Black Public Radio Network Launches
• At a pivotal time for public media, 15 public radio stations across the U.S. have united to launch the Black Public Radio Network (BPRN), a first-of-its-kind national coalition dedicated to strengthening the future of Black public radio through collaboration, innovation, revenue growth, and cultural impact.
BPRN’s founding affiliates include 12 stations licensed to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), along with respected public radio brands WBGO/New York, KUVO-HD2 (The Drop)/Denver, and HYFIN/Milwaukee.
Founded by Ernest Walker, President of BPRN and GM of KTSU 90.9FM/Houston, the network was created to ensure the long-term sustainability, relevance, and growth of public radio stations that serve Black audiences and communities across the country. “The launch of the Black Public Radio Network represents a transformative moment for public media and for the communities our stations serve,” said Walker. “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.”
As part of its launch, BPRN has entered a six-month strategic planning phase designed to build the network’s operational framework, national revenue strategy, and long-term growth plan. To support this effort, BPRN has engaged Paragon as a consulting partner, while VuHaus Group will support the development and execution of national sponsorship sales opportunities for the network.
BPRN’s planning phase is also being supported by two highly respected public media leaders who were added to Team Paragon for this project: Jacquie Gales Webb, former VP of Radio at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and Nikki Swarn, former GM of The Drop/Denver, bringing deep expertise in public media leadership, strategy, and audience development.
Walker added, “This network is about more than preservation — it’s about positioning Black public radio for greater influence, innovation, and impact. We are building a structure that allows our stations to move forward together with greater strategy, greater visibility, and greater economic opportunity.”
