The expectations have become reality as iHeartMedia has begun leasing additional AM stations to expand its “Black Information Network“.
Three stations have begun stunting with the speech loop that aired prior to the network launch two months ago and promoting the network’s launch at 12pm today.
The new affiliates are: Beasley Media’s former Sports “610 ESPN” WTEL Philadelphia, Potomac Radio Group’s former Brokered Ethnic 1120 WUST Washington DC, M-10 Broadcasting’s former Classic Hits “Q1370” WQLL Pikesville/Baltimore MD. Some of WTEL’s local brokered shows have relocated to Beasley’s Brokered Talk 860 WWDB, while WUST’s programming is still being made available online only. WQLL had been running Westwood One’s Classic Hits network programming since eliminating its local airstaff in June including morning host Ken ‘Merson Person’ Merson and midday host Diane Lyn. iHeartMedia will be purchasing WUST, while the others are just LMA’s.
Alexander Broadcasting’s 99.3 W257DS Montgomery AL will join the network via LMA on Wednesday, September 2.
As we reported earlier this month, more affiliates via LMA appear to be forthcoming including New York.
BIN: Black Information Network, the recently launched 24/7 comprehensive national audio news service dedicated to providing an objective, accurate and trusted source of continual news coverage with a Black voice and perspective, announced today that it will now be available on air at broadcast radio stations in Baltimore, Montgomery – AL, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. These four stations join other BIN markets across the country including stations in Atlanta, Augusta, Charlotte, Cleveland, Columbus – GA, Dayton – OH, Detroit, Greenville, Macon, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Orleans, Norfolk, Riverside, San Francisco, St. Louis and Seattle markets, bringing the total to 21 with more to be announced.
iHeartMedia has entered into a Local Marketing Agreement (LMA) and an Asset Purchase Agreement for WUST 1120 AM in Washington, D.C. and LMAs for WQLL 1370 AM in Baltimore, BIN 99.3 in Montgomeryand WTEL 610 AM in Philadelphia.
“BIN’s goal has always been to be the most trusted source for news in the Black community, and part of that strategy is of course to be available on both broadcast and digital stations across America,” said Tony Coles, President of BIN: Black Information Network. “We’re thrilled to bring BIN, a full-time news service by and for the Black community, to Baltimore, Montgomery, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. and provide millions of listeners there with both the national and local news that impacts their lives.”
Starting August 31 (with Montgomery starting Sept. 2) listeners in these new markets will be able to tune in to the first and only 24/7 national and local all news audio service focused on service to the Black community and providing an information window for those outside the community to help foster communication, accountability and a deeper understanding. BIN is also distributed nationally through the iHeartRadio app, available across more than 250 platforms and 2,000 devices.
