Budget cuts have hit two Houston stations, one commercial, one non-commercial.
Both Paul Gallant and Joel Blank have left ESPN 97.5 and 92.5 Houston KFNC this week.
Gallant returned to Houston from Seattle, joining ESPN 97.5 on mid-days with then co-host Vanessa Richardson. In 2019, he left Houston to work mornings for 710 KIRO ESPN Seattle. Before that, he hosted “Gallant at Night” on SportsRadio 610 KILT, as well as the podcast "Gallant Says."
It’s been a fun 3.5 years. Thanks for hanging out with me on the radio. ✌🏼 pic.twitter.com/C42qdGxrY8
— Paul Gallant (@GallantSays) September 9, 2025
Blank, who previously served as the Houston Rockets' Director of Broadcasting/Radio and TV Announcer, joined KFNC in 2016. He joined co-host Jeremy Branham on “The Killer B’s” in 2021.
Here is what Blank posted on X:
"WHAT UP H-TOWN?! After 10 years at Gow Media/ESPN 97.5FM, yesterday was my last day with the station. Due to budget cuts, tough decisions had to be made, and now I pivot and move forward! I'll keep ya posted, but ride with me, wherever the road takes us next. I appreciate y'all!
It was a great run filled with incredible memories and fantastic people, especially YOU, the listeners, friends, and family who supported me. You made it fun and so fulfilling on a daily basis. For that and so much more, I say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.
Thanks for always riding with me and having my back. I appreciate it more than you know. Suspects and Hive you have been incredible.
Don't cry because it's over, smile because it actually happened. Free Agency awaits & I couldn't be more excited! I'm weighing a few options & would love to hear ideas from you. I SUSPECT there are some suggestions I've heard before, but I'd like your thoughts. Message or comment."
Breaking news! pic.twitter.com/RhF0O55irY
— Joel Blank (@PackManJoel) September 10, 2025
According to the new ESPN 97.5 schedule, The Rich Eisen Show in Gallant's 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm slot, and Joe George has joined Branham from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
After federal funding cuts on the non-commercial side of the radio dial, Houston Public Media announced it is "eliminating nine staff positions in an effort to cut costs."
More from the HPM story:
Six full-time employees were informed Tuesday that their positions are being eliminated, according to Joshua Adams, the associate vice president and general manager for Houston Public Media. He said three other vacant positions will not be filled as the news outlet tries to make up a projected $3.7 million budget deficit for fiscal year 2026.
"Today is a tough day, because we had to say goodbye to colleagues," Adams said. "And that hurts."
These cuts could affect News 88.7 KUHF and KUHT 8 as HPM involves both radio and TV.
Houston Public Media reports the full-time jobs cut were in creative services, business operations, and sound board operations. The non-profit broadcaster adds that it has continued to fill vacant positions in its newsroom.
