Dean and Rog exit The Eagle 106.9/107.5

The "Dean and Rog" Morning Show, hosted by Dean Myers and Roger Beaty, is apparently no longer on The Eagle 106.9/107.5 KHPT-KGLK Houston according to multiple sources.

UPDATE MARCH 2025
"Dean and Rog" break silence since Houston's Eagle firing

UPDATE FEBRUARY 2025
Former KLOL DJ Chuck Akers joins Houston’s Eagle

ALSO HAPPENING
100.3 The Bull 'Morning Bullpen' signs off

I listened from 5 a.m. to 6:15 a.m. Thursday morning, and it was all music with no Dean and Rog or show IDs. The long-running morning show is no longer listed on The Eagle's website programming schedule.  The show's page has been erased.

UPDATE: On the morning of this post, I heard Eagle night host and 101 KLOL legend Outlaw Dave made an appearance after I stopped listening. Outlaw Dave has since been listed as the morning show host on The Eagle website.  Watch Dave in the KLOL documentary "Runaway Radio."

I contacted The Eagle Wednesday afternoon about the "Dean and Rog" dismissal but have not heard back.  

From what I understand, Kelly Ryan, who is also with the show, is no longer on air either. Ryan has been with Dean and Rog since 2019.

The show is known for the Birthday Scam, Redneck Roy, the Dean and Rog Singers, and the Drink of the Week.

Dean and Rog have been on the air in Houston for 27 years and were inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame, class of 2022. 

The morning longtime radio duo joined the now-defunct 93.7 The Arrow KKRW in 1997. 

In 2009, they moved to The New 107.5 The Eagle KGLK. 

It took me some time, but I finally figured out exactly where Dean and Rog worked before Houston, as they usually just mention the cities. They started together in Flint and moved through the following markets until they landed in Houston.

102.5 WIOG Saginaw/Flint, Michigan

103.5 KRSP Salt Lake City, Utah

106.7 KBPI Denver, Colorado

100.7 KSLX Phoenix Arizona

IN OTHER HOUSTON MORNING RADIO NEWS...

Tessa Barrera leaves 94.5 The Buzz

"Dean and Rog" break silence since Houston's Eagle firing

The "Dean and Rog" Morning Show issued a statement today for the first time since they were fired from The Eagle 106.9/107.5 KHPT-KGLK Houston in December 2024:

"To our listeners:

As you are probably aware, after nearly 30 years on the air in Houston, the Dean & Rog show mercifully came to an end.  The week before Christmas, we were given an early gift.  Our termination.

We apologize for the delayed response, but want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for your support, loyalty and amazing tolerance.  We also want to thank our great team, Kelly Ryan and producer Rusty.  

We’ll miss sharing mornings with you, but we are off to new adventures!  Rog with his fabulous new boat, and Dean combing the beach with his metal detector.

All the best,

Dean & Rog"

The show, hosted by longtime broadcast duo Dean Myers and Roger Beaty, was known for the Birthday Scam, Redneck Roy, the Dean and Rog Singers, and the Drink of the Week.

Dean and Rog, members of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame, class of 2022, started in Houston at classic rocker 93.7 The Arrow KKRW, now 93.7 The Beat KQBT as of 2013.

They moved to The New 107.5 The Eagle KGLK in 2009 when it signed on the air.

Since the Dean and Rog show exited, 101 KLOL legend Outlaw Dave has been doing mornings on Houston's Eagle. Watch OD in the documentary "Runaway Radio."  Former KLOL DJ Chuck Akers has also joined KHPT-KGLK.

The same week Dean and Rog left The Eagle 106.9/107.5, "The Morning Bullpen with George Mo and Erik" was canceled by 100.3 The Bull KILT Houston.  The "Frito & Katy Show" replaced them in January 2025.

Dean and Rog to land at 107.5 K-Hits KGLK

We can only imagine since 107.5 K-Hits has changed its call letters to KGLK that the station is changing its image. What a perfect time to change when Dean and Rog take over the morning show June 1.

Speaking of Dean and Rog, The Houston Chronicle's David Barron had a long talk with the Houston morning radio show duo:

They do not shrink from the opportunity to spell out the differences between listening to Dean and Rog and to Walton and Johnson. “The problem with the show that has replaced us is that we all have opinions. We all have politics,” [Roger] Beaty said. “But our whole point when we go on the air is we realize there are a number of our listeners that really are dreading going to their jobs. And this is the truth. What is it that we say, Dean? ‘If we can make a few people laugh …’ ”

“We always said that if we could make just one person laugh out there ... we would be fired because it’s not enough,” [Dean] Myers said. “We need more of them laughing. Really, we do try to take people away from the problems of the world. Man, there are a lot of problems in the world, and you don’t want to think about that stuff all day.” READ MORE

Barron says Dean and Rog will run from 5 to 10am followed by Suzi Hanks from 10am to noon.


RELATED
- Dean and Rog getting closer to hitting Houston radio
- Suzi Hanks to 107.5 K-Hits KHTC
- Dean and Rog to move to 107.5 K-Hits KHTC

Suzi Hanks exits 106.9-107.5 The Eagle

Mike McGuff, Suzi Hanks and John Harris after a taping of Hank's public affairs show FYI.

Suzi Hanks has exited The Dean and Rog Show on 106.9 and 107.5 The Eagle KGLK after nearly 17 years with the show as co-host, news anchor and producer.

In addition to Dean and Rog, Hanks was also the Public Affairs Director for Cox Media Group Houston where she hosted For Your Information (FYI) which aired on all of the company's Houston stations.

"Thank you so much to all my friends and listeners for reaching out to me recently," Hanks said on her personal Facebook account and gave mikemcguff.com permission to reprint here. "If you haven’t heard, my more than 20 years on Houston morning radio has come to a close. I am so grateful for you all and look forward to updating you soon on my next chapter in life. The possibilities are exciting!"

Mark Krieschen, VP/Market Manager of Cox Media Group - Houston, told mikemcguff.com that Hanks' contract expired this month and the company made a decision not to renew her agreement.

Hanks was with Cox Media Group for 10 years. Before CMG, she worked with the Dean and Rog Show at what was then Clear Channel's 93.7 The Arrow KKRW. She joined the long running Houston morning show in 2003.

Before working with Dean and Rog, Hanks was an award winning reporter for News Radio 740 KTRH for five years.

Prior to Houston, she worked her first radio job at KYCN in Wyoming.

Hanks actually started her broadcasting career in television as a reporter at KTWO Casper, Wyoming and KGWN Cheyenne, Wyoming. Her entry into the biz was through the NBC Page program working on shows like The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Days of Our Lives, Wheel of Fortune, Scrabble, Classic Concentration, Donahue, and Late Night with David Letterman.

She is a graduate of California State Long Beach.

In her spare time, Hanks has volunteered for Gulf Coast Big Brothers Big Sisters, Inc. where she was honored as Big Sister of the Year 2011.

She also reads for Taping for the Blind, Inc. Her efforts were featured by AP and NPR's All Things Considered.

According to The Eagle website, Producer Hoss is now producing the Dean and Rog show. UPDATE: Producer Hoss informed me he has been producing the show for the last three years.

Dean and Rog to be Inducted to the 2022 Texas Radio Hall of Fame

HOUSTON – (Aug 9, 2022) – Cox Media Group announced today that Dean Myers and Roger Beaty, popular morning DJs known as Dean and Rog for Houston's Eagle here, will be inducted into the class of 2022 Texas Radio Hall of Fame on November 5 in Kilgore, Texas.

“Dean and Rog have been entertaining Houstonians on their commutes for 25 years,” said Keith Lawless, Regional VP and General Manager for CMG Radio. “We couldn’t be prouder of them for this prestigious recognition – they more than earned it.”

“I love these guys for a lot of reasons, but most for their edgy approach to making mornings a little better,” said Travis Moon, Director of Operations for Houston's Eagle. 

The voting members of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame (TRHOF) have selected 20 broadcast professionals for its 2022 Induction Class, presented here in alphabetical order.

Debbie Alcocer, Roger Allen, Joe “The Godfather” Anthony (Yanuzzi), Roula Christie, James “Moby” Carney, Dean and Rog/Dean Myers and Roger Beaty, Bob Ford, Harmon and Evans, Lisle and Hahn/John Lisle and Steve Hahn, “Uncle Funky” Larry Jones, Pam Kelly, Laurie Kendrick, Pam McKay, Joe Pogge, Kellie Raspberry, Bill Schoening, Hannah Storm, Maria Todd, John Trapane, Dana Tyson. 

Final voting concluded on Sunday, July 31, and the 20 individuals will be honored on Saturday, November 5 at the TRHOF’s Annual Induction Ceremony at the Texas Museum of Broadcasting and Communications in Kilgore. 

The annual TRHOF reunion and induction weekend is open to the public. Schedule, hotel, and ticket information is posted on the TRHOF’s website. 

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

Dean & Rog Show on 107.5 FM radio tour

Lots of people have been asking me about Dean and Rog since they exited 93.7 KKRW The Arrow in Houston. The morning duos new show starts June 1 on 107.5 The New K-Hits KHTC-FM.

In the meantime, Dean and Rog are getting ready for the birthday scam (speaking of prank calls) by making stops around Houston. One is this evening:

The Dean and Rog Road Tour
Make it a Dean & Rog Happy Hour as the guys from 107.5 FM meet and greet on the Beaver’s patio and kick-off their show’s return. Enjoy fabulous fresh cocktails, tasty appetizers and music from Kozmic Pearl.
WHEN: Thursday, May 7, 2009 - 6 PM – 8 PM
WHERE: Beaver’s
2310 Decatur Houston, TX 77007

RELATED
- Dean and Rog to move to 107.5 K-Hits KHTC
- Suzi Hanks to 107.5 K-Hits KHTC

Dean and Rog closing on Walton and Johnson

David Barron is reporting that Dean and Rog are closing in on Walton and Johnson in the ratings. You might remember that Dean and Rog left for 107.5 The Eagle KGLK and Walton and Johnson replaced them at 93.7 The Arrow KKRW.

Walton and Johnson were the clear winners in the coveted men 25-54 demographic at first. But according to Barron, it looks like things are chaning. READ MORE

RELATED
- Dean and Rog on The New 107.5 The Eagle KGLK

Dean & Rog celebrate 20 years in Houston

Mayor Turner Proclaims Friday, April 28th Dean & Rog Day

HOUSTON – April 25, 2017 – Cox Media Group Houston’s personalities Dean Myers and Roger Beaty will celebrate 20 years on the air in Houston on Friday, April 28, 2017. Mayor Sylvester Turner has proclaimed April 28, 2017 Dean & Rog Day in Houston and the proclamation will be presented to Dean & Rog during their morning show on Friday.

Dean & Rog came to Houston following stops in Flint, Michigan, Salt Lake City, Utah, Phoenix, Arizona and Denver. During their time in Houston, they have consistently been one of the top-ranked morning shows. Listeners have come to count on them for hilarious pranks, smart-aleck comments and the perfect balance of talk and music.

"Looking around the country, there are only a handful of major market morning shows with a 20 year track record in the same city. What Dean and Rog have accomplished today is quite remarkable," said CMG Houston VP and Market Manager Mark Krieschen. "The continued success of the show in morning drive-time is something you just don’t see anymore. We’re proud to have these guys on our team!”

Dean & Rog will have a live studio audience, special guests, games and local Classic Rock cover band The Slags performing live.

Dean and Rog on The New 107.5 The Eagle KGLK

As I have blogged about, Dean and Rog debuted on The New 107.5 The Eagle KGLK. That's the new station I predicted:

Classic Hits KHTC (107.5 K-Hits)/Houston becomes KGLK (The New 107.5 The Eagle). Morning duo Dean and Rog, formerly of Classic Rock KKRW/Houston, have joined the station as well, with their sidekick Suzi Hanks also taking over 10 a.m.-noon. READ MORE

Meanwhile, David Barron of the Houston Chronicle showed more of his email interview with Dean and Rog. READ THAT HERE

Dean and Rog to move to 107.5 K-Hits KHTC

Looks like the rumor about Houston DJs Dean and Rog of 93.7 The Arrow KKRW leaving is true. FMQB says they are moving to 107.5 K-Hits KHTC:

Popular Houston radio duo Dean and Rog will move their morning show from Clear Channel’s KKRW to Cox Radio’s KHTC-FM, effective June 1. READ THE REST

Guess that Scott Sparks is out on the morning show.

UPDATE:
Looks like Suzi Hanks is moving to 107.5 KHTC to follow Dean and Rog. It just makes sense.

UPDATE:
Later on Tuesday The Houston Chronicle published a story .

Dave E. Crockett talks about Houston radio happenings

Former Houston radio air talent, Dave E. Crockett (93Q KKBQ, 95.7 KIKK, Mix 96.5 KHMX, 107.5 KLDE among others) stops by the mikemcguff blog to provide some analysis and opinion on this week's radio happenings. He says shifts in DJ's might not make much of a difference in today's media landscape:

REPEATING THE SAME ACTION OVER AND OVER AGAIN AND EXPECTING A DIFFERENT RESULT…

by Dave E. Crockett

Radio has always been a revolving door.

Today’s age of “cluster” radio station ownership (and I suspect they left off the last word!) has not changed that. What is different is that when you are released from a radio station these days it will
likely end your career. The reason, in my opinion, is the real lack of competition between radio stations. Gone it seems are the days when we had stars like John Lander. Today we may have heard of a jock. But is he or she a “star?” Based on the turn-out at the car dealership remotes every weekend I would have to say the answer is a resounding NO.

In Houston there is some competition between KHMX and KRBE, but nobody inside Clear Channel or Cumulus is going to treat it as any big deal. Why should they when they have, in the case of Clear Channel, seven other radio stations to generate income. Cumulus has two other stations. Now don’t confuse that with me saying there is NO competition between radio station OWNERS. There is. But inside the walls of Clear Channel there is no one rooting for Dean and Rog to clobber Sam Malone in the ratings except for perhaps Dean and Rog. Even though there is a real battle going on between KKBQ and KILT, nobody at Cox corporate offices in Atlanta is breaking out the check book to hire a top-notch morning show for KKBQ or any on-air talent for KTHT, which currently has only one live day-part. Why should they spend money on talent when they have three other Houston radio stations, and now 8 HD signals, to generate income. In the old days each radio station had to pretty much support itself and it made for a better product to the listener and a better value for the advertiser.

With all this recent activity in Houston radio can we expect better radio to follow? Only if somebody hires me and say’s “Be yourself Dave E. Crockett! Talk about anything you want!” Just kidding… that will NEVER happen. First of all: No matter how entertaining somebody may be, nearly a third of each hour is devoted to playing commercials, and that is hard to listen to. Terrestrial radio wants to compete with satellite radio by offering HD channels which, in theory, will offer more variety. The stumbling block is that they will still have to play a lot of commercials to pay the bills which include licensing fees to the FCC, BMI and ASCAP. And all this new HD equipment isn’t cheap either. Secondly: Recent FCC rulings raising the amount broadcasters can be fined for “indecency” to $325,000. That isn’t going to help terrestrial radio owners out either. Those fines do not apply to satellite broadcasters. The FCC has killed radio’s chances of survival by tossing out the First Amendment and the owners have gone along with it. Adding HD signals is tantamount to rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. The ship is still sinking. You know if HD signals required special equipment, and were sold as a
“subscriptions”; the whole FCC issue could be avoided thus leveling the playing field between satellite, the internet and terrestrial broadcasters…

I’ve always said that since radio was deregulated in 1996 it was doomed to fail and become a secondary or even lesser place for entertainment. Sadly I was right. As entertaining as Rod Ryan, Sam Malone, Roula and Ryan, Hudson and Harrigan and the handful of other local announcers maybe, they simply cannot compete in today’s environment because they are handcuffed by broadcast companies who have forgotten how to be entertaining. IPods, XM, Sirius and the internet provide unlimited and unedited streams of music, talk, sports and comedy. The only reason most of us even sample radio these days is because it’s more convenient than learning how to use new technology. It is undeniable that the influence of local radio has been considerably watered down.

Will it matter that Scott Sparks is headed to do mornings on KLDE? Not if they force him to do the same safe bits that Ron and Jackie, and later Ed and Jackie did. Will it matter that Atom and Maria are being replaced with Roula and Ryan? Not if the owners of KRBE tie R&R’s hands and make them do the same show Atom and Maria were doing. Again it comes back to the deck chairs on the Titanic. The FCC has already restricted the talent enough without the ownership saying things like, “We are targeting women 25-49 with 2.5 kids who go to church, shop at Randall’s Grocery store and drive blue Volvos. That’s our target… Our OTHER station is targeting women 25-49 who are career minded who march in parades, shop at Whole Foods, eat nuts and drive LandRover’s…” And of course the words that still ring in my ears. “Don’t offend anyone!”

Good luck and God’s speed.

Dave E. Crockett

President/Owner Avnet Productions

www.avnetproductions.com

Dave@daveecrockett.com

Doug Harris aka Jr. Mintz elected Houston Film Critics Society president

Broadcast Veteran Celebrates 35 years of Jr. Mintz Movie Reviews


HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 6, 2019) — Broadcast marketing and promotions specialist Doug Harris has been elected president of Houston Film Critics Society (HFCS) to serve a two year term extending to 2021.

The announcement coincides with the 35th anniversary of his movie review features, scripted and voiced under the alias of Jr. Mintz.

His film critic “side hustle” took off after an invitation from 101 KLOL afternoon host Harvey Kojan (aka Dr. K) to review films for the heritage AOR’s audience. KLOL’s GM, Pat Fant (now of RFC Media) is credited with creating his signature sign off, “When a movie stinks, you’ll smell it first with Jr. Mintz.”

Since those days, Jr. Mintz reviews have aired on The Buzz (KTBZ-FM), The New 93Q (KKBQ-FM) and News 92 FM.

A seven year regular on the “Dean and Rog Show” in Houston (on The Arrow then The Eagle), Mintz enjoyed eight years in syndication with the Connecticut Radio Network and was heard daily on eight New England stations.

An inductee of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame and a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association, Harris/Mintz now shares his opinions on NASA’s digital radio station, Third Rock Radio.

About The Houston Film Critics Society

The thirty-seven members of the Houston Film Critics Society are working film journalists on television, radio, online and in traditional print. Together, they reach millions of people each week across the country with their critiques and commentaries on film and their active efforts to promote the appreciation of film in the Houston community.

HOUSTON FILM CRITICS SOCIETY ELECTS NEW OFFICERS

Doug Harris to serve two-year term as president, Travis Leamons and Dr Donna Copeland to serve new roles

HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 6, 2019) — At the Houston Film Critics Society’s (HFCS) first meeting of 2019, the membership approved an uncontested slate of new officers who will immediately begin serving terms that will extend to early 2021.

Doug Harris was elected as the organization’s president and Travis Leamons as vice-president. Lisa Elin was reconfirmed as the group’s secretary while Dr. Donna Copeland will assume the duties of treasurer, previously handled by Travis Leamons.

HFCS member Mark Schumann has been appointed communications director for the organization.

After three consecutive terms, outgoing HFCS President Joshua Starnes will shift his focus to overseeing the group’s ongoing recognition of independent filmmakers and the annual presentation of the Texas Independent Film Awards. In tribute to his service, the HFCS presented him with a personalized director’s chair at their January meeting.

“This is going to be an incredible year for the HFCS,” Harris predicts. “We wrapped up 2018 with a spectacular, sold out awards show at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, began work on a revitalized website, and launched two new scholarship programs to recognize and support the next generation of filmmakers and journalists. Most importantly, our members collectively viewed over 10,000 films last year.”

Brief biographies of the new HFCS officers follow below:

Doug Harris (president) has reviewed movies in Houston for over 30 years as “Jr. Mintz”. His work first appeared in 1983 on Rock 101 KLOL, and subsequently on 94.5 The Buzz, The New 93Q, and News 92 FM. A regular for seven years on the “Dean and Rog Show” (93.7 The
Arrow, then 107.5 The Eagle), Mintz also enjoyed eight years in syndication with the Connecticut Radio Network and was heard daily on eight New England stations. A member of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame and Broadcast Film Critics Association, as well as a founding
member of the Houston Film Critics Society, he now shares his opinions on NASA’s digital radio station, Third Rock Radio.

Travis Leamons (vice-president) is a critic, cinephile, fitness enthusiast and avid collector of physical media (with more than 4,000 titles). He has written about film for more than a decade for outlets Inside Pulse, Examiner, BackstageOL, and Birth.Movies.Death. He also hosted over 100 episodes of the Houston Film Critics Society's weekly podcast “The Critics Circle”.

Lisa Elin (secretary) holds a degree in writing and is a certified coach specializing in cinema therapy and positive psychology. She’s been a member of the reviewing press since 2009 and weaves these concepts into her work, appearing in a variety of outlets including Reel Happiness, Examiner, We Got This Covered, and the HFCS podcast “The Critics Circle”. She also designs brain games for movie lovers.

Dr. Donna R. Copeland (treasurer) is a retired clinical psychologist who took a right turn in becoming a film critic seven years ago. Her reviews can be seen online at TexasArtFilm.net and on her blog at Dr. Donna’s Movie Reviews.

'Dean and Rog' launch YouTube channel with Birthday Scams

The "Dean and Rog" Morning Show radio team has launched a YouTube channel with their Birthday Scam prank calls.

Dean Myers and Roger Beaty were let go from The Eagle 106.9/107.5 KHPT-KGLK Houston in December 2024.

The account promises new uploads every Tuesday and Friday at 7am Central.  

101 KLOL legend Outlaw Dave is now doing mornings on Houston's Eagle. Watch OD in the documentary "Runaway Radio."  Former KLOL DJ Chuck Akers also joined The Eagle.

Dean and Rog getting closer to hitting Houston radio

We all know June 1 is the big return of Dean and Rog (formerly of 93.7 The Arrow KKRW) to the Houston airwaves on 107.5 The New K-Hits KHTC-FM.

In the meantime, the K-Hits web site is full of information about the long time duo's new home. The morning show has a new homepage set up, a video of Dean and Rog building their new studio plus their return tour locations. I mentioned one here.

There is also a section to request a birthday scam and a place for Suzi Hank's Drink of the Week.

I am glad to see the station putting forth some promotional effort for the new show.  It often suprises me how little some Houston stations do when promoting new shows.  A radio station web site is a great place to start.  There is as much free real estate as needed to do all kinds of content.

What I don't understand is the talk of 107.5 K-Hits changing its call letters to KGLK and possibly rebranding itself as "The Eagle."

Suzi Hanks is still on Dean and Rog

Dean and Rog of 107.5 The Eagle KGLK pulled off a big Aprils Fool's Day prank Friday.

After an on-air 'fight' Suzi Hanks was 'fired' during Friday's show. The morning radio show pranksters admitted it was all a joke Friday and then again this morning.

Friday my blog exploded with people searching for Suzi. I'm still getting emails about it today.

Good one.

UPDATE
This post was featured on the Dean and Rog show after I posted it. I stand corrected. The joke was that Suzi was fired, then she came to the studio and confronted Michele Fisher who I believe 'was taking her job.'

RELATED
- Playboy channel — for the blind
- Suzi Hanks to 107.5 K-Hits KHTC

Kelly Ryan Joins Dean & Rog on 106.9-107.5 Houston’s Eagle

HOUSTON – May 30, 2019 – Cox Media Group (CMG) Houston has promoted Kelly Ryan to full-time co-host for The Eagle’s Dean & Rog Morning Show effective immediately.

“Kelly has been a longtime member of The Eagle family so I’m happy she’s found a permanent spot on the Dean & Rog Morning Show,” says Johnny Chiang, Director of Operations for CMG Houston. “Her enthusiasm, sense of humor, and ability to ‘put up with the boys’ made her the perfect choice for the role.”

Ryan was most recently the traffic reporter for CMG Houston and has also served in other on-air talent and production roles since she joined the company in 2014.

Prior to CMG, she was on-air talent for KKRW 93.7 The Arrow, which was The Eagle’s only direct format competitor until KKRW flipped formats at the end of 2013. Her 28+ years of experience in radio and natural chemistry with Dean & Rog make her a strong fit for her new role.

“I listened to Dean & Rog when they were in Denver,” states Ryan. “Now I have the privilege to be a part of the show. It’s truly a dream come true - and they're paying me!”

About Cox Media Group
Cox Media Group (CMG) is an integrated broadcasting, publishing, direct marketing and digital media company. The company’s operations include broadcast television stations, radio stations, daily
newspapers and non-daily publications. Additionally, Cox Media Group operates the National
Advertising Platform businesses of CoxReps, Gamut and Videa; and offers a full suite of local and
regional advertising services through its Local Solutions and Ideabar businesses. For more information about Cox Media Group, please visit http://www.coxmediagroup.com.

RELATED
Suzi Hanks exits 106.9-107.5 The Eagle

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

Houston 2025 TV and radio job moves

JANUARY

- Liz Roldán joins CW39 Houston
- Rod Ryan addresses Tessa Barrera's replacement
- Frito and Katy Show join 100.3 The Bull Houston
- Rita Garcia reveals baby #2 gender
- Caroline Brown gives pregnancy update
- 100.3 The Bull address listeners concerning morning show
- “Runaway Radio” wins Houston Film Critics Society award!
- Sarah Pepper returns to Houston Life
- Kevin Ozebek joins ABC7 KABC Los Angeles
- Houston and Texas TV crews sled, have snowball fights
- Christine Noël joins FOX 31 Denver
- Amy Davis and KPRC 2 win duPont-Columbia Award 2025
- Colonel St. James remembered by Texas Radio Hall of Fame
- Erica Rico celebrates 15 years with 93Q Houston
- Houston TV lost two legendary photojournalists
- Colonel St. James has died

FEBRUARY

- Miya Shay celebrates Lunar New Year with media guests
- Jaewon Jung joins KPRC 2 Houston
- "The Roula & Ryan Show with Eric" sticks around for 5 more years on 104.1 KRBE
- Chancellor Johnson leaves KPRC 2 Houston
- Isiah Carey issues statement concerning DWI arrest
- Telemundo Houston uses special effects to show weather changes
- Damali Keith leaves FOX 26 Houston
- Theresa guest co-hosts on Rod Ryan Show
- Texas TV marriages at the end of 2024
- KPRC 2 Houston cuts off SNL 50 special
- Houston-area DJs honored in Country Radio Hall Of Fame class of 2025
- KPRC 2 removes video from story after political outcry
- Karen Hua joins CBS News as Houston-based reporter
- Caroline Brown gives birth
- Frito and Katy grew up on Houston radio and are ready to ride The Bull
- Houston radio station says its transmitter was vandalized
- FOX 26's 'Breaking Bond' segment has roots back to 1991
- HISD taps into journalist skills with launch of new broadcast
- KTRK Anchor Emeritus Dave Ward Plaque unveiling and dedication ceremony
- Deborah Duncan talks TV and motherhood
- Jim Carola of KILT fame has died
- Chauncy Glover's cause of death released by LA County

MARCH

- "Dean and Rog" break silence since Houston's Eagle firing
- Caroline Collins is engaged
- 2025 Houston Celebrity Dairy Goat Milking Contest
- How is the new KPRC 2 management working out?
- Lauren Kelly and Sarah Pepper reminisce about their time together on Houston radio
- Gina Sunseri Wins 2025 National Space Club & Foundation Press Award
- Brian LaLima leaves 'Sean Salisbury Show' on SportsTalk 790 KBME Houston
- 97.9 The Box's Young Jas and JMac get real on The Nightcap
- Lisa Foronda and Jerome Gray reunite in new TV commercial
- From the Q Morning Zoo, Mix 96.5 and the Texans, Joe Pogge has been involved
- Hope Media Group Promotes Scott Herrold
- Brianna Willis joins ABC13 Houston
- 93Q Houston with DJ Mike Snow - March 23, 1991 - live from Detour
- Jacob Rascon joins KHOU 11 Houston
- 740 KTRH turns 95 on March 25, 2025
- Danielle Grossman, from KPRC 2 to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
- Allison Gargaro is pregnant
- Charly Edsitty wins 2025 Gracie Award
- 'Hello Houston' debuts on 88.7 KUHF
- Chris Henao exits KHOU 11 from Assistant ND role
- KPRC 2 GM Phil Lane is retiring

APRIL

- Josh Adams named Houston Public Media General Manager
- Bill Spencer returns to KPRC 2 Houston
- Rita Garcia gives birth to baby #2
- John Wesley Downey debuts 950 KPRC Movie Show
- Jillian Hartmann joins FOX 26 Houston
- Jacob Rascon interviewed by Ron Treviño
- KPRC 2 gets new graphics 2025
- Rekha Muddaraj leaves KHOU 11 Houston
- Ron Treviño's time on KHOU 11 Morning News celebrated
- A Houston TV weather crossover?
- Rekha Muddaraj signs off KHOU 11 Houston
- Is she my next goodbye post?
- Lisa Hernandez returns to KPRC 2
- Houston Landing nonprofit news to shut down
- SportsRadio 610 Host Clint Stoerner Inducted into Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame
- Yes, Mario Díaz will chase someone through a courthouse on live TV
- 104.1 KRBE HD2 flips to "NASH Icon" country
- Another KPRC 2 reporter is a crime victim
- Keith Garvin's giant revelation
- Tom Zizka's son-in-law selected in 2025 NFL Draft
- Amanda Goluszka leaves KPRC 2 Houston
- Anthony Yanez makes Texas TV history

MAY

- Courtney Carpenter's ABC13 baby shower
- Mo from 100.3 The Bull joins Rod Ryan Show
- Hope Media Group Promotes Jeff Evans to Vice President of Radio
- Brittany Ford returns to Houston
- “What's Your Point?” celebrates 500 episodes on FOX 26 Houston
- Rashi Vats talks TV and parenting
- Marlene Guzmán leaves Telemundo Houston
- 950 KPRC AM turns 100
- Former KPRC 2 photojournalist injured in crash
- Behind the scenes of Big 2 News KPRC Houston - 1978
- Houston setting for new OWN show 'Heart and Hustle'
- Former Houston radio DJ's business smashed
- Katherine Whaley shows support for Hermann Park
- Chris Pickett named APD and MD for 89.3 KSBJ
- What went wrong at the Houston Landing?
- Mycah Hatfield named ABC13 Houston investigative reporter
- Shelby Coppedge joins Houston Astros games as fill-in host
- Caroline Brown returns to KPRC 2 Houston
- Mike Stanton no longer on Houston Astros TV shows
- Shannon Ryan added to 8am streaming on ABC13 Houston
- Kaitlin Monte talks about her quiet departure from FOX 26
- Caroline Collins asked co-anchor Rashi Vats "Will you be my bridesmaid?"
- Where is Alex Bozarjian?
- Adam Winkler back broadcasting sports
- Brittaney Wilmore named ABC13 Director of Community Engagement
- Marcelino Benito welcomes baby #2
- Sean McLaughlin named KPRC 2 VP and GM
- Amy Davis celebrating 20 with KPRC 2
- Former Houston TV anchor in new Tyler Perry movie
- José Griñán has passed away

JUNE

- No one can stop their dancing now
- 610 KILT Houston 1968, 1972 and 1973 audio
- Behind the scenes tour of FOX 26 Houston
- Will Kunkel exits FOX 26 Houston
- José Griñán's memorial service
- Where is Jonathan Novack?
- Former Houston TV reporter's vehicle damaged in LA
- Mayra Moreno defends "Buenas Noches" sign off
- KHOU is trying to win the ratings by a hair
- KHOU 11 adds new morning newscast on streaming
- 'Dean and Rog' launch YouTube channel with Birthday Scams
- Could KPRC 2 open a coffee shop?
- Melanie Lawson returns to ABC13 anchor desk
- Rekha Muddaraj returns to Houston TV
- Melanie Lawson talks knowing Beyoncé over the years
- Houston TV has some big June anniversaries!

JULY

- MIX 96.5 KHMX Houston cuts
- Daji Aswad is engaged
- Ozzy Osbourne and KLOL Houston go way back
- ‘Runaway Radio’ screening at River Oaks Theatre 10-1-2025
- Griff’s Irish Pub’s 101 KLOL Montrose connection
- 101 KLOL 1987 4th annual Rock N’ Roll Auction
- K101 1986 3rd Annual Rock N’ Roll Auction
- Courtney Carpenter gives birth
- Fmr. Houston TV reporter's sons survived Central Texas flooding
- HEART & HUSTLE: HOUSTON Premieres August 2 on OWN
- SportsRadio 610 Raised $27,240 Benefitting the Houston Food Bank During Inaugural “Reggie and Ron Radiothon”
- Where is Shelby Rose?
- Ilona Carson joins KHOU 11 Houston
- ABC13 Houston set changes?
- Sarah Al-Shaikh joins ABC13 Houston
- Audacy Houston Announces New Brand Leadership Updates
- DaLaun Dillard is finished saying what he doesn't like after the pickle lemonade taste test
- Will Kunkel revives 'Kickin' it with Kunkel' and more
- Anna Werner Joins Gray’s InvestigateTV
- Real Investment Show with Lance Roberts goes podcast-only
- John Dawson evacuated in Maui during tsunami warning
- Robert “Bob” M. Stein, longtime Rice political scientist and KHOU 11 analyst, dies at 75
- John Getter, former KHOU 11 reporter, passes away
 

AUGUST

- FOX 26 Houston adds more news to digital
- Where is Mayra Moreno?
- Lauren Freeman interviewed by Houston Moms
- 93Q KKBQ Houston 1985 and 1989 airchecks
- Caroline Collins and other Texas TV folks getting injured
- Rodeo Radio 92.9 HD2 Houston replaces Country Legends
- Scott Flannigan Named Senior News Director; Edgar Zavala Named Senior Director of Technical Operations for Houston Public Media
- ABC13 Houston Class of 2026
- Nick Mantas joins KPRC 2 Houston
- Allison Gutleber joins CW39 Houston
- Seth Kovar leaves CW39 Houston
- Mayra Moreno earns Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Award
- Chris Huff rejoins 95.7 The Spot, Mix 96.5 and 100.3 The Bull in Houston
- Katelyn Maida guest announces for Grand Ole Opry
- Angie Rodriguez joins FOX 26 Houston
- Peyton Galyean joins FOX 26 Houston
- Ari Alexander leaves KPRC 2 Houston
- Tan Radford joins FOX 26 Houston

SEPTEMBER

- 101 KLOL 1988 5th annual Rock N’ Roll Auction
- When 101 KLOL was in Dallas?
- Mayra Moreno returns to ABC13 Houston
- Brandi Smith joins Houston Moms, talks leaving TV
- Johnathan Walton returns to KHOU 11 with new book
- Rosa Flores joins MSNBC
- Alex Bozarjian leaves ABC13 Houston
- Dominique Sachse and Vic Mignogna answer your juiciest relationship questions
- New Houston Art Weeks has KLOL connection
- Brittany Jeffers promoted to KPRC 2 noon anchor
- Houston stations have staff cuts
- Abigail Dye leaves FOX 26 Houston
- Jonathan Novack leaves CW39, Daryl Matthews hired
- Allison Gargaro gives birth
- KPRC 2 staffer writes about grief after loss of his son
- Stephanie Simmons joins CBS News 8 KFMB San Diego
- It's a mikemcguff blog 20 year celebration!
- Taylor Mills leaving 89.3 KSBJ night show
- Puro Tejano 106.1 Houston launches
- Houston jumps to #5 radio market
- Eddie “The Boner” golfed with Alice Cooper
- Houston September 2025 anniversaries
- Édgar Olivares promoted at Telemundo Houston
- Where is Owen Conflenti?

OCTOBER

- Eddie “The Boner” golfed with Alice Cooper
- Mike McGuff appears on "Hello Houston!"
- Mayra Moreno is pregnant
- Houston Public Media announces new leadership
- 93Q Houston wins 2025 CMA radio station of the year award
- Sean Salisbury exits SportsTalk 790 after iHeart layoffs
- Estéreo Latino 93.3 returns to Houston
- Doug Abernethy returns to Radio One
- Idolina Peralez returns to CW39 Houston KIAH as chief meteorologist
- Victor Jacobo joins CBS Chicago
- Bob Allen's movie career with the Astros and World Series
- Texas 2025 Marconi Award Winners
- Jonathan Mejia leaves FOX 26 Houston
- ABC13 lands 76th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Mike McGuff on "The Ann Harder Show"
- AstroWorld memories 20 years later after closing
- Houston-based CBS News correspondent Janet Shamlian cut in Paramount-Skydance merger
- Owen Conflenti leaves KPRC 2 Houston

NOVEMBER

- Ari Alexander joins 7News WHDH Boston
- KPRC 2 and Grizzy’s Hood News Announce Strategic Content Partnership
- Jessika Reyna and Jessica Jeanz Make Tejano Radio History as the Only All-Female Morning Show Hosts
- Mike McGuff on Culture Club HTX
- Rod Ryan talks about Texas Radio Hall of Fame induction 2025
- Kara Willis leaves CW39 Houston
- Daniella Guzman moving to KPRC 2 mornings
- 100.3 The Bull's 25th Anniversary Ten Man Jam
- Ryan Chase leaves 104.1 KRBE
- Where is Keith Garvin?
- Kevin Quinn and John Donnelly join KPRC 2 Houston
- Shannon Ryan leaves ABC13 Houston
- SportsTalk 790 announces “The Morning Drive with Dan & Cole”
- ESPN 97.5 Houston hacked
- Grizzy’s Hood News behind the scenes look
- Melanie Lawson announces retirement
- KPRC 2 Houston at-risk videotapes saved by TAMI
- "Houston: Remember When" special
- Simone Eli joins PIX11 New York City
- Texas TV November 2025 anniversaries
- HOT 97 and WBLS to air in DFW and Houston
- Joe Ford of Houston radio has died

DECEMBER

- Shannon Ryan joins Spectrum News network
- Mike Iscovitz gives 2025 update on father's murder case
- Rachel Briers leaves ABC13 Houston
- Laurie Ramirez Named Station Manager at Houston Public Media
- Vanessa Pacheco joins CW39 Houston
- Jake Reiner receives well-wishes from Houston
- Dave Ward honored on "ABC World News Tonight with David Muir"
- Shara Fryer and Melanie Lawson remember Dave Ward
- Stephen Goin joins Gray Media as a Washington correspondent
- Stephania Jimenez joins KPRC 2 from KSAT12
- Houston Media Roundtable December 2025
- Tom Llamas broadcasts from Houston for NBC Nightly News
- Dave Ward honored at ABC13 and Crime Stoppers
- Haley Hernandez is author of School Makes You Super
- Karys Belger joins FOX 26 Houston
- Dave Ward's funeral service was a touching tribute to a Houston icon
- Anthony Yanez returns to Alley Theatre stage
- Htown Sports Talk on CW39 Houston
- John King of KHOU 11 Houston has died 

2022 Texas Radio Hall of Fame nominees

The Texas Radio Hall of Fame (TRHOF) has released the names of the fifty (50) nominees for its 2022 Induction Class. 

UPDATE AUGUST 2022
2022 Texas Radio Hall of Fame inductees list

The voting portal will open at Noon CST on Wednesday, July 20th accessible to voting members via www.TRHOF.net through Friday, July 30th.

“We’ve been continually working to refine, streamline, and demystify the nomination and voting process” observes TRHOF Executive Director Doug Harris, “and this rollout represents a major step forward. We are fortunate to have a group of outstanding broadcasters for our voting members to consider and, for the first time, biographical information on the nominees.”

Over 200 broadcast professionals with ties to Texas radio were nominated for consideration by the TRHOF Review Committee, which reached a consensus on the final fifty. Voting members of the TRHOF will now determine the twenty individuals who will be honored in the TRHOF’s Annual Induction Ceremony at the Texas Museum of Broadcasting and Communications in Kilgore, TX.

“This slate of nominees spotlights the talent on both sides of the mic,” says Harris. “From the tower to the board to the conference room, this list of nominees touches every aspect of Texas radio. We have small town and major market representation that connects to a variety of formats and showcases virtually every position of service in the broadcast world.”

Selection of the 2022 Induction Class is the latest organizational milestone in a year that has, so far, included the TRHOF’s monthlong salute to the Pioneers of Black Radio and the launch of its inaugural scholarship program. The commemoration of the TRHOF’s 20th anniversary will reach its zenith during the organization’s Annual Induction and Reunion Weekend, November 4-5,

2022, at the Texas Museum of Broadcasting and Communications in Kilgore, Texas. Information on becoming a TRHOF voting member is available on the organization’s website and interested parties may still join—and vote—in this year’s selection.

TEXAS RADIO HALL OF FAME 2022 NOMINEES-FINAL LIST

1. Debbie Alcocer (KBFM, KZZY, KISS, KKZN, KZPS, KOAI, ABC Radio Networks, KVIL)

2. Roger Allen (KONO, KAJA, KTSA, KLLS, KITY, KSMG, KTFM)

3. Joe "The Godfather" Anthony (Yanuzzi) (KMAC, KISS, KESI, KSAQ, Z-ROCK ABC Network)

4. Albert Calvo (KUKA, KVAR, KMFM, KLVL, KQQK, KSAH)

5. Roula Christie (KHMX/KRBE)

6. James “Moby” Carney (KLOL/KSRR/KEGL)

7. Steve Coffman (KAFM, KZEP, KFAN, KENS)

8. Raoul Cortez (KCOR/The Sombrero Network)

9. Manuel D’avila, Sr. (Founder of Tejano Radio KEDA, KBOP, KESS, KIWW, KEXX, KUKA, KCCT & KBSO)

10. Dave Dillon (KODA)

11. Dean and Rog/Dean Myers and Roger Beaty (KKRW/KGLK)

12. Kandi Eastman (KMJQ)

13. Bob Ford (KZFX; KLOL; KSRR; KAUM; KXYZ, KILE)

14. Mary Lanoue -Gers (KISS, KSMG, KCYY, KONO, KKYX)

15. JD "Bo Leo" Gonzalez (KXTN/KBFM)

16. Harmon and Evans (KPLX)

17. Gladys Hill, aka KYOK's original Dizzy Lizzy, aka Gladys "Gee Gee" Hill (KYOK/KCOH/KZEY)

18. Stan Kelly (KTSA, KLLS, KSMG, KLUP, WOAI, KONO)

19. Lisle and Hahn/John Lisle & Steve Hahn (KISS)

20. “Uncle Funky” Larry Jones (KMJQ/KHJZ)

21. Pam Kelly (KLOL, KSBJ, KILT, KHPT, RFC Media)

22. Laurie Kendrick (KLOL)

23. Mark Masepohl (KTRH/KISS/KLNO)

24. Eddie Martiny (IHeart Houston Region President: KTRH, KPRC, KXYZ, KTBZ, KODA, KQBT)

25. Pam McKay (KASE/KMJQ/Urban One)

26. “The Musers”/George Dunham, Craig Miller, and Gordon Keith (KTCK)

27. George Henry Nelson, aka Brother George Nelson Sr. (KTRH, KYOK, KTSU)

28. John “The Lama” Oakes (KWTX)

29. Mona Parker (KKYX, KIUN, KCOR, KBOP)

30. Dave "Stone" Pinkstone (KSEL, KDAV, KPEP, KZIP)

31. Joe Pogge (KHMX/KILT/KKBQ)

32. David Ranken (KRLD, KLUV, KVIL, KODA, KILT, KSBJ, KLTR, Metro Traffic, Texas State Network)

33. Kelli Raspberry (KHKS)

34. Tom Richards (KRTS/KLEF)

35. Claude "Rick" Roberts (KYOK/KTSU)

36. Rod Ryan (KTBZ)

37. Bill Schoening (KVET/KSAM University of Texas Sports Play by Play)

38. Cindy Scull (KEGL)

39. Clifton "King Bee" Smith (KNUZ/KCOH/KPRC)

40. Ted Stecker (KAJA, KHYS, KSCS, KTYS)

41. Gary B. Stone (KXOL/KIKK/Spanish Broadcasting System Regional Manager)

42. H.F. Stone (KKDA/KMJQ)

43. Hannah Storm (KSRR/C-101 Corpus)

44. Bobby Swinson (KCLW)

45. Bart Taylor (KXYZ, KRLY, KSRR, KLOL, WCKW, XM Satellite Radio)

46. Terri Thomas (KBXX/KMJQ/KROI)

47. Maria Todd (KRBE/KHMX)

48. John Trapane (KILT/KIKK/KKBQ/EMI Records)

49. Dana Tyson (KODA)

50. James White (KYOK KPRC KTRH KMJQ)

93.7 The Beat Houston replaces 93.7 The Arrow KKRW

Classic Rocker 93.7 The Arrow KKRW is dead, The Beat KQBT takes over as Houston's newest urban station

So instead of Led Zeppelin's Houses of the Holy on 93.7, from now on you will probably hear Holy Grail by Jay-Z featuring Justin Timberlake. Just whatever you do, don't let Timberlake get near Reliant Stadium and Janet Jackson again!

That's because after 20 years, 93.7 The Arrow KKRW has flipped to an urban format with Beyonce as the first song. Fitting for Houston. 93.7 The Beat KQBT “H-Town’s Real Hip Hop and R&B” will target a heavy female audience with the likes of Rihanna, Jay Z, Drake, Chris Brown, Beyoncé and Miguel.

**************************
UPDATE
The Breakfast Club takes over 93.7 The Beat KQBT mornings

93.7 The Beat KQBT announced its lineup:
5am-9am The Breakfast Club
9am-2pm: UB Rodriguez
2pm-6pm: Rudy Rush
6pm-10pm: Devi Dev
10pm-2am: Chris Michaels

**************************

And the new station was taking swipes at market leader 97.9 The Box KBXX from the get go.

I was sent this 93.7 The Beat Houston logo
before the change - it appeared on IHeartRadio.

"93.7 The Beat is ready to write a new chapter in Houston radio history. We’re defining what real hip hop and R&B is," said Eddie Martiny, President and Market Manager, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment, Houston. "Many of the biggest stars in this format live in Houston, so to move the station in this direction was a natural choice. In addition, The Beat format will perfectly complement the five other radio stations in our cluster by making us more attractive and diverse to our advertising community."

The process started New Year's Eve day 2013 at 10am. As I blogged earlier, the station started playing a wide variety of music from Miley Cyrus, Eminem to Oingo Boingo with pre-recorded announcements heralding the end of The Arrow and that a new station would arrive at noon (SEE THE LAST THREE SONGS THE ARROW PLAYED).

"Is it just me or do the Led Zeppelin songs on 93.7 sound different today," KKRW program director Steve Fixx asked mikemcguff.com.

This means longtime Houston rock DJs like Colonel St. James and Steve Fixx of KLOL fame won't have a radio home. Same for morning show newcomer JC Corcoran and mid-day jock Kelly Ryan.

"In late July, just four months after I began the new job in Texas, corporate dropped a bomb, telling me they weren't hiring a producer or co-host to build a show here as we'd agreed," JC Corcoran posted on his Facebook page. "In October I began hearing loud rumors. Last night when we returned to Houston from Christmas break I got the call. Today, a classic rock station with a twenty-year heritage is no more. We've all been let go. The station will be "stunting" for the next few days before revealing the new format. I'd just been nominated for "Employee of the Quarter." Seriously. Next week I'll continue on with the ten-to-noon show on 590 The Man in St. Louis while we try and figure out what's next. Good riddance, 2013."

LISTEN TO THE OFFICIAL 12/31/2013 NOON CHANGE BELOW:


"I had a great run at The Arrow," Colonel St. James posted on Facebook the afternoon after the format flip. "I left Clear Channel on very good terms, and I really wouldn't mind going back to work for them, if the opportunity was right. For now, I'm looking for a new adventure, so if you hear of something, please contact me. Oh, and it doesn't necessarily have to be in radio. All I can say is, I wish my friends at Clear Channel the best of luck with their new station. I hope to back on the air soon, and with your continued support and prayers, and if it's His will, I shall be! Thank you all so very much! God bless and Happy New Year!"

RadioInsight reported Sunday that 937TheBeatHouston.com was registered by Clear Channel. But talk of 93.7 The Arrow's demise has been around for much longer.

The rumors all started back in November. All Access reported Houston could be getting a new urban radio station.

Speculation on a now defunct radio board began that classic rocker 93.7 The Arrow KKRW would be the station to flip formats - if the rumors were true. Semantics would be the reason for that. All Access used the word "targeting" which is why people thought "The Arrow" would be the one...talk about a bulls eye [insert rim shot] or a total miss [insert audience gasp].

While several radio sources told me they heard this rumor getting hotter and hotter, a Clear Channel Houston marketing representative told me back then that they were not "aware of" KKRW flipping to an urban format.

According to the newly minted Nielsen Audio's (replacing Arbitron) November 2013 Portable People Meter 12+ numbers, The Arrow ranks 17th with a 2.3 share. That's down from a 3.6 in July (cue radio pros telling me 12+ numbers don't mean anything but that's all I have access to). Classic Rock competitor 106.9/107.5 The Eagle KGLK came in at number 10 with a 3.7 share in November.

"It's a good move for KKRW," Vice President, Market Manager for Cox Media Group Mark Krieschen told mikemcguff.com after the format flip. "It makes sense for that station considering where they are at in the ratings and it is a big day for us (107.5 and 106.9 The Eagle). The strategy for our cluster began when we hired Dean and Rog."

The Cox Media Group later put The Eagle's signal on both 107.5 and 106.9 - killing off 106.9 The Zone - to improve the station's signal all across Houston.

"Lots of people thought we were crazy to make both of those moves and it worked out for us and we are happy about it," Krieschen told me.

Now, for those not in Houston, our market's top three stations usually include Radio One's 97.9 The Box KBXX and Magic 102 KMJQ. Those are two urban stations that seem entrenched in the top of the radio ratings and totally unchallenged.

"I guess it is game on," Radio One Regional Vice President Doug Abernethy told mikemcguff.com after the format change. "This is not the first time that we have had an assault on our company. We have withstood Hot 97, Power, jazz in addition to flank attacks. So we will enter this latest challenge battle tested. We take this as a compliment to our success. It is people that make or break a station and we have an all star line up of talented individuals in every phase of the urban game. Our company was built on a foundation of serving our community and being African American owned we won't lose focus of our solid foundation in which we built well branded urban stations in Houston."

Other companies have tried and failed to compete with Radio One's Houston urban stations. But Clear Channel owns KKRW, so that means you have an entire radio powerhouse behind this new Houston urban station.

People are asking why we need another urban station. If you think about this way, you have two stations at the top of the ratings for a sizable hip-hop loving audience. If Clear Channel pulls away just some of those listeners and gains new ones, then it will probably be doing better than it was with classic rock as the format.

This could be an interesting radio war. Stay tuned.

Official Clear Channel release:

Houston, Texas – December 31, 2013 – Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Houston announced today the launch of a new radio station, 93.7 The Beat, H-Town’s REAL Hip Hop and R&B, effective immediately.

93.7 The Beat will feature music from today's biggest artists including Kanye West, Drake, Chris Brown, J.Cole, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Houston’s own Beyonce and more. The Beat will give Houston listeners one of a kind access to up-close artist experiences, exclusive premieres, world-class on air personalities and opportunities to be part of bigger than life events and promotions.

"93.7 The Beat is ready to write a new chapter in Houston radio history. We’re defining what real hip hop and R&B is," said Eddie Martiny, President and Market Manager, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment, Houston. "Many of the biggest stars in this format live in Houston, so to move the station in this direction was a natural choice. In addition, The Beat format will perfectly complement the five other radio stations in our cluster by making us more attractive and diverse to our advertising community."

Fans can listen to 93.7 The Beat, via the station's website, www.937thebeathouston.com, as well as on iHeartRadio, Clear Channel's all-in-one digital radio service. iHeartRadio delivers everything listeners want in one free, fully-integrated service: instant access to more than 1,500 of the nation's most popular live broadcast and digital-only radio stations from 150 cities, plus user-created custom stations inspired by favorite artists and songs. iHeartRadio also offers listeners a "Perfect For" feature which allows users to choose from thousands of curated stations based on a range of moods and activities. New - iHeartRadio Talk feature offers on-demand listener-created talk content alongside popular news, celebrity and entertainment “audiosodes.” iHeartRadio Talk also features “Daily Pulse,” a customizable Talk channel featuring the most up-to-date news and culture highlights, to which users can add or remove content that is most important to them.

Follow 93.7 the Beat on Facebook: www.facebook.com/937thebeat
Follow 93.7 the Beat on Twitter: @937thebeat
Follow 93.7 the Beat on Instagram: @937thebeat

93.7 Houston call sign history according to Wikipedia.

KBNO - 12/1963 (the 1970 film Brewster McCloud featured an advertisement on a bus billboard)
KRLY - Fall 1974 (Disco 94, Love 94, Y94)
KLTR-FM - 3/20/1984 (Lite Rock 93.7)
KLTR - 3/2/1986 (K-Lite 93.7)
KKRW - 12/20/1993 (Arrow 93.7 70's Rock Hits, 93.7 The Arrow, Classic Rock 93.7 The Arrow, Houston's Classic Rock 93.7 The Arrow, Now With the Most Classic Rock... Guaranteed... 93.7 The Arrow)

*updated with new KQBT calls 1/21//2014