Urban One Realigns Executive Suite

• Urban One announced that David Kantor will retire as CEO of Radio One and Reach Media, effective Jan. 5, 2025. He will be succeeded internally, as Eddie Harrell Jr. and Deon Levingston will be elevated to co-Presidents of Urban One’s Audio Division. Harrell, Jr. is currently Regional Vice President and General Manager of Radio One’s Ohio Markets, and Levingston is currently Regional Vice President and General Manager of Radio One Indianapolis.

“The radio industry is losing one of its giants, and Urban One is bidding farewell to a venerable leader whose passion and vision have helped to shape our industry, guide our company, and serve our growing and diverse audience,” said Urban One CEO Alfred Liggins.

Kantor (left) was named CEO of Urban One’s Audio Division in 2015, overseeing the division’s syndication growth, expansion into podcasting, and other new lines of business. He was instrumental in executing the company strategy of acquiring stations in key markets by adding additional formats. Kantor’s retirement marks the end of a distinguished career that spans decades of success. He held executive roles at Cox Cable, Satellite Music Network, ABC Radio Networks, and AMFM Inc., where he was instrumental in launching several influential radio networks, including The Tom Joyner Morning Show, Radio Disney, and ESPN Radio. He and Joyner co-founded Reach Media in 2003. Urban One acquired a majority interest in the company one year later, and Kantor remained its President & CEO, growing it to over 312 affiliate stations in 94 markets and reaching 94% of the U.S. African American population.

Harrell, Jr. (center) joined the company in April 2011 as VP/GM of the company’s Columbus, OH group, transitioning from his role as President/CEO of the Columbus Urban League. In March 2014 was named VP/GM of the Cleveland market, and in Oct. 2015 was elevated to RVP for Ohio, adding Cincinnati to his purview. Levingston (right) has served in his current role since early 2016. Before that he spent 12 years in New York as SVP/Market Manager for Emmis, and VP/GM and President of YMF Media. Earlier in his career Levingston worked for Radio One Indianapolis as Director of Sales and VP/Market Manager.

“Eddie Harrell, Jr. and Deon Levingston are ready to take the helm and build on the legacy David leaves behind,” said Liggins. “They understand our brand, our audience, and our position in this industry. Their talent and experience are just what we need moving forward.”