Austin InSight

Airs Thursdays at 7 p.m. and is available to stream for free on the PBS App.

Austin InSight is a new weekly news program that covers issues that impact central Texans and highlights the region’s vibrant cultural and creative diversity. The 30-minute program, co-hosted by Danielle Banda and Laura Laughead, anchors a renewed commitment to public affairs content at Austin PBS. Austin InSight will feature original reporting, insights, and analysis from leading local journalists told in an engaging way to inform communities about important issues.

Watch Full Episodes

We’d love to hear from you! Please share your ideas, leads and feedback at austininsight@klru.org

Meet the Team

Danielle Banda

Co-Host/Producer

Danielle Banda is an experienced broadcast journalist, joining Austin PBS from KGBT-TV (CBS/NBC) in the Rio Grande Valley, where she served as a correspondent, anchor, and host of news and lifestyle programs. She has produced and hosted several lifestyle and entertainment programs airing in multiple Texas markets, as well as in California and northern Mexico. Banda’s career began in 2012 at KMBH-TV PBS 38 in Harlingen. She is a graduate of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and earned a Master of Arts degree in contemporary communications from Notre Dame of Maryland University.

Laura Laughead

Co-Host/Producer

Laura Laughead has been a news reporter and anchor at network affiliate television stations in Lubbock and Birmingham, Ala. She is a graduate of the University of Texas where she was named the Gene Burd Top Scholar in the journalism program and was a winner of college awards in the Lone Star Emmys. She has reported extensively on the film and entertainment industry, including in New York City during a full-time internship for Good Morning America. Laura is from Houston and was inspired by her mother's long career as a pioneering broadcast journalist in Texas. She is returning to Austin PBS where she began her career as an intern.

Ed Bryson

Director, News and Public Affairs

Ed Bryson is an experienced, award-winning journalist and communications professional. Originally from Mississippi, he has lived in Austin since 2013 and is excited to return to his true vocation, working in journalism, leading the editorial direction for Austin InSight. He is a winner of RTNDA and AP awards for investigative reporting and continuing coverage. He won an Emmy for his extensive reporting on the prosecution of the murderer of Mississippi civil rights leader Medgar Evers.

Jackie Ibarra

Multimedia Journalist

Jackie Ibarra is a multimedia journalist on the Decibel team. Before joining PBS, she worked in various audio production roles, including hosting a true-crime podcast and reporting radio features for Texas Standard and NPR's Next Generation Radio. She is a graduate of the University of Texas where she earned a bachelor's degree in journalism. While at UT, she also kickstarted social media campaigns for her journalism program and The Drag, and audio production house, where she increased audience engagement across various platforms.

Blair Waltman-Alexin

Senior Multimedia Journalist

Blair Waltman-Alexin is the editorial and content creation leader of Decibel, Austin PBS’ award-winning digital-first community journalism project. Since joining Austin PBS in 2014 she has covered everything from politics and education to bike clubs and the best fried Oreos. Her work on Decibel has earned her a first place award in visual storytelling from the Society for Features Journalism, as well as honors from the National Press Photographer Association, and others.

Alex Wolff

Director

Alex Wolff brings extensive television production and visual storytelling expertise to Austin PBS. During his more than five years at Austin PBS, he has produced content as a multimedia journalist for Decibel, supported the production of Austin City Limits, Overheard with Evan Smith, and Central Texas Gardener, and served as director and technical director for a variety of events. Most recently, he co-produced and co-directed the award-winning docuseries Taco Mafia. He previously was the Studio Operations Supervisor for TMZ in Los Angeles.

Austin InSight In the News

Austin PBS launches Austin InSight, weekly news and feature program

October 28, 2024