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| Bob Law (1940-2026) |
Bob Law, a pioneering radio executive and host of the first nationally syndicated Black-oriented talk show "Night Talk," died Monday, March 30. He was 86.
His family said Law — a legendary broadcaster, community activist, author and entrepreneur — "was devoted to his faith, his family and his community" and "touched the lives of many through his words and actions."
Law spent more than 50 years in radio, ending his career in 2024 as host of a weekly WBAI/99.5 FM show on music, politics and Black history. He joined New York station WWRL/1600 in 1973 as public affairs director, building the station’s news programs and information outreach during its heyday as a cornerstone of Black media in the city.
At WWRL he launched "Black Dialogue," a listener clearinghouse addressing policing, housing, schools and safety, and in 1981 created "Night Talk," which became a key platform for politicians and civil rights leaders — including Malcolm X (earlier visits to the station), the Rev. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, who announced his 1984 presidential bid on Law’s show. Nicknamed the "Urban Preacher," Law also founded the station’s long-running "Respect Yourself" campaign, promoting civic engagement and community respect.
City officials credited Law with lasting influence: the Office of the New York City Public Advocate called him "a powerful voice in Black media and tireless advocate for justice."
Law witnessed and spoke about the decline of independent Black radio, attributing much of it to industry consolidation after the 1996 Telecommunications Act. WWRL, once a Black-owned Queens institution, was sold in 2016 and later became part of iHeartMedia’s Black Information Network.
Born in Brooklyn, Law was active in community organizing throughout his life. He served as New York State coordinator for the 1995 Million Man March, chaired the National Black Alliance, and helped organize the Peace Keepers Global Initiative, which promotes mental health awareness.