News Summary
Monica ‘Mo’ Lunsford has joined The Rod Ryan Show on 94.5 The Buzz, transitioning from country music to rock. Her experience includes co-hosting ‘The Morning Bullpen’ for nearly a decade. Lunsford’s addition marks a significant shift in Houston’s radio landscape, following former co-host Tessa Barrera’s departure. The move is aimed at attracting both established fans and new listeners, reflecting the evolving tastes of the market.
Houston Welcomes New Radio Talent
Monica “Mo” Lunsford has officially joined The Rod Ryan Show on 94.5 The Buzz, Houston’s prominent rock and alternative radio station. The announcement was made on Monday morning, marking a new chapter in Lunsford’s radio career as she transitions from the country music genre to rock.
Lunsford brings extensive experience to her new position, having co-hosted “The Morning Bullpen” on 100.3 The Bull, a leading country station, for nearly a decade. Her former show concluded in December 2024, after which KILT-FM introduced a new morning team to take over the time slot. This change aligns with a shift in programming as The Rod Ryan Show seeks to fill the gap left by former co-host Tessa Barrera, who departed in December 2024 to take on a full-time position at KPRC 2’s “Houston Life.”
Joining a Dynamic Team
Excitement surrounds Lunsford’s addition to The Rod Ryan Show, as the team expressed their enthusiasm in a recent social media post. The show aims to attract both Lunsford’s established fan base from her previous role and new listeners eager to engage with the rock format.
Lunsford’s experience in the radio industry spans multiple cities, including significant positions at WRWM in Indianapolis and KUPL in Portland. Her ability to shift between radio formats, particularly from country music to rock, reflects a broader trend in Houston radio where such transitions are commonplace.
A Changing Radio Landscape
The alteration in The Rod Ryan Show’s lineup is part of an evolving landscape in Houston’s radio market. The departure of Tessa Barrera has allowed for new opportunities not only for Lunsford but also for other former members of “The Morning Bullpen.” Erik Scott Smith, another notable radio personality from the country station, is attempting to launch a new show on San Antonio’s Y100, although his debut has been postponed due to a personal family matter involving his young son’s health.
Elliot Wood, the Program Director at KTBZ, expressed confidence in Lunsford’s proficiency and adaptability to different radio formats, underscoring her potential to resonate with audiences both familiar and new.
Background on Monica Lunsford
Before her role with The Rod Ryan Show, Lunsford gained a following through her engaging presence and on-air personality, making significant contributions to her previous stations. Her track record highlights not only her dedication to radio but also her capacity to connect with audiences through various music genres.
As The Rod Ryan Show embarks on this new journey with Lunsford, the team is undoubtedly preparing to enhance their programming while catering to the evolving tastes of Houston’s diverse listening community.
Overall, the addition of Monica “Mo” Lunsford marks a strategic move for The Rod Ryan Show, aiming to maintain relevance and continue its successful run in the competitive Houston radio market.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Insideradio: Monica “Mo” Lunsford Added to Mornings on Houston’s 94.5 The Buzz
- Chron: Mo Lunsford Joins Rod Ryan Show on 94.5 The Buzz
- Radio Online: Monica “Mo” Lunsford Joins Rod Ryan Show on 94.5 The Buzz
- Mike McGuff: Mo from 100.3 Bull Joins Rod Ryan Show
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Houston Radio
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
