Florian Martin

Business Reporter

Florian Martin is currently the News 88.7 business reporter.

Florian’s stories can frequently be heard on other public radio stations throughout Texas and on NPR nationwide. Some of them have earned him awards from Texas AP Broadcasters, the Houston Press Club, National Association of Real Estate Editors, and Public Radio News Directors Inc.

Florian is a native of Germany. His studies in Leipzig (Houston’s German sister city) included a year abroad at the University of Houston.

After earning his M.A. in journalism, American studies and Hispanic studies at the University of Leipzig, Florian returned to Houston and started off his new life interning in the KUHF newsroom.

After a 16-month stint as a reporter for Houston Community Newspapers, Florian was invited back to Houston Public Media in 2012 to take over the NewsLab Coordinator position and quickly morphed into a daily reporter.

Florian is often heard saying that he is living the American Dream. He lives in Clear Lake City.

Energy & Environment

Low Oil Prices Lead To Shutdown Of Much-Hyped Carbon Capture System Outside Houston

Posted on August 3, 2020 · NRG’s Petra Nova system relies on a strong oil market to be profitable.

Business

One Industry Is Flourishing During The Coronavirus Pandemic: The Casket Business

Posted on August 3, 2020 · The coronavirus pandemic has affected countless industries here in Texas – most for the worse. Some in the funeral business on the other hand are thriving, but also overwhelmed.

Business

In Gentrifying 5th Ward, One Developer Makes A Pitch To Former Residents

Posted on July 22, 2020 · Real estate investor Chris Senegal’s townhomes target young professionals who care about the community.

Business

Initially Thought To Be Exempt From Shutdown Order, Many Texas Brewery Taprooms Are Forced To Close

Posted on July 16, 2020 · Craft brewers say factoring in all beer sales makes no sense in determining whether taprooms should shut down to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.

Business

The Houston PR Firm Helping Companies Struggling To Tackle The Current Social Justice Climate

Posted on July 15, 2020 · Etched Communication specializes in culturally inclusive public relations and has seen increased demand in the wake of the recent anti-racism protest.

Criminal Justice

Texas Lawmakers Look To Improve Police Transparency In Response To HPD Narcotics Audit

Posted on July 2, 2020 · The announcement came after more officers were charged in connection with a fatal drug raid and the Houston Police Department released an audit of its narcotics division.

Criminal Justice

HPD Shootings Under Increased Scrutiny Amid Nationwide Calls For Police Reform

Posted on June 26, 2020 · Just before Floyd was killed in Minneapolis, Houston police shot and killed six people in five weeks.

Business

There’s A New Harris County Mask Order. What Does That Mean For Businesses?

Posted on June 23, 2020 · Businesses in Harris County are now required to have both staff and customers wear face covers.

Houston

Calls For Federal Investigations After 2 Men Found Hanged In Houston

Posted on June 19, 2020 · Many reject the official assessments that the recent hangings of mostly African Americans were suicides.

Criminal Justice

George Floyd’s Memorials Prompted Calls For Change. What’s Next?

Posted on June 11, 2020 · Many hope Floyd’s memory will continue to drive meaningful change for African Americans.

Criminal Justice

Houston Protests Have Been Peaceful Compared To Other Cities. Why?

Posted on June 4, 2020 · While other cities are seeing riots, things have been much calmer in America’s fourth largest city – and it’s not a new phenomenon.

Criminal Justice

Rappers, Elected Officials Join Family Of George Floyd In Downtown March

Posted on June 2, 2020 · Rappers Bun B and Trae tha Truth organized the rally, to honor the family of George Floyd and call for policing reforms.

News

Houston’s Hotel Occupancy Is Slowly Growing, But It’s Far From Back To Normal

Posted on May 26, 2020 · Some hotels had no guests at all for some periods during the coronavirus pandemic.

Texas

Texas Unemployment Rate Hits Worst On Record At 12.8%

Posted on May 22, 2020 · Until now, the state’s worst-ever monthly unemployment rate was 9.2% in November 1986, as Texas reeled from the last big oil bust. A combination of the coronavirus pandemic and a contracting energy industry are expected to slow Texas' economic recovery.

Coronavirus

Houston Nurse Chronicles Her Experience During Coronavirus Pandemic

Posted on May 20, 2020 · For one Houston nurse, the pandemic meant upended family life and job loss.