April brought a news director’s departure, the return of a veteran investigative reporter, and a new meteorologist in Austin.
Jim Bob Breazeale/Hannah Gard/Express-News File Photo
Every month brings news from the local TV world, whether that be station departures, layoffs, new shows or fresh faces joining the air. April was no different, as there were shake-ups across San Antonio and the Lone Star State. Here’s what you may have missed.
KSAT 12 announces new streaming-only time slot
On April 6, local ABC affiliate KSAT 12 announced a new broadcast joining the evening lineup, The Nightbeat at 9P. But, there was a twist — in a statement, the station said The Nightbeat at 9P would be available exclusively on KSAT+ and online, unlike a traditional broadcast. The new time slot is anchored by Myra Arthur and Ernie Zuniga, who also handle the 5, 6 and 10 p.m. shows together. The addition gives “viewers an earlier opportunity to stay informed with the latest local news, weather, sports, and breaking updates,” the station said.
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The change kicked off on April 13.
Investigative veteran Brian Collister returns to KSAT 12
That wasn’t the only update in store at KSAT 12 this month. MySA confirmed with the station on April 17 that veteran investigative journalist Brian Collister would be returning to San Antonio screens. Collister worked at News 4 from 1999 to 2013, notable for his investigations into CPS Energy and the Housing Authority of Bexar County, which “highlighted significant issues of financial mismanagement and unethical practices, sparking public outrage and reform,” according to his University of the Incarnate Word professor biography.
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Collister moved to Houston’s KRTK in 2013 and jumped to Austin NBC affiliate KXAN in 2014, where he would stay for about four years. He left in 2018 and has since founded the Independent Investigative Network and become an Assistant Professor of Practice in Multimedia Journalism at the University of the Incarnate Word. His first day at KSAT was April 20, where as Executive Reporter he’ll help lead reporters in story pitching and live shots.
KSAT News Director Jace Larson told MySA in a statement, “Brian is one of San Antonio’s most experienced journalists, and having him lead our reporting team is a tremendous win for KSAT12 and for our viewers. His deep investigative expertise and nearly every major industry award to his name will position us to remain the metro’s clear leader in impactful storytelling — and strengthen our mission to connect with and serve our communities.”
KRIS 6 director makes surprise departure in Corpus Christi
However, April also brought a surprising departure from a South Texas station. Jim Bob Breazale, KRIS 6’s news director since 2021, announced via LinkedIn that he’d left the Corpus Christi TV station.
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“After 15+ years in the newsroom — the last decade in a leadership role — I’m ready for what’s next. And I’m excited to see what shape that takes,” he wrote on Monday, April 20. “I’m exploring roles where strategic storytelling, editorial leadership, and mission-driven team-building are valued. That could mean staying in news or taking those skills somewhere new.”
Continuing, he said, “I still believe in the power and importance of local news and would relish a role that helps shape the future of this industry. I’d prefer to stay in Texas, but I’m open to going anywhere for a role that brings joy and purpose.” MySA reached out to both Breazeale and KRIS 6 for comment, but did not hear back.
Meteorologist Hannah Gard plans return to Texas with KXAN jump
Meanwhile, another door opened in Austin. Texas native and meteorologist Hannah Gard announced her return to the Lone Star State from FOX 8 in New Orleans, where she’s spent the past four years. The Houston-born TV personality grew up in Colorado, but told MySA that the Lone Star State was like “a second home” after visiting family multiple times a year throughout her life.
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She made the announcement on April 10 and chatted with MySA a few days later, saying the jump to KXAN in the Capital City coincides with her husband beginning physical therapy school.
“Austin, specifically, I’ve always been super interested in living in because it just has such a fun vibe. The Hill Country is beautiful. I’ve always loved going out there, so that was really appealing to us to be able to be closer to family. And my husband’s family is in Oklahoma, so it’s close to them too.”
She follows longtime weekend meteorologist Rich Segal, who recently retired. Viewers will see her on air for weekend mornings as well, at the 7 to 9 a.m. shows from Monday to Wednesday, coming late May.
FOX 7 sports director Dennis de la Peña makes major move
Also in Austin, FOX 7 sports director Dennis de la Peña made a jump to the station’s digital Austin Live show in order to spend more time with family. De la Peña has been a staple in the Capital City since he came to FOX 7 in 1999, and viewers will recognize him from his longtime post delivering nightly sports. Hosting Austin Live, he’ll be streaming alongside Alec Nolan on weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to noon and from 4 to 5 p.m.
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“I’ll also co-host sports specials and fill in as sports anchor from time to time,” he wrote on X on April 28. “I’m so grateful for the past 3 decades, for the new family-friendly opportunity, and for all the friends I’ve made along the way – including so many kind viewers.