Honestly, if you live anywhere near the sparkling waters of the Texas coast, you already know the drill. When the sky turns that specific, ominous shade of green during hurricane season or the local city council decides to overhaul public comment rules, most folks in the Coastal Bend reach for the remote to find channel 3.
KIII news in Corpus Christi TX isn't just another TV station. It’s a legacy. Since it first started broadcasting back in 1964, it has anchored itself—pun intended—into the daily lives of South Texans. But the media world is messy right now, and KIII is going through some pretty massive shifts in 2026. From familiar faces leaving the desk to the looming questions about corporate ownership, there's a lot happening behind the scenes at those South Padre Island Drive studios.
The 2026 Shakeup: Who’s Leading the Charge?
Local news lives and dies by its personalities. You’ve probably noticed some big changes if you’ve tuned in lately. For over a decade, Alan Holt was the guy everyone trusted to tell them whether to evacuate or just buy extra water. But things look different now.
In January 2026, Carly Smith officially took the reins as Chief Meteorologist. It’s a huge move. Smith, who spent years on the morning beat, has that rare ability to explain the science of a cold front without making it feel like a high school physics lecture. Replacing a legend like Holt—who headed north to Maine to be closer to family—is no small feat.
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On the anchor desk, Mike Gillaspia has stepped into the permanent evening slot. He’s been a fixture in the Coastal Bend since 2005, and pairing him with Leslie Adami for the 5, 6, and 10 p.m. newscasts was basically a "safe bet" for the station. They have a chemistry that feels natural, which is something you can't really fake for the cameras.
The Team You See Every Day
- Leslie Adami: The veteran evening co-anchor who’s become the face of the station’s investigative efforts.
- Mike Gillaspia: The "voice of experience" who recently transitioned from part-time back to the heavy-hitting evening slots.
- Carly Smith: The new Chief Meteorologist leading the "Weather Impact" team.
- John-Thomas Kobos & Barbi Leo: The duo that wakes up the city on First Edition.
- Rudy Treviño: Still the king of Domingo Live!, even if he’s technically in a part-time role now.
Ownership Drama: Is KIII Being Sold?
If you follow business news, you might have heard some whispers about Tegna, the company that currently owns KIII. For a while now, there's been talk of Nexstar Media Group making a play to buy Tegna in a massive $6.2 billion deal.
Why does this matter to you? Well, ownership changes often mean budget changes. When a massive conglomerate takes over a local station, people get worried about "cookie-cutter" news.
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However, KIII has survived ownership swaps before—from McKinnon Broadcasting to Gannett and eventually Tegna. The station’s DNA seems to stay rooted in Corpus Christi regardless of who signs the checks in a skyscraper somewhere else. For now, KIII remains under the Tegna umbrella, focusing on their "serve the greater good" mission, but 2026 is looking like a pivotal year for the station's corporate future.
Beyond the Screen: The Digital Shift
Let’s be real: nobody waits for the 6 p.m. news to find out if there's a wreck on the Harbor Bridge anymore.
KIII has leaned hard into their 3NEWS+ streaming app. It’s basically their way of acknowledging that half of us are watching on our phones while waiting in line at Whataburger. They’ve integrated interactive radar and real-time push alerts that, frankly, are sometimes more reliable than the standard weather apps that come pre-installed on iPhones.
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They also produce a lot of digital-first content. You’ll see "Multi-Skilled Journalists" (what we used to just call reporters) like Bill Churchwell or Michael Gibson posting raw footage and updates on social media long before the package airs on TV. It's a faster, grittier version of news that caters to the "I need to know now" crowd.
Why Corpus Christi Trusts Channel 3
There is a specific kind of "hometown feel" that KIII maintains, particularly through programs like Domingo Live!. It’s been on the air for decades, celebrating Hispanic culture, local music, and community leaders. You don't get that from a national news feed.
When the station covers things like the CCISD consolidation votes or the latest drama at City Council regarding public comment rules, they aren't just reporting; they're explaining how it hits your wallet. That hyper-local focus is exactly why they’ve managed to stay relevant while print newspapers are struggling to keep the lights on.
Actionable Steps for Staying Informed
If you want to get the most out of KIII’s coverage without sitting through 20 minutes of commercials, here is how you actually use their tools:
- Download the 3NEWS+ App: Don't just use the website. The app allows you to customize alerts for specific neighborhoods. If there’s a "Weather Impact Alert" for a freeze in Robstown but not the Island, you’ll know the difference.
- Follow the Individuals: Follow Carly Smith or Leslie Adami on social media. They often post "behind the scenes" context or updates that don't make the final broadcast cut.
- Use the "Submit a Tip" Feature: KIII relies heavily on community photos and videos. If you see something—a water main break, a brush fire, or a local hero—send it in via their app. They actually check those submissions.
- Watch the 3NEWS+ Live Stream: If you’re a cord-cutter, you don't need cable. The live stream of the newscasts is usually free on their Roku and Fire TV apps.
KIII News remains a cornerstone of the Coastal Bend because it understands the rhythm of Corpus Christi. Whether it’s 2026 or 1966, the goal stays the same: keep the community informed, keep them safe, and occasionally, give them a reason to celebrate the local culture that makes South Texas unique.