Urban Radio Nation

Rickey Smiley Goes Off On Jan Brewer for Disrespecting President Obama

2012-01-27T23:31:00.002-05:00

Rickey Smiley gives a heated commentary towards Gov. Jan Brewer for disrespecting the President by putting her finger in his face after an exchange after the President arrived in Arizona.

Santita Jackson Exits 1690 WVON Chicago

2012-01-25T21:32:00.004-05:00

Santita Jackson has parted company with The Talk of Chicago WVON-AM (1690) after more than five years as midday personality at the Midway Broadcasting urban news/talk station.

The eldest daughter of the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson became a full-time talk-show host after producing TV and radio shows for her father. The move came about due to “cost-saving measures” at the station. “I have encouraged her to pursue a national platform, which she desires and so deserves,” said Melody Spann Cooper, chairman of Midway Broadcasting and general manager of WVON. “It is my hope that she will rejoin us in a more visible capacity.”

The Santita Jackson Show aired from 9am to noon weekdays. Source Time Out Chicago

900 AM WURD issues statement on the death of midday host Fatimah Ali

2012-01-24T23:45:00.008-05:00

PHILADELPHIA, PA It is with great pain and sadness that we acknowledge the tragic passing of WURD program host, and veteran journalist and broadcaster, Fatimah Ali.

We have very few details of death at this time. We will share as much information as possible with her audience and the entire WURD family as soon as possible. Of course, we want to be respectful of her family’s needs and wishes right now.

We are preparing a special tribute to Fatimah on her show on Friday. Fatimah’s life was a tribute in and of itself. She was dedicated to social and economic justice for African Americans and dedicated much of her career to addressing these issues and to advancing a progressive agenda. She was a strong voice for education, for those brothers who were incarcerated, for children and women’s rights, for the arts and the preservation of our culture. Her absence leaves a huge gap for those of us who were close to her. She was a good sister, a good woman and a good friend. Our prayers are with her family and children as we remember her life today.

Regrettably,
Sara Lomax-Reese, President and General Manager WURD

PABJ Statement on the Passing of Fatimah Ali

The Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists (PABJ) is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of veteran journalist Fatimah Ali. Ali, formerly Susan Hughes, died this morning. Ali grew up in Mt. Airy (section of Philadelphia). She worked at various media outlets during her career, including 900AMWURD, WDAS, WHAT, KYW, 1010 WINS (CBS/NYC), WLIB and WBLS-FM (NYC),Power99, Philadelphia Daily News, One Step Away and We Are Black Women Network.

Ali was a PABJ member early in her career. Ali's broadcast coverage of the Dr. Martin Luther King Day last week was noteworthy and struck a chord. Ali was a role model and advocate for womenand the homeless. Ali forged her own path, not only as a journalist, but also a community proponent. She was deeply involved with One Step Away, a unique newspaper published and distributed by the homeless. Ali helped bring a news focus to the paper and served as the development manager.

In a 2010 House for the Homeless article, Ali was quoted, "My mission is to encourage everyone to care about homelessness because so many people are just a paycheck or two away from having the bottom fall out… Not every homeless person is strung out, uneducated or lazy. Plenty of folks just got a bad break, or had banks that took advantage of them." Read more...

Our statement: We are sadden by Ali's passing. We considered it an honor that she had come to like our website and the work we did via our facebook page. We will remember the passion that she brought forth to address issues that affected the community through her career not only as a radio talk show host, but also as a news reporter and columnist. She will be truly missed.

Fatimah Ali was the host of the show “The Real Deal” that aired from 10 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday on 900 AM WURD. The Philadelphia Tribune reported that she was 55 at the time of her death and Ali, spoke of her career beginning in 1981. She last appeared on the airwaves on Monday January 23. Details surrounding her death are currently unavailable.

Yasmin Young Gets The Real Dirty Dirty From KimBella of Love & Hip Hop

2012-01-23T21:51:00.004-05:00

Yasmin Young, Morning Maddhouse Co-host on WPEG, Power 98 Charlotte interviews KimBella from Love & Hip Hop about her beef with Erica Mena.

After checking out the interview below you will also probably be happy to know that Mama Jones on Vh1's "Love & Hip-Hop" will be getting her own spinoff.

The fiery mother of Dipset's Jim Jones has been pushing for a spinoff since season 1 of Love & Hip-Hop. No word on if the other cast members from the show will make an appearance on the spinoff, but we're sure it will focus on her music.

Will you be tuning in?

New Un-Romantic Comedy 'Exit Strategy' Starring Kevin Hart with Executive Producer Big Boy hits theaters

2012-01-23T03:31:00.003-05:00

Opening February 10, 2012 at AMC Loews Cherry Hill 24 and Franklin Mills Mall 14 in Philadelphia; Featuring Cameo Appearances by Philadelphia Native and Comedian Kevin Hart + Power 106FM LA's Big Boy

LOS ANGELES, CA- Ask Around Entertainment, the distribution shingle of Ask Around Productions, is releasing urban independent movie "EXIT STRATEGY," an un-romantic comedy for Valentine's Day, starring Jameel Saleem, Kimelia Weathers, Quincy "QDeezy" Harris of Hot 107.9, with Big Boy and Kevin Hart, at AMC Loews Cherry Hill 24 and AMC Franklin Mills Mall 14 in the Philadelphia area on February 10, 2012.

Additional releasing cities and locations TBA.

In the movie, James (SALEEM) gets evicted from his apartment and moves in with his girlfriend of three months Kim (WEATHERS) and quickly discovers she's everything he never wanted in a woman. He enlists best friends Carville (HARRIS), Leona (NOELLE BALFOUR) and strangers BIG BOY and KEVIN HART to find a relationship exit strategy, but for Kim, breaking up just isn't an option.

Local Philadelphia radio personality Quincy "QDeezy" Harris was instrumental in bringing the first theatrical release of the movie to Philadelphia audiences by securing a media partnership with his Radio One urban format station WPHI-FM Hot 107.9. The station will be supporting the film's release with significant on-air content focused on the movie's relationship and break-up themes, a sponsored listener screening at the AMC Franklin Mills Mall 14 on February 10, and an opening night VIP screening at AMC Loews Cherry Hill 21, full details to be announced.

"EXIT STRATEGY's" Executive Producer is nationally-syndicated morning radio host Big Boy from the nation's top hip-hop station KPWR-FM Power 106 in Los Angeles. Big Boy's production company, Ida's Son Productions, helped finance the independent film in association with Los Angeles-based production company Ask Around Productions.

The movie's soundtrack, including songs featured-in and inspired by "EXIT STRATEGY," will be released on February 6, 2012 by Ocean View Entertainment, the digital distribution label of Stampede Management in Los Angeles -- the team behind Snoop Dogg and Far East Movement. The soundtrack will be available for purchase on iTunes and Amazon.com, among others.

The screenplay was written by Baltimore and Philadelphia native and Slamdance screenwriting finalist Jameel Saleem, who also stars in the film. "EXIT STRATEGY" is directed by Michael Whitton and produced by Kellie Maltagliati and Quincy "QDeezy" Harris.

Kevin Hart has been featured in films such as "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," "Soul Plane," "Scary Movie 4," "Death at a Funeral," "Little Fockers," and Steve Harvey's upcoming "Think Like a Man." Hart has also done several stand-up TV specials for Comedy Central, including "I'm a Grown Little Man" (2009) and "Seriously Funny" (2010), which was released as both an album and DVD on Comedy Central Records. His stand-up movie "Laugh At My Pain," which released theatrically in September 2011, has earned more than $7 million in domestic box office and released on DVD January 17, 2012.

Big Boy and his morning show Big Boy's Neighborhood is syndicated nationwide and Big has been named "Personality of the Year" by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) three times, four times by the Radio Music Awards and six times by Radio & Records. Big Boy has appeared in Adam Sandler's "The Longest Yard," "Charlie's Angels 2," "Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo" and the HBO show "Entourage." His book, "An XL Life: Staying Big at Half the Size," released earlier this year.

“KISSing After Dark” with Lenny Green Adds WTTH 96.1 FM The Touch Atlantic City

2012-01-23T03:01:00.003-05:00

98.7 Kiss FM's popular personality Lenny Green adds first affiliate of his night show

Atlantic City, New Jersey now has the benefit of hearing popular syndicated radio personality Lenny Green and his show, KISSing After Dark with Lenny Green, four nights a week (Monday through Thursday), from 7:00 pm to 12:00 am, on WTTH/96.1 FM The Touch!

Green is known for setting a mellow mood with his selections of smooth r&b tunes, slow jams and ballads, especially designed to cool out his audience after a long hard day.

Lenny voice is unmistakable – his deep, rich tone soothes jangled nerves and relaxes the soul, while he spins classic soul and today's r&b for his listeners. He also engages them in conversations about topics such as love and relationships.

According to Gary Fisher, President/Owner of Equity Communications Atlantic City, “We're thrilled to be the first of what will undoubtedly be a long list of affiliates for Lenny Green's KISSing After Dark program. I've been a longtime listener of Lenny's on 98.7 KISS-FM/ WRKS in New York and when we first heard of Lenny's desire to initiate a syndication of KISSing After Dark, we committed to the project immediately. 96.1 WTTH The Touch Atlantic City has been one of Atlantic City's leading stations since its initial sign-on back in 1992, so it's fitting that Lenny's program should help us celebrate the 20th anniversary of this wonderful station. It's in keeping with other “firsts” in WTTH's long history -- Atlantic City's first truly urban adult contemporary formatted station and Tom Joyner's first affiliate outside of Chicago and Dallas, also back in 1992. We know that this program will be a huge success and we're honored to be its first affiliate station.”

A definitive entertainment industry professional, Lenny and his distinctive, silky baritone voice have carved out a prominent, noteworthy niche in radio, and created an enjoyable aural broadcast experience with KISSing After Dark.

Lenny Green and his KISSing After Dark will add just the right “Touch” to Atlantic City, New Jersey, a city universally known for presenting fantastic entertainment!

Two-Time GRAMMY® Winner LL COOL J to Host 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards®

2012-01-20T00:31:00.002-05:00

"I'm thrilled to be part of Music's Biggest Night!"

Rapper/Actor Will Be First Host in Seven Years of the Music Industry's Premier Event Music's Biggest Night® Airs Live on CBS Sunday, Feb. 12, 8 ET/PT

Two-time GRAMMY® winner LL COOL J is set to host the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards (www.grammy.com), marking the first time in seven years that the music industry's premier event will have an official host.

Music's Biggest Night® takes place live on Sunday, Feb. 12, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast in high definition and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The show also will be supported on radio worldwide via Westwood One/Dial Global, and covered online at GRAMMY.com and CBS.com, and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/thegrammys. Additional performers, presenters and special segments will be announced soon. For GRAMMY coverage, updates and breaking news, please visit The Recording Academy®'s social networks on Twitter and Facebook: www.twitter.com/thegrammys, www.facebook.com/thegrammys.

"I'm thrilled to be part of Music's Biggest Night," said LL COOL J. "I will always have fond memories of my first GRAMMY Awards and to now be hosting the GRAMMY show, in the company of so many other incredible artists, is a dream come true. Great performances and great music — it's gonna be a great night!"

LL COOL J has hosted "The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music's Biggest Night" since its inception in December 2008, and this will be his first time hosting the annual GRAMMY Awards telecast. Recent past hosts include Queen Latifah at the 47th GRAMMY Awards and Jon Stewart for the 43rd and 44th GRAMMY telecasts. Over the years, additional GRAMMY hosts include Billy Crystal, Ellen DeGeneres and Rosie O'Donnell, among others.

LL COOL J joins previously announced performers and current GRAMMY nominees Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson, Foo Fighters, Bruno Mars, Nicki Minaj, and Taylor Swift. Aldean and Minaj will perform on the GRAMMY telecast for the first time, while Clarkson, Foo Fighters, Mars, and Swift are returning to the GRAMMY stage.

UNCF AN EVENING OF STARS® Presented By Target Celebrates The Power of Education

2012-01-20T00:00:00.006-05:00

Performances and Appearances in the following [VIDEO] preview by Patti LaBelle, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Anthony Hamilton, Ledisi, Marsha Ambrosius, Estelle, Miguel, Musiq Soulchild, Tatyana Ali, Pooch Hall, Jill Marie Jones, Brian White, Terrence J, David Banner and Many More!

Viewers Can Text To Donate To Help "Educate Our Future"

"“UNCF AN EVENING OF STARS® is filled with high energy performances, combining the hottest talent with inspirational stories of young students who are beating the odds because they can receive a good education,” said Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D."

UNCF (United Negro College Fund) will broadcast UNCF AN EVENING OF STARS® Presented by Target nationally in major markets on Saturday, January 28th and January 29th and on BET Networks at 11 p.m. EST/PST and 10 p.m. CST on Sunday, January 29th. For a complete list of stations and additional information, visit www.AnEveningofStars.org.

The combination of headliners like legendary songstress Patti LaBelle, singer Erykah Badu, singer-songwriter Anthony Hamilton and R&B star Ledisi with star students whose education has been made possible by UNCF makes the program a high-voltage celebration of the best in music and the best in education. Patti LaBelle's powerhouse performance of "When You've Been Blessed"; Estelle's heartfelt rendition of "Break My Heart"; Anthony Hamilton's soul-stirring performance of "Fine Again" and Miguel's eclectic sound on "Sure Thing" bring the audience to its feet. And UNCF student success stories celebrate the power of education—like the story of the junior who served in Iraq before returning to college, the senior whose undergraduate record won her a coveted slot in Teach For America, and the Florida college graduate who became the youngest person to fly solo around the world—make the capacity Pasadena Civic Auditorium crowd proud of both the students and the organization.

"This year's UNCF AN EVENING OF STARS® is filled with high energy performances, combining the hottest talent with inspirational stories of young students who are beating the odds because they can receive a good education," said Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., UNCF president and CEO. "We are grateful for the support of all our celebrities, sponsors and contributors, who understand the importance of 'Educating our Future' and giving students the opportunity to earn college degrees that will enable them to lead successful and fulfilling lives."

Additional highlights of the evening's 10 performances include: Marsha Ambrosius' sultry sound of "Far Away"; Jill Scott's soulful rendition of her hit "So Blessed"; Musiq Soulchild's blazing performance on his hit single "Yes"; a crowd-amping group number of "Shining Star"; and BET's "106 & Park" host Terrence J sharing his inspiring testimony on how UNCF helped start his professional career after receiving a scholarship which included an internship at a radio station.

In addition to performers, this year's UNCF AN EVENING OF STARS® Presented by Target includes special appearances by Tatyana Ali ("Fresh Prince of Bel Air"), Pooch Hall (BET's "The Game"), Jill Marie Jones (CW's "Girlfriends"), Coby Bell (BET's "The Game"), David Banner (Stomp The Yard 2), Sean Patrick Thomas (Save The Last Dance), Lance Gross (TBS's "House Of Payne"), Sheryl Underwood (CBS's "The Talk"), Terrence J (BET's "106 & Park"), Monique Jackson and Kita Williams (VH1's "The TO Show"), Shaun Robinson ("Access Hollywood"), Kenny Smith (TNT's "Inside the NBA"), Brian White (TNT's "Men of a Certain Age") and the national presidents of the Greek-letter organizations that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council.

The stars on the UNCF AN EVENING OF STARS® stage not only shared their hottest hits but made special appeals to help UNCF students who are committed to getting to and through college. From the stage, celebrities asked the show audience and television viewers to text "UNCF" to 50555 on their cell phones to donate $10 to help students secure their education and their future. Viewers are also encouraged to visit www.UNCF.org to make larger donations to help young men and women get their college degrees.

This year's show is made possible by Target, Presenting Sponsor of UNCF AN EVENING OF STARS®, and National Sponsors McDonald's and AT&T. Official and Major Sponsors include American Airlines, Wells Fargo, BET Networks, Buick and the U.S Army.

For more information, please visit www.uncf.org and www.bet.com/uncf. Also, follow UNCF on Twitter: @UNCF (#EveningOfStars).

*All times are ET/PT.

SOPA: Websites Protest Internet Censorship Bill

2012-01-18T02:18:00.013-05:00

Thousands of websites, including some of the most popular, are going dark today to protest the Stop Online Piracy Act, which is designed to thwart copyright infringement but that Web experts warn could threaten the functionality of the Internet.

Encyclopedia giant Wikipedia, popular news-sharing site reddit, browser pioneer Mozilla, photo-sharing favorite Twitpic and even ICanHazCheezburger.com are blocking access to content throughout Wednesday, symbolizing what the bill may allow content creators to do to sites they accuse of copyright infringement. Other websites, including Google, are expressing solidarity with the protests by featuring anti-SOPA content on home pages. Read more from The Huffington Post

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Rob Redding's Radio Show Adds 1520 AM WTHE New York City

2012-01-17T06:15:00.001-05:00

New York City will this week be able to hear Rob Redding's "Redding News Review" on 1520 WTHE.

"I have dreamed of being heard on terrestrial radio in New York City, since I started in this business almost 20 years ago," said Redding. "I am grateful to both my network and WTHE for this opportunity."

The radio station is scheduled to start running Redding's show on Tuesday mornings seven days a week. Redding's show is heard on radio stations from 4 to 7 p.m. ET weekdays and nationwide on Sirius XM from 7 to 10 p.m. ET Sundays.

WTHE becomes Redding's eighth radio affiliate. The show is heard in Atlanta, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Raleigh, Myrtle Beach and Louisiana. His podcast airs daily in Charlotte and New Orleans.

The award-winning show delivers headlines from award-winning ReddingNewsReview.com.

Redding last week released his book, Where's the Change?: Why Neither Obama, nor the GOP Can Solve America's Problems.

Redding was recently named to BlackTalkers.com's "Talented 10" radio talk show hosts, he has also been named one of the "100 Most Important Talk Radio Show Hosts in America" and his website has won three consecutive "Black Web Awards."

Don't Front, Miss Jones Dropped from Internet Radio Station

2012-01-16T00:04:00.002-05:00

Controversial radio host Tarsha Jones relaunched her radio career last week via the internet following her exit from Power 99 in November. However after two days of streaming in the afternoon, the show was scrapped.

Major Trendz Entertainment Corporation and its CEO Jonathan Rasheed Harris decided to pull the show from the Major Trendz Radio line up. "We dropped the show as well as all sites and any dealings with Ms. Jones," said Harris. He also added "Jonesy style of radio is just too risky for our national audience. We wish her the best overall.”

Jones "reportedly" garnered an audience of more than 25,000.

So some questions beg to be answered.

WHY didn't anyone sit down with Jonesy and iron things out as far as content goes? With virtually no promotion to the public or industry, WHO gets 25,000 listeners on an internet stream, then drops it?

WAS the syndication company's servers not able to handle the "over the top" traffic?

WHO didn't know that Miss Jones was going to be controversial? Come on Son! Get the ...

Meanwhile Jones continues to tweet at her handle @MorningJones via twitter, but only promotes her weekly comedy show with former morning co-host Michael Shawn and made no mention of the end of her internet radio show with Major Trendz.

We dug up the following video. It's a little dated- they mentioned in the interview that *69 is a new feature on the telephone. Jones talks about her singing career, how she was discovered by Doug E. Fresh, and her single "Don't Front." Jonesy did not become a radio host until 1999 at Hot 97.

Janelle Monae on CNN Soundcheck

2012-01-14T03:08:00.002-05:00

SOUNDCHECK is a special half hour music show anchored by Brooke Baldwin that is airing on CNN Saturday, January 14 at 2:30pm est. The show features artists from different genres such as Janelle Monae, Wilco, Mavis Staples, Mumford & Sons, Ben Sollee and many others. The show gives favorite acts and up-and-coming talents exposure to music lovers and aficionados from all around the world.

Houston, We Have a Problem: Let's Talk Radio in Houston

2012-01-13T01:43:00.009-05:00

Take a listen and read the insight from guest blogger and vlogger (via YouTube) Akeim Bailum as he challenges the Houston radio landscape - - Why isn't there more Black radio stations in Houston?

Wouldn't a station featuring The Steve Harvey Morning Show do well in the market... and what about Trae tha Truth and Praise 92.1 being bounced out of Houston?

Houston, We Have a Problem!

by AKIEM BAILUM

Ok, this is probably (at this point) a somewhat overused cliché whenever describing anything going on with the city of Houston, but it’ll stick for the time being.

But to make a long story short…Houston does have a problem when it comes to black radio. I’ve been following the radio industry for a little over 5 years now and once lived in the greater Houston metropolitan area for a 6 year period spanning from 2000 to 2006. I wasn’t a radio-head then as I am now, but I’d always observe something interesting about H-Town radio that somewhat made it unique….

….in the wrong kind of way.

Houston, Texas is a city with a 17% (and growing) African American population and an even larger Latino population. To say Houston is very diverse would be like saying Oprah is extremely rich. Most people know this by now.

The Latino/Latina population of Space City USA is well-served by now on both the AM and FM sides of the dial with many different radio stations.

On the AM, there is:
KEYH La Ranchera 850 AM
KRTX Tejano 980
KLAT La Tremenda 1010 (Spanish News/Talk)
As well as a few smaller outlets.

On the FM, there is:
KQBU Que Buena 93.3 (Regional Mexican)
KNTE Baila 96.9 (Spanish Rhythmic AC)
KTJM/KJOJ La Raza 98.5/103.3 (Regional Mexican)
KLOL Mega 101 (Spanish CHR)
KLTN 102.9 Estereo Latino (Regional Mexican)
KAMA 104.9 Tu Musica (Spanish CHR)
KOVE 106.5 Recuerdo (Spanish Oldies)
KQQK/KXGJ El Norte 107.9/101.7 (Regional Mexican)

With the African-American radio landscape in Houston, it’s a little less than certain. The only major black radio stations in Space City, USA are KMJQ-FM Majic 102.1 and KBXX-FM 97.9 The Box. The Box plays Urban Contemporary music while Majic focuses on Urban Adult Contemporary (Oldies). As of the writing of this post, The Box and Majic are #2 and #3, respectively, in the monthly Arbitron ratings. Only Clear Channel-owned soft-rock station “Sunny 99.1” KODA is higher and it is the H-Town radio equivalent of the US Mint. Money and ratings grow on trees at Sunny.

Both stations are owned and operated by the Cathy Hughes-owned Radio One which specializes in black radio. Out of the 50+ plus properties Radio One has across the country, only a few of them are not running what could be termed as a black-targeted format. One of them is Top 40 station “Radio Now 100.9”. The other is 98.9 Jack FM in Columbus.

A third is in Houston that made headlines with a recent launch last year.

Radio One in Houston has had an interesting history with the 92.1 frequency considering what you would think they’d regularly place there. 92.1 was once the home of its own Regional Mexican format known as “La Mera Mera” before changing to an Urban Gospel format called Praise 92.1. The station also became the flagship of Yolanda Adams’ morning show which is syndicated on Radio One’s various “Praise” stations such as those in Atlanta and Philadelphia.

But, Radio One Houston vice president Doug Abernathy mentioned how their 3-station cluster was plagued by financial issues and had to start cutting budgets and making changes to bring in more revenue. With The Box and Majic’s ratings and cume being sky-high, one had to feel that R1 had no “Praise” left for the Gospel station.

What scratched many heads in the radio community wasn’t the fact that they flipped formats, but what they changed formats to. It was announced that 92.1 would assume a News format while Praise would be relocated to the HD2 feed of Majic 102.1. It seemed rather odd for a radio owner that you think would be cutting costs to instead be adding on cost by deciding to run a news outlet. All-News is a notoriously expensive format to run in radio, but it’s a risk by Abernathy that could affect Radio One Houston going forward.

The reason why they did it is because Houston (at the time) was the largest city in the US without a full-service news station with no political spin. They even added a popular morning show that was present on News/Talk 740 KTRH when it was a news station before they poached all of the right-wing newscasters from their sisters at KPRC 950.

As expected with radio format changes, it was met with enormous backlash from the community, particularly from local black churches all across the Houston metropolitan area. The Houston Press even had an article about the change shortly after it happened, and it highlighted the interviews it had with local pastors and ministers.

So, Radio One axes that urban-targeted format for one more aimed at the majority of Houstonians. I understand that, there’s more to Houston than just the black or even the Latina/Latino community, but there’s no way that the extensive black population of Houston can be represented with only two radio stations. I thought that if they would launch a News station on 92.1 that it’d feature mainly a mix of local and syndicated African-American hosts.

As far as 97.9 The Box is concerned, despite its high ratings and cume, it can also be attributed to the fact that it has virtually ZERO competition in Houston. It did once upon a time with Univision’s Party 104.9 which leaned more in the direction of Spanish Hip-Hop/Reggaeton, but it was plagued with a faulty signal. Shortly after “Chico & Rascal” (aka The Mexicanz) were canned from Mega 101, they were quickly scooped up by Party 104.9. Univision also tried moving Party 104.9 over to 93.3 to replace Que Buena and advertised it with the idea of 93.3 being a 100,000 clear channel blowtorch as opposed to 104.9 which transmits at less than 10,000 watts.

Except for that little thing, of course, about 93.3 being a predominantly Beaumont-centric signal and not a Houston-targeted one. 104.9 changed formats to “Amor” which is Spanish Love Songs before rebranding as “Tu Musica”. The Party was over before it ever began at 93.3 as it quickly assumed the Que Buena format again. CBS Radio’s Top 40 station at 95.7 quickly welcomed displaced “Partygoers” over to 95.7’s Hurban-leaning Rhythmic Top 40 station.

Ever since then, 97.9 The Box has had no real competition in Houston, Texas. And their reputation amongst the massive hip hop community there has soured.

Well-respected Houston rapper Trae Tha Truth has been banned in all fashions from 97.9. This stems from an incident on the radio involving Trae and N’nete, a co host on 97.9’s Mad Hatta Morning Show.

N’nete accused Trae and his music of inciting violence at one of his “Trae Day” events. Trae was given this honor by the City of Houston because of his massive community outreach that he does throughout the city. Trae dissed N’nete on a record that must’ve got to the higher ups at Radio One Houston, and that prompted the subsequent ban on his music at the radio station. Many Houstonians and hip hop fans came to the support of Trae after his ordeal. Even Bun B extended his support. Trae has since filed a lawsuit against KBXX and Radio One.

Another duo of well-respected Houston radio personalities, The Krackernuttz were also canned since for one of their shows they played a Chamillionaire song that featured a verse from Trae. Another former Box personality, DJ Brandi Garcia, was spinning records at an event that 97.9 The Box did not have anything to do with, and in her mix was a Trae song. She was fired from KBXX, but she later was hired by KDAY 93.5. As in…Los Angeles’ KDAY.

One could be of the idea that since The Box and Majic’s ratings are so high that any other radio station owner would be foolish to compete with them since they (in many ways) protect each other. But, we’re talking about a city with a 17% black population and one that’s growing bigger given the migration of African Americans to the suburbs of major Southern cities including Houston. Chicago has around the same percentage of African-Americans and its black population is dwindling while its Latina/Latino population is on the rise. Atlanta, Philadelphia, Detroit, and other cities have black populations either at or above 20% and have many more Urban-targeted stations than does Houston.

So is Dallas. This isn’t Los Angeles where its black population has collapsed. I say LA because everyone knows how huge the Hispanic population is there.

If there is demand (and I’m sure it’ll only increase) for more black radio stations in Houston, I’m sure it’ll only increase. I don’t mean to say Houston has too many Latina/Latino stations, in fact I think it has the right amount. But there has to be room for maybe 2 or 3 more stations in Houston targeted at African Americans and people in the inner cities. One has to be a Houston-centric Mainstream Urban/Hip-Hop station that really gives focus to the hip hop scene in Houston while still playing a lot of mainstream stuff that seems to be duplicated on Hip-Hop stations across the country. Not only that, it can be a station that plays local club hits and showcases both black and Latina/Latino MCs from all over H-Town. The other will probably be an older-aimed R&B station featuring Steve Harvey’s Morning show in the morning and maybe Michael Baisden during afternoons. The Harvey part of that equation is definitely possible with him consistently outrating Tom Joyner in many other cities.

As Cathy Hughes once said, that’s “Reality Radio”.

Reach out to Akiem on Twitter: Li495Akiem Facebook.com/BailumSamuelBobbyAkiem YouTube.com/longisland495

Talk Radio Show Host Rob Redding Pens New Book about the Obama Administration: "Where's the Change?"

2012-01-13T01:20:00.003-05:00

Atlanta- A new book says that neither President Obama nor the Republicans can solve the problems confronting the country.

"Where's the change?: Why Neither Obama, nor the GOP can solve America's problems," written by syndicated independent talk radio show host Rob Redding, says that Obama is part of the problem.

"When President Obama took power and talked about 'hope' and 'change', many people thought that a new day in America was close. Americans quickly had to face reality - they had changed the president and not the system. The system is the problem," Redding writes.

Of the Tea Party, he writes: "Putting race aside for a minute, a party that comes to town, after the midterms, and says there will be no unemployment extension, in the midst of one of the worst recessions in our history, until the very richest Americans are given a tax break can not argue that their ideology gets things done. A party that ordered Republicans not to negotiate with the president on the debt ceiling, jobs bill and the budget until they get what they want can not argue that their ideology gets things done. The Tea Party is thwarting any change at every turn. Not even allowing a debate on the floor for the budget at the end of last year is a strategy that is diametrically opposed to policymaking for the American people who they say they represent."

On Occupy Wall Street, he writes: "The rule for both Democrats and Republicans has become, 'If we can not control Occupy then we will take away their tents and send them to jail.' The system of both Republicans and Democrats are working in concert with each other to make sure that Occupy is a moment and not a movement. But it may be too little too late, as Time magazine puts the protester on its cover as the "Person of the Year", it appears Occupy is here to stay."

The book also discusses what the founding fathers really wanted, the danger of "political prejudice" and how to fix a broken system.

Redding, who is known as America's Independent Voice, is the host of Redding News Review, a syndicated news/talk radio show heard nationally six days a week and editor and publisher of ReddingNewsReview.com

"Where's the Change?" will be available digitally on Friday Jan. 13, 2012 on Kindle, Nook and at ReddingNewsReview.com.

Midday Personality Cappuchino Joins Power 99

2012-01-11T06:02:00.001-05:00

WUSL POWER 99 in Philadelphia has filled one of the open slots on the station's schedule with former 99.7 KMJJ Shreveport personality Cappuchino. She replaces former on-air host Shamara as the midday personality on the urban/hip-hop station. Part timer Johnny V had been doing fill-in duties.

Still no word on Power 99's new morning show as it is still being held down by the night show hosts "The Hot Boyz." The duo are filling in for the departed Tarsha "Jonesy in the Morning" Jones.

Here's more on Power 99's newest on-air personality.

FROM 99.7 KMJJ- Born and raised in Miami, Cappuchino brings a host of experience to her family at KMJJ. Taking an interest in journalism at a young age, Capp thought her road was going to be newspaper or print. A tour of Florida A&M University made her realize she wanted to do radio after hearing the campus radio station. Cappuchino attended Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida.

The campus radio station continued to feed her interest and she soon started attending meetings to learn the ins and outs of not only being an on-air personality but also engineering her own shows. By her second semester the half-Thai half-African American beauty was given the moniker Cappuchino (because of the hue of her skin), and had earned a spot on the Sunday schedule and graciously filled in for other personalities as needed, until she got her own weekly show. She also began training other students and served as a college record representative for Atlantic Records.

After receiving her B.S. degree in newspaper journalism, she decided to stick with radio. She began working for commercial radio as a part timer and within a little more than a year, she found full-time employment in Shreveport.

ESSENCE Black Women in Music Event honors Kelly Rowland and Sylvia Rhone

2012-01-11T05:58:00.002-05:00

NEW YORK- ESSENCE will celebrate 2012 GRAMMY® week with its 3rd annual ESSENCE Black Women in Music event honoring GRAMMY® Award-winning artist and rising icon Kelly Rowland and music industry veteran Sylvia Rhone on February 8, 2012 in Los Angeles.

The invitation-only, red-carpet event will bring out Hollywood's elite to celebrate the accomplishments of the most influential movers and shakers in the music industry. The evening will feature an exclusive performance by Rowland and special guest GRAMMY® Award-winner Eve. The DJ for the evening will be the legendary MC Lyte—the first female solo rapper to ever be nominated for a GRAMMY®.

"We've watched Kelly Rowland for over a decade grow from a teenage sensation into an international superstar. Her talent, drive and remarkable creative force show what it truly means to be a young powerhouse in an ever-changing industry," said ESSENCE editor-in-chief Constance C.R. White. "Kelly embodies the 'soul' of young Black women through her music and we are proud to salute her dynamic contributions."

"Sylvia Rhone has transformed the music industry with her vision and she has become a trailblazer for African-American women everywhere by breaking down barriers throughout her career," said ESSENCE president Michelle Ebanks. "Her exceptional talent, enduring humanity and effortless elegance make Sylvia a true ESSENCE woman and we are honored to present her with the ESSENCE Black Women in Music award."

Rowland is a global multi-platinum GRAMMY® Award-winning artist who has sold over 60 million albums worldwide. Entering the industry as a part of one the world's largest girl groups of our time—Destiny's Child—she eventually branched out into a thriving solo career. Rowland also broke into the film and television industry, appearing in sitcoms and several big-screen hits. Most recently, she joined the judging panel on the eighth series of the British reality television competition The X Factor. Rowland is currently nominated for a 2012 GRAMMY® for her platinum single Motivation featuring Lil Wayne from her third solo album, Here I Am.

Rhone has succeeded for more than three decades as one of the most influential female executives in the history of the music business. Most recently, she served as President of Universal Motown Records, overseeing a roster of breakthrough, best-selling artists, platinum, and multi-platinum artists, Missy Elliott, Kelly Rowland, Nicki Minaj, Drake, Keith Sweat, Nelly, Melanie Fiona, Akon, Erykah Badu, Busta Rhymes, MC Lyte and the legendary Stevie Wonder, among many others. Rhone has been honored with more than three dozen awards during her career, both from the music industry and the greater community.

CES 2012: TuneIn Radio App to Offer Drivers 50,000+ Global Stations Through Voice-Controlled Ford SYNC AppLink

2012-01-10T20:14:00.007-05:00

LAS VEGAS - TuneIn Radio app will offer drivers more than 50,000 AM, FM, HD and Internet radio stations featuring music, sports and news from around the world

The addition of the TuneIn Radio app to the growing list of available apps for SYNC® reflects Ford's commitment to keep pace with customer desires and consumer electronics trends

The in-car listening options for Ford vehicles equipped with SYNC® AppLink™ will soon grow by more than 50,000 when TuneIn Radio joins the list of smartphone apps that are compatible with the system.

Ford and Palo Alto, Calif.-based TuneIn announced at the 2012 International CES that the TuneIn Radio app will be available for use with vehicles equipped with SYNC AppLink, and will provide drivers with another listening option that can be controlled hands-free through voice commands.

AppLink builds on the award-winning SYNC connectivity system by enabling drivers to access and control apps on their smartphones by simply using their voice, allowing their hands to stay on the wheel and their eyes on the road.

"Smartphone apps have ingratiated themselves into the lives of consumers to such a degree that we have come to depend on them for much of our news and entertainment," said Doug VanDagens, global director of Ford Connected Services. "With the addition of TuneIn, SYNC is reflecting that trend while dramatically increasing the global listening choices for Ford drivers."

TuneIn is a free service that lets people listen to live local and global music, sports, talk and news by offering more than 50,000 AM, FM, HD and Internet radio stations along with more than 1 million on-demand programs streaming from all corners of the world.

Using voice commands only, drivers of SYNC-equipped vehicles can control TuneIn and perform such tasks as search and listen to radio stations worldwide by artist or genre. For example, by saying, "Explore genre," users can select hundreds of genres of music or talk stations like classic rock or German talk. Users also can search geographically by saying "Explore location." TuneIn will then rank the most popular stations from the chosen location and start playing. More than 250 locations from around the world can be accessed via voice control.

"TuneIn captivates people by offering unprecedented access to listen to anything they want from local talk radio to live sports to music," said John Donham, CEO of TuneIn. "With TuneIn, Ford drivers can now more easily enjoy the world's audio from their favorite hometown stations to broadcasts half a world away -- making listening even more global and personal."

TuneIn is available in 10 languages and on more than 150 devices across all major smartphones and tablets, connected home stereos, smart TVs, car dashboards and online at www.tunein.com. The SYNC-enabled version of TuneIn Radio soon will be available through the iTunes App Store.

Ford SYNC AppLink is now available in 10 vehicles for the 2012 model year.

Bobby Holiday the New Morning Host at WDAS AM Philadelphia

2012-01-09T05:00:00.002-05:00

A true radio veteran, Bobby Holiday returns to Philadelphia as the new morning host on 1480 WDAS AM "The Soul of Philadelphia." Holiday was the afternoon personality in the late 90's on Radio One's first urban station in the market WPHI "Philly 103.9."

During his previous tenure in Philly in 1999, Holiday generated buzz from local TV news stations who covered him as the crazy DJ who did his broadcast atop a T.G.I.Friday's restaurant until his beloved (pre-Donovan McNabb and Coach Andy Reid era) Philadelphia Eagles won a football game. Yes he slept there as well. In all he spent 20 days and 19 nights on the roof until the Eagles secured a victory.

Bobby revealed the following on his Facebook page:

" ATTENTION! ATTENTION!! ATTENTION!!! Join me Tuesday morning at 6am as I wake Philly da hell up on WDAS-AM 1480 THE SOOOUUUULLLLLL OF PHILADELPHIA!!! Now I was supposed to be on Monday BUT...WHAT HAD HAPPENED WAS...CRAIG ND DEM SAID...I HAD TO PROVE THAT I AM NOT AN IILLEGAL ALIEN! ((= iT'S BEEN HARDER TO PROVE THAN YOU WOULD THINK. ((= So join me Tuesday (HOPEFULLY) for the greatest music of ya life. The best of the 50s 60s & 70s...and unfortunately...ME!!! =)) Log on and listen at WDASAM.COM!!!

The Chicago native, whose first job in radio was at a small station in Qunicy, Illinois in 1986, has made stops at various Urban and Urban AC stations around the country including his hometown's WGCI, Los Angeles' KKBT "The Beat," along with stations in Dallas and Miami as well. His most recent post was as program director and midday personality at WDZZ Z92.7 in Flint, Michigan. He will join Joe "Butterball" Tamburro as the first personalities on the reborn heritage AM outlet.

Apparently Bobby likes spending time in unusual places for days at a time...

BOBBY HOLIDAY LIVED ON A TRUCK UNTIL IT WAS FILLED WITH SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR NEEDY STUDENTS. THE PROMOTION LASTED 4 DAYS AND NIGHTS

The Biggest Impact Songs on Urban Radio in 2011

2012-01-09T04:00:00.001-05:00

No doubt the two songs that had the biggest impact on urban radio were “Rolling In The Deep” from Adele and "Otis" from Jay-Z and Kanye West.

Adele's first major hit became a sensation not only on Top 40 radio in America but across all formats throughout the world. The song was popular enough to be played on stations that featured Katy Perry, Drake or Nicki Minaj but also on soft rock stations as well. It also made an impact on many urban/rhythmic outlets that were OK with playing the song right after or before a Rick Ross and Lil' Wayne track like D.C.'s WPGC or Atlanta's V-103.

The record did so well that it caused more than a few urbans to add other crossover tracks that would never have been heard on urban stations' playlists in the past. The cross cultural impact of the song was evident in its use as the opening theme of the 2011 NBA draft. See video below. Expect this song to be named Grammy's record and song of the year.

On the other hand it's been a long time since a record like “Otis” has come along. But not for its crossover appeal (that did not happen), but for the buzz it created in a very short period of time. The song, very simple in production, premiered on a Wednesday evening on Hot 97's Funk Master Flex Show in New York City. By the next day the song was in heavy rotation on every urban station in the country. The song redefined heavy rotation. It was not unusual to hear it at least twice or even three times an hour EVERYWHERE by Thursday morning and at least once an hour for the following 48 from New York to LA.

With the popularity of twitter, the impact across the nation was enormous and spawned blog posts and debate all over the internet. We're sure quite a few people were even inspired to learn more about Otis Redding and the sample from his song "Try a Little Tenderness" based solely on airplay. Was the track actually a great song? Well judging by the number of spins it was getting by late August per week was a telling sign. Virtually none. Despite the hype by Flex on premiere night, the song did not have the staying power until December as he predicted. But "Otis" definitely gets the award for most hyped song in urban radio history.

Funk Master Flex Premieres "OTIS' on Hot 97 July 20, 2011

Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" snippet

WPEG Personality Yasmin Young Talks Fashion with Marsha Ambrosius

2012-01-09T03:03:00.001-05:00

Yasmin Young of The Morning Maddhouse on WPEG Power 98 talks to R&B superstar Marsha Ambrosius and her stylist Shedell Holmes.

The "Fashion Friday" video segment is especially designed to address fashion tips for Yasmin's many female listeners in the Charlotte area. In the video the ladies give tips on how to make their natural hair look fabulous!

Check out the video below

Nick Cannon kidney failure: Transferred to L.A. hospital [VIDEO] Report

2012-01-06T03:01:00.002-05:00

Getting Back to Business

Nick Cannon has been transferred to a Los Angeles hospital after suffering kidney failure in Aspen, Colo., while on vacation with wife Mariah Carey and their two children.

New York's Now 92.3 website,where Nick Cannon hosts mornings, released this statement: After speaking with sources VERY close to Nick, the news about dehydration may not be all that true. Nick IS feeling a bit better but his team is maintaining that Nick is in fact suffering from “mild kidney failure.”

Nick also tweeted from his hospital room the following tweet:

Currently being transfered to a hospital in LA. Thank you all for all your love, prayers and concern. You know me... I will be a'ight

CBS News provides an update

Spinderella Calls Out Celebrity DJs Alicia Keys and Lil Wayne

2012-01-05T19:35:00.009-05:00

New Year’s Eve saw a number of celebrities including Kanye West in Vegas, Lil Wayne in Miami, and Alicia Keys in New York debut their DJ skills behind the turnables. But do they deserve the respect of fellow DJs?

Spinderella, the DJ for the legendary rap group Salt 'n Pepa and former midday radio personality at K-Soul in Dallas, was not too happy about all the buzz surrounding the celebrity New Year's Eve mixers and let the world know via twitter.

The problem she says is that digital technology cannot replace what she has been doing in the game for the last 25 years. She tweeted...

@Spindeezy

First, Dj AK-47 (Alicia Keys) and now Dj wih wih wiggety Wayne? WTH who's next??

the problem is seeing those who choose Djin as a 'novelty/trend' when real Djs are being overlooked for jobs given to a 'non' Dj wit a name

I rapped on a few joints back then.. and was dope at it.. but never claim to be a 'rapper' ..

Todays aspiring djs shouldnt rely on 'technology' to make them a dj.. technology is a crutch.. the 'heart' of djin lies in the foundation..

Serato made it easy.. but my back still hurts from yrs of crate carrying #DJWARWOUNDS...

i get it..'musiclovers' wanna broaden theyre horizons and share the love of music thru djing.. but commanding Gs for somethin you dont do?

So is it a matter of which is better the Serato digital technology or the analog sound through vinyl? Or is Spinderella just hatin' on the technology...

900 AM WURD: Making Black Talk Radio Work

2012-01-03T17:42:00.006-05:00

From PHILLY.COM Article: WURD-AM on the air to give Black Philadelphia a Voice

Can WURD get it back?

The traditional closeness. The call-and-response between community-based African American radio in Philadelphia and its listeners.

The field is open. The past decade of radio change has led to what one 2008 documentary called Disappearing Voices: The Decline of Black Radio. WURD is a small station, 1,000 watts of power, with an audience the station estimates at 140,000 (based on broadcast and online traffic, and attendance at community-outreach events).

And it's now the lone 24/7 African American talk station in Pennsylvania, much less Philly, once a bastion of the genre. Sara Lomax-Reese, president of WURD, sees "a chance to resurrect and re-create a genre for the millennial generation."

Sara Lomx-Reese says "This is Our Time!" in the following [VIDEO], as she describes her station's efforts to continue the tradition of community-based radio in Philadelphia.

TV One’s ‘Unsung’ Returns, New Season Begins with Vesta Williams

2012-01-02T08:16:00.006-05:00

TV One is gearing up for another season of the NAACP Image Award-winning series Unsung, with more untold stories of the most underrated, yet talented, entertainers.

Unsung explores the lives of black music artists and groups who never received the level of recognition they deserved. The hour-long biographies document the highs and lows of the music industry and what ultimately deterred the artists’ success.

This season begins with the late R&B singer Vesta Williams who scored hits such as “Congratulations,” “Sweet Sweet Love” and others. David Ruffin, Sheila E., Bobby Womack, Full Force, Freddie Jackson, Millie Jackson, Ray Parker Jr., Atlantic Starr and Whodini will also be featured.

You can catch Unsung tonight at 10/9 c on TV One. Get a sneak peek of season five.

Boxtorow to air on HUR Voices SiriusXM Channel 141

2012-01-02T08:00:00.003-05:00

It's been a long time coming but the nation's HBCU Sports talk show has finally come to SiriusXM

Fuquay-Varina, NC -FROM THE PRESS BOX TO PRESS ROW with Donal Ware, the sports talk show which focuses on Historically Black College and University Sports and pro sports now airs on H.U.R. Voices SiriusXM Channel 141. The show airs each Friday from 1-2 p.m. ET and currently airs on 38 terrestrial radio stations around the country in markets such as San Francisco, Atlanta, Washington, DC, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Milwaukee, Nashville, TN, Austin, TX, Milwaukee and New Orleans to name a few.

"As the concept of the show was being conceived back in 2005, we were looking to have Boxtorow air on Satellite Radio," said Donal Ware, founder of DWCommunications, LLC, the rights holder of the show and the show's host. "Thanks to HUR Voices, that day has finally come. I would like to thank H.U.R. Voices, the staff and Jim Watkins for this phenomenal opportunity."

FROM THE PRESS BOX TO PRESS ROW began airing on August 20, 2005 on radio stations in markets such as Atlanta, Baltimore, Raleigh-Durham, NC, Greensboro-Winston-Salem, NC, and Birmingham, AL. The show has broadcast from or covered events such as Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa, 2009 and 2011 MLB All-Star Games, 2009 and 2010 NBA Finals, 2011 NHL All-Star Game, and numerous NBA All-Star weekends.

Ware, known as the Voice of Black College Sports, has interviewed the likes of Serena Williams, Jim Brown, Demarcus Ware, Mike Krzyzewski, Matt Kemp, and Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier to name a few. He has also interviewed for Boxtorow rappers/actors Common and Ice Cube, R&B sensation Melanie Fiona, actress Wendy R. Robinson, and gospel recording artist Smokie Norful to name a few.

In addition to sports talk and interviews with sports figures, Boxtorow Lunch with Donal Ware, as the show will be called on H.U.R. Voices, will talk to some of the top entertainers, not only about their craft but about sports as well.

"I am a huge fan of music and entertainment, so I would like to have as guests entertainers and talk sports with them," said Ware. "I want our listeners to get to know them more in depth than what they see on television and to gauge their sports interests."

FROM THE PRESS BOX TO PRESS ROW is the urban sports talk show and is the only nationally syndicated sports talk radio show geared towards the African-American community.

FROM THE PRESS BOX TO PRESS ROW celebrated six years on the air on August 20 and was featured in JET Magazine (Aug. 9/16, 2010).