Texas Radio Rallies Behind Flood Victims With Relief And Resources.

As historic flooding devastated Central Texas over the July 4 weekend, leaving more than 100 people dead and entire communities in chaos, local radio didn’t miss a beat. Stations across Austin, San Antonio, and Houston quickly shifted from holiday programming to full-scale public service mode, delivering life-saving updates, mobilizing resources, and uniting listeners in relief efforts.

From newsrooms to music stations, broadcasters stepped up with a clear sense of mission: to serve, inform, and support. Radio groups across the Lone Star State proved once again why it remains a trusted voice in times of crisis.

News and talk stations in San Antonio and Houston were first on the air with continuous coverage as rain-swollen rivers forced flash evacuations in Kerr, Travis, and Harris counties. On-air talent worked through the holiday weekend, delivering emergency alerts, road closure information, and shelter updates, often partnering directly with local authorities and first responders. Vital information was provided by news/talk outlets, including iHeartMedia’s WOAI San Antonio and KTRH Houston, along with Alpha Media’s KTSA San Antonio.

“It was important for our team to not only tell the story, but to quickly respond to the devastating situation at hand,” Marc Sherman, Executive VP of iHeartMedia’s Texas Division, told Inside Radio. “We worked together across our markets to quickly provide information on how our listeners could help in a meaningful way.”

Jason McCollim, SVP for iHeartMedia San Antonio/Austin, added, “People across Central Texas turn to us because they need truth, connection, and reassurance. On the radio. On the stream. On social media. We are there with authentic voices and straightforward answers. It's the role radio has always played. It is not just a signal. It is a steady hand in uncertain times. And our teams reminded everyone of its enduring power.”

Music stations also pivoted. Country, pop, and classic hits formats across all three markets paused their regular rotation to get out critical messages. In Houston, Audacy’s “100.3 The Bull” KILT used its massive reach to promote Salvation Army response efforts, helping to direct donations and volunteers to mobile feeding units in Hunt, Ingram, and Kerrville. Those efforts provided thousands of meals, drinks, and hygiene kits to flood victims over the first few days of the disaster. Sister stations AC “Majic 95.5” KKMJ and hot AC “Mix 94.7” KAMX created digital “Flood Relief Hubs,” offering centralized access to donation links, supply drop-off locations and local volunteer opportunities. The message was consistent across formats and ownership: help your neighbors, and here’s how to do it safely and effectively.

Stations also threw their weight behind fundraising campaigns. Several partnered with the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, helping drive donations to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, which is supporting everything from emergency shelter and food to long-term rebuilding efforts. On-air messaging, website banners and social media blitzes helped amplify that support across markets.

In San Antonio, Alpha Media’s talk and music stations leaned into their community roots, inviting local officials and nonprofit leaders on-air to give real-time updates and answer listener questions. Meanwhile, Cox Media Group stations launched donation drives, collecting diapers, bottled water, clothing and pet supplies. Some even extended their reach beyond Texas, tapping into volunteer networks connected to sister stations in other states to assist with cleanup and search operations.

Urban One Houston will lead Operation Hydration 2025, benefiting Texas Hill Country flood victims for 713 Day on Sunday, July 13, at the Kroger in Katy, TX. Bottled water, non-perishables, hygiene items, bleach, brooms, mops, shovels, trash bags, toilet paper, diapers, socks, baby wipes, new shoes, and new clothes will be collected and transported to affected areas.

While the broadcasters’ response was local, the impact has been widespread. Radio groups across Texas have helped organize a coordinated effort that now includes national nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and major sports franchises. The Houston Astros and Texans both made sizable donations to relief funds, and several celebrities with Texas ties — including Matthew McConaughey and Hilary Duff — have praised local stations for amplifying ways the public can help.

Beyond direct aid, broadcasters are also using their platforms to educate listeners about disaster preparedness. Stations are urging households to invest in weather radios and stay tuned to reliable broadcast sources as the region braces for more rainfall.

As Texas begins the long process of recovery, stations across the region remain in action. Plans are underway for radiothons, special programming, and continued resource coordination as affected communities face the daunting work of cleanup and rebuilding.