Houston’s radio industry is undergoing significant changes due to recent budget cuts, affecting both commercial and public stations. ESPN 97.5 and 92.5 (KNFC) saw the departure of long-standing sports-talk hosts Paul Gallant and Joel Blank, both citing budget constraints. Gallant, who joined the station in early 2022, concluded his final broadcast with a mix of sarcasm and nostalgia, sharing that his show allowed for a light-hearted approach. His time slot has been replaced by the syndicated Rich Eisen Show. Gallant plans to continue with his podcast, Gallant Says.
Joel Blank, who had been with Gow Media for a decade and previously worked with the Houston Rockets for over 20 years, also announced his departure. In a video, he expressed his inability to withstand the budget cuts, removing an ESPN Houston sticker from his cap as a symbolic gesture of his exit.
In a different scenario, Houston Public Media is facing a $3.7 million deficit for the 2026 fiscal year, leading to the elimination of six full-time positions and leaving three vacancies unfilled. Associate Vice President Joshua Adams expressed the emotional toll of these changes. These layoffs follow a broader federal budget reduction, prompted by a $9 billion rescission package approved by Congress, severely affecting public broadcasting funding.
Houston Public Media has initiated a $4.4 million resiliency fund campaign, raising $1.6 million thus far, and continues to hire in its newsroom, focusing on community service amidst restructuring efforts.