Barry Mayo Resigns from Radio One

With these words spoken on the company’s regular conference call recently–”We had an awful 4th quarter. We dropped millions of dollars in cash flow off our radio division and 60% of it came in Q4. It was shocking to me.”—Radio One CEO/President Alfred Liggins, III set the stage for the announcement that followed of the resignation of radio division president Barry Mayo.

Mayo, who joined the Radio One team in 2006 as a consultant, resigned effective March 16 to pursue other ventures. “Partnering with Alfred and helping to execute his vision has been a rewarding experience, and I am proud of what we have accomplished,” he said in a joint statement released from both. “I am grateful for the support shown me during my tenure. While I will miss the relationships forged, I am truly looking forward to the next phase of my career.”

Citing Clear Channel’s ‘Best Rate’ sales tactics as impacting the radio industry adversely, Liggins added, “Barry has been an integral member of Radio One’s executive management team for nearly five years, and he has served the Company with passion and distinction. I am grateful for Barry’s contributions to the success of the Company’s initiatives, particularly given the challenging economic environment. I understand, however, that there comes a time for change in a person’s career, and I fully respect Barry’s decision to undertake new challenges.  I truly wish him well.”

And, although chagrined by the poor performance of the radio division on which Liggins had always been bullish, he also delivered an upbeat report on TV One and the Internet divisions, saying, “We’re in a good space with these two businesses.” He also believes “the radio group is poised to rebound strongly in 2012, with mid to high single digit revenue growth in both the first and second quarters.”

Radio One’s Healing Power

The Radio One Family Comedy Tour’s stop at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium showcased comedians Marcus Wiley from the Yolanda Adams Morning Show, Griff, Chinnita Morris, Veda Howard and Praise 104.1 Inspirational comedian contest winner E-Boogie. Radio personality Vickie Winans, host of “Sunday Morning Praise with Vickie Winans” on Radio One’s WDMK-FM (105.9 KISS) in Detroit where the next stop for the tour is on March 31 at the Millennium Centre, hosts the Radio One DVD, Volume 1, of the tour available at Walmart. Says Winans, “This is the healing power of laughter.” WPRS-FM (Praise 104.1) and WYCB-AM (1340) hosted the sold-out show.

Radio One DC Welcomes White House to New Studios

Radio One DC gave White House Senior Advisor Valeria Jarrett a tour of its new offices and studios.

NABOB To Honor Dr. Bobby Jones

The 27^th Annual NABOB Communications Awards Dinner is scheduled for March 4^th at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. this year with performances from Fantasia, Regina Belle and Chrisette Michelle. This year’s honorees include Dr. Bobby Jones with the Pioneer in Gospel Music, Buddy Guy and Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco with Pioneer in Music and Soledad O’Brien with the Mickey Leland Public Service Award.

D.C. Welcomes UNCF Relocation

Ground was officially broken for the new United Negro College Fund headquarters in the Shaw area of Washington, D.C. on February 7, beginning construction on a 50,000 square-foot office at Progression Place, located at 1805 7th Street, NW that is expected to open in 2012. Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., UNCF president and CEO, explained the organization’s move from Fairfax, Virginia to D.C. as expanding its advocacy and service to students. “UNCF has become one of the country’s most prominent advocates for the importance of students getting the preschool-through-high school education they need to succeed in college, and Washington is the hub of the national conversation about how to make sure they get that preparation for college,” he said, adding that the “UNCF also wants to be able to provide college-focused information and services directly to DC-area students and the hundreds of thousands of students who visit DC each year. To be an effective advocate for education reform, and to help children of color prepare for college UNCF has to be in D.C.”

D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray, D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes-Norton, Council Chair Kwame Brown, Ward 1 Council member Jim Graham and other leaders joined UNCF representatives for the groundbreaking ceremony of the $23 million building that will also house mixed office space and more than 200 apartments and retail space. Additionally, there will be a career center offering students standardized test preparation, college application help, financial assistance, interview training and job placement assistance as the UNCF envisions the site becoming a hub in the Shaw neighborhood for other advocates of minority education.

WKYS Remembers William Walker (1976-2011)

WKYS-FM (93.9), D.C.’s source for the Hip Hop community, sadly reports the loss of its young 35-year old air personality William “Ill Will” Walker who died on February 9 while recuperating in the hospital from recent surgery and suffering two heart attacks. Funeral services are scheduled for February 14 at Reid Temple AME Church in Glenn Dale, Maryland. WKYS has set up a tribute page posted on their website with videos and messages and posted its own message: “It is with great pain that we inform you that William Walker, affectionately known as Ill Will, has passed away suddenly midday today after a brief illness. All of us here will miss his energy and “can-do” spirit. We know everyone will keep him and his entire family in their thoughts and prayers.”

Dr. Bobby Jones Donates $6M to TSU

Renowned gospel singer and host and executive producer of two popular BET gospel shows—“Bobby Jones Gospel” and “Video Gospel”—has donated approximately 30 years of recordings as well as exclusive rights of his performances and television programs to his alma mater, Tennessee State University. Professionally appraised at $6 million, Jones’ archives constitute the largest in-kind gift the university has ever received.

Midday Diva In Main Line Cuts

Louisville’s midday diva, Leesa Mitchell, on Main Line Broadcasting urban AC WMJM-FM (Magic 101.3) was one of Main Line’s recent Louisville budget cuts casualties. The Tim Gerard Radio Network now fills the 2-7pm timeslot and “The Tom Joyner Morning Show” continues in mornings. Production director Marc Beasley and assistant engineer/IT Steve Johnson were also affected as well as promotion assistant/morning show producer and swing jock Ibrahim Dix on sister station, urban WGZB-FM (B96.5).

Radio’s Darryl Huckaby Joins WB

Ken Wilson, WB senior VP of urban promotion, has appointed Darryl Huckaby to fill the open position as Warner Bros. Records mid-Atlantic urban promotion director. The former PD of Radio One urban WKYS-FM (93.9 Kiss) in Washington, D.C. was most recently in radio as producer of the syndicated “Russ Parr Morning Show,” a position he resigned from two years ago.

BET Honors

Actress Gabrielle Union hosts the 2^nd Annual BET Honors that were taped during Inaugural week on January 17 in Washington, D.C. at the Warner Theater. This year’s event, that will air on BET on February 9, honors Mary J. Blige (Entertainment), Tyler Perry (Media), Judith Jamison (Education), Earvin “Magic” Johnson (Corporate Citizen), B. Smith (Entrepreneur), and Congressman James E. Clyburn (Public Service). Ne-Yo, Anita Baker, Anthony Hamilton, Keyshia Cole, Joss Stone, Monica and Queen Latifah are among the performers. 

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