Rickey Smiley Expands Reach as Urban One Renews Morning Show and Launches New Video Podcast

Rickey Smiley is expanding his media footprint as Urban One deepens its long-standing partnership with the nationally syndicated radio host, comedian, and author. The company announced a new multi-year agreement that renews The Rickey Smiley Morning Show for five more years while introducing a new video podcast series designed to bring Smiley’s voice to an even broader audience.

For more than 15 years, The Rickey Smiley Morning Show has been a cornerstone of Urban radio, blending comedy, cultural commentary, and community conversation for listeners across the country. The program currently airs on 89 affiliate stations in major markets including Dallas, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C., reaching millions of listeners each morning. With the new agreement, Urban One is not only extending the life of the show but also expanding Smiley’s reach into digital platforms that continue to reshape how audiences consume media.

At the center of that expansion is “Rickey Smiley On The Spot,” a new video podcast series set to premiere March 24 through the Urban One Podcast Network. The show reflects Urban One’s broader push toward a “video-first” digital strategy, giving Smiley a more intimate space to connect with fans through longer conversations and personal storytelling.

Known for his quick wit and ability to blend humor with heartfelt reflection, Smiley will use the new platform to explore topics ranging from faith and family to relationships and cultural moments shaping the community. Each 35-minute episode will feature candid conversations with guests who join Smiley for what the show describes as “all real talk.” The lineup of early guests includes rapper and radio personality Da Brat, former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, gospel artist Tye Tribbett, and singer Tiny Harris.

For Smiley, the expansion represents both continuity and growth after more than a decade of partnership with Urban One and Reach Media.

“I am so excited to continue my partnership with Urban One and Reach Media,” Smiley said. “I’m eternally grateful to Ms. Hughes, Alfred Liggins, Deon Levingston, and Colby Colb for believing in me all these years. I could not do any of this without the most amazing team of talented people I am blessed to work with every day who keep it real, keep it fresh and keep our fans informed and laughing every day. The future is bright with the best yet to come.”

Urban One executives say the move builds on Smiley’s enduring popularity while positioning him for an even larger digital audience.

“Rickey is a cornerstone of the Urban One brand, and we are thrilled to expand his footprint with a show that captures his natural comedic rhythm in such an intimate way,” said Deon Levingston, co-president of Urban One’s audio division. “By expanding on Rickey’s popularity with our listeners and creating a new programming opportunity, we are providing a platform that not only uplifts Black voices but also creates a premium, culturally resonant environment for our listeners and brand partners alike.”

“Rickey Smiley On The Spot” is executive produced by Smiley and Tiffany Ryland, with Tonya Clackum and Taylor Green serving as producers. The series will be distributed through the Urban One Podcast Network, led by senior director of podcast operations Dre Smith. Smiley is represented by Paul Anderson of Workhouse Media, Inc.

New episodes will premiere weekly beginning March 24 and will be available on the Urban One Podcast Network as well as major audio platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Pandora.

The expanded partnership underscores Urban One’s continued investment in multi-platform storytelling aimed at Black audiences. The company reaches approximately 80 million unique consumers each month through its diverse media holdings, which include TV One and CLEO TV, Radio One’s network of broadcast stations, Reach Media’s nationally syndicated programs, and iONE Digital’s online platforms such as Bossip, HipHopWired, MadameNoire, and NewsOne.

By renewing one of its most recognizable radio programs while launching a new digital platform, Urban One is positioning Smiley to reach audiences wherever they listen, watch, and engage—ensuring that his distinctive voice remains a powerful presence across the evolving media landscape.