Black Public Radio Stations Form National Network.

The nation's Black public radio stations are joining forces under a new national alliance aimed at improving financial sustainability, expanding audience reach and increasing collaboration at a time of growing uncertainty for public media.

The newly launched Black Public Radio Network (BPRN) brings together 15 public radio stations from across the country, including 12 licensed to Historically Black Colleges and Universities, along with WBGO New York, “The Drop” KUVO-HD2/K284CI Denver and “HYFIN” WYMS-HD2 Milwaukee. The coalition is intended to help member stations build stronger revenue streams, develop national partnerships and raise the profile of Black public radio.

Founded by Ernest Walker, General Manager of KTSU Houston, BPRN comes as public broadcasters face increasing financial challenges, shifting listening habits and ongoing concerns about long-term funding.

"The launch of the Black Public Radio Network represents a transformative moment for public media and for the communities our stations serve," Walker said. "For decades, Black public radio stations have served as trusted cultural anchors, storytellers and community connectors. BPRN is about bringing our collective strength together to create a sustainable future, expand opportunity and ensure our voices continue to be heard and valued on a national level."

The organization has begun a six-month strategic planning process to establish its operating framework, revenue strategy and long-term growth plan. As part of that effort, consulting firm Paragon has been retained to provide research and strategic guidance, while VuHaus Group will help develop national sponsorship opportunities.

The planning process also includes two veteran public media executives: former Corporation for Public Broadcasting Vice President of Radio Jacquie Gales Webb and former KUVO/The Drop Denver General Manager Nikki Swarn, who have joined the project through Team Paragon.

Walker said the network is intended to move beyond simply preserving existing services.

"This network is about more than preservation — it is about positioning Black public radio for greater influence, innovation and impact," he said. "We are building a structure that allows our stations to move forward together with greater strategy, greater visibility and greater economic opportunity."

Among the network's priorities are developing national underwriting and sponsorship opportunities, diversifying station revenue, increasing collaboration among member stations, expanding digital engagement and elevating culturally relevant programming.

Station leaders say the alliance gives Black public radio outlets a stronger collective voice while creating new opportunities to share programming and attract advertisers.

"Wendy Williams, General Manager of WCLK Atlanta, said the collaboration comes at an important time for member stations. "There is power in our shared mission, and this network creates new opportunities for growth, visibility and sustainability while honoring the cultural significance of the audiences we serve," she said.

Maynard Scales, General Manager of WNSB Norfolk, said the coalition will allow participating stations to share content, increase listening and develop new partnerships with national brands.

BPRN leaders say the organization is designed to provide member stations with a stronger foundation for long-term growth while reinforcing the role Black public radio plays in serving its communities through music, news, storytelling and public service.