The station announced Tuesday that longtime Houston broadcaster Tessa Barrera will join Hello Houston alongside veteran host Ernie Manouse. Barrera will make her on-air debut on Aug. 17 after guest co-hosting the program several times earlier this year.
“Tessa’s warmth, curiosity and ability to connect with people make her an outstanding addition to Hello Houston,” Josh Adams, associate vice president and general manager of Houston Public Media, said in a statement. He said Barrera and Manouse will continue the community-focused conversations that have become a hallmark of the show across radio, television, streaming and digital platforms.
Barrera brings 13 years of television and radio experience to the role. According to Houston Public Media, she’ll join Manouse in interviewing newsmakers, community leaders, artists and other Houstonians, highlighting the people and issues shaping the region.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to tell the stories of the people who make Houston so special,” Barrera said. She called joining Hello Houston “an incredible opportunity” to connect with audiences in a new way and said she’s honored to help spotlight the voices and stories that make the city unique.
Manouse said Barrera’s enthusiasm and connection to Houston made her a natural fit.
“Tessa brings tremendous energy, curiosity and a genuine love for this city,” he said. “I’m looking forward to sharing the desk with her, and I can’t wait for our audience to get to know her.”
Before joining television, Barrera spent several years on Houston radio as co-host of The Rod Ryan Show on 94.5 The Buzz, where she built a loyal audience through candid conversations with listeners.
She began her broadcasting career in Corpus Christi as an anchor and sports reporter for KRIS 6 and KZTV Action 10 News before moving to Los Angeles, where she worked as a news anchor and executive producer for KFI AM 640.
Hello Houston debuted in 2024 with Billingsley, Manouse and Celeste Diaz Schurman as its original full-time hosts. Billingsley announced in May that he was stepping away from the weekday talk shows after about a year to spend more time with family and pursue other projects.