28
Popular Culture Review
stereotype that leaves no doubt of its ‘Negro-ness.’ Yet this is the same stereotype
that if proferred by a white man — as it was, in fact, by ‘Amos ‘n’ Andy’ — would
bring down the justifiable wrath of every civil-rights group” (Berkman, 1966).
While all U.S. stations in theory are required to provide community service,
the commitment to the ideal seems stronger at Black-oriented stations. “We try to
do more than just talk about a problem — we try to provide options, alternatives,”
said Cathy Hughes, owner of Radio One, one of the few multiple-station groups
owned by African-Americans (Bachman, 1999, p. 16).
However, the number of U.S. radio stations owned by African-Americans is
dechning. In 1995, prior to the passage of the deregulatory Telecommunications
Act of 1996, there were 223 stations controlled by Blacks, about 1.95% of the
total, according to the National Telecommunications & Information Administration
(NTIA). In 1998, the number had dechned to 194, about 1.68%. Because hmits on
ownership have been greatly relaxed, major radio ownership groups are buying up
smaller groups and independent operators. (Bachman, 1999). The ehmination in
1995 of the FCC’s minority tax certificate pohcy has further led to the erosion of
gains in African-American radio station ownership (Krasow, 1997).
A Matter of Choice: KKDA-AM’s Recent Programming Decisions
KKDA-AM’s own pubhc-service performance has come into question in recent
years. In 1998, KKDA-AM made a dramatic change in its programming. The station
that prides itself on its close ties to the African-American community dropped
several of its community-oriented talk programs, including “Talk Back: Liberation
Radio” with civil-rights activist John Wiley Price. The talk programs were replaced
by classic rhythm ‘n’ blues music (Brumley, October 13, 1998).
Still, Johnson uses his connections with powerful city and African-American
community leaders to provide listeners with help for their problems. “Wilhs has
always been active in the community,” Ron Kirk, Dallas’ first African-American
mayor, said. “During my tenure as mayor, he has gone out of his way to assist his
hsteners with any concerns about the city that they may have. Several times he has
connected hsteners with my office to address their concerns.. .He is a tremendous
asset to Dallas” (R. Kirk, personal communication, Oct. 17, 2(XK)).
While KKDA-AM struggles in the ratings, its sister station KKDA-FM (K104) has placed consistently at or near the top of the Arbitrons hst for several
years. K-104’s urban contemporary format is targeted at th e highly coveted 18-34
demographic group, and attracts hsteners of all races. Still, K-104, hke KKDAAM, also is known for its “long-standing community ties.” The urban editor for
Radio & Records magazine, Walt Love, says the FM station is nationally respected
for its “abihty to look beyond the research and figure out what its hsteners — and
the community — need from the station” (Brumley, August 25, 1999).