Bob Cole and Eric Raines will host mornings at Austin’s 95.9 Texas Country KKMJ-HD3 from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. after leaving 99.3 KOKE-FM when the station went online only in early June 2024.
Cole and Raines debut June 24, with Deena Blake handling middays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Raines returns as afternoon drive host from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
“Bob, Eric and Deena are homegrown talents that have connected with listeners beyond the state of Texas by capturing the true essence of Country: authenticity,” said Nikki Nite, Vice President Programming and Operations, Audacy Austin. “This is a robust lineup that will easily bond with Austin through their commitment to the city and its culture. We are eager to begin this chapter at Austin’s 95.9 Texas Country with this charming trio!”
“I’ve been a proud ‘local radio guy’ my entire life. Audacy has gifted me the ability to continue my long-standing relationship with listeners in Austin and serve my community on another level,” said Cole. “Thank you to Doug Abernethy, Nikki Nite and Tim Roberts for their leadership and support.”
During his 30-year radio career in Austin, Cole recreated and launched KOKE-FM. He has received numerous recognitions, including being inducted into the Country Music Radio Hall of Fame in 2003 and the Texas Radio Hall of Fame in 2008. He also voices the University of Texas Longhorn football and baseball games, plus the Longhorn Band.
“Thank you, Audacy, for the opportunity to do what I love most – get on the air and champion music from this scene,” said Raines. “I look forward to fueling the shared passion my listeners and I have for this format on Austin’s 95.9 Texas Country and building up the community we’ve already established. It’s going to be one great ride together!”
With three decades of experience in Austin radio, Raines has earned five Texas Regional Radio Air Personality of the Year awards. His experiences as a drummer for notable bands, including Ty England, Rick Trevino, Charlie Daniels, and Sons of the Desert, helped cultivate his passion for radio.
“I’m thrilled to continue my radio journey and join the team at Austin’s 95.9 Texas Country, a brand new station that shares my love of Texas and Classic Country,” said Blake. “Here’s to making memories, great music and a new home!”
Blake, a Texas native, began her interest in radio with her first on-air position while still in high school. This led her to Austin’s airwaves while attending the University of Texas. Since then, she has traveled across the US, working at top Country music stations in Nashville, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Dallas.
Owner Audacy says additional on-air staff and programming updates will be available in the coming weeks.
Austin’s 95.9 Texas Country debuted May 24, 2024, at 12:00pm.
