KTSW morning show makes waves in Austin 360 poll

By Lauren Lamb
University News Service
October 7, 2008

For as long as he can remember, Texas State University at San Marcos student Jonathan Valdez has wanted to be an entertainer.

“As a kid, I used my tape recorder to pretend I had my own show,” said Valdez, a senior in communication studies from Bay City.

Valdez is the executive producer and co-host of the KTSW FM 89.9 morning show, “Orange Juice and Biscuits.” KTSW is the official radio station of Texas State.

Valdez is joined on Monday and Wednesday mornings by fellow co-host Amanda Dugan, a senior in mass communication from Pittsburgh, Pa.

Recently, “Orange Juice and Biscuits” was named one of the top ten best morning radio shows by Austin 360.com, an entertainment site maintained by the Austin-America Statesman newspaper.

"Kudos to morning show ‘Orange Juice and Biscuits,’ which was able to garner enough write-in votes to land the Texas State University-based show in the top 10, ahead of several Austin stations owned by corporate giants," wrote Matthew Odam, a columnist for Austin360.com.

“Orange Juice and Biscuits” was also recognized as a finalist for Best Regularly Scheduled Program by Collegiate Broadcasters Inc. in 2007.

“It’s been a great experience to watch people’s reaction to the show grow and our fan base expand,” said Valdez.

The show has been part of KTSW’s regular lineup since Jan. 2007. While the original concept was Valdez’s idea, both he and Dugan work together to decide what topics they will discuss during the show. Valdez has been on the show since it began, while Dugan started in August. “I’m glad to have her and I think the listeners enjoy her too,” said Valdez.

“It’s been a lot of fun and has taught me how important it is to be real,” said Dugan.

The duo often uses their own life topics as inspiration for the show, but they also want to involve their fans in the process.

“We’re constantly checking our email during the show, and it’s really neat to be able to respond to fans while we’re on the air… I feel like we’re talking to them personally,” said Dugan.

Valdez and Dugan do not get paid, but say the chance to have their own show is payment enough for the early mornings and the extra work outside their classes.

“Anything we can do to promote Texas State is a good thing, and these awards represent the whole school, not just us,” said Valdez.

While no one is sure what will come of the show once Valdez and Dugan graduate, they hope it will continue to be part of the KTSW family. Both say the experience of being on the radio will shape their career choices.

“Wherever I end up, I want to stay in the entertainment business and I know this has only helped me start in the right direction,” said Valdez.

For more information, visit www.ktsw.net.