American Urban Radio Networks has added “The Doug Banks Radio Show” to its lineup. The show, featuring Doug Banks, DeDe McGuire and comedian Rudy Rush, is one of the nations longest running urban syndicated programs. It airs afternoons from 3 p.m-7 p.m. ET.
“We are thrilled to be working with Doug Banks and to be able to offer stations across the country this music driven afternoon drive show that showcases the wonderfully talented Banks and his team” said Jerry Lopes, President of Program Operations and Affiliations for AURN. “It’s great, entertaining radio and they’re not afraid to tackle the issues of the day through their popular Adult Conversation segment” said Lopes. “Doug, DeDe and Rudy offer the perfect mix to conversations ranging from romance to finance.”
“We’re delighted to now be part of the AURN family and look forward to growing our listener base” said Doug Banks. “One thing I can promise, no one will work any harder than DeDe, Rudy and I in bringing more fun and excitement to afternoons in urban adult radio. Along the way we hope to educate our listeners by shining a spotlight on the critical issues impacting the African American community” said Banks.
AURN will now distribute, sell and market The Doug Banks Radio Show after more than twelve years with ABC/Citadel. “We’re pleased to be able to offer our clients the opportunity to reach the African American consumer during this critical afternoon day part” said Howard Eisen, EVP/Sales for AURN. “There are several exciting features within the show, great promotional and live read opportunities. I believe our clients are going to be thrilled with this new addition” said Eisen.
The Doug Banks Radio Show is produced and distributed from studios in Dallas, Texas and is heard on many stations across the country including its flagship station WVAZ-FM in Chicago.
RBR-TVBR observation: A little history: Doug was a friend of Tom Joyner (they met at WGCI-FM Chicago) who was picked up by ABC Radio Networks beginning in 1994 for “The Tom Joyner Moring Show.” Doug had worked at WGCI from 1986-1994 doing overnights, then mornings, when Joyner left the station for ABCRN. He quickly developed the younger numbers and scored a big audience. Tom recommended Doug for a show and ABC picked him up for “The Doug Banks Morning Show” also in 1994. In January 2008, the show was cancelled, but Banks relaunched the show this time in the afternoon drive under the new name “The Ride with Doug and DeDe (McGuire).” Both Banks and Steve Harvey have over the years pulled younger demos from Tom Joyner’s morning empire.
