Longtime Austin radio personality David Anderson passed away last Tuesday at 73 due to cancer. Anderson’s career spanned more than four decades in Texas broadcasting. He is also being remembered for his volunteer work and deep commitment to philanthropy.
Born in East Texas, Anderson earned a degree in radio, television, and film from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1973. He returned to his hometown of Lufkin to join KRBA. Anderson’s distinctive voice and dedication led him to Austin in 1980, where he became a morning news anchor.
Adapting to numerous changes in station ownerships and formats, Anderson is probably best known for his time on Hicks Communications’ KEY 103 (KEYI) as co-shot of its morning show alongside David Jarrott and Cathy Conley Swofford. His last on-air gig was with Austin’s Sun Radio.
KOKE owner Bob Cole told the Austin American-Statesman, “David was one of the best talents in the industry. Always the guy you wanted to have a beer with, the guy that didn’t have an agenda, somebody you could trust. In all my years, I never saw anybody who had that ability and talent. How many people on radio can you say that about today?”
A public memorial service for Anderson is being planned.
