Back in 2003, I found myself traveling between Cincinnati, Ohio and Columbus, Ohio a couple of times a week. Our first child had just been born and I wanted to be home as much as I could. However, I was doing some consulting work in Columubus so, I would go back and forth twice a week.
The drive between the two places provides for a lot of boring radio and, as a news/talk radio junkie, I needed more than music. I decided to go for satellite radio. I had two choices, Sirius or XM. Since XM had a black talk channel (The Power), I chose them. I was exposed to hosts such as Joe Madison, Bernie McCain and Matsimela Mapfumo (Mark Thompson). I really enjoyed listening to all three. A couple of years back, Bernie McCain’s show was yanked and that was a blow to me. He came across as a very wise man who offered a lot of historical insight into what we, a black folks, experience in this country. However, his replacement, Ambrose I. Lane, was very accomplished and insightful in his own right so, I was able to grow to like him.
Now, though, I am not so sure about the latest lineup changes. The parent company of the Power, Radio One, has axed two of my favorites, Lane and Mapfumo. They have replaced them with their Syndication One programming so, we’ll now get the Rev. Al Sharpton’s talk show and a sports show called “The 2 Live Stews”. No offense but, I’ve heard these shows and they don’t appeal to me. I particularly liked listening to Mapfumo’s show (Make It Plain), on my drive home. Sorry but, hearing the latest sports news, instead of the political/social commentary doesn’t appeal to me. Furthermore, as far as I know, you can catch this online. I didn’t listen to most of this lineup when it was “free” so, why would I want it now that I have to pay for it? So, I don’t know. But, one thing is for sure, Radio One took a big step backward with me today.
Popularity: 53% [?]
Sphere: Related Content
I agree with you 100%…. “We Ourselvese” and “Make it Plain” were the reasons I listened to The Power XM169 also…And I agree that this is a worse blow than when they removed Bernie McCain, as I had just discovered the power around a few months prior to that….. I can just basically echoe what you’ve already said here and my XM will definetly be shut off when “the 2 live Stews” comes on…..
I am not really suprised however, its know that Cathy Hughes (owner of Radio One), is a closet right winger and thus has basically sold herself to the dumbing down and suppression of blacks in the media…….. Ambrose I.Lane and Mark Thompson were not afraid to voice the truth and it seems they have paid the price now for it……… I listen to Al. Sharpton and Warren Balletine online from time to time and I agree with you that those shows do not compare………I have sent emails and called both XM and Radio one voiceing my dissappointment about this and I suggest anyone else outraged about these programming changes do the same……………….
I agree with you 100 percent. The only reason I initially subscribed to XM radio was to listen to the entire Make It Plain broadcast. The local Baltimore station only aired part of the program. I enjoy listening to Joe Madison during my morning commute; however, Make It Plain was a staple on my evening commute from work. Although I have grown to like many shows on The Power, Mark Thompson was my favorite. I cannot imagine XM 169 The Power without Mark Thompson.
In my opinion, and with no disrespect to the new shows, it seems that The Power is being “DUMBED-DOWN”.
I like Reverend Al and Warren Ballentine, but not as much I enjoy Thompson and Lane. As far as the 2 LiveStews are concerned, they are just plain GARBAGE. If I wanted to hear sports talk, I’d listen to ESPN.
I know that The Power is making a big mistake with their nwe line-up. I am seriously considering cancelling my XM subscription.
I emplore Cathy Hughes/Radio One to reinstate We Ourselves and Make It Plain.
Continue to email, fax, write or phone Radio One, Inc. We will not stop the protest until Mark Thompson and Ambrose Lane are back on XMRadio 169 where they belong.
Cathy Hughes Office
Office 301 429-3263
Office 301 306-1111
Fax 301 429-3201
XMRadio 169 Lee Michaels, Program Director
301 429-3235
301 306-1111
Fax 301 918-3904
info@radio-one.com
Is Radio One Black Enough?
http://www.blackcommentator.co.....radio.html
REINSTATE MARK THOMPSON AND AMBROSE LANE TO THE POWER 169 XM
Fans of the Power 169 XM Radio are protesting to reinstated Mark Thompson and Ambrose Lane to the Power. Both were popular radio personalities on satellite radio the “Power.” On July 27, 2007, they were dismissed from the Power. Because of the protest, Lee Michaels, Program Director of XM169 was on the air (August 10, 2007) defending why Radio One fired Mark Thompson and Ambrose Lane from their radio lineup. After everything was said, the fans were not pleased with Lee Michaels reasons for firing them, and the protest continues even LOUDER. Their show discussed African-American issues along with political news from Washington, D.C. At this time, the shows have been replaced by Warren Valentine and “Two Live Stews” a sport show. Fans of the Power XM169 are outraged and demand that Mark Thompson and Ambrose Lane be reinstated immediately. Show your support with calls, faxes, and emails to Radio One.
Cathy Hughes, CEO
Office 301 429-3263 or 301 306-1111
Fax # 301 429-3201
Lee Michaels, Program Director XM169
301 306-1111 or 301 429-3235
Fax 301 918-3904
thepower@xmradio.com
The Power call-in line 866 801-8255
Michaels@radio-one.com
Radio One
Cathy Hughes, CEO
5900 Princess Garden Parkway
7th Floor
Lanham, MD 20706
301 306-1111
info@radio.one.com
[...] few months back, I shared with you my outrage over the lineup changes at XM 169 “The Power”, which included the cancellation of one of my favorite shows, “Make it Plain” and the [...]
I am so disappointed in The Power line up now. I only subscribed to XM radio because my boyfriend loved THE POWER! He got me hooked on it and bought me a receiver as a gift.
My job entails lots of field work so I am in my car over 6 hours per day, so I listened to Ambrose and Mark everyday. I miss them sorely. Al Sharpton and Warren Ballentine can’t even be put in the same class with Mark and Mr. Ambrose. Joe Madison is informative for the most part, but he loves to hear himself talk and borders on RUDE most of the time. I have to listen to him in spurts. I also wonder how many people that tune in to The Power enjoy “The Two Live (Stooges)?
I am going to cancel my XM subscription, even Oprah’s show isn’t enough to keep me as an XM subscriber. I saw where Sirius Radio has picked up Mark Thompson’s Show, Make it Plain. I am considering subscribing to Sirius to see what they have.
I sent emails to Radio One and never got any responses. It’s what I expected.
As like you, I too, discovered The Power driving to Detroit for a class reunion during Thanksgiving weekend several years ago and bought XM for Christmas. I too liked hearing Mark Thompson, and Mark Gray, and Bernie McClain as well. All three, sadly are gone. Also, former program director LaFontaine Oliver, who would respond to my inquiries, something current PD Lee Michaels doesn’t do. Now, George Wilson is leaving.
Suddenly the nation’s only Black talk network is becoming a joke.
We need The Power restored before it is too late.
Charles Hallman
Staff writer/columnist
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
Minneapolis, MN
[...] you might be aware, I had been contemplating a change since Radio One fired Matsimela Mapfumo from its “The Power” channel on XM radio and replaced his show with a sports show. When [...]
The Power is at it again Dr. Leon,GW on the hill,Spirit. They’ve all been pulled.
Is this a Kathy Hughes move ????
I’m getting tired of the line up changes at the drop of a hat.
when I finally begin to like a new show, they pull it.
it just makes us look like we can’t run anything right.
Radio One severed ties with XM due to not making sufficient money on advertising…. I assume the three remaining host, (Ballentine, Sharpton,Madison),made deals with XM directly to stay on the channel…..I believe Lee Michaels is now in charge of programming for the power channel now however……..
I’m so sick of all the changes XM 169 does every 4 months! I know about the severed ties between Radio One & XM, .. but the ties must not be completely severed, since they still provide that useless Madison show, along with the very much appreciated Warren Ballentine & Sharpton shows.
Why is Spirit not among the shows that Radio One still provides to XM? Just sick of this ! And by the way …. Joe Madison doesn’t talk about nothing but Dafur and stuff that happens in his local hood in DC … nothing that blacks across the nation want to hear! .. so take his “arse” off the national airwaves!
Daryl,
You are so right! I was wondering if anyone felt the same about Madison. This guy is so full of himself… I get so sick and tired of him talking about himself. It’s only 8 minutes per segment between commercials. He’s running his big mouth about something he’s mad about for 5 of the minutes then when you finally do get on depending on how he felt about his last rant. He uses you as the sacrificial lamb. Then the music hits you then you just feel straight up raped. Then you get it again when the cellphone charge comes in all for that jerk.
Unless you’re that horses ass lou dobbs you can’t get the time of day.
George Wilson was the greatest! He had patience and a so much class. I am totally shook up not having him. If anyone hears anything as to where he may be showing up next please post. Let’s pray that nothing happens to Rev. Sharpton, and Warren.
Peace
I just learned that “Make It Plain” is now on Srius Radio, its the only show along with “GW on the Hill”, that I made a point of listening to on The Power. Now I am seroulsly considering a change once I check out the other offerings they have.
I’m positive you will be hearing from George Wilson really soon! He is considering his options and looking to extending his presence via other media outlets. Check George out this week via his blog: gwonthehill.blogspot.com. Or email him at GWontheHill@yahoo.com. Thats what I’ve done.
I really feel sadened and angry about the fact that XM radio has elected to dismantle every aspect of independent and free thinking Black Talk Radio:
1. Ambrosse
2. Mark Thompson
and GW on the Hill
I believe Wilmer Leon will be affected from what I hear. So that is the complete machine for presenting a free thinking black male and female opinion of political talk at XM radio.
I will now cancel my subscription of XM Radio never to return unless they change their wicked management skill of trying, in my opinion, to silence voices who are against politics as ususal of the political so called democratic and republican machine who are pro war and pro corporation to its destruction of our nation and the entire planet.
XM is not a friend of people who speak the truth, in my opinion.
They only give credence to people who call themselves liberals and progressives but constantly use racial and devisive rhetoric in their debate to the world for signaling to the establishment “I say one thing, but really I am one of you, so let’s keep our foots on the necks of those black talk show host and black callers who dare speak against our typical way of life.”
XM Radio does not represent or promote a vehicle for the average, free thinking, and independent critical thinking African American, so as a people, I feel that African Americans should totally boycott XM Radio.
Sincerely,
StarrA
Quote:
Daryl,
You are so right! I was wondering if anyone felt the same about Madison. This guy is so full of himself… I get so sick and tired of him talking about himself. It’s only 8 minutes per segment between commercials. He’s running his big mouth about something he’s mad about for 5 of the minutes then when you finally do get on depending on how he felt about his last rant. He uses you as the sacrificial lamb. Then the music hits you then you just feel straight up raped. Then you get it again when the cellphone charge comes in all for that jerk.
Unless you’re that horses ass lou dobbs you can’t get the time of day.
George Wilson was the greatest! He had patience and a so much class. I am totally shook up not having him. If anyone hears anything as to where he may be showing up next please post. Let’s pray that nothing happens to Rev. Sharpton, and Warren.
Peace
Quote
————-
I agree with your sentiment 100%!!
StarrA or Gary
I give you fair warning that this is may qualify as a rant from someone who is ‘in the trenches’. Forgive me but I have to ‘Exhale’.
In discovering this website, I feel like i have found kindred spirits in reading your responses and comments. I travel extensively in my work and was listening to “the Power” via the internet. I wish that I had been exposed to some of the other hosts that were on the channel but had been pleased with overall quality of ccommentary that December’s lineup of hosts had provided. As a result, I purchased a radio and subscribed for 1 year because I believe in putting my money behind a Black created product that enhances my quality of life. A product that imforms me on issues and situations that help to keep me aware of what was going on in MY community from a perspective that I could appreiciate.
That quality has been seriously deminnished by the wholesale reduction of programming that has occured on the “Power”.
Having a background in radio and tv, I understand the need for high ratings so that high revenue can be generated. I also understand that the owner(s) of a radio/television station is sometimes put in a position of making a decision that will upset it’s listening audience in order to stay in business.
From either expanding too fast into certain markets or getting her advertisers angry (or not getting enough of them), one reality is that Radio One Inc. had to sell 20 of it’s radio stations last August. Some of these were in markets that did not have Black commercial radio until 15 to 20 years ago (Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn. for example), and had to rely on low-power non-profit stations (and Black owned newspapers) for music news and information from a black perspective. That is not to provide an excuse, but to lay out the facts as they stand…until now.
In my business I have been making radio station owners, managers, talk show hosts (and their producers), along with the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (N.A.B.O.B.) aware of a way to allieviate
their current condition and a method of becoming financially self sufficient which would greatly reduce their dependence on advertisers as their sole souce of income while raising their ratings and being more in tune with the needs of their listening audience. Having a Pro-Black perspective (but not anti-white), my focus was biased toward making this technology/service available to them first before calling on Clear Water and their ilk. While not turning a deaf ear to my proposals, I get the immpression that they have a ‘wait and see’ attitude because despite the very,very, low cost that would be required to implement this service, no one wants to be 1st,2nd, or third. Or maybe they are waiting for Clear Channel to sign off on it despite the fact this service has been in place for at least 6 years. This service being provided by a publicly traded company that is white owned and has fended off offers from Yahoo, Sony/BMG, and has the COO of Warner Bros. Music on i’ts board of directors.
A few weeks ago, Warren Ballentine brought up the issue of ‘No urban dictates’ on his show which affects the potential revenue that a Black owned radio station can recieve when white advertisers tell their agents not to advertise specifically on Black radio. I called in and told him that their is a service in place that can address that issue and can over a period of time reduce and or eliminate Radio One’s need for major advertisers while increasing the major advertiser’s need to place ads on Radio One. His response was that he wanted to put me on hold and have his assistant take my name and number and he would call me because he wanted to hear what I had to say because it was very important. No response. Two weeks later he has the same guest on. I call again and remind him of what we talked about. He tells me that he can’t answer every requests that he gets from callers. At that point I remind him that He asked for My phone number not the other way around and that his producer had taken my number three months earlier in Detroit (at his request) telling him ‘we need to talk with him’, and that I was was just wondering if I was going to get a call or not. I hung up (after being cut off), while he commented that this was not the topic at hand that he wanted to talk about. I called his producer who told me that what I said was foul. I in turn told him that after three months of waiting for a 5 minute conversation, I thought my response was specific, to the point, and restrained, to say the least.
I am still working with entities in this industry with the hope that I can not only make a living but make a difference.
So that is a snapshot of what I am trying to do to preserve, protect, expand Black media (radio in particular). This is my response to all of the radio hosts that asked their listeners “What are you doing to advance and improve the condition of your people?”
Pray for me.
Harold
I have had XM since the end of December, fell in love with a lot of shows on Power 169, that were just snatched off the air. Now I am left with madison, who I wouldn’t call if he was the only man on Earth. He kisses Lou Dobbs ass constantly and nationally embarrass those who call.I am subsribed to Sirius also and the 2 companies have merged. So those of you who like Mark Thompson can buy a the talk radio package when the FCC allows this to happen. Where I live, the African American Station is so terrible with politicians,un-informed host and preachers, The Power 169 was a blessing. A man named Lee Michaels e-mailed me back and they are bring back some old voices like Leon Wilmer. I don’t know about the two live stews, why is that even on, was it put on to tick everyone off, it’s terrible. I like Sharpton and Ballentine, so I am going to support them because I do 50% of my work driving. Hopefully the station will get better.
Ambrose Lane has had a public affairs program on a Washington, DC radio station, WPFW (89.3 FM), for many years. He does 2 shows a week & you can listen on-line. Go to http://www.wpfw.org
I stumbled upon this forum doing a google search on the interview Warren Ballentine alledgedly had with extremist O’Reilly.
I feel the same as many of you on this forum. I was dumfounded when I found out they took off all of the shows with hard hitting information we as a people desperately needed.
Right then and there I felt the establishment knew what was going on and had to put a halt to it. Black folks were learning pertainent information that is never dealt with in the main media.
This is a direct threat! So what do they do, take off the ones who have deep information. GW is back on for a couple of hours on the weekend. I heard him all but say he will get more time.
I miss Ambrose I. Lane, Mark Thompson, Spirit, and even Mario Armstrong. Seems like everytime we get something good that will enlighten us, it’s systematically taken away.
I love the 2Live Stews because they bring many of our perspective to sports talk that has gone ignored and marginalized. I would rather have them on another show though. The only good thing about having the Stews on the power because it gave me the opportunity to listen to them without giving their home station, 790 the Zone in Atlanta credit for listenership for their are very biased with a racial slant.
I look forward to reading everyone’s comments.
Leave a comment