Hope Media Group is pleased to announce that Chris Pickett has joined 89.3 KSBJ as the station’s new Assistant Program Director and Music Director, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a deep passion for ministry through media.
Chris has a long and respected radio career in programming and on-air, with notable roles in Tucson, Las Vegas, and most recently Boise, Idaho, where he served as Director of Content for Townsquare Media. With a strong background in multi-market programming, talent development, and creating engaging on-air content, Chris is well-positioned to help lead KSBJ into its next season of impact. More than just a broadcasting professional, Chris also brings a sincere heart for God and a desire to use his gifts to inspire and uplift others.
"We’re thrilled to welcome Chris to the team," said Randy Fox, Program Director for KSBJ. "With many years of programming and on-air experience, he brings both a passion for music and God that will be a huge asset to not only KSBJ but Hope Media Group."
Chris expressed his excitement for this new chapter: “I would like to thank Joe Paulo, Tim Dukes, Randy Fox, Jeff Evans, Scott Herrold, and the entire team at Hope Media Group for the opportunity to live out my faith both at home and at work. My family and I can’t wait to get to Houston and be a part of KSBJ’s mission to love Jesus, serve others, and spread hope!”
(This post was taken from a release sent to me by Hope Media Group)
Hope Media Group (HMG) has revised its oversight of radio and digital efforts, appointing Scott Herrold as Chief of Content.
Herrold joined in January 2023 as Chief of Programming with responsibility for HMG’s radio brands: heritage Contemporary Christian music station KSBJ/Houston and its two national networks, WayFM and Vida Unida.
In his expanded role, Herrold will have continued oversight for programming in addition to creating and implementing content strategies across HMG’s radio, streaming, and digital brands. Ministry initiatives, including “World’s Biggest Small Group” and “God Listens: The Prayer App,” are also a growing and very significant aspect of content development.
“Scott understands the huge opportunity we have to create compelling content that transcends a singular platform. His leadership over all content is but another step forward for our ability to engage people to love Jesus, serve others, and spread Hope across our multiple brands,” said Joe Paulo, CEO of Hope Media Group.
Herrold added, “At its heart, our mission is about building relationships. There are so many ways to redefine what community and connection look like today. As we move forward, we have endless opportunities to create content that engages and inspires people who appreciate Christian music & conversation.”
(This post was taken from a release sent to me by HMG)
HOUSTON, TX (October 4, 2023) – Hope Media Group (HMG), the Houston-based ministry with multiple media brands including KSBJ, WayFM, and the Spanish-language radio network, Vida Unida, announced it will build its new headquarters in Valley Ranch, a
Signorelli mixed-use development in East Montgomery County, TX.
Joe Paulo, HMG’s CEO and President, explains, “Working with the team at The Signorelli Company has been very fruitful. Their vision for Valley Ranch matches our vision for the best location for our ministry headquarters for decades to come. This is an ideal environment for the kind of unique facility we are building. More than a simple office building, this is a media hub with state-of-the-art technology, studios with noise isolation, and modern collaborative spaces for our team to create hope-infused content that will encourage and inspire people here in Houston, across the US and throughout Latin America.”
Described as a premier community destination, Valley Ranch is a vibrant venue for shopping, dining, and entertainment located at the intersection of Grand Parkway and I-69 in New Caney, TX. Close to The Woodlands and just north of Kingwood, Valley Ranch offers a diverse collection of national and local retail and restaurant brands, making it the second most visited open air shopping center in the entire Houston market.
“We are delighted to welcome Hope Media Group to Valley Ranch and know they will add to the quality and vibrancy of this community,” said Ralph Ireland, Senior Vice President, Commercial and Residential Development, The Signorelli Company. “Their desire to locate their headquarters here further validates the strength of our super-regional location, the business-friendly climate of Montgomery County, and our progress toward making Valley Ranch the next great mixed-use commercial center of Greater Houston.”
Gensler is the architect for the facility and the general construction contractor is Tellepsen, both located in Houston. Construction is scheduled to start by the end of the year.
HOUSTON (February 13, 2023) – Dedicated Community Service. For the third year in a row, 89.3 KSBJ is honored to recognize members of our community who have gone above and beyond to show the spirit of generosity and service to those in need within our communities throughout the greater Houston area and beyond.
One award winner was selected from each of the following categories: Individual, Non-profit and Business. 89.3KSBJ honored the award recipients with a reception and concert at Houston’s Bell Tower on 34th Street.
The Individual Award recipient was Kyle Buthod, known as an innovator, entrepreneur, and community builder. Following his career in the oil industry, Kyle leveraged his faith, skills and passion to participate in humanitarian efforts in Houston and throughout his travels to 38 countries in the last 15 years. Some of Kyle’s greatest contributions can be seen in his diversified portfolio of thriving business ventures, including Citizens Truck, a mobile coffee shop that provides financial assistance and support to various non-profit organizations.
The Non-profit Award recipient was Bethel’s Heavenly Hands. Since 1994, this ministry has been a beacon of light in Southwest Houston. Bethel’s Heavenly Hands meets the spiritual and practical needs of residents of the community and far beyond regardless of their zip code. What started as a small food pantry has grown into one of the largest pantries in Houston. In addition to food, they provide clothing, job training and other practical services. Pastor James Lee, Executive Director for Bethel’s Heavenly Hands graciously accepted the award on behalf of Bethel’s Heavenly Hands, a ministry of the Church at Bethel’s Family, Pastor Walter August.
The Business Award recipient was All Star A/C and Heating Services which saw an innovative way to bring laughter and a smile to children who are terminally ill with cancer. Founder Ed Newby’s inspiration came from wanting to do something for a personal friend’s child battling cancer. With the creative use of All Star A/C and Heating equipment, Operation Snowstorm was born with the mantra to “make it snow on childhood cancer.” They have dumped 10K lbs. of snow for parties at the homes of nearly 70 children and their families.
“KSBJ loves the people across our communities,” shares KSBJ President & CEO, Joe Paulo. “There are so many individuals and organizations tirelessly working to make Houston an even better place to live and raise a family. Certainly, this year’s winners exemplify servant-heartedness and embodies our mission to “love Jesus, serve others and spread hope.”
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2022 KSBJ Community Impact Awards!
(This post taken from a release sent to me by KSBJ)
Hope Media Group (HMG) has announced Scott Herrold as its new Chief of Programming, effective Monday, January 9th. He replaces Ron Harrell, who exits.
Herrold joins HMG after serving as program director and morning show host for SOS Radio Network the last 15 years where he was chosen as one of “Radio’s 10 Best Program Directors” by Radio Ink. Under his leadership, SOS Radio was named Christian Music Broadcasters’ “Station of the Year” in 2016 and 2020 and earned community service awards from both CMB and the Gospel Music Association for inventive service projects with numerous charities.
“A heart for ministry, creative community involvement, and stellar Nielsen results in Vegas and beyond made Scott a finalist for this position before we even called him. We are thrilled to have him lead our radio programmers, Randy Fox/KSBJ, Steve Shore/WayFM, Sadiel Castro/Vida Unida, and the Creative Audio Team under Sterling Tarrant so we can engage more people to love Jesus in the decades to come,” shares Tim Dukes, Chief Operating Officer for Hope Media Group.
Herrold’s extensive experience includes working in mainstream CHR and Hot AC before Christian radio at WDVD and WDRQ/Detroit, K-Hits/Tulsa, and WIOG/Saginaw. In 2021, he was inducted into the Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame. "When I heard about WayFM and Hope Media Group joining forces, I thought, WOW! That’s the kind of ministry I’d like to be a part of someday. Two kingdom-minded ministries with a heart to impact culture in a fresh way. Joe Paulo and Tim Dukes are building the dream team at Hope Media Group, and I’m thrilled to be part of it."
About Hope Media Group Hope Media Group is a family of media ministry brands that engage people to love Jesus, serve others and spread hope through radio, events, online content and mobile apps. Headquartered in Houston, the brands include Houston-focused KSBJ, the national network of WayFM stations, the new Spanish Christian station “Vida Unida”, digital content outlets NGEN Radio (Christian hip-hop and pop), Waynation.com, WAYLOUD (Christian rock), HOPE ON DEMAND and Amen: The Prayer App, plus a concert and event brand, Special Events. Click here to learn more about the ministry.
(This post taken from a release sent to me by the Hope Media Group)
HOUSTON, Texas (September 20, 2022)— Hope Media Group has announced Nancy Overfield as its new Chief of Marketing.
Currently serving as President of Latin World Entertainment Licensing, Overfield brings decades of experience in marketing and merchandising entertainment and media properties. She will also serve as General Manager of HMG’s Houston radio stations, Contemporary Christian KSBJ and Spanish Christian KHVU (Vida Unida), and starts her new role in early October.
Houston-based Hope Media Group merged in May of this year with Way Media. "To grow in our ability to engage absolutely as many people as possible across the nation to love Jesus, serve others, and spread hope, we’re now at a place where next-level strategic marketing is critically important," shares CEO Joe Paulo. "Nancy’s executive leadership, her experience with marketing, brand development and proven creativity are an ideal fit for Hope Media Group. Plus, we know full well her passion for our mission since she has already been volunteering as a member of HMG’s board of directors."
Prior to joining Latin World Entertainment, Overfield managed her own retail/licensing consulting business where she oversaw product and retail development for a variety of children’s entertainment properties. Nancy also served as Sr. VP of Marketing for Twentieth Century Fox Licensing & Merchandising where she managed multiple departments in the consumer products division, including sales, creative, product development, endorsements, and retail development for established properties such as The Simpsons, Home Alone 2 and the Alien franchise.
"As a board member, it was an honor to participate in the unprecedented merging of two dynamic ministries. Now, as Chief of Marketing for Hope Media Group and General Manager of KSBJ and Vida Unida, I am truly excited to be actively engaged in the growth of this extraordinary organization," says Overfield. "I have personally experienced God's healing and unending hope through this ministry, and I am passionate about spreading that to millions of others."
(This post was taken from a release sent to me by Hope Media Group)
Leadership from Hope Media Group announced the official consolidation of hip-hop and pop music digital streams NGEN Radio and WAY Now, on Friday, July 15, 2022.
This follows the recent merger of Hope Media Group (HMG) with Way Media into a single media organization, operating as Hope Media Group and headquartered in Houston.
“We’re driven to engage audiences with this additional opportunity to grow and deepen their faith,” said Joe Paulo, President/CEO of the merged entity. “Combining the positive, energetic messages and styles of NGEN and WAY Now will enable Hope Media Group to reach farther and wider to inspire and uplift even more listeners across the globe.”
The combined stations will reach an estimated 60,000 monthly listeners worldwide, streaming exclusively on NGEN Radio moving forward.
“Music shouldn’t spread negativity or tear you down,” said Shawn Farrington, Chief of Innovation. “NGEN exists to encourage the ‘now’ generation that Jesus loves them and has a purpose for their lives. It’s ‘hip-pop” & Hope (with a capital H) – a message that we believe will change lives.”
WAY Now’s final day to stream online will be July 14, 2022. Listeners worldwide can download the NGEN Radio app by texting VIBE to 91979, stream online at NGENradio.com, or ask Alexa to enable the NGEN Radio skill.
The newly merged Hope Media Group brings together two organizations with a combined 75 years of ministry and media experience, beginning in 1982 with KSBJ/Houston and 1987 with WAYJ/Fort Myers. Together, they engage an audience of more than 4 million individuals worldwide with positive multimedia content over radio and online mediums. To learn more, visit www.hopemediagroup.com.
About Hope Media Group:
Hope Media Group is a family of media brands that engage people to love Jesus, serve others and spread hope through radio, events, online content and mobile apps. Headquartered in Houston, the brands include Houston-focused KSBJ, the national network of WayFM stations, the new Spanish Christian station “Vida Unida”, digital content outlets NGEN Radio (Christian hip-hop and pop), Waynation.com, WAYLOUD (Christian rock), HOPE ON DEMAND and Amen: The Prayer App, plus a concert and event brand, Special Events. Click here to learn more about the ministry.
(This post taken from a press release sent to me by Hope Media Group)
HOUSTON, Texas (May 19, 2022) – Leadership from Hope Media Group, home to one of Houston’s top radio stations KSBJ, and WAY Media have announced the official close of their merger into a single media organization, headquartered in Houston.
This merger combines the rich heritage of two like-minded organizations, who together engage an audience of more than 4 million individuals worldwide with positive multimedia content over radio and online mediums.
The merger received a unanimous vote in January from each organization’s board of directors. Now operating as Hope Media Group, KSBJ and the WayFM network will continue to serve their respective audiences under the existing brand names. It was a merger of equals and a cash-free transaction.
“We’re thrilled to officially join forces with Way Media to expand our combined impact,” said Joe Paulo, President/CEO of the merged entity. “This merger is much more than a business matter. Aligning our efforts is a positive shift within Christian media to create and share uplifting content that encourages and inspires audiences across the country. We could not be more excited for this next chapter as our media brands continue to be a beacon of Hope for all.”
WAY Media’s former interim CEO Tim Dukes serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Hope Media Group. “Our vision is to integrate the best of both ministries to enhance our impact for the cause of Christ,” said Dukes. “As we advance God’s kingdom together as Hope Media Group, we look forward to continuing to serve our existing audiences with excellence.”
“The newly merged entity combines leadership from both organizations creating an ideal team eager for the challenge to impact a much broader group of listeners,” concluded Paulo. Key priorities include programming, development, media operations and innovation. The senior leadership team will consist of:
Joe Paulo, President & CEO
Tim Dukes, Chief Operating Officer
Desiree Gonzalez, Chief Financial Officer
Ron Harrell, Chief of Programming
Jim Marshall, Chief of Media Operations
Elaine Welcome, Chief of Administration/General Manager – Houston
Shawn Farrington, Chief of Innovation
Paul Martin, Chief of Development
The newly merged Hope Media Group brings together two organizations with a combined 75 years of ministry and media experience, beginning in 1982 with KSBJ/Houston and 1987 with WAYJ/Fort Myers. To learn more, visit www.hopemediagroup.com/merger.
About Hope Media Group:
Hope Media Group is a family of media brands that engage people to love Jesus, serve others and spread hope through radio, events, online content and mobile apps. Headquartered in Houston, the brands include Houston-focused KSBJ, the national network of WayFM stations, the new Spanish Christian station “Vida Unida”, digital content outlets NGEN Radio (Christian hip-hop and pop), Waynation.com, WAYLOUD (Christian rock), HOPE ON DEMAND and Amen: The Prayer App, plus a concert and event brand, Special Events. Click here to learn more about the ministry.
(This post taken from a release sent to me by Hope Media Group.)
Paul Martin has been named Chief of Development for the future merged Hope Media Group.
Currently serving as Senior Partner at DickersonBakker, Martin brings decades of experience in donor development and business development in both radio and digital media. WAY Media and Hope Media Group announced earlier this year their intent to merge into one media organization.
"Paul possesses the perfect mix of leadership, experience, and knowledge we've been looking for to lead the revenue-generating strategies for the newly merged Hope Media Group," shares CEO, Joe Paulo. "His heart for God and passion for why we exist is obvious… and contagious. Our bright future just got even brighter with Paul joining our leadership team, and I could not be more excited."
Martin founded Advocace Media (which combined with DickersonBakker in 2019) to help Christian radio grow funding from corporate sponsors and major donors. He also was a leader of founding teams at KLTY, Salem Media Representatives, Salem Radio Network, Popmail (a digital media solution for radio), Separate Account Solutions (a financial services firm for high-net-worth households), and Christian Broadcast Network.
"Combining the strengths of Hope Media Group with WAY Media, the merged organization will have an enormous impact on Christian media and content available to a national audience," says Martin. "Joe Paulo and Tim Dukes have a zeal for using media so more people follow Jesus. I am thrilled to join them in the journey."
As a Certified Fund Raising Executive, Martin sees great opportunity to grow biblical stewardship with donors through Hope Media Group. "More people can enjoy a deeper walk with Christ by living a life of stewardship and generosity," says Martin. "I am thankful for the leadership of Hope Media Group's Jon Hull and WAY Media's B.J. O'Neal. I look forward to working together as we continue to serve and support donors in their walk with Jesus."
About Hope Media Group
Hope Media Group is a family of media ministries that serve to connect people in Houston and around the world more deeply to God through radio, events, online content, and mobile apps. Headquartered in Houston, the ministries include Houston-focused KSBJ, the brand-new Spanish Christian Vida Unida, digital content outlets NGEN Radio (Christian hip-hop and pop), Hope On Demand, and Amen: The Prayer App, plus a concert and event ministry, Special Events. Click here to learn more about Hope Media Group and how to listen to the stations.
About WAY Media
Founded by Bob and Felice Augsburg in 1987 to influence this generation to love and follow Jesus through culturally relevant media, WayFM (part of WAY Media®), today reaches nearly 100 communities on FM signals in 26 states. Additionally, WAY Media's diverse digital audience consistently reaches more than 1 million people monthly via multiple platforms in more than a dozen countries. For more information, visit wayfm.com and waynation.com.
(This post taken from a release sent to me by Hope Media Group)
Leadership from Hope Media Group, home to Houston’s top Christian radio station KSBJ, and Way Media announce their intention to merge into one media organization. The formal merger is expected to close by mid-2022, following FCC approval. The Christian media organization will be headquartered in Houston and will operate under the name Hope Media Group. KSBJ and WayFM, as part of the merged Hope Media Group, will continue to serve their respective audiences under their existing brand names.
This merger combines the rich heritage of two like-minded media organizations currently engaging audiences totaling more than 4 million people. Hope Media Group was founded 40 years ago with one radio station, KSBJ-FM/Houston, and Way Media was formed 35 years ago with WAYJ-FM/Fort Myers. This is a merger of equals and a cash-free transaction that received a unanimous vote from both boards of directors.
Hope Media Group’s Joe Paulo, who will be President/CEO of the merged entity, commented, “We are incredibly excited to join forces with Way Media and expand our combined impact. Our ministry has called Houston home for 40 years and I have no doubt this city is the perfect place to continue being a beacon of Hope, not only locally, but across the nation.”
Fundraising and construction plans are underway for a new 50,000 square foot media and office facility to be located on Redemption Square in Generation Park, a mixed-use urban development on Beltway 8 in northeast Houston. The newly merged organization will employ nearly 200 people, with over half in the Houston-area.
Way Media’s Interim CEO Tim Dukes will serve as Chief Operating Officer of Hope Media Group. He added, “We have a vision to integrate the best of both ministries and be better together for spreading life-changing hope. More will be shared soon to announce the leadership team for the combined entity that will still be focused on serving our existing audiences with excellence, in addition to growing through further digital expansion and new terrestrial radio markets.”
Currently, Hope Media Group is a family of media brands that include Houston-focused KSBJ, the brand-new Spanish Christian “Vida Unida”, digital content outlets NGEN Radio (Christian hip-hop and pop), Hope On Demand and Amen: The Prayer App, plus a concert and event brand, Special Events. Way Media owns and operates a national network of more than 20 full-power CCM-formatted “WayFM” stations in markets that include Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Portland, Nashville, and South FL (West Palm/Ft. Lauderdale) and over 30 translators from Florida to Washington State, in addition to digital content outlets that include Waynation.com, WAYLOUD (Christian Rock), and Way Now (Christian Pop).
(This post was taken from a post sent to me by KSBJ)
HOUSTON (November 11, 2021) – Dedicated Community Service. For the second year, 89.3 KSBJ is honored to recognize members of the Houston community who have gone above and beyond to show the spirit of generosity and service despite challenges presented by COVID and other adversities.
Award recipients were selected from three categories including an individual, a non-profit, and a corporation. The three recipients were honored with a Reception and Concert at Houston’s renowned George Theater.
The Individual Award recipient is a prototype of many Houstonians who sacrificed and served on the front lines of the pandemic. Brian Gowan works as a Chaplain through Houston Methodist and has been a calming and reassuring presence for patients, families, and staff day after day as he walks the hospital's halls offering prayer, encouragement, and support. He even wrote a ’song of blessing‘ performed by doctors and nurses virtually as an encouragement to mothers who gave birth during the peak of COVID. In many instances, Brian’s voice was the last voice patients hear as they were passing. Despite unprecedented challenging times, Brian has remained faithfully dedicated to his calling.
The Non-profit Award recipient was Magdalene House Social Services of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, a local parish that has continued serving families in crises throughout Northeast Harris County before, during, and even beyond the peak of COVID. And even when the COVID numbers decreased, their services did not. In fact, they increased their services by re-opening the Magdalene House for Social Services with 250 volunteers poised and ready to serve their community in any way needed!
And finally, the recipient of the Corporate Award was Baker Hughes, an energy technology company that immediately sprang into action from the time COVID-19 took center stage. They began providing solutions to help front-line workers by donating needed supplies to local healthcare facilities and donating vaccines and other equipment locally and around the world. This company also encouraged and supported their staff members as they hosted drives for food, hand sanitizers, and other supplies to help their local communities and schools become healthy and resilient again.
“KSBJ loves to use the platform God has given us to raise awareness for so many good things that are happening throughout our communities,” shares KSBJ President and CEO Joe Paulo. “There are so many individuals and organizations who are committed to making our city an even better place to live, work and raise our families. Each of this year’s Community Impact Award recipients inspire us in their own unique way to go above and beyond to not only make a difference but be the difference!”
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2021 KSBJ Community Impact Awards!
(This post was taken from a release sent to me by KSBJ)
HOUSTON, Texas (November 1, 2021) - Hope Media Group announces the organization's first faith-based, family-oriented, Spanish radio station, Vida Unida, will debut on 91.7FM on November 10, 2021 at 6:00 a.m. in Houston.
This station will broadcast all music and programming in Spanish to serve the city's growing Hispanic community.
"Our ministry could not be more excited to launch this new station for the Hispanic community, not only here in Houston but around the country," shares Hope Media Group President & CEO, Joe Paulo. "We have been prayerfully considering ways to serve this growing community for years. Through extensive community and listener research, we are confident this new station will unite this new audience with God, their families and their community through music and programming created specifically for them."
Influenced by Hispanic cultures within Houston, the station shares the same mission as KSBJ and the entire Hope Media Group, to be the voice of Hope connecting people more deeply with God. The frequency 91.7FM was the previous home of NGEN Radio, the ministry's station targeted to today's next generation. NGEN Radio is now available exclusively in the digital space online and through the free NGEN Radio mobile app.
"I am extremely proud to be part of this station," said Vida Unida Program Director and Morning Show Host Sadiel Castro. "I'm confident this station will greatly impact the Hispanic community for the better as we all navigate the world we are living today."
Senior Director of Content Shawn Farrington says, "Vida Unida isn't just a radio station - it's an idea. The very name means 'Life Together'. We since rely hope that this new brand not only unifies our community around Christ, but also unites families and individuals with God in Houston and beyond!"
Listeners can tune in to 91.7FM on their radios in the Houston-area and other signals across southeast Texas, as well as stream the station from anywhere on VidaUnida.com, or the free Vida Unida mobile apps. For more information on Vida Unida, please visit www.VidaUnida.com.
UPDATE 11-8-2021
Vida Unida Announces Morning Show, Buenos Dias Familia
Top Talents, Myrka Dellanos & Sadiel Castro, to Anchor New Spanish Brand, Vida Unida
HOUSTON, Texas (November 8, 2021) – Hope Media Group announces a new morning show on Vida Unida, their first Spanish-language brand. Buenos Dias Familia, begins Wednesday November 10th at 6am with co-hosts Myrka Dellanos & Sadiel Castro.
Myrka Dellanos is an internationally known personality in the Hispanic community best known as the first anchor for the top-rated news magazine, Primer Impacto, seen by millions on the Univision Network. In addition to being a published author and sought-after speaker, she’s won two Emmy’s and has graced the cover of numerous magazines, including People En Español.
Dellanos says, “I’m honored and extremely excited to join the family of Vida Unida in Houston. Our world needs hope and healing and I know this project will bring that to Houston.”
Joining her as co-host is Sadiel Castro who has an extensive background in radio becoming one of the most popular Hispanic announcers & radio programmers in Philadelphia, working at La Mega 105.7 and El Zol 99.9. Castro also served as talent at 92.5 Maxima in Tampa, and most recently developed and grew Spanish language content for WFLA-TV News Channel 8. In addition to being on-air, Castro will serve as Program Director of Vida Unida.
“Myrka has been called one of the most powerful women in television by People Magazine, yet what has impressed me the most is her deep commitment to Jesus and love for others,” shares Hope Media Group Senior Director of Content Shawn Farrington. “Sadiel recently was awarded the distinguished Edward R. Murrow award for his work growing digital content for the hugely successful TampaHoy. I am thankful that these two amazing talents have said ‘yes’ to joining Hope Media Group in using their unique personalities to connect people more deeply with God.”
“We are beyond excited to launch this new station and help our listeners start their day with two great co-hosts, positivity, love and of course some laughter,” shares Hope Media Group President & CEO, Joe Paulo.
Vida Unida and Buenos Dias Familia premier on Wednesday, November 10 with all music and programming in Spanish to serve Houston’s growing Hispanic community. The station shares the same mission as KSBJ and the entire Hope Media Group, to be the voice of Hope connecting people more deeply with God. Listeners can tune in to 91.7FM on their radios in the Houston-area and other signals across southeast Texas, as well as stream the station from anywhere on VidaUnida.com. For more information on Vida Unida, please visit VidaUnida.com.
(This post taken from a release sent to me by KSBJ)
HOUSTON, Texas (September 16, 2021) Hope Media Group’s NGEN Radio announces transition from the 91.7 FM signal to focus exclusively on digital distribution.
The Houston-based station continues to reach the next generation with positive content and music to impact the world for good through the station, app, and website. This change comes as the station’s audience has changed where and how they are consuming their music and content since the station launched 11 years ago.
Today, NGEN Radio’s listeners are consuming their favorite content digitally on platforms like Apple Music and Spotify rather than traditional FM radio stations.
The opportunity to reach young adults more effectively by solely focusing on digital distribution is far greater today than when NGEN was originally envisioned. This better positions NGEN to meet this audience where they are and provide for them the content they want and need.
“We currently have thousands of listeners streaming and listening via the app,” shares NGEN’s Morning Show host, Marcus Sullivan. “It’s important we focus on that audience and bring them more content than just music. People have been talking about streaming for years and NGEN is stepping up to the plate. We are excited for this new direction!”
Hope Media Group’s ultimate mission for NGEN Radio was and remains to connect teens and young adults more deeply to God through music and on-air content. The ministry has been able to do that through broadcasting on traditional FM radio, as well as digital distribution since the station launched. The 91.7 FM signal helped establish the NGEN brand and a base of support, enabling the ministry to respond to shifting media consumption for the future.
“Our commitment has never been to FM radio and steel towers. Those are only tools,” shares Hope Media Group President & CEO, Joe Paulo. “For NGEN, our passion and commitment is to young adults – the next generation – and how we can most effectively reach them with God’s life-changing love. The sky is the limit in the digital space, and we are ready to seize the opportunity like never before.”
NGEN’s transition from 91.7FM and other FM frequencies to its brand-new future exclusively in the digital space is Monday, November 8th. For more information, visit www.NGENRadio.com.
(This post taken from a release sent to me by NGEN Radio)
89.3 KSBJ Launches Digital Content Platform - Hope On Demand™
KSBJ expands their family of brands with the launch of Hope On Demand™, a new digital content platform designed to reach an audience beyond radio through videos, podcasts and blogs.
At Hope On Demand, viewers can join in daily Bible reading, watch performances & interviews from Christian artists, listen to podcasts and read devotionals that will connect them more deeply with God.
HopeOnDemand.com launched on January 1, 2020 with over 15 hours of inspirational video and podcast content, an annual Bible reading plan and new articles and videos being added daily. Podcasts have garnered over 50,000 downloads and the site has reached over 250,000 pages views.
According to CEO, Joe Paulo, “This brand and platform will enable us to do two extremely important things. We will connect with people who may be less engaged with traditional radio and the content will add a new depth to the spiritual impact this ministry is already having. I’m thrilled to see it grow from here.”
Senior Director of Content, Shawn Farrington adds, “At Hope On Demand, we want people to see that Jesus is ‘with them’ in the middle of their stories – that they are not alone, and that when they need direction or feel lost – there is HOPE.”
(This post was taken from a release sent to me by KSBJ)
KSBJ Educational Foundation expands coverage to include Livingston at 92.3 FM and Beaumont at 99.9 FM, now reaching 7 million people.
“These two additional signals are such an important addition to KSBJ because we are driven to spread life-altering Hope to this entire southeast corner of Texas,” shares Joe Paulo, President and CEO of KSBJ. “Not only do these acquisitions allow us to regain some areas previously served by our primary 89.3 signal, but they extend KSBJ’s footprint significantly. We’re so grateful for the many generous donors who made this possible. We have a shared vision to see God draw more people closer to Himself and He’s using KSBJ to do that very thing.”
In March of 2019, KSBJ moved its primary 89.3 signal more than 30 miles southwest. Because of this move, KSBJ was temporarily not heard in the Beaumont, Huntsville and Livingston areas. While we celebrated the new portions of Houston that are now receiving a stronger and clearer 89.3 KSBJ, we also worked behind the scenes to restore coverage to those areas.
As of July 2, KSBJ can be heard on 89.3 (North/East Houston), 96.9 (South/West Houston), 99.9 (Beaumont/Liberty), 92.3 (Livingston), 92.5 (Navasota/College Station), 89.7 (Brenham), and 99.9 (Victoria).
With the Beaumont and Livingston additions, the KSBJ footprint has grown 46%, increasing its reach from 4.8 million to 7 million people.
About KSBJ
For over 35 years, KSBJ has been Houston’s voice of Hope connecting people to God through contemporary music, prayer, community outreach and events. KSBJ is a non-profit ministry supported by listeners and is led by a diverse board of directors from across the greater Houston area. KSBJ can be heard online at KSBJ.org, through the KSBJ app, on 89.3 FM (Greater Houston Area), 96.9 FM (South/West of Houston), 99.9 (Beaumont/Liberty), 92.3 (Livingston), 92.5 (Navasota/College Station), 89.7 (Brenham) and 99.9 (Victoria). For more information, visit KSBJ.org.
(This post was taken from a release sent to me by KSBJ)
Eddie Flores is back in the anchoring game: he joins KMID-TV in Midland as Primary Anchor.
- Flores is represented by Steve Swienckowski at DCA Talent.
Meteorologist Rick Mitchell has been promoted to Chief Meteorologist at the NBC O&O KXAS in Dallas. Rick joined the station in 2012 and previously served as the Chief Meteorologist at KOCO in Oklahoma City.
- The NWT Group
KPRC 2 Houston Life Reporter and Producer Stephanie Gerry posted on Facebook she is moving to Austin June 1st. She says stay tuned for a job announcement.
News 88.7 KUHF executive producer of special projects Edel Howlin is moving to Philadelphia. Her husband is relocating for a new job. She hopes to continue in public media. She has been on the air in some form in Houston for around 10 years.
"I’ve had incredible opportunities at [Houston Public Media] and been so lucky to be here during this time of growth for them," Howlin told mikemcguff.com. "It was a really hard decision to leave the place though because I’ve loved working here every single day for the last seven years! But it’s a good time to move for our daughter, she’s only just started school."
Houston Chronicle reporter Cindy George becomes assistant editor for TMC Pulse magazine. (Thanks Susan Farb Morris)
Joe Paulo Promoted to President and General Manager at KSBJ Educational Foundation.
KHOU 11 producer Laura Berryhill Taglialavore moves to KTRK abc13 as Programming Executive Producer.
Former Houston Chronicle editor Tony Pederson receives Distinguished Alumni Award.
Matthew Seedorff has been promoted to Reporter from MMJ at WOAI/KABB in San Antonio.
- The NWT Group
Japhanie Gray jumps 151 markets from KAIT in Jonesboro to KSAT in San Antonio as a Reporter.
- The NWT Group
Former KIII Corpus Christi reporter Sarah Acosta returns to Texas to work at KSAT San Antonio from KTXL Sacramento, CA.
AUSTIN
KUT, KUTX general manager Stewart Vanderwilt leaving for Colorado job.
AROUND TEXAS
Justin Woodard moves to Sport Director at KAGS-TV in the Waco-Temple-Bryan market (from KLTV-TV, Tyler).
- Woodard is represented by Steve Swienckowski at DCA Talent.
Houstonian Chris Jacobs joins CBS 4 KGBT Rio Grande Valley.
Kathleen Serie moves from KTWX Waco to an MMJ gig at WZTV Nashville.
- The NWT Group
REMEMBERING
Remembering Channel 2 broadcast pioneer Charles J Hunt.
