"Black Radio: Telling It Like It Was" on WRUR-FM

This six-part series tells the story of radio’s role in the 20th-century transformation of the African-American community. 

First aired in 1996, the specials have been reformatted into six hours for 2021. Original host Lou Rawls guides us, with new narration from original producer Jacquie Gales Webb. Black Radio: Telling It Like It Was airs Sundays at 10 a.m. beginning March 7 on WRUR-FM 88.5.

Through interviews, historical airchecks, comedy, drama, and music, the series reveals the remarkable correlation between milestones of Black radio programming and African-American culture. Among other topics the series explores the role of radio during the great migration of Blacks from the South, trail-blazing Black DJs and stations, and Black radio during the Civil Rights movement.