WURD, Philadelphia Embarks Upon Fundraiser to “Strengthen Independent Black Media”
LEVAS Communications’ urban talk WURD, Philadelphia is launching a listener support campaign with the stated goal of raising $100,000. The station says, “WURD Radio, the only Black-owned and operated talk radio station in Pennsylvania and a vital voice for the Black community, is proud to announce the launch of its “STAND WITH WURD” listener support
campaign. Running throughout February, this critical initiative coincides with the historic 100th anniversary of Black History Month. In an era where Black media faces unprecedented challenges — algorithms that actively silence Black voices, deep fakes and misinformation targeting our communities, and the actual arrest of Black journalists — WURD Radio is an independent platform that remains so due in large part to listener support.” WURD president and CEO Sara M. Lomax states, “WURD is a place for critical conversations and truth-telling. If we want to preserve Black history, we must preserve WURD. We are watching a coordinated effort to erase our history and silence our people. We cannot let that happen.”
Communications’ WNOV-AM, Milwaukee; and Minority Communications’ KJMC-FM, Des Moines. SmileyAudioMedia owner and program host Tavis Smiley says, “Our show’s rapid and continued expansion into key media markets represents an exciting next chapter. As we move deeper into the 2024 election season, we’ll continue to provide our growing listener base with enlightening and empowering programming unapologetically geared toward African Americans and other citizens of color.” The program is heard in Chicago on Midway Communications’ WVON-AM; LEVAS Communications’ WURD-AM, Philadelphia; and Equity Media’s WBOK-AM, New Orleans and plans to announce more new affiliate stations later in the spring.