Rickey Smiley, D.L. Hughley and HeadKrack Celebrate Landmark Changes for 2020 in Nationally Syndicated Radio
Wednesday night, November 13th, was a night to remember as Urban One celebrated their radio talent and the transformative changes coming to their nationally syndicated personality network platform in 2020. Urban One, Radio One, and Reach Media hosted “A Toast toThe Talent” featuring Rickey Smiley, D.L. Hughley, and HeadKrack from the all-new show The Morning Hustle. At the Alley Cat Lounge beneath the Beekman Hotel in downtown NYC, Urban One executives along with their client and agency partners mingled with the talent, took pictures and won prizes. Welcoming guests to the celebration were Urban One CEO Alfred Liggins, Radio One & Reach Media CEO David Kantor, and Radio One & Reach Media Vice President National Sales, Josh Rahmani. The toast highlighted what looks to be a landmark year in 2020 for Urban radio with established talent expanding their roles to a loyal audience, first cultivated in syndication by innovator Tom Joyner who will retire from broadcasting at the end of 2019. Recognized as an industry leader with a National Association of Broadcasters Marconi Award/Syndicated Talent of the Year, Smiley’s large and growing audience is the true measurement of his popularity and attraction as his show broadens its appeal in the Urban AC space. The DL. Hughley Show has experienced unmatched growth in his daypart/format seen and heard as the voice speaking with humor and conviction on what’s most relevant to his passionate audience. HeadKrack will co-host The Morning Hustle Urban radio show along with Lore’l, Angie Ange and “On Air” Jordan. Already recognized as a hip-hop music authority and pop culture expert, HeadKrack brings a straight-talking and funny outlook that meshes with his co-hosts as they engage with the Urban audience. The Rickey Smiley Morning Show/Urban AC and The Morning Hustle/Urban will be heard nationally beginning in January 2020. Reach Media will also launch into syndication Love and R&B Hosted by Al B. Sure!, evenings/Urban AC and Sybil Wilkes: What You Need to Know news and information services in the new year as well.
