KUT and KUTX Public Media

Source: https://catalog.utexas.edu/general-information/libraries-and-other-academic-resources/kut-radio/ Parent: https://catalog.utexas.edu/

KUT Public Media informs, connects, and strengthens the Central Texas community through independent news, transformative music and community storytelling. As a voice of – and for – the greater Austin community, we bring people together, amplify diverse voices and provide critical information that influences public dialogue and drives meaningful change.

KUT News provides reliable, independent reporting that informs and engages Central Texans. Our award-winning journalism – which is free to all – sparks public dialogue and influences policy, from housing affordability and zoning reforms to water conservation efforts. Known for our in-depth and investigative journalism, we play a vital role in shaping local conversations and driving meaningful change.

Texas Standard, an hourlong weekday news-magazine, airs on 30 public radio stations statewide. It is produced by KUT News in Austin in collaboration with KERA North Texas, Houston Public Media and Texas Public Radio in San Antonio.

KUTX 98.9, The Austin Music Experience, launched in 2013 and named “Best Radio Station” in the Austin Music Awards poll 10 times, is the destination for music from local, national and international artists driving the sound of Austin and Texas today.

KUT and KUTX Studios, the podcast arm of KUT Public Media, creates distinct listening experiences for people who care about the people, places, culture and history shaping the greater Austin community.

A Standard-Bearer for Trusted, Independent News – and a Catalyst for Civic Engagement

• Independent, paywall- and subscription-free journalism via KUT News and Texas Standard
• Non-partisan voter guides that help Central Texans stay civically engaged and make informed decisions.
• Spanish-language news via KUT En Español
• Statewide news collaboration with The Texas Newsroom, a collaborative effort among KUT News, KERA North Texas, Houston Public Media and Texas Public Radio in San Antonio, to optimize resources and capitalize on journalistic expertise from across the state.

A Lifeline in Emergencies

• Real-time safety updates on severe weather, wildfires and other disasters via radio, KUT News app notifications and social media; updates also reach KUTX 98.9 audiences
• KUT News social media channels harnessed for emergency communications, earning the Excellence in Social Media Engagement award for 2023 ice storm coverage
• The Central Texas broadcast emergency alert system relies on KUT News and KUTX 98.9 to reach the public

Promoting Local Culture and Music

• Showcasing Austin’s music scene and elevating local artists to a national audience through award-winning KUTX 98.9
• Amplifying Texas artists and musicians of all genres on TMX.fm, the Texas Music Experience, a 24-hour live stream of an all-Texas playlist powered by KUTX 98.9
• Podcasts that tell unique Texas stories: Black Austin Matters, Tacos of Texas, 24 Hours in Austin, Vamos Verde, about Austin FC, and more
• Highlighting Austin arts and culture through the Austin Cultura and Arts Eclectic programs on air and online
• Uncovering stories about Austin’s people, places and culture through ATXplained, the podcast and semi-annual live journalism event, which draws 1000+ people to each performance

Bringing Central Texans Together

• Free public educational forums and live events encour­aging civic engagement, plus listener meet ups that support local restaurants and venues
• Free and low-cost community music events like family-friendly KUTX Rock the Park and KUTX Live at Scholz Garten, featuring local, national and interna­tional musicians and drawing hundreds of guests every year
• 5,500+ Public Service Announcements annually supporting Central Texas nonprofits
• 12 local non-profits spotlighted annually, on air and online, to support volunteer recruitment via KUT’s Get Involved series
• A comprehensive online field guide to Austin for newcomers and old-timers, highlighting the sites, sounds and stories that make Austin “Austin”

Investing in the Next Generation

• 30+ paid interns annually from UT Austin, Texas State University, St. Edward’s University, Austin Community College and more, who gain hands-on experience in preparation for journalism and other media-related careers
• A university resource for journalism expertise: KUT journalists serve as adjunct professors or guest lecturers for area journalism programs
• Intensive, hands-on mentoring for a small cohort of students each year during a weeklong, digital-first intensive via the NPR Next Generation Radio program

Supported by a dedicated community of sustaining members, local businesses and foundations, KUT Public Media powers the news, music and conversations that matter to Central Texas.

KUT 90.5 was established in 1958 and is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission to The University of Texas at Austin.