Weeks after exiting KOKE due to the signal’s sale to Norsan Media, local personalities Bob Cole, Eric Raines, and Deena Blake have found a new home on Austin’s 95.9 Texas Country (KKMJ-HD3). Audacy Austin flipped the signal from Hip-Hop to Country in May.
Cole and Raines will take weekday mornings, followed by Deena Blake, with Raines returning for afternoon drive.
Cole is a celebrated veteran radio talent in Austin, with more than three decades on-air in the area. He was inducted into the Country Music Radio Hall of Fame in 2003 and the Texas Radio Hall of Fame in 2005. Meanwhile, Raines has earned five Texas Regional Radio Air Personality of the Year awards.
Cole commented, “I’ve been a proud ‘local radio guy’ my entire life. Audacy has gifted me the ability to continue my long-standing relationship with listeners in Austin and serve my community on another level.”
Raines said, “Thank you, Audacy, for the opportunity to do what I love most – get on the air and champion music from this scene. I look forward to fueling the shared passion my listeners and I have for this format on Austin’s 95.9 Texas Country and building up the community we’ve already established. It’s going to be one great ride together!”
In addition, Blake has extensive experience in Country music radio across major markets including Nashville, Chicago, DC, and Dallas. She commented, “I’m thrilled to continue my radio journey and join the team at Austin’s 95.9 Texas Country, a brand-new station that shares my love of Texas and Classic Country. Here’s to making memories, great music, and a new home!”
Audacy Austin Vice President of Programming and Operations Nikki Nite said, “Bob, Eric, and Deena are homegrown talents that have connected with listeners beyond the state of Texas by capturing the true essence of Country: authenticity. This is a robust lineup that will easily bond with Austin through their commitment to the city and its culture. We are eager to begin this chapter at Austin’s 95.9 Texas Country with this charming trio!”
More updates on additional on-air staff and programming expected in the coming weeks.
I was so sand when i turned on Koke FM App, as i moved from Austin to Denver this year and i was so upset! The voices were gone! The funny stories were gone! I felt so sad. I goggled and just read they left. I kept searching and couldn’t find out where they went. I gave up. Then yesterday i looked and found ‘em! Yay! Do they have a podcast!!!? I used to listen to the KOKE podcast with them if I missed the morning show.
I am so happy to have found Bob, Eric and Deena again. I’ve listened to them for years from Bob and Sammy to back to KOKE and to 95.9. Glad you found a new home here in Austin. The last 2 and half months have been horrible without you guys. Tried the “other” country station again but just couldn’t take it anymore. Welcome back! Here’s to long long journey of good country music.
Hallelujah! The BEST DUO in Red Dirt Country are back and on the Air! I have been an avid listener of Bob and Eric since I was stationed in Austin from 2004-2008. while in the USAF. From KVET to the rebirth of KOKE an Austin Historical Country Station.
I was still an avid listener while back home in SCwill try and see if I can find you on.