August is National Black Business Month. There are approximately 3.12 million Black-owned businesses in the U.S., according to recent data.
That includes American Urban Radio Networks (AURN), the largest African-American-owned and operated audio network in the country. It reaches about 35 million weekly listeners through more than 3,500 affiliate stations, according to its website.
The network has quickly evolved with the trends toward multi-platform delivery, officials told us, but the core of AURN’s mission remains the same: Trust and authenticity for the community it serves.
AURN, which operates as a sister company to Superadio Network, was founded in 1991 through the merger of the former National Black Network and Sheridan Broadcasting companies.
The radio network extended its footprint by introducing the Amplified Voices earlier this year, a video and podcast streaming content hub dedicated to elevating Black culture and storytelling.
Its podcasts are available on platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio and YouTube, according to a release.
AURN CEO Chesley Maddox-Dorsey said “serving the black culture remains the mission.” We asked her about AURN’s cultural impact and the company’s views on the future of audio syndication.
Radio World: How is AURN adapting its programming to fit shifting digital and terrestrial listening habits?
Chelsey Maddox-Dorsey: Big data, social media have facilitated us expanding our delivery, but our emphasis on representation, trusted journalism and community engagement has remained consistent.
AURN continues to broadcast daily on terrestrial radio, where Black audiences are highly engaged, as well as on streaming platforms, digital, audio/podcasts and FAST/VOD, providing consumers and advertisers with authentic ways to reach Black audiences across multiple platforms.
RW: How big of a move have you made to podcasting and how does it figure into future growth plans for the network?
Maddox-Dorsey: Through the Amplified Voices Podcast Network, we’re extending the reach of our radio brands and personalities into on-demand audio and digital platforms.
Our first-to-market podcast launch of “UnWine With Tasha K Podcast” along with leading morning show podcasts including Los Angeles’ KPWR(FM)’s “Brown Bag Mornings” and “Yung Joc & The Streetz Morning Takeover” along with the “Ebro Laura and Rosenberg Show” demonstrates how we’re leveraging proven broadcast talent to build deeper audience engagement and new advertising inventory in the digital field.
RW: On the tech front, how has content delivery evolved?
Maddox-Dorsey: Our tech stack is designed for growth and flexibility. IP-based delivery methods include streaming, cloud-based platforms and digital content distribution to deliver programming to affiliates.
This new approach gives us greater flexibility, scalability and speed while allowing us to support stations across traditional broadcast, streaming and emerging digital platforms.
RW: Can you list out the audio services AURN offers radio stations, i.e., music formats, newscasts and podcasts?
Maddox-Dorsey: AURN offers affiliates a comprehensive portfolio of programming and content services, including national and entertainment news, business and financial reports, health features, public affairs programming, special event coverage, holiday and special-occasion programming through both long-form specials and custom vignettes.
The network also provides nationally syndicated shows, podcast programming, digital audio content for streaming platforms and integrated advertising and audio marketing solutions.
Depending on each affiliate’s relationship with the network, AURN can also provide customized programming, content solutions and other network services tailored to a station’s specific audience and market needs.
RW: How has AURN’s core mission of serving African American communities evolved since its founding?
Maddox-Dorsey: Originally, AURN’s mission was delivering news to African American audiences. Today, that mission has broadened to include award-winning public interest programming, entertainment and lifestyle programming. While the delivery methods have expanded, the emphasis on representation, trusted journalism and community service has remained consistent.
RW: What do you see as AURN’s biggest responsibility in helping to shape cultural narratives today?
Maddox-Dorsey: AURN serves as the go-to continuity brand linking past, present and future. Our responsibility is to preserve the cultural legacy and history that brought us here while creating space for the voices, ideas and talent shaping what comes next. We amplify Black culture and perspectives across radio, podcasting and digital platforms at scale.
RW: How does AURN balance traditional news reporting with cultural, lifestyle and entertainment segments across your syndicated networks?
Maddox-Dorsey: While listeners’ needs and interests continue to evolve, AURN’s commitment to trusted, high-quality programming remains constant. Our editorial standards remain consistent across all of our content, while our diverse programming lineup is designed to serve the interests of different audiences and the needs of our affiliate stations.
Throughout the day, AURN delivers a balanced mix of news, politics, health, entertainment, business and lifestyle programming. Our award-winning news division is anchored by White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris, reporting on analysis of national issues from Washington.
We also feature Rev. Al Sharpton, as host of the daily reACT program, offering thought-provoking commentary on the issues shaping our communities and the nation.
Complementing our news and public affairs programming is a strong lineup of nationally syndicated music and entertainment shows, including Yung Joc & The Streetz Morning Takeover, Nessa On Air and Café Mocha Radio, among many others. This combination enables AURN to inform, entertain and engage listeners while providing affiliates with programming that resonates in communities across the country.
RW: What role does community engagement play when producing content meant for hundreds of affiliate stations nationwide?
Maddox-Dorsey: Community engagement is critical to provide programming at scale. Culture is at the center of what we do. It informs the music, voices, stories and conversations that connect with audiences and ensures our programming reflects the communities we serve.
RW: You are a part of the Black Owned Media Equity & Sustainability Institute community, which serves as a resource for diverse and black-owned businesses. How important is that work?
Maddox-Dorsey: BOMESI has an ecosystem of diverse and Black-owned business. Like BOMESI, AURN looks to maximize advertisers’ investment in Black-owned media.
We recognize the value of our audience and know that increased advertising investment fuels a wider range of creativity and deeper connections with the audience.
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