Sports switch at KGNS ...

While it's not covered a lot in the business world (at least from my end, OK), LMT's print edition will run a local TV-related story for Thursday's paper regarding Univision Laredo layoffs involving longtime anchor Lupita Benavides, veteran reporter Juan Rodriguez and cameraman Sammy De La Garza.
But there also is other TV news, too, here in Laredo. Therefore, let's get to it.
Pro8News recently added Michael Blake to its news staff as sports anchor for its 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts.
Ray Gomez, news director for Pro8News, said Blake has taken over as KGNS’ main sports anchor for Doug Robinson, who resigned to pursue other opportunities.
"Michael comes from Carrizo Springs and graduated last year from The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in political science," Gomez said. "So he didn’t take the usual route to get into broadcast news.
"He came to us with an interest in it," he said. "We reviewed a lot of applications, more than we’ve ever gotten for a sports position but Mike, with his history of how hard he’s worked and the fact that he’s an area kid … we just really wanted to get him in here."
Gomez said Blake first joined the NBC affiliate here in Laredo in January as producer of KGNS’ 6 a.m. morning news program.
"He’s a really smart guy and caught on fast, but told us from the beginning that his passion was sports," Gomez said. "Even before coming to work for us, he’s had a sports blog up and running. He wrote a huge blog post for us about the Del Mar Little League, which got a big response.
"He’s just real knowledgeable about sports and that’s what makes him stand out," he said. "He’s so easy to get along with and we’re really happy to have him. Michael has had to undergo a huge shift in his life (from arriving at 3:30 a.m. to prepare for the morning show)."
Blake also just started teaming up with Patrick Nelson, who recently was hired as a reporter/anchor for the CW station in Laredo, for "Friday Football Fever."
"Patrick also has an interest and passion for sports," Gomez said. "He can go out and get a news and sports story in the same day."
"Friday Football Fever" opened its 16th year last Friday, Aug. 28.
Gomez said plans also include adding Flip Romero to the Friday night show, too.
"We wanted to make it big and wanted input from as many people as we could get," Gomez said. "We’re lucky to have three passionate guys who really like sports."
There's a TV business roundup for you right there.

-- Joe Rutland