SILVER SPRING, Md.,Feb. 1, 2022— Comedian, actor, TV, and radio personality, Rickey Smiley, has signed a new deal with Reach Media and Urban One to extend his long-running and award-winning morning radio show,The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, for another five years. The deal also includes the creation ofThe Rickey Smiley Podcast Networkthat will elevate voices in the black community, featuring storytellers whose crafts range from the comedic to the dramatic. The deal comes on the heels of Rickey winning his second National Association of Broadcasters’ Marconi Award for Network/Syndicated Person of the Year inNovember 2021. Since Reach Media began syndicating his show in 2008, Rickey’s genuine southern appeal, playful comedic style, and his commitment as a community activist has madeThe Rickey Smiley Morning Showthe most compelling, engaging, and inspiring show on radio.
“These past couple of years have served to remind us how important our relationships are in life,” stated Smiley. “Our families, our community, the people we work with every day have sustained us all, and I am no exception. I’m so grateful to my family at Urban One and Reach Media for the opportunity to extend my partnership with them for the next five years and beyond. Doing my show every day with such a talented cast and team doesn’t even seem like work. We share a lot of laughs together, but we also take seriously our role in the community to be a beacon of hope and a source of information and inspiration. Most importantly, we learn every day from our listeners who have been so loyal to us. Because, without them, we’d be talking to ourselves. I’m also super proud to be announcing the Rickey Smiley Podcast Network in partnership with Urban One and Digital One. The new network will give us the opportunity to tell relevant stories and elevate voices in the black community and beyond. I can’t wait to launch our first shows, I think you will love them. Finally, thank you to Ms.Cathy Hughes,Alfred LigginsandDavid Kantorfor their trust and confidence in me – our journey continues together and I could not be happier.”
“Rickey has been a terrific talent for Reach for over ten years and we are excited to continue our relationship into the future with him.He is an outstanding talent, a two-time Marconi winner for best Syndicated talent, and he has a loyal and dedicated audience. He is committed to delivering an entertaining show to his listeners and almost 90 affiliates every day. Everyone at Reach is thrilled that we can keep working with Rickey,” saidDavid Kantor, CEO of Radio One and Reach Media.
Rickey Smileyis a legendary comedian, actor, author, television host and award-winning radio host of the top-rated, nationally syndicated show,The Rickey Smiley Morning Show,which issyndicated to more than 60 cities across the country. A comedian for more than 30 years, Rickey constantlytoursthe country. In December, he made a guest appearance in theNick Cannonfilm,Miracles Across 125thStreet,and he has been featured in urban classics includingAll About The Benjamins,Friday After Next,andBaggage Claim.For more information, visit Rickey’swebsite, and follow him onTwitter,Instagram,FacebookandYouTube.Rickey Smileyis represented byPaul Andersonof Workhouse Media, Inc.
About Reach Media and Urban One, Inc.
Urban One, Inc.(urban1.com), together with its subsidiaries, is the largest diversified media company that primarily targets Black Americans and urban consumers inthe United States. The Company ownsTV One, LLC(tvone.tv), a television network serving more than 59 million households, offering a broad range of original programming, classic series and movies designed to entertain, inform and inspire a diverse audience of adult Black viewers. As ofDecember 31, 2021, we own and/or operate 63 independently formatted, revenue producing broadcast stations (including 54 FM or AM stations, 7 HD stations, and the 2 low power television stations we operate) branded under the tradename “Radio One” in 13 urban markets inthe United States. Through its controlling interest inReach Media, Inc. (blackamericaweb.com), the Company also operates syndicated programming includingthe Rickey Smiley Morning Show, theRuss Parr Morning Showand the DL Hughley Show.In addition to its radio and television broadcast assets, Urban One ownsiOne Digital (ionedigital.com),our wholly owned digital platform serving the African American community through social content, news, information, and entertainment websites, including its Cassius, Bossip, HipHopWired and MadameNoire digital platforms and brands. We also have invested in a minority ownership interest in MGM National Harbor, a gaming resort located inPrince George’s County, Maryland. Through our national multi-media operations, we provide advertisers with a unique and powerful delivery mechanism to the African American and urban audiences.
