July 2nd in African American History – The National Black Network

July 2, 1972 The National Black Network began operation as the first coast-to-coast radio network totally owned by African Americans.

The network was put together by Eugene D. Jackson, Sydney L. Small, and Del Raycee. It started with 25 affiliates and aired 5 minute newscasts at the hour and sportscasts several times a day at the half hour. By the early 1980s, NBN offered a second news service, American Urban Information Radio, which concentrated on in-depth reporting.

In the early 1990s, NBN merged with the Sheridan Broadcasting Network to form the American Urban Radio Network.