Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggie Flecknoe.
Hi Maggie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Ever since I was a little girl, I loved to perform and interact with people. Now my dream is a reality. I began my acting career at the age of five years old. I started broadcasting in middle school for our school station. And that was just the beginning. I went on to study Broadcast News and Theater at the University of Colorado, Boulder. I graduated with honors and have a Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast News with an emphasis in Theater. After graduating in May 2005, I went on to study at Harvard where I earned a master’s degree in Theater from the Moscow Art Theatre.
I then moved to Houston to “get a real job”, according to my dad. I was discovered in 2006 while working at Nordstrom. I sold a handbag to someone at Clear Channel. After sending my resume to the program director and a two months interview process, I was hired to launch the new morning show on 790 KBME “The Sports Animal”. I then went on to report on 740 KTRH.
I made the transition from radio to television in 2009, when I joined CW39 Houston as an associate producer. I worked my way up to an on-air position. And now, I am the host on my own show, “Houston Happenings” weekday mornings from 9:30am-10am.
In my 13 years at the station, I have covered a wide array of stories. From Hurricane Harvey to President George H.W.’s funeral, to Super Bowl 51 and the Astros in the World Series, to George Floyd’s funeral, and more. As I always say on air, “we’ll get through this together, we always do.”
I still am able to act as well. When I’m not on TV you can catch me behind the mic as a voice-over actress in anime films. I have played over 100 different roles.
And now I’m getting ready for the biggest chapter in my life, motherhood. My husband Jeff and I are expecting our first child, a baby girl, in October.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing has ever come easy for me. I have always been known for my hard work, drive and tenacity. I have been rejected, laid off, told no one could take me seriously as an anchor. But for every no, I made it my goal to get a yes. My mom always taught me to “believe in myself”, and throughout my nearly 20 years of broadcasting career, that has been what has gotten me through the toughest of times.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the host of the lifestyle show “Houston Happens” on CW39 Houston. You can start your day off with me on weekdays from 9:30am – 10am. I have a wide array of guests and love featuring people in the community.
I have been at the station for 13 years, in that time, I have covered Hurricane Harvey, President George H.W.’s funeral, Super Bowl 51 and the Astros in the World Series, George Floyd’s funeral, and so many more stories. I’m known for always saying on air, “we’ll get through this together, we always do.”
I also have a unique interview style. I truly make it about my guests and their story. I always tell people when it comes to me, what you see, is what you get. Who you see in real life is who you see on TV. I keep it real on air and really allow the viewers to connect with me as Maggie. Not just some person on TV. I’m also known for my infectious laugh.
I truly feel thankful and blessed to tell people’s stories each and every day and to have people welcome me into their homes. There is no greater feeling than knowing that maybe I made someone’s day a little brighter or made someone feel heard or seen.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My mom has been my biggest advocate and supporter my entire life. She drove me to every audition when I was little, She helped me prepare for every job interview. She was there to wipe my tears and celebrate my accomplishments. She taught me to believe in myself and pursue my passion and dreams.
I also have to give credit to the girl at Clear Channel who helped me get my foot in the door, Chelsea Bloom. To Ken Charles and Tim Collins, who hired the “girl with the great shoes”, to be on the Sports Radio morning show, even though I didn’t know much about sports, but I had the drive and work ethic and was willing to learn.
Then to KyAnn Lewis, my first news director at CW39, who hired me and put me on air. I’ll never forget the day she called to tell me that I would be on the 5pm news that night. I was an associate producer at the time.
And now my husband, Jeff. He supports this crazy work that I do and listens to all of my stories. He truly lets me, be me and allows me to shine.
Contact Info:
- Website: cw39.com/houstonhappens
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mflecknoe/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maggie.flecknoe
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/maggiesworld
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MaggieFlecknoe
Image Credits
Wedding photos and baby shower, ctsy: Quy Tran
