Houston Radio Platinum is now Classic Hits

This morning (7-6-2020) Houston Radio Platinum made the big switch from Soft Rock to Classic Hits!

Now you will hear your favorites from Paul McCartney, Bee Gees, Sheryl Crow, Fleetwood Mac, Chicago, The Eagles, Earth, Wind & Fire, Nelly Furtato, Train, Tina Turner, Journey, Lionel Richie, Bryan Adams, Smash Mouth, Maroon 5, Neil Diamond, ELO, Doobie Brothers, The Temptations, James Taylor, Carly Simon, Abba, Matchbox 20, Huey Lewis & The News, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Janet Jackson, John Mellencamp, The Carpenters, The Culture Club, Air Supply, Linda Ronstadt, Barry White, Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and MORE!

Houston Radio Platinum Owner/Operator Joey Kovacik said "The playlist will span from the 1960s to 2000s with bonafide hits from every music genre! We're very excited about the change!"
Yes, Houston Radio Platinum will brighten your day with some TIMELESS music!

Houston Radio Platinum features "The Jimbo Show" mornings from 5am to 10am.

Hosted by Houston Radio Veteran Jim "Jimbo" Kovacik (KBXX, KFMK, WPHI), "The Jimbo Show" is all about making listeners laugh, having a good time and playing the best songs available.

The Jimbo Show is loaded with his off-beat features, crazy characters, prank calls and his signature parody songs. Jimbo says his goal is "to provide listeners with the fun radio they grew up with…with a modern twist…Yeaahh!"

As for the rest of the schedule, join Gary Mac every weekday from 10am to 3pm.

In the afternoons, Joey & Barry handle your ride home from 3pm to 7pm.

The afternoon show is followed by 70's at 7 and 80's at 8. Then, it's "Love Songs with Donna" from 9pm to Midnight.

Throughout the day, specialty features include "Cooking With Chef Daniel," which features quick fix meal ideas, "Words of Inspiration" with Pastor Dale Young and "Reflections Of Houston" hosted by Texas Radio Hall of Fame member Johnny Goyen.

But that's not all!

Specialty shows on the weekend include Texas Hall of Fame member Andy Waldrop and his "Solid Gold Sunday Night," and The Saturday Night Block Party.

HOW TO LISTEN:
Stream us at: www.houstonradioplatinum.com

Alexa....download our skill from Amazon, and ask Alexa anytime to play us. You can search for us on the My Tuner Radio App! And make us your favorite.

(This post was taken from a press release sent to me by Houston Radio Platinum)

TNCRadio wants to be Houston's online driving online station

New Internet Radio Station Founded by “Dream Team” of Radio Personalities IT, Finance, and Radio Pros Combine to form new company


HOUSTON, TX, June 25, 2020 — TNCRadio.LIVE, announced today that some well-known radio personalities along with others have come together to help create a new Internet Radio and Mixed-media company focused on those who spend their day driving the streets of Houston.

TNCRadio.LIVE an Internet Radio station launching July 1, 2020, provides Houston TNC, delivery, repair service and other full-time drivers up-to-the-minute details they need to be safer, smarter, and more successful. They do this by providing accurate and timely traffic, weather, and emergency information along with driver-designed programming throughout the broadcast day.

Managing Partner, Tom Kelley said, “This team came together in a remarkable way. We have IT professionals, social media experts, and finance support all focused on the same goal. We are also
excited that several radio personalities have joined the team. As a mixed-media information distribution company, we hope to disrupt the Houston Internet Radio market in a way that is positive for our listeners and our advertisers.”

Kelley went on to discuss some of the on-air personalities who have joined the company as partners. Jim Kovacik, Vice President of Programming (formerly, ‘Jimbo,’ 97.9 The Box) has been a ratings leader in the Houston market for years. Author, on-air personality and mixed-media journalist, Shelley Johnson is the Vice President of Business Development. Additionally, Houstonians will recognize the strong and trusted voice of Vice President of Operations, Ron Samuels.

“Combined, that’s nearly 100 years of broadcast experience right there. It is a real ‘Dream Team’ of radio broadcasters moving into the new world of Internet Radio and mixed-media communications. As the market moves to an Internet based format, these radio greats have kept up with the times and made the move as well,” said Kelley.

Jim Kovacik, who also manages the station’s strategic business relationships, announced the new station has developed partnerships with a variety of companies. “We have teamed with WAZE to
power our Traffic Navigation Center. Plus, we are working closely with TranStar and other digital broadcasters to create a system that provides information and entertainment across multiple
formats focused on our core audience.”

Shelley Johnson said, “We are positioned to be a strong leader in the Houston Mixed-media advertising market. It is not like the old days at all. While our goal is to allow drivers to keep their
‘eyes on the road and their ears on us,’ much of our advertising and our information content is available on our app, videos, website, podcasts, and streaming. Our advantage is that we can bring
real-time information across multiple platforms while concentrating on the health and safety of our drivers. This brings a level of security that they have not had in the past. It also gives our
sponsors a place to deliver their message directly to those who need their goods and services.”

Known for his powerful voice on several San Francisco and Houston area radio stations, Ron Samuels is no stranger to the Houston market. When asked about why such a well-known radio
personality would jump into the world of Internet Radio at this point in his career, Samuels said, “My family keeps asking me when I plan to retire. I’m not sure that’s in my nature. These guys
have done their research and we are almost ready to launch. I am excited to be part of something that brings the power of Radio to the Digital age."

Our audience delivers people, car-parts, food, furniture and groceries. Others drive from site-to-site doing repairs, etc. It won’t be long before the professional drivers of Houston have a new
favorite radio station.”

TNCRadio.LIVE, scheduled to launch July 1, 2020, provides on-going weather, traffic, and emergency information to Houston area drivers. The station is privately owned.

TNCRadio.LIVE is a DBA of IMSICO, LLC, a Texas Company and can be accessed via Alexa, a number of Internet Radio Directories or by visiting the company website.

(This post was taken from a press release sent to me by TNCRadio)

TX Radio Hall of Famer on new Houston online station

Houston Radio Platinum started in May of 2019, and features the best soft rock of the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s offering listeners something different that they can’t get anywhere else.

The station launched its new morning show with Houston radio legend Johnny Goyen.

Goyen is no stranger to the Houston Radio Market spending time on KFMK, KRBE, KYOK, and KIKK in Houston.

Join Goyen from 6-10 AM, seven days a week on HoustonRadioPlatinum.com.

“We are thrilled to have Johnny as part of our team! He’s a perfect fit, and we look forward to what he has to offer our online station,” stated Joseph Kovacik, President of JPD Entertainment Services, LLC.

In November, Goyen will be inducted into the Texas Radio Hall Of Fame in Kilgore, TX.

Solid Gold Sunday

Every Sunday Night the online station features the best songs of the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s on “Solid Gold Sunday” with Andy Waldrop.

Waldrop is a familiar voice on Houston Radio having been heard on KSHN, KIKK, KSBJ, and helping you navigate the Houston freeways on traffic services throughout Houston.

“Andy’s show has such an awesome following of people…and it’s a perfect fit on our station,” added Kovacik.

Join Waldrop every Sunday night from 6-9 PM on HoustonRadioPlatinum.com.

Love Songs Every Night From 8-Midnight

The internet station offers its own love songs show! Every night from 8-Midnight, it plays your classic love songs from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s with Barry. Barry takes your requests and dedications.

How To Listen?

You can stream our station directly from our website at houstonradioplatinum.com, or download the radio.net app and search for Houston Radio Platinum.com.

(This post was taken from a release sent to me by Houston Radio Platinum)

Nakia Cooper joins CW39 NewsFix from KPRC 2

CW 39 KIAH NewsFix gets Click2Houston manager Nakia Cooper as newly created Digital Executive Producer and Content Manager

KPRC 2 senior web editor Nakia Cooper is heading up the Southwest Freeway and exiting Westpark to join KIAH CW 39's NewsFix as Digital Executive Producer and Content Manager.

"I started at KHOU as an intern at Great Day Houston, fought my way up to Senior Producer of Digital Media at KHOU.com and learned from the best," Cooper told mikemcguff.com. "I took that knowledge to the Click2Houston team at KPRC and was instrumental in helping to increase numbers across the digital board as Senior Web Editor.

"Now, I'm off to 'do my own thing' by managing the CW39.com team."

As someone who knows a little about TV stations and the digital world, let me tell you, 39's online presence will be a site to watch from now on under the guidance of Cooper. Not only that, but there is a bigger historical perspective with Cooper's new job.

"To my knowledge, I am the first African American woman to manage a Web Department at a Houston television news station and I'm very proud," Cooper added. "Not only that, I'm ready."

Outside of her TV work, Cooper also publishes NewsWithAttitude.com.

Rock 101 KLOL archives + more to launch on Radio Brave

Talk is Cheap. Finally. Doug Harris Launches Radio Brave Online

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 08, 2016
Stevens and Pruett 101 KLOL audio clips online + podcast

You heard it here first (well pretty much everything Houston media related is seen here before anyone else has it), but this time, I'll be the first to tell you about a new project from former Rock 101 KLOL visionaries.

Former KLOL promotions director/marketing genius Doug Harris and KLOL creator Pat Fant have teamed up again to launch Radio Brave this week. You can read more about it in the release below.

KLOL fans take note, Harris and Fant are looking back on the legendary station plus playing old clips on The Runaway Radio Hour: The Story and Glory of KLOL which will be exclusive to RadioBrave.com.

Since I'm working on a documentary about KLOL, I will host the first edition of the show where I will be interviewing the names you know and love from the former Texas Rock N' Roll Authority. Watch out for that soon.

By the way, this past weekend I showed an early Rock 101 KLOL documentary trailer cut to a bunch of the station's former staff and they seemed to like it!

Watching a cut of my 101 #KLOL documentary trailer at a KLOL reunion this weekend! #101klol

A photo posted by mike mcguff (@mikemcguff) on Apr 30, 2016 at 2:04pm PDT

Here is the release:

Music and Talk Platform Offers Accessibility, Affordability to Specialty Broadcasters

HOUSTON, TX—May 2, 2016-- Broadcast industry veteran Doug Harris will introduce Radio Brave to digital audiences on May 4, 2016, with an invitation to responsible parties with something interesting to say—and a checkbook-- to jump on board. Calling on the expertise of his former KLOL and KTBZ colleagues Pat Fant and Cruze through their Houston-based RFC Media, Harris will offer an appealing mix of music and lifestyle-related talk accessible worldwide on RadioBrave.com and TuneIn.

“Across the country, the weekend lineup of countless AMs, and an appreciable number of FMs, is filled with content from experts and entrepreneurs who are paying for that time,” observes Harris. “Radio Brave will offer business category exclusivity, multiple fixed-position listening episodes throughout the week, and an hour of music between shows. That means no back-to- back messages on the same station from people who are unquestionably competitors.”

A further delineation for Radio Brave will be the absence of infomercials, extended non-English language programming, and overtly political content.

“It’s likely that people will tune-in for a specific show,” Harris explains, “then stick around to discover additional favorites. Our ‘Mind+Music’ descriptor says it all.”

The list of specialty broadcasters who will be on board for Radio Brave’s first day include:
*The Houston Film Critics Society’s production of The Critics Circle
*Joyride, with the Metaphysical Moms Tiffanie Williams and Kerry Walker
*Energy Recon, with energy analyst Alan Lammey
*Culinary Adventure, hosted by food and wine expert John Demers

In the coming weeks, Radio Brave will welcome Big Ideas for Small Business, It’s All Greek to Me, and The Flower Power Hour.

Also in the works is a special treat for fans of Houston’s legendary AOR KLOL-FM, where Fant and Harris first collaborated. Its working title is The Runaway Radio Hour: The Story and Glory of KLOL.

“We’re taking hours and hours of archived audio from KLOL’s heyday, mixing it with current interviews with the folks who made it happen, and turning it into a one hour weekly show,” explains Fant. “This is catnip to Houstonians who haven’t heard Stevens
and Pruett on the radio for over a decade. There are so many stories to be told and fortunately the statute of limitations on most of these offenses has run out.”

Rock programing specialist Bobby “Slam” Duncan will serve as Radio Brave’s Operations Director, working with RFC’s Cruze to curate a music mix that is lively and adventurous but still welcoming and palatable to an audience that will be largely adult and gender balanced.

Duncan offers an intriguing description of Radio Brave’s playlist. “We’ve identified a deep list of songs that are as ‘foreground’ as the non-music content they will bookend. How do we keep people on board until the next show? Give them music they love and some they would love if only they’d heard it. Decidedly familiar, but with a little taste of something new every once in a while. This is as big a challenge as I have ever faced as a programmer.”

With regard to the non-music programming, Harris promises an open door for content providers who respect the demands of the medium and its power to entertain, inform, and influence people.

“This is not a place for angry fist-shakers, those who fleece hard-working Americans, deluded zealots, or hatemongers,” explains Harris. “We’re going to provide intelligent, satisfying content, have some fun, and make some money. Just like the old days.”

For additional information on Radio Brave, contact Bobby “Slam” Duncan at Slam@RadioBrave.com or (901) 825-0731.

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 08, 2016
Stevens and Pruett 101 KLOL audio clips online + podcast

You can report for FOX 26 KRIV and other FOX TV stations with app

Fresco app sends users $50 for videos and $20 for photos chosen to be used on-air by FOX 26 KRIV and other FOX O&O stations

Fresco News and FOX Television Stations have announced today a partnership that will deploy Fresco’s Newsroom Tool Suite to FOX-owned stations in New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Austin, Atlanta, Houston, Phoenix, Tampa, Charlotte and Orlando. This is the first partnership of its kind for Fresco and FOX Television Stations.

“We’ve been trying to do this the right way for years, but all that was missing were some ambitious 20-somethings and a simple app,” said FOX Television Stations SVP News Operations, Sharri Berg.

Fresco is an app that connects people on the street to TV newsrooms. Available for iOS, app users receive location-based assignments from local or national newsrooms. They can submit photos or videos, which are then immediately vetted and curated by Fresco’s 24/7 content team, and put directly into the hands of producers at local FOX Television stations. Users receive $50 for videos and $20 for photos chosen to be used on-air. In February, Fresco launched a test run with the FOX-owned station in Philadelphia, FOX 29.

“We built Fresco to harness the real power of citizen journalism,” said Fresco CEO John Meyer. “As news consumers, we’re often only given one particular angle to a story because there’s usually only one camera or one reporter on the scene. But with Fresco, there can be multiple witnesses who are recording their own perspective, which adds a new dimension to how stories are presented.”

About Fresco News

By providing a citizen-driven platform for breaking news content, Fresco News aims to empower everyone to be their own reporter and increase the transparency of global events. The company was founded in 2014 by John H. Meyer, a 2015 Thiel Fellow. Web: www.fresconews.com | Twitter: @fresconews | Facebook: www.facebook.com/fresconews

About FOX Television Stations

FOX Television Stations is one of the nation's largest owned-and-operated network broadcast groups, comprising 28 stations in 17 markets and covering over 37% of U.S. television homes. This includes seven duopolies in the top 10 markets: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and Houston; as well as duopolies in Minneapolis, Phoenix, Orlando and Charlotte.

(This post taken from a press release)

Sharron Melton goes digital

Former KTRK abc13 morning anchor Sharron Melton gets new website


As you saw yesterday in my top 10 mikemcguff.com posts ever piece, Sharron Melton made the top spot. So, from now on, if the former KTRK abc13 morning anchor so much as sneezes, I'm writing about her! You demand it!

Actually Melton does have news this week in the form of a new website.

At the site, you can see some of the big-time celebs Melton has interviewed over the years, her volunteer work and a sample of her anchoring.

What might excite Melton-ites (I think I will start using this term regularly) the most is her beauty pageant page. You're used to seeing Sharron Melton the TV anchor, but wait till you see Sharron Melton aka Miss New Mexico in 1993.

And before you ask, no, I don't know anything about her return to television news.

sharronmelton.com

RELATED
- Sharron Melton's future after KTRK abc13: We have a clue
- Sharron Melton exits KTRK abc13
- Why is Sharron Melton a KTRK abc13 'field anchor' now?

(Thanks Robin)

When a movie stinks, you’ll smell it on Third Rock Radio with Jr. Mintz

Former 101 KLOL partners Doug Harris and Pat Fant Reconnect on Third Rock Radio

Doug Harris aka Jr. Mintz

Third Rock Radio, the digital rock station created for NASA by Houston-based RFC Media, has become the newest outlet for movie reviews by Jr. Mintz, written and voiced by broadcast industry veteran Doug Harris.

Harris, the award-winning promotions director turned marketing consultant, first used the Jr. Mintz moniker in 1983 at legendary AOR KLOL-FM at the suggestion of then GM and fellow Texas Radio Hall of Famer, Patrick Fant (now C.O.O of RFC Media.) Since that time, Jr. Mintz reviews have aired on The Buzz, The Arrow, The New 93Q, The Eagle, and News 92 FM in Houston as well as a multi-year run on the Connecticut Radio Network.

Fant, who formed RFC Media with veteran programmer Cruze in 2009, recently suggested the new collaboration, which the men launched with uncharacteristic restraint over Labor Day weekend.

"Junior’s going global," notes Fant, "and Third Rock listeners should fasten their seat-belts."

Third Rock Radio’s listening episodes surpassed 1.5 million in the month of August from music lovers and space enthusiasts across the USA and in dozens of countries worldwide.

Pat Fant

For a 12 year period spanning the 80’s and the 90’s, Harris and Fant, in tandem with some of the industry’s biggest rock radio personalities and a string of exalted PD’s, generated headlines, ratings, and record revenues for KLOL, the family-owned FM rocker in Houston.

Harris, who has worked with Fant on a number of projects since their time at KLOL, says he’s looking forward to connecting with his creative partner again.

"We’re just a couple of unapologetic radio fans," admits Harris, "and we’re on the lookout for the next big thing. Pat’s found it. His vision to commercialize internet radio is bold, which is the only way he knows how to do things. I’m just glad to get a seat on the train. And as long as Adam Sandler insists on making films, I’ll have plenty to talk about."

Follow Doug @JrMintzMovies. Hear Third Rock Radio at www.ThirdRockRadio.com.

RELATED
- Rock 101 KLOL back on air?
- NASA.gov gets alternative online radio through RFC Media

(This post was taken from a press release sent to me by Noisemaker Communications. Both Fant and Harris will be featured in my upcoming Rock 101 Documentary.)

Chris X to fill-in for Matt Patrick on 740 KTRH

Chris X (Chris Blayney in real life) has hosted shows on 650 KIKK and AM 1070 "The Answer" KNTH

Chris "X" Blayney

Chris X (Chris Blayney in real life) has hosted shows on 650 KIKK and AM 1070 "The Answer" KNTH. Now this week, he's filling in for Matt Patrick on 740 KTRH's Morning News (5-8am).

"I'll be filling in next Thursday and Friday, so I'm looking forward to the opportunity," Blayney told mikemcguff.com. "I'll bring filling in for a week in June as well."

When not doing fill in on the mighty KTRH, Blayney can be found on Raging Elephants Radio weekdays 9 to 10am.

"Since Raging Elephants Radio has really shaken up the political climate in Austin, I welcomed the opportunity to step in and have an impact as well," Blayney said. "I have a lot of freedom with my program, so I'm really enjoying being back on the airwaves. Raging Elephants Radio is Texas-centric, so we focus mainly on issues that affect us as Texans."

RELATED
- Houston-based syndicated radio host Chris X gets local weeknight show
- Houston-based national radio show Chris X's Chris Blayney talks with Mike McGuff

KUHT, KUHF and KUHA launch new Houston Public Media website

Houston Public Media (KUHT Channel 8, News 88.7 KUHF and Classical 91.7 KUHA) debuts new brand, launches new website that integrates news, arts and educational content of its multi-media platform

As I reported last year, KUHT Channel 8, News 88.7 KUHF and Classical 91.7 KUHA are coming together under the Houston Public Media umbrella and even more so this weekend. Saturday, marks the debut of the new houstonpublicmedia.org website which will serve as the online home for all three stations plus a new branding initiative.

"Houston Public Media has such a rich history in our community and we are thankful for the accomplishments of so many who have brought us here as we look forward with excitement to the destination ahead," Lisa Trapani Shumate, executive director and general manager of Houston Public Media, told mikemcguff.com. "We are more committed than ever to be a place where people can explore, discover, learn and be inspired through the content we offer."

The new website puts PBS, NPR and classical programming under one roof with the station promising related information by content. Built with tablets, phones and other devices in mind, the site is responsive to adjust to whichever platform you're using at the moment. It also features top on-air content, links to favorite shows, broadcast/events calendars and additional facts/features that take users beyond the broadcast. The new site will also incorporate audio/video clips, streaming audio plus live social media feeds.

The updated branding features a new logo inspired by the vapor trail of a jet or rocket in red with the tagline "go beyond the ordinary."

Back in the broadcasting part of its world, Houston Public Media is continuing to ramp up local production efforts with shows like “Houston Matters,” “Engines of Our Ingenuity,” “Texas Originals,” “Manor of Speaking,” “Red, White and Blue,” “Arts InSight,” “Music in the Making,” “Music from the Movies,” “Houston Public Media Spelling Bee” and Houston Symphony broadcasts.

The non-profit media organization launches the new site and branding to coincide with a KUHT 8 on-air membership campaign which ends March 16. Here's something I didn't know, Houston Public Media reaches a combined weekly audience of more than 1.5 million across 19 Texas counties, with funding by the support of 55,000 members, sponsors and underwriters.

Comcast SportsNet Houston (CSN) to stream High School Sports Central

Comcast SportsNet Houston to Stream Friday Night High School Football Recap Show - High School Sports Central: Scoreboard is CSN's First Show to Be Streamed Live

Comcast SportsNet Houston (CSN), a partnership between the Houston Astros, Houston Rockets and the NBC Sports Group, today announced that it will stream its Friday night high school football recap show live online via www.csnhouston.com.

High School Sports Central: Scoreboard, presented by Memorial Hermann, airs live Fridays at 11:30 p.m. and wraps up the night's football action with comprehensive coverage including highlights and recaps. CSN's Leila Rahimi, Tiffany Blackmon, Sebastian Salazar and Bill Doleman host from the CSN studios in Downtown Houston. Howard Chen and John Kelly will report from select games, and CSN will have cameras and correspondents at key games across the region.

This is the first live show CSN will offer via online streaming.

CSN is available in both standard and high definition to all local cable, satellite and telco TV providers. For channel locations, visit www.csnhouston.com/channel-finder.

(This post taken from a release sent to me by Comcast SportsNet Houston)

KHOU launches EP Mike O'Neill movie review segment

KHOU.com is doing something interesting. It has given KHOU executive producer Mike O'Neill a movie review segment called Movie Minute with MikeO.

O'Neill's first review...Iron Man 3. I still need to see the second one. If you know Mike, he's a movie buff, so this is perfect for him. Now this is no normal review. Mike throws comedy and magic in. I never saw Siskel & Ebert do that (RIP)!

UPDATE:
Anytime I see a segment about movies, I automatically think review, but Mike adds in the comments this is more of a preview...with magic tricks mixed in maybe.

Texas alcoholic drink database reveals what's in beverages

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) says with the strong Texas economy, guess who wants to come here? Drinks. Alcoholic drink makers want to pour their products in our state and get your money. In fact the commission says Texas is poised to become the number one state for consumption of alcoholic beverages in the country. Sip on that.

So the TABC has just unveiled an online database that lets any wannabe Norm Peterson know which alcoholic beverage products are legal in Texas and the alcohol content inside.

TABC's Label Approval Database, https://label.tabc.state.tx.us/, includes all alcoholic beverages that have had labels approved since 2005. Consumers can search the database by permit number, brand name, trade (manufacturer) name, type of product, approval date, or percent alcohol by volume. Each record includes all of this information plus an image of the approved label.

"Some single malt beverage containers can be as much as 23.5 ounces at 12 percent alcohol by volume, which is the equivalent of almost five beers," explained TABC Assistant Administrator Sherry Cook. "It is important for responsible consumers to have the opportunity to educate themselves about what they are drinking, and for parents to understand what their children may be drinking."

The TABC says alcoholic beverage makers are seeking approval for the sale of products in Texas in historically high numbers. There has been a 58% increase in the number of product applications submitted as compared to the same time period last year. The agency says a portion of this spike can be attributed to a December 2011 court ruling that stated TABC will no longer require brewers to designate high or low alcohol content on labels using specific words like "beer" and "ale."

https://label.tabc.state.tx.us/

Help Mike McGuff win money for children's charity

All you have to do is go vote on Reliant Energy's Facebook page and I get $2,500 for non-profit Home Run Hitters International:

VOTE HERE

Monday afternoon I participated in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Reliant Rodeo Round-Up. Basically it is a media related challenge event where non-profits were the real winners thanks to Reliant Energy's generosity with its checkbook.

I was up against such media heavy hitters as KTRK 13's Casey Curry, Fox 26 KRIV's Melissa Wilson (Sic 'em Bears), KPRC 2's Randy McIlvoy, Maria Todd, Joey Guerra/Joy Sewing of the Houston Chronicle...etc.

Teams competed the following events:
Hats in a Row – tossing bean bags into cowboy hats at various distances
Name that Tune - listening to portions of popular country music songs and being the first to “buzz in” and correctly name the tune
Finish the Lyrics – singing the rest of the lyrics to popular country music songs after a clip of the song is played
Needle in a Haystack – scouring through a stack of hay (yes, it’s real hay) to find as many rodeo items as you can in 60 seconds

I played for Home Run Hitters International (video I made for the nonprofit embedded above) with my challenge partner Christina Baker. Just by being there, we got the nonprofit $500 from Reliant, but now is your chance to help us win the online Hard Luck Prize. As you might imagine, my alternative college radio DJing did not prepare me for the Name that Tune or Finish the Lyrics events for the win.

All you have to do is go vote on Reliant Energy's Facebook page and I get $2,500 for Home Run Hitters International:

VOTE HERE

Looks like you can vote once a day. And make sure to spread the word!

NASA.gov gets alternative online radio through RFC Media

In 2010, I told you how Pat Fant, the man who signed on Rock 101 KLOL and 94.5 The Buzz KTBZ among others, was moving into the world of Internet streaming radio. That year he signed on HISD's K12 Radio.

Now Fant is back with an online radio station that reaches for the stars. Yeah, that was a cliche for saying he is working with NASA.

NASA has always stood for exploring the new and undiscovered. That now applies to music too.

The NASA mission of discovery and exploration is about to be showcased in a custom produced music radio station that is crafted specifically to speak the language of tech-savvy young adults. Third Rock: America’s Space Station, is set to lift off with a New Rock/Indi/Alternative format on Monday, December 12 from the home page of nasa.gov, while also streaming live over NASA iPhone and Droid applications.

Discovery powers the work of NASA. It’s also what drives music lovers to the Internet in search of works by new recording artists not generally represented on terrestrial radio. Music is a powerful lure. So, to connect and build a bridge with the hard-to-reach generation, NASA is taking its blend of art and science to where the largest audience can be found.

NASA has selected Houston-based RFC Media to launch Third Rock. Programming is designed to showcase the continuing work of NASA in a fresh new context that is tuned to connect with the marketing-resistant crowd. Pat Fant, RFC Media Co-Founder and COO said, “Today’s 4G audience craves new music and enjoys finding it. We’ve done the digging and pulled out the best songs and the deepest tracks from a full spectrum of rock artists across many styles and decades. NASA features and news items are embedded throughout the programming alongside greetings by celebrity artists. This is the full body of work, unpredictable and full of surprise, without the customary mind-numbing repetition. And, computers don’t pick the music. People do.”

Cruze, RFC Media Co-Founder and President added, “No one knows more about discovering new rock than NASA! If you were a cool new song, where would you want to live? The explosion in talented new writers and musicians is more than traditional radio can digest. The exciting new music is being discovered online through specialty sites like Third Rock, where listeners will hear about great new artists way before their friends hear of them.”

And while discovery is great, opportunity is everything. NASA places a high value on education, and since “you can’t rock if you don’t work,” Third Rock will also help partner companies fill high-tech job openings in engineering, science, IT, etc. The Third Rock job connection feature will link the brightest and best to the marketplace of high-paying job opportunities.

It’s music discovery at the speed of light. Look for Third Rock in on-line radio listings such as the Radio tab of Apple’s iTunes. NASA will utilize a wide array of social media resources to help spread the word about Third Rock. Third Rock is another leap forward in NASA’s use of award winning digital outreach and social media.
# # #

NASA is the world’s leading authority in GO FAST!

Houston-based RFC Media, LLC, designs, produces and executes private label radio stations for business, streaming custom content live online and across the mobile broadband networks. Our firm brings a rich history of broadcast management, programming and media marketing to private enterprise in the development of on-demand media.

RELATED
- Houston rock radio pioneer dumps FM for Web broadcasting - mikemcguff.com exclusive
- HISD's and RFC Media's K12 Radio launches

Houston City Hall campaigns for KPRC 2's Mary Benton

Tweets started going out from Houston City Hall staffers Wednesday morning promoting a new campaign. This was not a campaign about getting out the vote for Saturday's runoff elections or a new city council proposal, it was to get some TV coverage:

jessicamichan Jessica Michan
Starting a #Twitter campaign for @KPRCLocal2 to send @MaryBenton to cover City Hall. We need her here! She gets it!! #Mary2CityHall

That's right, there is even a Twitter hashtag for the campaign - #Mary2CityHall.

Michan later explained over Twitter that KPRC 2 sends out photographers to cover city hall, but the staff would also like a reporter there more often to explain the sometimes complex issues in a full report. While Benton covers politics, she also covers lots of other stories in the Houston-area, and is not always assigned city hall happenings. (I am in no way insinuating that KPRC does not cover city hall by the way because it does).

Now for journalist types in other markets reading this I know what you are thinking...but Mary Benton is no press release/regurgitate the mayor's message type of reporter. She's been covering politics through most of her career according to her bio and I have seen her do it fairly.

To be fair, the other Houston stations also cover Mayor Annise Parker. Some even have what could be considered city hall beat reporters.

Personally, I think it's interesting how the mayor's staff is reaching out to the media for more coverage. One more example of how social media is changing everything.

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What your email says about your politics

Poll Position sent me a release on how it found Google tops Yahoo by a 23% - 20% margin as best e-mail provider according to one of its latest surveys. It also found there is a partisan divide when it comes to choosing the best e-mail service provider.

New poll results found that there is a partisan divide when it comes to the choosing the best e-mail service provider. Poll Position asked Americans which company they choose as the best e-mail service provider and Google topped Yahoo by a 23%-20% margin.

Even though AOL trailed the pack with 12% picking it as the best e-mail service provider, AOL’s e-mail was number one among Republicans with 20% picking it best. Google trailed closed behind among Republicans at 19%, with Yahoo at 16%.

Democrats frown on AOL’s e-mail service, with only 5% picking it best. Democrats picked Google over Yahoo by a 27%-25% margin.

Among independents, Google was tops at 23%, Yahoo at 20%, and AOL at 10%.

AOL’s e-mail service was rated best among 18-29 year olds, with 32% picking it versus 10% for Google and 18% for Yahoo. Google did best among 20-44 year olds (37%), while Yahoo was best among 45-64 year olds (27%).

See a breakdown of survey participants by age, race, gender, and political affiliation in crosstabs for this poll at http://media.pollposition.com.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/Poll-Position-crosstabs-best-email-provider.pdf.

Poll Position’s scientific telephone survey of 1,184 registered voters nationwide was conducted November 10, 2011 and has a margin of error of ±3%. Poll results are weighted to be a representative sampling of all American adults.

What do you think? Which e-mail provider do you consider to be the best? Vote in our online companion poll and comment at http://pollposition.com/2011/11/13/best-e-mail-service-provider/.

Interesting. Now tell me if there is an email provider that says if you are a member of the 99% or the 1%. I guess an address that ends in occupy.org might be a clue. Fun aside, there is a real occupy.org, but it is just a standard WordPress install site.

Houston TV station broadcasting live through app

Back in the early 2000s, I believe all three of the top Houston TV stations were live streaming at least one newscast to the Internet through Broadcast.com. Then it all ended.

Technology wasn't the reason for the end as much as usage rights issues. Seems commercial actors wanted to be paid for appearing online. Until the means to black out commercials for live broadcasts was figured out, live streaming newscasts was on hiatus.

Now it seems the trend is making a comeback. The most recent Houston station to start the live stream is KHOU 11. Even more noteworthy, the Belo station is live streaming its newscasts through its main station app (available on iPhone and Android platforms). I am unaware of another station doing that at this point.

The difference between the two platforms is you have to press play to start the video on the iOS version which then opens a new window.  On Android, you press play and the video starts in the app screen (pictured here).

For those who like the behind the scenes looks, if you watch the stream before a newscast starts, you might get a chance to see some promos and other stuff (the rest of the time the screen will be dark). I even got a chance to see Gene Norman and his Number tape the last Astrocast of the season (a weather segment that plays in Minute Maid Park during Astros games).  Based on the team's record, probably better I got to see the Astrocast for free at home versus paying for a ballgame ticket.

The station has also launched Facebook pages for its reporters recently and I have seen instances where you can watch a newscast live through those pages (currently I do not see that option available however). The station has something in common with Charlie Sheen, both use Ustream to broadcast to the Net. Maybe I can start dialing the KHOU Ustream account up on my Roku player and watch more promos and Astrocasts (next season that is) in between newscasts.

Great timing by the station, because I've had lots of Californians write in asking if they can watch former KABC anchor Lisa Hernandez when she debuts on KHOU in late October.

KHOU is not the only one sending live newscasts to a potential worldwide audience. KPRC 2 has been live streaming newscasts through its website for a few years now.

What your Facebook profile timeline will look like soon

Here is what your Facebook profile timeline will look like September 29. You'll be able to change the big photo up there. It is called a "Cover" photo. I can imagine people getting really artsy with it.

The timeline all the way back to the start of your account is on the right. This is how you can look at every single action you've ever done or posted on Facebook. Wow. Time to start deleting things for some!

Houston Chronicle's Chron.com suffers outage

I only mention this because it is a very rare event, but Monday night at 9pm I noticed the Houston Chronicle's website chron.com was offline. Not just the front page, but even individual articles.

Content director of chron.com, Dean Betz, told me the site was up again by 10pm Monday but could not offer me any more details.

Give the guy a break, he is out of town right now. I appreciate him getting back to me so quickly.

I could not find any mention of the outage on chron.com or the paper's Twitter/Facebook accounts. Readers will be ok as long as Style Profile is back.