San Antonio, December 30, 2025
In 2025, San Antonio’s television news stations experienced significant changes, including major personnel shifts, innovative technological advancements in broadcasting, and challenging industry-wide restructuring. Notable departures included Audrey Castoreno and Mariza Mendoza returning to anchor roles. CBS News Texas introduced a virtual set to enhance viewer engagement. These transformations occurred amidst layoffs and a decline in syndicated daytime content, reflecting the evolving media landscape’s resilience in response to viewer preferences and business strategies.
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio’s television news landscape underwent significant transformations in 2025, marked by notable departures, strategic shifts, and technological advancements.
Major Departures and Transitions
Several prominent figures bid farewell to San Antonio’s TV stations this year. Audrey Castoreno returned to her former morning anchor position at KENS 5, reuniting with co-anchor Barry Davis. Mariza Mendoza also rejoined News 4 as a morning anchor, following a brief hiatus to focus on her family.
Technological Innovations in Broadcasting
In October, CBS News Texas transitioned its 11 a.m. newscast to a virtual set, utilizing augmented reality and virtual production technologies. This move aims to enhance viewer engagement by delivering news and weather with unprecedented depth and clarity.
Industry-Wide Restructuring and Layoffs
The media industry faced restructuring challenges, leading to layoffs across various stations. In March, KENS 5 laid off at least four newsroom employees as part of a broader restructuring effort by its parent company, Tegna. Additionally, in June, Merit Street Media announced a second round of layoffs affecting 40 employees amid a summer hiatus of “The Dr. Phil Show.”
Acquisitions and Mergers
In August, Nexstar Media Group announced its intent to acquire Tegna for $6.2 billion, a move that would expand its reach to 265 stations serving 80% of U.S. television households. The acquisition is expected to close between July 1 and December 31, 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
Decline of Syndicated Daytime Content
2025 saw a significant decline in syndicated daytime television, with the cancellation of several major shows due to shrinking audiences and high production costs. This trend reflects broader industry challenges as viewers increasingly shift to on-demand platforms.
Regulatory Actions
In September, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton urged YouTube TV to reconsider its decision to remove Univision from its base-level programming package, suggesting potential political motivations behind the move.
Conclusion
The year 2025 was pivotal for San Antonio’s television news sector, characterized by significant personnel changes, technological advancements, industry restructuring, and evolving viewer preferences. These developments underscore the dynamic nature of the media landscape in the region and emphasize the resilience and adaptability required in today’s competitive environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What significant personnel changes occurred in San Antonio’s TV stations in 2025?
Audrey Castoreno returned to her former morning anchor position at KENS 5, and Mariza Mendoza rejoined News 4 as a morning anchor.
What technological advancements were implemented in San Antonio’s TV broadcasting in 2025?
CBS News Texas transitioned its 11 a.m. newscast to a virtual set, utilizing augmented reality and virtual production technologies to enhance viewer engagement.
Were there any layoffs in San Antonio’s TV stations in 2025?
Yes, in March, KENS 5 laid off at least four newsroom employees as part of a broader restructuring effort by its parent company, Tegna.
What industry-wide changes affected San Antonio’s TV news sector in 2025?
The media industry faced restructuring challenges, leading to layoffs across various stations. Additionally, there was a significant decline in syndicated daytime television, with the cancellation of several major shows due to shrinking audiences and high production costs.
What regulatory actions impacted San Antonio’s TV news industry in 2025?
In September, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton urged YouTube TV to reconsider its decision to remove Univision from its base-level programming package, suggesting potential political motivations behind the move.
Key Features of San Antonio’s TV News Shakeups in 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Personnel Changes | Audrey Castoreno and Mariza Mendoza returned to their respective morning anchor positions at KENS 5 and News 4. |
| Technological Advancements | CBS News Texas transitioned its 11 a.m. newscast to a virtual set, utilizing augmented reality and virtual production technologies. |
| Industry Restructuring | Layoffs occurred at KENS 5 as part of Tegna’s broader restructuring efforts. |
| Decline in Syndicated Daytime Content | Several major syndicated shows were canceled due to shrinking audiences and high production costs. |
| Regulatory Actions | Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton urged YouTube TV to reconsider removing Univision from its base-level programming package. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Ken Seals Takes Charge for TCU in Alamo Bowl vs. USC
Three School District Employees Arrested for Child Abuse in San Antonio
Concerns Over Guajalote Ranch Development in Grey Forest
San Antonio’s Live Music Scene: Upcoming Events
Murder of Businessman Eddy Betancourt Rocks McAllen Community
New Crime Victim Services Website Launched in Texas
San Antonio Crime Update: Recent Incidents and Trends
Two Women Hospitalized After Crash on I-35 Access Road
New Braunfels Police Seek Public Help to Find Shooting Suspect
Transforming Vacant Church Properties into Affordable Housing in Texas
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
