HOUSTON — Houston Public Media announced that accomplished broadcaster Tessa Barrera is joining its weekday daytime talk show, “Hello Houston,” as co-host alongside longtime personality, Ernie Manouse. Barrera makes her on-air debut on Aug. 17.
Barrera brings 13 years of television and radio experience to the program, along with a deep connection to the Houston community and a passion for telling the stories that define life across the region. Together, Barrera and Manouse will lead conversations with newsmakers, community leaders, artists and neighbors, giving audiences a fresh, engaging look at the issues, events and people making an impact in Greater Houston.
“Tessa’s warmth, curiosity and ability to connect with people make her an outstanding addition to Hello Houston,” said Josh Adams, associate vice president and general manager of Houston Public Media. “Alongside Ernie, she’ll continue the thoughtful, community-focused conversations that reach audiences across radio, television, digital, HPM+ streaming and social platforms.”
A familiar face to Houstonians, Barrera most recently co-hosted KPRC’s “Houston Life,” where she spent three years highlighting local culture, interviewing notable guests and celebrating the people and places that make Houston unique. Prior to that, she was a co-host on “The Rod Ryan Show” on 94.5 The Buzz, a Houston radio station where she built a loyal following through her authentic observations and conversations with listeners. Barrera started her broadcasting career in Corpus Christi, working as an anchor and sports reporter at KRIS 6 and KZTV Action 10 News. Before moving to Houston, she was a news anchor and executive producer at KFI AM 640 in Los Angeles. A Texas native, Barrera has built her career by engaging audiences with meaningful exchanges and compelling storytelling.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to tell the stories of the people who make Houston so special,” said Barrera. “Joining ‘Hello Houston’ is an incredible opportunity to celebrate our community and connect with audiences in a new way. I’m honored to join Houston Public Media and work with the entire ‘Hello Houston’ team to help shine a light on the stories and voices that make Houston such a remarkable place.”
Manouse, who has long been a trusted voice in Houston media, said he looks forward to welcoming Barrera to the show. “Tessa brings tremendous energy, curiosity and a genuine love for this city. I’m looking forward to sharing the desk with her, and I can’t wait for our audience to get to know her.”
“Hello Houston” offers viewers and listeners a daily destination for conversations about the issues, ideas and stories that matter most to Greater Houston. Through interviews with local leaders, community personalities and experts on a variety of topics, the program reflects the diversity, vibrancy and resilience of the region while keeping audiences informed, inspired and connected. As a true multi-platform content initiative from Houston Public Media, “Hello Houston” reaches audiences wherever they are — across radio, digital, streaming and social media.
To learn more about Houston Public Media, visit houstonpublicmedia.org.
About Houston Public Media:
Houston Public Media is a service of the University of Houston. It is fully funded through generous community support and receives no federal, state or local tax dollars. Houston Public Media combines broadcast and digital assets to serve residents of Southeast Texas with trusted local news and entertainment, as well as national programming from NPR and PBS. With a combined monthly audience of more than 2.7 million, Houston Public Media is committed to delivering content that expands minds and possibilities with trusted information.
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