Civic Media is purchasing Black Talk/Gospel 860 WNOV/106.5 W293CX Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Courier weekly newspaper from Mary Ellen Jones’ Courier Communications Corporation.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Civic Media will begin operating the station and newspaper on January 1. Mary Ellen Jones will serve as a consultant to Civic Media, while Jerrel Jones Jr. will assist with the newspaper transition and Dr. Robert ‘Biko’ Baker will join the company as Operations Manager for the station and newspaper. The former Editor of The Source will lead efforts “to invest in journalism and programming that has long served Milwaukee’s Black community”.
The Courier has published since 1964 and has operated the radio station since 1972.
Mary Ellen Jones said, “”My parents built The Milwaukee Courier and WNOV to give Milwaukee’s Black community a voice when few existed. Passing that responsibility forward was not taken lightly. Civic Media is committed to honoring that legacy while investing in the future of trusted media.”
Her mother Earnestine Jones stated, “When Jerrel and I founded The Milwaukee Courier and WNOV, we believed that accurate information is powerful and our voices matter. As my family passes the torch to Civic Media, we do so with trust that this mission will continue to grow, serve, and remain rooted in truth and integrity.”
Jerrel Jones Jr. said “The Milwaukee Courier and WNOV have been instrumental in shaping my career and strengthening the Milwaukee community. 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 and a thoughtful commitment to honoring and advancing it.”
Civic Media CEO Sage Weil commented, “Acquiring The Milwaukee Courier and WNOV is both an opportunity and a responsibility. These are trusted institutions with deep roots in Milwaukee, and our role is to steward that legacy while investing in their future—modernizing operations, expanding digital reach, and ensuring they continue to serve the community with integrity. We’re proud to have Dr. Robert ‘Biko’ Baker lead this work.”
Baker added, “I am excited to help continue the legacy of the Jones family by working with Civic Media. This is a historic opportunity to keep important organizations engaged with the community. This is exactly the vision that Mr. Jones had in mind.”
Civic Media Regional President Chris Moreau followed, “Our company is proud to continue the legacy and history of WNOV’s service to the heart of Milwaukee. We’re committed to providing the resources and infrastructure to help this team serve the community through broadcast, digital and print media.”
WNOV and The Courier will join a Civic Media Milwaukee operation that includes Liberal Talk 540 WAUK Jackson/100.3 W262CJ Milwaukee/101.1 W266BR Waukesha and Full Service Oldies simulcast 1400 WRJN Racine/98.1 W251BU Kenosha/99.9 W260CV Racine and 1290 WZTI Greenfield/107.3 W297BY Franklin.
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