doris childress
[ April 3, 2024 by Randle Ladonia 0 Comments ]

Doris Childress

As a journalist and TV Host, she has won several national and international awards. Childress served as host for the Emmy Award-winning WeekDay and Weeknight Edition shows on Houston PBS from 1995 to 2002. In 2007 she took over the anchor chair for Houston Public Media’s the connection Public Affairs show. She hosted and produced Texas’ only statewide legislative show –the Capitol Report. In the spirit of PBS, Childress has produced several documentaries covering local and international issues. Her documentary work has taken her abroad to such destinations as Israel, Zurich, and Taiwan. In 1994 Childress graduated from the University of North Texas, receiving her Master of Arts in television and film. The documentary film became her area of concentrated study. As a skilled journalist, she interviewed prominent newsmakers such as Colin Powell, Bill Moyers, President Bush, President Carter, and the Vice President of Taiwan –Annette Lu, to name a few. Before her PBS career, she served as a reporter/anchor for the Central Texas CBS affiliate-KBTX. While at KBTX, Childress became the featured reporter for the station’s Nightside Report. KDFW in Dallas, Texas, was the starting ground for her television career. In her years of broadcasting experience, Childress has received such broadcasting awards as The National Gracie Award, the Academy of Arts and Science Television Regional Emmy Award, the International Telly Award, PBS-SECA, Dallas Press Club, The Communicator Award ( TV) , Houston Press Club Awards, and numerous community acknowledgments. Her 2000 AWRT National Gracie recognition named Childress -Outstanding Anchor representing major markets nationally.

arthur murray
[ April 2, 2024 by Randle Ladonia 0 Comments ]

Arthur Murray

Arthur Murray is a dynamic and accomplished journalist, producer, and educator with over 28 years of experience in the media industry. Throughout his distinguished career, he has demonstrated a passion for storytelling, innovation, and mentorship, earning multiple awards and recognition along the way. His expertise spans news operations, photojournalism, video production, and teaching, with a special focus on multi-media content creation for modern digital platforms.

Murray’s journey in journalism began as a photojournalist at WAPT Channel 16 in Jackson, Mississippi, where he honed his skills in shooting and editing news events and breaking stories. He was integral to the coverage of key events, including the senior year of NFL legend Steve McNair at Alcorn State, and contributed footage to major networks like ABC and ESPN. From there, his career progressed as he took on roles of increasing responsibility at various stations.

At WHBQ Fox 13 in Memphis, Tennessee, Murray’s dedication to the craft grew even further as he was promoted to Chief Photojournalist and News Operations Manager. In these roles, he managed a team of photojournalists, editors, and engineers, ensuring the smooth distribution of daily broadcasts while also coordinating special projects and live events. Murray’s work during significant news events, such as elections and natural disasters, cemented his reputation as a reliable, skilled journalist. His work garnered industry-wide acclaim, including his recognition as an Emmy Award-winning producer for a special feature story.

Murray’s tenure at KHOU Channel 11 in Houston, Texas, is particularly noteworthy. As News Operations Manager, he oversaw a diverse team, managing daily broadcasts, coordinating breaking news, and handling live events. He was also instrumental in establishing the station’s first FTP distribution system for internet video, showcasing his innovative approach to broadcasting. Murray’s expertise helped cover high-profile events like the Super Bowl, NBA All-Star Games, and numerous major hurricanes. His ability to manage complex logistics and his technical proficiency in broadcast equipment and editing systems made him a pillar of the station’s news operations.

Beyond his work in newsrooms, Murray is deeply committed to education and mentoring the next generation of journalists. As an adjunct professor at Texas Southern University, he shares his wealth of knowledge with aspiring journalists, teaching courses such as TV Production, Videography, Lighting for Film and Video, and Digital Effects for Film and Video. His students benefit not only from his technical expertise but also from his real-world experience, which he shares through workshops and hands-on content production opportunities, including high-profile projects like the Democratic debate and the Monterey Jazz Festival.

Murray also prides himself on giving back to the programs and institutions that helped shape his career. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and Broadcasting from Grambling State University, an HBCU that played a vital role in his development as both a journalist and educator. His commitment to HBCUs is unwavering, and he continues to be an active advocate for these programs, which he believes are instrumental in nurturing future leaders in media and communication.

With a career marked by leadership, innovation, and a passion for teaching, Arthur Murray remains a steadfast force in the media industry, inspiring others to push boundaries and tell stories that matter in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Chelsea_Edwards_FOX26
[ April 2, 2024 by Randle Ladonia 0 Comments ]

Chelsea Edwards

Chelsea Edwards is a fixture on Houston television screens and streaming devices. She’s been a reporter at Fox26 since October 2019. Chelsea first discovered her passion for broadcasting as a student in Hightower High School’s Media Academy. That is where she learned to shoot, write, and edit stories. While studying at TSU, she cut her teeth working behind the scenes through partnerships with NASA and TxDOT, which allowed her to work in productions across the country. After graduating from TSU, she worked as a video editor for Houston’s ABC affiliate. She also spent four years running an afterschool program in Klein ISD.

Chelsea decided to jump in front of the camera and left Houston for a job as a multi-media journalist with KWTX-TV in Waco. She returned to her hometown to be a morning reporter for Fox 26, where she covers everything from community stories to inexpensive getaways through her “One Tank Trip” franchise. You can also catch her filling in at the anchor desk regularly and adding an extra dose of energy to Houston’s Morning Show.

ken okere
[ February 27, 2024 by Randle Ladonia 0 Comments ]

Ken Okere

TSU alumnus, Dr. Ken Ike Okere, is a Journalist, editor, corporate communications professional, and digital media specialist. Ike’s experience spans: Print, Radio, TV, and Digital Media, and Corporate Communications. He has been Correspondent for ThisWeek/Houston Chronicle, Online Editor for African News Digest , Correspondent, Guardian Newspaper Houston, Editor African News Digest Weekly Houston, Producer PRTV Jos, Managing Editor Nigeria Yellow Pages, Director Corporate Communications, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN-Radio Nigeria), Director Radio Nigeria Lagos, Zonal Director Radio Nigeria South-East, and Director National Broadcast Academy Lagos.

In a 15-year stellar career with Radio Nigeria, Dr. Okere supervised the running of 10 radio stations (3 in Lagos, and 7 in South East Nigeria) as Director, successfully rebranding some and winning industry awards such as the 2018 NMNA merit award for Best Radio Station in the SE & 3rd nationwide (FRCN Coal City FM Enugu) and confirmed by MPS Q1 2019 ratings. As Head of the newly created Corporate Development & Communications Directorate, the strategy hub of the huge corporation, Ike led a range of activities that modernized the 80-year old huge radio network: creating its first website; its first online content; and its first online live audio streaming service. Other firsts include, the institution of modern audience research, excellence awards and e-newsletters (plus a print edition). He has been a strong advocate for the full digitization and rebranding of the influential public broadcaster, crafting in 2010 a Corporate Plan meant to position the Corporation on the path of strategic growth, profitability and modernization.

Dr. Okere is currently the Rector, West Africa Broadcast & Media Academy (WABMA), the multi campus, multi platform media training and certification academy located in Abuja, Enugu, and Lagos, with campuses opening soon in Ghana, Cameroun and The Gambia.

Dr. Okere’s passion for strategic planning, digitization, training and new media has led him to many successful consultancies for national and international organisations such as Ford Foundation, Christian Aid, BBC Media Action, and US Consulate General Lagos, among others.

 

 

 

 

ted irving
[ February 12, 2024 by Randle Ladonia 0 Comments ]

Ted Irving

As the Director for Houston Television (HTV), I am a culture change agent and a mass media influencer with over 30 years of experience in documentary film making, stock footage creation, and media instruction. I am also a Japan Fulbright Scholar with a keen interest in educational exchange and cross-cultural communication.

I work with the leadership team to transform HTV into a modern and dynamic media outlet that serves the diverse and growing audience of Houston. I oversee the project management, video editing, graphic design, and special effects of all live broadcasts and in-house productions, ensuring the highest quality and professionalism. I also mentor and empower the staff to enhance their skills and creativity, and foster a collaborative and inclusive work culture. My mission is to deliver engaging and informative content that showcases the achievements, challenges, and opportunities of the city and its people.