Radio Milwaukee Taps Moody As PD, Urban Alt Channel
• WYMS (88Nine Radio Milwaukee) announced that Tarik Moody, public radio innovator and the creator and host of the syndicated Rhythm Lab Radio has been named Program Director of Radio Milwaukee’s new Urban Alternative channel, which is set to launch next June.
“Tarik is an incredible visionary,” said Kevin Sucher, Executive Director of Radio Milwaukee. “He has been instrumental in Radio Milwaukee’s pursuit of the Urban Alternative channel, and his nationally syndicated program Rhythm Lab Radio has pioneered this sound across the country. Tarik’s passion for new technology, music and Milwaukee make him the perfect choice for this important role.”
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is providing a $450,000 grant to Radio Milwaukee to help create the new Urban Alternative channel. Radio Milwaukee’s current programming on 88.9FM will also continue on-air and on its digital platforms.
Moody, who has been with 88Nine since its inception and also serves as Director of Digital Strategy & Innovation and evening host, said, “Our Urban Alternative channel aims to reclaim the word ‘urban’ for the Black community. Instead of putting Black artists in a box, our channel will celebrate the beauty and diversity of Black music and creativity. We will champion new talent from Milwaukee and pay respect to artists that paved the way,” he said. “We will also share the untold stories of our community in a way that isn’t found in mainstream media. Most importantly, we invite the community to be part of this journey.”
In addition to serving as Program Director of Urban Alternative, Moody will continue to host Rhythm Lab Radio, his weekly foodie podcast, This Bites, and serial podcasts Diverse Disruptors and By Every Measure. Additional responsibilities from his current role will be transitioned to existing Radio Milwaukee employees. Moody will work in conjunction with 88Nine Station Director Jordan Lee on launch preparations for the new channel. Lee will oversee technical and engineering, grant reporting requirements and project timelines, and Moody will lead music programming, staffing and content. Together, Moody and Lee have consulted on the development of other Urban Alternative stations around the country. Dori Zori remains in her current role as 88Nine’s Program Director.
In early 2022, Radio Milwaukee will hire additional Urban Alternative staff members and will share the channel’s name and brand identity. The new channel is slated to launch on June 19, 2022, which is Juneteenth Day. The Urban Alternative channel will share administrative staff with Radio Milwaukee. [Photo credit: Erin Bagatta]
