The first Black-owned radio stations

Starter of this subject: Cathy W. McFeeters & Ashley E. Cohen
Last post in this subject: 10/8/2004
Messages in this subject: 4

Cathy W. McFeeters & Ashley E. Cohen 10/8/2004
4 replies
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

We are writing a college paper on Black-Owner Radio Stations and we are looking for historical materials that can identify pioneers in the field.

Obviously, we've heard of Dr. Bell's WCHB in Detroit and John Lamar Hill's KJLH in Los Angeles; however, we are sure there were earlier Black owners.

Can you suggest sources to visit for more information on the subject?

Advance thanks,

C.W. McFeeters
Ashley E. Cohen
Harvard University

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Jim Hilliker 10/9/2004
1 replies
According to at least three sources on the internet, the first Black-owned radio station in the United States went on the air October 3, 1949 and it was WERD radio (860-AM, 1,000 watts) in Atlanta, Georgia, and was founded/owned by Black businessman Jesse Blayton, Sr.

For more details on this and related information, I suggest you read the this article, "African Americans and Radio" by Donna L. Halper, a media historian and professor of journalism at Emerson College in Boston...Here's the link for the story:

http://www.bjmjr.com/aaradio/part1.htm

Hope that helps.

Jim Hilliker
Monterey, CA

David Chamberlain 10/11/2004
0 replies
While not a totally black owned station, WDIA in Memphis holds a significant place in radio history being the first station in America that was programmed entirely by African Americans for African Americans. Read the station history at: http://www.am1070wdia.com/about/history/

David Chamberlain
Memphis, TN

ed kienzler 10/26/2004
1 replies
thanks for inquiring about black owned stations---now have you tried aol keyword:black-owned radio stations--there is a article about WTMP in Tampa-St.Pete and some other articles about the subject you are looking for- try www.tampabay.com/storyaction ed kienzler- springfield illinois
ed kienzler 10/26/2004
0 replies
Perhaps I should read the site before I put it on. The Tampa site does not exist anymore. OOOPS!!! Sorry ladies I tried... Maybe wha