NEW ORLEANS (2UG) – Smiley Audio Media has announced its flagship three-hour daily program, “Tavis Smiley” on KBLA Talk 1580 AM has entered syndication.
WBOK 1230 AM in New Orleans will be the first city to receive “Tavis Smiley” with more stations across the United States rolling out after Labor Day.
“We’re excited to bring our radio program to listeners across America,” stated Tavis Smiley, who recently received the coveted “Freedom of Speech” Award from Talkers 2023 and he appears on the “Heavy Hundred” list of the 100 Most Important Talk Radio Hosts in America. “Our innovative programming with groundbreaking, exclusive interviews has filled a void for African American and progressive listeners in Southern California and soon in markets throughout the United States.”
WBOK 1230 AM is New Orleans oldest African-American focused talk radio station that was previously owned by Bakewell Media of Louisiana. Bakewell is also the owner of the Los Angeles Sentinel newspaper.
In 2021, Bakewell sold the station to a group of investors, Equity Media, which includes New Orleans native Wendell Pierce, Spears Group President/CEO Cleveland Spears, III, Henry Consulting Managing Partner Troy Henry and Thomas Media Services Founder Jeff Thomas. The quartet formed a company called Equity Media and partnered with Xavier University of Louisiana.
“WBOK has always been and will remain a critical source of news for the people of New Orleans, especially in the African American community,” said an Equity Media representative at the time they announced the new venture. “We have spent the past several months investing in our programming, talent and overall brand to provide our listeners with a better product. Our team is excited about WBOK’s future.”
WBOK 1230 is housed at Xavier University, the nation’s only black and Catholic university.
