San Antonio Sees Major Shakeup in Summer TV News
A Season of Transition for Local San Antonio Broadcasters
The airwaves of San Antonio have been astir this summer with a plethora of significant changes in both on-air and behind-the-scenes personnel. The city’s television news industry witnessed a series of retirements, new hires, and role changes, marking one of the most eventful summers in recent memory.
High-Profile Retirements
Most notably, six well-regarded veterans from the local broadcasting landscape announced their retirement. Icons including Mark Austin, Mike Osterhage, Ursula Pari, David Sears, Jessie Degollado, and Marilyn Moritz, all shared their plans to retire from their longstanding roles at the ABC affiliate station.
Rumors were swirling that these retirements were instigated by forced buyouts; however, these allegations were firmly refuted by the affiliate’s management, confirming instead that voluntary buyouts were facilitated, but no one was compelled out of service.
New Blood Enters the Scene
As some familiar faces retired, others just made their entry. Earl Stoudemire, who had previously garnered experience at FOX 44 in Waco as a multimedia journalist, fill-in anchor, and producer, joined the team at KENS 5 station as a reporter, marking it as one of his early career milestones.
KSAT, too, saw the addition of a native onto its reporter roster. San Antonio-born Zaria Oates, a Clemens High School graduate, started reporting for the Nightbeat at KSAT in June, expressing her passion for her hometown and her dedication to keeping her community informed.
Shake-up At ‘SA Live’
Changes were also evident in the broadcasts of the lifestyle show ‘SA Live’. The program now features San Antonio native, Jen Tobias-Struski, sharing the co-host desk with Fiona Gorostiza. Tobias-Struski had a storied career and made a smooth transition from a producer role in 2015 to an on-air multimedia journalist.
Tobias-Struski isn’t the only new face at ‘SA Live’. The program also announced the arrival of new reporter Jada Pickett, who will be joining Tobias-Struski and Gorostiza to create dynamic and engaging lifestyle content for the viewers.
News 4 Crew Experiences Departures and Arrivals
FOX 29 also had its fair share of staff turnarounds. Amanda Henderson, a well-liked reporter, decided to leave the San Antonio news station, albeit not going far – relocating a few hours away to join KHOU in Houston.
However, as one left, another returned. Japhanie Gray, a well-known face in local broadcasting, rejoined the ABC-affiliate, anchoring the station’s morning news. Several changes took place in the morning newscast, with Stephanie Serna shifting from the 5-7 a.m. slot to anchoring ‘Good Morning San Antonio at 9’.
In conclusion, the 2024 San Antonio summer witnessed significant changes in the local TV news landscape. While it bid adieu to several respected veterans, it also welcomed newer promising talents set to tread new paths and reach new broadcasting heights.