Summertime Swings in San Antonio Television News Landscape

It’s been a hot and bustling summer for San Antonio’s television news industry, marked by noteworthy changes including a series of major retirements, promising new hires, and a series of exciting shakeups.

Seasoned Broadcasters Say Farewell

Back in May, viewers bid a fond farewell to six of San Antonio’s most regarded television personalities. Renowned broadcasters Mark Austin, Mike Osterhage, Ursula Pari, David Sears, Jessie Degollado, and Marilyn Moritz announced their retirements, marking the end of their celebrated careers at a leading ABC-affiliate. These departures, effective from July 1, put an end to an era, leaving a significant void in the television news industry.

Amidst rumors of forced buyouts, the station’s management clarified that while voluntary buyouts certainly occurred, none of these personalities were pushed out. The news veterans expressed their love for San Antonio and their respective careers in emotional farewell specials. Post-retirement, most are keeping their viewers updated about their life away from the limelight through social media.

Welcoming Fresh Faces

As the summer progressed, San Antonio welcomed fresh talent to the television news sphere. One such enthusing addition was Earl Stoudemire, who joined the San Antonio CBS-affiliate team as a multimedia journalist and reporter. With previous stints at FOX 44 in Waco and Amarillo, Stoudemire brings a wealth of experience to his current role.

Another notable hire was the return of a homegrown talent, Zaria Oates. The Clemens High School graduate made a triumphant return to her hometown as a Nightbeat reporter for a prominent ABC-affiliate. Her deep connection to San Antonio and ambition to make her community proud promise to bring a local touch to her reporting work.

Show Alterations and New Entrants

On the lifestyle side, ‘SA Live,’ disclosed a pivotal on-air change. Jen Tobias-Struski was announced as the new co-host of the show alongside Fiona Gorostiza. This followed former co-host Mike Osterhage’s departure from the position. Tobias-Struski began her journey behind-the-scenes, but she’s no stranger to the limelight, having previously held a multimedia journalist role.

Adding to this, the show introduced Jada Pickett as their new reporter. Pickett’s knack for telling compelling stories has already been on display in multiple segments and is bound to add fresh dynamism to the ‘SA Live’ team.

Parting Ways and Welcoming Returns

As summer wound down, the industry saw Amanda Henderson moving to Houston’s KHOU as a reporter after a successful tenure in San Antonio. Meanwhile, ABC-affiliate’s morning news show, ‘Good Morning San Antonio,’ witnessed a significant change with Stephanie Serna’s shift from the 5-7 a.m. morning show to the anchor desk in the 9 a.m. show. Around the same time, the team welcomed the return of Japhanie Gray, who now co-anchors the morning show with RJ Marquez and meteorologist Justin Horne.

While welcoming new faces, the outlet also said goodbye to Tiffany Huertas after a seven-year-long association with the station. Huertas now lends her expertise to the communications team at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

The revealing and repositioning of San Antonio’s TV news industry points towards an exciting new season. As the pages continue to turn with new stories and faces, fans eagerly anticipate what the future holds.