“We all turn to the news to stay informed, but it’s nice to have a source to turn to to feel inspired. ATX Good News is filling a much-needed and much-wanted void. Thank you, Judy and Leslie!”
CARLA LUNA SMITH
ATX GOOD NEWS FOLLOWER
“Social media platforms can be filled with distressing news and heartbreaking stories. Texas Pets Alive! is grateful that ATX Good News broadcasts uplifting profiles of Texas pets and the people who love them.”
SUZIE CHASE
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS OFFICER
TEXAS PETS ALIVE!
“For two years, ATX Good News has helped our Pay it Forward 9/11 charity by promoting our event. The attention increased participation across Central Texas, spreading a ripple effect of good deeds for strangers.”
KEVIN TUERFF
FOUNDER
PAY IT FORWARD 9-11 INC.
The ATX Good News Team
Judy is an Emmy Award-winning journalist who has established her brand based on trust, accuracy and public service. Her work in Austin spans 40 years
Judy’s Perfect Day in Austin
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Tacos for breakfast
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A walk around Lady Bird Lake
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Tacos for lunch
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A swim in Barton Springs
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Tacos for dinner
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Live music at the Saxon Pub or the Continental Club
Judy Maggio
Leslie is a storyteller, communicator and advocate of good news. Her award-winning television news career spanned more than 23 years in Washington, D.C.,
Leslie Rhode
Leslie’s Perfect Day in Austin
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Morning coffee in a special cup
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Quiet time by myself
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A walk in my neighborhood
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A drive in the Texas Hill Country
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Family dinner at a new restaurant
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A good book at bedtime
and she has earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues and the community.
She served as editorial director at Austin PBS, KLRU-TV from 2016 to 2020, where she directed, hosted and produced Decibel, a documentary-style news program. She also hosted ATX Together, a public affairs program on timely, local issues.
Prior to her work at PBS, Judy served as managing editor and co-anchored the weeknight newscasts at both KVUE-TV (1981–2003) and CBS Austin (2003–14).
Judy’s many accolades include the Liz Carpenter Lifetime Achievement Award from Women Communicators of Austin and the Trailblazer Award from the Alliance for Women in Media.
In 2021, Judy co-founded ATX Good News, a media company sharing positive, uplifting stories about Central Texas. She also runs Judy Maggio Media, her communications business offering her services as a writer, producer, moderator and on-camera talent.
Arkansas and Texas. She is co-founder of ATX Good News, a media company sharing uplifting, positive community stories.
Through her communication consulting business, Leslie Rhode Stories, she helps purpose-driven businesses, nonprofits and individuals refine their stories and tell
them in a way that makes an impact.
Leslie was an anchor and
reporter in Washington, D.C., for five years at WJLA-TV. She worked two stints at KXAN-TV in Austin for a total of 13 years. She has always been passionate about community involvement.
Leslie currently serves on the state advisory board of the Texas Advocacy Project, which provides free legal services for victims of domestic violence, and sings with her church worship band. She was a Community Ambassador for the Dripping Springs Independent School District. She lives in Austin with her husband, two teenagers and two hound dogs, Luke and Leia.
Media Coverage of ATX Good News
AXIOS Austin:
KXAN-TV (NBC) Austin:
“Former Austin News Anchors Start New Project Focused on Telling Positive Stories”
We Have an ATX Good News Theme Song!
Singer/songwriter Sara Hickman penned a tune just for us. Listen and sing along!
