TV Blog

By Janice

November 27, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

I agree with the comment "everyone makes mistakes" although that is true, as the saying goes. everyone DOES make mistakes, but that doesn't mean you don't have to face the consequences. the chick was DRINKING AND DRIVING. I personally, would not want HER to be the one announcing a Fatal Accident that happened on I-35 due to a DRUNK driver at 2 in the morning. demote her down to an intern. She needs to work on her reading skills anyway.

By TONY

November 27, 2007 4:32 AM | Link to this

Ms. Valles is a great asset to KXAN.... She is the reason why most viewers watch KXAN. People have and will always judge, as if they were perfect. Michelle, you are doing a great job, we are very PROUD of you. Keep up the great work. Thank you KXAN for keeping the best female anchor you'll ever have. KVUE, what can I say about KEYE aahhhhh and Fox 7 keep dreaming.

be strong, you're still making a difference.

you're awesome......

By mommie

November 26, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

Yes pvl...we do have children...and we'd like to keep it that way by keeping drunk drivers off the street.

By H.B.

November 26, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this

I'm just glad that she didn't kill anybody while she was drinking and driving like a complete idiot. I never, ever, ever drink and drive and neither does my husband. We absolutely do not believe that we ever have the right to risk someone elses life...ever! You have to be extremely selfish to risk killing another person just so that you can go out drinking and drive yourself home. I'm very proud of the fact that I would never do that.

By pvl

November 24, 2007 6:18 AM | Link to this

Don't be so quick to throw stones!!!!Remember you all have children or grandchildren so shut up!!!

By chris smith

November 23, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

i think she should keep her job. i am a huge fan because she is beautiful and not some boring old man on the tube. i think she should be held to the same standards as anyone else who committed this crime. so we'll see what happens when all this unravels. good luck with all the heat on you michelle and keep your head up. we all make mistakes.

chris

By Steve

November 19, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

Michelle should be fired because she is mediocre news anchor that can't read a story without at least one stutter or a word completely out of context. I would have been much less surprised if she had instead been busted with a big bag of powerful reefer.

Michelle's tearful confession and apology on today's 5:00 pm newscast made me want to puke. Poor, pretty little girl won't cry her way out of this one in front of a judge and/or jury. I hope they throw the book at her. Too bad she wasn't in Williamson County.

Someone in the public spotlight has to walk a tighter line.

All that she has done for the hispanic community is now irrelevent since it only takes one foul up like this to erase 10,000 atta girls.

DWI is a crime whether there is a oncoming vehicle on the other side of the double yellow line or not. An intoxicated driver is just as much a danger to themselves as they are to the public.

Ah Michelle, ain't the first amendment of the US Constitution wonderful honey?

By Marion Shackleford

November 19, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

My suspicion is that this is just the first time she's gotten caught. I've seen her at Matt's drinking at least once. Hopefully her loved ones will support her during this hard time.

By Ernest

November 19, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

I remain now and forever a die-hard Michelle Valles fan.

By A Fan

November 19, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

I was appalled that this even made the news. You know, when I got my DWI back in 2002, it didn't make the news. These mistakes are always good lessons. Like the bumper sticker says, "Slow On the Bottle Enjoy the Road" - i.e. SOBER.

By Diane

November 19, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

I agree with the following excerpt:
Anchor Arrest Sparks Newsroom Debate

Mentioning Valles' plight would do the public some good. It would remind us that DUIs can strike anyone. If the smiling faces on TV can get caught so can you. And it's not about the ticket. If you're driving after drinking you're endangering everyone on the road with you. Maybe you hit 0.08 or maybe you don't, But anything that impairs your judgment and your reaction time should be reason enough to call a cab or let a friend drive you home.

Here's hoping that we never have to have this debate again.

BTW-- It goes without saying these opinions are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of CBS 42 management or its advertisers.

Fred Cantu
CBS 42 News
http://www.keyetv.com/mostpopular/story.aspx?content_id=aa98dc94-52cd-4550-a7c7-ee39e8c218f7

By austinights

November 19, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

Drinking and driving is plain stupid. I think that Ms. Valles probably has had plenty of time over the weekend to consider her poor decision. I want to say thank you to the officer who was quick to pull her over and save not only her life, but perhaps someone who might have been involved in an accident. I don't think she should lose her job, because its not relevant to her action. I think she'll endure a public image beating for some period of time. People do make mistakes - kind of like the idiots who run red lights - just as deadly as a drunk driver - and you do it on purpose! Drinking and driving kills and I'm sure we'll hear a lot more about it - particularly at this time of the year. Happy Holidays, take a cab - or drink water!

By Bernie

November 19, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this

People make mistakes, everyday. How many of us have had a few drinks and then driven? Admit it, more of us have than haven't. Maybe she can take this mistake and be a great advocate against driving while intoxicated. Good Luck Michelle Valles and I look forward to seeing you on the air soon.

By tina

November 19, 2007 7:43 AM | Link to this

This is unfortunate. It's highly embarrassing for someone like her to be in this situation. I thought she was better than this. I am no longer a fan.

By Michelleishot

November 19, 2007 4:01 AM | Link to this

You should not lose your job for personal reasons. Anyone thinking that she should is a moron.

By R A

November 18, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

"KXAN’s Michelle Valles busted but keeps her job"

Why would she lose her job??

By Patsy

November 18, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

She has touted herself as a role model for children and young women. Taking responsibility for her actions is the key. Regardless of what is being said on some of the blogs I have read about her being innocent and attempting to clear her name, they caught her being dangerous in a SUV. A vehicle that is a death machine to smaller vehicles...without an impaired driver. She deserves to go through the system just like anyone else. Take the classes. See the shocking videos. Preferential treatment or being able to afford those attorneys who can guarantee getting her off regardless of how much she had to drink would be disappointing. And then she would lose her status as a valued community member. Because she admitted drinking, was speeding and obviously not safe. She lives out off Southwest Parkway and that's a long way to be unsafe. Who knows how fast she would have been driving on the highway or her reaction time to a deer on the road. As for being fired, that has to do with her capabilities to do her job. I am sure everyone will be watching tomorrow night to see if she is going to get to keep her job and what story she tells. Rating should soar. Managment couldn't have asked for a better setup since it is the ratings sweep. Oh and BobbaLoo, your comment was brillant. Clearly what was needed. More breaking of the law. Sounds like you might have had two vodhka tonics.

By Nick

November 18, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

I'm sorry, but I feel obligated to point out the irony in BobbaLoo's entry. Within a short post we have "God bless and be safe", followed just a few lines later by "Well, I say you should be shot". Way to be consistent there, pal.

By Geoege

November 18, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

Maybe someday people will realize how many deaths occur becuse of drunk drivers and they will make real laws that deal with the seriousness of the issue. 10 grand in fines is peanuts considering the gravety of the offense. If you think it is a lot, ask someone that has lost a family memeber to a drunk driver. That being said, I think she should not lose her job since driving is not part of her job. I wish her the best and hope that if she has an issue with alcohol she deals with it sucessfully and leads a full and productive life. If she honestly does not have an issue with alcohol then she needs to review how she makes her choices.

By Fred

November 18, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

The only reason she'll keep her job is because she's a Hispanic celebrity. The average "joe" would be fired in a heart beat.

By slappy

November 18, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this

Valles, a UT grad, has been a vital part of Austin’s Hispanic community since joining KXAN in 2003. She is active in a variety of charities and does more than just lend her name....one stupid act outweighs any good she might have accomplished. Fire her !!!!

By kevin

November 18, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this

Ms Valles is a valuable member of this community both in her job and the good work she does in the Hispanic community. She has made a mistake but does not deserve to be fired for it - we all make mistakes and we seek forgiveness. This is an opportunity for Ms Valles to take responsibility for her mistake and speak out against drinking and driving.

By BobbaLoo

November 18, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this

Michelle made a huge mistake and I am sure she regrets it and is extremely embarrassed. I personally am looking forward to her return to the anchor desk and move on from this incident. Michelle, you have lots of fans that support you and hopes you will return to KXAN soon! God bless and be safe. Ignore those that negate the situation. I agree that drinking and driving is a stupid and moronic thing to do, but this is her first time and let's let her deal with it privately and let it go. She's a great personality on tv and we should stand behind her. Those that say she should be fired because of this, well, I say you should be shot.

By Shibby!

November 17, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

why is this even news? Anyone who doesnt immediately write this off as trvial filler needs to open their eyes to some bigger problems we could be having debates about

By Gregory

November 17, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

Ok, Michelle made a mistake. We all make mistakes. People should not judge so fast without looking into their own backyard. Yes, she should keep her job. She is one of the best Anchors in the area and I am sure this mistake will allow her to speak to young people about what not to do. Good luck, Michelle! Keep doing the great job that you do.

By Jeff M

November 17, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

She needs to be terminated immediately. This kind of behavior is beyond reproach. She could have killed children because of her decision to drink and drive. We all share Austin' streets and the thought of a news anchor out there driving drunk horrifies me and my children.

By sodabiscut

November 16, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

heck, she could have called me. i would have given her a ride...

By NoDUI

November 16, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

Stupid is as stupid does. Anyone who gets into a vehicle while drunk is plain stupid! I'm sure some might say - but its her first time. Well, it only takes once to wreck into someone and have them dead - the first time. It's fortunate that an officer pulled her over, because she presented a danger to the public, not to mention her own safety. What would be said if that had occurred - thank God it did not! Austin loves Michelle - but come on, Michelle - take a taxi next time or drink water!

By Wake up

November 16, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

hello? What does this have to do with what everyone else does? Duh. No she hasn't been convicted but The Blotter said speeding, crossing the yellow line, slurred speech so lets look at all the innocent victims who have been wiped out by people doing exactly what she did and just weren't as "lucky" not to have the "worse things". As for her job, KXAN is a revolving door of management problems and departures. They aren't doing anything because what choice do they have? What happened to Tonya? Although Shannon would be a great replacement. Hopefully she takes responsibility for being impaired and doesn't do what you are doing. Justifying.

By terriann

November 16, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

This is most unfortunate and just one more example of how this mistake reaches all walks of life (celebs, lawyers, politicians & the average person). Free cab rides should be made available from downtown Austin drinking establishments. The responsibilities are our own but when your impaired you may think your gonna get away with it. Don't take the chance!

By Mike Nassour

November 16, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

My best to Michelle and I'm sure she's glad that no one was injured due to her...misjudgment. I'm sure she will use this as a learning experience.

By jane

November 16, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

are you people reading the article posted at statesman.com? what difference does it make if others are doing it? she crossed the yellow line and that is one of the reasons she got busted. what would you say if you were reading she caused an accident and killed or injured someone? justifying it is ridiculous. she needs to take responsibility for her actions. or smoke pot. at least then she wouldn't have been speeding 13 miles over the limit.

By changeme

November 16, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

recover? I'm sure she is just fine this afternoon... Its' a crime to be sure, but there are lots of worse things.

By Winchester

November 16, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

Yes, drinking and driving is both illegal and stupid. But has Ms. Valles been convicted yet? No, only arrested. Of course she still has her job, she has not been convicted of any thing. Admitted she exhibited extremely poor judgment. The report was that free drinks were available for all media types, and I rather doubt Ms. Valles was the only one to indulge; and I further doubt she was the only one leaving impaired.

By dan

November 16, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

drinking and driving should not lose you a job unless your job involves driving. in no way should it even be considered for her to be fired.