7/11 Update: More information has been added about two Kerrville radio groups and their work in aiding one of the hardest-hit communities affected by the flood. Have something to add? Email the author at [email protected].
7/14 Update: More information was added about Texas Public Radio’s reporting.
In the week after deadly floods swept through the Texas Hill Country, claiming more than 120 lives, recovery efforts are underway to aid the hardest-hit areas. Broadcasters in Texas are helping lead the charge to raise funds for ongoing disaster relief.
Here at Radio World, we know that broadcasters are no stranger to providing life-saving resources during times of natural disasters. The deadly flooding in Texas this past weekend was no different.
A Lifeline
When the Guadalupe River surged, with water levels rapidly rising as much as 30 feet early on July 4, Audacy’s NewsRadio 1080 KRLD(AM) and Talk Radio 1370 KJCE(AM) provided emergency information and community support.
“NewsRadio 1080 KRLD has been a critical lifeline for Texans,” said Drew Anderssen, news/talk format vice president and brand manager of KRLD, in an Audacy press release. “Our commitment to timely and essential news, weather and traffic information never wavered in the early days of this tragedy, over the 4th of July holiday weekend, and we are committed to continuing our compassionate and impactful coverage in the days ahead.”
How you can help Central Texas flood victims
Our Hill Country neighbors need us now. Here’s how to make a real difference:
Volunteer – Contact the Kerrville Kroc Center at 830‑465‑4797 to assist with rescue and recovery efforts.
Donate – Support vetted…
— 1080 KRLD (@KRLD) July 8, 2025
Audacy said NewsRadio 1080 and Texas State Networks reporter Christopher Fox has been reporting from along the river between Kerrville and Centerpoint, Texas.
“Fox has been delivering succinct and informative reports on NewsRadio 1080, additional Audacy stations and various CBS affiliates across the country,” said Audacy in the release. “His Texas State Network reporting includes hourly newscasts reaching over 100 affiliates in 86 markets.”
Talk Radio 1370 in Austin has also provided coverage of the flooding. The AM launched a dedicated web page for people to support first responders and those impacted by the floods.
Cox Media Group has also joined in on the recovery efforts. In partnership with Gunn Automotive Group, the network has launched the “Help the Hill Country” relief drive to support affected families.
From now until Saturday, July 12, members of the public can drop off donations of personal care and hygiene items at any of the six Gunn Automotive dealership locations in San Antonio and Seguin. The collected items will be delivered to Christian Assistance Ministries in Kerrville, Texas, which is assisting those who lost homes and belongings in the floods.
The initiative is being promoted across all five Cox Media Group San Antonio radio stations, including The Eagle 106.7, KONO 101.1, Hits 105.3, 99.5 KISS and Y100.
“Now is the time to step up and be a real neighbor to our friends,” organizers said.
Texas Public Radio, an NPR affiliate, continues to provide live updates about ongoing recovery efforts, information about how to help and news of the latest flood risk. Kerr County, as well as much of the Hill Country, was placed under another flash flood watch on July 13, temporarily halting vigils, debris cleanup and the search for missing persons.
Help for Kerr County
The area hardest hit by the Texas floods was Kerr County, where the Guadalupe River rose to critical levels in multiple locations, according to National Weather Service data.
Now, iHeartMedia stations are encouraging listeners to donate to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, which was created by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. The fund is specifically aimed at helping those affected in communities such as Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point and Comfort — all along the Guadalupe River.
Organizers say the relief funds are being directed to vetted local organizations involved in rescue, relief and recovery efforts; flood assistance programs for displaced families and individuals; and rebuilding efforts in the heavily-impacted areas.
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Notably, the are two local radio groups based out of Kerrville: Jam Broadcasting and Ranch Radio Group. Both have been instrumental in keeping their community informed throughout the crisis.
Jam Broadcasting owns four radio stations in Kerrville and Ranch Radio Group owns five. On the Jam website, countless stories have been shared on the flood impact, highlighting the importance of community broadcasting. Some of these stories include information about how to help those impacted by the flood, how local officers rescued hundreds as the Texas flooding began and what elected leaders have to say about how cuts to FEMA and NOAA could affect local weather response.
Ranch Radio Group is also sharing in-depth information about where to receive aid in Kerrville on its stations’ websites and social media accounts.
Local Hams Respond
Volunteer amateur radio operators serving in the The National Association for Amateur Radio‘s Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) have also been working to support emergency relief efforts.
According to the ARRL, the needs and assignments have been changing, but ARES volunteers are stepping up to meet the needs of their communities. “This is a very fluid situation. It changes by the hour,” said ARRL South Texas Section District 7 Emergency Coordinator Terry Jones, K5LGV, in an ARRL press release.
ARES members helped the American Red Cross with setup of a reunification shelter in response to the floods, said ARRL. Ten hams were assigned to search-and-rescue teams.
Dozens of health and welfare messages were passed by ham radio operators who provided a critical link when phone lines were overwhelmed. “A lot of this is tied to circuit overload preventing folks from making direct contact with family members in the area,” said Kevin McCoy, KF5FUZ, in the release.
During the flooding event and subsequent search and recovery missions, ARES members have been deployed to serve many different counties, including Kerr and Kendall Counties.
TV Networks Step Up
Graham Media Group is partnering with Gray Media on a donation drive for flood victims called “Together for Texas.” According to organizers, the campaign raised more than $120,000 in donations in its first 24 hours, including a $25,000 donation from Gray and $15,000 donation from Graham Media.
This joint campaign includes Graham Media’s KSAT in San Antonio and KPRC in Houston, as well as Gray stations across 113 markets in the U.S.
“As broadcasters, we have a responsibility to not only inform our communities about breaking news but to help them in times of crisis,” said Catherine Badalamente, CEO of Graham Media Group, in a joint press release.
In partnership with the The Salvation Army, many Gray Media-owned television stations will also air a half-hour special to raise money for flood relief efforts in Texas. All nine Gray Media Texas television stations — serving Amarillo, Lubbock, Odessa, Wichita Falls, Tyler, Waco, Bryan, Sherman and Laredo — will air “Together for Texas,” a 30-minute program produced by KWTX.
This special will be streamed live on Friday, July 11, at 6:30 p.m. CST.
In addition to iHeart, Fox Corporation has also made a donation to Kerr County Flood Relief Fund. FOX News viewers and readers can donate directly to relief efforts by clicking here.
