Cole, Raines & Blake Join Texas Country/Austin
• Audacy has called upon the talents of three longtime Austin radio pros to populate the weekday lineup for the company’s recently launched 95.9 Texas Country (KKMJ-HD3)/Austin, effective June 24 — (l-r): Bob Cole, Eric Raines and Deena Blake — all veterans of crosstown KOKE-FM, which was recently sold to Hispanic broadcaster Norsan Media. Cole and Raines will anchor mornings on 95.9 Texas Country from 6-10am CT, followed by Blake in middays. Raines will also host afternoon drive from 3-7pm.
“Bob, Eric and Deena are homegrown talents that have connected with listeners beyond the state of Texas by capturing the true essence of Country: authenticity,” said Nikki Nite, VP of Programming & Operations, Audacy Austin. “This is a robust lineup that will easily bond with Austin through their commitment to the city and its culture. We are eager to begin this chapter at Austin’s 95.9 Texas Country with this charming trio!”
During his 30-year radio career in Austin, Cole recreated and launched KOKE-FM and was inducted into the Country Music Radio Hall of Fame in 2003 and the Texas Radio Hall of Fame in 2008.
With three decades of experience in Austin radio, Raines has earned five Texas Regional Radio Air Personality of the Year awards. His experiences as a drummer for Ty England, Rick Trevino, Charlie Daniels, and Sons of the Desert, helped cultivate his passion for radio.
Blake is a Texas native who has also worked at WSIX/Nashville, WUSN/Chicago, WMZQ/Washington, DC, and KASE/Austin. She landed her first on-air spot while attending the University of Texas.
“I’ve been a proud ‘local radio guy’ my entire life,” Cole said. “Audacy has gifted me the ability to continue my long-standing relationship with listeners in Austin and serve my community on another level. Thank you to Doug Abernethy, Nikki Nite and Tim Roberts for their leadership and support.”
Raines remarked, “Thank you, Audacy, for the opportunity to do what I love most — get on the air and champion music from this scene. I look forward to fueling the shared passion my listeners and I have for this format on Austin’s 95.9 Texas Country and building up the community we’ve already established. It’s going to be one great ride together!”
“I’m thrilled to continue my radio journey and join the team at Austin’s 95.9 Texas Country, a brand new station that shares my love of Texas and Classic Country,” said Blake. “Here’s to making memories, great music and a new home!”
Additional on-air staff and programming updates will be announced soon.
