Before his friend Harvey Adams died, media mogul Eddie Edwards spoke with him about about finding a way to replace the loss of WAMO, the city’s last Black radio station. And at Adams’ funeral, Edwards said he promised he would do it.

EDDIE EDWARDS

Now it appears, Edwards is just days away from fulfilling that promise. He told the New Pittsburgh Courier he is still nailing down some loose ends, but plans to hold a press conference making a formal announcement early next week.

“Don’t be surprised if I announce that I have negotiated a deal to buy a property and put a Black radio station back on the air,” he said. “The numbers of African-Americans in radio have diminished since deregulation in 1996. Radio has done a horrible job employing minorities in this town. That has me fired up. I am hopeful to have something formal about it in a few days when I will call a formal press conference with all concerned.”

Edwards said he was “doing fine in retirement” until WAMO was sold in May. He praised former owner Ron Davenport for keeping it going as long as he did in the face of flagging advertising income.

“With no one doing anything to replace it, I got even more upset,” he said. “It’s a ‘Black out,’ there’s no news and information about and for the community. There are elections coming up and, right now, we have no input.”

Edwards said the lack of a Black station not only makes the city look bad, but is also bad for business and for attracting residents.

“It’s missed by everyone, not just African-Americans,” he said. “Can you imagine people looking at Pittsburgh for relocation asking, ‘Where’s the Black station?” and hearing there is none? We’re the only major metropolitan city without a Black radio station. We have 27 percent African-Americans in the city and, 13 percent in the county--that’s an audience that can’t be ignored.”

(Send comments to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .)

Comments (8)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

n/a
written by Derek Tucker, October 08, 2009

Hi Eddie used too work at ch. 22 long time ago. I Thank God that you are trying bring black radio station too Pittsburgh again. I have problems as far Davenport family of what they did. I'm black male 54 yrs down here Charlotte,NC. Its a damn shame going back home of which still have a house there. I hope you won't do what Davenport did don't bring that rap hip hop music. Bring back R&B soul and some smooth jazz back. And also gospel on Sundays mornings like it used too be. And broadcast live at a nice night club with R&B music that would bring all kinds a customers back. Thank God your back ir can do anything plesae let me know. From Mc Donald,Pa.


Reginald Derek Tucker

• 
• +0
• 
• 

I HOPE MR. EDWARDS DOESN'T DO WHAT WAMO DID TO PITTSBURGH HIP HOP?
written by Matthew Goodnight, October 05, 2009

My name is Matthew Goodnight aka DJ Goodnight and I worked at WAMO in 1999 as the Assistant Director of Promotions. I learned a lot while working there, but the most important thing that I realized was WAMO was not going to support Pittsburgh Music weather it be Hip-Hop, Reggae, or R&B. I say that to say this that if WAMO would have supported Pittsburgh Hip Hop they would have got the support of the people. Everyone would listen to hear there song on WAMO. Pittsburgh Hip Hop has a lot of talent and no outlet. That's why I do my radio show, that plays Pittsburgh Music and have been getting a lot of listeners. My highest view show has been 491 and that's not including the people who listen from there phones @ 646 929-2179 Wednesday & Sunday Nights 11p-12:30am It's unedited bcz its internet radio and unscripted. I hope to be able to offer as much support I can for a new radio station as long as they support Pittsburgh Music. We would even take a late night spot, we are not asking for any favors just let the audience judge the music, if people like it put it in rotation. If anyone knows how to apply for a position at the new station please let me know @ \n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it you can also send your music there to played on the show.

Peace and Blessing
DJ Goodnight

• 
• +1
• 
• 

Director of Operations
written by Charles Johnson, October 04, 2009

I just relocated to Pittsburgh from Arizona and I am amazed that a city such as AZ (with only 3% of us) has multiple radio stations dedicated to our ethnicity and culture. Whereas, Pittsburgh is sadly lacking in this area. Why aren't there more of us promoting this type of effort. Please contact me at my website to discuss additional initiatives to create in Pittsburgh.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

Producer/host
written by Dr. Richard Cooper, October 01, 2009

Interesting piece. Who do I contact about doing a radio interview via telephone Friday Oct 2 on 900 AM WURD in Philly. We are an African American owned talk radio stion. I'd like to do the interview 1:30 pm to 2 pm EST. I can be reached at 610-499-1134

• 
• +0
• 
• 

Thank you
written by Robin Heilman, September 29, 2009

Thank you so much Mr. Edwards!!! The community does need WAMO back on the air! It was a very disappointment that they have gone off the air and personally I don't listen to my radio on the way to work anymore! Thank you again for trying to make us happy again!

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by Bernard Jones, Jr ., September 29, 2009

Thank you Mr. Edmunds for taking the time to consider replacing WAMO. WAMO continues to bring many memories of past talk shows and fabulous disc jockeys like Dave Woods with the Sounds of Sunday, Eric Wilds with the daytime R and B hits, Big John Anthony with all of his tributes, Boss Man Porky with his oldies, Anderson Little with his Jazz, and the list goes on and on.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by Mary Ptomey, September 25, 2009

Thank you Eddie Edwards. I posted a comment on FACEBOOK regarding WAMO being sold when I first heard about it and only one person seemed to care. Even though today's music is not my favorite and I didn't listen to WAMO-FM, I did listen to their gospel station on 1510 AM. WAMO had historic value in Pittsburgh and now it is gone. I wish you well in your new endeavor.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

Secretary
written by Hank, September 24, 2009

I want commend Mr. Edwards for his efforts. I was a big Sunday Gospel Fan, and to turn on the former WAMO on Sunday, and hear nothing, is a major disappointment, embarrassment, and reflects negatively on the city of Pittsburgh. God Bless You Mr. Edwards, thanks for your efforts.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

Name

Email

Website

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (registered users only)

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment