Jennifer Reyna fills in behind the KHOU 11 anchor desk

There’s been a different face behind the anchor desk at one of Houston’s TV news stations lately. Jennifer Reyna, best known to viewers as KHOU 11’s traffic expert, has been filling in on the station’s newscasts more frequently in recent weeks. This week, she joined Jacob Rascon at the anchor desk while filling in for Ilona Carson.

Reyna has appeared on several broadcasts since at least June, including the station’s noon newscast, taking on anchoring duties in addition to her regular traffic reports.

The fill-in role has also sparked curiosity among viewers. On Wednesday, Reyna asked her social media followers whether they prefer seeing her reporting traffic or sitting at the anchor desk, prompting speculation about whether she could be taking on more anchoring responsibilities at KHOU 11.

Reyna has been the station’s traffic expert since joining KHOU 11 in November 2021, returning to Houston television after a two-year break from local TV news.

Her broadcasting career began in 2003 at Houston’s former Rock 101 KLOL, where she appeared on the Outlaw Dave Show. She later moved to Los Angeles, working behind the scenes at ABC-owned KABC on Eye on L.A. and Vista L.A. before returning to Houston in 2006.

After coming home, Reyna joined KPRC 2 as the station’s morning traffic anchor. She later expanded her role by providing traffic reports for 89.3 KSBJ while remaining at KPRC. In 2011, she also began anchoring KPRC 2 newscasts in addition to her traffic duties, giving viewers another side of her on-air talents. She remained at the station until departing in October 2019.

A Houston native, Reyna graduated from the University of Houston with a double business major.

Reyna’s recent appearances behind the anchor desk come as KHOU 11 continues to reshape its on-air lineup. Earlier this month, Trason Bragg was promoted to midday anchor, filling the role vacated by Houston TV news veteran Shern-Min Chow, who retired in February after nearly 30 years at the station.

Cheryl Mercedes has returned to weekend anchor duties after filling in on weekday newscasts, while Brheanna Berry recently joined KHOU 11 to co-anchor evening newscasts alongside Ron Treviño and report on consumer issues. Last week, meteorologist Trevor Birchett also announced he is joining the KHOU 11 weather team from Memphis, Tenn.