Reach Media

What Reach Media does

Reach Media Inc is a Dallas-based, Black-owned and operated syndicated radio network that distributes culturally relevant audio programming to African American audiences across the United States. Founded in 2001 by Tom Joyner, the company is a privately held subsidiary of Urban One, Inc. (NASDAQ: UONE), operating within a broader corporate family that includes Radio One, TV One, iOne Digital, and One Solution. Its programming spans four formats — Urban Mainstream, Urban AC, Inspirational, and Talk — anchored by high-profile on-air personalities including Rickey Smiley, D.L. Hughley, Erica Campbell, Willie Moore Jr., Al Sharpton, KG Smooth, and Darlene McCoy, with flagship shows such as The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, The Morning Hustle, The D.L. Hughley Show, and Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell. Reach Media's technical infrastructure distributes syndicated content to 311 affiliate radio stations across 93 markets via Westwood One satellite and Synchronicity segment delivery systems, complemented by a digital footprint spanning show-specific websites (e.g., TheMorningHustle.com, BlackAmericaWeb.com) and active social media channels. The company claims coverage of 94-95% of Black America and 85% of the General Market, reaching over 38 million monthly listeners and 20 million weekly listeners (Nielsen Audio Spring 2024 DMA), equating to roughly 1 in 2 African Americans reached weekly.

The business operates a multi-stream revenue model anchored in advertising sales targeting national and local brands seeking access to Black consumers through trusted on-air voices, augmented by event sponsorships for signature cultural properties such as One Voyage (HBCU benefit), Birthday Bash (Atlanta hip hop celebration), and Women's Empowerment. A third revenue stream arises from syndication arrangements with the 311 affiliated radio stations across 93 markets. Distribution and go-to-market rely on a combination of direct sales teams selling integrated audio-led marketing solutions, channel partnerships with affiliate stations, and an event-driven cultural engagement model. Reach Media has accumulated industry recognition including multiple Marconi Awards for Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year (Rickey Smiley in 2017 and 2021; nominations in 2024), Marconi Show of the Year for The Morning Hustle, and Stellar Awards for syndicated gospel programming. Reach Media is one reporting segment within publicly traded parent Urban One, whose Q1 2026 consolidated net revenue was $77.7 million; the Reach Media division posted a 17.0% YoY revenue decline in that quarter, reflecting broader secular pressure on the broadcast radio advertising market. Community initiatives including Black Health 365, Black Wealth 365, She Did That, The Real University, and School Zone extend the network into cause-driven content verticals, though these are not yet material to revenue.

Name

Reach Media

Legal name

Reach Media Inc.

Website

https://reachmediainc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Reach Media is the largest Black-owned and operated syndicated radio network in the U.S., serving as a subsidiary of Urban One, Inc. It distributes culturally relevant programming across Urban Mainstream, Urban AC, Inspirational, and Talk formats to 311 affiliates in 93 markets, reaching 38 million monthly listeners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Radio Broadcasting and Advertising

NAICS

Radio Broadcasting Stations (516110)

SIC

Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832)

akta.pro primary industry

Music & Audio Streaming Platforms (BPAMAJAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Non-Interactive Digital Radio (Lean-Back Streaming) (MPAIACAB)

Keywords

• Syndicated radio network
• Urban radio programming
• African American media
• Audio advertising sales
• Gospel radio programming

Headquarters

HQ city

Dallas

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Radio Advertising: Reach Media generates primary revenue through advertising sales targeting the African American audience. The network offers audio-led integrated marketing solutions for advertisers seeking to reach Black consumers through trusted voices and programming.
2. Event Sponsorships: Revenue generated from corporate sponsorships of signature events including One Voyage, Birthday Bash, Women's Empowerment, and other community initiatives.
3. Syndication Fees: Reach Media operates as a syndicated radio network with affiliate relationships across 311 stations in 93 markets, generating revenue through syndication arrangements with radio station partners.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Reach Media operates the largest Black-owned and operated syndicated audio network, distributing flagship radio programming across Urban Mainstream, Urban AC, Inspirational, and Talk formats to 311 affiliate stations in 93 markets and reaching roughly 38 million monthly listeners. The company packages this audience into advertising inventory, integrated audio-led marketing solutions, and event sponsorship opportunities for advertisers targeting African American consumers, while also licensing programming content to affiliate radio stations.

Product overview

Reach Media is a Black-owned and operated audio network serving as the largest syndicated radio network targeting African American audiences. The company operates a unified platform delivering culturally engaging content across four programming formats: Urban Mainstream (The Morning Hustle, Posted on the Corner), Urban AC (The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, The D.L. Hughley Show, Love & R&B), Inspirational (Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell, The Willie Moore Jr. Show, The Nightly Spirit with Darlene, Praise Mixdown, Gospel Traxx, Spirit Top 15), and Talk (Keeping It Real with Al Sharpton, Sybil Wilkes news features). The network distributes through 311 affiliates across 93 markets, reaching over 38 million monthly listeners and 95% of Black America. Beyond programming, Reach Media offers integrated marketing solutions and operates signature events including One Voyage, Birthday Bash, and Women's Empowerment, along with community initiatives focused on Black Health, Black Wealth, education, and women's empowerment.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Reach Media Audio Network Black-owned and operated audio network distributing syndicated radio programming across Urban Mainstream, Urban AC, Inspirational, and Talk formats through 311 affiliates in 93 U.S. markets, reaching over 38 million monthly listeners and roughly 95% of Black America.
• The Rickey Smiley Morning Show Urban AC morning program featuring music, information, entertainment, and comedy, hosted by Rickey Smiley and airing weekdays 6-10am ET to syndicated radio audiences.
• The D.L. Hughley Show Urban AC afternoon show targeting progressive urbanites ages 25–54 with comedy and social commentary, hosted by D.L. Hughley and airing weekdays 3-7pm ET.
• The Morning Hustle Urban mainstream morning show targeting millennials and Generation Z with a humorous, informative take on urban pop culture, airing weekdays 6-10am ET.
• Love & R&B Nightly syndicated Urban AC show hosted by KG Smooth featuring grown and sexy R&B music, airing 7pm-midnight ET across 17 U.S. markets.
• Posted on the Corner High-energy Urban Mainstream evening radio show hosted by Incognito with music, entertainment segments, and trivia, airing weekdays 3-8pm or 7pm-midnight ET.
• Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell Inspirational morning show featuring faith-based content, family-friendly perspective, and motivational entertainment, co-hosted by Erica Campbell and GRIFF on weekdays 6-10am ET.
• The Willie Moore Jr. Show Inspirational afternoon drive program delivering empowerment, motivational music, and passion, airing weekdays 3-7pm ET.
• The Nightly Spirit with Darlene Evening inspirational program reaching listeners through uplifting music, interactive features, and unique entertainment, airing weeknights 7-11pm ET.
• Praise Mixdown Urban gospel mix show featuring hit-driven, high-energy inspirational songs, positioned as bridging the gap between the streets and the church.
• Gospel Traxx Weekend inspirational program featuring Walt Baby Love, uplifting listeners through a balance of inspirational hits.
• Spirit Top 15 Weekend countdown show featuring the 15 biggest inspirational hits, hosted by Darlene.
• Keeping It Real with Al Sharpton Political commentary and talk show featuring civil rights leader Al Sharpton discussing current issues with practical answers and solutions, airing weekdays 1-4pm ET.
• Integrated Marketing Solutions Audio-led integrated marketing solutions package offered to advertisers, combining Reach Media's radio programming, digital platforms, and signature events to help brands build authentic relationships with African American consumers.
• One Voyage "Party with a purpose" live event benefiting HBCU students, used as a sponsorship and experiential marketing platform for advertisers.
• Birthday Bash Signature Atlanta event celebrating HOT 107.9 with live hip-hop performances, providing experiential sponsorship opportunities for advertisers.
• Women's Empowerment Signature Radio One/Reach Media event bringing together dynamic speakers and entertainment to empower women, used as an advertising and sponsorship platform.

Quantifiable outcome

• 94% coverage of Black America and 85% of General Market
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, strategic and minor.

• Westwood OnecoreTechnology or IntegrationWestwood One is a technical partner providing satellite delivery infrastructure for Reach Media syndicated programming. Reach Media uses Westwood One's 24/7 support line (1-888-435-7450) and technical site (technology.westwoodone.com) for troubleshooting and technical documentation for satellite-delivered shows.
• SynchronicitycoreTechnology or IntegrationSynchronicity provides segment delivery technology for Reach Media syndicated programming. Synchronicity Tech Support can be reached at 1-877-738-4145 for issues related to segment delivered shows.
• Urban OnecoreOthersReach Media is part of the Urban One family of companies, which includes Radio One, TV One, iOne Digital, and One Solution. Urban One is a media company targeting African American consumers.
• Interactive OnecoreOthersInteractive One, LLC is listed as the parent company for Reach Media's website copyright (2026 Interactive One, LLC).
• Radio OnemajorOthersRadio One is listed as part of the Urban One family along with Reach Media. Radio One operates radio stations and shares programming and talent with Reach Media.
• Service Broadcasting Group, LLCstrategicOthersUrban One (parent company of Reach Media) announced acquisition of Dallas radio stations KKDA and KRNB from Service Broadcasting Group, LLC for $22.0 million as part of strategic transactions.
• Fuzion Dallas, LLCminorOthersUrban One (parent company of Reach Media) sold radio station KZMJ to Fuzion Dallas, LLC for $6.0 million as part of portfolio optimization.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Salem Communications: Radio broadcaster specializing in Christian and conservative talk formats. Overlaps with Reach Media's Inspirational and Talk formats (e.g., Keeping It Real with Al Sharpton, faith-based programming), competing for similar listener demographics and faith-based advertisers.
• Emmis Communications: Diversified radio broadcaster with significant Urban/Urban AC holdings serving African American audiences. Competes with Reach Media in attracting listeners and advertisers targeting Black consumers, particularly in major markets.
• iHeartMedia: Largest US radio broadcaster and owner of Premiere Networks. Competes broadly with Reach Media for advertising budgets and audience attention, with iHeart's scale and integrated digital platforms representing both a competitor and a potential partner.
• Audacy: Major US radio operator with hundreds of stations across multiple formats including Urban. Competes with Reach Media for African American listeners and national advertising clients, and has expanded aggressively into podcasting and digital audio.

Direct peers

• Westwood One: Major radio network and syndicator owned by Cumulus Media. Directly competes with Reach Media in syndicated radio programming distribution and is also a technical infrastructure partner, highlighting the dual competitor-vendor dynamic in radio syndication.
• Premiere Networks (iHeartMedia): The largest radio syndication company in the US, owned by iHeartMedia. Competes directly with Reach Media in syndicated programming distribution, talent representation, and national advertising sales across multiple formats.
• Compass Media Networks: Independent radio syndication company offering syndicated programming, show prep, and jingles to affiliate stations. Competes with Reach Media for affiliate relationships and national advertising clients in the syndicated radio market.
• United Stations Radio Networks: Long-standing independent radio syndication network distributing programs to affiliate stations nationwide. Directly comparable to Reach Media in syndication business model, talent representation, and national advertising sales.
• American Urban Radio Networks (AURN): Radio network specifically serving African American audiences with news, talk, and music programming. Directly comparable to Reach Media in targeting Black listeners and providing syndicated content to affiliate stations nationwide.
• Radio One: Urban-formatted radio station operator and Reach Media's sister company under Urban One. Both target African American audiences with Urban Mainstream, Urban AC, and Inspirational formats, sharing talent and programming content.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/reach-media

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Reach Media