The National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB) and the Power of Urban Radio Forum celebrated a groundbreaking moment for Black media and business innovation at their 2025 Black Media Summit, held at the newly acquired U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) Campus—the former BET Campus, an iconic symbol of Black excellence.
This transformative two-day event united leaders from media, advertising, technology, and policy in a shared mission: to strengthen the ecosystem of Black-owned media and empower equitable investment across industries.
The Summit was supported by General Motors, Nielsen, Geo Broadcast Solutions, and AARP, highlighting their dedication to advancing multicultural storytelling and inclusive media representation.
Day One: Innovation, Advocacy & The Creator Economy
Day one opened with forward-thinking conversations about the future of AI, digital innovation, and advocacy in media. Highlights included:
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AI in Media and Advertising – exploring technology’s expanding role in storytelling and audience engagement.
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State of Black Media & Information Panel – featuring Jim Winston (NABOB), Ron Busby Sr. (U.S. Black Chambers), and Charles O’Neal (USBC Board Chair), discussing ownership, access, and sustainability.
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The Washington Update – led by Robert E. Branson (MMTC), Charlyn Stanberry (NAB), and Greg Willis (Phoenix Strategies), detailing the latest federal and policy developments impacting broadcasters.
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Nicky Sparrow (EVP, iHeartMedia) unveiled the Black Information Network (BIN) expansion, emphasizing authentic, real-time reporting from a Black perspective.
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Nielsen Insights for Black Media, presented by Laura Kutscher and Cecilia Jato Bitz, showcased data-driven strategies shaping the multicultural media landscape.
The day concluded with “Action Is More Than Words”, a commanding panel moderated by Ebony McMorris (AURN), featuring Steve Roberts, Chesley Maddox-Dorsey, and Kevin Perry, who shared tangible steps to build pathways for Black-owned media investment and visibility.
Day Two: Global Connections & Honors
The second day amplified collaboration through the Global Marketers Matchmaking Workshop, sponsored by Procter & Gamble, Toyota, and AARP. This innovative networking session linked 70+ Black-owned media companies with global advertisers for partnership-building and direct investment opportunities.
Jim Winston, NABOB President, reflected:
“Hosting this year’s Summit at the new USBC Campus—once the home of BET—is symbolic of our movement from legacy to innovation. It’s a living testament to the power of ownership, creativity, and progress.”
The NABOB & Power of Urban Radio Awards Luncheon honored trailblazers shaping the future of multicultural marketing:
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Marc Pritchard Corporate Impact Award – Carol H. Williams, Carol H. Williams Advertising
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Service Award – Publicis Media USA
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Mickey Leland Public Service Award – FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez
Sherman Kizart, Founder & CEO of Kizart Media Partners, praised the milestone event:
“The Power of Urban Radio Forum continues to turn conversations into action—fostering partnerships that expand the landscape for Black broadcasters and creators.”
Closing sessions featured powerful insights from the African American Agency CEO Discussion, Global Media Investment Leaders, and Digital & Social Media Trends, led by Cheyenne Bridgewater-Kizart, spotlighting how digital storytelling continues to redefine the reach and resilience of Black media worldwide.
