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)

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.

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)

Changes coming to 90.9 KTSU mornings

The "Yolanda Adams Morning Show" with Yolanda Adams and Marcus D. Wiley, is no longer in the 5am to 9am programming slot on 90.9 KTSU The Choice. 

The Texas Southern University radio station will soon debut "Morning Vibes with Chilly Bill Smith & Friends" from 6am to 9am Monday through Friday.

Good Morning!☀️ Wake up Every Weekday with #MorningVibes Hosted by #ChillyBillSmith! 🙌🏾 Listen Now Only on The Choice KTSU 90.9FM! #KTSU #Jazz #KTSUradio #KTSUstrong #KTSU909FM #KTSUMember #publicradio pic.twitter.com/crtQr1sh5T

— KTSU 90.9FM (@officialKTSU909) February 12, 2021

The new Chilly Bill Smith morning show was supposed to debut Monday morning this week on KTSU, but thanks to our arctic blast, the station's Facebook page says the show is expected to officially start Thursday, February 19, 2021.

Smith, who also attended TSU, previously worked for Majic 102.1 from 1986 to 2012 according to his LinkedIn. He joined KTSU in 2018 to host Mid-Day Grooves which aired Saturday’s from 10am to 2pm.

“The Yolanda Adams Morning Show" started airing on KTSU in September 2019. Both Adams and Wiley are TSU alumni.

Adam's syndicated morning show launched in March 2007 and was the first daily gospel show to be nationally syndicated, reaching 38 stations across the United States. The show originated from Radio One Houston's Praise 92.1 KROI and then later a Majic 102 HD sub-channel.

The show's syndication was cancelled in 2016, replaced with "Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell." From there, Adams and Wiley moved the show to Amazing 102.5 Houston. Then it was moved to KTSU.

The Yolanda Adams Morning Show is now being heard on Philly’s Favor 100.7 FM W264BH-FM & 99.5 WJBR-HD3 in Philadelphia as of February 8, 2021.

“Philly has been so loyal and so good to us, even when we went digital," Adams told the The Philadelphia Tribune. "We had lots of Philly numbers. No matter where we broadcasted from, we’ve never changed the format. We are still high energy, we’re still based on faith, family, friends and fun. Lots of fun. It’s very informative because sometimes you know in the morning, people have either slept through the news or didn’t get the right type of slant on the news, catered to them.”

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)

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 named KTSU operations manager

(Photo Credit:  Desum Dangerfield)

Houston radio veteran Benjamin Thompson III, known professionally as The Madd Hatta, has been appointed Operations Manager of 90.9 KTSU-FM on the campus of Texas Southern University. 

Hatta, who began his broadcast career in college radio on WNAA-FM at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, has served as the Content Director for The Vibe, a spin-off sister station of KTSU, since its launch in 2020. He will now serve dual management roles for these two campus broadcast properties.

Additionally, Hatta's work on recording projects and the expansion of his branded content assets will continue. The current lineup of short and long form programming created and curated by The Madd Hatta includes The Madd Hatta Show Podcast/YouTube (and all streaming platforms). This digital music channel specializes in the best of todays and classic R&B. 

Hatta's digital portfolio also features Klassic Joints, all old school hip-hop music channel. Production and distribution continue on Madd Hatta's Super Throwback Party, a weekly syndicated program launched in 2015 which is now heard on terrestrial signals in Texas and Louisiana.

He remains CEO of Paid in Full Entertainment, the record label he founded whose productions have included work from Paul Wall, Chamillionaire and 50/50 Twin.

"I believe content is still #1," says Hatta, "and I want to be a part of connecting traditional broadcasting philosophies with this new digital and social media worlds. I want to help TSU students find their way to a position of confidence and command of these new areas and platforms. What I plan to deliver are new broadcast content and skilled broadcasters to bring it to life, just like I always have. That's what's needed for KTSU to sustain another 50 years of broadcast excellence." 

Fans and friends can connect with The Madd Hatta at his website Madd Hatta Nation (themaddhatta.com) and on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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(This post was taken from a release)

KTSU's Maurice Hope-Thompson dies at age 68

KTSU host and TSU professor Maurice Hope-Thompson passed away this week. He was 68:

James Ward, dean of the TSU school of communications, said Hope-Thompson taught public relations, communications law and radio classes, as well as hosting public affairs programming on a station that otherwise features jazz programming. By Wednesday morning, as word spread of his death, students had begun calling about the classes he was scheduled to teach this semester.

“He was driven by information, learning things,” Ward said. “In some instances in our industry, you get stale. I don't think he ever allowed himself to get stale.”

He hosted KTSU's 6 a.m. news program on weekdays; his Saturday morning programs included a call-in show, Houston Talks. READ THE REST

(Thanks Susan)

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Dallas ISD hires Rebecca Rodriguez, former news reporter and current city of Arlington spokesperson, as new communications chief.

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KTXD Dallas Launches New Local Program
In partnership with D Magazine, London Broadcasting’s KTXD Dallas (DMA 5) launches D: The Broadcast followed by the debut of D Living.
- Seismic shift at KTXD -- from Perry Mason to D: The Broadcast

Houston and DFW radio ratings
ALL ACCESS presents JANUARY PPM market radio rating highlights for Houston and Dallas, compiled by the Ratings Experts at RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. and powered by XTRENDS, radio's #1 PPM and diary analysis tool.
- Radio One Houston gets praise

Former KTRK anchor still acting
Former KTRK abc13 anchor Bob Boudreaux is still acting (he was in stage productions while still an anchor). His latest credits, Banshee and the upcoming A Little Christmas Business.
- Bob Boudreaux and Dr. Red Duke together for award

Ashby, Blum join Astros' TV booth
With a move to the American League and a new color scheme, the Houston Astros also have made changes to their broadcast teams -- both television and radio -- for the 2013 baseball season. The club announced former Astros players Alan Ashby and Geoff Blum will join Bill Brown, entering his 27th season with the organization, in the TV booth this season. On the radio side, Robert Ford will call play-by-play and Steve Sparks will be the color analyst.
- Thoughts on the Astros’ new voices and the continuing CSN Houston carriage stalemate
- Network carrying Astros, Rockets games unavailable in Austin area

‘Mighty Gwinn’ moving to 1560 AM
Dylan Gwinn, who has hosted midday and evening talk shows on KBME (790 AM) since 2010, will move to David Gow’s Yahoo! Sports Radio next week.

Former Fox 26 anchor goes nationwide
Former Fox 26 KRIV anchor Jan Jeffcoat will host new syndicated show "The List."

KIAH and KDAF get new big boss
Tribune Appoints Larry Wert As President of Local Broadcasting.

Ron Paul comes to radio
Former congressman and Presidential candidate Ron Paul (R-TX) has signed to host twice-a-day one-minute commentaries.

REMEMBERING

FOX San Antonio's Karen Martinez Passes Away
FOX San Antonio anchor Karen Martinez has passed away after her long battle with breast cancer. Karen was 37.

Anderson, longtime KTSU host, dies after aneurysm
Longtime KTSU (90.9 FM) radio host Myron Anderson died Thursday, four days after suffering a brain aneurysm.

KLBJ reporter dies from injuries suffered in wreck
KLBJ-AM Austin reporter Barbara McCarley radio died from injuries she suffered in a rollover crash.
- No charges in wreck that killed radio reporter

MOVING

Click2Houston.com managing editor Lyn Stewart leaves KPRC 2 after more than a decade on the job. Stewart announced on Facebook that she's leaving to become the Digital Communications Manager for Huntsman Corporation.

I'm late on this, but I hear producer Don Geraci left KHOU 11's Great Day Houston last fall to start a new arts program on Houston PBS called Arts Insight. (Thanks to the PR Fairy @farbulous)

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Houston TV newscasts full of lovely ladies
- TV news' lost opportunity on Carnival Triumph story
- KTRK producer leads the blind through triathlons
- KTRK 13's Don Nelson back on air after surgery
- Bob Allen goes to Washington?
- Tom Doerr, Fox 26 KRIV news director to WFLD Chicago
- Sam Malone's debut on 1070 The Answer KNTH
- Comcast Xfinity app controls TV; now available in Houston
- Mix 96.5 KHMX moves Blake Hayes to mornings

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)

Jane McGarry to WFAA, new Houston meteorologist and more

MORE VIDEO
- Reporter Tackled on Live TV Before Vikings-Packers Game
- When Weather Computers Go Bad
- CBS 11 Am Team- 'The New Guys'
- Meredith Vieira Drops S-Bomb In 'Today' Slipup (VIDEO)
- Charlotte Police Chase Man Over WSOC’s Front Lawn
- Karen Borta Knows North Texas
- Houston YouTube History: Commercials
- Great Houston Radio TV Ads From Yesterday

Former NBC 5 anchor Jane McGarry returning to TV on WFAA’s Good Morning Texas
Jane McGarry hasn’t been on TV since May 2012, after pleading no guilty to a DWI charge and leaving KXAS-TV (Channel 5). But she’s set to hit TV screens again on WFAA’s Good Morning Texas.
- Former NBC5 anchor Jane McGarry talks about returning to TV with 5-part series on WFAA8's Good Morning Texas

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Fox4 meteorologist Ron Jackson gets his gray on
Veteran Fox4 meteorologist Ron Jackson's official station website picture hasn't quite caught up yet with his latter day on-air look

NBC5 saying goodbye to sports anchor-reporter Matt Barrie, who's heading to ESPN
Matt Barrie, a distinctive, live wire sports anchor-reporter for NBC5 since joining the Fort Worth-based station in 2008, has decided to take his considerable talents to ESPN.

Dick Siegel Dies at 73
One half of the legendary “Hal and Dick” team on WBAP has passed away at age 73. Dick Siegel suffered a heart attack.

Longtime radio man Legendary Ron Champan recovers from pre-Christmas stroke
Ron Chapman, who’s meant more to Dallas radio than electricity, suffered a stroke December 23.

Conspiracy theories cloud CSN's distribution progress
Just as expectations escalate and tempers flare at the midpoint of the NBA season with the clock ticking toward baseball's spring training, words and emotions fly thick and fast in Houston's latest spectator sport: chatting, speculating and grousing about the carriage developments, or not, of Comcast SportsNet Houston.

For some TV reporters, a 'fan' can become a danger
Andrea Nguyen was excited about her new job as a television reporter in San Diego. It was her first chance to work in a big city market. The Houston native didn't have time for a social life. After work, Nguyen would usually just drive home.

Dallas' longest-running radio show goes silent
"Soul 730 is no longer broadcasting on the radio," the station's website reads. "The frequency has been sold to another company. We thank you for listening and for all your support."

Ex-Texans player Payne joining KILT’s midday radio show
Former Texans defensive lineman Seth Payne will join Mike Meltser as co-host of KILT’s (610 AM) midday “Mad Radio” talk show beginning Monday, the station announced.

Houston Chronicle reporter fired for stripper gig lands new journalism job
Sarah Tressler, 30, was fired in April as a society reporter for the newspaper after failing to inform her supervisors of her after-hours career, which she chronicled on her blog, “Diary of an Angry Stripper.”

Sans takes job in KTMD Houston
Irene Sans has been named Chief Meteorologist at KTMD-47, Telemundo Houston.

KTSU Radio volunteer behind bars for ID theft
A former KTSU Radio volunteer is behind bars on accusations he stole personal information from hundreds of donors.

The most-watched TV shows in Houston for 2012
Here are the most-watched shows on Houston television during 2012, ranked by the average number of total viewers in the Houston market, which has just under six million viewers age 2 or over.

Houston Dynamo switches to new radio partner
The Houston Dynamo has not renewed its English-language radio partnership with Clear Channel Communications Inc., inking a new multiyear deal instead with Gow Media.

Ashby’s TV deal leads return of Astros favorites
Former Astros announcer Alan Ashby has agreed to rejoin the team as a television analyst and play-by-play announcer for Astros games on Comcast SportsNet Houston.

Former Astros Broadcaster Brett Dolan Talks About Awkward Formats, Milo Hamilton and the New Astros Front Office
Many Astros fans were shocked at the news that radio voices Brett Dolan and Dave Raymond had been dismissed from the team the day after the season ended.

KSBJ named one of the best Christian workplaces for fourth straight year
KSBJ has been named one of the Best Christian Workplaces of 2013 by the research-based organizational and human resources consulting firm, Best Christian Workplaces Institute (BCWI).

Jeff Vaughn to Anchor for WXYZ
Former KENS 5 anchor Jeff Vaughn heads north to WXYZ with David Solano.

Amy Hadley returns to YNN as anchor
After spending the past two-plus years in Prague, Amy Hadley has returned, anchoring the midday newscasts on Time Warner Cable’s 24-hour local news channel.

Listening Post Shutting Down; Final Scorecard On Austin TV News Teams
Bill Church's breakdowns Austin’s best newscast, best anchors, reporters, etc.

KUT launches sister station
KUTX 98.9 FM will be purely music all the time while it’s sister, KUT 90.5, will be news and talk radio.

London closes on Texas TV package
London Broadcasting Company expanded its Texas group, and deal was further notable for the ROI enjoyed by the seller.

Former KTSM anchor Ben Swann taking heat for viral Sandy Hook video
Former El Paso television news anchor Ben Swann is taking national heat for a report that has gone viral questioning whether the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut was really the work of a lone gunman.

KLAQ radio host splits from station after 12 years
El Paso talk radio legend Teresa Provencio is out at KLAQ Radio.

Former KVII Anchor Killed in Head-On Collision
A.J. Swope, former anchor and reporter for KVII was killed in a head-on car crash.

Abilene meteorologist spotted in 'The Guilt Trip'
On the TV in the bar, there's a news show with the weather forecast for the area. But that's no actor on the small screen. That's KTXS-TV chief meteorologist Mark Rowlett.

Abilene FM station drops ESPN Radio, now broadcasting CBS Sports Radio
Abilene's 98.1-FM The Ticket followed a national decision made by Cumulus Media — which owns 98.1 — to switch from ESPN Radio to CBS Sports Radio.

Texas’ Herald-Banner names editor
Caleb Slinkard has been named editor and online editor of the Herald-Banner.

Belo Corp. Television Stations Provided 135 Candidates Free Airtime
Television company Belo Corp. announced today that its stations provided free airtime to 135 congressional and gubernatorial candidates across the U.S. during the 2012 election season through the Company's "It's Your Time" program.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Where's Kenny Hand on KTRK's 'Extra Points?'
- KHOU grabs Mike O'Neill for EP from KTRK
- KPRC 2's Jennifer Bauer delivers a girl!
- Houston TV anchors' changing hairdos
- KHOU GM Susan McEldoon one of 'Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2012'
- KHOU names David Paul the chief meteorologist
- KPRC producer quits job, lives in trailer
- Texas malls past their primes
- TV news promos get sweetened sound
- KPRC 2 brings in Camille Williams from Fox 7 KTBC
- KTRK 13 weatherman Doug Brown has died
- Bob Allen scores with emotional goodbye; talks future plans

Chita Johnson and Mia Gradney get tacky, Kraddick tribute & more

- Pam Oliver gets hit in the face
- ‘WHAM!’ WSPA Sports Anchor Acts Out Game Highlights
- Best News Bloopers 2006
- Best News Bloopers 2007
- Wendy's Training Video From The '80s. It Is Gold
- Steve McCauley's final forecast on WFAA
- KWTV Gary England's Departure Promo, 2013

Kraddick's daughter remembers her father
In her first public interview since her famous father's death, Caroline Cradick says her father did not know he had heart disease.
- Tribute to Kidd Kraddick gives Dallas fans a chance to say goodbye

Dallas Morning News Will Get Rid of Its Paywall and Debut New Premium Site in September
Dallas Morning News Will Get Rid of Its Paywall and Debut New Premium Site in September D Magazine reports.

Big fish landed
KTXD-TV (Ch. 47) gets broadcast station rights to late season Cowboys game

KTXD parts ways with D but otherwise shifts into expansion mode with The Broadcast still very much in play
D Magazine’s initial visions of a local TV empire have turned into sand castles with the announcement that it no longer will be a part of KTXD-TV’s (Ch. 47) centerpiece morning show.

Big feature from Gary Cogill and Lascaux Films to get gala treatment at Toronto Film Festival
Former WFAA movie critic-turned-movie-producer Gary Cogill flew up to Vancouver earlier this year to shoot Words and Pictures, the first big feature from Lascaux Films.

Photos: Chita, Mia at Bad Pants Open
KHOU’s Chita Johnson and Mia Gradney took to the runway in their wild, wacky pants for the 16th annual Bad Pants Open at the Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women.

Appreciation of BOOTED NEWS WOMEN Blog
Rita Garcia Of Fox 26 In Houston Makes Her Blog Debut In Folded Black Leather Boots

Former KPRC met 'Chief Chuck' leaving KOLD to pursue doctorate
Chuck George, former KPRC 2 morning meteorologist and now chief at KOLD-TV, has decided to resign and devote his time to his pursuit of a doctorate.

Jan Jeffcoat leaves The List
Based on the of buzz I'm hearing, Houston misses former Fox 26 KRIV anchor Jann Jeffcoat. She really is #fox26forlife.

Perry appoints former reporter new chief of staff
Gov. Rick Perry has appointed former Houston Chronicle reporter Kathy Walt as the new chief of staff.

KTSU 90.9, The Last of the Great Radio Stations
Of all the radio stations in Houston, Free Press Houston's Rob McCarthy found that the only one he consistently enjoys is 90.9 FM The Choice KTSU.

CSN Houston to air Texas Southern home games
Comcast SportsNet Houston (CSN), a partnership between the Houston Astros, Houston Rockets and the NBC Sports Group, announced a partnership with Southwestern Athletic Conference member, Texas Southern University, to air five home football games on a delay basis.

KXAN expanding its morning newscast
KXAN is adding two more hours to its morning newscast beginning Sept. 3.

KTBC Names Lauren Petrowski Weekend Anchor
Fox 7 KTBC announced Lauren Petrowski will join meteorologist Scott Prinsen and sports anchor John Hygh as anchor of the weekend evening news.

Austin Photojournalist In The Middle Of Egypt
Caught in the middle, Cliff Cheney, a Baylor/University of Texas graduate and photojournalist.
- Former Press Writer Mike Giglio Detained, Beaten and Released During Egypt Protests

Ryan Crowe joins Herald staff
The newest member of the Herald staff is no stranger to newsrooms, or to Plainview. Ryan Crowe joined the Herald as special projects coordinator from KTVT CBS 11.

MOVING

Evan West joined KPRC 2 as a sports producer and MMJ according to Twitter. He formerly worked as a sports anchor at KBTV Beaumont.

Crystal Solomon is leaving her assignments manager gig at CW 39 KIAH's NewsFix. She takes over the same gig at Fox 26 KRIV.

REMEMBERING

Kracker Nuttz DJ Passes Away
If you’ve ever listened to 97.9 The Box in Houston in the past you have likely heard of the Kracker Nutz.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Rashi Vats moves to Fox 26 KRIV from KBTX 3
- Breeanna Malik named Clear Channel Houston Vice President of Sales
- KPRC 2's Lauren Freeman delivers baby boy
- Jennifer Lindgren joins KTVT CBS 11 from WKYC Ohio
- Colonel St. James returns to 93.7 The Arrow KKRW after surgery
- Houston TV has paid internships now

NewsFix review, 1560 The Game's big profile, fmr. Dallas reporter in CBS anchor chair? and more

WRIC-TV's live truck becomes crowd's dance floor after VCU win

Attitude trumps tradition on NewsFix
KIAH CW 39's revamped newscast offers variety, sacrifices immediacy says the Houston Chronicle.

UPDATE
WFAA wins Peabody award
The three — WFAA Dallas, WTHR Indianapolis and KSTP Minneapolis — were among 39 winners of the prestigious award announced this morning via a webcast from the University of Georgia, which administers the awards.

KGOW'S KAPOW KAPOW
1560 KGOW-AM The Game weaves pop culture, locker-room humor and irreverence into sports-talk radio.  This is a huge article by The Houston Press.

Is former Dallas TV reporter headed for CBS Evening News anchor's chair?
Several national publications are reporting that Katie Couric's departure (ejection?) from the tailspinning CBS Evening News is imminent. Most list 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley as a leading candidate to replace Couric in the anchor's chair.

Fox 26 gets new live trucks
Fox 26 KRIV built two new live trucks - take a tour.

Mysterious smoke on channel 11 newscast?
Is KHOU 11 borrowing a few ideas from the KISS concert at the rodeo?

WFAA 8 chopper flies off into sunset
Fear of not flying has prompted HD Chopper 8 pilot/reporter Troy Bush to call it a day at Dallas-based WFAA8.

Isiah Carey goes national again...
Isiah Carey AKA The Insite goes national again...this time not for the bug in mouth video, but Fox 26 KRIV's pole dancing story.

Waco's Fat Ho Burger joint owner interviewed on KCOH
Craig Shelton and Marcus Coleman interview Waco's Fat Ho Burger joint owner Ms. Evans on 1430 KCOH-AM.

Rachel McNeill talks her Jamaican heritage
KPRC 2 anchor Rachel McNeill talks her Jamaican heritage on the Tea Time-With Fiona podcast.

Brooke Meris Takes APD/MD Duties For KILT
BROOKE MERIS has been announced as the new APD/MD at CBS RADIO Country KILT/HOUSTON.
- 105.3 The Fan to Talk Sports in the Morning Beginning April 11

Clear Channel Dallas signs Kidd Kraddick for four more years
Kidd Kraddick renews his contract with KHKS/Dallas (106.1 KISS-FM) and more.

What happened to Lloyd Gite at KTSU?
Isiah Carey AKA The Insite finds out if Lloyd Gite was fired or left KTSU.

Daniel Frishberg: Houston's "MoneyMan" Settles With SEC
The Houston Press reports Daniel Frishberg settled a complaint from the SEC and will be reimbursing investors $65,000 for money invested in the BizRadio network.

Forget real TV cameras
Hey, stations! Tired of buying those pesky video cameras? There’s an app for that!

Drewry Communications stations getting new cameras
The Oklahoma-based group owner is rolling out local HD newscasts with the help of JVC's GY-HM790U and GY-HM700U camcorders.

All the World's a White-Balance
It's about as sexy as changing the batteries in your smoke detector, but skip it just once and your whole day could go up in flames. I'm talking about the lowly white-balance, that in-camera calibration that separates the cameramen from the fan-boys.

Ion Twin video camera
TWIN VIDEO is a video recorder that allows you to capture both your world and your reaction to it. (Thanks Will-E)

NATIONAL
- This is How Libyan TV Anchors Deliver the News
- Which Late Night Host First Convinced Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee To Drink On-Air at ‘Today’?
- Glenn Beck TV? The Challenges Beck Would Face If He Tries to Launch His Own Cable Channel
- MTV Hits Five-Year Ratings High With 27% Quarterly Gain

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- "KHOU 11 Stands For Houston" new logo and slogan
- KIAH 39 becomes CW39 again with new look starting today
- KHOU 11's new graphics and image spot
- Houston sports guy nails Jim Rome on air
- XFINITY finally 'replaces' Comcast on my cable box in Houston
- KHOU 11 feedback on new slogan/logo plus anchor IDs

Texas Radio Hall of Fame awards scholarships

Lanny Griffith, Neal Talmadge, Marc Sherman, Brian Shannon, Josh Holstead, Ronnie Renfro, Grego, Madd Hatta, Doug Harris - Front Row Caroline Devine and Harold Gunn (Photo credit: Thuy Tran)

(Houston, TX) May 25, 2022: The Texas Radio Hall of Fame (TRHOF) has awarded individual grants of $1,000 each to eight Texas students pursuing collegiate courses of study related to broadcasting. The honorees and underwriters of the THROF’s inaugural scholarship program were feted on May 19th in the Performance Centre of Houston’s Ensemble Theatre, during a luncheon sponsored by Amber Mostyn and Mostyn Law.

“We’re halfway through our 20th anniversary celebration, “observes TRHOF Executive Director Doug Harris,” and we’ve notched another important milestone. Any plan for the future of broadcasting must include the training and education of the next generation of hall of famers and we’re looking forward to finding and saluting worthy candidates for years to come.”

Luncheon guests included eleven Texas Radio Hall of Famers, including emcee Madd Hatta, along with representatives of Audacy, Cox Media Group, IHeartMedia, Urban One, and KTSU-FM.

The scholarship recipients and their underwriters are as follows:

Mario Salazar-The Dan D. Acree Texas Radio Hall of Fame Scholarship

Malone Graham-The Audacy-Texas Scholarship

Arianna Xavier-The Cox Media Group Scholarship

Duncan Harmon—The Mike Edmonds Sports Journalism Scholarship

Alexander Weister-Harold Gunn Texas Radio Hall of Fame scholarship

Roy Jimenez-iHeartMedia’sThe Beat/Black Information Network Scholarship

Viktor Hargrove-The KTSU 90.9 The Choice Scholarship

Denise Miller-Mostyn Law’s Power of Radio Scholarship.

The commemoration of the TRHOF’s 20th anniversary will reach its zenith during the organization’s Annual Induction Weekend, November 4-5, 2022, at the Texas Museum of Broadcasting and Communications in Kilgore, Texas. 

Nominations for the 2022 induction class open June 1, 2022.

(This post was taken from a release sent to me by the TRHOF)

Madd Hatta purchases George Floyd portrait benefiting Project Row Houses

Houston radio veteran The Madd Hatta made the winning bid on a portrait of George Floyd in an online auction hosted by Peach World Entertainment for the benefit of Project Row Houses.

The portrait, commissioned by Peach World Entertainment founder Wilson Dunn, was created by Anamaria Kheveli.

Hatta purchased Kheveli's "George Floyd Tribute", an 18x24 acrylic painting, which features a portrait of the late George Floyd with the Houston skyline behind him. Floyd's final words, "I
can't breathe," are painted above.

Hatta's bid, along with his supplemental donation, raised $500 for Project Row Houses, whose mission is helping Houston's Third Ward community through art while also helping to preserve the historically Black neighborhood's cultural identity. Peach World Entertainment's mission is to support the Houston art scene by contributing to all aspects of its growth. Supporting Project Row Houses is one of the many ways Peach World Entertainment has chosen to fulfill their mission.

Hatta, the Texas Radio Hall of Famer who recently transitioned from morning show host at 97.9 The Boxx to his new role as Content Manager for Texas Southern University's KTSU-FM, says both the image and the movement it represents, speak to him personally.

"The opportunity to honor the memory of George Floyd, while supporting the Third Ward neighborhood where he grew up, was something I wanted to be a part of," said Hatta, who has made Houston his home since 1993. "My donation is a small price to pay for a man whose death has awakened America to its unfair treatment of people of color. My hope is that George Floyd's passing was not in vain. That would be a worthy tribute to his life."

(This post was taken from a release sent to me by Noisemaker.com)