Changing Faces on Central Texas TV Stations

Comings … Goings … Comings Again

Many ask, “Where is Alexis Patterson?” She hasn’t been seen since “Sine Die” of the regular legislative session. Patterson covered the Capitol for KEYE-TV (CBS) this year. “Alexis finished her contract and took a job with ACC’s [Austin Community College] communications department,” says Suzanne Black, KEYE news director. Patterson was also planning a wedding to one of KEYE’s executive producers, Kelly Hanes. A station directive says that employees cannot work under the supervision of a spouse. Patterson did a solid job at the legislature, especially considering she had to follow a tough act, Keith Elkins who was caught in a flurry of layoffs last year.

Also at KEYE, another familiar face appeared within the past few weeks. Stephanie Serna, recently of KXAN TV (NBC) is freelancing for KEYE. She formerly covered Williamson County for KXAN. She is working a shift spanning weekends, and Rebecca Taylor moved to Monday through Friday.

You may have wondered why Troy Kimmel was not on KEYE last weekend. He is filling in while the station searches for a weekend meteorologist. “Troy had a prior commitment,” says Black. “He’ll be back on this weekend and also next week filling in for Susan [Vessell].” Vessell is taking a well-deserved vacation, especially after last night’s storms.

Over at KXAN, you may have noticed a new reporter. Paul Matadeen started Monday. According to a Twitter post, Mattadeen says “Unfortunately, I was recently laid off from WNCN TV (NBC in Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina).” His My Space page contains a comment about his life’s journey, “Wow, I didn’t expect it to be this crazy.” His last My Space log-on was May 21, 2009, so he made a quick trip landing on his feet in Austin. Matadeen, 26, brings with him strong academic credentials, a degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia. Michael Fabac, KXAN TV news director, did not respond to my questions. So, the information about Matadeen is all gleaned from the Internet where he has a strong presence.

Returning to changes at KEYE, the station is losing a solid producer and good friend to a good cause. Rosie Gomez is trading the newsroom for the classroom. Today, June 12, is her last day. “The day has come! I am no longer in the news business as I leave KEYE this morning!!! New adventures ahead......(deep breath and a smile)” is what Gomez posted on Facebook this morning. “Rosie is leaving to teach English as a second language to kids in Honduras,” says Black. I’m proud to know Rosie and call her a friend. God’s speed.

© Jim McNabb, 2009