The Black Public Radio Network (BPRN) has officially launched, giving Black public radio stations a unified national voice for the first time.
Four years in the making, the network debuted with 15 founding stations led by Ernest Walker, General Manager of Texas Southern University’s KTSU in Houston.Plans call for developing national underwriting and sponsorship opportunities, with VuHaus Group handling national sponsorship sales.
Paragon has signed a six-month agreement to provide research and strategic guidance as BPRN’s consulting partner.
The 15 founding stations, spanning 13 states, are: KTSU (Houston), KUVO “The Drop” (Denver), WBGO (Newark, N.J.), KPVU (Prairie View, Texas), WCLK (Atlanta), WNCU (Durham, N.C.), WEAA (Baltimore), HYFIN (Milwaukee), WNSB (Norfolk, Va.), WJAB (Huntsville, Ala.), KJLU (Jefferson City, Mo.), WRVS (Elizabeth City, N.C.), WSSB (Orangeburg, S.C.), WURC (Holly Springs, Miss.), and WESM (Salisbury, Md.).
Walker described the launch as a pivotal advancement for public media and the communities served by these stations.
“The launch of the Black Public Radio Network represents a transformative moment for public media and for the communities our stations serve,” Walker said. “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 amplify the influence of Black public radio by combining resources, enhancing programming reach, and creating new revenue streams through coordinated national sales and strategic support.