Syndicated radio talk show adds another eight stations and now runs in more than 40 markets across the U.S.

LOS ANGELES: SmileyAudioMedia, Inc. announced today that its nationally syndicated radio talk show, “Tavis Smiley,” will be offered free for one week during the Democratic National Convention (DNC) to any urban radio station, regardless of format. Host Tavis Smiley will broadcast live from Radio Row inside Chicago’s United Center, the site of the convention, and other relevant locations around the Windy City. Tavis Smiley, award-winning author whose updated #1 New York Times bestselling book, The Covenant with Black America: 20 Years Later, releases in August, will provide insightful observations and commentary on the cultural, societal, and political implications of this year’s Democratic convention with some of Black America’s most exciting and relevant thought leaders.

“Black voters will be at the epicenter of whatever happens in Chicago, a fact made more relevant with the increasing likelihood that Kamala Harris will be the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee,” stated Tavis Smiley, owner of SmileyAudioMedia, Inc., talk show host, and recipient of the coveted “Freedom of Speech” Award from Talkers 2023. “If the Democratic Party hopes to achieve victory in November, it will be because Black voters saved the Party and, ultimately, American democracy.”

“The story of the 2024 election is a rapidly changing, fluid story,” added Rob Wilkins, syndication manager for SmileyAudioMedia, Inc. “Let award-winning journalist and best-selling author Tavis Smiley serve as your audience’s ‘eyes and ears’ in Chicago – keeping them ‘in the know’ and on top of issues and stories as they develop during the most important political party convention of the 21st Century.”

Stations from upstate New York to Atlanta to East Texas that have already signed on to carry “Tavis Smiley” from the DNC, August 19-22, 2024, include: WIGO AM 1570 (Atlanta, GA), KAZI FM 88.7 (Austin, TX), WUFO AM 1080 and FM 96.5 (Buffalo, NY), WASU FM 92.7 (Albany State University, Albany, GA), WCSU FM 88.9 (Central State University, Wilberforce, OH), and KBWC FM 91.1 (Wiley College, Marshall, TX).

The Covenant with Black America: 20 Years Later – Release Date: Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Two decades ago, Tavis Smiley curated a pivotal national dialogue with the publication of The Covenant with Black America. This groundbreaking manifesto captured the nation’s attention by addressing the critical issues facing African Americans. The book quickly became a #1 New York Times bestseller, challenging America to confront its systemic inequalities with extraordinary determination.

As we commemorate its 20th anniversary, the urgency of these issues has only intensified. The new edition intertwines the original essays with influential new contributions from today’s leading voices, presenting a compelling blend of historical insights and contemporary urgency.

“The 2024 election, to date, has been unpredictable and unprecedented,” concluded Smiley. “As the battle between the candidates enters its final stretch, the policies discussed and the decisions made will have a profound and lasting impact on Black America. It’s not only right but appropriate that “Tavis Smiley” listeners will be at the center of the action as the conversation occurs.”