Radio One, Inc. today announced it is bringing Urban programming, much of it formerly unavailable in thousands of U.S. cities, to every corner of the contiguous 48 states, with the national launch of XM Satellite Radio. Radio One, as a third party XM Radio partner, is providing five channels of programming targeted at the African-American and Urban listener. These formats include African- American Talk, Gospel, Urban Mixes, Hip-Hop and Mainstream Urban.
In many places of the country, especially outside of large metropolitan areas, African-American targeted programming is limited or non-existent. Radio One is committed to providing a totally unique radio experience on XM, which will finally reach the African-American audience nationwide.
Mike Abrams, Director of Programming for Radio One’s Satellite Radio Operations said ecstatically, “Today marks a milestone in the new satellite radio market. After months of preparation and planning, the national availability of XM Radio is upon us. Radio One is already America’s terrestrial urban radio leader, and now we are beaming exclusive and original programming down from the heavens across the land. Much of this radio programming has never been available nationally in this country’s history. Our “Club 82” channel will provide mixes from the nation’s top club and radio DJs 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Our gospel channel 61 “The Spirit” will FINALLY bring the great gospel sounds of Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Jeff Majors, Shirley Caesar and so many more out of the “early Sunday morning” slot on AM radio and make it available EVERY HOUR of EVERY DAY… to many cities that have NO gospel outlet on terrestrial radio. Our Hip Hop channel, 66 RAW provides Hip Hop the way the artists intended it to be heard… the way it was recorded… Our Urban channel 61 The Flow, mixes the biggest urban hits with neo-soul that isn’t heard on traditional urban radio stations… and our talk channel, XM 169 The POWER, is making an incredible mark on history by being the first and ONLY 24 hour a day nationwide African-American talk outlet with live shows of every variety, giving African-Americans a voice all across the land every day and night.”
Alfred C. Liggins III, Radio One’s President and CEO added, “With today’s nationwide launch, Radio One becomes the only radio broadcasting company in America to provide national Urban programming on a 24 hour basis. We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with XM Satellite Radio, and are committed to bringing the highest quality programming to America’s urban listeners.”