I re-read an article earlier today researching some material on Black Radio for Black history. It mentioned the idea that the re-emergence of black radio “finding it’s voice” during President Obama’s campaign. A few names were mentioned, (Tom Joyner. Michael Baison, Bev Smith and Warren Ballentine) and were presented as influential Africa American radio personalities. Stated in the article is the following: “Joyner, by many accounts, is considered an urban industry pioneer. His decision in 1996 to hire former Black Entertainment Television host Tavis Smiley to provide daily political commentary on The Tom Joyner Morning Show was pivotal in raising political activism and awareness among blacks via the airwaves”.
Here is where I need help. With all due respect to Mr. Joyner, there is nothing that he pioneered. Let me repeat the statement. There is NO-THING that Mr. Joyner pioneered. Before Mr. Joyner was in syndication, a number of on-air personalites were doing syndicated shows and I might add from their homes. Jocko Henderson for sure. Before Mr. Joyner and others were during traveling stage shows, Jack Cooper as well as Jack the Rapper were doing the same.
The thing that disturbs me about all of this is that Mr. Joyner and others know this and yet fail to make the historical correction. Why? That’s the question. If they are so concerned with the state of “African American Radio” why don’t they spend just a little time attempting to educate their listenerships about the history of Black Radio.
Black on-air personalities were always seeking to raise political awareness within their communities. I recall, watching as my father Kae Williams and another Philadelphia radio personality George Woods, were harrassed by police officers outside the Uptown Theatre while trying to calm the masses during one of their shows when DR. King was shot. Both my father and George Woods were very vocal during their tenure at WDAS and WHAT radio stations.
True, they may not shine as much as they do now because it will be understood that they also stand on the shoulders of the real pioneers. True, this may cause some damage to their popularity with the media conglomerates who control their syndication. But then again maybe that just might be what Black Radio needs. An injection of personalities who actually care about the industry.
How many local on-air personalities have to loose their jobs because of the big personality shows being streamed in with the playlist. How many independent artist have to continue in frustration because they can’t get airplay in the very cities that they live. The very stations that seek to draw resources out of the communities that they so-called serve won’t support the local talent around the corner.
Why are the Joyner’s, Baison’s and others not raising their voices and wielding the self professed influence in these areas. Help me understand. PLEASE.
