Black radio was once the most influential form of support for Black communities across the nation, its voices providing news, information, comfort, solace, humor and entertainment to millions of Black Americans across the country who were often overlooked by mainstream media.
And while its place in today’s evolving media landscape has decreased, the voices it carries still hold the same importance and weight.
That’s why ESPN Radio’s upcoming new lineup is so important to recognize and support.
Earlier this month, the network announced changes to its national lineup during the 6am – 1am ET timeframe, which will debut on Monday, February 10th.
Clinton Yates, Senior Columnist with Andscape, Around The Horn veteran, and host on ESPN LA 710, will host Clinton & Friends from 10am – 12pm ET. The show replaces Mike Greenberg’s Greeny, whose namesake host signed off last week.
According to the ESPN Press Room release, “Yates, alongside a rotating group of regular guests, will provide unique insights and perspectives on the top stories of the day, blending breaking news, and audience interaction.”
Following Yates is the debut of another new show, Joe & Q, which will run from 12pm – 3pm ET. Sports betting expert Joe Fortenbaugh will be paired with Q Myers, who has been a radio host for over 10 years, has hosted GameNight for the past 18 months and is also the program director for the Las Vegas Sports Network.
Joe & Q will be followed by the already successful Freddie & Harry, hosted by Freddie Coleman and Harry Douglas. Unsportsmanlike with Evan Cohen, Chris Canty and Michelle Smallmon remains unchanged (6am-10am).
The debut of these new programs enables Yates, Q and ESPN to reach new audiences. Most importantly, it allows new Black voices in sports to exposed to a national audience.
“With the additions of Clinton & Friends and Joe & Q, ESPN Radio continues to deliver compelling personalities and insightful conversation that resonate with sports fans nationwide,” said David Roberts, ESPN Executive Vice President, Executive Editor, Sports News and Entertainment. “We’re excited to expand our talent roster and provide a dynamic listening experience for our audience.”
When it comes to sports, particularly on ESPN, the biggest personality is Stephen A. Smith, who at one time was also on radio before ascending to become a dominant television personality.
Historically, Black radio voices, not TV, carried the most influence.
From Ralph “Petey” Green on WOL in Washington DC, the late, great Joe Madison, Bob Slade in New York City and Frankie Crocker to “The Flight Doctor” Tom Joyner, Wendy Williams, Sway and the lineup assembled on SiriusXM’s Urban View by Karen Hunter, powerful voices educated, informer and inspired audiences locally, regionally and nationally.
But that presence and captivating host never transferred to sports in the same fashion.
That’s not to say that their aren’t powerful Black sports talk show hosts, for talents like Rob Parker, JR Sportsbrief, Ty Miller and others have established a presence nationally.
While sports content doesn’t carry the societal impact and importance of social, political, community, health and educational programming, supporting Black radio voices is important no matter the subject or station.
So don’t forget to tune in and support when ESPN Radio’s new national line-up debuts.
