Urban One, Smiley Expand Their Relationship
• Urban One and Marconi Award-winning radio personality, comedian, and author Rickey Smiley are expanding their partnership with a five-year extension of the nationally syndicated The Rickey Smiley Morning Show and the impending launch of Rickey Smiley On The Spot, original video podcast series that debuts March 24 on the company’s Urban One Podcast Network. This expansion signifies Urban One’s “video-first” pivot, transforming the comedian’s raw, authentic voice into a deeply personal long-form digital experience.
“Rickey is a cornerstone of the Urban One brand, and we are thrilled to expand his footprint with a show that captures his natural comedic rhythm in such an intimate way,” said Deon Levingston, Co-President of Urban One’s Audio Division. “By expanding on Rickey’s popularity with our listeners and creating a new programming opportunity, we are providing a platform that not only uplifts Black voices but also creates a premium, culturally resonant environment for our listeners and brand partners alike.”
Each 35-minute episode of Rickey Smiley On The Spot will feature an impressive lineup of guests, including Da Brat, Keisha Lance Bottoms, Tye Tribbett, and Tiny Harris, among others.
“I’m so excited to continue my partnership with Urban One and Reach Media,” Smiley said. “I’m eternally grateful to Ms. Hughes, Alfred Liggins, Deon Levingston, and Colby Colb for believing in me all these years. I could not do any of this without the most amazing team of talented people I am blessed to work with every day who keep it real, keep it fresh and keep our fans informed and laughing every day. The future is bright with the best yet to come.”
Rickey Smiley On The Spot is executive produced by Rickey Smiley and Tiffany Ryland, with Tonya Clackum and Taylor Green serving as producers. The podcast is distributed through the Urban One Podcast Network, led by Sr. Director of Podcast Operations, Dre Smith. Smiley is represented by Paul Anderson of Workhouse Media, Inc.
The new video podcast will premiere weekly beginning March 24 and will be housed through the Urban One Podcast Network and will be available on all major audio platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Pandora. [Photo credit: Hollery Morris]
