Stocks Rise to Records Amid China, Deals Optimism: Markets Wrap

Story by Bloomberg
Written by Claire Ballentine and Vildana Hajric

U.S. equities closed at records amid optimism over China trade relations and a fresh wave of merger and acquisition activity. The dollar strengthened.


The S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq Composite Indexes reached all-time highs after China said over the weekend that it will tighten intellectual property rules, a move aimed at boosting the chances of a trade deal between the two largest economies. Tech shares led the gains. Charles Schwab Corp. agreed to buy TD Ameritrade Holding Corp., while LVMH purchased U.S. jeweler Tiffany & Co.

“I don’t think we would be seeing these types of deals if the outlook for markets and the economy weren’t favorable,” said Adam Phillips, director of portfolio strategy for EP Wealth Advisors. “This is one additional piece we can look at to see the outlook for markets is a positive one.”

The Stoxx Europe 600 Index advanced, with all 19 industry sectors closing in the green. Equities climbed across Asia, led by those in Hong Kong, where local elections brought a landslide victory to pro-democracy candidates. The dollar gained versus the euro and yen.

While doubts about the rally remain and haven investments such as bonds seem well-supported, stocks globally are approaching a third month of gains. The S&P 500 Index is building on an advance from Friday, when President Donald Trump said he was “very close” to a trade pact with Chinese President Xi Jinping, even as Treasuries hold on to most of their two-week surge.

“Markets are relatively optimistic about a phase one trade deal happening, but obviously there’s more uncertainty until President Trump and President Xi sit down and sign something more formal,” said Yung-Yu Ma, chief investment strategist at BMO Wealth Management.

Elsewhere, China was planning a record sale of sovereign bonds in dollars, with a potential $6 billion offering, according to people familiar with the discussions. West Texas-grade oil futures drifted higher. Bitcoin dropped as much as 11% before paring the decline.

Here are some key events coming up this week:

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks on Monday at the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce annual dinner in Providence, Rhode Island.

Alibaba starts trading in Hong Kong on Tuesday.

Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Philip Lowe will give a speech on unconventional monetary policy on Tuesday evening in Sydney.

U.S. consumer spending data is due Wednesday, along with GDP, jobless claims and durable goods.

The U.S. celebrates Thanksgiving on Thursday, when equity and bond markets will be shut.

The Bank of Korea sets policy on Friday.

These are the main moves in markets:

Stocks

The S&P 500 Index advanced 0.7% to 3,133.57 as of 4:01 p.m. New York time, the highest on record with the largest gain in more than a week.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 0.7% to 28,065.39, the highest on record with the biggest gain in more than a week.

The Nasdaq Composite Index surged 1.3% to 8,632.49, the highest on record with the largest jump in more than six weeks.

The MSCI All-Country World Index advanced 0.7% to 547.17, the highest in 22 months on the biggest gain in more than a week.

The Midday "Diva" Unites with the Party Kingpin in Afternoons on 93.9 WKYS Washington DC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Janine Brunson-Johnson
301-429-2669
jbrunson-johnson@radio-one.com

The Midday Diva Unites with the Party Kingpin in Afternoons on 93.9 WKYS

Dominique Da Diva joins The Quicksilva Show

(Washington, DC – November 25, 2019) – Radio One is pleased to announce that WKYS-FM midday host Dominique Da Diva will join DJ Quicksilva in afternoons on WKYS-FM/93.9, Washington DC and WERQ-FM/92Q, Baltimore, MD. The NEW Quicksilva Show with Dominique Da Diva (photo left) launches on Monday, December 2, 2019.

A small powerhouse of multi-faceted talent and a natural born star, Dominique Da Diva began her radio career in her hometown of Richmond, Virginia. As a proud alumni of Virginia State University and lovely lady of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc., Dominique continues to exemplify what Beyonce’ means when she says, ‘a diva is a female version of a hustler.’

From the moment he received his first set of turntables at age 10, the deejay internationally recognized as “The Party Kingpin,” Quicksilva was born. Quicksilva has been on the radio for over 20 years in various dayparts and has been ranked one of the top 10 most powerful Radio DJs in the country by Source Magazine 3 years in a row.

Dominque Da Diva said, “Afternoon drive is such a special time slot occupied by legendary talent. I am humbled and excited to be joining The Quicksilva Show!”

Michael Powell, Program Director of WKYS said, “I’ve had the pleasure of working with both Dominique Da Diva and Quicksilva. Their passion for radio and their craft is infectious. Combining these two powerhouse personalities will certainly be a treat for the listeners.”

Kashon Powell, Vice President of Programming for Radio One adds, “Our goal at Radio One is to be the most trusted source in the community for information, entertainment and inspiration. Merging the brands of Quicksilva and Dominique Da Diva will give us a dynamic duo that will continue to advance our mission and the culture. Their energy, talent and commitment is unparalleled.”
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About Urban One, Inc.:

Urban One, Inc. (urban1.com), formerly known as Radio One, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, is the largest diversified media company that primarily targets Black Americans and urban consumers in the United States. The Company owns TV 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 one of the nation's largest radio broadcasting companies, Urban One currently owns and/or operates 57 broadcast stations in 15 urban markets in the United States. Through its controlling interest in Reach Media, Inc. (blackamericaweb.com), the Company also operates syndicated programming including the Tom Joyner Morning Show, Russ Parr Morning Show, Rickey Smiley Morning Show, Get up Morning! with Erica Campbell, DL Hughley Show, Ed Lover Show, Willie Moore Jr Show, Nightly Spirit with Darlene McCoy Reverend Al Sharpton Show. In addition to its radio and television broadcast assets, Urban One owns iOne Digital (ionedigital.com), the largest digital resource for urban enthusiasts and Blacks, reaching millions each month through its Cassius and BHM Digital platforms. Additionally, One Solution, the Company’s branded content agency and studio combines the dynamics of the Urban One’s holdings to provide brands with an integrated and effectively engaging marketing approach that reaches 82% of Black Americans throughout the country.

Third Circuit Rejects FCC Appeal Of Media Ownership Decision

Story by Inside Radio

The federal appeals court in Philadelphia has rejected a request for the entire panel to review a decision issued two months ago by a three-judge panel, which blocked several changes to media ownership regulations from remaining on the books. The Federal Communications Commission had sought the review, along with the National Association of Broadcasters and several companies that supported the revisions. They now have the option of filing an appeal with the Supreme Court.

In a brief notice released late Wednesday, the Third Circuit said that the three judges that took part in the original decision didn’t request the rehearing and a majority of judges who sit on the court didn’t vote in favor of a review. “The petitions for rehearing,” it said, “are denied.”

In a 2-1 decision issued in September, the Third Circuit struck down changes adopted by the Commission in November 2017 that, among other things, abolished the newspaper-broadcast and TV-radio cross-ownership bans and relaxed several television ownership restrictions, including allowing the same company to own two of the big network affiliates in a single market. The controversial decision also blocked the launch of an incubator program designed to bring more women and minorities into radio ownership.

The Third Circuit said the FCC’s analysis, which led to the regulatory rollback, was “so insubstantial” that it failed to provide a “reliable foundation” to the court supporting the conclusions. The court told the FCC that it needed to determine what impact the rule changes it proposed would have either through new empirical research or an in-depth theoretical analysis.

The FCC appealed the decision earlier this month, saying the court had overstepped its bounds and the job of regulating radio and television ownership belongs to the agency under federal law. In its petition, the FCC said the court has prevented the agency from fulfilling its legal obligation to conduct a quadrennial review of which media ownership limits are no longer in the public interest. “Through its several remands, the panel has effectively replaced the Commission’s broad-ranging public interest analysis with a narrow inquiry into the effect of the FCC’s rules on female and minority ownership,” the FCC told the court in an 18-page filing. It also argued that the appeals court failed to uphold guidelines created by earlier Supreme Court decisions that said federal agencies don’t need to generate original data or studies before changing a policy.

The appeal effort was joined by the National Association of Broadcasters and five radio and television companies, including Bonneville, Connoisseur Media, Nexstar, News Corp., and Sinclair Broadcast Group. In a joint petition, broadcasters said the court decision was “vastly overbroad and unjustified” since it vacated the FCC’s changes in their entirety, even though the judges said there was only one flaw in the agency analysis focused on minority and female ownership. Broadcasters said that has “nothing to do” with the overall changes, much less the creation of a radio incubator program.

Supreme Court Appeal Possible

The decision not to rehear the case at the appellate level was welcomed by those who had gone to court seeking to block the FCC from relaxing some of its media ownership regulations. Jessica González, an attorney with Free Press, called it a “welcome setback” for broadcast-industry efforts to pave a path to greater media consolidation. “FCC leadership has linked arms with the broadcast lobby to this end, and against any accountability for the shameful lack of ownership diversity in U.S. media,” she said.

The FCC and NAB have not yet indicated whether they intend to take their fight to the Supreme Court. But at the Commission there has been a growing sentiment that it may be needed, especially after repeatedly having its rule changes struck down, regardless of whether passed under a Democrat or Republican administration.

González thinks the FCC and broadcasters shouldn’t bother with a Supreme Court challenge. “The FCC needs to take the hint: Instead of wasting everyone’s time, it must undertake the court’s mandate in earnest,” she said.

Which opinion do you agree with - Steven A. Smith or Max Kellerman - and Why?

Alfred Liggins, Lester Holt, Julie Talbott, Larry Patrick...Recognized By LABF

The LABF has honored more than 200 leaders in the broadcasting industry since the event’s inception in 2003. Proceeds from the luncheon continue to support the work of the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation. A portion of the proceeds will also support the International Radio and Television Society Foundation’s student training programs and diversity initiatives.

Story by Inside Radio

Urban One CEO Alfred Liggins, Premiere Networks President Julie Talbott and Patrick Communications Founder and Managing Partner Larry Patrick represented the radio industry at the 17th Annual Library of American Broadcasting Foundation’s Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts awards ceremony, held Thursday at New York City’s Gotham Hall.

The annual event is produced for the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation (LABF) by the International Radio and Television Society Foundation and was emceed by ABC News “Nightline” anchor Juju Chang.



The Giants of Broadcasting celebration was created by the LABF to honor the remarkable creators, innovators, leaders, performers and journalists who have brought the electronic arts to the prominence they occupy in the U.S. and the world today, and who have set the stage for the future.

In addition to Liggins, Talbott and Patrick, this year’s honorees include: award-winning journalist Connie Chung; CBS Television Stations President Peter Dunn; “NBC Nightly News” and “Dateline NBC” anchor Lester Holt; PBS President/CEO Paula Kerger; CW Television Network President Mark Pedowitz; and Advanced Television Systems Committee President Emeritus Mark Richer.

MAJORITY WHIP cONGRESSMAN JIM CLYBURN (SC), REP. ALMA ADAMS (NC), REP. WILLIAM CLAY(MD) INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO REFORM "OPPORTUNITY ZONE" PROGRAM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 13, 2019
CONTACT: Hope Derrick, Hope.Derrick@mail.house.gov, 202-226-3210
Ryan Daniels, Ryan.Daniels@mail.house.gov

MAJORITY WHIP CLYBURN, REP. ADAMS, REP. CLAY INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO
REFORM OPPORTUNITY ZONE PROGRAM

WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (SC-6), Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12), and Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (MO-1) today introduced H.R. 5042, the “Opportunity Zone Reform Act,” which aims to tighten rules around the Opportunity Zone program and terminate zones that are not low-income. This legislation is a House companion to nearly identical sections of S. 2787, introduced last week by Senator Ron Wyden (OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee.

Opportunity Zones were established by the 2017 tax law with the intention of providing incentives to investors to redeploy their capital to impoverished areas in desperate need of investment. However, over time, it’s become apparent that the lack of oversight, questionable zone designations, and misguided implementation of this program has led to it becoming, in too many instances, another tax credit for investors instead of benefiting the communities that it was designed to help.

The Opportunity Zone Reform Act would do the following:
• Eliminate loopholes that could allow “sin list” investments like casinos and prohibit investments in stadiums, parking lots, and luxury apartments.
• Terminate zones that are not low-income or impoverished, while allowing states to replace zones that are terminated.
• Tighten existing rules to ensure that this generous incentive goes to productive, new investments that are actually in zones, and not to projects that were already underway or investors trying to park their money tax-free.

Majority Whip James E. Clyburn

“From the start, I’ve raised concerns that the Opportunity Zone incentive would turn out to be a tax credit for rich investors with limited benefits for low-income communities. This program needs to be tweaked if it is to accomplish its stated purpose, and this legislation makes the necessary reforms to ensure it is making an impact in the communities that need investments the most.”

Congresswoman Alma Adams

“Initially this unique program showed significant potential to re-energize our communities, but I remain concerned that without the necessary guardrails there is little to no guarantee the program will benefit our constituents in the selected opportunity zones. My district of Charlotte-Mecklenburg is home to 17 opportunity zones and the underserved residents in those communities deserve the intended vision of economic revitalization, job creation, and sustainable investment. This legislation includes critical reforms that help ensure the program does not create one-sided ‘opportunity’ for wealthy investors at the expense of those most in need of investment.”

Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay

“Our new Opportunity Zone Reform legislation will help ensure that this tax credit is used to lift up our most challenged neighborhoods without exploiting the low-income people who live there. The tax breaks sole purpose should not be to support gentrification. With these much needed reforms, the Opportunity Zone concept will be more likely to drive retail, residential and commercial development in areas that have been underserved and disinvested for decades.”


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** This is an unattended mailbox. Please send all media requests to
Hope Derrick or Ryan Daniels at the email addresses above. **

Byron Allen, Comcast to Square Off in Supreme Court on Racial Discrimination Case

Story by Variety
Written by Cynthia Littleton

Byron Allen’s racial discrimination case against Comcast Corp. on Wednesday heads to the Supreme Court, where justices will consider Comcast’s argument that the case should hinge on two words: “but for.”

Allen filed a $20 billion lawsuit against Comcast in February 2015, arguing that the nation’s largest cable operator was discriminating against his company, Entertainment Studios, by refusing to carry its seven lifestyle cable channels. Comcast maintained the decision was made strictly on business grounds because of the lack of audience demand for Allen’s channels.

Allen asserts that Comcast’s actions over a decade violated a post-Civil War statute designed to ensure that African Americans had the same rights to “make and enforce contracts” as white Americans. The lawsuit further accuses the NAACP and Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network and other civil rights figures of conspiring with Comcast to “whitewash Comcast’s discriminatory business practices” by supporting the company’s 2011 acquisition of NBCUniversal, among other allegations.

Comcast has vehemently denied that race played a part in its decision making. Allen’s suit details allegations that Comcast strung Entertainment Studios along with suggestions of how to make the channels more likely to secure carriage, only to reverse course later. The original complaint also cites allegations that Comcast executives made racially charged statements during the course of Allen’s dealings with the company.

Allen’s case was dismissed by three lower courts. In 2018, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed that decision, ruling that it only needed to demonstrate that race was a factor in Comcast’s decision-making on Entertainment Studios’ channels, not the sole reason for declining to carry the channels.


Crowds celebrating outside the House of Representatives after the Civil Rights Act of 1866 was passed. The Supreme Court will decide how the law applies to Byron Allen's lawsuit against Comcast.MPI—GETTY IMAGES

Comcast’s petition to the Supreme Court focuses on the precedent involving section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which bars discrimination on the basis of race, color and ethnicity when making and enforcing contracts. In the past, Comcast argues, the courts have evaluated Section 1981 claims on the standard that “but for” a person’s race or ethnicity, a contract would have been executed. Comcast argues that the Ninth Circuit erred in interpreting Section 1981 as allowing a claim if race is only one factor in the reasoning.

“Applying the proper but-for causation standard, there is no doubt that Plaintiffs’ allegations are inadequate to state a plausible Section 1981 claim,” Comcast wrote in August in seeking the Supreme Court’s review. “Comcast adamantly denies that it has engaged in any racial discrimination at any time, but even taking the allegations of the complaint at face value, Plaintiffs have not remotely pleaded a valid claim.”

Miguel Estrada of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher will argue the case on behalf of Comcast. Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of Berkeley Law and Louis “Skip” Miller of Miller Barondess will argue for Entertainment Studios and the National Association of African American Owned Media, an organization started by Allen. Entertainment Studios also has a case pending against Charter Communications, which is not part of Wednesday’s hearing. A similar lawsuit against AT&T was settled in late 2015 with an agreement to add Entertainment Studios’ channels to DirecTV.

Allen’s quest has raised thorny questions about bias, access and diversity efforts across the industry. Allen’s detractors say he has opportunistically targeted major distributors for lawsuits at key moments when the media giants were seeking federal approval for megabucks mergers, such as AT&T’s 2015 acquisition of DirecTV and Comcast and Charter’s pursuit of Time Warner Cable.

Allen maintains that he was denied carriage by Comcast even as the company added a host of other channels to its lineup. Allen argues that litigation is needed for Entertainment Studios to gain access to the documents and information it needs to prove race was a factor. Allen’s legal filings dispute Comcast’s argument on the but-for causation test.

“A plaintiff need only submit evidence that raises an inference of discrimination; it is enough to allege and present a prima facie case that race was a motivating factor in the refusal to contract,” Allen wrote in a September filing to the high court. “Once a plaintiff does that, the burden shifts to the defendant to submit evidence that it was motivated by race-neutral reasons. Only then is a plaintiff required to negate those reasons.”

Industry watchers say that even with the Ninth Circuit’s decision, Allen’s case still has to clear a high bar.

“It will be a difficult case to win,” said Erik Gordon, assistant professor at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. “Allen will have to prove that Comcast would have made enough money carrying his channels but decided not to because of race. That will not be easy, especially if Comcast has a business analysis that shows a business reason it declined to carry his channels.”

Allen’s case has spurred interest on Capitol Hill. Earlier this week, U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) sent a letter to Comcast chairman-CEO Brian Roberts asserting his view that Comcast needs to be “broken up” in part because of its long-running dispute with Allen.

“In pursuing this case to the Supreme Court of the United States, Comcast is putting corporate profits ahead of public interest, and is employing a scorched earth policy to defend a corporate business decision,” Rush wrote.

In a comment on the letter, Comcast cited its business relationships with African American-led media outfits such as Oprah Winfrey’s OWN and Sean Combs’ Revolt TV. It also defended its right to challenge Allen’s allegations against Rush’s assertion that the company was trying to dismantle civil rights laws.

“We believe that the civil rights laws are an essential tool for protecting the rights of African Americans and other diverse communities,” Comcast said in a statement. “We have been forced to appeal this decision to defend against a meritless $20 billion claim, but have kept our argument narrowly focused. We are not seeking to roll back any civil rights laws — all we are asking is that section 1981 in our case be interpreted the same way it has been for decades across the country.”
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Read More: https://fortune.com/2019/11/13/supreme-court-comcast-byron-allen/?emci=4a116216-f10a-ea11-828b-2818784d6d68&emdi=b956333d-180b-ea11-828b-2818784d6d68&ceid=1964798

Watch Video and Read more: Why the Supreme Court is hearing a TV mogul's $20 billion racial bias case against Comcast - https://finance.yahoo.com/news/comcast-byron-allen-supreme-court-case-racial-bias-122803495.html

An Emotional Michael Jordan opens his First Health Clinic for the Uninsured and Underinsured

Story by Upworthy
Video by Xavier Wang/The Charlotte Observer
Written by Annie Reneau

NBA Hall of Fame Basketball great Michael Jordan made himself a global household name with his seemingly superhuman slam dunks and uncanny ability to score under pressure.

Now, 16 years into his retirement, his name is associated with something completely different—a medical clinic for uninsured and underinsured people in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Jordan, who grew up in North Carolina and now owns the Charlotte Hornets NBA team, spoke at the opening of the $7 million Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic, the first of two clinics for low-income families he is funding.

RELATED: If Americans understood how absurd our system is, we'd all be demanding universal healthcare
With tears streaming down his face, Jordan praised the community the clinic will serve, telling the crowd,"This is a very emotional thing for me to be able to give back to a community that has supported me over the years, from when I was playing the game of basketball, to now when I'm a part of this community."

The clinic, which has 12 exam rooms, an x-ray room, and a space for physical therapy. is located in a lower-income area of Charlotte and will provide affordable primary and preventative care services to people with insufficient or no insurance. A study by Harvard University and UC Berkeley in 2014 ranked Charlotte dead last out of 50 large cities for social and economic mobility for children born into poverty, so this clinic fills a vital need for affordable medical care. The clinic will also staff a social worker and offer behavioral and social support services.

Jordan announced that the second clinic was already underway. According to a press release from Novant, over five years the clinics "are projected to care for nearly 35,000 children and adults who do not currently have access to primary and preventive care or who use the emergency room for non-urgent medical needs."

RELATED: Michael Jordan finally speaks up about police shootings. Here's why it's important.
Jordan vowed that these clinics were not one-time contributions to the community, saying, "This is just the start of a battle of being able to touch as many people as we can."

Radio Revenues Up 1.1% For Urban One During Third Quarter.

Story by Inside Radio
Update on 11-13-2019: http://www.insideradio.com/free/urban-one-restates-financials-sending-its-stock-down/article_6399b324-05e9-11ea-b75d-239ee44b5ef8.html

Urban One reports its radio division revenue increased 1.1% during third quarter although when the sale of urban AC “105.9 Kiss FM” WDMK Detroit to Beasley Broadcast Group is accounted for, same-station revenue was up a stronger 4.2%, according to CEO Alfred Liggins. “I was pleased that we were able to grow the radio broadcasting segment,” he said in the announcement, saying the $13.5 million station sale resulted in an improved cash position and lower leverage for its balance sheet.

Urban One says the best-performing markets during the third quarter included Atlanta, Baltimore, Charlotte, Raleigh, St. Louis, and Washington DC. Each posted revenue growth during the quarter. On the other side it said the Detroit and Indianapolis markets saw revenue declines during the quarter.

Reach Media, the company segment that includes the syndicated radio shows from Tom Joyner, Rickey Smiley, Russ Parr, and DL Hughley, saw its revenue increase marginally during the third quarter compared a year earlier. That was in part from additional revenue brought in by the Tom Joyner One More Time Experience, a multi-city tour event.

Urban One reports overall third quarter revenue totaled $111.1 million during the quarter, an increase of 0.3% compared to a year ago. Net revenue for its digital segment decreased 6.6%, primarily due to decreases in direct revenues. Liggins said cable television advertising was “robust” in the quarter, up 7.8%.

Looking ahead, Liggins said radio is currently pacing behind last year. “Same-station core radio revenues, excluding political, are currently pacing down low single digits for the fourth quarter,” he said. Nevertheless he told investors Thursday he still believes Urban One is “well positioned” to hit its target of having earnings of $138 million to $140 million in 2019.

URBAN ONE HONORS - A STAR STUDDED AWARDS EVENT CELEBRATING - 40 YEARS OF RADIO ONE

Join us for @urbanonehonors A star-studded event that will celebrate 40 years of the best in radio, entertainment and more! Tickets are on sale now! #urbanonehonors #Represent #Ilovemyjob

Story by Urban One
Video: https://wdrv.it/331130dcd

The annual Urban One Honors Awards show is scheduled for Thursday, December 5, at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, MD. The announcement was made by Cathy Hughes, Urban One Founder & Chairwoman, along with Alfred Liggins, III, CEO, Urban One; Michelle Rice, GM, TV One; and Jeff Wilson, SVP, Radio One. The event will air as a two-hour show on TV One, a division of Urban One, on January 20, 2020, the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

The program will feature a star-studded line-up of presenters and honorees as well as special musical performances and will serve as an annual commemoration of the achievements of black and brown people and broadcast their contributions to our culture and global society.

The televised event will herald the accomplishments of individuals who have made extraordinary contributions in entertainment, media, music, fashion, sports, education, and the community. It will also pay tribute to the 40-year history of Radio One and its extraordinary founder, Cathy Hughes (pictured), who commented, “I give praise and thanks to God from Whom all blessings flow for the opportunity to be of service to my community for these 40 years. I always say that Radio One is my second baby next to my son and business partner, Alfred Liggins. I’m immensely grateful for the men and women who have worked to help make Radio One a success. It started as a single radio station and is now a media family with two cable television networks and various digital media platforms. I look forward to celebrating this milestone and recognizing others who are doing phenomenal work in their industries.”

Urban One Honors is presented by TV One and Radio One’s Washington D.C. radio group: Urban AC WMMJ (Majic 102.3 & 92.7), Urban WKYS, Inspirational WPRS (Praise 104.1), Urban Gospel WYCB-AM (Spirit 1340), Sports-Talk WTEM (The Team 980 / 95.9) and Urban Talk WOL 1450. Tickets are now available at UrbanOneHonors.com.