Some radio careers begin with a big contract, an impressive résumé, and a moving truck headed toward a new market. Others begin with somebody hauling promotional equipment, setting up station banners, and wondering whether they’ll ever get a chance to sit behind the microphone. For Mason Pradt, the journey started in the promotions department at Houston’s legendary 93Q Country in 2014. Twelve years later, he’s officially taking over the midday show at one of America’s most celebrated Country radio stations. And if that isn’t a story worth celebrating, somebody needs to check the batteries in their radio.
Radio One’s 93Q KKBQ has officially named Pradt its midday personality, heard weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., following the station’s extended search for a permanent host.
But here’s where this story gets especially good.
93Q just won the 2026 NAB Marconi Award for Country Station of the Year. And guess who was standing alongside the morning crew in New York City to celebrate?
Mason Pradt.
That’s right. The guy who started helping with station promotions was standing on the national stage with Riggs, Katelyn, and Erica as 93Q celebrated one of broadcasting’s highest honors.
You couldn’t write a much better script.
And this isn’t some out-of-town personality being introduced to Houston with a cheat sheet of local street names.
Pradt is Houston through and through.
A University of Houston alumnus and proud Cougar, he’s also spent years announcing high school sports in Deer Park, covering football, basketball, baseball, and softball.
He knows the Gulf Freeway. He knows Pasadena and Deer Park. He knows what happens when the Astros are winning, the Texans are struggling, or somebody decides to drive across Houston at five o’clock.
And most importantly, he knows his audience.
Pradt worked his way onto the air in 2019, eventually handling nights at 93Q and middays at the former Country Legends 97.1. He’s also been an important part of the production team behind The Q Morning Show.
That combination of behind-the-scenes work and on-air experience is exactly what makes this appointment special.
Here’s what I love about this move.
Radio spends an extraordinary amount of time looking outside its own buildings for the next big personality.
Sometimes the next great broadcaster is already inside, carrying equipment, editing audio, answering phones, and doing everything possible to learn the business.
Somebody just needs to recognize the talent.
For Pradt, the recognition has arrived.
And for 93Q, keeping a hometown broadcaster in a major daytime position sends a wonderful message about investing in people who understand the market.
Congratulations to Mason, Program Director Travis Moon, and the entire 93Q team.
From setting up the station tent to standing beside a Marconi Award, Mason Pradt has earned his place behind that microphone.
And Mason, the next time somebody asks you to carry the promotional table, just remind them you’ve got a midday show to do.
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