Meet the KFDM News Team
Kelli Phillips - Anchor
I was born in San Antonio, TX., and grew up in Portland on the Gulf Coast. I was always interested in theater and broadcasting and appeared in my first television commercial when I was only 14.
At age 18, while attending the University of Texas in Austin, I was hired to host Evening Magazine on KENS-TV, the CBS affiliate in San Antonio. I was the youngest host in the country for the popular syndicated program.
While working in TV, I became attracted to the "anything can happen" atmosphere of live radio broadcasting and went to work for KTFM . I later became a deejay known as 'Kelli Lee' and appeared on several stations including 94Q and K106 in southeast Texas.
I was attracted to southeast Texas because the people here are so genuine. Plus, you cant beat the flavor of the food!
After moving to Beaumont, I began working in television again where I became a popular spokesperson for several companies, appearing on their TV commercials. It was during this time that I was approached by KFDM-TV about joining the station's popular morning program with Dan Gresham and James Brown.
I think the morning program worked so well because all three of us came from a radio background and we approached the show like it was radio with pictures!
In 2008, I was promoted to the evening newscasts and began anchoring the Live at Five show solo and anchoring the 10 o'clock newscast with my co-anchor Bill Leger. After the retirement of legendary broadcaster Larry Beaulieu in 2011, I succeeded him as co-anchor of the 6PM newscast.
One of my favorite stories was covering Hurricane Ike. We were all gathered in the newsroom waiting for the storm to hit when Bill Leger and I decided we couldnt just sit around. We drove to the Port Arthur seawall and were standing or trying to stand there, describing what was happening to our viewers, when the waves started crashing over the seawall, flooding the streets, and we realized we were at ground zero as the storm arrived.
I am married to veteran broadcaster Bob Phillips and have two children, Charlie and Dylan. When I'm not working, I enjoy traveling, cooking and spending time with my family. I work with several charitable organizations and my husband and I are spokespersons for ARC of Greater Beaumont.
I can be reached via email at Kelli@KFDM.com.
Mike Friedman - Sports Director
KFDM was my first job in TV, I put myself through college working in women's shoes at the Dillard's in Scottsdale Fashion Square. We made commission on top of hourly, let's just say I took quite a cut in pay to pursue my dream job and come to KFDM. I worked at a local grocery store in high school. I was in the deli bakery and they would always let me get on the intercom to announce the "delicious hot French bread right out of the oven and located at check-stand number eight for your shopping convenience".
There's no question the people here are my favorite thing in SETX. I've been so fortunate to have met some great student athletes and work with some incredible high school coaches.
When not trying to get the scoop on the latest in SETX sports, I can't get enough of my twin baby girls. They'll always be my baby girls no matter how old they get and I spoil them to death. They're true southeast texans, they were saying "y'all" and "fixin- to" before they were 3.
I've had some great memories from my years here at KFDM. One of my favorite stories was one of my first mid-county madness features. I used the comparison of King Kong vs Godzilla, it's a colossal battle only southeast texans can understand. I also enjoyed my first meeting with now OKC Thunder Center Kendrick Perkins. Coach Andre Boutte granted me his first TV interview, he was just about to start his Freshman season at Ozen. I can remember a lot of "yes sir's" and I don't think he looked up from starring at his feet the whole time. To cover Kendrick from then until now has been great.
The return of Lamar University football is one thing I will never forget. I along with so many in the area wanted local college football and I enjoy every bit of having the Cardinal Football team now. The Coach Ray Woodard airs Sunday nights at 11:05pm during the season with yours truly as the host.
I've had some great stories on the bigger stage too, Scottie Pippen's debut with the Rockets is one I'll always remember. The Astros move from the Dome to then Enron Field was a treat. The first training camp for the NFL expansion Houston Texans. It's been so much fun and I know there's still so much more to come.
Contact me at mfriedman@kfdm.com.
Greg Bostwick - Chief Meteorologist
I received my education in Meteorology in 1979 and joined KFDM-TV in July, 1979, so I am going on my 34th year at Channel 6. As you might imagine, it is quite rare for anyone to stay at the same station for that length of time.
Not only do I appear on the evening news on television, I also give weather reports on KLVI-AM weekday mornings. I also do weather consulting work for area industry and emergency management.
I have forecasted literally over 100 hurricanes and tropical storms over the years and take great pride in helping the families of Southeast Texas weather these weather events. Some of the most memorable storms were Allen in 1980, Alicia in 1983, Bonnie in 1986, Andrew in 1992, Rita in 2005, Humberto in 2007, and of course Ike in 2008. Obviously Rita and Ike were the "big" events with those hurricanes causing extensive damage in Southeast Texas. Hopefully the hurricane seasons in the future will be quiet in our area.
Being an Aggie, I am a big supporter of Texas A&M football and you will usually find me and my family at Kyle Field at home games.
I also have a greenhouse and nursery business at my home near Winnie called "Bostwick Farms". I grow and sell plants to area landscapers and nurseries and really enjoy getting my hands dirty.
My family and me have made Southeast Texas our home and hope to enjoy retirement here in the future. Thanks for trusting KFDM-TV for your weather needs.
I can be contacted at greg@kfdm.com and would be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Tom Wright - Reporter
Those around me tire of hearing it. But I'm from Missouri. You have to show me. So I come by cynicism honestly.
I've lived and worked in Southeast Texas since I earned a Bachelor's of Journalism from the University of Missouri in 1984. I raised my children here. And almost all of my professional career has been with KFDM-TV.
You can see me reporting on community events on "Live at Five", hosting a viewer call-in show "KFDM Listens" on the second Thursday of each month, and talking about one of my passions on "The Movie Guy" every Friday on News at Noon.
I am also part of the KFDM News management team as Managing Editor.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to produce a number of shows including "Larry Beaulieu: A Life in Broadcasting", "Hurricane Ike: Wind and Surge", "RX: Prescription for Abuse", "Hurricane Rita", "Stories of the Century", "Gardens Under the Sea", "A User's Guide to the Big Thicket", "Gusher: The Story of Spindletop", and "The Garbage Glut".
I spend time exercising, gardening, backpacking and exploring the world of ideas. I also write and play music. For the last ten years, I've played original music with a band I formed called Buffalo Blonde.
I've found the people of Southeast Texas to be caring and giving. They always respond when needed. The dynamic weather here keeps life interesting. And you can't beat a Southeast Texas winter!
Nicole Murray - Anchor
It puts a smile on my face as I proudly say, "Southeast Texas is home!" I moved to Beaumont after accepting a job as the Weekend Anchor in 2007. Three years later I was promoted to News at Noon Anchor and soon after joined Dan and James in the morning. I can truly say I am enjoying my dream job!!!
I was raised in Riverside, California by my two loving parents Philip and Carolyn Murray. At a very young age I remember watching the Anchors on the news and thinking that must be the perfect job! Growing up, I never lost the determination and drive to one day become a News Reporter and eventually graduated from California State University San Bernardino with a degree in Broadcasting.
In 2001, I accepted my first job as a News reporter at KWES in Midland, Texas. I loved every moment of getting my feet wet and learning the business hands on. Two years later I moved to Killeen, Texas where I worked as Bureau Chief and News Reporter for KCEN. My main assignment was covering Fort Hood, at the time the largest Army base in the country. It was heart wrenching to watch families send their loved ones off to war knowing some would never return home. The four years I spent in Killeen taught me to appreciate every day, love my family with all my heart, and never take life for granted.
Although I found myself torn to leave Killeen, I knew God was leading me in another direction and I had to follow his plan, that plan lead me to Beaumont and KFDM Channel 6!!! I have never looked back. It has been so rewarding to be a part of this community. Thank you for allowing me to share in the laughter and tears. We have literally gone through the storm and survived! I feel so blessed by the love and support I've receive from my Southeast Texas family and my immediate family Rev. Brandon Carter and our son B.J.
Dan Gresham - Anchor
For more than 20 years I have started my workday in the middle of the night! Serving as the Executive Producer / Host of a two and a half hour morning show requires rolling into the office while most people are sleeping. Not sure you ever get used to the strange hours!
I'm a native Texan, born in Houston, raised in Longview. I started my career doing radio news while still in college at Baylor University studying journalism/broadcasting. I got my first television reporters job at KWTX-CBS in Waco before moving to Port Arthur and KJAC-NBC as weekend sports anchor in 1979. After five years in sports I left television and tried radio management in Tyler before returning to Beaumont to start Southeast Texas first daily talk radio show on Newtalk 560 KLVI in 1986. Uncle Larry talked me into joining the staff of Channel Six News in 1987 and for a short period of time I anchored the 10pm news with Sally Rieger.
As you can imagine I jumped at the chance to move to the morning shift and work with James Brown...it has been nothing if not interesting. I've had the opportunity to interview presidents, actors, authors, hundreds of local business owners and volunteers through the years. Everyday is nonstop action! During my time at Channel Six I have also had a chance to try my hand at sports play by play for Lamar Baseball and Basketball. Several years ago I returned to my roots and talk radio. For almost 4 years now I have hosted "Gresham Live" every weekday afternoon on Newstalk 560 KLVI.
When I'm not working, I enjoying spending time with my wife of more than 30 years, three grown kids and four grandkids...all girls! I've been known to do doubleheader movie days, but really enjoy spending my spare time outside. An avid tennis player, I love to travel and have checked one item off my bucketlist by attending the US Open in New York City.
I like to think I have a simple mantra for my life...Try To Learn Something New Everyday and around the KFDM newsroom there never seems to be a shortage of opportunities!
James Brown - Meteorologist
I have been forecasting the weather with KFDM-TV Channel 6 since 1990. Born and raised in southeast Texas, I have been blessed with two wonderful girls. I graduated from Port Neches-Groves High School and Mississippi State University. I love to cook, fish and camp.
I have been involved in the community for over a decade. I have been on the executive board of the American Cancer Society, Co-chairman of the Rubber Ducky Derby for the Shorkey Center, Co-host for the Children's Miracle Network and the M.D.A. Telethon as well as a member of the National Weather Association and the American Meteorology Society and have hosted and emceed numerous fundraisers and events.
I have been awarded "Best Weather Caster" in the People's Choice in the Beaumont Enterprise and the Port Arthur News in the past several years. I have also had the privilege of carrying the Olympic flame as a Community Hero Torchbearer in 1996 and won an Emmy for my coverage of hurricane Rita.
I have been doing cooking shows, once a month, going on 5 years at Market Basket with over 150 people attending at times. I have authored my second cookbook 'Simma Down with James Brown' and have my own 30 minute cooking show on the CW Network once a week.
Kerry Cooper - Meteorologist
I was born and raised in Southeast Texas and lived in Orange, Texas most of my life. When I was young and loved weather I would be with my parents driving through Beaumont and would always turn and point and say "I'm going to work there one day". Kerry graduated High School in 1987 from Little Cypress-Mauriceville. I went on to Mississippi State University and graduated in 1994 with a degree in Meteorology.
After college Kerry landed his first job in Waco, Texas as the morning Meteorologist at KCEN Television. He worked there until 1996 when he dreamed of working back home at KFDM Channel 6. My favorite stories I have covered was the Jarrell, Texas Tornado in 1994 and the flooding we had with Allison here in Southeast Texas. I enjoy relaxing, playing sports and Ghost Hunting while not at work. I have been awarded "Best Weathercast" by the Port Arthur News.
I have also covered High School Football for KFDM for several years as well as other sporting events locally. The one thing I love about covering weather in Southeast Texas is it's always changing, never one season. I have enjoyed watching my son grow up as well being here.
Ashley Gaston - Reporter/Weekend Anchor
I am a reporter and weekend anchor at KFDM TV. I have worked for KFDM since August of 2007.
I am an 9 time Texas Associated Press Award Winner and a 8 time Press Club of Southeast Texas Award Winning Journalist.
I understand how people are impacted by events and thrive on telling their stories. I have been a reporter of hurricanes and their damage Hurricanes Ike, and Humberto. I call home to one city that has been reported about, Hurricane Katrina.
I am an active community member. I volunteer with the American Cancer Society, Triangle Aids Network, and Ubi Caritas Health Clinic and CASA.
I have a passion for bringing attention to foster children in our area who need to be adopted. KFDM has a partnership Family and Protective Services where we air a "Forever Families" series. We featured a foster child who needs to be adopted on the 2nd Sunday of every month.
I graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelors Degree in Journalism. Prior to my Texas education, I was a foreign exchange student in Madrid, Spain where I studied Spanish. I also attended a junior college in Mississippi on a soccer scholarship and I was the recipient of state recognition while playing soccer.
I call Beaumont home now! I enjoy hearing what's going on in your schools, neighborhoods and communities. Please email me at agaston@kfdm.com to share your story with me.
Megan Dillard - Reporter
I'm a Houston girl, born and raised. I moved to Beaumont in August of 2011 to work as a News Reporter for KFDM while also remotely finishing my last semester of college at the University of Houston. I graduated Cum Laude in December, with a degree in Mass Communications, with a focus on Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Global Business.
During my time at UH, I interned at KPRC Local 2 in Houston while also maintaining a full-time job as an administrative assistant and IT analyst for LyondellBasell Industries and MXenergy in downtown Houston. My favorite thing about working in Southeast Texas is working so close to home. I feel like Beaumont and the surrounding areas are much like Houston, just on a smaller scale, so I feel comfortable and excited to work in familiar territory!
In my time off, I enjoy reading, playing racquetball, cooking, and watching my friends on The Big Bang Theory. I typically spend my Sunday evenings in tears, with my heart-tugging favorites, 'Secret Millionaire' and 'Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition'.
I have several mentors both in and out of the business. I'm inspired by journalists like Steve Hartman, Phil Archer, Bill Balleza, Amy Davis, Joel Eisenbaum, Randy McIlvoy, and Carolyn Canville. I also look to my grandparents for advice and affection. I'm a member of Houston's First Baptist Church and love getting re-energized every Sunday through messages from Pastor Gregg Matte and the community of fellow believers and friends.
From interviewing officers injured in the line of duty, to families who have lost loved ones, I consider it a true honor to cover the stories of Southeast Texas. There is nothing like being welcomed into someone's living room or office; nothing compares to sharing the stories of people whose lives have been impacted.
My favorite stories so far include a piece called 'Murder for Sale: Murderabilia', as well as a story about a movement called 'The Bald and Beautiful Barbie' campaign, to petition Matel to create bald Barbies for girls who suffer with cancer. I enjoy covering court cases, and also love doing profile pieces on inspirational people or groups who have overcome struggles.
I always welcome suggestions and feedback, as well as story ideas. Email me at mdillard@kfdm.com or reach out to me through my journalist Facebook page 'MeganDillardNews'.
Its a true privilege to come to work every day. Thank you, Southeast Texas, for letting me tell YOUR stories.
Andrew Chernoff - Reporter/Weekend Anchor
Hello everyone! My name is Andrew Chernoff and I am the weekend sports anchor/sports reporter for KFDM-TV Channel 6. I began working at the station in July 2012.
After being born in Atlanta, GA, and living in Tampa, FL, for a few years, I spent the majority of my life growing up as a Hoosier, in Carmel, IN (a suburb of Indianapolis). It is there where I graduated from Carmel High School in 2008. After that, I attended Syracuse University, where I graduated in May 2012 with dual majors in Broadcast Journalism and Political Science. So, if you see anyone wearing orange T-shirts around SETX, its probably me.
I have previous experience at 88.3 WAER in Syracuse, NY, covering Syracuse University sports. Meanwhile, I was also involved with the schools student-run radio station, Z89, and TV station, CitrusTV. Back in Indianapolis, I completed two internships at WISH-TV in its sports and news departments.
In my time working at those places, I have had the opportunity to cover two Indianapolis 500s, the Syracuse University mens basketball team and a couple Indianapolis Colts training camps.
When I'm not working, I can be found watching IndyCar Series or Formula 1 races, playing golf at any golf course around or jamming to country music!
My biggest inspiration has to be my family and friends. They are my rock in life and give me great support. Plus, I don't know how they put up with me.
My favorite part about working in Southeast Texas is just interacting with everyone. Everyone is so nice here! I thought Hoosier Hospitality was unique, but I was wrong. I'm lucky to have lived in two places, Indiana and Texas, where treating people well is a top priority.
If you have a story idea, have any comments or just want to say hi, feel free to email me at achernoff@kfdm.com or tweet me @ADChernoff.
Leslie Rangel - Reporter
I'm from Dallas, I went Red Oak High School, home of the Hawks, and I am a proud Longhorn alumni from the University of Texas at Austin!
Before joining KFDM 6 News, I served as the University of Texas reporter for FOX 7 Austin, interned with CBS The Early Show in New York City, contributed to an international fashion blog, College Fashionsita, wrote for the Houston Defender as the Legislative Reporter, interned with KXAN Austin News and also interned with CBS Radio in Dallas.
I am excited to cover stories in the Beaumont community and learn all about what SETX has to offer!
When I'm not in the newsroom, you can find me teaching workout classes, going for a run, taking road trips, keeping up on the latest trends and shopping!
My biggest inspiration is my mother who taught me how to believe in my dreams.
My favorite interview so far is talking with Jamie Schanbaum, a meningitis survivor turned paralympian. It showed me how impactful and personable stories can be. My most memorable story was going live via phone for the NBC station in Austin after there was an active shooter on campus.
Please feel free to send your story ideas.
Justin Hinton - Reporter
I joined KFDM in September 2012 as a general assignment reporter.
I graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a degree in MassCommunications. My dream to become a journalist was solidified right after my senior year.
I chose to study journalism in Egypt. While there, I landed in the middle of the Arab Spring. Grabbing my camera, I hit the streets shooting footage of the historic moment. From there, I traveled to Korea covering stories about Korean culture while continuing my studies.
After returning home, I was chosen as one of 10 people across the country to train with NBC as a News Associate. In that role, I field produced the Olympic segment, Hometown Hopefuls. I interviewed potential Olympic athletes from North Texas on their quest to reach London 2012. I also served as the Social Media Director for KXAS during the Olympics.
I am a proud member of the National Association of Black Journalists and I'm ready to make Southeast Texas my new home.
I look forward to getting involved with his community. If you have any story ideas, don't hesitate to shoot me an email at jhinton@kfdm.com
