Atlanta Black Radio Unites Again
• After the success of the 2020 program, several of Atlanta’s Black Radio stations have teamed up once again with the common goals of voter education and mobilization in advance of the November 2022 mid-term election. In 2020, after Atlanta made national news over reports of widespread attempts at minority voter suppression, several Black Radio PDs got together to discuss how they could create positive changes as they look toward the future, and out of those discussions sprang “Black Radio United For The Vote.” Now, as Georgia votes for Governor, Secretary of State and a Senate seat, Black Radio stations are coming together with a mission to continue to increase voter turnout.
Stations participating in this initiative include CMG’s WALR (KISS 104.1); Audacy’s WVEE (V103) and WAOK-AM (1380 News & Talk); Urban One’s WAMJ/WUMJ (Majic 107.5/97.5), WHTA (Hot 107.9), WPZE (Praise 102.5) & Classix 102.9 (WAMJ-HD2); Core Radio Group’s WWSZ (Streetz 94.5); and Clark Atlanta University NPR affiliate WCLK (Jazz 91.9).
The goal of Black Radio United For The Vote is to educate and mobilize black voters across metro Atlanta, and to get them to the polls in the coming election on November 8. On August 15, the participating radio stations will dedicate their on-air programming to educate, inform and inspire Atlanta’s black community on important topics such as candidates on the ballot, political platforms, local ballot measures and more.
“Black Radio United for the Vote comes together again to educate and mobilize our communities for the upcoming November election,” said Terri Avery, Director of Branding and Programming, KISS 104.1/Atlanta. “Nowhere else in the country has Black Radio made such an impact on the decisions our communities have made, since the presidential election in Atlanta KISS 104.1 is honored to be part of this movement.”
Rick Caffey, SVP/Market Manager, Audacy Atlanta, commented, “Audacy Atlanta, V-103 and 1380 WAOK are pleased to partner with the Black Radio United for the Vote Initiative as we continue to provide education and information to our community on the voting process. It’s important that all in our country and communities know how to vote, when to vote and where to vote as all of us as citizens, have a fundamental obligation to exercise our right to vote.”
Derek Harper, Operations Manager, Urban One Atlanta, said, “It’s an honor to be able to team up once again with our fellow broadcasters to serve the best interests of communities of color throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area.”
David Linton, Program Director, Jazz 91.9, said, “Every election is important, but what’s just as important is an informed and motivated electorate. This initiative by Black Radio United is designed to ensure our listeners are properly equipped with the knowledge they need in terms of changes in election laws, as well as, knowing where the candidates stand on issues that will affect their everyday lives. It’s our responsibility as broadcasters to provide that information, so they can make informed decisions.”
Solo, PD/Promotion Director, Streetz 94.5, remarked, “The change starts with us making our voice heard and exercising our right to vote is our right actually a responsibility, don’t complain if you’re not going to vote.”
All radio stations will encourage eligible voters to visit BlackRadioUnited.com for up-to-date information on registration deadlines, early voting, and other information, all in one place.
