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'Texas Standard' to Connect Texans to Stories Around the State and Globe

New statewide public radio news magazine to originate from Austin

AUSTIN, Texas — Feb. 9, 2015 — Texans have a new source for expansive coverage of local, national and international news — from a distinctly Texas perspective — with the launch of “Texas Standard,” the national daily news show of Texas.

“Texas Standard” makes its daily debut in Austin at 10 a.m. today on KUT 90.5, Austin’s NPR station. The show, which originates from the KUT Public Media Studios, will be distributed to public radio stations statewide beginning March 2, Texas Independence Day.

The one-hour daily news magazine is a project of KUT Austin, KERA North Texas, Houston Public Media, and San Antonio’s Texas Public Radio.

This cross-station collaboration — the first of its kind among public radio stations in Texas— provides a platform to connect Texans to stories from communities across their state in the same way NPR’s “Morning Edition” connects listeners to stories from communities across the U.S. and around the globe.

Hosted by award-winning journalist David Brown, “Texas Standard” explores the world of news, economics, innovation and culture, every day — from a Texas perspective — in a fresh, contemporary, conversational style.

“When we listen to the news, many of us feel like it’s shaped by a New York or Washington, D.C. perspective,” said Brown. “’Texas Standard’” is the first daily public radio news magazine to prioritize local, national and international stories in a manner that’s consistent with the way we Texans see the world.

“Our intent is to be fresh, original and groundbreaking,” continued Brown. “We believe that reporting marked by wit, humor and informality can uplift and underscore our shared humanity, while helping us understand the world around us.”

Prior to his work with “Texas Standard,” Brown founded and hosted the award-winning cultural journalism unit "Texas Music Matters," produced KUT Public Radio. He is known nationally for his work as host of public radio's “Marketplace.”

Veteran newswoman Emily Donahue is the show’s executive producer. Previously, she established Austin’s KUT News department, which has won more than 150 state, national and international awards for journalistic excellence.

“We intend to tell great human stories and feature new voices and ideas in a manner that both reflect the storyteller and the audience,” said Donahue who has assembled a team of talented news producers from all walks of life from around the state and country to explore what it means to be a Texan.

Additional editorial and production staff includes: Wells Dunbar, social media host & producer; Rhonda Fanning, producer; Laura Rice, associate producer; Brenda Salinas, associate producer, business; Haley Howle, director; Casey Cheek, technical director; and Alain Stephens, production assistant.

“Texas’ connections to political, business, energy, technology and education developments around the world are many,” said Stewart Vanderwilt, director and general manager of KUT Public Radio. “If ‘Texas Standard’ can deliver local and world news to our listeners in a way that’s relevant and connects them to the global experience, then ‘Texas Standard’ and this cross-station collaboration will have succeeded.”

“Texas Standard” will be available to public radio stations throughout the state starting March 2 as a free service via the Public Radio Satellite System®. Distribution is made possible through a partnership with PRI, Public Radio International.

“Texas Standard’s” daily business coverage is sponsored by Texas Mutual Insurance Company. Texas Farm Credit has also signed on as a charter sponsor of the program. Inquires about statewide sponsorships can be made to underwriting@kut.org.

About “Texas Standard”
“Texas Standard” sets the bar for broadcast news coverage, offering crisp, expansive coverage of politics, lifestyle and culture, the environment, technology and innovation, and business and the economy — from a distinctly Texas perspective. Hosted by award-winning journalist David Brown, the hour-long daily news magazine is grounded in the best traditions of American journalism: fact-based, independent and politically neutral reporting.

“Texas Standard” is a project of KUT Austin, KERA North Texas, Houston Public Media, and San Antonio’s Texas Public Radio, as well as news organizations across Texas.

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Contact: Erin Geisler, KUT Public Radio, (512) 475-8071