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.

Texas

Regulation Of Law Enforcement In Texas Is ‘Fundamentally Broken,’ Report Says

Posted on December 1, 2020 · A state commission report issues a damning assessment of the state’s law enforcement regulation.

Business

One Tech Startup’s Legal Fight With Big Pharma Highlights Challenges Faced By New Companies

Posted on November 23, 2020 · Shortly after coming out of the Texas Medical Center’s startup accelerator, SensorRx got into a fight over intellectual property.

Houston

Bush Intercontinental Joins Hobby Airport In Using Facial Recognition Technology

Posted on November 23, 2020 · The new technology is supposed to speed up the entry process.

News

Study: Houston’s Police Oversight Board Among Least Effective In Texas

Posted on November 19, 2020 · The study comes as the city is working to improve police oversight.

Texas

Texas Lawmakers File ‘George Floyd’ Bill To Ban Chokeholds, Amid Calls For Nationwide Police Reform

Posted on November 18, 2020 · The George Floyd Act would be the most sweeping overhaul of the use of force by Texas police since 1965.

Business

Suburbs Buck Trend Of Houston-Wide Rent Decline During Pandemic

Posted on November 15, 2020 · Apartment rents in the city’s suburbs are back up to pre-pandemic levels, while those inside the 610-Loop continue to drop.

Criminal Justice

Suspected Houston Cop Killer Was Out On Low Bond. But Is It A Systemic Problem?

Posted on November 13, 2020 · The man accused of killing a Houston police sergeant this week was out on a $100 bond for a weapons violation.

News

Houston Using COVID-19 Relief Money For Domestic Violence Response

Posted on November 11, 2020 · Houston police say they're seeing an increase in calls for mental health and domestic violence cases during the pandemic.

News

Arrest Made In Houston Police Sergeant’s Slaying

Posted on November 10, 2020 · Police Sgt. Sean Rios, 47, was fatally shot while driving to work on Interstate 45 in north Houston.

News

Video Shows Houston Police Officer Beating Man In Handcuffs

Posted on November 10, 2020 · A civil rights attorney calls it ‘disturbing,’ calls for more transparency.

Local

HISD Opens More Food Distribution Sites As Need Remains High Across Houston

Posted on November 9, 2020 · Food banks and school districts are seeing large demand for food assistance during the pandemic.

Business

Houston’s Chinese Community Braces For Possible WeChat Ban

Posted on November 5, 2020 · As President Trump’s executive order banning the popular Chinese app continues to be challenged in court, users in Houston say they need the app for different reasons.

News

Rice Developer, Community Groups Continue To Clash Over Innovation District

Posted on October 26, 2020 · The disagreement is centered on who gets to sign a community benefits agreement.

Business

Houston Holiday Spending Expected To Be Down Significantly This Season

Posted on October 22, 2020 · The coronavirus pandemic is leaving its mark on holiday shopping in more ways than one.

Criminal Justice

Man Charged With Capital Murder In Shooting Death Of Houston Police Sergeant

Posted on October 21, 2020 · Elmer Manzano, 51, was charged with capital murder of a police officer, attempted capital murder of a police officer and aggravated assault with serious bodily injury.