About WNOV

Educating. Empowering. Inspiring.

We aim to elevate the quality of life for our audience by delivering programming that resonates with their diverse needs and aspirations.

History of WNOV

WNOV was purchased in 1967 by Phillip Chess, Polish-born co-founder of Chess Records. The call name was changed from WFOX to WNOV by Chess, who also changed the station format from country music to “soul” music to target the Black audience. In 1972 WNOV was purchased by Courier Communications Corporation with Dr. Jerrel Jones as majority stakeholder, thus making it the first Black-owned radio station in Wisconsin and one of only 30 in the United States. Today, more than 50 years later, WNOV remains Black-owned and -operated, continuing its longstanding commitment to Wisconsin’s Black community.

WNOV Through the Decades

1970s — Black-owned

WNOV becomes Wisconsin’s first Black-owned radio station and one of just a few dozen nationwide.

1980s — Embraced Rap Music

In the early years of rap, WNOV is one of the few radio stations to embrace and promote rap artists.

1990s — Talk Shows

Following the national rise of talk shows on television and radio, WNOV begins incorporating talk shows in its daily programming. Most notably, Alderman Michael McGee’s show, which achieved national prominence in the 1990s.

2000s — The FM Channel

Moving into the new millennium, WNOV adds the FM channel and continues to blend talk shows with its music format.

2020s

In 2022, WNOV passed from Dr. Jones to his daugher, Mary Ellen Jones, continuing its longstanding commitment to Wisconsin’s Black community and providing a unique blend of entertainment, information, and resources.

Dr. Jerrel Jones passed away on June 4, 2025.

A New Chapter

In December 2025, Civic Media announced its acquisition of WNOV and the Milwaukee Courier from the Jones family’s Courier Communications Corporation. Operations transferred on January 1, 2026, with Mary Ellen Jones consulting during the transition and Dr. Robert “Biko” Baker serving as General Manager for both the radio station and the newspaper.

In April 2026, Civic Media established the Milwaukee Black Media Trust — a community-ownership structure that holds the Milwaukee Courier, 101.7 The Truth (WGKB), and, pending FCC approval, WNOV. The trust is built to prevent individual or corporate sale, consolidation, or redirection of these institutions away from community control. It operates with full editorial and programming independence while receiving administrative and technology support from Civic Media.

“My parents built The Milwaukee Courier and WNOV to give Milwaukee’s Black community a voice when few existed.” — Mary Ellen Jones

“These are trusted institutions with deep roots in Milwaukee, and our role is to steward that legacy while investing in their future.” — Sage Weil, CEO, Civic Media

Mission Statement

Educate, empower, and inspire the community with relevant and insightful programming to enhance the quality of life for our audience.

Dr. Jerrel W. Jones

A Milwaukee native, Dr. Jones’ business accomplishments include The Milwaukee Courier (1964–present) and WNOV (1972–present). He was the first Black owner of a newspaper and radio station in the United States. Dr. Jones became interested in print media through his mother, Dr. Mary Ellen Strong, who owned the Milwaukee Defender weekly newspaper — the only newspaper “of and by” the African-American community. He credited much of his success to his mother and to his mentor S. B. Fuller, a renowned African-American entrepreneur who owned a national newspaper chain.

Through his leadership of the Milwaukee Courier and WNOV, Dr. Jones helped develop multimedia communications industry professionals in Milwaukee and Wisconsin. Many within the African-American community have long recognized that the Milwaukee Courier and WNOV give voice to their culture.

The impact of Dr. Jones’ work and influence is renowned. Given his strong presence in the Black community over six decades, he played a major role in shaping politics and culture. Dr. Jones was one of the first to give airplay to Marvin Gaye’s album What’s Going On, as well as thousands of other Black artists — especially during the rise of rap and hip-hop — who were not able to break into mainstream markets.

He was active in the civil rights movement from the onset and was instrumental in political campaigns from local offices to the presidency for decades. He also generously shared his insight and perspective with leaders across business, civic, and social organizations.

Core Values

Community Enrichment

We are dedicated to providing content and programming that goes beyond mere entertainment. Our focus is on empowering, inspiring, and educational content that plays an active role in enhancing the overall well-being of the community we serve.

Fostering Community Connection

We are committed to creating a vibrant tapestry of shared experiences within our community. Central to this is the celebration and promotion of cultural expression, artistic endeavors, and entertainment that bring people together.

Empowerment and Insight for All

We work to empower and inspire every member of our community through insightful programming. Our goal is to elevate the quality of life for our audience by delivering content that resonates with their diverse needs and aspirations.

Connecting Minds, Empowering Lives

We intentionally link minds and uplift lives within our community. Through the connection of minds, we have the power to positively impact and empower the lives of individuals.

Nurturing Community Well-Being

Our programming is thoughtfully designed to be both relevant and insightful, aligning with the diverse interests and needs of our community members.