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Stations doing it right

S

someperson

We always talk about how Houston radio sucks, but do we ever take the time to consider the diamonds in the rough? Here are some of the stations I believe are truly worth listening to:

KUHF
It's NPR. What more do I have to say? KUHF is one of the last real sources of radio shows and news on the dial, and that alone should be a reason to listen.

KUHA
The Rice Radio people are going to hate me for this, but seriously, a classical station in Houston! When KRTS flipped years ago, I never thought I'd see this format come back full-time. It's a dying and difficult-to-market format, and I believe any station trying it today deserves major props. It's also not completely repetitious like most of the music stations in this town.

KPFT
Pacifica, NPR's lesser-known competitor. This station is truly unique, airing some locally produced informational and talk programs along with major programs like Democracy Now and BBC World News. The rest of their airtime is filled with a diverse mix of music that you will *never* hear elsewhere, such as bluegrass! The randomness of this station should really be enough to at least give it a try, and if you don't like what you hear at a given time, in a few hours your opinion will probably change.

KTSU
Houston's second and lesser-known NPR station, and a prime example of local-oriented radio done right. Despite being on a relatively weak signal and having an unreliable web stream, this station is run 100% locally and runs jazz, blues, classic hip hop, reggae, and even some zydeco music, and they often play local artists. This kind of format is not really seen elsewhere, and is a nice change from the traditional corporate-dominated wasteland of most of the other stations. Despite not having the monetary resources other stations have, I feel like this station has pure class and a nice local feel that practically all the other stations lack.

KKHH-HD2
This is one of the few HD Radio stations that is really trying, and I feel like they're doing well. Once another example of the same few tracks repeated ad infinitum, they have really expanded the playlist recently and have been playing much of the stuff I regularly listen to on Pandora! This is also an example of a station doing something original, playing a dance/electronic format not seen on other stations around here. Not having commercials also helps, and I truly feel that if it were not confined to the unpopular platform of HD Radio, this station would have great ratings.
 
I seldom listen to KTSU but he's right on about the first three stations. We finally have a real news station back in Houston, with KUHF. And it's refreshing to see classical music with its own frequency, once again.

When I need some comic relief, I may listen to the far-left talk programs on KPFT, but it's really their local flavor and variety of music that adds the balance that makes them worth listening to. No format. No 20-song playlist. And if a jock on a corporately-owned station played some of the stuff they do; the suits in the front office would have an apoplexy. That's what you get when you aren't sold out to agencies and advertisers. You gotta love it.

Another outfit that's made some strides is KSBJ with their HD-2 dedicated to a Christian youth format. While it's a little over-the-top for this old guy, I'd rather have my grandkids listening to it than any of those obscene hip-hop stations.
 
I can agree all of the stations mentioned are unique and have the personality of Houston. I don't care for most of the stations mentioned but that is my personal likes and dislikes. As a broadcaster for nearly 35 years, I respect and applaud these stations although I may not agree or like them personally. Good is good whether you personally care for the content or not.

I got to thinking after noticing all these stations were non-comms and began thinking commercial radio. Who stands out as a Houston-centered station? I'd say there are a few but most are not.
 
I agree with KUHA. When I moved from Dallas a couple of years ago, I had to leave WRR behind. It is nice to have full time classical.

The only other local I listen to is KHVL 1490 - even though it is Huntsville and weak, it is our only oldies station. And it has that local radio feel to it that is sadly lacking on corporate stations. Those of you in the Woodlands and Conroe - give it a try!
 
FilioScotia said:
***Suffice it to say, you like weird music and liberal talk.***]***Suffice it to say, you like weird music and liberal talk.***]***Suffice it to say, you like weird music and liberal talk.***

And your point is.....?

Someperson was making the point that all the people complaining over an imagined lack of real competition in Houston radio programming are wrong. Houston radio has something for everybody.
Click to expand...

My point is I don't get the premise that there is anything wrong with Houston radio. When you have cume of a million plus, and several stations here do, you're also "doing it right."
 
Stations I feel are doing it right:
KHJK (Helping me discover many new artist not heard on the Buzz)
KACC (True Rock Variety)
KSBJ (Setting the standard for CCM)
 
"Energy 95-7" is Houston's best HD only station. They don't just play the big dance hits, they actually play new music. Good stuff, I really enjoy it.
 
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