Why Texas Politics Still Sets Its Watch by the Quorum Report

Harvey Kronberg

Owner, Quorum Report

Watch the Full Episode

In this episode of the Changing Austin podcast, Amplify Credit Union’s Chief Experience Officer Stacy Armijo sits down with Kronberg for a candid conversation about how Austin has evolved over the past four decades. From its laid-back “slacker”reputation in the 1970s to its transformation into a booming tech and policy hub, Kronberg shares firsthand stories from the frontlines of Texas journalism and politics.

Tune in to hear why editorial independence matters, how local reporting shapes civic life, and what Austin’s rapid growth means for its future.

Release date: October 2025

Guest: Harvey Kronberg, Owner, Quorum Report

Duration: ~30 minutes

Sponsor: Amplify Credit Union

Timecodes:

09:15

—

The Heyday of Political Coverage: Covering Texas politics before the digital landscape changed everything

21:38

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Relationships Matter: Why relationships and a willingness to stick around matter when covering local politics

26:33

—

The State of the Arts: How the success of Austin’s business community continues to prop up its art scene

28:25

—

Roots Matter: Why it matters that Texas businesses no longer have longstanding roots in the community

What is the Quorum Report?

The Quorum Report is a nonpartisan newsletter focused on Texas politics and government. Originally founded in 1983, the Quorum is currently read by most of Texas’s elected officials as well as most law firms and public relations firms with a legislative practice. Its regular features include the Daily Buzz, a daily mix of news and analysis, as well as the News Clips collection of must-read political stories.

Type: Media

Founded: 1983

Location: P.O. Box 8 Austin, Texas 78767

Mission: To provide fast breaking news along withinstitutional memory and healthy skepticism.

Website: quorumreport.com

Memorable Quotes from Harvey Kronberg

Since joining the Quorum Report in 1989 as a contract writer, Harvey Kronberg has become a trusted voice in Texas politics. By 1998, he took ownership of what is now the state’s oldest nonpartisan political newsletter. Based in Austin, the Quorum Report continues to deliverin dependent journalism with hyperlocal insight — a rarity in today’s fast-moving media landscape.

Harvey Kronberg

Owner, Quorum Report

“We’re considered a must-read inside the capitol – even those who think we’re either flamingly liberal or flamingly conservative.”

“In my business, because we write for political insiders, our mantra is it’s better to be occasionally wrong than naïve.”

“The slacker culture in the ‘60s and ‘70s has kind of gotten a bad rap. It was also remarkably creative.”

“In what other community could the Armadillo World Headquarters be created?”

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