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.

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.

Bauer Business Focus

Houston Has To Lead The Global Energy Transition, Expert Says

Posted on January 24, 2020 · Bobby Tudor says Houston’s energy industry has to find ways to deal with growing concerns about climate change.

In-Depth

CBD Boom Hits Houston As Authorities Grapple With New Hemp Law Enforcement

Posted on January 23, 2020 · CBD stores have been popping up all over Houston since Texas legalized hemp last year. But there’s still confusion about the difference between hemp and illegal marijuana.

Business

16-Year-Old Houston Entrepreneur Aspires To Be The Queen Of Sauces

Posted on January 17, 2020 · Tyla-Simone Crayton sold more than 50,000 ‘Sienna Sauce’ bottles last year.

Sports

Houston Astros Fire Manager, GM After MLB Investigation

Posted on January 13, 2020 · The team will also lose its draft picks and pay a $5 million fine for cheating in 2017.

Energy & Environment

Wind Energy On Track To Surpass Coal Power In Texas

Posted on January 13, 2020 · Power generated from wind matched that from coal for the first time in 2019.

Bauer Business Focus

Layoffs Show Houston’s Energy Industry ‘Still Adapting’ To Life After Oil Downturn

Posted on January 10, 2020 · Oil and gas companies are cutting costs amid subdued oil prices, creating uncertainty for their workforce.

Business

After Record Year For Houston Home Sales, What’s Ahead In 2020?

Posted on December 20, 2019 · The regional economy is expected to slow down next year.

Bauer Business Focus

Small Businesses Damaged By Harvey Can Now Apply For Grants

Posted on December 20, 2019 · More than two years after the storm, affected businesses can receive up to $250,000.

In-Depth

With A New Concept And A New Store In Houston, Toys R Us Hopes To Make A Comeback

Posted on December 18, 2019 · Other retailers may want to pay attention to how Toys R Us' new experiential stores work out.