Broadcasting on WBGX (1570 AM), the black radio program
strives to keep up with the popularity of today's music stations by bringing in
younger guests to talk about issues.
"We try to bring a perspective, awareness and a
consciousness to the things we see are hurting our community," says the
show's host, Harold Davis.
The program has aired since 2010. It took an approach
similar to longtime black talk radio station WVON by engaging the
African-American community in conversation. The Naked Truth show attracts young
listeners by bringing in younger guests. The show recently had a 17-year-old,
Englewood resident talk about the aspects of living in his community.
But black music stations have taken some of the bite out of
black talk radio, according to one industry watcher.
Black radio historically has had a large cultural and
political influence in Chicago. It was here that radio personalities Tom Joyner
and Steve Harvey got their start. Robert Feder, a longtime, prominent Chicago
media critic says the music side of black radio is still very healthy, whereas
the talk radio side is struggling.
The latest Arbitron radio ratings list WGCI (107.5 FM), a
hip-hop and R&B station, No. 1 among listeners ages 18 to 34. WVON (1390
AM), however, is ranked 45th in the market, despite its historical influence in
the city dating back to the 1960s. Black music station WVAZ (102.7 FM), which
syndicates The Steve Harvey Morning Show, ranks No. 3 three among listeners
ages 25 to 54.
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