Award-Winning Talk Show to Launch in Chicago and Philadelphia

(Black PR Wire) LOS ANGELES, CA -  SmileyAudioMedia, Inc. announced that its flagship three-hour daily program, “Tavis Smiley” on KBLA Talk 1580 AM featuring newsmakers, influencers, authors, artists, activists and entrepreneurs is adding two more major market affiliates.  “Tavis Smiley” launches on WURD Radio 900AM/96.1FM in Philadelphia on Monday, September 11, and on WVON 1690 AM in Chicago on Monday, October 2. These two cities join New Orleans and Los Angeles which already carry the program. Additional networks and stations picking up the “Tavis Smiley” show this month include the “We Believe Radio” network in Mississippi and its affiliates.

“In little more than a month, our radio show is now heard in three of the nation’s top five markets,” stated Tavis Smiley, who recently received the coveted “Freedom of Speech Award” at Talkers 2023 and appears on the “Heavy Hundred” list of the 100 Most Important Talk Radio Hosts in America. “We’re excited that more of America now has access to our innovative and empowering programming with groundbreaking and exclusive conversations. Our rapid expansion is filling a void for African American and progressive listeners in a growing number of markets throughout the United States during this critical presidential election season.”

"WURD Radio is excited to bring the Tavis Smiley show to our listeners in Philadelphia and beyond," said WURD Radio CEO Sara M. Lomax. "Tavis brings a powerful mix of dynamic interviews, pointed social and political commentary and a roster of A-list guests. He is a welcome addition to WURD's lineup of progressive Black talk programming. Our listeners will be informed, entertained and enlightened by the insightful conversations with notable and influential figures Tavis hosts on his program every day."

"We're excited about Tavis's return to Chicago radio. He has had a long association with WVON. His show is a perfect fit to offer a national perspective on Black America,” said Melody Spann Cooper, Chair & Chief Executive Officer of Midway Broadcasting Corporation.

Tavis Smiley will continue to serve as managing editor of his signature show with SmileyAudioMedia, Inc. producing and syndicating the program.

Until you talk to Tavis…the story is not complete. We’ve got a lot to talk about!

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Background: On Juneteenth, June 19, 2021, KBLA Talk 1580 launched with the promise to give disenfranchised citizens a voice in current political, social and cultural issues with empowering, sustainable and restorative language. KBLA Talk 1580 consistently emerges as the station of choice for Black/African American residents. An EVITARUS public opinion research study, the 2023 African American Media Issues Survey, finds that for the second consecutive year, KBLA Talk 1580 remains the most “trusted, credible and reliable” media source in Southern California for African Americans and beyond. While KBLA Talk 1580 is unapologetically progressive, the station and its on-air talent prefer good ideas over ideology. The station’s guests and listeners share the wisdom of a lived experience that serves to enlighten others. Because KBLA’s audience is so diverse, each day is like a live town hall meeting over the airwaves.

ABOUT KBLA TALK 1580

KBLA Talk 1580 AM is a heritage station and the original home of the iconic hip hop station KDAY. At 50,000 watts, day and night, KBLA serves a coverage area of nearly 12 million listeners. KBLA Talk 1580 boasts an all-star lineup of hosts who speak candidly and passionately to the challenges people of color face daily trying to navigate life and realize their hopes and dreams. KBLA Talk 1580 serves an audience long ignored by talk radio in Los Angeles and now other American cities – people of color and progressives. For more information, visit KBLA1580.com.

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