Legacy Radio Personalities: It’s Time to Go Digital

I want to speak directly to my Legacy Radio Personality friends — the ones who built their names and careers on-air and left an imprint on the culture of Black Radio. We have to fully embrace the digital forms of communication now. What we did on terrestrial radio, we must transfer to digital platforms. This is what business thinkers call a blue ocean moment — where you step into a space with little to no competition, because what you bring to the table simply can’t be duplicated. Nobody can compete with you. All you’ve got to do is execute what you already know how to do. That means taking the time to learn social media and AI. These are the next tools of our craft. We are not going back to the old way of doing things. That era was epic, and it defined us. But now, it’s time to go to the next level and build your own tribe digitally And let me be clear: you are not done building your legacy. Legacy is not something that sits in the past. Legacy is what you continue to shape, innovate, and pass on. What Makes a Legacy Radio Personality? Longevity & Consistency – Decades on-air, often 20 years or more, maintaining a voice people trust and recognize. Cultural Impact – Helping shape the soundtracks, conversations, and identity of a city, region, or even the nation. Audience Loyalty – Building multigenerational followings. People grew up with you, and their children know your name or voice. Recognition & Respect – Halls of fame, industry awards, or simply being regarded as a trailblazer who opened doors for others. Community Role – Tied into civic life, championing causes, hosting events, mentoring, and being “the voice” of a city. Signature Style – A unique delivery, humor, storytelling, or interviewing style that no one else can duplicate. Industry Influence – Training and inspiring the next wave of broadcasters, setting trends, and carrying radio’s DNA into other media.

The Next Chapter Everything you’ve done that made you a legacy is exactly what makes you dangerous in this new digital age. You know how to connect. You know how to tell stories. You know how to build community. All digital does is give you a bigger stage. So don’t stop. Don’t retreat. Don’t just look back on the “glory days.” You’ve got more in you. Legacy is built by those who keep innovating. This is your moment. Let’s go build.