February 24, 2026
As Black History Month marks a century of commemoration, local broadcasters are telling the stories that define our nation.
Hearst Television's WBAL-TV in Baltimore, Md., dives into the history of this annual tradition. "It's about Americans learning the full and complete American historical narrative, and it includes Black history because Black history is American history," Dr. Karsonya Wise Whitehead, president of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, told the station.
Stations across the country, from Audacy's Hot 103.7 in Seattle and News Press & Gazette Company's KRDO in Colorado Springs to Tegna's 13WMAZ in Macon, Ga., are highlighting local events to bring their communities together. These efforts reflect broadcasters' longstanding commitment to serving their communities and preserving the stories that connect us.
To spotlight Black Americans who have shaped history and are setting an example for the next generation, Gray Media's WBTV in Charlotte, N.C., has crafted a Black History Month special titled "Trailblazers and Visionaries: 100 years of Black Influence.” The special premiered over-the-air on WBTV and is also available online or the station's mobile and streaming apps.
Nexstar station WSAV in Savannah, Ga., visited sites on the Civil Rights Trail to explore the city's history. "Markers like the one on the sidewalk outside the Civil Rights Museum don't just remember history – they help people see exactly where it happened,” the station says. The Georgia Civil Rights Trail includes 68 historical markers. Twenty-one of those are located in Coastal Georgia, and 17 markers in Chatham County alone. The markers promote heritage tourism and help connect past activism to present-day conversations.
Scripps Local Media's WRTV in Indianapolis profiled a mobile bookstore and virtual book club celebrating "Black history, culture and joy all year long.” "Our mission is to provide access and awareness to our stories as well as excitement and engagement around reading,” Black WorldSchoolers Mobile bookstore owner Natalie Pipkin told the station.
The beloved entertainment provided by America's broadcasters is another important way they bring our communities together. iHeartRadio's Black History Month playlist and Black Culture podcast channel bring listeners the news and entertainment they love wherever they are.
More than 2.46 million American jobs depend on broadcasting. The local broadcast television and radio industry and the businesses that depend on it generate $1.19 trillion annually for the nation's economy.
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