As previously announced, iHeartMedia will launch the Black Information Network on 1600 WWRL New York at 12pm today.
WWRL is currently stunting with the loop of speeches from the likes of Barack and Michelle Obama, Al Sharpton, Maya Angelou, and Malcom X that have led into each of the other 24 BIN affiliate debuts since its launch in June.
iHeartMedia is in the process of purchasing WWRL and the Construction Permit for 103.9 W280GA Edison NJ from NJ Broadcasting for $8.5 million. When the deal closes, WWRL will become the seventh station in the company’s New York cluster.
BIN: Black Information Network, the 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, launches today at 12 p.m. ET on New York City’s legendary station WWRL AM 1600.
In New York, listeners can tune in to WWRL for 24/7 national and local news focused on serving the Black community and providing an information window for those outside the community to help foster communication, accountability and a deeper understanding. The station, which features top national on-air anchors and correspondents, kicked off this a.m. with a series of important speeches in Black history, including those from Barack and Michelle Obama, Al Sharpton, Maya Angelou, and Malcom X, leading up to the official noon ET launch. Then at sunset, the Empire State Building will illuminate its world-famous tower lights and turn red, white, and green in celebration of BIN: Black Information Network’s official launch on WWRL.
The launch of BIN – WWRL comes just in time for Election Day 2020. Renowned journalist and BIN commentator Roland Martin will anchor live news coverage beginning at 7 p.m. ET on election night 2020 and provide updates as the polls close and election tallies are reported nationwide on the race between President/Vice President incumbents Donald Trump/Mike Pence and Democratic challengers Joseph Biden/Kamala Harris. Roland Martin, who will be joined by special guests and noted political experts during the broadcast, will also provide updates and analysis on important state and local elections around the country.
“The 2020 Election is one of the most consequential we’ve seen in American history, and Black voters will play a crucial role. Our goal at #RolandMartinUnfiltered is to provide unparalleled coverage of not only the presidential and U.S. Senate races, but the many local races that impact our people,” said Martin, who serves as Host and Managing Editor. “From top scholars to civil rights lawyers to health and economic experts and politically-minded celebrities, there will be no other place — digital, cable or broadcast — that will match the plans we have for our collaboration with BIN on election night.”
“The 2020 Presidential election will be one of the most important elections of our time and decisions made during this election will impact the lives of Black Americans for decades to come,” said Tanita Myers, Director of News Operations for BIN: Black Information Network. “We’re pleased to be launching BIN in the No. 1 market in the country just in time for this critical election night and to provide millions of New York City listeners with national and local authentic and unique perspectives on the news and issues that will have a critical impact on the lives of members of the Black community.”
Update 9/16: iHeartMedia will pay $8.5 million for WWRL and the Construction Permit for 103.9 W280GA Edison NJ.
The LMA will be for $75,000 per month starting on November 2 and $60,000 of each month’s payments will be credited towards the sale price. NJ Broadcasting will also be required to complete a list of necessary repairs and compliance projects with $100,000 held until six months after closing to ensure it is completed. If the work is not completed by closing the holdback number rises to $275,000. The deal includes WWRL’s land and four tower array in Secaucus NJ.
Original Report 9/10: iHeartMedia has announced it will purchase 1600 WWRL New York to join the Black Information Network.
IHeartMedia will begin operating WWRL via LMA on November 2. Currently owned by NJ Broadcasting, terms of the deal were not disclosed. WWRL currently airs Brokered Asian Programming supplied by India’s “Radio Mirchi“.
WWRL was New York’s heritage R&B station from the 1960s through early 80s when it would then switch to Gospel and later Black Talk. That heritage ended in 2006 when the station became the flagship for the now-defunct Liberal Talk “Air America” network.
Black Information Network is currently heard in New York on 105.1 WWPR-HD2.
BIN: Black Information Network, the 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 on WWRL AM 1600 in New York City. iHeartMedia has entered into a Local Marketing Agreement (LMA) and an Asset Purchase Agreement for the historic station, which has been on the air in New York for 94 years; the station joins other BIN markets across the country, including the Atlanta, Augusta, Baltimore, Charlotte, Cleveland, Columbus – GA, Dayton – OH, Detroit, Greenville, Macon, Minneapolis, Montgomery-AL, Nashville, New Orleans, Norfolk, Philadelphia, Riverside, San Francisco, St. Louis, Seattle and Washington, D.C. markets, bringing the number of BIN markets to 22 with more to be announced.
“We are excited to welcome WWRL AM as the newest member of the Black Information Network family,” said Tony Coles, President of BIN: Black Information Network. “This station has a long history of service in New York City, and in the ‘60s was an important voice for change for the Black community. At BIN, we are proud to continue that legacy, and to once again make AM 1600 a trusted source for the news and information that impacts Black New Yorkers.”
Starting November 2nd, listeners in New York City will be able to tune in to BIN, the first and only 24/7 national and local all news audio service focused on service to the Black community, 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.
