3 | WERD (America’s First Black-Owned Radio Station) cover art

3 | WERD (America’s First Black-Owned Radio Station)

3 | WERD (America’s First Black-Owned Radio Station)

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

 In 1949, WERD became America’s first radio station owned and programmed by African-Americans. Founded by Jesse B. Blayton in Atlanta, Georgia, WERD was known for playing Black music that wasn’t traditionally played on white-owned stations, offering Black artists and DJs new opportunities to be heard. The station also played a huge role in the Civil Rights movement, allowing leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. to relay his message to his audience. The station faced opposition along the way. The city of Atlanta regulated the station to 1000 watts which was just enough to reach local Black neighborhoods but not much more. The impact of WERD would soon spread across America and its founder Jesse B. Blayton would be inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1995. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
activate_mytile_page_redirect_t1

What listeners say about 3 | WERD (America’s First Black-Owned Radio Station)

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com.au reviews

Amazon Reviews
No Reviews are Available
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.