Ben Downs

(Published August 2026)

Ben Downs has devoted his professional life to radio broadcasting. Since beginning his life’s work 1968 as a weekend announcer for KXAR in Hope, Arkansas, he has been a committed radio broadcaster. Currently he is the operating partner for eleven stations and 14 magazines in Bryan-College Station and Nacogdoches.

When he started as a freshman at Texas A&M, Ben devoted the first six weeks of the first semester to his studies. Which turns out to be the only time in 57 years he wasn’t employed by a radio station.

Ben, along with partner William Hicks, are the only local residents to own any variety of media outlet in Bryan College Station.

When their group of stations was acquired by a larger national broadcaster, both Bill and Ben chose to make their homes in the area and have remained active in the local community. B

en has served on area boards including the BBB, Food Bank, BVEDC, Twin City Foundation, The Community Foundation, Christmas Angels, March of Dimes, Red Cross, and a term that never ended for the Chamber of Commerce.

The stations have raised funds for area charities that exceed $8 Million.

His contributions include a short 40-year stint filling in for Santa Claus in the Bryan-College Station Christmas Parade. Yes, that means you were probably waving at him when you were four years old.

Not overlooking industry activity, Ben was the author of the cross-band translator rulemaking for new FM allocations for AM stations.

His efforts to promote local community involvement in the local media has led to recognition as Texas Broadcaster of the Year and The Texas Radio Hall of Fame

Despite his youthful appearance, Ben was honored by the NAB as the Legendary Manager for the year 2021.

During that time, Radio Ink magazine has included him three times in the annual listing of the 30 Best Radio Managers in America.

Ben was elected to the Texas Association of Broadcasters board in 1999. He served broadcasters as TAB Chairman in 2003 and again in 2010 and only recently termed out as a member of the TAB Board.

In 2008 he was elected to serve Texas broadcasters as their representative to the National Association of Broadcasters.

A newsworthy item which a local newspaper announced as being accomplished by an “Area Man”. A title that has stuck for over a decade. Area Man just completed his 12th year on this national board.

Bryan Broadcasting is proud to employ a full staff of professional broadcasters and newscasters. And for the past 26 years, a unique group of 14 locally produced magazines which includes The Best of the Brazos and Brazos Valley Bride.

Ben has been married to another Aggie, Lillie, for 50 years which proves Lil believes patience is a virtue.

They have two children: Dave, a Field Engineer for Bechtel in Corpus Christi, and Mary, a System Operator for the Texas electric grid at ERCOT in an undisclosed location.

They also are blessed with daughter-in-law Tavanh and three perfect grandchildren, Sophia, Scott, and Sean