New documentary explores Austin and San Antonio as an emerging mega-metro

It’s no secret that Austin and San Antonio are becoming some of the biggest cities in Texas, which one day might rival the likes of Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston. KLRN, San Antonio’s local PBS station, examines the approximately 80-mile region between both Central Texas cities in the new documentary, San Antonio-Austin: The Emerging Mega-Metro.

The main focus of the program centers on the region’s growth and the challenges that arise with such rapid expansion, like water scarcity, environmental impacts, and increasingly common transportation and traffic woes.

“We know the area between San Antonio and Austin is growing at a tremendously rapid pace, but what is really happening is the development of a mega-metro that will be one of the biggest economic powerhouses in the world,” said Shari St. Clair, the documentary’s executive producer, in a release.

“We delve into the questions that need to be asked right now — how do we retain quality of life as we grow? How do we build a sustainable workforce?” St. Clair continues. “And, can San Antonio and Austin truly join forces and work together to make the most of this incredible opportunity?”

The hour-long documentary is hosted by former San Antonio mayor Henry Cisneros, who also authored The Texas Triangle: An Emerging Power in the Global Economy. The special highlights several prominent Central Texas leaders, including interviews with Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenburg, U.S. Congressman Greg Casar, and more.

As Texas is also a state of committed sports fans, the idea of a mega-metro between Austin and San Antonio is additionally explored through a sports lens. The documentary interviewed legends like Nolan Ryan, Sean Elliot, and Spurs Chairman Peter J. Holt.

San Antonio-Austin: The Emerging Mega-Metro airs on KLRN in San Antonio on August 4 at 10:30 pm, August 6 at 4 pm, and August 25 at 4 am. The documentary can also be watched online in other regions (like Austin) at klrn.org.