Syndicated Black Radio

On the weekday mornings, I listen to the radio as I prepare myself for the work day and as I travel to work. When I do, I tend to do a lot of channel jumping.

I listen to:

• The Donnie Simpson Morning Show for a few segments and "Huggie Low Down" (local not syndicated)
• The Russ Parr Morning Show for a segment or two
• The Tom Joyner Morning Show (TJMS) for certain segments (His re-arranging his segment times has thrown me off)
• The Larry Young Morning Show (Black talk radio and not syndicated).

I listened to The Steve Harvey Morning Show a few times and decided it stunk, but I have heard enough of it to say it fits the pattern.

Something that I noticed some time ago is these shows not only "entertain" but they weave social activism and commentary into the shows. The shows listed have dealt with health issues in the Black community, crime, police abuse, education, HIV/AIDS, etc. The TJMS does it as a regular part of the show and has contributed millions of dollars to the United Negro College Fund.

Sometimes I listen to The Michael Baisden Show as well and he does something similar. He talks about topics that he believes Blacks need to discuss.

The only reason why I bring this up is because I can't think of other syndicated radio "entertainment" shows hosted by non-Blacks that do something like this as a regular part of the show.

I guess this happens "in private" so I shouldn't write about it.

Comments

[Duane]

When Steve Harvey was out here, IMO he was one of the best because all the other "black" FM radio shows has too much of the Mexican blend (this is coming from a guy who grew up with Power 99 and WDAS in Philly). I don't mind the mixture, its just that it tends to limit the degree of discussion on Black issues unlike your market.

Anyway, 'bout this "in private vs. public" stuff :). You are right--Black folks do talk about our issues in public forums HOWEVER, here is what I have seen:

-As you pointed out, Black radio tends to be one of the best forums to hear what other Black folks have to say on the issues. Like community meetings, here is where we just tell it like it is and will call a nigga out in a second.

With that being said, you will not see this same tone when the same type of forum is being hosted by a White person. Take for example the recent CNN special on hip hop. Panelist like Roland Martin and Michael Dyson FROM JUMP were the first ones to introduce BLAME in the discussion by pointing their finger to White executives. From what I saw, all Paula Zhaun (sp?)did was to question them on the content of hip hop in the same way White tv executives, rock musicians and actors are questioned. There were no correlations made between hip hop and low test scores, teen pregnacy, drug use, etc. It was the panelists THEMSELVES who made those correlations while accusing CNN and America at large for doing it---huh?

Bottom line, from what I have seen many in the Black community do tend to scrutinize and double analyze the forum itself when it is being held by White folks (clicking into total defense mode)--even though the discussions are no different than what we talk about and deal with on our own. If a Black person is hosting the forum, it becomes a backyard barbeque, if a White person is hosting it--time to circle the wagons and totally push the "blame" on White America. While some folks may say "Hey, its being dealt with. White folks need to butt out", the problem I have with this is that is sends a mixed message to our kids. On one hand we tell them that many of the hurdles they will enounter in life originate from White people and that their destinies are forever intertwined with slavery and Jim Crow. On the other hand we preach to them the gospel of "self help" and "Black power". And if that does not stick, we have no problem of telling them:"Nigga, get off of your A**, get a job and take some responsibility".

Which is it?

This is not a need for "White verification".

So again, the "private vs. public" title IMO is not entirely accurate, but as I pointed out above there are some double standards that are sending some mixed messages to our kids and others who do not want to take any form of responsibilty.

[DarkStar]

Duane, I'm tired I'll get to your comments later.

[MIB]

Duane, I believe the thrust of Ed's comments were to point out most prominent Black commercial radio personalities in syndication pay some respect to the notion of a broadcaster's obligation to public service. I don't see the Limbaughs, Sterns, Mancows, and Savages bothering to make the effort.

I could extend the analogy to 'Urban' (Black) radio in general -- with the exception of the Gospel formatted stations -- and it's the one thing Af-Am broadcasters get right. Since the repeal of the Fairness Doctrine, commercial radio has literally disavowed itself from serving the public interest.