Urban One
Urban One is the largest African-American owned media company in the United States, operating 74 radio stations, TV One/CLEO TV networks, iOne Digital, Reach Media syndication, and live events to serve Black American audiences and the advertisers seeking to reach them.
- Company typePublic
- Founded1980
- HeadquartersSilver Spring, United States
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Urban One does
Urban One is the largest African-American owned media company in the United States, operating a diversified portfolio of radio, television, digital, podcast, and live event properties targeting Black American and urban consumers. Founded in 1980 and headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland, the company went public in 1999 on NASDAQ under ticker UONE. Its core operations include 74 broadcast radio stations across 15 urban markets (Radio One), TV One and CLEO TV networks reaching 70 million households, iOne Digital's network of 99+ sites with 20 million monthly unique visitors, Reach Media's syndicated programming distributed across 89 affiliate stations (covering 94% of Black America), and signature live events including Urban One Honors and the ONE Voyage Experience cruise.
The company generates revenue almost entirely through advertising sales across its platforms, complemented by event ticket and sponsorship revenue and minor professional services income. Pricing is negotiated on a per-campaign basis and is not publicly disclosed. Distribution is sales-led with direct enterprise sales teams serving advertisers in consumer packaged goods, automotive, telecom, and financial services seeking access to Black American audiences. Underlying technology is conventional broadcast and digital publishing infrastructure with proprietary scale advantages but no disclosed AI/ML capabilities.
Urban One is undergoing a significant financial turnaround. Q1 2026 net revenue of $77.7 million declined 15.8% year-over-year, with declines across all four reporting segments. The company executed a 10-for-1 reverse stock split in January 2026 to maintain Nasdaq listing compliance, completed a distressed debt restructuring reducing long-term debt by $60.2 million (which triggered an S&P downgrade to 'CC'), and revised 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance to approximately $60 million. Strategic responses include the $22 million acquisition of Dallas radio stations KKDA and KRNB, portfolio optimization through the $6 million divestiture of KZMJ and the completed sale of WLNK and WMXG in Charlotte, and revenue diversification initiatives including the Power4+ HBCU Esports League partnership with PlayVS (launching February 2027), a video-first podcast pivot, and expansion of signature live events.
Urban One firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Urban One
- Legal name
- Urban One, Inc.
- Website
- https://urban1.com
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1980
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- Urban One is the largest African-American owned media company in the United States, operating 74 radio stations, TV One/CLEO TV networks, iOne Digital, Reach Media syndication, and live events to serve Black American audiences and the advertisers seeking to reach them.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Urban One industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Radio Broadcasting and Media
- NAICS
- Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations (5161), Media Buying Agencies (54183)
- SIC
- Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832), Television Broadcasting Stations (4833)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Local Radio Station Groups (Owned & Operated/Station Chains) (MPABACAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Local TV Station Groups (Owned & Operated/Station Chains) (MPABACAA), Radio Media Buying (MPAAABAI)
Keywords
Where Urban One is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Silver Spring
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices5 records
Markets served
Urban One business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Radio Broadcasting Advertising: Primary revenue stream from advertising sales across Urban One's radio stations. Revenue declined 6.4% in Q1 2026 compared to prior year period.
- TV Advertising and Licensing: Revenue from TV One and CLEO TV networks including advertising sales and content licensing. TV segment revenue down 18.5% in Q1 2026.
- Digital Advertising: Revenue from iOne Digital's digital advertising across 99+ sites reaching 20 million monthly visitors. Digital segment down 33.5% in Q1 2026.
- Reach Media: Revenue from syndicated radio programming through Reach Media, including talent such as Rickey Smiley, DL Hughley, and others. Reach Media revenue down 17% in Q1 2026.
- Live Events: Revenue from signature events including Urban One Honors, ONE Voyage Experience cruise, Praise in the Park, Women's Empowerment, and Birthday Bash. The cruise rebranding continues 'Party with a Purpose' tradition supporting UNCF scholarships.
- Podcast Network: Revenue from Urban One Podcast Network including advertising within podcasts and the new 'Rickey Smiley On The Spot' video podcast series.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels4 records
Urban One product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Urban One is the largest African-American owned diversified media company, operating radio stations (Radio One) in 15 urban U.S. markets, TV networks (TV One, CLEO TV), the iOne Digital publishing network, syndicated radio programming (Reach Media), the Urban One Podcast Network, branded entertainment services (One Solution), and signature live events including the ONE Voyage Experience cruise. The company sells advertising and sponsorships across these owned platforms to advertisers targeting Black American and urban consumers.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- iOne Digital: Digital media company creating and distributing premium content for Urban Enthusiasts, reaching 20 million unique visitors per month.
- Reach Media
- TV One
- CLEO TV
- Urban One Podcast Network
- One Solution
- R1 Digital
- One VIP
Products and services
- TV One Cable television network targeting Black American audiences; distributed via cable, satellite, and streaming platforms and reaching 70 million households as part of the TV One/CLEO TV household reach. For advertisers seeking to reach Black American viewers.
- CLEO TV Lifestyle and entertainment television network targeting Millennial and Gen X women of color; distributed via cable, satellite, and streaming platforms. Part of the TV One Networks portfolio reaching 70 million households.
- Radio One Radio broadcasting service operating 74 broadcast radio stations in 15 urban U.S. markets under the Radio One brand. Includes app-based streaming through R1 Digital. For advertisers seeking to reach Black American and urban listeners.
- Reach Media Syndicated radio programming distributed across 89 affiliate stations featuring talent such as Rickey Smiley and DL Hughley. Reaches approximately 94% of African American listeners. For advertisers seeking authenticated reach into Black America through nationally syndicated programming.
- iOne Digital Digital media network comprising 99+ owned and operated websites reaching 20 million unique visitors per month with content across 25+ categories and 1 billion monthly video impressions. Serves the 'Urban Enthusiast' audience with celebrity news, sports, music, and women's lifestyle content. For digital advertisers seeking premium multicultural audience reach.
- Urban One Podcast Network Podcast content network distributed through major audio streaming services and video platforms. Includes the new 'Rickey Smiley On The Spot' video podcast launched March 2026 as part of Urban One's video-first strategy. For advertisers seeking to reach Black American podcast audiences.
- One Solution Branded entertainment and integrated marketing agency offering advertisers custom content, branded integrations, and full-service campaign execution across Urban One's radio, TV, digital, podcast, and event properties. For brand marketers seeking turnkey multicultural campaigns.
- R1 Digital Mobile app-based digital radio streaming service for Urban One's radio content, enabling listeners to stream Radio One stations on mobile devices.
- ONE Voyage Experience Multi-day themed cruise experience (rebranded from Fantastic Voyage) operated in partnership with Virgin Voyages, departing Miami with stops in the Bahamas. Combines concerts, comedy, and cultural programming with charitable giving through UNCF partnership supporting HBCU scholarships. For Black American consumers seeking cultural travel experiences.
- Urban One Honors Annual awards event honoring Black American figures in entertainment, music, and culture. 5th Annual Urban One Honors held in Atlanta featuring LL Cool J, Bobby Brown, David and Tamela Mann, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Pharrell Williams, LeToya Luckett, and The Manns. For advertisers and sponsors targeting culturally engaged Black American audiences.
- Power4+ HBCU Esports League National collegiate esports competition for HBCUs operated as a three-year partnership between Urban One and PlayVS, providing a fee-free competitive gaming ecosystem within the PlayVS College League. Expanding access, visibility, and career pathways for HBCU students into tech and media. For HBCU students, HBCU esports coordinators, and brands seeking HBCU-targeted sponsorships.
Quantifiable outcome
- 94% African American Population Coverage
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Urban One
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Urban One technology and API
TechnologyAPI detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Urban One partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- PlayVSflagshipThree-year partnership to create the Power4+ HBCU Esports League, a national collegiate esports competition launching February 2027. PlayVS provides the competitive gaming ecosystem within the PlayVS College League; Urban One provides media support and HBCU outreach. League has secured commitments from 25 HBCUs including Bowie State, Clark Atlanta, Grambling State, and Howard Universities.
- Service Broadcasting Group, LLCcoreAcquisition of Service Broadcasting Group, LLC including flagship Dallas radio stations KKDA and KRNB for $22.0 million. Transaction contingent upon FCC regulatory approval. Part of strategy to expand presence in high-growth urban markets and strengthen ability to serve Black American and urban audiences in Dallas.
- Fuzion Dallas, LLCminorSale of Dallas radio station KZMJ to Fuzion Dallas, LLC for $6.0 million. Transaction contingent upon FCC regulatory approval. Part of simultaneous transactions to optimize Dallas market portfolio.
- UNCF (United Negro College Fund)corePartnership to continue the 'Party with a Purpose' tradition supporting scholarships and resources for HBCU students. The 2026 ONE Voyage Experience cruise serves as the charitable vehicle for UNCF to receive and regrant contributions. This builds on 25 years of community engagement through the former Fantastic Voyage cruise.
- Virgin VoyagesflagshipPartnership with Virgin Voyages for the ONE Voyage Experience cruise aboard the Resilient Lady. Departing Miami October 26, 2026 with stops in Nassau, Bahamas and Bimini. Award-winning radio host and comedian Rickey Smiley will host the 2026 voyage.
- Rickey SmileycoreMulti-year expansion with radio personality Rickey Smiley including five-year renewal of his nationally syndicated morning show and launch of new video podcast series 'Rickey Smiley On The Spot'. Positions Urban One's 'video-first' strategy and extends reach across 89 affiliate stations with 15-year ratings legacy.
- Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC)minorFive-year media rights partnership with Urban Edge Network (UEN) to expand broadcast reach and fan engagement for KCAC contests through 2028-29.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Urban One competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Audacy: Major U.S. radio operator with ~200 stations plus the Audacy digital streaming app. Similar in radio broadcasting + podcast + digital monetization mix; relevant comparable for both linear radio trends and the pivot to streaming.
- Townsquare Media: Operates ~320 radio stations concentrated in mid-sized markets plus digital advertising (Townsquare Interactive) and live events. Comparable diversified local-media business model with similar revenue mix of radio advertising, digital, and events.
- Cumulus Media: Second-largest U.S. radio broadcaster operating ~400 stations across multiple formats. Closely comparable operating model (radio advertising + Westwood One syndication + digital), and a useful reference for Urban One's radio segment performance and leverage profile.
- iHeartMedia: The largest U.S. radio broadcaster with ~860 stations and the iHeartRadio digital platform. Directly comparable business model (multi-station radio broadcasting + digital + live events), differing primarily by Urban One's African-American audience focus versus iHeart's general-market footprint.
- Salem Communications: Radio broadcasting company focused on Christian and conservative talk formats, also operating digital and publishing assets. Similar publicly traded multi-station radio model with a specific audience-targeting strategy, though its demographic niche differs from Urban One's.
- Emmis Communications: Indianapolis-based radio broadcaster with major market stations and a meaningful urban-format presence (e.g., WBLS, WLIB). Comparable radio operator with significant African-American audience programming, providing a useful benchmark for urban-format performance.
- Alpha Media: Private radio operator with ~200 stations in mid-size U.S. markets. Comparable multi-station broadcasting model with similar revenue mix; relevant for benchmarking scale economics and ad-sales structure in non-metro markets.
Broad incumbents
- BET (Paramount Global): Cable television network targeting Black American audiences, now owned by Paramount Global. Closest large-scale competitor in Black-targeted television content, offering an overlapping audience but embedded within a broader general-entertainment portfolio rather than as a standalone niche specialist.
Emerging players
- The Root (G/O Media): Digital news and culture publication focused on African-American audiences, operated within G/O Media's portfolio of vertical sites. Comparable Black-targeted digital publishing model but operating without broadcast or TV distribution assets, making it a partial-overlap digital peer to iOne Digital.
- Essence Communications: Multi-platform media company targeting Black women, anchored by Essence magazine (now digital-only) and the Essence Festival. Comparable audience overlap (Black women consumers) and event-driven revenue model, though smaller in scale and lacking Urban One's broadcast footprint.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Urban One social profiles
Digital presenceUrban One financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Urban One leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles16 records
Urban One subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries9 records
Urban One funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Urban One M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A5 records
Investments1 record
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Urban One
What does Urban One do?
Urban One is the largest African-American owned diversified media company, operating radio stations (Radio One) in 15 urban U.S. markets, TV networks (TV One, CLEO TV), the iOne Digital publishing network, syndicated radio programming (Reach Media), the Urban One Podcast Network, branded entertainment services (One Solution), and signature live events including the ONE Voyage Experience cruise. The company sells advertising and sponsorships across these owned platforms to advertisers targeting Black American and urban consumers.
Is Urban One a public or private company?
Urban One is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was Urban One founded?
Urban One was founded in 1980. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is Urban One based?
Urban One is headquartered in Silver Spring, United States, in the North America region.
How does Urban One make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Radio Broadcasting Advertising is the primary driver. The others are TV Advertising and Licensing, digital Advertising, reach Media, live Events and podcast Network.
Who are Urban One's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Audacy, Townsquare Media, Cumulus Media, iHeartMedia, Salem Communications, Emmis Communications and Alpha Media. BET (Paramount Global) is listed as a broad incumbent. Emerging players are The Root (G/O Media) and Essence Communications.
Does Urban One have an API?
No public API is recorded for Urban One.
What industry is Urban One in?
Urban One's product category is Radio Broadcasting and Media. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPABACAC, Local Radio Station Groups (Owned & Operated/Station Chains), with a secondary code of MPABACAA, Local TV Station Groups (Owned & Operated/Station Chains). Its NAICS code is 5161 and its SIC code is 4832.