Praise 92.1 returns to KROI 2021

 

Radio One Houston is pleased to announce the re-launch of Houston’s Inspiration Station, KROI Praise 92.1 / KMJQ Praise 102.1 HD2. 

UPDATE APRIL 2023
Praise 92.1 KROI Houston sold to Spanish Broadcasting System

HISTORY OF 92.1 KROI FORMATS

NOVEMBER 2011
- Why News 92 is taking over Praise 92.1 + backlash
- News 92 FM KROI is on the air (1st hour local audio included)

OCTOBER 2014
- News 92 KROI is dead - Beyonce Channel B92 launches
- Boom 92.1 FM Classic Hip Hop Houston radio 

JANUARY 2017
The New 92.1 Radio Now replaces Boom 92.1 KROI 

In the late 2000’s and early 2010’s Praise inspired Houstonians through difficult times on the 92.1 radio frequency. Houston’s Inspiration Station is now back on the 92.1 dial with a new and improved signal offering full market coverage in HD broadcasting at 40,000 watts and simulcasting on Praise 102.1 HD2. With inspirational songs and motivational content, Praise is providing a new all-star lineup of gospel greats to Houston.

Praise 92.1 DJ schedule

Houston can now GET UP and enjoy Mornings with Erica Campbell, award-winning gospel music singer and reality TV star. Erica Campbell creates a high-energy experience for listeners to start every day in FAITH, with LOVE and having JOY. Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell can be heard from 5AM-9AM weekdays.

Keep the faith while working from home with TJ Jackson, an award-winning Manager, On-Air Personality, Talk Show Host, Public Speaker, Voice Over Artist, and community leader. Whether she’s hosting a talk show or music program, voicing commercials, planning or hosting events, TJ gets up in the morning to make life better for someone else. Listen to TJ in the mid-day from 9AM – 2PM weekdays.

“It’s a privilege to re-launch such an uplifting and positive station, especially during these times of uncertainty where people are looking for outlets of love and hope to keep them inspired,” says Radio One Houston’s Vice President and General Manager, Pam McKay.

Pump up your afternoon with “The Willie Moore Jr. Show.” As a world-renowned influencer, Willie is a licensed minister and Comedic Speaker where many call him “Young America’s Pastor”. Gifted to tell stories, jokes, and share bible-based principles he’s irrationally passionate to #KeepIt100 and tell the #Flat-out truth. Tune into The Willie Moore Jr. Show 2PM-6PM weekdays.

Terri Thomas, Operations Manager of Radio One Houston says, “It’s in times like these where people want to escape from today’s challenging realities and listen to music that inspires and makes them feel good.”

Enjoy your evenings with Darlene McCoy. The song “I’m Every Woman” would be the ideal preamble! She bears a plethora of titles in an attempt to define her: Mother, National Recording Artist, Radio Personality, Actress, Author, Songwriter, Mentor, Entrepreneur, Comedian, and Speaker. It is evident that we have not witnessed all that God has placed behind this bright, shining star of a woman. Darlene McCoy can be heard 6PM-10PM weekdays.

The Praise continues every weekend on Saturday with the Spirit Top 15 countdown and shows featuring recording artist Ronnette Rollins, actress Veda Howard, award winners D. Stone and Willie Moore Jr. Plus a Sunday lineup featuring motivational speaker Krystal Lee, evangelist Cheryl Jackson and singer/songwriter Jermaine Dolly.

Praise 92.1/102.1 HD2 is available streaming online at praisehouston.com and you can Praise anywhere by downloading the Praise app from your mobile app store. For inspiring content and good news, follow Praise on all major social media platforms @praisehouston.  Business owners, ministries and local advertisers interested in marketing packages can submit your request to Radio One Houston Director of Sales, Wayne Jones at waynejones@radio-one.com.

(This post was taken from a Radio One Houston press release)

Praise 92.1 KROI Houston sold to Spanish Broadcasting System

Praise 92.1 KROI Houston has been sold to Spanish Broadcasting System by Urban One for $7.5 million according to multiple radio trade sites.

UPDATE DECEMBER 2024
La Ley 92.1 FM launches in Houston

The Praise format returned to KROI in 2021.

So why is this happening?

With Urban One (owner of 97.9 'The Box' and Majic 102.1) announcing the purchase of the Cox Media Group Houston cluster in April 2023 (93Q Country KKBQ, The Eagle 106.9 and 107.5 KHPT-KGLK and Country Legends 97.1 KTHT) two stations must be sold to comply with the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) local ownership limits.

That means one more station of this newly combined group of Houston radio stations must be sold and it will apparently be Country Legends 97.1.

Stay tuned.

UPDATE JULY 2023
Country Legends 97.1 KTHT sold to EMF

HISTORY OF 92.1 KROI FORMATS

NOVEMBER 2011
- Why News 92 is taking over Praise 92.1 + backlash
- News 92 FM KROI is on the air (1st hour local audio included)

OCTOBER 2014
- News 92 KROI is dead - Beyonce Channel B92 launches
- Boom 92.1 FM Classic Hip Hop Houston radio 

JANUARY 2017
The New 92.1 Radio Now replaces Boom 92.1 KROI 

La Ley 92.1 FM launches in Houston

Houston, TX – [12/20/2024] – Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. (SBS), the largest Hispanic-controlled media and entertainment company in the United States, proudly announces the launch of its first radio station in Texas: La Ley 92.1 FM – La NUEVA emisora Que Manda en Houston – KROI-FM. 

RELATED
Praise 92.1 KROI Houston sold to Spanish Broadcasting System

With a focus on delivering top-quality Regional Mexican music and unparalleled entertainment, La Ley 92.1 is set to redefine the radio experience for Houston’s vibrant Hispanic community.

Featuring 50,000 songs without commercials, La Ley 92.1 will highlight the biggest names in Regional Mexican music, including Grupo Frontera, Carín León, Julión Álvarez, Banda MS, Intocable, and Los Ángeles Azules, offering listeners a nonstop stream of hits and fan-favorite tracks.

The station’s mornings will soon be led by the legendary Raúl Brindis, a beloved voice in Houston’s Hispanic community with over 30 years of on-air excellence. Known for his humor, energy, and deep connection to his audience, Brindis will bring a fresh and engaging morning show to La Ley 92.1, promising a mix of laughter, music, and real-life stories that resonate with listeners.

“As we expand our footprint into Texas, we are thrilled to bring the SBS legacy to Houston with the launch of La Ley 92.1,” said Raul Alarcon Jr. SBS President, CEO and Chairman. “Houston’s diverse and dynamic Hispanic community deserves a station that is LIVE and hyper local which not only delivers exceptional music but also reflects their culture, pride, and traditions. With Raúl Brindis joining our team, we are confident that La Ley 92.1 will quickly become a favorite among listeners.”

La Ley 92.1 FM (KROI-FM HD1 Houston) serves as a proud addition to SBS’s portfolio of top-performing stations in major U.S. Hispanic markets, including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco, Orlando, Tampa, and Puerto Rico. SBS also operates AIRE Radio Networks, a national platform of over 290 affiliated stations reaching 95% of the U.S. Hispanic audience. Beyond radio, SBS owns MegaTV, produces live concerts and events, and offers digital platforms like LaMusica app and HitzMaker, furthering its commitment to delivering high-quality entertainment across multiple platforms.

SBS was founded in 1983 and has grown to become a pioneer in Spanish-language media, continually evolving to meet the needs of its audience. The launch of La Ley 92.1 marks a significant milestone in SBS’s mission to bring exceptional Hispanic entertainment to every corner of the United States.

Tune in to La Ley, La Ley, La Ley 92.1 FM – La NUEVA emisora Que Manda en Houston for nonstop music, exclusive promotions, and the voice of the community. Follow us on social media for updates on Raúl Brindis’s upcoming debut and more exciting announcements.

(SPANISH PRESS RELEASE)

Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS) se enorgullece en anunciar el lanzamiento de su primera estación en Texas: La Ley 92.1 FM en Houston

Houston, TX – 12/20/2024 – Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. (SBS), la compañía líder en medios y entretenimiento hispano en los Estados Unidos, anuncia con orgullo el lanzamiento de su primera estación en Texas: La Ley 92.1 FM – La NUEVA emisora Que Manda en Houston.

Con un enfoque en ofrecer música regional mexicana de la más alta calidad y entretenimiento inigualable, La Ley 92.1 está lista para redefinir la experiencia radial para la vibrante comunidad hispana de Houston.

Con 50,000 canciones sin comerciales, La Ley 92.1 destacará a los nombres más grandes de la música regional mexicana, incluyendo Grupo Frontera, Carín León, Julión Álvarez, Banda MS, Intocable, y Los Ángeles Azules, ofreciendo a los oyentes una transmisión continua de éxitos y canciones favoritas.

Las mañanas estarán próximamente lideradas por el legendario Raúl Brindis, una voz querida por la comunidad hispana de Houston con más de 30 años de excelencia en la radio. Conocido por su humor, energía y profunda conexión con su audiencia, Brindis traerá un programa matutino fresco y atractivo a La Ley 92.1, prometiendo risas, música e historias de la vida real que conectan con los oyentes.

“Estamos emocionados de expandir nuestra presencia a Texas y llevar el legado de SBS a Houston con el lanzamiento de La Ley 92.1,” dijo Raul Alarcon Jr. Presidente, CEO y Chairman de SBS. “La diversa y dinámica comunidad hispana de Houston merece una estación que no solo ofrezca música excepcional, sino que también refleje su cultura local, orgullo y tradiciones. Con Raúl Brindis uniéndose a nuestro equipo, estamos seguros de que La Ley 92.1 rápidamente se convertirá en una favorita entre los oyentes.”

La Ley 92.1 FM (KROI-FM HD1 Houston) es una orgullosa adición al portafolio de estaciones de SBS, que incluye mercados principales como Nueva York, Los Ángeles, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco, Orlando, Tampa y Puerto Rico. SBS también maneja AIRE Radio Networks, una plataforma nacional con más de 290 estaciones afiliadas que alcanzan al 95% de la audiencia hispana en los EE. UU. Además, SBS es propietaria de MegaTV, produce conciertos y eventos en vivo, y ofrece plataformas digitales como LaMusica y HitzMaker, cumpliendo su compromiso de llevar entretenimiento de alta calidad a través de múltiples plataformas.

SBS fue fundada en 1983 y se ha convertido en pionera de los medios en español, evolucionando constantemente para satisfacer las necesidades de su audiencia. El lanzamiento de La Ley 92.1 marca un hito importante en la misión de SBS de llevar un entretenimiento hispano excepcional a cada rincón de los Estados Unidos.

Sintoniza La Ley, La Ley, La Ley 92.1 FM – La NUEVA emisora Que Manda en Houston para música sin parar, promociones exclusivas y la voz de la comunidad. Síguenos en redes sociales para actualizaciones sobre el próximo debut de Raúl Brindis y más sorpresas emocionantes.

(taken from a release)

The New 92.1 Radio Now replaces Boom 92.1 KROI

Radio One Houston blows up Boom 92.1 KROI for The New 92.1 Radio Now Houston's LIT Music Station

Radio One Houston has responded to Hot 95.7 KKHH flipping to 95.7 The Spot by blowing up Boom 92.1 KROI and making it The New 92.1 Radio Now Houston's LIT Music Station this evening.

UPDATE APRIL 2023
Praise 92.1 KROI Houston sold to Spanish Broadcasting System

One of my blog commenters claims this is Radio One's answer to Hot 95.7 going bye, bye. Now 92.1 will be the new Top 40/CHR station for Houston.

In fact, some of KROI's new IDs take swipes at Hot. They also took a swipe at 104.1 KRBE.

If anyone caught audio of the actual flip, let me know. Here is audio of the flip.

Radio One's first all classic hip hop station, Boom 92, debuted October 13, 2014 after replacing the stunt format all Beyonce Channel B92. Other Radio One stations across the country flipped to the format soon after. A week before that, Radio One killed its all news format News 92.

The ratings for classic hip hop jumped at first but cooled off later on.

Official press release:

After kicking it old school, Radio One Houston has moved from its Classic Hip-Hop format to the new sound of NOW! Today, Radio One announced its new format, 92.1 RADIO NOW, a cutting edge Top 40 radio station for the NOW generation. 92.1 RADIO NOW launches with 92 hours of commercial free music.

Currently, Radio One Houston is home to MAJIC 102.1 FM and 97.9 FM The BOX. 92.1 RADIO NOW will feature artists such as; Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, Shawn Mendes, Chainsmokers, Twenty One Pilots, The Weeknd, Nick Jonas and more.

“The New 92.1 Radio Now will reflect emerging music, trends and culture for the NOW generation of 18-34 year old millennials here in Houston,” said Terri Thomas, Operations Manager/Program Director of Radio One Houston.

“With recent changes in the Top 40 radio landscape in the Houston market, we believe that Houston is ready for this new sound,” said Gary Spurgeon, Vice President and General Manager, Radio One Houston.

Radio One’s Senior Vice President of Programming, Jay Stevens said, “We’re excited about this opportunity to bring a fresh innovative approach to Top 40 Radio in H-Town.”

radionowhouston.com
https://twitter.com/RadioNowHouston
https://www.facebook.com/radionowhouston

Houston getting News 92 FM - 24 hour radio news

Radio One is jumping into the 24 hour news radio business for the first time anywhere, right here in Houston. Just announced today, the owner of 97.9 The Box KBXX and Magic 102 KMJQ, is flipping Praise 92.1 KROI to News 92 FM on November 14. This after 740 KTRH abandoned the News Radio slogan and fired longtime morning anchors J.P. Pritchard and Lana Hughes. Well now Pritchard and Hughes will reunite at the new station with a ton of other famous Houston broadcasting names (see below).

I've been alluding to an FM news station coming to Houston over the last few weeks. Rumors were flying, but no one was talking about it until now. Here is the official Radio One release about KROI:

Radio One Regional Vice-President Doug Abernethy announced today that KROI-FM/Houston (92.1 FM) will begin its programming as a full service news station the week of November 14, 2011. Using the on air moniker "News 92 FM," this 24 hour news and information station will be fortified by the world wide resources of ABC News Radio and Associated Press Platinum and will be populated with the voices of some of Houston's most well known and award-winning radio and television personalities.

The morning news will be anchored by Texas Radio Hall of Fame honorees J.P. Pritchard and Lana Hughes, who served the Houston market as a broadcast duo for over 27 years. Additional duties throughout the day will be handled by other local notables including (listed alphabetically) Mike Barajas (formerly of Fox 26 KRIV), Scott Braddock (formerly of 740 KTRH, 1080 KLRD), Carolyn Campbell (KHOU 11), Kevin Charles (Metro Networks,700 KSEV), Brent Clanton (formerly of 650 KIKK, 700 KSEV), Lanny Griffith (formerly of 101 KLOL, 94.5 KTBZ, Fox 26 KRIV), Laurie Kendrick (740 KTRH, 101 KLOL, 97.5 KFNC) , Martha Martinez (101 KLOL), Bonnie Petrie (740 KTRH, 1080 KRLD), Matt Sampsell Fox 26 KRIV, KIAH 39), Pattie Shieh (Fox 26 KRIV), Meteorologist Dr. Joe Sobel, Craig Roberts (KPRC 2, 101 KLOL, 55 KTBU), and Jorge Vargas (KIAH 39).

"Our review of Houston's broadcast landscape told us that those listeners interested in local news as well as national news were being poorly served," says Abernethy, "so we decided to make a commitment to delivering the news in a dependable fashion. People want to hear about news as it happens, and they shouldn't have to wait until their radio station 'catches up'. We'll deliver the news as it unfolds."

Ed Shane, founder and president of the Houston-based Shane Media Services, is serving as Project Manager on the format flip from gospel music to all news and predicts that Houstonians will find much to like about News 92 FM.

"We're going to give people the facts without the biased opinions that dominate so-called news stations," offers Shane. "We've assembled an A-list of broadcast journalists whose mission is to report the news and let people make up their own minds."

Shane says that the programming team, led by veteran news director Denise Bishop, will deliver an appealing blend of local, regional and national news along with topical information and the traffic and weather updates that are essential to Houston listeners.

Barry Mayo, President of the radio division for Radio One agrees. "The change that we announced today is a ground-breaking and necessary addition to the choices available to the residents of the Houston metro area," said Mayo. "The ability to realize a need and then take the appropriate action to satisfy it is what has sustained the popularity of our Houston radio stations."

The station will broadcast from recently expanded studios in the Radio One broadcast center that currently houses market leaders Majic 102 (KMJQ-FM) and 97.9 The Box (KBXX-FM). KROI-FM's current programming, Praise 92.1 will moved to Majic 102's HD channel and will stream online at www.PraiseHouston.com.

Praise 92.1 is home to the syndicated Yolanda Adams Morning Show, but I assume Adams will just keep broadcasting across the nation from the Radio One Houston studios (assuming she still broadcasts the show from here).

RELATED
- 740 KTRH anchors Lana Hughes and J.P. Pritchard being inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame
- Lana Hughes and J.P. Pritchard of 740 KTRH fame together again
- Houston radio changes = change in ratings? Plus news radio?

Why News 92 is taking over Praise 92.1 + backlash

I've been talking a lot about the new News 92 taking over Praise 92.1 KROI. Maybe some would say I've been giving too much coverage to the all news station.

But I wanted to share with you the reason owner Radio One is saying it is moving Praise to HD radio and going with the all news format. As you might have figured, it was all about money.

"What we did when we launched Praise was shifted Majic's (KMJQ 102.1) audience over to Praise, so you had a lot of duplication between the two," general manager of Radio One Houston Doug Abernethy told The Defender. "So you compress the ratings on Majic to grow the Praise station and for the past five years, its not really generated any kind of revenue. With Praise going away, Majic's audience will grow, leading to more ratings dominance, which leads to financial growth."

Abernethy says the company saw ratings declines for some of its stations after the Personal People Meter (PPM) was adopted as a method of tracking radio ratings too.

The Defender article also has interviews with Houston activist Quanell X and Rev. William A. Lawson (KTRK 13 anchor Melanie Lawson's father by the way) about what they think of the change. Here's a hint, they are not terribly happy.

RELATED
- News 92 FM KROI's launch delayed, plus more details
- Houston getting News 92 FM - 24 hour radio news
- New News92 FM, Houston's biggest radio secret emerges

Boom 92.1 FM Classic Hip Hop Houston radio

Last Wednesday Radio One killed News 92 KROI and put on B92 all Beyonce radio. We kinda figured that one would not be a permanent format.

UPDATE APRIL 2023
Praise 92.1 KROI Houston sold to Spanish Broadcasting System

UPDATE JANUARY 05, 2017
The New 92.1 Radio Now replaces Boom 92.1 KROI

Radio One Houston blows up Boom 92.1 KROI for The New 92.1 Radio Now Houston's LIT Music Station

Today at 5pm, 92 KROI became Boom 92.1 FM, a Classic Hip Hop station. Here is the full Radio One release:

On the eve of its announcement, Radio One of Texas II, LLC generated buzz and filled the airways with advertising free, 24-7 music from Beyonce. Today, Radio One announced its new permanent format, Boom 92.1 FM, a Classic Hip Hop station. It is the first major market throwback Hip Hop station of its kind in the country. And its Houston’s own.

Currently, Radio One is home to Majic 102.1 FM and The Box 97.9 FM, an adult R&B and mainstream Hip Hop and R&B stations respectively. Now classic Hip Hop gets added to the roster of the Urban MediaSpecialists.

“We couldn’t be more excited about bringing Classic Hip Hop back to listeners who grew up on the lyrics, beats and rhythm of this genre of music,” said Terri Thomas, Operations Manager, Radio One of Texas.

Radio One research supports that Houston has an appetite for Classic Hip Hop.

“Radio One is known for firsts.” said Jay Stevens, Senior Vice President, Programming, Radio One. “This is classic – throwback Hip Hop and you can only hear it all-day, every day on the BOOM.”

Station management is looking to heavily engage its new audience with good ole’ fashion events and programming features highlighting the artists and music that ‘take you back’.

Stay tuned for features and original Hip Hop artists updates at www.boom92houston.com.

First song, Houston's own Geto Boys Mind Playing Tricks On Me. You can hear the entire Boom92.1 format flip from B92 all Beyonce radio above.

News 92 FM KROI is on the air (1st hour local audio included)

Lana Huges and J.P. Pritchard

From a small, temporary newsroom and studio, News 92 FM KROI officially signed on this morning at 5am, replacing Praise 92.1. The News 92 FM Morning Report is anchored by former 740 KTRH notables J.P. Pritchard and Lana Hughes with "traffic and weather on the 9s." And speaking of traffic, former Rock 101 KLOL, 94.5 The Buzz KTBZ and Fox 26 KRIV traffic master Lanny Griffith is behind the microphone (I heard no whips though from his KLOL Traffic in Bondage days).

The first ever story on News 92 FM KROI was billed as an exclusive with former Fox 26 KRIV reporter Pattie Shieh and some problems with the Carnival Cruise Magic. Lana and J.P. read more stories followed by former KIAH 39 sports anchor Jorge Vargas with news on the Houston Dynamo's loss to the LA Galaxy for the MLS title. Laurie Kendrick (formerly of 740 KTRH, 101 KLOL, 97.5 KFNC) had a story about changes in Catholic Mass. Towards the bottom of the first hour was the business report with Brent Clanton (formerly of 650 KIKK, 700 KSEV). Former KIAH 39 reporter Dennis Spellman came later with the news of a shooting by a masked man in a southwest Houston home.

I recorded the first ever 40 minutes or so of News 92 FM, edited out commercials/ABC News breaks and embedded the audio below so you can get an idea of the broadcast's flavor (it runs around 28 minutes cut down - the quality is not so great at times, you might hear my cat crying in the background as I put an iPod and my EVO up to a radio speaker for the record)




News 92 FM KROI Houston first hour by mikemcguff

I did find it amusing that a familiar voice for Lana and J.P. was featured in the first hour. Former 740 KTRH reporter Aaron Katersky (now with ABC News Radio) covered the recent terrorism-related arrest in NYC.

Reviews of the show from mikemcguff.com readers started coming in (many of them named Michael strangely enough):

"Sounded as if they never left the airwaves," said Michael Galindo

"I like the longer format news," said Mike Holland. "It is nice not being told to go to a website for the 'rest of the story' while I am sitting in my car."

"Sounds like they took 740 and put it on 92.1," wrote Justin Sternberg. "Not that it's a bad thing, but I was expecting a little more, something different."

"I'm listening to News92 and while the plane sounds just a teeny wobbly taking off, I think they will run like a well-oiled machine before very long - too many seasoned veterans who know what they're doing," commented Michael Sheldon Reed on a related blog post of mine. He later added, "Listening right now (5:30 am). JP and Lana sound much more loose and "flowing" than they did at 5am. This station is gonna be awesome!!!!"

There were a few small flubs in the first hour, but overall it sounded like the Lana and J.P. broadcasts Houston radio listeners are used to.

I was invited to visit the station yesterday during the staff pre-launch rehearsals. The staff was pretty excited and hopeful about the new 24 hour news station. Part of that energy probably stems from the fact that this is a new station, not just for this group of journalists, but also an entire new format for Radio One which typically specializes in music formats (the company owns 97.9 The Box KBXX and Majic 102 KMJQ in Houston).

As I have blogged here, there have been some technical issues that delayed the launch, but that stuff is getting worked out. Any broadcaster who has worked at a start up operation (or infrastructure upgrade for an existing station) knows technical problems can be an issue.

If you tuned into 92.1 this past weekend, you heard as the industry calls it, stunting. That means doing alternative program from the previous format to grab attention for the new programming. In this case, the station ran construction noises mixed in with messages from the staff and ABC anchors like Diane Sawyer, George Stephanopoulos, Robin Roberts...etc.

By the way, Houston radio's Maria Todd has joined the News 92 FM staff as a weekend anchor. Click here for a list of other News 92 staff members.

Here are some photos I snapped on my station tour Sunday during pre-launch rehearsals.




News 92 FM KROI's Lanny Griffith




News 92 FM KROI's Scott Braddock




News 92 FM KROI's Lana Hughes and J.P. Pritchard




News 92 FM KROI temporary newsroom (click for names)




News 92 FM KROI future work space

news92fm.com

RELATED
- 740 KTRH issues statement on its heritage and News 92FM KROI
- KTRK 13's Ed Brandon on 24 hour news radio in Houston
- News 92 FM KROI's launch delayed, plus more details
- Houston getting News 92 FM - 24 hour radio news
- New News92 FM, Houston's biggest radio secret emerges
- Why News 92 is taking over Praise 92.1 + backlash

Country Legends 97.1 Houston flips to K-LOVE

Country Legends 97.1 Houston KTHT flipped to K-LOVE KLVH on Halloween night, and no, it wasn't a trick much to the chagrin of country radio listeners contacting me.

Here is more from the Country Legends 97.1 Facebook page:

"Due to the sale of the frequency at 97.1FM, Country Legends has moved.  

This amazing station and ALL of [your] favorite Classic Country songs and legendary artists are still alive on the radio but can now be exclusively found at 92.9 HD2, online at countrylegends971.com and on your Country Legends App.  

Same station just a few new ways to hear it."

The station ended during the shift of Country Legends 97.1/93Q KKBQ DJ Corey Dillon, but then a special twist happened right before K-Love took over.

LISTEN HERE

Tom "Tubby" Lawler, the first DJ/assistant program director/music director for Country Legends 97.1, was the last voice heard on the station before it flipped on October 31, 2023 at 6pm.  

In a recorded clip from many years ago, Lawler introduced Marty Robbins' "Some Memories Just Won't Die" as the very last song heard on KTHT before static and K-LOVE made its Houston debut in the middle of a song. Lawler died in 2016 which makes it all even more sentimental. 

Country Legends 97.1 KTHT and Lawler debuted in January 2003 after the station flipped from "Hot 97.1." 

Lawler will be a familiar name to Rock 101 KLOL Houston fans who heard him on the Stevens and Pruett morning show.

The Houston radio format flip happened due to a couple of recent happenings.

In April of 2023, KTHT owner Cox Media Group sold its Houston stations to Urban One Inc. Those stations are 93Q Country KKBQ-FM, classic rock station The Eagle 106.9 & 107.5 KHPT-FM and KGLK-FM, and Country Legends 97.1 KTHT-FM.

The following July, Country Legends 97.1 was sold to Educational Media Foundation (EMF) which owns the nationwide contemporary Christian music radio network K-LOVE. K-LOVE could be considered a competitor to Hope Media Group's longtime Houston contemporary Christian station 89.3 KSBJ.  

Also sold before KTHT was Praise 92.1 KROI, a station Urban One had to sell due to Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) local ownership limits. After purchasing all of the Cox stations, Urban One had to sell both KTHR and KROI to be under the ownership cap. 

At the time of this post's publish date, Praise 92.1 is still on the Houston FM dial. 

Right as Country Legends was flipping formats, Rowdy Yates, a famous Houston country radio name, posted two interviews with former KTHT mornings/KILT DJ Dan Gallo which you can hear below.

Rowdy Yates · Ep.05a-Dan Gallo

Rowdy Yates · Ep.05b-Dan Gallo

Lana Hughes and J.P. Pritchard talk News 92 KROI with Mike McGuff

Lana Hughes and J.P. Pritchard courtesy of 
Brent Clanton

UPDATE: The News 92 KROI crew is saying the new 24 hour Houston news station debuts Monday 11/21/2011 at 5am.

It was recently reported by News 92 FM KROI staff members that November 17th would be the launch day of the new FM station. Well, I'm told now the launch of Houston's 24 hour radio news station has been pushed back to next week because of some final technical issues. That means Praise 92.1 listeners have a few more days of music.

In the meantime, Texas Radio Hall of Fame honorees (watch their induction speech) J.P. Pritchard and Lana Hughes, the new morning team for News 92 FM, talked with mikemcguff.com about their new home after almost 30 years with NewsRadio 740 KTRH.

"I am so ready to get back to what I love doing," Pritchard told mikemcguff.com. "This is a wonderful fresh start for me, as I know it is for all of my new colleagues."

"It is so exhilarating working with some of the finest and most talented people in this business," Hughes told mikemcguff.com. "The ideas brought to the table, the energy and the determination to give Houston and the surrounding areas the coverage they deserve are evident each and every day among staff members and Radio One management. The enthusiasm is palpable and we're having a blast doing what we love for a city we've called home for years."

There have been lots of reader questions in my blog's comments section trying to figure out just what type of news and features News 92 FM will air.

"Of course, our mission is to be first on the scene with news coverage 24/7 and to provide a voice for EVERY facet of the community," Hughes said. "And while we'll be maintaining a familiar, comprehensive news format, we're also planning some innovative and creative programming as well."

"Our plan is to bring Houston what it has long deserved -- an all news radio station that is committed to great journalism," Pritchard added. "And we hope to do it in a personable, friendly way without political agenda."

Last summer as this longtime morning duo were shown the door at their old station, Houstonians were unsure if they would ever hear from this longtime morning news team ever again. Would Lana and J.P. even want to start over again at a new radio station?

"As for moving from a place where I'd worked for so long, being part of this new FM venture with Radio One has been a wonderfully and remarkably easy transition," Hughes told me. "In fact, it was instantly comfortable, and I credit much of that to a talented, dedicated group of people with a common goal -- to make News 92 FM Houston's premiere news organization."

"And speaking personally, it is just great to be back with my old friends, and to be working with some new friends too," Pritchard said. "Radio One is being so supportive, renewing my faith that there is room for great local radio in an industry that seems to be obsessed with cost cutting."

Additional on air shifts will be filled by the likes of Dennis Spellman (formerly of KIAH 39), Mike Barajas (formerly of Fox 26 KRIV), Scott Braddock (formerly of 740 KTRH, 1080 KLRD), Carolyn Campbell (KHOU 11), Kevin Charles (Metro Networks,700 KSEV), Brent Clanton (formerly of 650 KIKK, 700 KSEV), Lanny Griffith (formerly of 101 KLOL, 94.5 KTBZ, Fox 26 KRIV), Laurie Kendrick (740 KTRH, 101 KLOL, 97.5 KFNC) , Martha Martinez (101 KLOL), Bonnie Petrie (740 KTRH, 1080 KRLD), Matt Sampsell Fox 26 KRIV, KIAH 39), Pattie Shieh (Fox 26 KRIV), Meteorologist Dr. Joe Sobel, Craig Roberts (KPRC 2, 101 KLOL, 55 KTBU), and Jorge Vargas (KIAH 39).

Also just brought to my attention late Wednesday night, news92fm.com is actually a working WordPress page. Still being worked on though.

RELATED
- What does 740 KTRH think of News92 FM KROI?
- News 92 FM KROI's launch delayed, plus more details
- Houston getting News 92 FM - 24 hour radio news
- New News92 FM, Houston's biggest radio secret emerges
- Why News 92 is taking over Praise 92.1 + backlash

Houston radio station says its transmitter was vandalized

La Ley 92.1 FM – La NEW radio station Que Manda en Houston – KROI-FM was announced as the replacement for the Praise 92.1 back in December 2024.

The new station is debuting former longtime Qué Buena 102.9 FM KLTN and syndicated personality Raúl Brindis.

Now FOX 26 KRIV's Sherman Desselle is reporting that the new radio station believes its transmitter was sabotaged.

"I can understand some people stealing copper...that's very normal," Brindis told KRIV.  "It's expensive, but this is different. It looks very intentional. I have more than 30 years in the radio and TV industry...maybe some people have been affected...business, something like that."

The station is now running with a backup system. 

Police are investigating and station owner Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. (SBS) is offering a reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.

RadioInsight reports that La Ley 92.1 had a ratings increase from 0.8 to 2.4 in its first month on air.  The station has not been that highly rated since the Boom 92 format.

Houston has a new radio station as of Sunday

The Houston radio landscape keeps changing.

Yesterday spanish station 92.1 La Mera Mera KROI became urban-gospel station Praise 92.1 KROI. Most of you probably didn't know there was a station on 92.1 FM in Houston.

Banjo Jones has details on how 1560 AM KILE was sold and the history of that station.

Of course we heard the debut of the Scott Sparks show on Houston's 107.5 The New K-HITS today.

And Roula and Ryan lovers are happy to have the team back on the airwaves of 104.1 KRBE July 24th.

As for Atom Smasher and Maria Todd, we don't know where they are.

But Dave E. Crockett says all of these personnel changes won't matter much.

News 92 KROI is dead

Houston's FM news station News92 KROI signs off; becomes all Beyonce Channel B92

A longtime radio broadcaster once told me that 24 hour news would never work in Houston. When News92 KROI debuted in 2011 I hoped this would prove him wrong.

UPDATE APRIL 2023
Praise 92.1 KROI Houston sold to Spanish Broadcasting System

UPDATE OCTOBER 13, 2014
Boom 92.1 FM Classic Hip Hop Houston radio

It did not.

"The whole staff has been FIRED," anchor Lanny Griffith said on Facebook. "We thank you for your support and I will be fine. We are heart broken cause we put everything into this station but it just wasn't meant to be. Thanks to Radio One for all you did for all of us and our families."

This morning was the station's last broadcast. I hear right in the middle of a story, B92, an all Beyonce station, debuted signaling the end of News92.

"We’re proud of the work we did with News92," said Doug Abernethy, Regional Vice President of Radio One. "We hired established and trusted Houstonian journalists from the radio, print and television news industries. We also invested in community relations, infrastructure, marketing, promotions and sales. Unfortunately after three years of a valiant effort, the difficult decision had to be made."

"I'm devastated that Radio One decided to change formats," reporter Adela Uchida told mikemcguff.com. "I'm proud of the work News92FM did in the months I was there. The only way we could have covered this city with such a small staff was with the talent, experience and passion we all brought every day."

News92, which was Radio One's first news station, barely reached above a one rating in its time as a station. It didn't help that the station's signal does not apparently cover the entire market strongly.

"This difficult decision is a result of sustained poor ratings performance and significant financial losses over the past three years despite the substantial financial and human resources we invested," a statement on News92's website read. "Unfortunately, the market hasn’t shown a sustainable appetite for news radio, but each of you motivated us daily to produce a high-quality news program." (SCROLL TO SEE FULL MESSAGE AT BOTTOM)

Radio One hired familiar radio and TV names like former 740 KTRH morning team J.P. Pritchard and Lana Hughes, Dennis Spellman (formerly of KIAH 39), Mike Barajas (formerly of Fox 26 KRIV), Scott Braddock (formerly of 740 KTRH, 1080 KLRD), Carolyn Campbell (KHOU 11), Kevin Charles (Metro Networks,700 KSEV), Brent Clanton (formerly of 650 KIKK, 700 KSEV), Lanny Griffith (formerly of 101 KLOL, 94.5 KTBZ, Fox 26 KRIV), Laurie Kendrick (740 KTRH, 101 KLOL, 97.5 KFNC) , Martha Martinez (101 KLOL), Bonnie Petrie (740 KTRH, 1080 KRLD), Matt Sampsell Fox 26 KRIV, KIAH 39), Pattie Shieh (Fox 26 KRIV), Meteorologist Dr. Joe Sobel, Craig Roberts (KPRC 2, 101 KLOL, 55 KTBU), and Jorge Vargas (KIAH 39).

The station later spent $900,000 on an expansion project that added a brand new studio, newsroom, offices, green room and more. Five new news vehicles were also purchased.

In a cynical view, one thing that did not happen while News92 was on the air - a hurricane/tropical storm. Radio pundits will tell you that could have driven a lot of listeners to the station to hear it and hopefully stick around.

So now 47 people are out of work as a result of the station going off the air. And now, Houston has a 24 hour all Beyonce radio station called B92 in place of News92 (at least for now, this sounds like a stunt to me).

"We take the loss of employees seriously," said Chris Wegmann, President of the Radio Division. "We are working to ensure all of our impacted employees are transitioned with the dignity and respect they deserve."

As News 92 goes away, Houston still has radio news sources 88.7 KUHF and 740 KTRH.

"We always respected the work of our friends and colleagues at News 92 and truly wish them the best," KUHF news director Jack Williams told mikemcguff.com. "Houston Public Media News 88-7 believes there is still a strong desire for in-depth, multi-media journalism in Houston.”

b921fm.com
On Twitter @B921Houston.


UPDATE OCTOBER 13, 2014
Boom 92.1 FM Classic Hip Hop Houston radio

ORIGINAL POST:

Got a report this morning the News92 staff was going into a meeting. Then heard Beyonce was playing on the station 15 minutes later. The station has been rebranded B92, an all Beyonce radio station (for now at least I would imagine, sounds like a stunt).

I checked the News92 homepage and found this:

News92, Houston’s first FM all-news radio station aired its last broadcast Wednesday, October 8, 2014.
We’d like to thank the News92 staff for their outstanding service, our advertisers and each of you our listeners and web visitors for your support. This difficult decision is a result of sustained poor ratings performance and significant financial losses over the past three years despite the substantial financial and human resources we invested. Unfortunately, the market hasn’t shown a sustainable appetite for news radio, but each of you motivated us daily to produce a high-quality news program. Together, we made history.

Lanny Griffith posted on Facebook: "News92FM is GONE, off the air. The whole staff has been FIRED. We thank you for your support and I will be fine. We are heart broken cause we put everything into this station but it just wasn't meant to be. Thanks to Radio One for all you did for all of us and our families. Anyone need to hire me for some media work?"

Craig Roberts says on Facebook that 47 people are now out of work from the format change.

Stay tuned...

RELATED
- News 92 FM KROI is on the air (1st hour local audio included)
- Lana Hughes and J.P. Pritchard talk News 92 KROI with Mike McGuff
- News 92 FM KROI expands and rises
- Adela Uchida joins News 92 FM KROI
- 740 KTRH issues statement on its heritage and News 92FM KROI

UPDATE OCTOBER 13, 2014
Boom 92.1 FM Classic Hip Hop Houston radio

740 KTRH issues statement on its heritage and News 92FM KROI

Earlier this month I posted What does 740 KTRH think of News92 FM KROI? Today we know the answer. AM Operations Manager and KTRH Program Director Bryan Erickson sent mikemcguff.com this statement:

"We’re focused on what we do – and what we’ve done for the past 80-plus years – and that’s provide our listeners with timely information and compelling content day in and day out. Our commitment to news, weather and traffic coverage is at the core of what we do. It’s why public officials have referred to KTRH as their official radio station.

We have an outstanding team of anchors, reporters, producers and support staff that work tirelessly to provide news, weather and traffic reports 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. Every big story over the past eight decades has played out over the airwaves of KTRH. We’ve been there as storms roared ashore and hundreds of thousands of people were in the dark, their only lifeline a battery powered radio tuned to KTRH, and we’ve been there when terror attacks on our country’s soil struck fear in our the hearts of millions and a calming voice was needed in a time of despair and uncertainty. No matter the story, no matter the time of day, the one constant for Houstonians has been tuning to KTRH to be informed and that continues to be true today and will continue to be true for years to come.

Regarding the new station, it’s unfortunate for them that technical issues continue to delay their launch. It must be frustrating for them. I know we’d hate to be limited to talking about how we’re going to cover news while the heritage information station in the market continues to cover the events that shape our lives on a daily basis without missing a beat. On a personal note, it is good to see so many of our former colleagues who’ve been out of the business for so long getting another opportunity in our industry. We wish them the best.

We will continue to evolve to meet our listeners’ needs as technology changes how people get their news and we’re excited about our multiple platforms which reach far beyond traditional methods of delivering information. Whether it’s AM 740, www.ktrh.com or the free iHeartRadio app on your smart phone, KTRH is everywhere our listeners need us to be."

News 92FM KROI debuts Monday at 5am. This weekend on 92.1, there are construction noises with messages from the staff as well as ABC anchors like Diane Sawyer, George Stephanopoulos, Robin Roberts...etc.

RELATED
- 740 KTRH turns 80 years old
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Houston radio stations outraged at Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee

Proposed music royalty rate increases never make radio stations happy. Especially in an economic climate like this one.

Now Houston radio stations like Radio One's Praise 92.1 KROI and Majic 102 KMJQ are taking the fight to the air with Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee for co-authoring a bill that would charge broadcasters more for playing a song. READ FULL STORY

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.”

Country Legends 97.1 KTHT sold to EMF

Country Legends 97.1 KTHT has been sold to Educational Media Foundation (EMF) according to RadioInsight.

UPDATE OCTOBER 31, 2023
Country Legends 97.1 Houston flips to K-LOVE

This after the April 2023 sale of Cox Media Group's Houston cluster of radio stations to Urban One Inc. 

For those keeping score, the CMG stations in Houston are 93Q Country KKBQ-FM, classic rock station The Eagle 106.9 & 107.5 KHPT-FM and KGLK-FM, and Country Legends 97.1 KTHT-FM.  The Urban One Inc. Houston stations are 97.9 'The Box' and Majic 102.1.

After the announcement, Urban One sold Praise 92.1 KROI Houston to Spanish Broadcasting System.

The reason KROI and now KTHT are being sold off after the big sale is due to the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) local ownership limits. 

EMF already owns Houston's Air1 103.7 KHJK.

740 KTRH remarks on News 92 FM KROI's first day

As I blogged earlier, I woke up at 4:30am to catch the first local broadcasts of News 92 FM KROI - listen here.

Clearly News 92 FM is challenging longtime Houston station NewsRadio 740 KTRH in its promos. AM Operations Manager and KTRH Program Director Bryan Erickson sent mikemcguff.com these comments about News 92's inaugural broadcast:

"From what I heard (it was tough to pick up north of the Loop), I was surprised to hear so little local news content. They do have slick promos; I actually heard more of those than I did local news coverage. I got a kick out of several of their promos, especially the “we cover more local news than other stations” promos. In one hour this morning I counted 8 local stories in their newscasts while in that same hour we did more than 20. I guess their “No Spin” phrase doesn’t apply to everything they’re doing.

I was also surprised to hear a talk show in the 9a hour after weeks of hearing this was going to be an all news station.

There’s obviously a clear difference between our two stations – We have a strong commitment to local news coverage and compelling talk and they’re still trying to figure out what they want to be."

RELATED
- News 92 FM KROI is on the air (1st hour local audio included)
- 740 KTRH issues statement on its heritage and News 92FM KROI
- KTRK 13's Ed Brandon on 24 hour news radio in Houston
- News 92 FM KROI's launch delayed, plus more details
- Houston getting News 92 FM - 24 hour radio news
- New News92 FM, Houston's biggest radio secret emerges
- Why News 92 is taking over Praise 92.1 + backlash

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While many in the community did not understand or welcome the change from Praise 92.1 to News 92 FM KROI, Radio One Founder Cathy Hughes shed light on the decision.

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Both WFAA8 and The Dallas Morning News commendably haven't tried to hide the arrest of a prominent Metro columnist for the newspaper.

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News 92 KROI releases Scott Braddock

News 92 KROI mid-morning talk show host Scott Braddock tweeted Tuesday that he had "parted ways" with the station.

Braddock later told me over the phone he was let go from the Radio One station.

Now free from his corporate bosses, Braddock said he felt that he and his show were at odds with members of the management team from the beginning - even though he was courted to come back to Houston from CBS Radio's Austin bureau (he previously worked at NewsRadio 1080 KRLD). He believes there is a lot of talent at the all news station, there is just no way to showcase it. Plus, he adds there is a lot of style over substance on air.

Ed Shane, the radio veteran who hired the staff and helped bring News 92 on air, could not comment on Braddock's charges, but did comment on his departure.

"I recruited Scott," Shane told mikemcguff.com. "I think he is a bright individual and good reporter. I'm sorry it came to this."

Braddock is from the Houston-area and wants to remain here. He previously worked at 740 KTRH. In a 2007 interview I conducted with Michael Berry, the then newly hired KTRH manager called Braddock, "one of our star reporters."

UPDATE
While hesitant to go on the record with me about this yesterday, Braddock talked today with The Houston Chronicle's David Barron about his recent appearance on Pacifica's 90.1 KPFT and how he believed it led to his termination:

Braddock said he was asked to be a guest host Friday on Geoff Berg's Partisan Gridlock show on KPFT (90.1 FM), a non-commercial station owned by the Pacifica Foundation. He said he did not ask permission to host the Pacifica show and does not believe he was obligated to do so.

During the KPFT show, Braddock said he played an interview, which previously appeared on KROI, with Carolyn Jones, an Austin freelance writer who wrote about her experience with the Texas sonogram law for the Texas Observer's website.

This week, Braddock said he was told by KROI management that his appearance on KPFT was a violation of his contract and that the interview he played was the station's intellectual property. Braddock said he has not signed his contract with the station and said he believed he had the right to use the interview, which he equated to a reporter's notes, in any manner that he wanted. READ THE REST

RELATED
- News 92 FM KROI is on the air (1st hour local audio included)
- 740 KTRH issues statement on its heritage and News 92FM KROI
- KTRK 13's Ed Brandon on 24 hour news radio in Houston
- News 92 FM KROI's launch delayed, plus more details
- Houston getting News 92 FM - 24 hour radio news
- New News92 FM, Houston's biggest radio secret emerges
- Why News 92 is taking over Praise 92.1 + backlash