They say home is where the heart is. And for Reginald Adetula, home is now where he is.
The Houston native is back in town as the co-host of “In the Loop” with co-host John Lopez and producer Edward “Figgy Fig” Gilliard weekdays from 10am to 2pm CT on Audacy-owned SportsRadio 610 in Houston.
From day one on August 19th, the new gig has worked out well.
“It’s been a blast so far,” said Adetula. “I’ve been able to jump in so quickly. John and Figgy have been so helpful in the transition and making it go well. We found a good vibe pretty quickly and really the thing that I’ve been most appreciative of is the fan base. The local Houston fans have been so embracing.”
Adetula arrived at 610 after spending 9 years at 105.3 FM The Fan in Dallas, also owned by Audacy. Adetula has been able to make a smooth transition to his new, and old, surroundings. Sometimes, a move to a new market can be a challenge, especially when there isn’t a lot of time between the end of one job and the start of another, but Adetula is adjusting well.
“You have to know the things that are unique to this place,” said Adetula, a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington.
“Thankfully, I’m from Houston originally, but not being on the ground, there was catchup. I had to do that work to make sure I did that and honestly there’s a lot of great people and great media folks in the state who have helped me keep up with things from a far.”
Adetula began to build his resume while he was still in college working as a freelance writer for the Dallas Morning News, as a truck/production runner for FOX Sports and as a video production intern for the Cotton Bowl. He was an on-air talent and producer for UTA Radio where he also gained some play-by-play experience.
Eventually, Adetula would become UTA Radio’s Sports Director and then launched his professional career following graduation in 2016 working as a producer for The Fan in Dallas.
And now, Adetula is back home in Houston. It’s not how he drew it up, but he’s happy.
“I wouldn’t say it was a goal but it’s a really happy coincidence in some ways,” said Adetula. “I’m very pleased with it. It’s good to be here. I’m embracing the opportunity to learn about Houston again.”
Becoming the midday co-host at 610 in Houston has turned out to be an amazing opportunity for Adetula, an opportunity that he was ready for because of the experience that he had built up in Dallas and the support that he received from Audacy Dallas/Fort Worth VP of News/Talk/Sports Gavin Spittle and Assistant Program Director Tim Collins.
“Huge,” said Adetula. “The clearest way was just giving me opportunities and encouraging me to take those opportunities. I haven’t always been the best in pushing for growth. The leadership of those two gentlemen with their guidance as Program Directors facilitating talent has just been instrumental.”
It didn’t take Adutela long to see that the listeners in Dallas and Houston are somewhat similar because of their passion for football, however, there are some differences.
One of which is that one fan base is excited while the other now tends to be a bit pessimistic.
“There’s apathy that’s starting to build with the Cowboys fans,” said Adutela. “Texans fans are in a place where there’s a lot of hope that is coming in. When you’re doing a show that really interacts with the people, you get a feel for what the people are saying. It’s nice to be in a place where it feels like there’s a swelling of hope.”
A month into his new opportunity, Reginald Adetula could not be happier. After cutting his teeth in the sports radio industry for nine years in Dallas, he’s now in a great situation doing middays in Houston.
While he’s just getting started at 610, one might wonder what is next for him?
But Adetula is focused on the present.
“I’m where my feet are right now,” said Adetula. “I’m just trying to make myself as good of a host as I can possibly be. If that time comes when there needs to be a next step and it’s apparent to me, I’ll be prepared for the opportunity to step into it.”
For right now, it’s home sweet home in Houston.
Peter Schwartz writes weekly sports radio features for Barrett Media. He has been involved in New York sports media for over three decades, and has worked for notable brands such as WFAN, CBS Sports Radio, WCBS 880, ESPN New York, and FOX News Radio. Peter has also served as play by play announcer for the New Yok Riptide, New York Dragons, New York Hitmen, Varsity Media and the Long Island Sports Network. You can find him on Twitter @SchwartzSports or email him at DragonsRadio@aol.com.
