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.

News

Houston Hospitals Prepare For Face Mask Shortage As COVID-19 Spreads Across Region

Posted on April 7, 2020 · It’s mostly smaller healthcare facilities that are short on PPE, Houston nurse says.

Business

90% Of Houston Small Businesses Have Lost Revenue Due To Coronavirus

Posted on March 31, 2020 · A Greater Houston Partnership survey shows the impact on Houston’s small businesses.

Business

Houston Unions Demand Paid Leave, Job Protections As Coronavirus Impacts Workers

Posted on March 26, 2020 · The majority of sectors are seeing layoffs and furloughs.

Business

Houston Service Workers Struggle As Coronavirus Disrupts Bar, Restaurant Service

Posted on March 25, 2020 · Restaurant closures and limited service due to the coronavirus pandemic have had a huge impact on servers and other service industry workers.

Business

Vendors Suffer Hit As Coronavirus Cuts Houston Rodeo Short

Posted on March 17, 2020 · For many, the Houston Livestock and Rodeo is a major source of revenue every year.

Business

At Houston’s Port, Fewer Ships From Asia Due To Coronavirus

Posted on March 10, 2020 · The comments about decreased port activity came after a press conference Tuesday announcing $39 million for the ports of Houston and Corpus Christi.

Business

What Employers Can Do Now That The Coronavirus Is In Houston

Posted on March 5, 2020 · Relaxed sick leave policies, hygiene and mandatory travel reporting are some things companies should consider.

In-Depth

In Houston’s Chinatown, Coronavirus Fears Among Asian Americans Continue To Harm Businesses

Posted on February 25, 2020 · Restaurants in Chinatown on Houston’s southwest side continue to suffer big losses as customers are shying away.

Education

Rice Students To Pitch Criminal Justice Reform Ideas To Harris County Officials

Posted on February 21, 2020 · It’s the fourth year of Rice's “Houston Policy Challenge.”

Business

Houston’s Innovation District Might Actually Cost The City Venture Capital, Study Finds

Posted on February 18, 2020 · The author hopes other cities will more effectively choose the best location for their innovation hubs.

News

In An Effort To Reduce Crime, More And More Houston Area Communities Use License Plate Readers

Posted on February 18, 2020 · Police departments that use automated license plate readers report an increase in solved crimes, but should people worry about their privacy?

Business

Houston Businesses Feel Impact From The Coronavirus

Posted on February 10, 2020 · No visitors from China, empty businesses in Chinatown, and low oil prices – but the impact will likely be only temporary.

News

Dallas Fed: Energy Will Drag Down Texas Economy This Year

Posted on January 31, 2020 · But the Texas economy is expected to continue its expansion thanks to a strong national economy and other factors.

In-Depth

As Houston Keeps Expanding, So Does Suburban Apartment Construction

Posted on January 31, 2020 · It’s not just single-family homes that are in demand in the ‘burbs.

News

Advocacy Group Wants Whistleblower Committee For Houston Police Officers

Posted on January 27, 2020 · The group says the fatal Harding Street raid might have been prevented if cops had spoken out about misconduct within their ranks.