The Prodigal Son Has Returned Home to 96.5 FM

Wednesday, August 1, 2018, Will Mark The Dawn of A New Era in Little Rock Radio…The Prodigal Son Will Returned Home to 96.5 FM The BOX

Ratliff has recreated a new sound for Arkansans listening pleasure. Little Rock, please welcome KBKX- FM, 96.5 THE BOX! Formally owned by Crain Media Group, LLC, 96.5 FM will be reintroduced by new owners, Joel Ratliff Sr. Chief Operations Officer/ Vice President and Al Bradford-Telecommunication Guru and Chief Executive Officer/President of Bradford-Ratliff Media Group, LLC. 96.5 THE BOX is a new CHURBAN format, with a pinch of Rhythmic music and the right mix of Hip-Hop and R&B. But, the focus will be on breaking the best Arkansas artist in Central Arkansas.

 

96.5 THE BOX will have a target audience between the ages of 18 and 44. 96.5 THE BOX will feature the hottest artists, interviews, and radio personalities! Bradford-Ratliff Media Group LLC welcomes nationally syndicated morning show, The Breakfast Club (DJ Envy, Angela Yee and Charlemagne the god) along with MAJOR radio personality out of Los Angeles, California…Big Boy in the afternoons! With the best local celebrities in Central Arkansas. Midnight, August 1, 2018, represents the switch of the dial for Central Arkansas radio listeners.

KBKX, 96.5 THE BOX will launch with over 70 years of broadcast radio, advertising/marketing and telecommunications experience under one roof. Al Bradford, Bradford-Ratliff Media Group LLC, CEO and President with Joel “DJ No Name” Ratliff Sr, COO and Vice President are ready to reestablish 96.5’s rightful place as Central Arkansas’ #1 for Hip- Hop and R&B!

SOURCE: Joel (Dj No Name) Ratliff Sr.

CONTACT: joel@ratliffmedia.com

SiriusXM to Exclusively Broadcast Richard Pryor

SiriusXM to Exclusively Broadcast Three Never-Before-Heard Standup Albums from Legendary Comedian Richard Pryor

SIRIUS XM logo. (PRNewsFoto/SIRIUS XM Radio)

SiriusXM today announced that it will honor the life and legacy of comedian Richard Pryor with three weeks of special programming dedicated to the late star. Starting May 21 on Comedy Greats channel 94, listeners will hear Pryor’s entire discography – all newly remastered for the event – as well as an original audio documentary hosted by Ron Bennington. As part of the tribute, “Richard Pryor: Still Outrageous,” SiriusXM will also exclusively broadcast three recently discovered standup albums, which will be the first time they are available to the public, in addition to rare and never-before-released tracks.

Richard Pryor was a trailblazing comedian who rose to stardom in the 1960s with his provocative standup, and today is widely considered one of the greatest comedians of all time. Throughout his career, he won an Emmy Award and five Grammy Awards, and in 1998 became the first-ever recipient of the Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. Beginning May 21, SiriusXM Comedy Greats will take listeners through his entire career, showcasing the growth of his comedic artistry throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. One album will play each day at 9:00 am ET from May 21 through June 8.

In addition to the albums fans have appreciated for years, now airing with vastly improved audio, SiriusXM will also exclusively broadcast three never-before-heard standup albums from the late comedian, which Pryor’s family recently uncovered in a treasure trove of material kept in his old storage units.

On Friday, May 25 at 9:00 am ET, SiriusXM will premiere “Live at the Roxy,” which was recorded from the famous West Hollywood nightclub in 1976. The following Friday, June 1, will be the debut of “Live at Casa Comedia,” recorded in 1982 during a three-month residency at the club. The third album, “Live at The Ice House,” features material Pryor was working on before recording the special “Here and Now.”

Friday, June 8 at 9:00 am ET, marks the debut of an original audio documentary hosted by Ron Bennington. “Richard Pryor: A Life in Comedy” showcases some of the biggest names in standup’s past and present, including Kevin Hart, Tracy Morgan, Joan Rivers, Louie Anderson, Sandra Bernhard, Patrice O’Neal, Jay Mohr, Howie Mandel, and many more, including Pryor’s wife Jennifer, all sharing their insights on his legacy, as well as personal stories about how his comedy influenced their lives and careers. The documentary will premiere on Comedy Greats channel 94 at 9:00 am ET and re-air on Raw Dog channel 99 at 2:00 pm ET and Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Radio channel 96 at 8:00 pm ET.

“Richard Pryor is an American legend,” said Jack Vaughn, SVP of Comedy Programming, SiriusXM. “He broke down barriers during a tumultuous time in our history, blazing a path for some of today’s biggest stars. We’re proud to honor his brilliance with a three-week tribute, and are thrilled Jennifer has entrusted us with his archives that we can offer exclusively to SiriusXM listeners.”

“I’m always excited to share Richard’s comedy with his fans,” said Jennifer Pryor, Richard’s wife. “When we cut open the box containing this lost footage – literally using bolt cutters to break the lock – I was overjoyed to find all of this new material, and instantly knew we had something special. I’m so glad SiriusXM is paying tribute to the Original King of Comedy and making these albums available to millions of listeners.”

SiriusXM subscribers will be able to listen to the Richard Pryor tribute on SiriusXM radios. Those with streaming access can also listen online, on-the-go with the SiriusXM mobile app, and at home on a wide variety of connected devices including smart TVs, Amazon Alexa devices, Apple TV, PlayStation, Roku, Sonos speakers and more. Go to www.SiriusXM.com/streaming to learn more.

Source: SiriusXM

http://www.siriusxm.com

WPZR-FM (102.7) in Detroit is SOLD

Urban One, Inc. (Nasdaq: UONEK; UONE) announced it has signed a definitive agreement to sell the assets of one of its Detroit, Michigan, radio stations, WPZR-FM (102.7 FM), to Educational Media Foundation, of California, for total consideration of $12.7 million.

The closing on the sale of WPZR-FM is subject to customary conditions, prorations, and adjustments, including approval from the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”).

As part of the deal, Urban One will receive 3 FM translators that service the Detroit metropolitan area, and these signals will be combined with its existing FM translator to multicast the Detroit Praise Network.

(PRNewsfoto/Urban One, Inc.)

Urban One expects the transaction to close shortly after final consent from the FCC. Urban One CEO Alfred Liggins stated: “This is a good deal for Urban One, as it enables us to monetize an asset at a very attractive multiple, while at the same time allowing us to continue to serve our community of listeners who value our new Detroit Praise Network of stations.”

 

Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage®

The sold-out Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage® presented by Denny’s is embarked on its 19th cruise from Galveston, TX. Generally known as the original Party with a Purpose®, this empowering and groundbreaking event specifically caters to the cruising needs of the African-American community through its mission and featured entertainment. Voyage’s promise of nonstop entertainment includes An Evening with Anita Baker and performances from artists Tamar Braxton, The Isley Brothers, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, 112, SWV, En Vogue, and The O’Jays.

Hosted by renowned radio personality and philanthropist Tom Joyner, the Fantastic Voyage® is one of the most popular and spectacular events in the country. The first of its kind in inviting African-Americans to cruise with an event solely based on their vacation needs,
Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage® consistently sells out and features notable entertainment to create an unforgettable, 24/7 guest experience. Its action-packed seven-day itinerary boasts informative seminars, morning inspiration, fitness classes, intriguing ports, endless activities, concerts, popular celebrities and wildly creative theme nights – all while raising funds to support students in school at Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the country.

This year’s event will take place on the luxurious Carnival Breeze. Additional performances will be made by Pastor Shirley Caesar, Eric Roberson, Raheem DeVaughn, Marvin Sapp, Force MDs, Heatwave, Taste of Honey, and a lineup of famed rappers for “Kings of Crunk” and “Golden Era of Hip Hop” performances, as well as those previously mentioned.

“Our cruise just keeps getting bigger and better every year,” said an enthusiastic Joyner. ” Of course, I love that the Fantastic Voyage is the most fun and entertaining event in the country, but I’m really proud that it’s a way to keep on giving to a cause I’m so passionate about. Over the years, we have been able to help so many students that attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities and we look forward to continuing to do so in the future.”

“We’ve proudly partnered with the Tom Joyner Foundation for 17 years and come together over a shared belief and passion for continued education in our nation,” said John Miller, Denny’s President, and Chief Executive Officer. “Our presence onboard the cruise is just one of many ways we can show our commitment to the rising stars of our country and invest in an initiative that is truly making a difference in students’ lives.”

Denny’s, America’s favorite family dining chain, will serve as title sponsor for both the 2018 and 2019 Fantastic Voyages, further highlighting their “Hungry For Education” scholarship program. Denny’s is a long-time partner with Tom Joyner and has collaborated on many joint initiatives spanning over a decade, all as part of the brand’s continued commitment to empowering education and supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the country.

Additional event sponsors include Carnival Cruise Line, Microsoft, as well as Ice Byrd and Yoogey frozen yogurt to provide support along with empowering activities and experiences for guests.

For more information on The Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage® presented by Denny’s and a full list of entertainment, visit BlackAmericaWeb.com. Itinerary, schedule, and performances subject to change.