KVIA Pro Newscasters Stop ‘Happy Talk’ During Break

January 5, 1978

The “Happy Talk” news format on Channel 13 may never be the same again after New Years Eve’s 10 o’clock version.

For those who have been wondering where Pro News newscasters Jim Pratt and al Hinojos have been recently, the two had a falling out during the first commercial break Dec. 31 and when the red light on the camera came back on only Pratt remained on screen.

One eyewitness, a station employee, gave this account:

While El Paso viewers were having their purse strings electronically tugged, Pratt turned to Hinojos and accused him of not pulling his share of the load on the evening’s script writing. Hinojos took exception to the remark, reminding the head newscaster he was in error by calling him a ‘liar.’

Pratt saw the situation differently and hit Hinojos in the chest. He then ordered his nightly colleague off the set and finished the newscast solo, offering no explanation to viewers as to Hinjojos’ sudden departure.

Before the six o’clock newscast began Monday, KVIA-TV station manager Wayne Roy said he suspended both men with pay. Their status remained in limbo until Tuesday when Pratt submitted his resignation and Hinojos was promoted to news director, effective Thursday.

Eight persons allegedly witnessed the incident at the station’s studios on 4140 Rio Bravo. Reached early Wednesday evening, Pratt refused to comment on what happened other than to say, “I thought I settled my problems and the company got involved.”

Hinojos could not be reached for comment Wednesday evening.

Comments

[joe]

i remember those days! see if if you can dig up when the kelp (pre kvia) news director was arrested at a denny's for carrying a concealed weapon.

[Trish Long]

Thanks Joe. I'll see if I can find it.

[joe]

probably somewhere around 73 or 74. his name was wally pierre (not sure of the last name spelling)