The second annual Radio One/St. Jude Radiothon, featuring the Yolanda Adams Morning Show, raised $840,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital(R), one of the world's premier pediatric cancer research centers. Held on Thursday, April 2, the radiothon was broadcast on Radio One affiliate stations in 11 cities across the United States.

During the morning show, Yolanda Adams and co-host Brother Larry Jones encouraged listeners to donate to St. Jude by telephone or logging onto www.radiocaresforstjude.org. At the conclusion of the morning show, the 11 participating affiliate markets continued the radiothon into the early evening through the commitment of local on-air personalities. Participating stations were located in Houston, Tex.; Atlanta, Ga.; Raleigh and Charlotte, N.C.; Cleveland and Cincinnati, Ohio; Richmond, Va.; Detroit, Mich.; Philadelphia, Pa.; Indianapolis, Ind. and Washington, D.C.

"The gospel community is a giving community. I am proud that the Yolanda Adams Morning Show and its listeners are helping to make a difference in the lives of St. Jude patients battling catastrophic illnesses," said Adams. "Through this annual radiothon, I hope we continue to give hope to families who are facing one of the most difficult times in their lives."

"On behalf of St. Jude patients and their families, I want to congratulate Yolanda Adams and the Radio One stations on this remarkable fundraising event," said David L. McKee, chief operating officer and interim CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising organization of St. Jude. "We are deeply grateful for the support of listeners who were inspired to help St. Jude continue its mission of finding cures and saving children in communities everywhere."

The new program hosted by Corey "Coco Brother" Condrey, who is currently the host of the nationally syndicated weekend radio show The Spirit and BET’s Sunday gospel music video show Lift Every Voice, will combine a unique brand of entertainment, music, testimonials, and inspirational content. The weeknight radio show will be based in Atlanta, broadcasting on WPZE Praise 102.5 FM, and will also debut on many of Radio One’s inspirational stations in the following markets: Houston, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Baltimore, Cleveland, Charlotte, Indianapolis, Raleigh, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Richmond.
"CoCo Brother is a lightning rod on the radio who can electrify, inspire, and entertain like only a chosen few," says Gary Bernstein, President of Programming, Syndication One. "We are confident that he will do the same at inspirational stations all across the country."
Guests for the debut broadcast of Coco Brother Live on Friday will include Byron Cage, Bishop Eddie Long, Dottie Peoples, J Moss, Israel Houghton and others.
"It has always been my mission to save souls and be that bridge to bring the whole family together," says CoCo Brother. "I am grateful to Radio One and Syndication One for giving me the opportunity to touch millions of lives everyday. The radio show will encourage people to keep standing, but more importantly save souls!"

Some of the special segments on CoCo Brother Live will include The Battle, which will showcase two chart topping songs where listeners will vote for their favorite; The Exodus Mix, a fifteen minute inspirational segment that will include hits from top-named gospel artists; Stand and Take Authority, a part of the broadcast that takes an encouraging word from either an artist or inspirational leader; and I- Pray, the part of the broadcast that will give listeners the opportunity to call in and pray for each other. CoCo Brother Live is a natural extension of his successful weekend program which airs in many major markets including Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Detroit with more markets to be announced soon.

Art Gilliam owner of WLOK in Memphis adds, "When I first heard the show, it was obvious that this was an extremely well done program. The personalities are clever, witty, inspirational, and quick, as well as being substantive and relevant".
The Yolanda Adams Morning Show is now on 37 stations nationwide airing in most major markets including New York, Houston, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Cleveland.

Jim Kennedy, Cumulus' Vice President of Urban Programming adds, "When I did the research, I was pleasantly surprised to find there was a nationally inspirationally formatted morning show that was able to compete effectively against the big Urban morning shows. The Yolanda Adams Morning Show is a winner and that is why I added it to WGOK in Mobile. The audience reaction has been immediately very positive!"

The five-time Grammy Award winner is joined by thirty year old broadcast veteran Brother Larry Jones, comedian Marcus Wiley, and Minister Anthony Valary to make for a powerful PPM and diary ratings proven program for Urban and Inspirational Radio.

For more information on the Yolanda Adams Morning Show, call Syndication One's Cathy Carroll in Dallas at 214-722-2827 or Gary Bernstein in Boston at 774-293-0300. Or listen online at www.syndicationone.com.

All three responses happen to be entirely correct.

Award yourself 100 bonus points if you identified the common thread being a television game show called "Make Me Laugh."

Simple objective was for contestants to keep a straight face while comics performed their best one-on-one shtick right up in a person's grille.

One would be highly challenged to score the show's cash incentive if the person with the ideal last name for a comedian were involved.

Adept pacing, content, delivery and overall presence by standup comic and Syndication One morning personality Rickey Smiley elicit a fitting derivative of his last name ... smiles.

Improbable Influences Currently in the early stages of its second year of syndication, Smiley's wakeup program airs in approximately 30 markets. WHTA/Atlanta, WHTD/Detroit and WEDR/Miami are recent disciples. "I grew up listening to Mark & Brian," recalls Smiley of the morning duo who'd transition from "The Pittsburgh of the South" on "I95" (WAPI-FM/Birmingham) to KLOS/Los Angeles where they continue to be morning drive staples. "They don't know me from an Adams apple [nor are they aware] they're [responsible] for beginning my radio career. They did stuff that was really funny. I'd never laughed listening to the radio before. Everything they did was totally hilarious. I got suspended from school once [because] I couldn't stop laughing based on something they did on the air. I love Mark & Brian and would really like to meet them one day."

Consistent with stories of many other humorists, it was in high school when Smiley first realized he had a knack for comedy, although in point of fact, he hoped to pursue a career as a classical or jazz pianist. "I was one crazy individual," admits the Alabama State University graduate who majored in English and minored in Music, with an emphasis on classical piano. "People [probably wouldn't believe] I'm a very serious person."

Music was – and still is – his primary passion. "There is nothing more gratifying," Smiley succinctly remarks. "Mark & Brian had such an impact on me that the kind of music they played – [by artists such as] 10cc, Foreigner, Little River Band and The Police – made me a soft rock fanatic, even though my format is Hip-Hop. I'm definitely a musician at heart. If God asked me what I wanted to do, I'd say to be the best [possible] pianist and organist." Crediting WBHJ "95.7 Jamz"/Birmingham PD Mickey Johnson for discovering him in the medium, Smiley landed a job in Dallas with Radio One's "97-9 The Beat" (KBFB) and insists working in this industry is something that fell into his lap. "I shared my ideas with [management] about how I could come into the market and [unintended pun] beat the competition," he recounts. "I was highly recommended for the job and got it. They believed in me and we made it happen."

Not long thereafter, the Syndication One arrangement became reality and among its requirements is having Smiley out of bed each weekday at 4am. "We go over the show the night before because it [would be] too early to get up to prepare and [then do] a five-hour show," he comments. "We spread things out so no one gets burned out. The five hours flies by because the show is so funny. We really do have so much fun. It's not a problem [doing such a lengthy morning drive show but] when I'm done, I have to go home and sleep."

Without that slight snooze, Smiley would most likely pass out and he points out, even if it's just for an hour, a nap is an absolute necessity. "I'll then return my calls and jump on the trampoline with the kids and have some activities with them," he explains.

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"The demand for this ratings-proven and VERY talented AND versatile morning program is at an all-time high. What's even more exciting is that the Rickey Smiley Morning Show is just starting to hit its stride and there will be signficant enhancements that will make the program even more of a MUST HAVE for any Urban Station looking for dominating ratings both 18-34 and 18-49! , adds Gary Bernstein, President of Programming for Syndication One.

The Yolanda Adams Morning Show also continues its record-breaking pace achieving its 30th station with Clear Channel's KATZ in St. Louis.

The program has been on the air for such a short period of time, but the response has been immediate. I fully expect the program to give us the same type of ratings boost we have seen in other Yolanda markets like New York, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Norfork, and Houston", says Darrel Eason, Program Director, Clear Channel's Hallelujah 1600 in St. Louis

For more information on Syndication One programming, contact Melody Talkington at (972) 789-1058 or Gary Bernstein at (774) 293-0300.

Syndication One is a joint venture between Radio One, Inc. and Reach Media Inc. and is designed to develop African American targeted programming. The existing programming currently features the biggest stars in the entertainment and faith-based community as well as the hottest talkmasters right at the center of the nation's hottest issues engaging all viewpoints.

Syndication One currently features the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, the Yolanda Adams Morning Show, the Mo'Nique Show, CoCo Brother's "Spirit" program, Bishop T.D. Jakes' "Empowering Moments" feature, the Reverand Al Sharpton Show, and the Warren Ballentine Show.

Al Sharpton will be broadcasting from the late Martin Luther King Jr.'s Ebenezer Baptist Church today and tonight. Warren Ballentine will be broadcasting from historic SW at the Pearl Bistrol.

There will be updates and inside access to Senator Barack Obama's official location from Grant Park in Chicago, plus you will hear from the leading Political Analysts, Congressional Black Caucus Candidates, celebrities, and candidates from the highly contested races, and so much more.

"Syndication One is raising the bar for today's Election Coverage with comprehensive, unique, timely and newsworthy information hosted by meaningful and significant talkmasters Al Sharpton and Warren Ballentine", says Syndication One's President of "amming Gary Bernstein.

Syndication One, a joint relationship between Radio One, Inc. and REACH Media Inc., has made "amming changes in an effort to extend its lineup to include established talent that complement music based "amming, as well as FM radio stations. "The Al Sharpton Show, Keeping It Real," which has proven to be a popular draw on weekdays addressing news and talk issues, will continue with Syndication One. Current radio shows, "The 2 Live Stews" and "The Warren Ballentine Show," will end their run with Syndication One in December. "We're excited to be bringing additional creative and entertaining "amming to the urban radio market place," stated Alfred Liggins, President and CEO of Radio One. "Rickey Smiley and Yolanda Adams are proven talent that can be a morning show cornerstone for key stations." Popular comedian Rickey Smiley, who has already established rating success on Dallas's KBFB 97.9 The Beat, a Radio One, Inc. station, has generated a number of inquiries that have prompted syndication opportunities. "The Rickey Smiley Morning Show" has already been added on WHHL-FM in St. Louis and WFXA-FM in Augusta. Grammy award winning gospel artist Yolanda Adams has developed an inviting morning show with a mix of praise and inspiration launched on Houston's KROI Praise 92.1 FM. "The Yolanda Adams Show" is syndicated to twelve markets, including Praise 97.5 WPZE-FM in Atlanta, 94.1 WXEZ-FM in Norfolk and Praise 103.9 WPPZ-FM in Philadelphia.

In addition, the fastest growing urban morning show in the country has just been added to Clear Channel's WIBB in Macon and Macdonald Broadcasting's WQHH in Lansing. Also, just recently the morning show began broadcasting on Cox's powerhouse WEDR in Miami. "The show has never been hotter and the ratings tell the story," says Gary Bernstein President of "amming, Syndication One. "He's number one in his target demos of 18-34 and 18-49 in virtually every market. His depth and range from comedian to humanitarian truly enables him to form a strong and lasting emotional bond with his listeners and the numbers everywhere spell that out quite loudly." The Rickey Smiley Morning Show is now heard in over 20 markets including Dallas, St. Louis, Oklahoma City, and Toledo.

"I am very excited that Rickey will be heard in our key markets of Atlanta and Detroit," says Jay Stevens, Senior Vice President of "amming Content for Radio One. "He is a star, one of those rare individuals that can fill an arena of 5,000 one day and be on the radio in that same market the next day. Rickey is very creative and genuinely cares about his listeners, which translates to a strong community presence. He is also joined by a team of incredibly talented personalities that create an entertainment package which just can't be duplicated. Rickey Smiley continues to be featured in top comedy shows across the country as well as recently appearing in a break-out acting role in the movie "First Sunday". Next for Smiley is a reality television show featuring the whole morning show crew which is in production now. Also, look for a national touring stage play, featuring his signature character Bernice Jenkins, called "Ain't Nobody Called Me and Told Me NOTHING" in 2009.

"We are excited to bring this brilliant morning "am to Miami," said Jerry Rushin, general manager, Cox WEDR-Miami. "Rickey and his crew have an unmatched combination of humor, compassion, creativity, and star power that makes for the kind of radio we haven't heard in a while."

With the morning show recently being added to a total of 16 stations, including another possible top 20 market station being closed next month, Rickey Smiley has vaulted to the top of the urban morning "amming arena in relatively short range of time. "The recent ratings successes in Dallas and St. Louis, capped off by unheard of immediate reactions in markets of all sizes have paved the way for an extraordinary AM drive success story," adds Gary Bernstein, president of "amming for Syndication One. Rickey Smiley continues to be featured in top comedy shows across the country as well as recently appearing in a break-out acting role in the movie "First Sunday". Next for Smiley is a reality television show featuring the whole morning show crew, in production now.

For more information on Syndication One "amming contact Melody Talkington at (972) 789-1058 or Gary Bernstein at (774) 293-0300.

The Al Sharpton show ( 1PM-4PM EST) currently on 20 stations is airing in 6 of the top 10 markets including WVON Chicago, WCHB Detroit, WOL Washington, WILD Boston and WAMJ-FM Atlanta where the show currently ranks #5 in adults 25-54. The Sharpton show has also been added to the revamped line-up at WWRL New York which will become the flagship station of the show. The Warren Ballentine Show (10AM-1PM EST) is currently cleared in 4 of the top 10 markets including WAMJ-FM Atlanta ( #6 A25-54) WILD Boston, WCHB Detroit and WOL Washington. WVON Chicago is slated to begin broadcasting the show in mid April. Gary Bernstein, President of "amming of Syndication One stated, "Ballentine and Sharpton represent the future of Talk "amming with their proven ability in major markets to target younger and appeal to the more desirable 25-54 demographic. Both "ams are poised for unprecedented growth on both AM and FM radio." Jack Bryant, President/COO of Superadio stated," With the huge number of people engaged in the Presidential primaries, the general election in November, the economy and other national and local issues, the interest and audience for talk radio has exploded. Al Sharpton and Warren Ballentine are two of the important voices working as conduits to the community and we're committed to expanding these two shows across the country."

For more information on affiliation of The Al Sharpton Show and the Warren Ballentine Show call Superadio at 212 714-1000 Superadio is owned by Access.1 Communications Corp. which is comprised of 22 multi-format radio stations in Atlantic City, NJ; Tyler, TX and Shreveport LA, in addition to the NBC-TV station in Atlantic City, NJ and a 49% interest in American Urban Radio Networks (AURN).

The "Empowering Moments" feature provides listeners with inspirational messages and spiritual thought from Bishop Jakes, a widely celebrated pastor, actor, and best-selling author. In addition to the daily feature, affiliate stations will be afforded an unprecedented partnership and merchandising opportunity inclusive of a national giveaway to the historic MegaFest 2008 in South Africa, a life-changing experience with over 300,000 people expected in attendance. Also included will be exclusive promotions for Jakes' upcoming Sony distributed film and an opportunity for a listener to send their pastor to Jakes' Pastors and Leadership Conference in Washington DC, and autographed DVD and book giveaways of his recent best-selling work, Reposition Yourself.

"I'm excited to offer our radio stations not only inspiring messages of faith, hope, and healing, but also practical solutions to today's problems," said Jakes. "Some of the greatest wisdom I ever received came in small but potent doses. One small insight has the potential to change the next 10 years of your life!"

Recognized by Time Magazine, the Wall Street Journal, and the NAACP as one of the most important spiritual leaders in America, Jakes has been a powerful voice for change helping people from all walks of life, including those who have been faced with domestic violence, homelessness, and HIV/AIDS.

"This rich combination of both web-based and on-air contesting, combined with stellar daily "amming content, affords each station and its listeners a unique, positive, and enriching experience to connect with this dynamic and impressive leader in so many magnificent ways," says Syndication One's President of "amming, Gary Bernstein.

Formerly with Premiere Radio Networks, Bishop Jakes' "Empowering Moments" will debut nationwide with Syndication One on a market-exclusive basis.

For more information on Bishop Jakes' "Empowering Moments," call Syndication One in Dallas at (972) 789-1058 or in Boston at (774) 293-0300.

"I am very excited about our new line up," stated Deon Levingston, VP and general manager of WLIB. "It shows the commitment of Inner City Broadcasting Company to WLIB and the gospel format in NYC."

The four-time Grammy award winning gospel singer has settled well into her role as morning show host and recently scored the biggest ratings in her show's short history with the fall 2007 Arbitron Ratings book showing considerable gains in several markets including Atlanta and Raleigh. In Philadelphia she struck a nice chord with younger listeners as she has achieved higher ratings than all of her urban competitors in the 18-34 demographic.

"Yolanda's "am is on a major roll," says Gary Bernstein, president of "amming for Syndication One. "There is a great demand for such a positive urban lifestyle "am that is appealing to a mass demographic and it is quickly becoming a favorite for both the 25-54 and 18-49 demographics." Yolanda is joined by co-host Brother Larry Jones, comedian Marcus Wiley, Bishop Secular, and Minister Anthony Valary. Also, joining the team as executive producer of The Yolanda Adams Morning Show is veteran producer Jay Rodriquez, formerly with the Sam Malone Show in Houston.

The Yolanda Adams Morning Show also airs in Houston, Washington DC, Norfolk, Charlotte, Indianapolis, Nashville, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Richmond, Columbus, Cleveland, Augusta, and Rocky Mount.