Urban One Launches The Urban One Podcast Network

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Urban One Podcast Network

Urban One launches the new Urban One Podcast Network, effective February 1, the beginning of Black History Month. This effort expands the company's audio entertainment options for BIPOC audiences, as well as for advertisers who want to connect with the Black community. The network launches with more than 10 original shows plus partnerships with other Black-owned podcasts and networks. Powered by Black stories, the UOPN is a curated slate of premium content across diverse genres.

The lineup includes The Undressing Room Podcast presented by Macy's, Small Doses with Amanda Seales, The Amanda Seales Show, Fatal Attraction, Black Health 365, Rickey Smiley Morning Show Podcast, I Hate the Homies, Mind Body and Business with Maria More, Mompreneurs, Adult'Hood, Dead End Media, SZN Opener, Back Story with Colby Colb and more. The network, which boasts an average of more than 1.5 million downloads per month at launch, will continuously adding new original shows and partnerships.

"Given Urban One's history and legacy in creating premium audio content for Black audiences and the growing level of Black podcast listeners, this was a natural step to continue exemplifying our mission of "Representing Black Culture," said Urban One Chief Revenue Officer, Audio Division Josh Rahmani. "The network provides a natural partnership destination for BIPOC creators and presents advertisers the opportunity to connect with a niche audience that over-indexes for their response to brands that show up in podcasts, particularly podcasts with Black creators and hosts."

The Urban One Podcast Network has teamed up with Katz Digital as its third-party sales partner. "Katz Digital is both proud and excited to expand upon our exclusive partnership with Urban One, now adding their premium, culturally relevant podcast content to our current industry leading podcast offerings," said Katz Digital President Scott Porretti. Additionally, the new network is supported by a partnership with Publicis Media's APX Content Ventures and funding via its Inclusion Investment Fund.

Spearheading the network and its launch is Sierra Reed, Senior Director of Podcast Operations for the Urban One Podcast Network. Reed is a media veteran with over 14 years of experience as a content creator, published writer, journalist and senior business strategist. Through the launch of her own podcast almost 10 years ago and her own experience for storytelling, Reed understands the opportunity to service the multifaceted community that the network supports.

Reed said, "having the freedom to share and express is a beautiful thing, and what you learn and feel within that conversation and storytelling experience is invaluable. We want people of color to get into podcasting. We want the community to learn, grow, and be entertained in a way that is organic and not programmed."