 Instead, the management decided to package his features in a separate half-hour weekend program, and "4 Country Reporter" debuted in 1972.In 1986, he left Channel 4, renamed the show "Texas Country Reporter", and began producing and syndicating it through his own company, Phillips Productions; the show aired in all 22 broadcast markets in Texas, including rival station WFAA, which renamed the show "8 Country Reporter", and eventually was added to stations in neighboring Louisiana.During this time, Dairy Queen was one of the show's sponsors, which allowed Phillips to be the chain's spokesperson in its ads when promoting food items at its Texas-based restaurants.