95.9 Texas Country/Austin Announces Weekday Lineup
Audacy’s KKMJ-HD3 (95.9 Texas Country)/Austin taps Bob Cole (pictured) and Eric Raines to host mornings from 6-10am, effective June 24. During his 30-year radio career in Austin, Cole recreated and launched KOKE-FM and has received numerous recognitions, including being inducted into the Country Music Radio Hall of Fame in 2003 and the Texas Radio Hall of Fame in 2008. He also voices the University of Texas Longhorn football and baseball games, as well as the Longhorn Band.
With three decades in Austin radio, Raines has earned five Texas Regional Radio Air Personality of the Year awards. His experiences as a drummer for notable bands, including Ty England, Rick Trevino, Charlie Daniels, and Sons of the Desert, helped cultivate his passion for radio. Raines will also serve as afternoon drive host from 3-7pm CT.
Deena Blake will be heard from 10am-3pm. She’s a Texas native who has made her way across the nation, working at top Country music stations in Nashville, Chicago, Washington DC and Dallas. Her interest in radio began in high school with her first on-air position, which led her to Austin’s airwaves while attending the University of Texas.
“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 Audacy Austin Vice President Programming and Operations Nikki Nite. “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.”
“I’ve been a proud ‘local radio guy’ my entire life. Audacy has gifted me the ability to continue my long-standing relationship with listeners in Austin and serve my community on another level,” said Cole. “Thank you to Doug Abernethy, Nikki Nite and Tim Roberts for their leadership and support.”
“Thank you, Audacy, for the opportunity to do what I love most – get on the air and champion music from this scene,” added Raines. “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.”