Houston Public Media Debuts Daily Talk Show 'Hello Houston' Across Radio, Video and Podcast

Houston Public Media is adding a new daily talk show to its lineup. Called Hello Houston, the program is set to premiere Monday, March 31, and will center on stories that shape life in Greater Houston and Southeast Texas, the organization announced in a release dated March 24, 2025.

The show is designed to reach audiences in several ways at once. Station Manager Josh Adams said it is "not just a radio show" but "a multiplatform experience" that streams on YouTube and HoustonPublicMedia.org, and is also broadcast on News 88.7, which he described as free to the 19 counties the station reaches.

Three Houston Public Media personalities will host. Ernie Manouse is an award-winning broadcaster who has spent nearly three decades with the public media organization and is known for storytelling and in-depth interviews. Frank Billingsley was named a "Houston Legend" by Houston City Book in 2021 and is described as bringing a thoughtful, energetic and casual style to conversations. His honors include "Best Weathercaster" recognition from the Associated Press, the Houston Press Club, the Houston Press Newspaper and the Dallas Press Club.

The third host, Celeste Diaz Schurman, has more than a decade of media experience, with past roles at ESPN Deportes, Fox 26 Houston and The University of Texas Moody College of Communication. A native of Brownsville, she is said to take pride in connecting with diverse communities, including Houston's Spanish-speaking audience.

Jim Kovacik serves as executive producer. He has nearly three decades of experience in Houston media, having worked at some of the city's largest stations and produced content for major national brands. The station said his background in storytelling, audio production and content creation will help make the show a staple for listeners and viewers.

Laurie Ramirez, Executive Director of Content Operations, said the format "promises to be engaging and dynamic." She added that the station is "trying a new way of doing a local talk show, with a different style of conversation, using innovative platforms to reach new audiences."

Hello Houston will air weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on News 88.7 and will stream live on YouTube and HoustonPublicMedia.org. It will also be offered as a podcast on major platforms. Audiences can follow the show on Instagram at @HelloHouston.Show and find more information at HelloHouston.org.

Houston Public Media is a service of the University of Houston and relies on financial gifts from the community. It combines broadcast and digital offerings to provide Southeast Texas with local news and entertainment, along with national programming from NPR and PBS. The organization reports a combined weekly audience of more than 1.6 million.