Houston – Houston drivers will have a new familiar face helping them navigate the morning commute. Emmy Award-winning journalist Leigha McNeil is joining the KPRC 2 morning team as a traffic anchor and reporter, making her debut Monday November 3 at 5 a.m.
McNeil is no stranger to Texas or the Gulf Coast. A Louisiana native who grew up in Lake Charles, she began her broadcast career in Lafayette before moving to Waco, Texas, where she covered stories in the Fort Hood and Killeen areas. She later returned home to New Orleans, spending two years covering morning news and traffic at WWL-TV.
Now, she’s ready to take on Houston’s roads, and she’s already getting familiar with the area’s highways, feeder roads and roundabouts.
“I’m just really excited to dive right in,” McNeil said.
Her career has included breaking news and impactful community reporting, including coverage of the murder of Vanessa Guillén. She also co-created the Emmy-winning Black History Month special Uncovering Our History.
During her appearance on Houston Life, McNeil shared a little more about herself beyond the newsroom. She describes herself as dramatic, loud and funny, can watch Hocus Pocus over and over, and always has Beyoncé on her playlist. She also used to teach Zumba.
McNeil said one of the most important skills for a journalist is the ability to think on the fly, something that will come in handy as she tracks changing traffic conditions and helps viewers plan their mornings.
And there’s one Houston staple she’s especially excited to try: a really good breakfast taco.
McNeil is also a wife and mom to a 14-month-old daughter, and she shared that family members have ties to Houston, making the move feel a little more familiar.
Be sure to tune in Monday at 5 a.m. to welcome Leigha McNeil to the KPRC 2 morning team and get the latest on your morning commute.
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