Courier, Truth Join Milwaukee Black Media Trust
• The Milwaukee Courier and WGKB (101.7 The Truth/W269DL)/Milwaukee are now united under the Milwaukee Black Media Trust, a new community ownership structure that ensures these historic Black media institutions will remain independent, community-accountable, and in service of Milwaukee’s Black community.
The Trust was established by Civic Media, Inc., which acquired the Milwaukee Courier in late 2025 and is awaiting FCC approval to finalize the purchase of Urban WNOV (860 & 106.5/W293CX), Wisconsin’s first Black-owned radio station. Under the Milwaukee Black Media Trust, no individual or corporation can sell, consolidate, or redirect these institutions away from the community they serve.
Employees of the Milwaukee Black Media share in the company’s financial success through a profit-sharing program that vests over five years. The Trust is governed by three Trustees, all of whom have deep roots in Milwaukee’s Black community. Those Trustees, in turn, appoint board members for Milwaukee Black Media LLC, the company that will own and operate The Milwaukee Courier, 101.7 The Truth, and, eventually, WNOV. Milwaukee Black Media has also entered into an LMA with Good Karma Brands to program 101.7 The Truth, with an option to purchase the station.
“Good Karma Brands is proud to support a model that keeps these important media institutions rooted in the community they serve and expands the opportunity for our teammates,” said Good Karma Brands CEO Craig Karmazin. “From the start, our focus has been on building a strong platform and positioning it for continued growth and impact. We’re proud of what’s been built with The Truth, and we’re excited to partner with Milwaukee Black Media, which is best positioned to serve our advertising partners, teammates and Truth Nation.”
WNOV is expected to join the Milwaukee Black Media group in the future, pending FCC approval of Civic Media’s original acquisition and a subsequent license transfer to the Trust.
