Cathy Hughes to be inducted unto the NAB Hall of Fame

Cathy Hughes, the Founder and Chairperson of Urban One, Inc. will be inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Broadcasting Hall of Fame at the 2019 NAB Show. The induction will occur during the Achievement in Broadcasting Dinner on Monday, April 8 at the Encore in Las Vegas.

Hughes began her radio career at KOWH-AM in her hometown of Omaha, NE. In 1971, she became a lecturer at the newly established School of Communications at Howard University in Washington, DC. During her tenure, Hughes served as General Sales Manager at the university’s WHUR-FM, increasing the station’s revenue from $250,000 to $3 million in her first year. She also became the first woman VP/GM in our nation’s capital and created the format known as the Quiet Storm, which revolutionized urban radio and aired on over 480 stations nationwide. In 1980, Hughes purchased her flagship station, WOL-AM/Washington DC.

Hughes has grown Urban One, formerly known as Radio One, into the largest African-American-owned, diversified media corporation in the nation with 59 radio stations across the country. As such, Hughes became the first woman to own a radio station that was ranked number one in a major market. Today, the company is run by Alfred Liggins III, Hughes’ son. Urban One, Inc. also owns TV One and maintains controlling interest in Reach Media, Inc., home of the syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show. The company also houses a digital platform, iOne Digital and marketing firm, One Solution.

“Cathy Hughes is a truly remarkable broadcaster and entrepreneur whose contributions continue to greatly influence and drive our industry,” said Gordon Smith, NAB President and CEO. “We look forward to honoring Cathy with this well-deserved award at this year’s NAB Show.”