Black Public Radio Network launches to grow revenue, increase sustainability

Fifteen stations that serve Black audiences are creating a network to focus on their future success.

Founded by Ernest Walker, GM of KTSU in Houston, the Black Public Radio Network was created to “ensure the long-term sustainability, relevance, and growth of public radio stations that serve Black audiences and communities across the country,” according to a Monday press release.

“The launch of the Black Public Radio Network represents a transformative moment for public media and for the communities our stations serve,” Walker said in the release. “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 network aims to increase revenue for its affiliate stations with strategies that include building national underwriting and sponsorship opportunities. The network will work with VuHaus Group to support national sponsorship sales.

The network is also working with Paragon as a consulting partner as part of a six-month strategic planning process. Paragon will provide research and other strategic guidance as the network gets started. Joining Paragon for this initial phase are Jacquie Gales Webb, former VP of radio at CPB, and Nikki Swarn, former GM of KUVO/The Drop in Denver.

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

The network’s other goals include diversifying revenue, growing audience engagement and building collaborations among the stations.

The founding stations are: