Texas Country Reporter

In 1986, Phillips left KDFW and began selling the show in syndication under the name Texas Country Reporter.

In the Dallas market, KDFW did not pick up the syndicated version, but rival station WFAA did and named the show 8 Country Reporter.

Each episode showcases Texas people and places, with an emphasis on rural areas and in a style similar to that of Charles Kuralt's On the Road for CBS News, who was Phillips' mentor when he first began his career.

Texas Country Reporter posts selected segments to its YouTube page,[5] and some have been featured on local newscasts.

After a 1-year hiatus in 2024, show owner Texas Monthly announced it had entered into a partnership with the city of Grand Prairie to host the festival beginning in spring 2025.