Summer of Change: San Antonio TV News Shakeup

Major Shakeups in San Antonio TV News This Summer

This summer has been anything but quiet in San Antonio as the local TV news scene experiences a whirlwind of changes, from retirements of beloved anchors to fresh additions to various news teams.

Retirements Mark the End of an Era

One of the biggest stories this summer was the retirement announcement of six legendary broadcasters from a prominent local station. They included recognizable faces who have been part of the fabric of San Antonio for decades. The group, which made their announcement in May, officially left their positions on July 1. Despite speculation about forced departures, management confirmed these were all voluntary retirements. Farewell specials highlighted their contributions and the love they held for the community.

New Faces Join the Ranks

In addition to farewells, there were several exciting new hires in the San Antonio TV news landscape:

Earl Stoudemire at KENS 5

KENS 5 welcomed Earl Stoudemire, who joined the morning news team in July as a multimedia journalist. Previously, Stoudemire reported at FOX 44 in Waco and is now bringing his talents to the Alamo City.

Rejoining the Team at KSAT

Another exciting addition has been the return of Japhanie Gray to KSAT, where she now co-anchors the morning show from 5 to 7 a.m. alongside RJ Marquez and meteorologist Justin Horne. This position sees her returning to her news roots, much to the delight of local viewers.

Local Reporters Making Connections

In a heartwarming twist, Zaria Oates, a native of San Antonio, also joined the ranks at KSAT. Oates focuses on reporting the Nightbeat and emphasizes her commitment to representing her hometown communities in her stories.

Changes in Lifestyle Programming

The practice of welcoming new faces extends beyond news reporting. SA Live made waves as well by announcing Jen Tobias-Struski as the new co-host alongside Fiona Gorostiza. Having started her career at SA Live as a producer, Tobias-Struski’s transition reflects growth and development within the team.

Reporter Moves and Farewells

As new faces join the news teams, some are bidding farewell. Amanda Henderson, a reporter at a local station, announced her move to Houston in August. She expressed gratitude towards the San Antonio community, emphasizing the memories made during her time there.

Further Adjustments in News Teams

KSAT also made changes to its morning lineup, revealing that anchor Stephanie Serna would switch her focus to the 9 a.m. Good Morning San Antonio show, where her passion for in-depth storytelling will shine. Meanwhile, Devan Karp, who interned with KSAT, is now part of the morning reporting team, enhancing the channel’s ability to connect with local issues. However, the station said goodbye to Tiffany Huertas, who moved on after several years to join the University of Texas at San Antonio’s communications team.

Conclusion

This busy summer has kept viewers engaged, eager to see how their favorite news programs will adapt to these changes. As familiar faces retire and new anchors and reporters take their places, the San Antonio TV news scene is poised for an interesting future.