The Urban One Podcast Network Announces Significant Growth, Along with New Partnerships, Including the Addition of "Mick Unplugged," a Leading Self-Improvement and Education Podcast

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Oct 23, 2024, 08:00 ET

The network, spearheaded by podcast executive Dre Smith, has experienced triple-digit percent growth in downloads and listenership and includes the signing of other top podcasts, such as Dear Future Wifey featuring Laterras R. Whitfield and The Fun House, featuring Hip Hop Legends Kid N' Play

NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Urban One, the largest Black-owned and Black-targeted diversified media company, announced today that the Urban One Podcast Network has achieved an impressive growth of 381% in downloads and 313% in unique listeners since its launch less than two years ago. Additionally, the network has formed an exclusive partnership with Mick Unplugged, a prominent self-improvement and education podcast. Since its inception in February of this year, Mick Unplugged has consistently ranked highly on the Apple Podcast charts, reaching as high as #1 in the Self-Improvement category, #3 in Education, and #54 overall across all podcasts on the Apple Podcast Charts.

Dre Smith, Senior Director, Urban One Podcast Network and select Urban One Podcast titles.

As part of this collaboration, the Urban One Podcast Network will exclusively distribute multiple weekly episodes of Mick Unplugged and provide promotional content across Urban One's audio platforms, including Reach Media and Radio One. The network will also exclusively manage all sales and sponsorships, which encompass a diverse range of opportunities.

"Joining the Urban One Podcast Network is an honor that speaks to both the legacy of leadership and the power of voice. Urban One has set the gold standard in media for amplifying diverse stories, and I'm thrilled to be a part of a network that represents strength, authenticity, and cultural impact," lauded Mick Hunt, host of Mick Unplugged. "For me, this partnership is about more than just content – it's about carrying forward a tradition of excellence and purpose-driven conversation. Together, we're empowering the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers."

The Urban One Podcast Network is led by podcast executive Dre Smith, who has become a staple name in the podcast industry as founder and CEO of Relationship Restored. Smith has led teams to market and produced critically acclaimed podcasts that have earned notable recognitions, such as Spotify's best new podcast award in 2021 and have reached top 15 podcast status on Apple podcasts.

"I couldn't be more excited to be leading the Urban One Podcast Network and expanding its portfolio with a variety of titles that directly engage, entertain and relate to Black America," said Dre Smith. "Our recent signings and new original podcasts mark a huge step forward for our growth and showcase our vibrant culture. It's also a privilege to partner with some of the most talented content creators in the game. We look forward to seeing all our shows thrive under the Urban One Podcast Network umbrella and to seeing the incredible opportunities our portfolio will bring."

Other recent signings to the Urban One Podcast Network include:

Dear Future Wifey, hosted by Laterras R. Whitfield, is a 2x Telly Award winning podcast that has ranked as a Top 10 relationship podcast
The Fun House with Hip-Hop legends Kid N' Play ranks in the Top 100 Music Charts
She Said It First, hosted by comedian and actress Lynee' Monee and entertainer Jerrilyn Lake, also known as "IndesKribeaBULL," is in the Top 200 Comedy Charts
Small Doses with Amanda Seales joined Urban One in 2023 and is a top 20 Self-Improvement Podcast
Boyz N The Barn is a new sports podcast hosted by NFL Superbowl Champion Vernon Davis.

The Urban One Podcast Network consists of original and partnership podcasts across a variety of genres such as The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, The Morning Hustle, I Hate They Homies, The DL Hughley Show, Fatal Attraction, Listen to Black Women, SZN Opener and many others. To see the complete portfolio and to learn more about the Urban One Podcast Network, visit theurbanonepodcastnetwork.com.

About Urban One, Inc.
Urban One, Inc. (urban1.com), together with its subsidiaries, is the largest diversified media company that primarily targets Black Americans and urban consumers in the United States. The Company owns TV One, LLC (tvone.tv), a television network serving more than 46 million households, and CLEO TV, its sister network with an almost 41 million household reach. As of October 14, 2024, we owned and/or operated 72 independently formatted, revenue producing broadcast stations (including 57 FM or AM stations, 13 HD stations, and the 2 low power television stations we operate), located in 13 of the most populous African-American markets in the United States. Through its controlling interest in Reach Media, Inc. (blackamericaweb.com), the Company also operates syndicated programming, including the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, and the DL Hughley Show. In addition to its radio and television broadcast assets, Urban One owns iOne Digital (ionedigital.com), our wholly-owned digital platform serving the African American community through social content, news, information, and entertainment websites, including its Cassius, Bossip, HipHopWired, and MadameNoire digital platforms and brands.

SOURCE Urban One, Inc.