Radio Facts Celebrates Black Music Month with 30th Anniversary Issue Honoring Industry Trailblazers
New York, April 16, 2025 — Radio Facts, the pioneering Black-owned music industry trade publication, is making a triumphant return this June with a special 30th Anniversary issue in celebration of Black Music Month. The milestone edition will pay tribute to the executives, creatives, and cultural leaders who have shaped—and continue to redefine—the global music landscape.
Founded by industry veteran Kevin Ross, Radio Facts has been a trusted voice in Black music and radio since its earliest days as an email digest sent to colleagues frustrated by a lack of representation and honest industry dialogue. That modest beginning grew into a full-fledged platform chronicling the evolution of Black music, spotlighting radio professionals, and honoring cultural trailblazers.
“Honoring the people who shape the culture is at the core of what we do,” said Ross. “This issue is both a celebration of Black excellence in the music industry and a look ahead to the future of entertainment.”
The Black Music Month 30th Anniversary Issue will feature exclusive coverage of influential executives, rising stars, historic milestones, and companies creating space for innovation and equity. The cover, Ross shared, will honor visionaries who paved the way, while embracing new voices leading the next era.
A Buffalo, New York native now based in Los Angeles, Ross launched his career at Atlanta’s iconic Turtles Records before landing his first on-air radio position at WIGO, a starting point for many Atlanta broadcasting legends. After working across radio stations in Georgia and Denver, he settled in L.A., where Radio Facts continues to grow as a vital hub for music professionals.
Ross is also the founder of TheIndustry.biz, a media platform focused on entertainment and broadcasting news. A music historian and radio expert, he studied at the University of Buffalo and California State University, Northridge, and attended the Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts.
Reflecting on the current state of the industry, Ross has said, “Black radio is in a state of flux. It has to figure out how to acclimate itself alongside podcasts and audiobooks. We have an incredible array of genres and forms—it’s hard to address because radio has to stay on target to attract listeners.”
Ross believes Black Music Month deserves more attention and intentional programming. “We should celebrate it—and it should be separate. Each market should do something weekly like vignettes, features, or Top 10s,” he said. “Maybe TV could get involved and create programming around radio.”
For advertising inquiries, feature consideration, or to be included in the Black Music Month issue, contact: info@theindustry.biz