Longtime West Texas-based radio host Chad Hasty is being remembered for his impact in broadcasting and influence in local and state politics after he died early Thursday in his Lubbock County home.
He was 43.
“News/Talk 95.1 & 970 KFYO and Townsquare Media are deeply saddened to share the news that longtime host, beloved personality, and Lubbock institution Chad Hasty passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday morning,” reads a statement the media group posted on their website Thursday afternoon.
His cause of death was not immediately known, but officials believe he passed away from natural causes.
Townsquare Media Lubbock’s Market President Dan Endom shared a statement on KFYO’s website, saying his team was stunned and heartbroken by Hasty’s sudden passing.
“Chad was not only a brilliant on-air host, but an even better friend,” Endom said in the statement. “Our deepest condolences go out to Jennifer and his baby girl, Ava. It’s hard to imagine not seeing his welcoming presence roaming the halls of Townsquare Media Lubbock.”
Leaders across Texas react to Chad Hasty’s passing
Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows, a Lubbock Republican, shared a statement on social media reflecting on Hasty’s passing and impact – both in his own political career and state politics.
“Texas has lost a powerful voice for conservative truth, integrity, and common sense,” reads part of Burrows’ statement. “Chad wasn’t just a broadcaster, he was one of the very best to ever cover the people, policy, and politics shaping the Texas Legislature and our state. He asked the right questions, gave fair room for debate, and, most importantly, he made sure Texans stayed informed.”
Burrows added: “I’m especially grateful for the role Chad played in my own journey to and through the Texas House. Time and again, he offered me a seat at his microphone and the opportunity to speak directly to the people I serve. He believed in giving leaders a platform — and holding them accountable — and he did both with professionalism, respect, and a healthy dose of humor.”
Lubbock County Judge Curtis Parrish called Hasty’s passing a profound loss in the Lubbock community and beyond.
“We’ve lost a great voice for Lubbock,” Parrish said. “He was always entertaining to listen to but always highly informed and he was highly professional in what he did.”
Parrish recalled getting to know Hasty both personally and professionally as the two worked in the same building for a number of years and as Parrish was a guest on his show a number of times during the judge’s time in politics.
“It was always good to be a guest on his show,” Parrish said. “He treated them fairly, but you better come in prepared. Chad knew his stuff and he was well informed on Lubbock and Texas politics.”
Chad Hasty’s career, legacy in West Texas broadcasting
According to Townsquare Media, Chad was a native of Grand Prairie and a proud graduate of Texas Tech, according to Townsquare. After coming to Lubbock to attend Tech, Hasty began what would be a decades-long career in local and state broadcasting and conservative commentary.
Chad joined Lubbock radio in 2003 and soon became the voice of KFYO’s morning show, according to Townsquare’s statement. In 2021, The Chad Hasty Show moved to late afternoons, where he continued informing and entertaining audiences across the region.
“Whether cutting through the news of the day or interviewing some of the most prominent political figures in the state and country, Chad always delivered an engaging and thought-provoking show for his loyal listeners,” their statement reads.
News/Talk 95.1 & 970 KFYO will air a special edition of The Chad Hasty Show at 5 p.m. Thursday to pay tribute to his legacy and impact in the community.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Longtime West Texas radio host Chad Hasty dies, remembered for impact
Reporting by Adam D. Young, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal / Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
