This year Texas Southern University’s (TSU) award-winning KTSU 90.9FM “The Choice” celebrates 50 years as a global radio platform that continues to leave its impactful footprint on and off the mic. KTSU recently kicked off the year-long celebration with its listeners and supporters, hosting their 50th Anniversary Backyard Party outside the KTSU station that was free for the community. The party welcomed local artists Mary Griffin, Spud Howard, Melanie Covington, and other talent and entertainment.
Making an Impact for 50 Years & Counting
How It Started… 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, R&B, hip-hop, and more.
How It’s Going…
If you want to be successful in this industry, you can’t just look at where radio is now, but you have to possess the ability to think ahead to where it is going. Since the baton of general manager has been passed to Ernest Walker in 2016, he remains a strong, effective, dedicated, passionate, and strategic visionary who has the ability to not only think outside of the box but execute a robust business model that has opened the path for the elevation of KTSU and its continuous expansion.
A thought leader, Walker has a track record as a veteran in the music and entertainment industry that makes him more than qualified to lead KTSU. But long before Walker took the helm, he was connected to KTSU, growing up listening to the station. “My love for KTSU was birthed through my grandparents. Listening to Gospel Sunday on KTSU in their home was a tradition I was raised on. Also, I come from a musical family, and The Walker Brothers was a gospel group formed by members of our family. Their music was regularly played on KTSU. I find it a privilege to be able to lead and give back to KTSU, as this station has given so much to my family and countless around the world through its music and content,” says Walker.
“For 50 years, KTSU 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.”
– Ernest Walker, KTSU general manager
KTSU is a training platform for students enrolled at TSU’s School of Communications. 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. And expect more announcements of additional major platforms and talent coming to KTSU in the coming months!
Walker’s ideas and leadership would be ineffective without a strong team of like-minded individuals standing with him to drive KTSU forward. Donna Franklin is KTSU’s program director as well as a radio host on the platform and finds this one of the most rewarding positions she has ever had after almost 30 years in broadcasting. “When Mr. Walker accepted the calling as general manager, we moved at an accelerated pace, and there are no signs of slowing down. Everyone here from the hosts to the staff, students, and leadership has a deep love for this radio station, and we stand on our own merit.” Franklin says.
“Without the support of the listening audience, KTSU’s success would not be possible. Leading programming at KTSU, I appreciate that Mr. Walker is a visionary, seeing where radio is going. We are truly a community station, and listeners should be excited about what is to come.”
– Donna Franklin, KTSU program director
KTSU truly stands on being a community-driven station with proven action supporting local artists and talent, providing exposure for their music on the platform. The station has been instrumental in helping well-known talent and labels catapult to the level they are on today. This platform was the first African American station to introduce hip-hop to Houston listeners on the historic campus of TSU. KTSU was one of the first stations to play The Geto Boys (originally spelled Ghetto Boys) and the music under the James Prince aka “J Prince” label, Rap-A-Lot.
As KTSU celebrates 50 years, this milestone means so much on a deeper level as it has been and remains a beacon in the Houston community.
Q&A With KTSU Leadership, Ernest Walker and Donna Franklin:
Talk about how the station has evolved over the years and how your programming has stayed current with the trends to sustain a strong and loyal audience.
This is a mission and a calling as general manager, and that’s why I’m so passionate about KTSU. As God has ordained all of this, I approach this position with a solid business model, leading this talented team as a servant-leader.
Part of evolving is pouring into our young people, not only through words, but actions. Our students feel a part of KTSU, and they know we truly care about them while demanding greatness at the same time. Our internship program can stand against any around the country, preparing our students to be successful in the competitive field of radio and broadcasting. And we not only educate them when it comes to skills but also music. We are open to providing music they like, but expose them to music they are not used to experiencing. Our students know they have a voice. That’s a major way we evolve. The students are the future. They are the leaders, so we must teach them every part of this industry so they are prepared to lead.
KTSU is a music discovery platform. While yes, we play what’s current, we don’t just play your expected rotation of trending music. As we have freedom, this platform plays the music of local artists. Our listeners are excited to hear new music. What keeps us evolving is that we are not in competition with any other platform and remain uniquely us. That resonates with the community. The impact we make off the mic, volunteering and through community events keeps us present in the community, touching Houston beyond the music. – EW
How is KTSU continuing to evolve to meet the growing needs of an ever-expanding audience?
Mr. Walker is about each and every member of this team making an IMPACT in our role. This mindset is not only a part of his business development strategy but being impactful in our role is how we evolve. We are each held accountable for our individual roles, but work as a team. Another major platform is coming soon to KTSU. I won’t say too much until the official announcement, but let me just say that no one can tell our story better than we can. As the world is turning right before our eyes, this new platform KTSU is adding will be an outlet for the culture that is needed now more than ever before. – DF
Talk about the success of KTSU2 “The Voice” and how this student-run streaming radio platform is providing the tools for the next generation to excel in this industry.
KTSU2 is a collaborative effort with TSU’s School of Communications. KTSU2 was built to focus on the students, meeting their needs to be educated so they are prepared for the real world of broadcasting. Talking to industry experts prior to KTSU2, our students were not fully prepared. Our students are a reflection of TSU and KTSU, so if they are not prepared for broadcasting, who does that reflect on? Us, that’s who. So partnering with the School of Communications and building a stronger program, industry leaders give a TSU graduate’s resume a closer look and our graduates excel in their broadcasting careers. – EW
What is your message to listeners and the community?
Thank you for listening, sponsoring, being a KTSU member, and supporting. Please share this station and platform with your circles, church, co-workers, civic clubs, organizations, and family. While yes, KTSU continues to grow, word of mouth is one of the best forms of marketing. The Houston Metro population surpasses 7.1M, with the region adding 250 people a day (Greater Houston Partnership). So, as Houston grows, word of mouth helps reach those new to the city and surrounding areas. Continue to share and partner with us to help grow our listenership. This is our community. This is our station. – EW
Numbers don’t lie. We would not be where we are without the listeners. KTSU has such a loyal listenership. Once they are in, they are in. They are totally engaged. And the businesses who support KTSU grow because of our loyal listenership around the city, nation, and globe. We look forward to bringing more programming to our community that also serves as a platform strengthening the business community. – DF
KTSU is celebrating its 50-year mark all year long with a cruise, jazz concert, and stage play telling the story of KTSU’s 50-year span written by nationally known playwright and TSU alum Thomas Meloncon. You can listen to KTSU 24/7 and support KTSU by becoming a KTSU member, volunteer, or business underwriter.
For everything you need and want to know about KTSU, visit www.ktsuradio.com.
