Houston’s Vibe Is Alive

• Last month it was announced that 90.9 KTSU Public Radio, based at Texas Southern University and proudly serving the Greater Houston area would be launching The Vibe, an Urban Alternative radio station — and that time is now — “The Vibe Weekend Takeover” is now underway and rolls through 5am on Sunday, September 6. The new station, which targets Millennials and the Gen Z demographic from 18-44, will stream online 24/7 at vibehouston.com, via The Vibe mobile app and from 8pm-5am on 90.9FM.

KTSU Radio has pulled together an all-star team of pros to pilot The Vibe, starting with its new Content Director, Houston icon Mad Hatta (left), best known for his 20-year run as host of the Madd Hatta Morning Show across the street on Radio One’s KBXX (97.9 The Box) until January. He will be joined by newly appointed Marketing & Community Engagement Director Holly Charles (center) and multi-award-winning journalist and News & Digital Media Coordinator (and proud TSU alum) Nakia Cooper (right).

“90.9FM KTSU Radio has dominated the public radio spectrum for nearly 50 years and plans to raise the bar 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,” said Ernest Walker, GM of KTSU. “Most importantly, The Vibe will carry on the KTSU legacy of empowering and providing opportunities for TSU students and alumni, all while serving the community.”

The Vibe and the Urban Alternative public radio format were developed with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and Paragon Media Strategies and CEO/Founder Mike Henry will provide market research and serve as consultants for The Vibe.

Walker added, “The Vibe becomes part of KTSU’s rich legacy of cultural contribution to Houston. KTSU 90.9FM Radio was the first African American station to introduce Hip Hop to Houston listeners, right here from the historic Black campus of Texas Southern University.  How appropriate it is in 2020 for us to go back to the basics, reaching a new generation of listeners with not only Hip Hop, R&B and Neo Soul, but with innovation and digital expansion. We’d like to publicly thank the Corporation For Public Broadcasting for grant provisions which allow us the opportunity to reach a younger and more diverse audience.”