KTSU 90.9FM receives grant for COVID-19 outreach

KTSU 90.9FM has received a $150,000 grant from The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to help lead a COVID-19 outreach campaign targeting underserved communities hit hardest by the pandemic.

 KTSU, based on the campus of Texas Southern University, was selected to lead the national campaign efforts for all 15 historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) public radio stations selected to participate in the public outreach campaign.

"HBCU public radio stations serve as a vital connection to African American communities," said KTSU General Manager Ernest Walker. "KTSU is pleased to lead this effort among other HBCU stations to provide lifesaving information to fight the pandemic on our campuses and in our larger communities."

In support of this initiative, KTSU launched the “Save A Life” campaign. The campaign's goal is to provide trusted, lifesaving information to populations that have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. As the public radio station lead, KTSU will create multimedia content and distribute funds to the HBCU stations to produce additional content and engagement materials. The campaign will highlight local health officials and community leaders from each city and state. The aim is to motivate and engage minority communities to continue to mask up, social distance, get tested, receive the vaccine and support mental health.

"The African-American community has been struck significantly since the inception of COVID-19, particularly in the areas of access to COVID-19 vaccinations and in the effects the disease has had on families' mental health," said Walker.

Station participation will include:

    Alabama: WJAB, Normal; WVAS. Montgomery

    Georgia: WCLK, Atlanta

    Mississippi: WJSU, Jackson; WURC, Holly Springs; WPRL, Lorman

    Missouri: KJLU, Jefferson City

    North Carolina: WNCU, Durham; WRVS, Elizabeth City; WSNC, Winston-Salem

    Ohio: WCSU, Wilberforce

    Texas: KTSU, Houston; KPVU, Prairie View

    South Carolina: WSSB, Orangeburg

    Virginia: WNSB, Norfolk For more information about KTSU 90.9Fm, visit www.ktsuradio.com. For more information about The Vibe, visit www.vibehouston.com.

(This post was taken from a KTSU press release)

Uncle Funky Larry Jones joins KTSU 90.9 FM

Lawrence "Funky Larry" Jones (aka "Uncle Funky") joined KTSU 90.9 FM on June 15, 2024, for a weekly Saturday afternoon show from 2 pm to 6 pm called the "Ultimate Backyard Party."

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"This is a God assignment," Uncle Funky said in a statement.  "I'm here because of God's grace, and my gifts and talents fit the vision of Mr. Walker and the family at KTSU. I was called to come and bring 51 years of experience, 35 years of being here in the city, and 40 years of programming experience to see if we can elevate and have some fun every afternoon or every Saturday afternoon with the "Ultimate Backyard Party."

"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Uncle Funky Larry Jones to KTSU 90.9 FM. With his incredible wealth of knowledge and decades of experience in the industry, his presence will not only elevate our programming but also provide invaluable insights and inspiration to our students," said Ernest Walker, General Manager of KTSU and The Vibe. "At KTSU, we strive not just to be on the airwaves but to be an integral part of the community, making our listeners feel connected and valued. Larry embodies this mission, and we are confident that his addition will greatly enrich our station and the community we have served for 52 years."

Listeners can look forward to new segments like "Grilling with Uncle Funky." While outdoor grilling might come to mind, the radio segment is actually a platform to discuss various topics ranging from relationship advice to TSU sports and reconnecting with the University community.

"To get your brother to have to chop it up a little bit, tell me about you, your life, your kids, your wishes, your wants, your needs, anything," added Uncle Funky. 

With a broadcasting career spanning over 50 years, including over 30 years in Houston, Uncle Funky brings his iconic voice, rich experience, and deep community connections to KTSU.

His career highlights include hosting the top-rated "Afternoon Ride with Uncle Funky Larry Jones & Ali Siddiq" on Urban One’s Majic 102.1 FM and contributing his voice to numerous high-profile events and organizations. Uncle Funky's last day with Majic 102.1 KMJQ Houston was in January 2024.

"I'm a product of an HBCU," Uncle Funky said. "I have my bachelor's degree from Alabama State University in Montgomery. Coming home to an HBCU has pretty much been a dream of mine," he said. "To fulfill this want in this season of my life with all the knowledge and things I've obtained, the chance to just flat give back, and be an integral part of the overall vision of elevating KTSU and serving the city of Houston, for me, is a dream come true."

KTSU 90.9FM, Texas Radio Hall of Fame salute pioneers of Texas Black radio

HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 1, 2022) — In celebration of Black History Month and in continuing tribute to KTSU’s ‘Journey to 50’ celebration, 90.9 The Choice will air a series of audio vignettes spotlighting the people who first brought music, news, and commentary to Black audiences in Texas.

 These episodes, researched by and co-branded with the Texas Radio Hall of Fame, will be produced under the supervision of KTSU program director Donna Franklin. 

The 60-second features will air on KTSU-FM beginning February 6, 2022 and will be voiced by The VIBE Houston content director The Madd Hatta, a 2013 Texas Radio Hall of Fame inductee.

“Each year, Black History Month gives us the opportunity to remember significant contributors to the growth of our community and the strength of Black culture, “said KTSU general manager Ernest Walker. “With the advent of Black-owned and operated radio stations in the mid-20th century, the voices and music that inspired and entertained Black citizens were woven into the fabric of everyday life. That’s the role that KTSU-FM continues to play to this day.”

KTSU’s Donna Franklin shares Walker’s enthusiasm for the project and looks forward to personally overseeing the creation of this on-air salute. 

“These broadcast pioneers, whose vision, resources, and talent made radio tailored to Black audiences and Black businesses a reality, are most deserving of this recognition. The people ‘behind the mic’ as well as those who ‘wrote the checks’ were both brave and resolute. These are the stories we’re going to share.”

The Texas Radio Hall of Fame celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2022 and enjoys a strategic alliance with the Texas Museum of Broadcasting and Communications in Kilgore, Texas.

 In addition to The Madd Hatta, Ralph Cooper and Muriel Funches, executive director of advancement with the Jesse H. Jones School of Business at Texas Southern University, are Texas Radio Hall of Fame inductees.  

Support for the initiatives of KTSU and the Texas Radio Hall of Fame is provided by Amber Mostyn, co-founder of Mostyn Law.

(This post was taken from a release)

KTSU 90.9 celebrates Black Music Month

This Black Music Month marks 52 years that KTSU 90.9 has been influencing the culture in Houston and beyond, sharing the importance of African-American communities through the stories told in music.

“When you think of blues or jazz or gospel music or R&B, hip hop, zydeco, it’s a gumbo of music, but it touches our soul in a whole different way, and the stories in the music were really important, and that was part of our journey,” said KTSU General Manager Ernest Walker.

Many at KTSU have traveled that journey, including radio legend Rev. Rickey Williams, also known as the “Radio Pastor.”

“I’m on the radio for four hours on Sunday mornings, so I feel like I’m pastoring the whole town or the whole city,” Williams said.

In October, he celebrated 35 years of blessing the airwaves.

“I try and play all of the current gospel as well as some of the old gospel and I try to play music that’s choir oriented, you want to uplift people and that’s what I try to do on Sunday mornings,” he said.

Historically, gospel music helped enslaved people escape to freedom using codes and spiritual hymns as a guide…it also provided unity for Black communities during the civil rights era.

From blues and gospel to hip-hop and R&B, KTSU has penetrated every generation.

“We have a variety of on-air talent, we have some that have been here for almost 30 years serving our community, but also pouring back into the next generation,” said Walker.

Including one of the newest hosts, former Mr. Texas Southern and current Student Regent Taylor Getwood.

"Music is very powerful,” Getwood said. “Music can make you happy. It can make you sad. And it can unite people together as a whole and as we look at Black Music Appreciation Month and as it relates to Black history, music was how a lot of our people got through what they went through during those times and to be able to do that in today’s time, I really feel like I’m my ancestors wildest dream to be able to broadcast, to be able to inspire, to be able to empower, and to be able to continue the traditions, just in a more modern form of music.”

“To do what I do, you have to have a love for music, you have to be committed, if there’s no commitment, you won’t do it, and if you don’t love it, you won’t do it well,” Williams added.

But KTSU has been doing it extremely well and plans to continue showcasing the power of African-American music for another 52 years and beyond.

(This post was taken from a release)

90.9 KTSU offers The Vibe on HD2

The Choice, KTSU 90.9, has made listening to its urban alternative station, The Vibe, easier by adding it to digital sub-channel 90.9 FM HD2.

The Vibe launched in 2020 to target millennials and Generation Z through a mix of Hip Hop, R&B and Neo-Soul, and to fill a void in the Houston market with not only chart-topping music, but rising local and national artists, live and virtual performances and events, community outreach and an urban news perspective. 

Until now, The Vibe could be heard on 90.9 FM from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. and 24 hours a day on vibehouston.com and the interactive Vibe app.

“We have watched The Vibe grow into a force in the Houston market and beyond,” said KTSU General Manager Ernest Walker. “We’re excited to be able to offer our listeners, old and new, this new opportunity to hear the quality programming that has become synonymous with The Vibe, to feel the energy the jocks and personalities bring daily, and the new and rising artists whose music has a home on the platform.”

KTSU 90.9 FM The Choice will remain on HD1, providing listeners with the sounds of the best jazz, uplifting gospel, R&B, hip hop, blues and zydeco, in addition to news and public affairs.

HD radio is a digital technology that exists alongside traditional analog radio broadcasts. The technology is used by both AM and FM stations and allows broadcasters to air original analog signals alongside additional digital content.

Houston can now experience it all and tune in to both The Choice on 90.9 FM on HD1 and The Vibe on HD2. It is as simple as having both at the touch of a fingertip. Whatever the mood, TSU’s Public Radio Urban Alternative has it all when it comes to the beats.

(This post was taken from a TSU press release)

KTSU celebrating 50 years of broadcast excellence with Backyard Party

Texas Southern University’s award-winning KTSU 90.9FM “The Choice” is celebrating its 50th anniversary of service to the Houston community with a Backyard Party.

The TSU Board of Regents was issued a license by the Federal Communications Commission in 1972. KTSU first hit the air the following year, on June 23, 1973, with just 10 watts of power. That day, KTSU became the first African-American FM station on Houston’s airwaves. The first song ever played on KTSU was “The Funky Worm” by the Ohio Players. To date, KTSU remains a source of local music of all genres, and a destination for Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Rhythm and Blues, and more.

“KTSU has been a beacon in the Houston community since its inception,” said KTSU general manager Ernest Walker. “From the beginning, the station has been committed to the greater good of Houston. Not only is KTSU a source of entertainment, but it is a major component of outreach as a source of news and public affairs information that ensures our listeners know what’s happening in the community around them. We are thankful for the members who support us, and for every listener who makes KTSU a part of their daily routine.”

The public is invited to celebrate with the entire KTSU family, past and present, at a free 50th Anniversary Backyard Party outside the KTSU station (3100 Cleburne St., Houston, TX 77004) on Friday, June 24, 2022, beginning at 6 p.m. There will be live performances by Houston artists Mary Griffin, Spud Howard, Melanie Covington, and Werner Richmond, as well as other celebrity guests. There will also be live DJ performances by Chilly Bill Smith, Paul “PD” Davis, and Michelle McKnight.

KTSU is a training platform for students enrolled in TSU’s School of Communication. In 2019, the station launched KTSU2 “The Voice,” a student-run streaming radio platform. KTSU expanded further with the launch of The Vibe in 2020. The Vibe is the digital and innovative Urban Alternative station, powered by KTSU, that appeals to Millennials and Generation Z, offering the latest in Hip Hop, R&B, and Neo-Soul on the FM dial and through 24-hour streaming.

“KTSU continues to evolve to meet the growing needs of an ever-expanding audience,” said Melinda Spaulding, TSU’s Vice President for Communications and Advancement. “As we celebrate 50 years of being a leading public radio station and a fixture in our community, we look forward to all KTSU will accomplish and all the students who will launch into successful broadcast careers over the next 50 years.”

Tickets are not required for the Backyard Party. Attendees are invited to bring lawn chairs. Anniversary events began in June 2021 and will continue throughout the year.

(This post was taken from a press release)

The Vibe now on 88.7 KUHF HD3

KTSU 90.9 FM The Choice and Houston Public Media announced a new content partnership that will expand the reach of The Vibe, Houston's local Urban Alternative station. 

As part of this collaboration, Houston Public Media will broadcast The Vibe on its KUHF 88.7 HD3 signal, replacing Mixtape, a service by XpoNential Radio.

"We are so excited about the partnership with Houston Public Media," said KTSU General Manager, Ernest Walker. "Both stations are university licensees and public media contributors in the Houston community. This is an opportunity for both organizations to expand our audience reach and extend our missions of service to even more people across the Houston community."

KTSU, operated by Texas Southern University, and Houston Public Media, licensed by the University of Houston, are located in Houston’s historic Third Ward.

"In addition to providing expanded broadcast distribution for The Vibe, we will share News 88.7 updates on KTSU's primary channel, The Choice," said Houston Public Media Station Manager, Josh Adams. "This collaboration is truly about expanding community service. We are providing a 24-7 broadcast platform for KTSU's hip-hop and R&B public radio station while also informing a new audience with our local news, weather and in-depth reporting."

The Vibe launched in 2020 as a digital web stream under the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's Urban Alternative initiative. This initiative aims to connect young, culturally diverse audiences through music discovery and community engagement.

In 2023, The Vibe was also available on 90.9 FM HD2, which is still available at the time of this post's publication.

This new collaboration allows listeners to enjoy The Vibe on KUHF 88.7 HD3 or online.

Marcus Sullivan joins KTSU 90.9 and The Vibe

Marcus Sullivan is the new Operations Manager for 90.9 KTSU The Choice HD1 and Programming Manager for The Vibe HD2.

"Marcus Sullivan, a passionate sports enthusiast, brings his love for athletic achievement to everything he does. We encourage listeners to stay tuned to KTSU The Choice and The Vibe for exciting upcoming events and initiatives, marking a time of transformation and excitement," KTSU General Manager Ernest Walker said in a release. "In the words of the legendary Sam Cooke, 'A Change is Gonna Come.' With Marcus leading the way, it's going to be a transformative experience of welcomed change for both listeners and the community alike."

He takes over the role vacated by Madd Hatta, who recently took over afternoons at Majic 102.1 KMJQ  after Lawrence “Funky Larry” Jones (aka “Uncle Funky”) left. 

Sullivan has been the morning show host for NGEN since May 2019.

He previously worked for 93.7 The Beat as the affiliate producer of the syndicated morning show The Breakfast Club. 

The University of Houston grad and former Cougar football player also has Power 97.5, 104.1 KRBE, Party 104.9, Praise 92.1, FOX 26 KRIV, and a weekly segment with TMZ on his resume.

KTSU The Choice HD1 programs Jazz, Classic R&B, Blues, and Gospel music from the campus of Texas Southern University. Launched in 2020 to target Millennials/Gen Z radio listeners, The Vibe offers a mix of Hip Hop, R&B, and Neo-Soul.

Madd Hatta to advise KTSU The Vibe

The Madd Hatta Departs Radio One, Assumes Duties at Texas Southern University - Hall of Fame broadcaster will serve as Content Manager at KTSU-FM while pursuing additional projects

HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 3, 2020) — Following a 20 year run as the host of the Madd Hatta Morning Show, broadcast veteran The Madd Hatta (né Benjamin Thompson) has fulfilled his contractual obligations to Radio One’s 97.9 The Box (KBXX-FM, Houston) and will now advise the programming team at Houston’s KTSU-FM on the campus of noted HBCU Texas Southern University.

While his service to the station as Content Manager will take priority professionally, the Texas Radio Hall of Famer's work on recording projects and the expansion of his branded content assets will continue.

The Madd Hatta began his broadcast career in college radio on WNAA-FM, on the campus of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, NC. “College radio gave me my start, “Hatta recalls, “and I’m looking forward to giving something back. I know this market, I know its music and I know this school. TSU is a great fit for where I am right now and where the University’s broadcast program is going.”

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Hatta is the founder and CEO of Paid in Full Entertainment, a record label whose productions have included work from Paul Wall, Chamillionaire and 50/50 Twin, as well as performances by Hatta himself as “Mista Madd”. Details of his new project for Paid in Full are expected on September 1, 2020.

Short form and long form programming created and curated by The Madd Hatta will include The Madd Hatta Show Podcast/YouTube, a digital music channel, and The Madd Hatta’s Super Throwback Party, a weekly syndicated program launched in 2011 and now heard on terrestrial signals in Texas and Louisiana.

“There will always be an audience for great content regardless of how it reaches people,” observes Hatta. “And I believe there will always be great music, good people and important issues that deserve the public’s attention. That’s what I’m going to deliver, just like I always have. People will just be hearing me and my music on some new platforms, while I help build a great radio product at KTSU. And sleep in a little later. “

Information on Super Throwback Party is available at www.SuperThrowBackParty.com. Fans and friends may connect with the Madd Hatta at https://www.facebook.com/darealmaddhatta/, @therealmaddhatta on Instagram, and https://twitter.com/darealmaddhatta.

About The Madd Hatta
Following a stint at Greensboro’s 102 JAMZ (WJMH-FM), The Madd Hatta arrived in Houston, Texas in 1993 to handle nights for Majic 102 (KMJQ-FM). He later moved to afternoons then eventually to morning drive for 97.9 The Boxx (KBXX –FM). It was there that he achieved ratings dominance of the Houston radio market while serving as APD/MD for Radio One’s Boom 92 and Majic 102. In 2013, The Madd Hatta was inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame.


(This post was taken from a release)

Here is more from a TSU press release about what Madd Hatta will be working on:

KTSU 90.9 FM Introduces New Station The Vibe

Texas Southern University’s Division of University Advancement is excited to announce the continued expansion of KTSU 90.9 FM with a new digital station. The Vibe will be the digital and innovative Urban Alternative station, powered by KTSU. The new format will appeal to Millennials and the Generation Z demographic, offering the latest in Hip Hop, R&B and Neo-Soul on the FM dial and through 24-hour online streaming. The Vibe is set to begin broadcasting and streaming this fall.

The non-profit Corporation for Public Broadcasting awarded KTSU the grant to start The Vibe in the Houston market after the ratings success and growth of KTSU 90.9 FM, which is one of the top 25 public radio stations in the country and #1 public radio station in the country with African American listenership audience. The Choice, known for its format of jazz, blues, oldies and gospel, has always championed other formats, which makes The Vibe a timely fit.

“KTSU 90.9 FM Radio was the first African American station to introduce hip hop to Houston listeners right here on the historic campus of Texas Southern University. How appropriate is it for us to extend our reach in 2020 by going back to the basics by reaching a new generation of listeners,” said Ernest Walker, KTSU General Manager.

KTSU Radio pulls out all the stops by selecting an all-star team of professionals to ensure the station’s success. Madd Hatta, a Houston radio legend and former host of 97.9 The Box Madd Hatta Morning Show, joins KTSU The Vibe as its new Content Director, bringing decades of radio expertise and appeal as hometown hero. He is joined by Marketing and Community Engagement Director Holly Charles and News and Digital Media Coordinator Nakia Cooper, a TSU alumna.

“The Vibe is yet another platform created at Texas Southern University to celebrate and showcase amazing talent while hiring our alumni and the best of Houston. It all began with The Choice, our legendary station. We recently added KTSU 2 The Voice, our student operated digital operation, and now we are proud to welcome The Vibe. This third outlet will provide even more internship and career opportunities for our students,” said Melinda Spaulding, Vice President for University Advancement.

KTSU Radio, 90.9 has had a presence on the public radio spectrum for nearly 50 years and plans to raise its profile by filling a void in the Houston market with not only chart-topping music, but rising local and national artists, live and virtual performances and events, thoughtful programming, community outreach and an urban news perspective.

Details concerning information about programming and scheduling for The Vibe will be available on www.ktsuradio.com.