Urban One Expands Partnership with Rickey Smiley, Launching New Podcast Series
Urban One is excited to announce a significant expansion of its partnership with renowned radio host, comedian, and author, Rickey Smiley. This renewed collaboration marks a multi-year commitment that includes a five-year extension of the widely acclaimed 'The Rickey Smiley Morning Show' and introduces a new video podcast series, 'Rickey Smiley On The Spot', set to launch on March 24 through the Urban One Podcast Network.
The renewed contract comes as a culmination of a remarkable 15-year journey characterized by top ratings and growing popularity. 'The Rickey Smiley Morning Show' functions as a cornerstone of Urban radio, airing across over 89 affiliate stations in major cities like Dallas, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C. This extension not only solidifies Smiley's traditional broadcast success but also leverages Urban One's commitment to innovation by focusing on a video-first strategy to enhance his digital presence.
'Rickey Smiley On The Spot' aims to offer audiences an authentic glimpse into Smiley's life, blending his signature humor with heartfelt discussions about life, faith, and family. Each 35-minute episode is designed to be an intimate conversation where humor meets genuine dialogue, featuring a roster of guest appearances that includes notable personalities like Da Brat, Keisha Lance Bottoms, Tye Tribbett, and Tiny Harris. This series promises to deliver real talk in a format that’s fresh, engaging, and relatable.
As Smiley expressed, "I am so thrilled to continue my partnership with Urban One and Reach Media. This opportunity allows us to keep our listeners entertained while providing a rich platform for dialogue and laughter. The future is incredibly bright for us this coming year."
Urban One's Co-President of the Audio Division, Deon Levingston, commented on the expansion, saying, "Rickey is a cornerstone of the Urban One brand. We are ecstatic to broaden his reach with a show that authentically captures his comedic essence in a personal manner. By leveraging Rickey’s popularity, we're not just enhancing our programming; we're also amplifying Black voices in a culturally resonant way that resonates across our listener base and brand partners."
The 'Rickey Smiley On The Spot' podcast will be expertly produced by Smiley himself, alongside Tiffany Ryland, with Tonya Clackum and Taylor Green overseeing production. The podcast will be widely distributed via the Urban One Podcast Network, ensuring accessibility through all major audio platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Pandora.
This transformative initiative solidifies Urban One's status as a leading media company targeting Black Americans and urban audiences across the United States. With an impressive reach of 80 million unique consumers every month, Urban One combines radio, TV, and digital platforms to engage audiences meaningfully. The company's expansive asset portfolio includes TV One, CLEO TV, and multiple radio stations, fostering a robust multimedia ecosystem that's poised for growth.
For more details about the 'Rickey Smiley On The Spot' podcast, visit www.urban1podcasts.com/rickey-smiley-on-the-spot. Keep a lookout for this innovative venture as Urban One continues to push boundaries and redefine multimedia engagement in the urban market.