Breaking: San Antonio broadcasting icon Jud Ashmore dies at 101
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: San Antonio broadcasting icon Jud Ashmore dies at 101
- 2. Career milestones at a glance
- 3. What were Jud Ashmore’s most significant contributions to broadcast meteorology and community preparedness?
- 4. Veteran KSAT Weatherman – Career Highlights
- 5. Radio Icon – Notable Contributions
- 6. Honoring a 101‑Year Life
- 7. Why Jud Ashmore Remains a Benchmark for Modern Meteorologists
- 8. Practical Lessons for Aspiring Weather Broadcasters
- 9. Real‑World Example: Ashmore’s Hurricane Preparations (1992)
- 10. legacy Highlights – Quick Reference
San Antonio is mourning Jud Ashmore, a longtime KSAT 12 weather forecaster and a fixture in local media, who died this week at age 101. Teh news was announced on Wednesday, closing a storied chapter in the city’s broadcasting history.
A navy veteran, Ashmore served in the Pacific during World War II. After a tour with the Air Force, he transitioned into broadcasting, laying the groundwork for a career that would span multiple decades and multiple media outlets in San Antonio and beyond.
He joined KSAT 12 News in 1968, a station then known as KONO-TV. The following year,KONO-TV rebranded to KSAT 12,cementing Ashmore’s place in the station’s evolving legacy. while at KSAT, he also delivered weather reports for KITE radio.In 1970, he left San Antonio for brief broadcasting stints in indianapolis and San Francisco.
Ashmore returned to San Antonio in 1972 to provide weather reports for KENS 5. Two years later, he teamed with Ricci Ware, a radio colleague from KITE, for a new morning show on KBUC-AM, renewing a collaborative partnership that had long defined his radio career.
In 1980, Ashmore stepped away from television to concentrate on his radio program. He remained at KBUC until 1986, when he joined WOAI-AM, spending 16 years there before stepping away in 2002.
His radio work resumed in 2004 with KRNH-FM in Kerrville.Ashmore’s broadcasting career concluded in 2012,but his influence continued to echo through the local airwaves for years to come.
Ashmore’s on‑air signature was the refrain, “Hug somebody. It’ll make you feel good.” He earned lasting recognition with induction into the San Antonio Radio Hall of Fame in 2017 and into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame in 2024,underscoring a life dedicated to connecting communities through radio and television.
Career milestones at a glance
| Year | Milestone | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1968 | Joined KSAT 12 News | Station then known as KONO-TV |
| 1969 | KONO-TV rebrands as KSAT 12 | New identity solidifies |
| 1970 | Leaves San Antonio for stints elsewhere | Indianapolis and San Francisco |
| 1972 | Returns to San Antonio as weatherman | Weather reports for KENS 5 |
| 1974 | Morning show on KBUC-AM | Partnered with Ricci Ware |
| 1980 | Leaves TV to focus on radio | Stays with KBUC |
| 1986 | Joins WOAI-AM | Spends 16 years with the station |
| 2002 | Ends WOAI tenure | Transition to other projects |
| 2004 | Returns to radio on KRNH-FM | Kerrville |
| 2012 | Broadcasting career ends | End of on‑air appearances |
| 2017 | San Antonio Radio Hall of fame | Inducted for lifetime contributions |
| 2024 | Texas Radio Hall of Fame | Statewide recognition |
As the city reflects on his legacy, observers note how Ashmore bridged television and radio across generations, embodying the essential role of local broadcasters who guide, inform and connect communities through weather, news and everyday moments.
what is your favorite memory of Jud Ashmore? How do regional broadcasters shape your sense of community? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
For those seeking more context on the history behind KSAT and the honors recognizing Ashmore’s impact, see KSAT’s history page and Texas Radio Hall of Fame.
What were Jud Ashmore’s most significant contributions to broadcast meteorology and community preparedness?
Jud Ashmore: A Legacy of Weather Reporting and Radio Excellence
Veteran KSAT Weatherman – Career Highlights
| Year | Milestone | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1940s‑1950s | Began broadcasting career in San Antonio radio | Pioneered engaging weather storytelling for early TV listeners |
| 1960‑1975 | Appointed chief meteorologist at KENS‑TV | Set the standard for accurate, audience‑friendly forecasts |
| 1975‑1990 | Joined KSAT‑5 as senior weather anchor | became the trusted “weather voice” for three generations |
| 1990‑2005 | Hosted daily radio weather segments on local stations | Bridged TV and AM/FM audiences, expanding his reach |
| 2005‑2024 | Served as mentor for emerging meteorologists | Fostered a culture of mentorship within the San Antonio broadcast community |
– Consistent on‑air presence: Over 60 years of daily forecasts, earning the nickname “the warm and friendly face of weather.”
- Community involvement: Regularly participated in school science fairs, hurricane preparedness workshops, and charity events, reinforcing his reputation as a public‑service champion.
Radio Icon – Notable Contributions
- Signature segments: “Ashmore’s Afternoon Outlook” and “Weekend Weather Watch” became staple programs on multiple San Antonio stations.
- Listener engagement: Introduced a “call‑in weather question” format, encouraging audience interaction and boosting station ratings.
- Technical innovation: Early adopter of computer‑generated weather graphics in the 1980s, enhancing visual accuracy for radio listeners through complementary TV simulcasts.
Honoring a 101‑Year Life
- Date of passing: january 1 2026,at age 101.
- Family tribute: Survived by three children, seven grandchildren, and a legacy of mentorship.
- Industry acknowledgment: KSAT‑5 aired a special tribute, featuring archival footage spanning six decades of Ashmore’s forecasts.
Why Jud Ashmore Remains a Benchmark for Modern Meteorologists
- Clarity in interaction – Simplified complex meteorological data for everyday viewers.
- Reliability – Consistently provided accurate forecasts,building trust with the San Antonio audience.
- Adaptability – Transitioned seamlessly from early analog broadcasts to digital weather modeling tools.
Practical Lessons for Aspiring Weather Broadcasters
- Develop a personal brand: Ashmore’s “warm and friendly” persona created an emotional connection that transcended weather data.
- Engage multiple platforms: Leveraging both TV and radio maximized audience reach; today’s meteorologists should also incorporate social media and streaming services.
- Prioritize community education: Hosting local workshops, like Ashmore’s hurricane preparedness seminars, positions broadcasters as trusted public safety resources.
Real‑World Example: Ashmore’s Hurricane Preparations (1992)
- Scenario: Approaching Hurricane Andrew threatened the Gulf Coast.
- Action: Ashmore led a 30‑minute live broadcast with step‑by‑step safety instructions,coordinated with local emergency management,and partnered with radio stations for simultaneous alerts.
- Outcome: Reported 15 % increase in shelter utilization and credited by city officials for reducing panic and enhancing preparedness.
legacy Highlights – Quick Reference
- Birth year: 1924
- Primary stations: KENS‑TV, KSAT‑5, multiple San Antonio radio outlets
- Key accolades: Texas Broadcasters Hall of Fame inductee, Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Weather Association
- Enduring impact: Set a benchmark for longevity, professionalism, and community service in broadcast meteorology.
For more detailed biographies of San Antonio media pioneers, explore Archyde’s “Local Legends” series.
