WACO, Texas — KWBU is partnering with Rogue Media Network to launch Beneath the Surface, a new locally produced hybrid series hosted by Waco storyteller, entrepreneur, educator, and communications professional Kennisha Thornton.
Recorded as a video podcast at Rogue Media Network, Beneath the Surface will bring conversations with compelling people from Central Texas and beyond to both digital and radio audiences. The program will be re-produced for broadcast on KWBU, a thirty-minute episode as part of the station's Friday Features programming. The full video episode will be available through Rogue Media.
The new series represents an early collaboration between KWBU and Rogue Media, two Waco-based organizations that have been interested in exploring new ways to connect radio, podcasting, video, and local storytelling. By pairing Rogue Media’s digital-first production approach with KWBU’s public-radio service and local broadcast reach, the partnership will make community conversations available in more ways and to more audiences.
“We are excited to work with Rogue Media to develop a program that meets audiences where they are—whether they listen on the radio, watch a video podcast, or engage with local stories online,” said Lydia Tate, President of KWBU. “Beneath the Surface reflects KWBU’s commitment to meaningful conversations and to finding creative new ways to elevate the voices, experiences, and ideas that shape our community.”
Thornton is especially well suited to lead the first collaboration between KWBU and Rogue Media. During the past year, she has served as a guest host for KWBU’s locally produced community-affairs program Downtown Depot, bringing a warm, thoughtful interview style and a deep commitment to Central Texas community engagement to the program.
A writer, public-relations professional, professor, and public speaker, Thornton helps authors and small-business owners develop messages that resonate. Her work draws on experience in media, communication, branding, leadership, and community engagement; she also recently taught communication, branding, and leadership as a professor and international speaker.
“Beneath the Surface is about creating space for people to share the experiences, turning points, and stories that may not always be seen at first glance,” said Thornton. “I am grateful for the opportunity to work with KWBU and Rogue Media to bring these conversations to a wider audience and to celebrate the people doing meaningful work in our community.”
Thornton’s transition to Beneath the Surface also marks an exciting new season for Downtown Depot. Rachel E. Pate, the program’s original host and co-creator and Interim Director of the Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce, will return to the KWBU-produced show this fall.
Beneath the Surface will join KWBU’s slate of locally hosted community programs following the archival of The Sit Down with Rachel. The new series continues KWBU’s investment in local programming that informs, connects, and reflects the communities of Central Texas. The first full episode of Beneath the Surface will air on KWBU on October 6.
.
About Rogue Media Network
Rogue Media Network is a digital-first media company that works with creators and brands to build audience impact through authentic storytelling. Its network spans more than 300 shows and works across podcasts, video, and other digital media formats, reaching millions of monthly views, listens, and impressions. Through Rogue Media and its growing roster of hosts and programs, Rogue Media produces content across genres including culture, entertainment, news, sports, education, and community storytelling.
About Kennisha Thornton
Kennisha Thornton is a storyteller, writer, news producer for KWTX, PR professional, professor, public speaker, and founder of Create and Blossom. With a career rooted in storytelling and communication, she brings experience across television, radio, print, podcasting, public relations, and education. Her media background includes appearances on network affiliates, along with work in print and podcast media. Thornton has also served as a guest host of KWBU’s Downtown Depot and continues to use storytelling to create meaningful conversations, amplify voices, and connect communities.