Community Leaders Eager to Address Urban Radio Concerns in Chicago Advisory Committee Announced Today

Call for Meeting with WGCI Ownership

(PRWEB) June 4, 2004 --Today in Chicago, community leaders announced the formation of the Community Advisory Committee about Urban Radio. The committee will deal with issues concerning the relationship between the management of urban radio stations and the local community. The committee is looking to meet with the management of WGCI-AM (now renamed WGRB)/FM as soon as possible.

First we would like to meet with the management of the number one rated radio station in Chicago WGCI, we have concerns that the stations management has become disconnected from the community, particularly since it unceremoniously let Marv Dyson go. Marv was the leading African-American radio station manager in the nation. We feel that WGCIs ownership needs to listen more closely to the community," said Reverend Michael Pfleger, Pastor, Faith Community of Saint Sabina.

The committee is looking to create a dialogue between radio station owners and our community. Over the past few years ownership of some urban radio stations has changed and we feel this new management has lost touch with the community it serves," said Rev. James Demus, Executive Director NAACP, Chicago Southside Branch.

We want station ownership to be responsive to the needs of the community. We are taking this step to ensure that the ownership hears the voices of our community. We want station ownership to be responsive to the needs of the on-air personalities, producers and other staff who work for the various stations. These are the people who come from our community, and we do not want the members of our communities treated like slaves. Clear Channel can not continue to benefit from the fruits of the laborers, and not reward the laborers for their hard work." said Reverend Reginald Williams, Associate Pastor, Trinity United Church of Christ.

Other committee members include Reverend Jeremiah Wright, Pastor, Trinity United Church of Christ, Rev. Leon Finney, president and CEO, Woodlawn Organization, Dr. Conrad Worrill, National Chairman of the National Black United Front

Currently Urban Radio stations in Chicago include V-103 (WVAZ), WGCI AM/FM (Now WGCI-AM is conveniently renamed WGRB) which are owned by Texas-based Clear Channel; and Power 92 WPWX, Soul 106 WSRB owned by Colorado-based Crawford Broadcasting. Only WVON-AM remains a locally - owned and operated Urban Radio station.

The committee will address though a productive dialogue a variety of issues including: community support and involvement; programing; relationship between on air talent and community; treatment of all employees, public service programing; and local music and performers.

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For more information, contact:
Kevin Lampe
(312)464-0260