Civic Media, a Wisconsin-based radio network, has agreed to acquire heritage Urban News/Talk station WNOV (860 AM/106.5 FM) in Milwaukee and the weekly Milwaukee Courier newspaper, both longstanding institutions serving the city's Black community.
The company will assume responsibility for station programming and newspaper publication starting January 1.
Dr. Robert "Biko" Baker, a civic engagement leader, political commentator, and former editor of The Source, has been named Operations Manager for both properties. He will oversee investments in journalism and programming focused on Milwaukee's Black community.The deal ends more than five decades of family ownership by Courier Communications Corporation, following the recent passing of founder Dr. Jerrel Jones. Current owner Mary Ellen Jones will serve as a consultant during the transition, while her brother Jerrel Jones will assist with the newspaper's digital transformation."My parents built The Milwaukee Courier and WNOV to give Milwaukee's Black community a voice when few existed," Mary Ellen Jones said.
Civic Media CEO Sage Weil described the acquisition as "both an opportunity and a responsibility." He emphasized stewarding the institutions' deep roots by modernizing operations, expanding digital reach, and maintaining service with integrity. Founded in 2022 as a public benefit corporation, Civic Media aims to support democracy through local journalism.
Civic Media Regional President Chris Moreau pledged resources to support WNOV and the Courier across broadcast, digital, and print platforms.
WNOV became Wisconsin's first Black-owned radio station in 1972 under Dr. Jerrel Jones and was among a handful nationwide at the time. The Milwaukee Courier, published continuously since 1964, has long been a trusted voice in the Black community.