Ben Philpott Reporter

Ben Philpott is a senior reporter for KUT-FM, Austin's National Public Radio affiliate. He has been covering state politics and dozens of other topics for the station since 2002, during which time he has been recognized for outstanding radio journalism by the Radio and Television News Directors Association, Public Radio News Directors Incorporated, the Houston Press Club and the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters. Before moving to Texas, he worked in public radio in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, Ala., and at several television stations in Alabama and Tennessee. Born in New York City and raised in Chattanooga, Tenn., Philpott graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in broadcast journalism.

bphilpott@texastribune.org
512-716-8685

Recent Contributions

Sen Leticia Van de Putte on Democrats Embezzlement

It's been a rough few days for Bexar County Democrats: Party officials announced last week that a former official had embezzled more than $200,000 from the party. Just about every elected Democrat in the county held a press conference today to say that the party has a plan to pay it back — and that none of this will affect the March primary — or their candidates' chances in next November's general election. Ben Philpott, who is reporting on the 2010 elections for KUT News and the Tribune, talked with State Senator Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, about the scandal, about her party's prospects, and her own.

TX Governor's Race Takes a Break at Christmas

The Texas governor's race has already taken off. Three of the four best-funded candidates have already splashed TV and/or radio ads across the state. Some people estimate $1 million a day could get spent on the primary campaigns between the first of the year and the March 2 primary. But you'll likely see nothing right around Christmas. Ben Philpott, covering the 2010 elections for KUT News and the Tribune, filed this report.

Should lawyers judges and journalists use facebook

A Florida judicial ethics panel ruled that judges and lawyers who might appear before them in court may not ethically "friend" each other on social networking sites like Facebook. Texas has no such recommendations — and there's no real consensus here on how social networking should or should not be used. Ben Philpott, who covers politics for KUT News and the Tribune, filed this report.

Kinky Friedman Drops Out of TX Governors Race

After announcing he'll drop his bid for governor and run for agriculture commissioner, Kinky Friedman talked with Ben Philpott (reporting for KUT News and the Tribune) about his decision to change races — and his unsuccessful attempt to get rival candidate Farouk Shami to seek a different office as well.

Will The TX Economy Help Shape the Governor's Race

Texas budget writers are hoping December will ring in stronger retail sales — after getting the news Friday that sales tax collections were down 14 percent from this November to last. The state’s economy is always a hot topic in the governor’s race. Ben Philpott is covering the Texas governor's race for KUT News and the Texas Tribune. He takes a look at how the economy's playing so far.

Democrat Farouk Shami wants to bring Jobs to Texas

Democratic gubernatorial Candidate Farouk Shami has kicked off his campaign tour of Texas. The self-proclaimed billionaire spoke with reporters Wednesday afternoon about his goals for Texas. His plan focuses on one specific theme. Ben Philpott is covering the Texas governor's Race for KUT News and the Trib.

How Does Cap and Trade Play in TX Gov's Race

Rick Perry attacked the EPA’s decision yesterday to declare carbon dioxide a public danger, arguing that the ruling lacks scientific evidence. The EPA's move could propel the cost of carbon reduction onto the list of issues in play in the governor’s race. Ben Philpott, who's covering the 2010 election for KUT News and the Trib, filed this report.

Governor Rick Perry Fights Against Cap and Trade

Rick Perry attacked the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision yesterday to declare carbon dioxide a public danger, arguing that the ruling lacks scientific evidence. The EPA's move could propel the cost of carbon reduction onto the list of issues in play in the governor’s race.

Democrat Bill White Meets Supporters in Austin

Houston Mayor Bill White has hit the campaign trail after joining the race for governor late last week. One of his first stops was Austin. The Capital city is considered a democratic stronghold. And made for a nice safe place to start his run for governor. Ben Philpott is covering the Texas governor's race for the Texas Tribune and KUT News.

Ben’s Blog Posts

Speaker's Race Redistricting Threats Can't Be Proved
Sights and Sounds of Austin Sanity Rally
The 2010 Texas Republican Convention
TX Budget Committee Chair Predicts $18 Bil Hole
UT-Austin Democrats Head to D.C. For Higher Ed