February is Black History Month. A special time of the year where we celebrate Black historians, Black excellence and Black achievement, both past and present.
Over the egregious objections by many in the majority, it is the one month, out of twelve, that is universally recognized to promote, honor and celebrate the great contributions/advancements of Black people in America, that paves the way for a greater future for the Black community.
Adding to the list of accomplishments honored during Black History Month, Bennett Media Group, a Black owned media company in Washington state that owns and operates 1480 AM KBMS (Vancouver/Portland), 1620 AM KYIZ (Seattle/Tacoma) and 1420 AM KRIZ (Renton/Seattle), recently announced the acquisition of their fourth radio property – 97.5 FM KBMS (Vancouver/Portland).
“I am proud to say that we made history during Black History Month,” said Chris H. Bennett, CEO of Bennett Media Group. “It is with great joy, pride, blessings and praises to God that we announce and celebrate Bennett Media Group’s acquisition of radio station, KBMS 97.5 FM. This is an historic first to have a Black owned FM radio station specifically dedicated to serving the under-served communities of the greater Portland/Vancouver area.”
The addition of 97.5 FM KBMS marks a significant milestone for the Bennett Media Group and the plight of Black-owned radio stations across the country. Out of the 11,000 commercial radio stations in the U.S., fewer than 180 are Black owned, and acquiring an FM station is today’s market is very difficult, especially for Black-owned media groups.
“The addition of KBMS 97.5 FM to Bennett Media Group’s portfolio of stations, marks a long-awaited entry into the elusive FM radio market, a market which historically has not been very inclusive of Black ownership or our plight for economic viability in the Black community,” said Bennett.
“A few years ago, a vice president of a major national marketing firm referenced ‘Black radio operators’ in an internal memo to staff saying, ‘what do you want, prospects or suspects,’” continued Bennett, as he talked about the lack of inclusion and systemic bias that historically has impacted industry. “This type of insensitive behavior that devalues Black lives and audiences is a prime example of the persistent lack of inclusion of advertising and business opportunities on Wall Street that Black radio faces – where the proverbial ‘White only’ sign still symbolically hangs in the marketplace and boardroom.”
According to Bennett, the 97.5 FM signal, which is scheduled to begin operation this week, will allow KBMS radio to strengthen its reach and service to the Greater Vancouver/Portland market and “give a stronger voice to the voiceless.”
“I give all praises to God for the many community prayers answered that allowed us to acquire the new FM station,” added Bennett. “Thank you to the many loyal KBMS listeners and longtime supporters. Stay tuned to KBMS 1480AM and now, KBMS 97.5 FM and online at KBMSRadio.com, as the best is yet to come.”
