The newspaper is the epicenter of a small town. But when you put the newspaper and radio station together, it can create an even bigger news center.
In Ozona, The Ozona Stockman and KYXX-FM Radio have partnered together for two years to bring news and events to the community.
Every Wednesday, I inform listeners on KYXX about all the news in that week’s paper. With DJ Eligio Martinez, I give “teases” about the articles, talk about upcoming events and even give breaking news updates.
One week a serious accident north of Ozona closed down part of a road and I used my time on the radio to inform travelers of the detour in that area.
Last year during the county’s devastating wildfires, the Stockman would get information about road closures and traffic delays, along with donations and other important news, to the station.
It’s a show that many of our readers look forward to every week. So many people have told me they grab their newspapers and follow along with me on the radio.
Along with the Wednesday show, the Stockman provides the radio station updates on election nights and shares breaking news and information that needs to get out to the public.
In turn, the radio station helps the Stockman by providing local sports updates and information as well.
The Stockman helps sponsor local sporting events on the radio, and the station runs an ad in the Stockman promoting my show. Martinez will mention the Stockman for various news and information throughout the rest of the week and we share links to the radio station’s web broadcasts on our Facebook page and website.
It’s a tradeout for both of us. It’s also a win-win situation for our small town.
The community is also very supportive of both media outlets when it comes to advertising.
“We are happy to have this great relationship with The Ozona Stockman. It’s been very beneficial to our community. You won’t find this kind of relationship very often in the advertising business,” Martinez said.
In addition to giving the news, I also talk about the other services the newspaper offers, such as selling office supplies and commercial printing.
People often bring me news for the paper and ask me to mention it on the radio. And people take news to the radio station and ask them to share with the newspaper. It’s really a great partnership and it really puts a voice to our newspaper.
You can find the Ozona Stockman at www.ozonastockman.com.