Austin's Statesmen Launching News Network

Jeff Ward

The Austin American-Statesman is launching a new streaming station, the Statesman News Network, and bringing a familiar voice back to the city’s radio landscape. The new station will be available 24 hours a day at statesmannewsnetwork.com beginning April 13 and will focus on news and entertainment.

It joins sister station Austin360 Radio, which went live a year ago and streams a new spin on 1970s funk, soul and more at austin360radio.com.

“News consumption is at an all-time high, especially during these uncertain times. We are so proud to deliver some of the best programming available in the Austin market, conveniently streamed to a computer, mobile phone, smart speakers and more,” says Rob Connelly, Director of Digital Audio for Gannett.

Listeners also will hear longtime Austin radio host Jeff Ward on the Statesman News Network. Ward, who was a host on KLBJ 590 AM / 99.7 FM for 20 years, is making the leap from over-the-air to streaming with his new “The Jeff Ward Show,” airing live from 9 a.m. to noon Monday-Friday, also beginning April 13. The Jeff Ward Show will be sponsored by Supreme Lending.


“There will be plenty of common sense rants,” Ward said in an announcement about his show and the new station. “But the goal of the show is always the same: I want you to find it compelling, and I want to you to feel forced to think.”

“I don’t cheer for political parties. In fact, I spend a great deal of time ripping them,” says Ward. “I’m an Austin guy who likes to talk about Austin stuff.” In addition to his live streaming show, Ward will also create podcasts covering business and football.