Thank you, Phil: Look back at the 44-year career of KPRC 2 senior reporter Phil Archer
After telling Houstonโs story for more than four decades, KPRC 2 senior reporter Phil Archer is retiring. All this week, KPRC 2 has been looking back at the 44 years Archer spent at the station. KPRC 2 legends meet againKPRC 2 anchor Bill Balleza came out of his own retirement to turn the tables on Archer and interview him. Four decades as Houstonโs newsmanArcher started his career at KPRC 2 as an overnight police-beat reporter. Read alsoKPRC 2 viewers share their well-wishes for PhilAdPhil Archer Day declared in HoustonKPRC 2 senior reporter Phil Archer reflects on career and reunites with rescued dog on โHouston Lifeโ
Former KPRC 2 anchor Bill Balleza will emcee cityโs virtual Veterans Day event
HOUSTON โ Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner will be honoring the men and women who have served in the military during a special Veterans Day event. The 23rd Annual Houston Salutes American Heroes will be held virtually, due to coronavirus concerns, on Wednesday beginning at 10:45 a.m. There will be a moment of silence at 11 a.m.KPRC 2โฒs former anchor and Vietnam veteran Bill Balleza will be emceeing the event. There will also be a singer, bagpiper and an induction ceremony for new recruits, among other things. People interested in participating in the event can watch the ceremony online by clicking here, or they can dial in to listen.
US Representative Sylvia Garcia honored retired KPRC 2 anchor Bill Balleza last week
HOUSTON โ Bill Balleza was honored last week by U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-TX) during a session in Congress. Garcia took the stage and began by recognizing Balleza for his 49 years of service as a pioneer anchor, journalist, and Vietnam war veteran. โBill has been seen on TV screens across the city for decades, where he reported on thousands of stories,โ she said. Rep. Garcia emphasized that he was a common sight at Houstonโs Veteranโs Day celebrations and parade every year. He served in the Vietnam War prior to becoming a journalist.
FINAL FAREWELL: This is how Bill Balleza said goodbye to Houston in his final newscast
Bill Balleza shared his final thoughts before retirement. He thanked the many people who helped throughout his nearly 40-year career at KPRC 2. To see all of the celebratory coverage, visit the #ThankYouBillBalleza page.
KPRC sends off Bill Balleza with bittersweet retirement party
HOUSTON โ The KPRC family came together on Friday to celebrate longtime anchor Bill Balleza who is retiring after 49 years of service. Close friends, former co-anchors and family celebrated Balleza his journalism career with gifts, videos, barbecue and Whataburger, his favorite restaurant. โA lot has changed since then, technologically," Balleza said as he addressed about 100 people in the KPRC lobby. When I go home and watch, I hope to see the same integrity, and the same standard.โHonoring & wishing the best for Houston & KPRC2 / Click2Houston legend KPRC2 Bill Balleza on his last day at work as he... Posted by KPRC2 Keith Garvin on Friday, January 31, 2020Congratulations on your retirement, KPRC2 Bill Balleza! 49 years in TV news, incredible career Posted by KPRC2 Taniya Wright on Friday, January 31, 2020
Mayor declares Jan. 31 as โBill Balleza Dayโ; Memorial City lights up in honor of his last day
For 49-year journalist Bill Balleza, this day is the start of a new chapter: retirement. On Ballezaโs final day at the newsdesk, viewers, colleagues and businesses showed an outpouring of support and love for the longtime anchor. NBC News Anchors share farewell wishesMemorial City Honors BallezaFriday evening, Memorial City is honoring Bill Balleza for his 40 years of journalism excellence at KPRC 2. Related: Looking back at Bill Ballezaโs decades-long career in journalismBill Balleza DayJanuary 31, 2020, is officially known as โBill Balleza Day.' On Thursday, Mayor Sylvester Turner issued a proclamation honoring Balleza and declared Friday, โBill Balleza Dayโ in the city of Houston.
Mayor Sylvester Turner declares today as โBill Balleza Dayโ honoring KPRC 2 anchor Bill Balleza
Houston โ On Thursday, friends, family and colleagues of longtime anchor, Bill Balleza, gathered together to celebrate a night of goodbyes. After nearly 50 years of being on the airwaves, Balleza was surprised with a few recognitions. At the anchorโs retirement dinner, Mayor Sylvester Turner issued a proclamation honoring Balleza and declared Friday, Jan. 31 as โBill Balleza Dayโ in the city of Houston. Mayor Sylvester Turner issues Bill Balleza a proclamation in his honor. (KPRC)That wasnโt the only recognition, the Palm surprised Balleza by adding his caricature to the restaurantโs wall.
Bill Ballezaโs past and present co-anchors share memories, messages
HOUSTON โ Bill Balleza is one day away from retirement after several decades of work as a journalist, but before he goes, his former and current co-anchors put together some memories and messages for him. See more about Billโs work, military service and more here.
Longtime KPRC 2 anchor Bill Balleza shares his favorite hobby, plans for retirement
Legendary KPRC 2 anchor Bill Balleza enjoys woodworking in his free time. His love for woodworking goes back to his childhood. Balleza has made different wood pieces over the years, but he always gives them away for free. KRPC viewers now get a chance to win one of his rare wood keepsake boxes that are handmade and signed by Balleza. The winners will be announced on Ballezaโs last day on-air, Friday.
50 memorable moments Houstonians have shared about Bill Balleza
Have to say this, very easy on the eyes.โ -EneidaViewer shares memorable moment on Bill Balleza (KPRC)โI absolutely love KPRC Bill is one of the main reasons why. Enjoy your retirement!โ -Stephen F.Viewer shares memorable moment on Bill Balleza (KPRC)โBill, You have always been our journalistic voice of common sense and reason. !โ -Kirk M.โWhen I learned that Bill Balleza was a Marine and served our country during the Vietnam War, it gives me great admiration for him. Semper Fi Bill.โ -Barry D.Viewer shares memorable moment on Bill Balleza (KPRC)โI only watch Bill. -Sis L.Viewer shares memorable moment on Bill Balleza (KPRC)โHe will be greatly missed, but he deserves his well-earned retirement.
Legendary KPRC 2 anchor Bill Balleza says goodbye to TV and shares his retirement plans
HOUSTON โ After a remarkable 49-year career, legendary KPRC2 anchor, Bill Balleza, is retiring from television. Bill Balleza reporting from The Vatican (KPRC)Balleza is also a craftsman and he shared what he plans to do after his retirement. Journalism is a craft; woodworking is a craft. Bill Balleza's keepsake boxes (KPRC)Ballezaโs last newscast is Friday, Jan. 31 at 10 p.m. on KPRC Channel 2. And for a chance to win a handmade wood keepsake box signed by Bill Balleza, click here.
Legendary KPRC 2 anchor Bill Balleza shares his retirement plans | HOUSTON LIFE | KPRC 2
Legendary KPRC 2 anchor Bill Balleza shares his retirement plans | HOUSTON LIFE | KPRC 2Published: January 27, 2020, 4:15 pmAfter a remarkable 49-year career, legendary KPRC2 anchor, Bill Balleza, is retiring from television. Throughout his years as journalist, heโs become a Houston icon and has left a mark for his professionalism and respect to viewers. Now that heโs less than one week away from staring the next chapter in his life, he shared with Houston Life what that moment will mean to him and what he plans to do next.
CLICK2WIN: A Wood keepsake box handmade by Bill Balleza
HOUSTON โ Weโve got your chance to win a very rare wood keepsake box, handmade and signed by legendary KPRC Channel 2 anchor Bill Balleza! Enter for your chance to win once per day now through Thursday, January 30. Two winners will be selected and contacted on Friday, January 31st in honor of Billโs last day on-air.
Share your fondest memories of Bill Balleza
HOUSTON โ Following an esteemed 49-year career, KPRC 2 anchor Bill Balleza has announced that he will retire from the station in January 2020. In honor of Ballezaโs retirement, we are sharing your favorite memories of longtime KPRC 2 anchor Bill Balleza. Share your photos hereHave you taken a photo of Bill or with him at a community event in Houston? You can upload it right here. Share your memories herePost a sentence or two explaining how you will remember Billโs legacy or share a goodbye message to him.