Austin360 blogs > TV Blog > Archives > 2008 > October > 07 > Entry
KVUE’s Tyler Sieswerda gets a new co-anchor
KVUE’s Tyler Sieswerda won’t be flying solo much longer.
Without a partner at 6 and 10 p.m. since the August departure of Christine Haas, he’ll be joined soon by Terri Gruca who, like Haas, comes to Austin from a station in Minneapolis.
“It’s a really interesting set of circumstances,” said Frank Volpicella, KVUE’s news director.
Gruca says she had just arrived in the Twin Cities five years ago when Haas left for Austin, but she’s kept tabs on her former competitor over the years. And when Haas departed for a job in Houston earlier this year, the two reconnected.
“Christine is terrific,” Gruca said. “She understands what it’s like to go from Minneapolis to Austin, and that really helped me.”
Gruca, who grew up in North Carolina, says she fell in love with Austin — and KVUE — instantly.
“The station has such a rich history of quality journalism,” she said. “The people are amazing.”
That admiration extends to Sieswerda, her new co-anchor.
“He and I completely connected from the moment I walked in the door,” she said. “You just don’t see that very often.”
Volpicella says more than 200 people — from all corners of the nation — applied for the job. Gruca immediately impressed him.
“She’s a good reporter and a good anchor who has broken a lot of solid stories,” he said.
Those stories include an expose on the jewelry found in gumball machines that led to a nationwide recall, a look at the dangers escalators pose to small children, and a piece on exploding thermoses.
In Austin, she, like Haas, will file investigative reports for KVUE’s Defenders franchise.
Gruca starts Dec. 8, but plans a house-hunting trip before then with husband Greg, a day trader.
“I love the way Austin feels,” she said, “and I want him to experience that.”
Photo courtesy of WCCO-TV, Minneapolis
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Comments
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By Sandy
December 2, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
Attention Austinites: We are sorry to have lost Terri--she doesn't do fluff, she is intelligent and a thoughtful, genuine person. Give her a chance and you'll come to appreciate her as much as Twin Cities viewers did. If not, come on back to MN Terri!
By Nina
October 21, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
Terri is an exceptional talent and a quality person. Austin is really lucky to have her because she is very thoughtful and conscientious as a journalist. I know her new viewers will love her because not only is she really smart but she is a wonderful woman! She always leaves a lasting impression!
By Tyler Fan
October 8, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
I only watch KVUE for that adorable & brilliant Tyler Sieswerda. Sounds like Terri will compliment Tyler beautifully.Too bad Austin has so many Haters (tub thumper get a life)!!
By Steve
October 8, 2008 5:00 AM | Link to this
"Aren't there any Texans who could take this job? This just means we're going to have to suffer through a few years of mangled pronunciation and cluelessness."
This Texan's irony meter just exploded.
By jpt51
October 8, 2008 3:32 AM | Link to this
Be sure to teach her how to pronounce Burnet, Elgin etc. before she hits the air! Her new boss should take her on a BBQ tour so she gets to know the area.
By Fratboy
October 8, 2008 2:33 AM | Link to this
I resent that TubThumper
By Nick
October 7, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
Oh boy, a new blonde anchorette. Whoopie-freakin' doo. Place anchor chair behind desk. Insert new blonde replacement chick into chair. Turn on telemprompter. Blonde smiles. Blonde makes serious face during murder story. Blonde makes small talk with weatherman. Yawn. Same old stuff, different face. Maybe this would all be more fun if the anchor got drunk downtown and...oh wait...sorry...that's been done too.
By David
October 7, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
I have lived in Austin since 1979, KVUE has always been the leader in news coverage and investigative reporting, not to mention the most accurate weather forecasting. Tyler and Christine as well as past anchor's have all done excellent jobs. I welcome Terri and look forward to her reporting on what is important to central Texas. Considering that the #2 station is currently off the air with TW, do you really have a choice anyway?
By keith
October 7, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
Atleast she's hot - Michelle Valles was the only HOT anchor in Austin, so atleast that aspect has been replaced. Can't very well take anyone from Texas if they don't apply for the job. Its not as if they go and choose openly. Atleast they won't be using Mari Alvarez who was playing fill in and I just hated her dry personality. You can't have that kind of personality on TV news
By Eyebeam
October 7, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
Aren't there any Texans who could take this job? This just means we're going to have to suffer through a few years of mangled pronunciation and cluelessness. Doesn't UT have a super-duper journalism school?
By Finally
October 7, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
I for one am glad, I hope Terri and her husband enjoy their stay in Austin. Austinites certainly have opinions and most should probably be keep to themselfs.
By TV Fan
October 7, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Christine Haas was irreplacable. Austin suffered a loss when she left. This new girl will have some big shoes to fill if she wants to be the next Christine Haas.
By Tina
October 7, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
I live in Minneapolis and have watched Terri for the last three years or so. Terri is by far the best tv anchor in the Twin Cities. She brings a lot of personality to each and every show, making the news enjoyable for a change. And it's not an act. I've actually met her a couple times and she's just as personable on the air as she is in casual conversation. I really hate to see her leave, but it sounds like KVUE is a great opportunity that she'll enjoy. Treat her well Austin!
By Retiredlsg
October 7, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
I quit watching KVUE news at 6 and 10 because of Christine Haas - what a fake! Hopefully, Gruca will show a little more warmth and be more personable.
By Mike
October 7, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
Christine Haas was the main reason I watched KVUE. She is an extremely beautiful woman. I am glad that we will have another fine specimen to check out every night before bed!!!!
By TubThumper
October 7, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Great! Now all KVUE needs is a replacement for the arrogant frat boy looking Tyler Sieswerda!!