Here’s a bold statement: the voice of Milwaukee’s Black community is about to enter a new chapter—and it’s sparking both hope and questions. Civic Media has acquired WNOV 860 (https://wnov860.com/) /106.5 W293CX, a beloved Black Talk/Gospel radio station, and The Milwaukee Courier (https://milwaukeecourieronline.com/), the weekly newspaper that’s been a cornerstone of the community since 1964. But here’s where it gets controversial: as Civic Media takes the reins on January 1, many are wondering how this change will shape the future of these trusted institutions.
The deal, whose financial terms remain undisclosed, marks a significant transition for both outlets. Mary Ellen Jones, whose family built these platforms to amplify Black voices in Milwaukee, will serve as a consultant to Civic Media. Jerrel Jones Jr. will assist with the newspaper’s transition, and Dr. Robert ‘Biko’ Baker will step in as Operations Manager for both the station and the paper. The goal? To honor the legacy of The Courier and WNOV while modernizing their operations and expanding their digital reach.
And this is the part most people miss: the Jones family’s decision to pass the torch wasn’t made lightly. Mary Ellen Jones emphasized, ‘My parents built The Milwaukee Courier and WNOV to give Milwaukee’s Black community a voice when few existed. Civic Media is committed to honoring that legacy while investing in the future of trusted media.’ Her mother, Earnestine Jones, added, ‘We believed that accurate information is powerful and our voices matter. We trust Civic Media to carry this mission forward with truth and integrity.’
But not everyone is convinced. While Civic Media CEO Sage Weil promises to ‘steward that legacy while investing in their future’, some are skeptical about how corporate ownership might impact the community-focused spirit of these outlets. Jerrel Jones Jr. acknowledged this concern, stating, ‘It matters greatly to our family that these institutions continue to inform, uplift, and serve with integrity. Civic Media has shown sincere respect for our parents’ legacy.’
Here’s the controversial question: Can a larger media company truly preserve the grassroots essence of these community pillars? Civic Media’s Regional President Chris Moreau insists they’re up to the task, pledging to provide ‘the resources and infrastructure to help this team serve the community through broadcast, digital, and print media.’
WNOV and The Courier will join Civic Media’s Milwaukee portfolio, which already includes stations like Liberal Talk 540 WAUK (https://waukradio.com/) and Full Service Oldies 1400 WRJN (https://wrjn.com/). But this acquisition isn’t just about expanding reach—it’s about carrying forward a mission that’s been at the heart of Milwaukee’s Black community for decades.
What do you think? Is Civic Media the right steward for this legacy, or are there risks to this transition? Share your thoughts in the comments—this conversation is far from over.
