Texas Radio Hall Of Fame recipient Sam Malone has spent the last 26 years in Houston waking up America’s 4th largest city with #1 ratings, compelling content and great interviews. Today, he utilizes his extensive experience in the media industry as CEO of Houston marketing agency 512 New Media.
Sam earned his B.B.A in Finance from Temple University in his hometown of Philadelphia, but took his gift-for-gab and great pipes to morning radio soon after graduation. He worked at legendary stations like Eagle 106 in Philly, and Kiss 98.5 in Buffalo, NY. Malone’s career really took off when he arrived in Houston to take over the morning show at struggling 104 KRBE. Morning drive ratings skyrocketed! The Sam Malone show hit #1 and became a staple of morning drive for 12 years.
Clear Channel Radio made Sam “an offer he couldn’t refuse” in 2005. The Sam Malone Show then took MIX 96.5 all the way up to #1 in the ratings. But Clear Channel also offered Sam something he couldn’t get elsewhere: his own talk show on 740 KTRH. So, from 6-9am he hosted a Top 40 morning show, and then from 10-noon talk radio…all in the same building!
For 10 years The Sam Malone Show was heard locally on AM 1070 The Answer. Sam is the permanent fill in for nationally syndicated host Mike Gallagher, and can be heard on over 300 radio stations with over 7 million listeners.
While working on the radio, Sam caught the attention of television station executives who were impressed by his quick wit and comfort on camera. He began as a reporter on NBC affiliate KPRC, contributing five days a week. He then began working at CBS affiliate KHOU Channel 11, and has filled in as guest host on Great Day Houston.
Sam has interviewed high-profile guests from Sir Paul McCartney to Sen. John McCain, played dueling pianos with Barry Manilow, met his wife thanks to John Bon Jovi, and attended both Presidential Inaugurations for George W. Bush. He’s truly an anomaly: comfortable interviewing everyone from musicians to politicians!
Many Houstonians are also happily married thanks to Sam. His famous Sammy’s Singles events have led to 28 marriages and 24 babies born! Two of the babies are even named after him.
Sam Malone has also been a contributor on FOX News, MSNBC and CNN. He lives in Houston with his wife of 32 years, Denise, and their above average son Jake.
In 2014, Malone opened Houston’s leading media/marketing company, 512 New Media, delivering live broadcasts, website development and crisis communications to businesses all over the metropolitan area. And when he’s not at the office, Sam can be seen driving in the President’s Motorcade. Seriously.
In 2023, Sam Malone celebrates a milestone of 30 years in Houston morning radio.