{SILVER SPRING, MD – October 8, 2014} – Today, Radio One of Texas II, LLC announces the transition of News92. In 2011, the station made history as it filled a void and made Houston history as the first FM all-news radio station in the area. After investing significant financial and human resources in the development and management of this innovative news platform, the market simply did not have a sustained appetite for news radio.
“We’re proud of the work we did with News92,” said Doug Abernethy, Regional Vice President of Radio One. “We hired established and trusted Houstonian journalists from the radio, print and television news industries. We also invested in community relations, infrastructure, marketing, promotions and sales. Unfortunately after three years of a valiant effort, the difficult decision had to be made.”
Despite the financial investment and continued efforts made to support the success of News92; the multi-million dollar losses and poor ratings performance have culminated in the decision to change formats.
“We take the loss of employees seriously,” said Chris Wegmann, President of the Radio Division. “We are working to ensure all of our impacted employees are transitioned with the dignity and respect they deserve.”
Though disappointed by this unfortunate, but necessary decision, Radio One is excited about the future of the new B921 FM that is expected to feature advertising free, 24-7 music from one of Houston’s own mega talents.
Radio One remains committed to its mission to be the most trusted source in the African-American community that informs, entertains and inspires audiences.
Wegmann said, “Our airways remain open and available to the community, political and spiritual leaders that share in our commitment to be a voice to and for the African-American community.”
About Radio One, Inc.:
Radio One, Inc., together with its subsidiaries (http://www.radio-one.com/), is a diversified media company that primarily targets African-American and urban consumers. The Company is one of the nation’s largest radio broadcasting companies, currently owning and/or operating 54 broadcast stations located in 16 urban markets in the United States. Through its controlling interest in Reach Media, Inc. (http://www.blackamericaweb.com/), the Company also operates syndicated programming including the Tom Joyner Morning Show, the Russ Parr Morning Show, the Yolanda Adams Morning Show, the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, Bishop T.D. Jakes’ “Empowering Moments”, and the Reverend Al Sharpton Show. Beyond its core radio broadcasting franchise, Radio One owns Interactive One (http://www.interactiveone.com/), an online platform serving the African-American community through social content, news, information, and entertainment. Interactive One operates a number of branded sites, including News One, UrbanDaily, HelloBeautiful and social networking websites, including BlackPlanet and MiGente. In addition, the Company owns a controlling interest in TV One, LLC (http://www.tvoneonline.com/), a cable/satellite network programming primarily to African-Americans.
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