Throughout American history, Black broadcasters did more than just spin records. They were, for African-American listeners across the country, the important and influential voices and leaders of their communities. One decidedly undercelebrated aspect of radio broadcasting history is the contributions Black people made to the medium; namely, as broadcasters, the voices behind the music selections, and news reported on the airwaves.
Here are just a few of the radio broadcasters picked for their pioneering spirit and influence in the Radio Facts 2022 Top National Broadcasters. Steve Harvey
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – AUGUST 03: Host/executive producer Steve Harvey of ‘STEVE’ speaks onstage during the NBCUniversal portion of the 2017 Summer Television Critics Association Press Tour at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on August 3, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Steve Harvey is a television host, actor, author, producer, comedian, and not to mention, an all-around, mogul.
Today Steve Harvey remains known as the busiest man in Hollywood. In addition to his work on screen, radio, stage, and print, Steve Harvey is a dedicated mentor and an inspiring motivator to his fans. Harvey began his career doing stand-up comedy in the mid-1980s.
He toured as one of the Kings of Comedy alongside Cedric the Entertainer, the late Bernie Mac, and D.L. Hughley. The tour’s immediate success led to the taping of one of the most successful comedy specials in history — The Original Kings of Comedy.
His stand-up success eventually led to an eight-year stint as host of It’s Showtime at the Apollo, as well as to various entertainment roles including acting, hosting, writing, and producing. From hosting Showtime at the Apollo, Harvey became a household name. Steve Harvey is one of the only hosts to appear on competing networks at the same time.
Harvey is one of the most recognizable and sought-after celebrities in the world. His relatable, honest, and inspiring personality has made him one of the most trusted personalities in media. 178,000,000 US viewers welcome Steve Harvey into their homes on a yearly basis—that’s over 55% of the total U.S. population. Harvey began his radio career in September of the year, 2000.
Joining the Premiere Networks’ national lineup, The Steve Harvey Morning Show combines heart, humor, and music along with celebrities from the worlds of sports and entertainment. Harvey is joined on the show by Shirley Strawberry, Carla Ferrell, his “Nephew Tommy,” and Junior. His show airs on more than 100 radio stations nationally and reaches over six million weekly listeners.
The Steve Harvey Morning Show is the most listened-to syndicated morning show in America. For his work on the program, Steve Harvey was honored with the NAB Marconi Award for “Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year” in 2013 and 2015, and he was inducted into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame the same year. D.L.
Hughley
D.L. Hughley is one of the most popular and highly recognized standup comedians on the road today and has also made quite an impression in the television, film, and radio arenas. Best known as the original host of BET’s Comic View from 1992 to 1993, and as the star and producer of his namesake television show that ran on ABC and UPN, The Hughleys, D.L. is also known as one of the standout comedians on the hit comedy docu-film, The Original Kings Of Comedy.
Known for being astute and politically savvy in true comedian style, D.L. Hughley is also one of the most recognized on-air radio personalities of The D.L. Hughley Show, an urban adult contemporary station, alongside co-host, Jasmine Sanders.
As the host of “The D.L. Hughley Show,”– a daily themed, music intensive afternoon drive radio program from 3-7 pm ET– Hughley, takes listeners on a no holds ride of humor and reality in the afternoons as a broadcaster. In August of 2013, REACH Media, the syndicator founded by Tom Joyner, announced it had finalized a deal with D.L. to host a new nationally syndicated afternoon drive show, distributed by Reach Media Networks.
Rickey Smiley
Rickey Smiley is a stand-up comedian, television host, actor, author, and award-winning radio broadcaster of the top-rated, nationally syndicated show, The Rickey Smiley Morning Show. A comedian for more than 30 years, Rickey is constantly performing across the country on his own theater tour and also makes special appearances on the Martin Lawrence-hosted, LIT AF Tour. Rickey’s tours often include a live band, which Rickey accompanies as an accomplished pianist and organist. Starting his career at The Stardome Comedy Club in Birmingham, AL, and for over a year until the pandemic in 2020, Rickey sold out every Monday night at the club with Rickey Smiley’s Comedy & Karaoke Night, hosted by himself including a live band.
In 2008, Smiley signed a deal with Syndication One (a syndicated radio division of Radio One) to take the show nationwide, and The Rickey Smiley Morning Show is now heard on a number of mainstream urban radio stations, airing weekdays 6-10 am Eastern Time and 5-9 am Central nationwide. The Rickey Smiley Morning Show is heard on over 80 radio stations across the country. His Southern appeal along with his blend of raw humor and personal authenticity as a community activist makes this the most compelling show on the radio.
In November of last year, Rickey won his second National Association of Broadcasters’ Marconi Award for Network/Syndicated Person of the Year for The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, which is syndicated across the country including cities, Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Houston, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Miami, New Orleans, Orlando, Portland, OR, Seattle and St Louis.
In 2017, Rickey won his first Marconi Award for Network/Syndicated Person of the Year and he was nominated again in 2019 when he also served as host of the show. Smiley is joined by Da Brat, Gary With Da Tea, Eva Marcille, Special K, and Rock-T, along with Black Tony and JahLion Sound, rounding out the most entertaining ensemble you’ll ever hear. The Breakfast Club