| First off for those that were not aware, Dallas Morning News political reporter Karen Brooks is moving mediums and joining KXAN's interactive division. That was the cause for tonight's "farewell" party of sorts at the Longbranch Inn and bar (which is like 3 blocks away from where I live in East Austin). I've copied part of that press release below which was sent by Charlie Ray, former owner of PinkDome.com who joined KXAN last year in their online division.
In any case, among the various print, online, and TV reporters there tonight (shout out to John Moritz, R.G. Ratcliffe, Elise Hu, Mean Rachel, among other) as well as plenty of Capital staff, was none other than expected Speaker to be Joe Straus. Which of course, I think was totally unexpected to most everyone there and represents a very interesting note in the relationship between the Capital press corps and the incoming administration. I mean, can you seriously imagine Tom Craddick showing up to something like that?
Kudos to you Joe Straus. My hat is off to you.
Brooks is a 14-year veteran reporter and blogger, serving most recently as Austin bureau reporter for the Dallas Morning News. Brooks has reported on the state's major stories, including extensive coverage of the Texas Legislature. Karen has also been a major contributor to Trailblazers (formerly Capitol Letters), one of the Dallas Morning News' most successful blogs.
In her position with KXAN Austin News, Brooks will continue covering the Texas Legislature with feature blogs and columns on KXAN.com. She will also manage the distribution of local content on KXAN's digital platforms, including web publishing, mobile alerts and email alerts.
"While media is changing, journalism still has the same purpose. Searching for the truth and reporting the story," says Brooks. Adding, "Digital media gives us the opportunity to tell the story in a much deeper, more dynamic and more exciting way than we've ever been able to do before." |
