"

Radio fans will notice that longtime Houston radio man Chuck Tiller is featured in the video too. According to his bio, Chuck has been on the air in Houston for more than 33 years (he was the first producer of the legendary Hudson & Harrigan Show on KILT).

I understand a caller gave me a shout out on Malone's premiere show. Thanks for that. If you are a radio station caller, I suggest giving me a shout out all the time from now on (Boatie in Pearland, I'm looking at you!). In fact, maybe I can become the Baba Booey of Houston!

VOTE!:  I'm trying to win money for charity from Reliant Energy's Rodeo Roundup...all you have to do is click a button to vote (and you can even do it once a day!) VOTE HERE

Keith Calkins of Fox 26 KRIV signs off from sports department

To contact us Click HERE
Keith Calkins, Fox 26 KRIV's weekend sports anchor, signs off

Fox 26 KRIV weekend sports anchor Keith Calkins announced on this Facebook page tonight that after 20 years with the station, he is leaving:

Keith Calkins

Changes up coming here at FOX 26 Houston.

Suffice it to say ... I feel blessed and fortunate for the opportunities and support for the last two decades at KRIV-TV. To be up close and personal for many of the greatest sporting events in the city’s history is an experience no words can accurately frame. Houston’s first world championships and first World Series. The return of the NFL. Hosting the Super Bowl and All-Star events. Seeing so many of Houston’s high school athletes develop and rise to All-Star and even Hall of Fame status. And just as meaningful for me was the chance to tell the stories of those aspiring champions who made their schools and communities proud.

But the best team over the years was always the one inside our department. The hardest working staff in the city. Not even close. The results setting the standard in the market every single day. Those are the relationships that are the real reward and will remain constant and meaningful. I want to thank the viewers for 20 years of great support. And now it’s on to the next great challenge.

Based on the post's comments, Calkins' current and past colleagues were stunned by the announcement.

According to his bio, Calkins is a Dallas native who graduated from the University of Texas at Austin. He worked as a sports anchor at KFDM-TV in Beaumont, then as a sports reporter/anchor at KHOU-TV in Houston. Right before joining KRIV, he worked for the Dallas Cowboys.

Calkins is not the only high profile departure from Fox 26 this week. Fox 26 KRIV news director Tom Doerr announced he is moving to the ND slot at WFLD Chicago starting Monday.

VOTE!: I'm trying to win money for charity from Reliant Energy's Rodeo Roundup...all you have to do is click a button to vote (and you can even do it once a day!) VOTE HERE

TV news' lost opportunity on Carnival Triumph story

To contact us Click HERE
With the advent of cell phone video transfer, satellite phones...etc., hundreds of TV news crews flock to the big national stories as they happen. But why not the Carnival Triumph story?

That's the cruise ship in the Gulf of Mexico that had a fire, can't move on its own as a result and is now being towed back to port. Passengers reportedly relieve themselves in a bag and put it outside of their cabin door (almost sounds like my college dorm days).

An enterprising television station should have rented a hot air balloon from the closest land available, flown a reporter to the ship and had that ace land on board to start phoning in or transmitting live shots 24 hours a day. No sleep, no food, no bathroom breaks, just news.

I smell an Emmy...or maybe that is just that bag left outside someone's room.

Then that reporter could arrive to port in Mobile, Alabama and switch out with another reporter to embed themselves on the bus ride to Galveston or Houston. Live shots galore.

Has blogging all of these years finally made me think like TV news management?

I originally posted this plan on my Facebook account and Evan commented, "The weather men in the storms would have to figure out a way to kick it up a notch."

I replied, "That is true. They could strap themselves to the outside of the hurricane hunter plane with an iPhone and a prayer."

Where is Dan Rather when you need him?

KTRK 13's Don Nelson back on air after surgery

To contact us Click HERE
After weeks away, KTRK's Don Nelson returns to abc13's morning news

One of the top questions I've been getting lately is "Where is channel 13's Don Nelson?" I posted on January 30th, that Live Well HD Mirror/Mirror host Rebecca Spera was filling in for Nelson in his absence (Bob Slovak did some fill-in time too).

A tipster notified me soon after his disappearance, "Just saw Don Nelson at St Luke's Hospital Med Center with left arm in sling, waiting for passenger pickup."

This morning Nelson was back at the KTRK abc13 studios ready for some traffic duty.

"After joking that he couldn't get his arm to move above I-10 while standing in front of the traffic map, Don had shoulder surgery," the KTRK Facebook account posted about his time off.

One of the most beloved TV personalities in Houston, Nelson is a guy that plays a major role on his newscast. He and Tom Koch have been on the morning shift for decades and the viewers pay them back for the early wake up call with great ratings. I heard there were times in the 1990s that you could add all the other Houston station's morning ratings together and that number could not reach KTRK's AM news ratings.

When Nelson does eventually retire, God help whomever takes that job over. Those will be tough shoes to fill (figuratively and literally since he is a pretty tall guy).

VOTE!:  I'm trying to win money for charity from Reliant Energy's Rodeo Roundup...all you have to do is click a button to vote (and you can even do it once a day!) VOTE HERE

RELATED
- VIDEO: Don Nelson on Good Morning Houston
- PHOTO: Tom Koch and Don Nelson serving drinks
- Don Nelson, Doug Brown and Tom Koch - the old team together in photo

Sam Malone's debut on 1070 The Answer KNTH

To contact us Click HERE
Video shows off Sam Malone's first day on AM 1070 The Answer KNTH


As I first blogged last week, Houston radio's Sam Malone is the new morning show host on AM 1070 The Answer KNTH from 7 to 10am. Yesterday was his very first show and Sam's crew put together this video (embedded above).

Close observers might notice that Malone is doing the show from the radio station. You might remember that what makes this show very different is the television component on Phonoscope cable channel 11. Well, hold your horses and put down the TV remote till next week.

"We start the TV launch next Monday the 25th," Malone told me. "We are fired up about this ground breaking project!"

Radio fans will notice that longtime Houston radio man Chuck Tiller is featured in the video too. According to his bio, Chuck has been on the air in Houston for more than 33 years (he was the first producer of the legendary Hudson & Harrigan Show on KILT).

I understand a caller gave me a shout out on Malone's premiere show. Thanks for that. If you are a radio station caller, I suggest giving me a shout out all the time from now on (Boatie in Pearland, I'm looking at you!). In fact, maybe I can become the Baba Booey of Houston!

VOTE!:  I'm trying to win money for charity from Reliant Energy's Rodeo Roundup...all you have to do is click a button to vote (and you can even do it once a day!) VOTE HERE

EdgeFest 23 bands from 102.1 The Edge KDGE FM (April 27)

To contact us Click HERE
EdgeFest 23 bands at FC Dallas Stadium Saturday April 27

102.1 The Edge KDGE FM announced that EdgeFest 23 will be held on Saturday April 27, at FC Dallas Stadium. This double staged, day-long concert event will feature:

Phoenix
Bush
Paramore
AWOLNATION
The Airborne Toxic Event
Fitz & The Tantrums
Atlas Genius
Capital Cities
Youngblood Hawke
Deftones
A Day to Remember
Gaslight Anthem
twenty one pilots
Robert Delong
The Neighbourhood
Mowgli’s
A Silent Film

For more than 20 years, Edge fans have been gathering together for this legendary concert event in Dallas. EdgeFest 23’s line-up was announced on-air Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets were given away in last weekend’s ‘Win ‘em Before You Can Buy ‘em’ Weekend promotion from Friday at 5 p.m. until Sunday at 7 p.m. Tickets will continue to be given away through various station promotions.

“This year’s EdgeFest line-up was influenced by Edge artists from the Adventure Club, but still incorporates more seasoned bands like Bush,” said Patrick Davis, Program Director, 102.1 The Edge / Vice President of Programming.

Tickets will go on-sale on Friday, Feb. 22, at 10 a.m. via all Ticketmaster outlets. Complete show details are available at www.KDGE.com.

RELATED
- 102.1 The Edge KDGE EdgeFest 22 FC Dallas Stadium
- 102.1 The Edge EdgeFest 21 concert lineup bands
- 102.1 The Edge announces EdgeFest 20 with Limp Bizkit, Three Days Grace, 30 Seconds to Mars, Deftones and more

VOTE!: I'm trying to win money for charity...all you have to do is vote (and you can even do it once a day!) VOTE HERE

(This post was from a release sent to me by Clear Channel Dallas)

TV journos finding success in publishing

To contact us Click HERE

Houston TV anchor Tom Abrahams' and his novel Sedition are blowing up.

I heard it just made the second round of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award. Of 10,000 entries overall, just 400 mystery/thrillers make it past the entry phase.

Another big event, Venture Galleries, a graphic design site and book blog, named Sedition. A Political Thriller the best cover for the mystery category.

In January, book review site, Rabid Readers Reviews, named the book to its best of 2012 list.

I noticed all of this has driven up the number of reviews on the book's Amazon page. It now has a rating of 4/5 stars!

And I hear that after a signing at Murder by the Book, Sedition was the #2 selling paperback at the store in January.

I know Tom is busy covering Houston news right now, but he's a charitable guy and I bet if he were here sitting with us, he would want you to click here to help me win money from Reliant Energy's Rodeo Roundup for charity. All it takes is one click.

But Abrahams isn't alone in his crossover from TV to publishing success...


You know him as The Grape, the man with a ton of TV news wisdom at his blog tvnewsgrapevine, but the man behind the purple mask, Randy Tatano, is also an author.

I've featured his books on the blog in the past (links below).

Now The Grape has started another blog that melds fiction and television news!

See it here: thechannelingauthor.blogspot.com

The Grape's books:
- Broadcast Journalism Street Smarts: The 2012 Survival Guide for Today's Television Newsroom
- Women reverse TV news stereotypes in new book
- Reporter gets biggest story of all time

I don't know how Tatano finds the time to do all of this. In addition to the activities I just mentioned, he runs a talent coaching business and also freelance produces for the TV networks.

VOTE!: I'm trying to win money for charity...all you have to do is vote (and you can even do it once a day!) VOTE HERE

RELATED
Journalist gift ideas

Iain Page's new job, TV host's weight battle and more

To contact us Click HERE

MORE VIDEO
- Time for the Kids to Play Weatherman
- Are You Not Entertained?: LA Freeway Car Chase Concludes with Fiery Crash
- Dr. Jim Siebert of Fox 26 KRIV gets down!
- Houston media interviews Alex Jones after Piers Morgan Katy, TX confrontation
- Karen Borta Knows North Texas
- News 8 Daybreak - "Babysitter"
- Meet the new CBS 11 News I-team
- Weather Woman Slip on Valentine's Day Forecast. Fail.
- TV Station's Emergency Alert System Hacked, Warns of Montana Zombie attack

Former KPRC anchor Iain Page lands at WTXF Philadelphia
TVNewsCheck reports Iain Page has been named co-anchor of Fox O&O WTXF Philadelphia's Fox 29 News at 5 p.m.

The Colonel hits 40
Colonel St. James wrote on his Facebook page that February 2013 marks an important milestone. He started his broadcasting career in February 1973 sio he's been on the air for 40 years.

Sale of Historic KCOH Okayed
Declining to get into a discussion about formats, the FCC has cleared the way for La Promesa Foundation to buy historic KCOH(AM) in Houston.

NGEN introduces new radio show: ‘PHENOMENON’
NGEN radio is excited to launch PHENOMENON, an hour-long radio show hosted by Solomon Olds aka Soul Glow Activatur of Family Force 5. Airing Friday nights at 10 PM, PHENOMENON celebrates that we are alive in Christ through electronic remixes and dance tracks.

CSN boosts coverage of Astros' preseason games
Comcast SportsNet Houston will broadcast 10 Houston Astros spring training games this year.
- Hey Astros, You Might Want To Hire Some Radio Broadcasters
- Surely this is the week to announce Astros announcers

Houston Dynamo partners with Mega TV for Spanish broadcasts
Mega TV will be the official Spanish-language TV partner of the Houston Dynamo.

Local TV star fights back from bike accident, loses 60 pounds in dramatic weight battle
September 2011 marked the beginning of a rough patch for Houston public television celeb Ernie Manouse.

KSBJ welcomes Tammy Johnson to the team!
KSBJ is excited to announce that Tammy Johnson has joined the KSBJ leadership team as NGEN Station Manager and Vice President of Special Events.

'Bobby Bones Show' heads to Nashville
96.7 KHFI-FM Austin radio sensation "The Bobby Bones Show" heads to "Music City, USA" to broadcast nationally from Nashville.
- Kiss FM names Bobby Bones’ replacement

Blind date leads to marriage for Fox 7 anchor
While blind dates frequently get a bad rap, Fox 7 newscaster Keri Bellacosa says she’s a big believer.

Waco Radio: WACO-FM Sees Big Drop In Ratings
Longtime Waco radio market king WACO-FM 100 99.9 FM stumbled in the fall Arbitron ratings, but still retained its No. 1 crown, as Waco’s newest radio stations continued to build their audiences.

Gray’s KWTX Adopts Sony Media Backbone
KWTX Waco, Texas (DMA 88), plans to go on-air in March with Sony’s Media Backbone Production System, becoming the third Gray Television-owned station to do so in the past 12 months.

Internet Radio Reaches Out to Fort Hood Community
In a few weeks, FortHoodRadio.com will sign on with a new live morning show.

Greg McAlister Named President-GM Of KRIS
Cordillera Communications taps the former GM of Nexstar’s Lubbock, Texas, duopoly to head up its multiple operations in Corpus Christi, Texas.

WELCOME BACK

Richard Connelly of the Houston Press has returned to duty over the last weeks.

HOUSTON AGENCIES

New Sports Marketing Agency Launches in Houston
Professional Sports Partners (PSP), a newly formed sports marketing company, opened its doors with the goal of maximizing brands’ status and clients’ investment by utilizing the enthusiasm, excitement and energy associated with sports and their loyal fan bases. The new sports-oriented agency will bring top-notch talent to the court following the ignition of a partnership with between Jason Kohll and Cathy and Alex López Negrete of Lopez Negrete Communications, Inc., the largest independently owned and operated Hispanic advertising agency in the country. PSP and Lopez Negrete Communications will work hand-in-hand to deliver best-in-class marketing solutions.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Elizabeth Burpo named National Sales Manager, Fox 26 KRIV & My20 KTXH
- Houston Astros to Sportstalk 790 KBME
- Sam Malone announced new radio show...sort of
- KNUZ 1966 aircheck
- Sam Malone joins 1070 The Answer KNTH

TV news' lost opportunity on Carnival Triumph story

To contact us Click HERE
With the advent of cell phone video transfer, satellite phones...etc., hundreds of TV news crews flock to the big national stories as they happen. But why not the Carnival Triumph story?

That's the cruise ship in the Gulf of Mexico that had a fire, can't move on its own as a result and is now being towed back to port. Passengers reportedly relieve themselves in a bag and put it outside of their cabin door (almost sounds like my college dorm days).

An enterprising television station should have rented a hot air balloon from the closest land available, flown a reporter to the ship and had that ace land on board to start phoning in or transmitting live shots 24 hours a day. No sleep, no food, no bathroom breaks, just news.

I smell an Emmy...or maybe that is just that bag left outside someone's room.

Then that reporter could arrive to port in Mobile, Alabama and switch out with another reporter to embed themselves on the bus ride to Galveston or Houston. Live shots galore.

Has blogging all of these years finally made me think like TV news management?

I originally posted this plan on my Facebook account and Evan commented, "The weather men in the storms would have to figure out a way to kick it up a notch."

I replied, "That is true. They could strap themselves to the outside of the hurricane hunter plane with an iPhone and a prayer."

Where is Dan Rather when you need him?

KTRK 13's Don Nelson back on air after surgery

To contact us Click HERE
After weeks away, KTRK's Don Nelson returns to abc13's morning news

One of the top questions I've been getting lately is "Where is channel 13's Don Nelson?" I posted on January 30th, that Live Well HD Mirror/Mirror host Rebecca Spera was filling in for Nelson in his absence (Bob Slovak did some fill-in time too).

A tipster notified me soon after his disappearance, "Just saw Don Nelson at St Luke's Hospital Med Center with left arm in sling, waiting for passenger pickup."

This morning Nelson was back at the KTRK abc13 studios ready for some traffic duty.

"After joking that he couldn't get his arm to move above I-10 while standing in front of the traffic map, Don had shoulder surgery," the KTRK Facebook account posted about his time off.

One of the most beloved TV personalities in Houston, Nelson is a guy that plays a major role on his newscast. He and Tom Koch have been on the morning shift for decades and the viewers pay them back for the early wake up call with great ratings. I heard there were times in the 1990s that you could add all the other Houston station's morning ratings together and that number could not reach KTRK's AM news ratings.

When Nelson does eventually retire, God help whomever takes that job over. Those will be tough shoes to fill (figuratively and literally since he is a pretty tall guy).

VOTE!:  I'm trying to win money for charity from Reliant Energy's Rodeo Roundup...all you have to do is click a button to vote (and you can even do it once a day!) VOTE HERE

RELATED
- VIDEO: Don Nelson on Good Morning Houston
- PHOTO: Tom Koch and Don Nelson serving drinks
- Don Nelson, Doug Brown and Tom Koch - the old team together in photo

Sam Malone's debut on 1070 The Answer KNTH

To contact us Click HERE
Video shows off Sam Malone's first day on AM 1070 The Answer KNTH


As I first blogged last week, Houston radio's Sam Malone is the new morning show host on AM 1070 The Answer KNTH from 7 to 10am. Yesterday was his very first show and Sam's crew put together this video (embedded above).

Close observers might notice that Malone is doing the show from the radio station. You might remember that what makes this show very different is the television component on Phonoscope cable channel 11. Well, hold your horses and put down the TV remote till next week.

"We start the TV launch next Monday the 25th," Malone told me. "We are fired up about this ground breaking project!"

Radio fans will notice that longtime Houston radio man Chuck Tiller is featured in the video too. According to his bio, Chuck has been on the air in Houston for more than 33 years (he was the first producer of the legendary Hudson & Harrigan Show on KILT).

I understand a caller gave me a shout out on Malone's premiere show. Thanks for that. If you are a radio station caller, I suggest giving me a shout out all the time from now on (Boatie in Pearland, I'm looking at you!). In fact, maybe I can become the Baba Booey of Houston!

VOTE!:  I'm trying to win money for charity from Reliant Energy's Rodeo Roundup...all you have to do is click a button to vote (and you can even do it once a day!) VOTE HERE

Bob Boudreaux update, Houston/Dallas radio ratings and more

To contact us Click HERE

MORE VIDEO
- Former KTRK 13 promotions producer Michael Penix's WLTX Super Bowl spots
- The Real News Photographer
- Morning anchor gets unintentionally sexual
- CBS 11 News Doug Dunbar Promo
- HARLEM SHAKE (Ksla News Edition)
- 98FM KFMK Houston top of hour
- CHAMILLIONAIRE AS THE ANCHOR MAN WITH JOSE GRINAN!
- 15 TV News Reporters Who Deserve A Hug

New deal for DeDe McGuire
DeDe McGuire signs new contract with Service Broadcasting’s urban “K-104” KKDA-FM, Dallas.

Former Dallas TV journalist Rebecca Rodriguez is new communications chief for Dallas ISD
Dallas ISD hires Rebecca Rodriguez, former news reporter and current city of Arlington spokesperson, as new communications chief.

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VOTE!: I'm trying to win money for charity from Reliant Energy's Rodeo Roundup...all you have to do is click a button to vote (and you can even do it once a day!) VOTE HERE

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

KTXD Dallas Launches New Local Program
In partnership with D Magazine, London Broadcasting’s KTXD Dallas (DMA 5) launches D: The Broadcast followed by the debut of D Living.
- Seismic shift at KTXD -- from Perry Mason to D: The Broadcast

Houston and DFW radio ratings
ALL ACCESS presents JANUARY PPM market radio rating highlights for Houston and Dallas, compiled by the Ratings Experts at RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. and powered by XTRENDS, radio's #1 PPM and diary analysis tool.
- Radio One Houston gets praise

Former KTRK anchor still acting
Former KTRK abc13 anchor Bob Boudreaux is still acting (he was in stage productions while still an anchor). His latest credits, Banshee and the upcoming A Little Christmas Business.
- Bob Boudreaux and Dr. Red Duke together for award

Ashby, Blum join Astros' TV booth
With a move to the American League and a new color scheme, the Houston Astros also have made changes to their broadcast teams -- both television and radio -- for the 2013 baseball season. The club announced former Astros players Alan Ashby and Geoff Blum will join Bill Brown, entering his 27th season with the organization, in the TV booth this season. On the radio side, Robert Ford will call play-by-play and Steve Sparks will be the color analyst.
- Thoughts on the Astros’ new voices and the continuing CSN Houston carriage stalemate
- Network carrying Astros, Rockets games unavailable in Austin area

‘Mighty Gwinn’ moving to 1560 AM
Dylan Gwinn, who has hosted midday and evening talk shows on KBME (790 AM) since 2010, will move to David Gow’s Yahoo! Sports Radio next week.

Former Fox 26 anchor goes nationwide
Former Fox 26 KRIV anchor Jan Jeffcoat will host new syndicated show "The List."

KIAH and KDAF get new big boss
Tribune Appoints Larry Wert As President of Local Broadcasting.

Ron Paul comes to radio
Former congressman and Presidential candidate Ron Paul (R-TX) has signed to host twice-a-day one-minute commentaries.

REMEMBERING

FOX San Antonio's Karen Martinez Passes Away
FOX San Antonio anchor Karen Martinez has passed away after her long battle with breast cancer. Karen was 37.

Anderson, longtime KTSU host, dies after aneurysm
Longtime KTSU (90.9 FM) radio host Myron Anderson died Thursday, four days after suffering a brain aneurysm.

KLBJ reporter dies from injuries suffered in wreck
KLBJ-AM Austin reporter Barbara McCarley radio died from injuries she suffered in a rollover crash.
- No charges in wreck that killed radio reporter

MOVING

Click2Houston.com managing editor Lyn Stewart leaves KPRC 2 after more than a decade on the job. Stewart announced on Facebook that she's leaving to become the Digital Communications Manager for Huntsman Corporation.

I'm late on this, but I hear producer Don Geraci left KHOU 11's Great Day Houston last fall to start a new arts program on Houston PBS called Arts Insight. (Thanks to the PR Fairy @farbulous)

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Houston TV newscasts full of lovely ladies
- TV news' lost opportunity on Carnival Triumph story
- KTRK producer leads the blind through triathlons
- KTRK 13's Don Nelson back on air after surgery
- Bob Allen goes to Washington?
- Tom Doerr, Fox 26 KRIV news director to WFLD Chicago
- Sam Malone's debut on 1070 The Answer KNTH
- Comcast Xfinity app controls TV; now available in Houston
- Mix 96.5 KHMX moves Blake Hayes to mornings

TV news' lost opportunity on Carnival Triumph story

To contact us Click HERE
With the advent of cell phone video transfer, satellite phones...etc., hundreds of TV news crews flock to the big national stories as they happen. But why not the Carnival Triumph story?

That's the cruise ship in the Gulf of Mexico that had a fire, can't move on its own as a result and is now being towed back to port. Passengers reportedly relieve themselves in a bag and put it outside of their cabin door (almost sounds like my college dorm days).

An enterprising television station should have rented a hot air balloon from the closest land available, flown a reporter to the ship and had that ace land on board to start phoning in or transmitting live shots 24 hours a day. No sleep, no food, no bathroom breaks, just news.

I smell an Emmy...or maybe that is just that bag left outside someone's room.

Then that reporter could arrive to port in Mobile, Alabama and switch out with another reporter to embed themselves on the bus ride to Galveston or Houston. Live shots galore.

Has blogging all of these years finally made me think like TV news management?

I originally posted this plan on my Facebook account and Evan commented, "The weather men in the storms would have to figure out a way to kick it up a notch."

I replied, "That is true. They could strap themselves to the outside of the hurricane hunter plane with an iPhone and a prayer."

Where is Dan Rather when you need him?

KTRK 13's Don Nelson back on air after surgery

To contact us Click HERE
After weeks away, KTRK's Don Nelson returns to abc13's morning news

One of the top questions I've been getting lately is "Where is channel 13's Don Nelson?" I posted on January 30th, that Live Well HD Mirror/Mirror host Rebecca Spera was filling in for Nelson in his absence (Bob Slovak did some fill-in time too).

A tipster notified me soon after his disappearance, "Just saw Don Nelson at St Luke's Hospital Med Center with left arm in sling, waiting for passenger pickup."

This morning Nelson was back at the KTRK abc13 studios ready for some traffic duty.

"After joking that he couldn't get his arm to move above I-10 while standing in front of the traffic map, Don had shoulder surgery," the KTRK Facebook account posted about his time off.

One of the most beloved TV personalities in Houston, Nelson is a guy that plays a major role on his newscast. He and Tom Koch have been on the morning shift for decades and the viewers pay them back for the early wake up call with great ratings. I heard there were times in the 1990s that you could add all the other Houston station's morning ratings together and that number could not reach KTRK's AM news ratings.

When Nelson does eventually retire, God help whomever takes that job over. Those will be tough shoes to fill (figuratively and literally since he is a pretty tall guy).

VOTE!: I'm trying to win money for charity from Reliant Energy's Rodeo Roundup...all you have to do is click a button to vote (and you can even do it once a day!) VOTE HERE

RELATED
- VIDEO: Don Nelson on Good Morning Houston
- PHOTO: Tom Koch and Don Nelson serving drinks
- Don Nelson, Doug Brown and Tom Koch - the old team together in photo

Sam Malone's debut on 1070 The Answer KNTH

To contact us Click HERE
Video shows off Sam Malone's first day on AM 1070 The Answer KNTH


As I first blogged last week, Houston radio's Sam Malone is the new morning show host on AM 1070 The Answer KNTH from 7 to 10am. Yesterday was his very first show and Sam's crew put together this video (embedded above).

Close observers might notice that Malone is doing the show from the radio station. You might remember that what makes this show very different is the television component on Phonoscope cable channel 11. Well, hold your horses and put down the TV remote till next week.

"We start the TV launch next Monday the 25th," Malone told me. "We are fired up about this ground breaking project!"

Radio fans will notice that longtime Houston radio man Chuck Tiller is featured in the video too. According to his bio, Chuck has been on the air in Houston for more than 33 years (he was the first producer of the legendary Hudson & Harrigan Show on KILT).

I understand a caller gave me a shout out on Malone's premiere show. Thanks for that. If you are a radio station caller, I suggest giving me a shout out all the time from now on (Boatie in Pearland, I'm looking at you!). In fact, maybe I can become the Baba Booey of Houston!

VOTE!:  I'm trying to win money for charity from Reliant Energy's Rodeo Roundup...all you have to do is click a button to vote (and you can even do it once a day!) VOTE HERE

Comcast Xfinity app controls TV; now available in Houston

To contact us Click HERE
For years I've heard about cable customers using apps to control their TV viewing. The most I've been able to do is download the Comcast Xfinity app and see what was on the guide.

As of last week however, the Xfinity TV Remote app is available in Houston with the capability of giving viewers control over their cable boxes. The company tells me customers will be able to change TV channels, search for something to watch on TV/On Demand/online/mobile/computer/tablet. Whoa, say that five times fast.

Here are some more features from the company's stash:
- Browse up to 2 weeks in TV Listings or jump right to a channel or day to find the TV show they want to watch
- Set up favorite channels to personalize their grid
- Browse the thousands of titles available Xfinity On Demand, or filter to narrow the selection
- View all or filter what's available to watch on their device right now in Play Now
- Search for a specific title
- Select a program to watch or record. Use their mobile device or computer like a remote to control their TV or to watch their show right on a device.
- Choose a program from the TV Listings and change the channel from their mobile device or PC
- Play a program right on their iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, or Android device
- Schedule a DVR recording for a program or series from a PC or mobile device – anytime, anywhere.

I just assumed the viewer would have to get a new cable box, but the company rep said not necessarily. Here is a list of boxes that work with the new app:

Digital Transport Adapters (DTA)
SA 2000
SA 2010
SA 3100HD
SA 8000
SA 8000HD
SA 8300
Motorola DCT 1000
Motorola DCT 1200
Motorola DCT 1700
Pace 510
Pace 511
Pace 550
Pace 551
Panasonic set top boxes
Samsung set top boxes

My box is a Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HD so it doesn't look like it is on the list, although there is an 8300 without an HD component listed. An 8000 and 8000HD are both listed so that's why I'm assuming mine will not work.

So if you got the box with the right juice, you then need to download the app (Android/IOS) and go through the setup. Here are instructions for that part.

VOTE!:  I'm trying to win money for charity from Reliant Energy's Rodeo Roundup...all you have to do is click a button to vote (and you can even do it once a day!) VOTE HERE

Mix 96.5 KHMX moves Blake Hayes to mornings

To contact us Click HERE
Blake Hayes drops into Kidd Kraddick's former morning slot on Mix 96.5 KHMX

Houston's Mix 96.5 KHMX has had some turnover in the morning drive over the last few years.

Maria Todd came back to Houston to work at the CBS station in 2010, she was later replaced by Dallas-based syndicated guy Kidd Kraddick, whose show was just dropped last November.

With a promise of going local, Mix 96.5 KHMX afternoon drive man Blake Hayes will be moved to mornings starting Monday, February 25th. At the same time, Chad Pitt will join the Mix team for afternoon drive. Chad comes to Houston from Hot 101.5 in Tampa, but no stranger to CBS, having handled afternoon drive and Adult Top 40 WSJT Tampa.

Mix 96.5 KHMX's Blake Hayes (blakehayes.com)

“I believe this move will sure up our personality driven line up on Mix,” said KHMX PD Bob Neumann. “Blake is the perfect fit for where we’re going with morning show. I talked to many very talented people during my search, but in the end, Blake is the right fit. It’s nice to be able to promote from within.”

“I worked with Chad in Tampa," Neumann added. "He’s a real pro and will fit right in with the Mix staff.”

Morning news and traffic will continue to be handled by John Paul Stevenson, who will also serve as morning show producer. Hayes has been handling Afternoon Drive for Mix since January of 2012.

VOTE!: I'm trying to win money for charity from Reliant Energy's Rodeo Roundup...all you have to do is click a button to vote (and you can even do it once a day!) VOTE HERE

Iain Page's new job, TV host's weight battle and more

To contact us Click HERE

MORE VIDEO
- Time for the Kids to Play Weatherman
- Are You Not Entertained?: LA Freeway Car Chase Concludes with Fiery Crash
- Dr. Jim Siebert of Fox 26 KRIV gets down!
- Houston media interviews Alex Jones after Piers Morgan Katy, TX confrontation
- Karen Borta Knows North Texas
- News 8 Daybreak - "Babysitter"
- Meet the new CBS 11 News I-team
- Weather Woman Slip on Valentine's Day Forecast. Fail.
- TV Station's Emergency Alert System Hacked, Warns of Montana Zombie attack

Former KPRC anchor Iain Page lands at WTXF Philadelphia
TVNewsCheck reports Iain Page has been named co-anchor of Fox O&O WTXF Philadelphia's Fox 29 News at 5 p.m.

The Colonel hits 40
Colonel St. James wrote on his Facebook page that February 2013 marks an important milestone. He started his broadcasting career in February 1973 sio he's been on the air for 40 years.

Sale of Historic KCOH Okayed
Declining to get into a discussion about formats, the FCC has cleared the way for La Promesa Foundation to buy historic KCOH(AM) in Houston.

NGEN introduces new radio show: ‘PHENOMENON’
NGEN radio is excited to launch PHENOMENON, an hour-long radio show hosted by Solomon Olds aka Soul Glow Activatur of Family Force 5. Airing Friday nights at 10 PM, PHENOMENON celebrates that we are alive in Christ through electronic remixes and dance tracks.

CSN boosts coverage of Astros' preseason games
Comcast SportsNet Houston will broadcast 10 Houston Astros spring training games this year.
- Hey Astros, You Might Want To Hire Some Radio Broadcasters
- Surely this is the week to announce Astros announcers

Houston Dynamo partners with Mega TV for Spanish broadcasts
Mega TV will be the official Spanish-language TV partner of the Houston Dynamo.

Local TV star fights back from bike accident, loses 60 pounds in dramatic weight battle
September 2011 marked the beginning of a rough patch for Houston public television celeb Ernie Manouse.

KSBJ welcomes Tammy Johnson to the team!
KSBJ is excited to announce that Tammy Johnson has joined the KSBJ leadership team as NGEN Station Manager and Vice President of Special Events.

'Bobby Bones Show' heads to Nashville
96.7 KHFI-FM Austin radio sensation "The Bobby Bones Show" heads to "Music City, USA" to broadcast nationally from Nashville.
- Kiss FM names Bobby Bones’ replacement

Blind date leads to marriage for Fox 7 anchor
While blind dates frequently get a bad rap, Fox 7 newscaster Keri Bellacosa says she’s a big believer.

Waco Radio: WACO-FM Sees Big Drop In Ratings
Longtime Waco radio market king WACO-FM 100 99.9 FM stumbled in the fall Arbitron ratings, but still retained its No. 1 crown, as Waco’s newest radio stations continued to build their audiences.

Gray’s KWTX Adopts Sony Media Backbone
KWTX Waco, Texas (DMA 88), plans to go on-air in March with Sony’s Media Backbone Production System, becoming the third Gray Television-owned station to do so in the past 12 months.

Internet Radio Reaches Out to Fort Hood Community
In a few weeks, FortHoodRadio.com will sign on with a new live morning show.

Greg McAlister Named President-GM Of KRIS
Cordillera Communications taps the former GM of Nexstar’s Lubbock, Texas, duopoly to head up its multiple operations in Corpus Christi, Texas.

WELCOME BACK

Richard Connelly of the Houston Press has returned to duty over the last weeks.

HOUSTON AGENCIES

New Sports Marketing Agency Launches in Houston
Professional Sports Partners (PSP), a newly formed sports marketing company, opened its doors with the goal of maximizing brands’ status and clients’ investment by utilizing the enthusiasm, excitement and energy associated with sports and their loyal fan bases. The new sports-oriented agency will bring top-notch talent to the court following the ignition of a partnership with between Jason Kohll and Cathy and Alex López Negrete of Lopez Negrete Communications, Inc., the largest independently owned and operated Hispanic advertising agency in the country. PSP and Lopez Negrete Communications will work hand-in-hand to deliver best-in-class marketing solutions.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Elizabeth Burpo named National Sales Manager, Fox 26 KRIV & My20 KTXH
- Houston Astros to Sportstalk 790 KBME
- Sam Malone announced new radio show...sort of
- KNUZ 1966 aircheck
- Sam Malone joins 1070 The Answer KNTH