Rio Grande Valley Radio Stations

There is something for every listener with Texas Rio Grande Valley radio stations, from canciones (tunes) from across the border in Mexico to Texas-style country, current rock to oldies, and Christian to Metal. Noteworthy diversity results from a variety of formats as well as a variety of ownership, including Clear Channel Communications, Univision Radio, the Living Water Radio Network, public radio, and Entravision Communications.

"As of 1/18/2013, my favorite D.J. for Rio Grande Valley Radio is Rock n' Roll James. He plays some of my favorites that no one else plays. In addition, you have to have some balls to play blocks of Megadeath or Pantera. Who doesn't respect that?" - Webmaster.

KTEX 100.3 is the station that “Sounds like Texas.” Clear Channel’s entry into the local country market, KTEX plays hit-makers George Strait, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, Brooks & Dunn, Martina McBride and other top Country artists from its physical location in Brownsville. DJs include Jo Jo, Frankie D., Chris Michaels and Patches.

If your tastes run more to Rock, then consider The Q 94.5 (KFRQ) in Harlingen. Entravision’s station has a play list that includes Live, Ratt, 30 Seconds To Mars, Buckcherry, Van Halen, Papa Roach, Bush, Iron Maiden, Pearl Jam, Motley Crue, and Led Zeppelin, with an all-request 70-minute “Lunch Hour” with DJ Keith West. Other shows are The Overnite Asylum with Weslaco resident and hard rocker JoeyRocks, Big Al and Charlie’s morning show, the longest running in the Valley, and Mighty Mike Quinn all afternoon. As of 1/18/2013 my favorite D.J. so far is Rock n' Roll James. He plays some of my favorites that no one else plays. In addition, you have to have some balls to play blocks of Megadeath or Pantera. 

Then there is “The Valley’s Party Station,” Wild 104 (KBFM 104.1), another Clear Channel offering in Edinburg. The station has been around since 1974, but switched to Rhythmic Top 40 in 2004, a move which has paid off with increased listenership. If you like Nelly Furtado, Akon, Justin Timberlake, Outkast, Fergie, Ludacris, and Naughty by Nature, this is your station.

If Mexican heritage is where you are at, there is KGBT 98.5, physically located in McAllen, Univision Radio’s Spanish language station playing “Solamente Exitos”, only the latest hits in música norteña, corridas and rancheras. During the day sister station La Tremenda 1530 AM offers a mix of talk radio, sports and music, but in the evenings and on weekends KGBT comes alive as local DJs “El Chicuelo” Beto Castillo, Eliud Treviño and Romiro Olvera keep the music coming, while Mr. Ni Fu Ni Fa (Hugo de la Cruz) wants to hear listener opinions on everything under the sun.

Hot Kiss 106.3 (KHKZ-FM 106.3) is a station for the young or the rockin’ young at heart, with songs by Justin Timberlake, Avril Lavigne, Nickleback, Fray, Maroon 5 , Rickie Martin, and Carrie Underwood. Located in Mercedes, Texas, this station’s DJs include J. Cantu, Amanda, Micky Gamez, and the Hitman, with Hiram and Nicole Garcia covering the weekends.

KQXX 105.5, the “Oldies Fan Club” in Mission, Texas, has been successfully exploring the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, from Elvis, Neil Sedaka and the Beatles to Queen, Eric Clapton, the Doors, and Black Sabbath since its format change in 2002. Owned by Clear Channel Communications, with local DJs such as Billy Santiago and syndicated programs including Dick Clark, The Beatles Brunch, and Charlie Tuna this is the show for anyone who want a taste of the good old days of rock and roll. Family-friendly and commercial-free,

McAllen’s KVMV 96.9 plays the latest Christian hits along with talk programs such as James Dobson’s “Focus on the Family” and Chuck Swindoll’s “Insight for Living.” Part of the Living Water Radio Network, KVMV’s tag line is “The Valley's Christian Radio.” In addition to weekly programming, the station plays the top Christian music countdowns on Saturdays and offers an on-air bible study Sundays.

Then for the classically inclined, public radio is represented in the Valley by KHID 88.1 FM Classical and KMBH 88.9 FM Classical in Harlingen. In addition to such award-winning standards from NPR as Performance Today, local programming includes Classic Oldies with Al Wasielewski, jazz and blues On the Roadside with Chris Maley, Psych Rock 101 with Texas Joe Valles exploring 35 years of psychedelic music, and the latest classical releases on New Edition with Mario Munoz. All of these Rio Grande Valley radio stations also serve the Valley community with local news, community events, public announcements, and the most up-to-date scores in high school sports.

By J.E.D. Seno / TSO 

Rio Grande Valley Radio is constantly changing and getting better. If you are aware of any changes we would love to hear about it in our comments section.