Allen Media Rolling Out TheGrio Black Podcast Network

Allen Media Group’s African American-focused news, lifestyle and entertainment platform, theGrio, will launch theGrio Black Podcast Network (TGBPN) on Thursday, May 26, as “a premier destination for on-the-go listeners seeking access to Black entertainment, news, culture, and content.”

Featuring all aspects of the culture, TGBPN says it aims to elevate the Black experience with daily news, humor, wit, cultural insights and a look at critical issues “from the foremost thought leaders and breakthrough talent, including Panama Jackson, Michael Harriot, Cortney Wills and Touré.”

The Black Podcast Network will release fresh podcasts and introduce new talent throughout 2022.

“I am proud to launch theGrio’s Black Podcast Network. Black podcast listeners are growing faster than any other demographic,” said Byron Allen, Allen Media Group founder-chairman-CEO. “TheGrio will match that demand by releasing the best original and aggregated podcast content.”

Geraldine Moriba, theGrio senior vice president of news and entertainment, added: “TheGrio is dedicated to amplifying Black culture and providing our audience with new and exciting content on all platforms. Our ambitious plan for the Black Podcast Network is to be the primary source and first choice for dynamic, thought-provoking daily conversation for global Black audiences. We are delighted to present this first collection of original new podcasts to provide our audience access to the new torch-bearers and storytellers driving today’s crucial conversations.”

Premiering May 26, Dear Culture with Panama Jackson “starts provocative conversations like ‘Janet vs. Michael: Which superstar sibling has the best albums?’ and invites people to weigh in on critical discussions such as the Blackest song of all time, Brandy being the vocal bible and Lauryn Hill’s music career, among other topics. Jackson opens the door for the audience to engage and share stories, expertise, and information about the culture.”

TheGrio Daily with Michael Harriot debuts June 20. “Writer, cultural critic, and championship-level Spades player Michael Harriot breaks down all societal issues with humor, truth and historical context. He creatively explains systems that affect our people every day.”

Blackest Questions with Christina Greer debuts in July. “A game-changer focused on little-known Black history facts, get hooked on this Black trivia show hosted by Dr. Christina Greer. It informs as it entertains. Quick-witted Greer quizzes the people make history, the entertainers, history makers, and celebrities, to test their knowledge of Black history facts and important contributions to American history.”

Acting Up with Cortney Wills returns in July. “Host Cortney Wills and theGrio’s Entertainment Director guides her audience through essential one-on-one conversations with the icons, celebrities, actors, producers, directors who shape the ways Black America is represented in Hollywood and the impact those depictions have in the real world.”

Writing Black with Maiysha Kai debuts in August. “TheGrio’s lifestyle editor and columnist, Grammy-winning recording artist, Maiysha Kai interviews writers from across the Black diaspora to center their literature for future generations by exploring the obstacles they overcame, their intentions and backstories, and their inspirations.”

Being Black, The 80s with Touré debuts in September. “The first season will deconstruct the most popular Black music of the decade, using a single song per episode to explore life in Black America at that time. Each episode of the series examines cultural, political, and creative change and the roots of the song. Host and award-winning writer, Touré interviews the people in the room when the music was made, the experts, cultural commentators, and political analysts to provide the perspective of the people who lived the era.”

That’s the Point with Natasha Alford debuts in September. “Not your grandfather’s news recap, Natasha Alford brings her sharp point of view to pop culture, social issues, and news headlines as she unpacks her own personal connections to these stories.”

Black Backstage with Touré debuts in October. “Touré’s second podcast uses animation to share the unpredictable and sometimes unbelievable backstage exploits with Black celebrities, musicians, and newsmakers. These are unforgettable anecdotes of the larger-than-life true stories of hip-hop stars.”

Listeners can find additional podcasts available on theGrio’s new mobile app and everywhere they find their favorite podcasts, including iTunes, Spotify and Stitcher.