KWTX reporter Madison Herber steps away from news for motherhood

KWTX reporter Madison Herber steps away from news for motherhood

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From Central Texas Newsroom to Full-Time Motherhood

After four years covering deadly tornadoes, military deployments, and local accountability investigations for Central Texas viewers, KWTX News 10 reporter Madison Herber is stepping away from television news to become a full-time mother.

Herber announced her departure following a 12-week maternity leave that began after the birth of her son on August 4. In a statement shared on social media, she reflected on the abrupt shift in perspective that comes with parenthood.

“With a lot of thought and prayer, I have decided to stay home with my boy,” Herber wrote. “Time is already moving so fast and I don’t want to miss any moments with him.”

A Broadcast Career Rooted Across Texas

While acknowledging the decision is bittersweet, the East Texas native described her time in broadcast journalism as a calling that ultimately evolved. “This job has been a ministry for me,” she noted. “Now, my ministry is motherhood.” Her last published story for the station appeared on July 30.

Herber’s career in local news spans multiple Texas markets and grueling schedules. While studying multimedia journalism at the University of Texas at Tyler, she began her journey in the industry at KETK in Tyler, working behind the scenes as a camera and teleprompter operator before stepping into a production assistant role in August 2019. She subsequently worked as an editor, weekday reporter, and weekend producer.

Emmy-Winning Coverage and Community Investigations

Among her career milestones was helping co-produce a seven-hour continuous newscast during the historic February 2021 winter freeze, coverage that earned KETK a Lone Star Emmy. After moving to KWTX, her reporting tackled high-stakes community issues, including a year-long investigation helping families secure full refunds after paying a cemetery for unfulfilled gravestones.

Beyond breaking news and investigative pieces, Herber frequently covered community relief efforts, highlighting Central Texas viewers who raised money for fire victims, medical emergencies, and organ transplant patients. She also pointed to the millions raised through KWTX’s annual Food for Families fundraiser as a personal career highlight.

Honors and Deep Roots in Central Texas

In June, the Temple Independent School District nominated her for the 2026 Media Honor Roll, a Texas Association of School Boards program recognizing fair and balanced reporting on public education.

Despite leaving the newsroom, Herber confirmed she remains rooted in the region.

“From being behind the scenes to on your screen, I have always felt grateful to serve as a vessel for hope, healing and the truth,” she wrote.

“Central Texas is my home now and my husband and I love the community we’ve built here with our church and our friends.”

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