Robert Leon "Bob" Phillips is a renowned American television journalist, best known for his long-running program Texas Country Reporter. Born on June 23, 1951, in Dallas, Texas, Phillips grew up around the hotel industry, with his mother being an expert in establishing housekeeping staff for hotels.
Phillips attended Bryan Adams High School, graduating in 1969, and later attended Southern Methodist University, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1973 and a Master of Liberal Arts degree in 1977. He began his career in television journalism at local CBS affiliate KDFW, working as a gofer during his first year in college and eventually becoming a photographer.
Phillips' big break came in March 1970 when he was sent to shoot a film about a possible drowning, and after preparing the equipment, he stepped in front to report the story while the camera ran itself. This procedure would become his regular mode of operations. Initially, he focused on political and sports coverage, but he soon pursued his goal of filming feature stories for local broadcasts.
In 1972, his features were packaged into a separate half-hour weekend program, 4 Country Reporter, which debuted on KDFW. In 1986, Phillips left Channel 4 and renamed the show Texas Country Reporter, producing and syndicating it through his own company, Phillips Productions. The show aired in all 22 broadcast markets in Texas, including rival station WFAA, and eventually expanded to neighboring Louisiana.
When RFD-TV launched in December 2000, Texas Country Reporter was one of its featured programs, introducing the show to audiences nationwide. Phillips was closely involved in the channel's development and assisted with management through his company. Throughout his career, Phillips has authored several books on Texas travel and cuisine and serves as a host at the Texas Country Reporter Hacienda and Spa.
Phillips has been married to KFDM-TV anchor Kelli Adkins since 2007 and currently resides in Beaumont, Texas, with homes in Dallas and Medina, Texas. He also teaches at Amberton University. In 2005, he was inducted into the Silver Circle of the Lone Star Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, recognizing his contributions to the industry and his community.
