Type: KTRK-TV, Houston
Press Release
September 30, 2021
Media relations
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ABC13 Anchor Art Rascon Announces He’s Leaving the Station After More Than 20 Years
Rascon Legacy Continues With Son Jacob Joining the Team
Art Rascon, who joined ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston as an anchor in 1998, will leave the station at the end of the year, announced Wendy Granato, president and general manager of KTRK. Rascon has co-anchored the midday and 5:00 p.m. newscast for 23 years. He looks forward to pursuing personal life endeavors that include religious and community service projects.
“KTRK ABC13 has been home to many iconic journalists through the years, and Art Rascon is certainly in that elite club,” said Granato. “He is passionate, fearless, unique and authentic – and KTRK is a better station because of Art’s many contributions to our viewers and to our communities.”
Rascon joined KTRK after working as a national correspondent for CBS News and reporter for ABC-owned station ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles. He has reported from more than 70 countries and five continents, and news coverage in nearly every state in the United States. He’s covered numerous stories that include Haiti’s civil unrest, Mexico’s guerrilla wars, conflicts in Central America, Peru’s hostage standoff, Cuba’s downing of U.S. planes, as well as national airline disasters, numerous hurricanes, the Oklahoma City bombing and a variety of other stories. As a reporter for KABC-TV in Los Angeles, he covered notable events such as the O.J. Simpson case, Rodney King trial, Los Angeles riots, Branch Davidian standoff, as well as earthquakes, fires and floods.
As he ends his illustrious career to pursue personal life endeavors, he passes his legacy to his son, Jacob Rascon, who joins ABC13 as a new anchor and reporter at the start of 2022.
“Like his father, Jacob Rascon epitomizes quality journalism. His experience as a national correspondent covering the biggest stories around the world brings a unique perspective,” said Granato. “Jacob is committed to pursuing stories that make a difference in our community and amplifying the voices of the underrepresented. His love for his hometown of Houston is an extra bonus that makes him an excellent anchor and reporter. ABC13 is thrilled the Rascon legacy will continue.”
Jacob Rascon is an Emmy© and Edward R. Murrow-winning journalist who joins ABC13 as an anchor and reporter with an impressive portfolio traveling the world covering groundbreaking international stories as an NBC News correspondent and as a local news reporter for KNBC-TV Los Angeles, KFOX-TV El Paso and KPRC-TV Houston.
“I remember visiting the station as a kid and meeting Dave Ward, Deborah Duncan, Wayne Dolcefino and Marvin Zindler,” said Jacob. “The fact that I’m now following in their footsteps and my father’s, who is the consummate journalist and an even better person, makes me immensely proud.”
In an excerpt from an email from Art Rascon to ABC13 staff:
“My dear friends, after 36 years of reporting the world, and more than 28 years with the ABC/Disney company, it’s time to pursue other opportunities … Thank you for such an incredible and rewarding journey. You know how to cover news and every day you bring amazing stories to life … You have my most sincere gratitude for your hard work and incredible insight into producing award-winning stories. It has been such a blessing to witness history in a remarkable way. Truly, I have had the best job in the world. I’m not leaving yet—I will still be around until the end of the year, but I wanted to give you this early notice. Of course, I would be remiss if I did not thank my television partner of more than 23 years, Melanie Lawson …”
About ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston
For over 50 years, ABC13 has been Houston’s news leader from sign-on to sign-off. Broadcasting 49 hours of locally produced newscasts each week, ABC13 is the top-rated and most-watched news station among the Houston-area viewers. ABC13 also leads the market in its digital media efforts, with top rankings for its website, abc13.com, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. ABC13 delivers live and streaming content on Roku, Fire TV, Amazon and AppleTV in the ABC13 Houston App. ABC13 is deeply invested in the Houston community, spotlighting Houston’s diversity with community affairs programs covering issues that affect different segments of the population – from local town halls to ABC13+. The station also hosts several community projects throughout the year including Share Your Holidays, an annual food drive benefiting the Houston Food Bank; and our E-cycle Drive, a collection/recycling effort for outdated electronic equipment in conjunction with Earth Day. ABC13 is also known for broadcasting the city’s major events including the annual July 4th Freedom Over Texas celebration, The Chevron Marathon, Houston Pride and The Houston Rodeo Parade.
| Twitter: | https://twitter.com/abc13houston |
| Instagram: | https://www.instagram.com/abc13houston/ |
| Facebook: | https://www.facebook.com/abc13Houston/ |
Media Contact:
Elita Fielder Adjei
(424) 247-3517 mobile
elita.adjei@disney.com
Press Release
July 22, 2021
Media relations
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ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston Names Texas Native Rita Garcia As New Weekday Morning Anchor
Rita Garcia Joins Station From KTTV-TV Los Angeles
ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston President and General Manager Wendy Granato named Rita Garcia to co-anchor its weekday morning newscast and appear on-air on Monday, July 26.
Garcia joins the morning Eyewitness Team from 4:30-7:00 a.m. with co-anchor Samica Knight and meteorologist Elita Loresca. She replaces Tom Koch who retired from broadcasting after 39 years.
“We are so excited to have Rita return home to Texas!” exclaimed Granato. “Rita is an experienced journalist who understands our Houston area communities, our commitment to serving them, and how to provide fast-paced, accurate and timely information to help our viewers start their day. She is also a lot of fun and will be a great addition to ABC13’s quick-witted, high-energy morning team.”
Joining from Fox 11 in Los Angeles, Garcia was an anchor on “Good Day LA” where her most memorable coverage includes the Notre Dame Cathedral fire in Paris, the 2009 and 2011 NBA Finals, the death of Los Angeles Lakers’ star Kobe Bryant, the Woolsey Fire in California, the Oscars® and Emmy® red carpet events, NFL Super Bowl LI, Hurricane Harvey, the 2017 and 2018 MLB World Series, and the death of Michael Jackson.
Garcia returns to familiar roots as a Texas native where she previously served as a weekday morning anchor in the Houston market. She began her television career in the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas at ABC (KRG – CH. 5) as bureau chief in Cameron County. While at the station, she reported on a number of international border stories.
“I’m thrilled to return to Houston and join the ABC-owned family,” said Garcia. “It’s truly a privilege to be invited into viewers’ homes every morning, and I can’t wait for us to begin our day together, sharing the stories that matter the most to them.”
Garcia graduated cum laude from Texas State University in San Marcos with a degree in electronic media.
About ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston
For over 50 years, ABC13 has been Houston’s news leader from sign-on to sign-off. Broadcasting 49 hours of locally produced newscasts each week, ABC13 is the top-rated and most-watched news station among the Houston-area viewers. ABC13 also leads the market in its digital media efforts, with top rankings for its website, abc13.com, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. ABC13 delivers live and streaming content on Roku, Fire TV, Amazon and AppleTV in the ABC13 Houston App. ABC13 is deeply invested in the Houston community, spotlighting Houston’s diversity with community affairs programs covering issues that affect different segments of the population – from local town halls to ABC13+. The station also hosts several community projects throughout the year including Share Your Holidays, an annual food drive benefiting the Houston Food Bank; and our E-cycle Drive, a collection/recycling effort for outdated electronic equipment in conjunction with Earth Day. ABC13 is also known for broadcasting the city’s major events including the annual July 4th Freedom Over Texas celebration, The Chevron Marathon, Houston Pride and The Houston Rodeo Parade.
| Twitter: | https://twitter.com/abc13houston |
| Instagram: | https://www.instagram.com/abc13houston/ |
| Facebook: | https://www.facebook.com/abc13Houston/ |
Media Contact:
Elita Fielder Adjei
Director, Communications & Publicity, ABC Owned Television Stations
(424) 247-3517 mobile
elita.adjei@disney.com
About ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston
For over 50 years, ABC13 has been Houston’s news leader from sign-on to sign-off. Broadcasting 49 hours of locally produced newscasts each week, ABC13 is the top-rated and most-watched news station among the Houston-area viewers. ABC13 also leads the market in its digital media efforts, with top rankings for its website, abc13.com, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. ABC13 delivers live and streaming content on Roku, Fire TV, Amazon and AppleTV in the ABC13 Houston App. ABC13 is deeply invested in the Houston community, spotlighting Houston’s diversity with community affairs programs covering issues that affect different segments of the population – from local town halls to ABC13+. The station also hosts several community projects throughout the year including Share Your Holidays, an annual food drive benefiting the Houston Food Bank; and our E-cycle Drive, a collection/recycling effort for outdated electronic equipment in conjunction with Earth Day. ABC13 is also known for broadcasting the city’s major events including the annual July 4th Freedom Over Texas celebration, The Chevron Marathon, Houston Pride and The Houston Rodeo Parade.
Press Release
February 1, 2021
Media relations
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Houston’s Longtime Broadcast Anchor Tom Koch Leaves Lasting Legacy at ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston
Tom Koch, who joined ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston in 1982 as a reporter before becoming the co-anchor of Houston’s No. 1 morning newscast, will celebrate his last day on air Friday, May 28, 2021, announced Wendy Granato, president and general manager, KTRK. As co-anchor of the morning newscast, Houstonians have started their day with Koch for 33 years. He also co-anchored ABC13’s top-rated 4:00 p.m. news for eight years.
“Tom embodies everything you’d want in a journalist and local news anchor,” said Granato. “He’s compassionate and curious with an amazing ability to elevate everyone around him. I’ve had the privilege of working side by side with Tom on many projects throughout the years and he is truly one of the ABC13 greats!”
From the beginning, Koch immersed himself in serving Greater Houston, covering some of the most compelling stories that shaped the city. He co-anchored many of the station’s live special events and parades including the July 4th Freedom Over Texas, Chevron Houston Marathon, Houston Symphony Concerts, Mayor’s Holiday Lighting, the Dedication of the Bush Library, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Parade and many more.
“For nearly 40 years, I’ve been honored and humbled that so many people welcomed me into their homes every day,” said Koch. “It’s been a dream come true for a small-town Wisconsin kid to be part of this incredible station and truly great city of Houston. But I’ve decided it’s time to step aside, turn off that early morning alarm and wake up to a new adventure.”
A respected and award-winning journalist, Koch has extensive experience telling thousands of stories – from trailing hurricanes across the Gulf Coast to covering Houston City Hall to NASA to the State Legislature and political conventions. His international reports include the election of new popes at the Vatican, the ‘90s oil boom in the former Soviet Republic of Azerbaijan, earthquakes in Central America, and American astronauts launching into space from Kazakhstan.
“Tom’s incredible broadcasting career spanning nearly 40 years is beyond measure,” said Rehan Aslam, vice president of News, KTRK. “He has led our coverage through some of Houston’s best times and hardest times. He did it all with leadership, professionalism and an authentic devotion to this city. He has traveled across the country and around the world to bring us memorable stories from a Houstonian’s perspective. A great colleague, friend and committed member of our communities, Tom is ABC13 and he will be missed.”
The week of May 24, ABC13 plans to host an on-air celebration featuring Koch and his many achievements, with a final send-off on Friday, May 28, 2021.
Koch adds:“A giant thank you to our viewers for supporting me, staying with me, being part of this incredible journey and making this dream come true. I hope in some small way I’ve touched your life by keeping you informed, prepared for the day ahead and sending you off with a smile. To my colleagues and management at ABC13, thank you for believing in me, always having my back and making me shine. To my wife and two daughters, words can’t describe your love, support and inspiration or your forgiveness for sometimes long hours away from home and grouchiness because of 2:30 a.m. wake-up calls. I love the phrase ’make your own adventure.’ I have done just that with all of Houston behind me. Wish me well on my new journey.”
Editor’s Note:
Photos courtesy of ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston*
*Top Row 3rd Photo: Tom Koch and Samica Knight co-anchor desk/Photo credit: Al Torres Photography
About ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston
For over 50 years, ABC13 has been Houston’s news leader from sign-on to sign-off. Broadcasting 49 hours of locally produced newscasts each week, ABC13 is the top-rated and most-watched news station among the Houston-area viewers. ABC13 also leads the market in its digital media efforts, with top rankings for its website, abc13.com, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. ABC13 delivers live and streaming content on Roku, Fire TV, Amazon and AppleTV in the ABC13 Houston App. ABC13 is deeply invested in the Houston community, spotlighting Houston’s diversity with community affairs programs covering issues that affect different segments of the population – from local town halls to ABC13+. The station also hosts several community projects throughout the year including Share Your Holidays, an annual food drive benefiting the Houston Food Bank; and our E-cycle Drive, a collection/recycling effort for outdated electronic equipment in conjunction with Earth Day. ABC13 is also known for broadcasting the city’s major events including the annual July 4th Freedom Over Texas celebration, The Chevron Marathon, Houston Pride and The Houston Rodeo Parade.
| Twitter: | https://twitter.com/abc13houston |
| Instagram: | https://www.instagram.com/abc13houston/ |
| Facebook: | https://www.facebook.com/abc13Houston/ |
Media Contact:
Elita Fielder Adjei
(424) 247-3517 mobile
elita.adjei@disney.com
Press Release
January 26, 2021
Media relations
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ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston Addresses Vaccine Concerns in Black and Latino Communities in a Two-Day Virtual Town Hall Series
‘COVID-19 Vaccine and Our Communities of Color’ Streams LIVE on Jan. 27 and 28 (7:00-8:00 p.m. CST) atABC13.com, ABC13 news app and ABC13’s connected TV apps on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku
ABC13, Houston’s news leader, continues its vaccine town hall series with “COVID-19 Vaccine and Our Communities of Color,” a two-day virtual town hall that will stream live on WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY, JAN. 27 and 28 (7:00-8:00 p.m. CDT). ABC13 Eyewitness News anchor Mayra Moreno will host Wednesday’s town hall, addressing the Latino community’s vaccine concerns. Chauncy Glover will host Thursday’s town hall, in partnership with the Xi Kappa Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. of Missouri City, and address vaccine concerns in the Black community.
With COVID-19 infections on the rise across southeast Texas, ABC13 continues to find answers and expert advice to address viewers’ numerous questions around the vaccine.
This month, ABC13 held a town hall with Mayor Sylvester Turner, Houston leaders and experts to address growing concerns over the vaccine distribution. In the upcoming “COVID-19 Vaccine and Our Communities of Color” town hall, Moreno and Glover will join local Latino and Black leaders in their respective town halls. The panel will provide vaccine safety and efficacy information, have a candid conversation about how the virus has disproportionately impacted communities of color, the community’s fears, misconceptions, and why they plan to get vaccinated.
In the Jan. 27 town hall hosted by Mayra Moreno, panelists include the following:
- Armando Walle, state representative of Texas
- Laura Murillo, Ph.D., president, Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- Dr. Joseph Varon, chief medical officer, United Memorial Medical Center
- Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Harris County
In the Jan. 28 town hall hosted by Chauncy Glover, panelists include the following:
- Ron Reynolds, state representative of Texas
- Addie Heyliger, Fort Bend ISD Board president
- Grady Prestage, Fort Bend County commissioner
- Dr. Jacqueline Johnson-Minter, Fort Bend County Director of Health & Human Services
- Pastor Timothy Sloan, The Luke Church
- Casondra Burkley, licensed social worker
Viewers can submit their questions for the panel on ABC13.com and the ABC13 news app for possible inclusion in the town halls.
About ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston
For over 50 years, ABC13 has been Houston’s news leader from sign-on to sign-off. Broadcasting 49 hours of locally produced newscasts each week, ABC13 is the top-rated and most-watched news station among the Houston-area viewers. ABC13 also leads the market in its digital media efforts, with top rankings for its website, abc13.com, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. ABC13 delivers live and streaming content on Roku, Fire TV, Amazon and AppleTV in the ABC13 Houston App. ABC13 is deeply invested in the Houston community, spotlighting Houston’s diversity with community affairs programs covering issues that affect different segments of the population – from local town halls to ABC13+. The station also hosts several community projects throughout the year including Share Your Holidays, an annual food drive benefiting the Houston Food Bank; and our E-cycle Drive, a collection/recycling effort for outdated electronic equipment in conjunction with Earth Day. ABC13 is also known for broadcasting the city’s major events including the annual July 4th Freedom Over Texas celebration, The Chevron Marathon, Houston Pride and The Houston Rodeo Parade.
| Twitter: | https://twitter.com/abc13houston |
| Instagram: | https://www.instagram.com/abc13houston/ |
| Facebook: | https://www.facebook.com/abc13Houston/ |
Media Contact:
KTRK/ABC Owned Television Stations
Elita Adjei
(424) 247-3517
elita.adjei@disney.com
Press Release
October 6, 2020
Media relations
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Friday Night Lights Just Got Better As ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston Teams Up With Texan Live to Stream High School Sports With a Football Kickoff
ABC13 Will Stream Two High School Games Each Week
Viewers Can Stream Live Two Games Each Week on ABC13.com, ABC13’s app and ABC13’s Connected TV Apps on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku
ABC13,Houston’s news leader, is proud to partner with Texan Live, the authority on live and on-demand high school sports in Texas, to livestream two high school games throughout greater Houston each week on ABC13’s streaming apps. Kicking off the partnership with high school football, viewers can stream the highly anticipated annual “Battle Line on 59” football game between New Caney and Porter High School on Friday, Oct. 10 (7:00 p.m. CDT), followed by a Saturday noon matchup between Bridgeland and Langham Creek High School. Viewers can livestream the games on ABC13.com, ABC13’s app and ABC13’s Connected TV Apps on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku.
As high school sports resume with social distancing guidelines that include limited capacity and mandated face masks, many fans will not attend their favorite games. The partnership between ABC13 and Texan Live gives Houstonians added options to watch their favorite high school games.
“Adding high school sports as a livestreaming option on ABC13’s streaming apps is another way for the communities we serve to enjoy high school sports during these unprecedented times,” said ABC13 President and General Manager Wendy Granato. “It is a win-win to combine ABC13’s reach with Texan Live’s expertise.”
“We strive to deliver high school sports to watch at home on your TV, computer or mobile device,” said Texan Live founder Bert Brocker. “I’m very pleased to partner with ABC13 and add another layer for viewers to enjoy high school sports.”
ABC13’s streaming apps elevate the local news experience with the ability to watch live newscasts, breaking news coverage and weather reports seamlessly in a streaming environment.
Viewers can download ABC13’s free streaming app to their Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV or Android TV. ABC13 will play the game live at abc13.com and on the ABC13 iPhone and Android apps.
About ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston
For over 50 years, ABC13 has been Houston’s news leader from sign-on to sign-off. Broadcasting 49 hours of locally produced newscasts each week, ABC13 is the top-rated and most-watched news station among the Houston-area viewers. ABC13 also leads the market in its digital media efforts, with top rankings for its website, abc13.com, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. ABC13 delivers live and streaming content on Roku, Fire TV, Amazon and AppleTV in the ABC13 Houston App. ABC13 is deeply invested in the Houston community, spotlighting Houston’s diversity with community affairs programs covering issues that affect different segments of the population – from local town halls to ABC13+. The station also hosts several community projects throughout the year including Share Your Holidays, an annual food drive benefiting the Houston Food Bank; and our E-cycle Drive, a collection/recycling effort for outdated electronic equipment in conjunction with Earth Day. ABC13 is also known for broadcasting the city’s major events including the annual July 4th Freedom Over Texas celebration, The Chevron Marathon, Houston Pride and The Houston Rodeo Parade.
| Twitter: | https://twitter.com/abc13houston |
| Instagram: | https://www.instagram.com/abc13houston/ |
| Facebook: | https://www.facebook.com/abc13Houston/ |
Media Contacts:
ABC Owned Television Stations
Elita Fielder Adjei
(424) 247-3517
elita.adjei@disney.com
Walt Disney Television
Elisa Bolduc
VP, Corporate Communications
elisa.bolduc@disney.com
Press Release
September 3, 2020
Media relations
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Houston’s Longtime Broadcast Journalist Deborah Wrigley Celebrates an Illustrious Career and Lasting Legacy at ABC13
Mayor Sylvester Turner Declares Sept. 4, 2020, ‘Deborah Wrigley Day’
Deborah Wrigley, who joined ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston in 1978 as a reporter, will celebrate her last day on air Sept. 4, 2020, announced Wendy Granato, president and general manager, KTRK. Wrigley is Houston’s longest-tenured female television reporter, having spent more than 40 years covering some of the most compelling stories that shaped the city of Houston. As she wraps up more than four decades at ABC13, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner will declare Sept. 4, 2020, Wrigley’s last day of reporting, Deborah Wrigley Day.
“Deborah is one of the finest writers and storytellers I have ever met. There will never be another reporter quite like her. She leaves a lasting legacy at ABC13, and we are grateful for her years of service to this station and our communities,” said Granato.
Wrigley reported live from some of Houston’s most catastrophic events, keeping viewers informed and up to date through countless floods, tropical storms and hurricanes, refinery and plant fires, from the 1985 Mexico earthquake to the most recent COVID-19 pandemic. Her consistent storytelling and image are tied to some of the most endearing, native stories of Houston’s history such as NASA’s space program, Houston’s oil boom and bust, entertainment stories like the filming of “Urban Cowboy” in Houston which starred John Travolta, and the “Luv ya Blue” era, a local movement by the fans of the NFL’s Houston Oilers. For more than four decades, Wrigley also kept Houstonians informed of city, state and national politics, interviewing numerous politicians that included seven Houston mayors and the political careers of both Houstonian presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush.
Wrigley is revered by her newsroom colleagues that knew her personally as a mentor, master storyteller, lover of animals, history and for her infectious curiosity. Despite years of delivering landmark stories to the homes of Houstonians, Wrigley says what is closest to her heart are inspiring stories about everyday heroes – being on the ground, sharing individual and communities’ stories of courage, overcoming obstacles, and remarkable achievements, and that she was able to give them a voice.
“I stayed in Houston by choice. My family roots were here for generations. That connection with a place and people reflected in my reporting,” said Wrigley.
About ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston
For over 50 years, ABC13 has been Houston’s news leader from sign-on to sign-off. Broadcasting 49 hours of locally produced newscasts each week, ABC13 is the top-rated and most-watched news station among the Houston-area viewers. ABC13 also leads the market in its digital media efforts, with top rankings for its website, abc13.com, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. ABC13 delivers live and streaming content on Roku, Fire TV, Amazon and AppleTV in the ABC13 Houston App. ABC13 is deeply invested in the Houston community, spotlighting Houston’s diversity with community affairs programs covering issues that affect different segments of the population – from local town halls to ABC13+. The station also hosts several community projects throughout the year including Share Your Holidays, an annual food drive benefiting the Houston Food Bank; and our E-cycle Drive, a collection/recycling effort for outdated electronic equipment in conjunction with Earth Day. ABC13 is also known for broadcasting the city’s major events including the annual July 4th Freedom Over Texas celebration, The Chevron Marathon, Houston Pride and The Houston Rodeo Parade.
| Twitter: | https://twitter.com/abc13houston |
| Instagram: | https://www.instagram.com/abc13houston/ |
| Facebook: | https://www.facebook.com/abc13Houston/ |
Media Contact:
Elita Fielder Adjei
(424) 247-3517 mobile
elita.adjei@disney.com