Ever heard of a radio station that became a community? That’s WVON-AM. Right here in Chicago.
For sixty years WVON 1690 AM has been more than just a radio station. It’s the voice of a community. It began its journey in 1963. Brothers Leonard and Phil Chess of Chess Records purchased it. Chess Records was legendary. It showcased Chicago’s amazing blues musicians. WVON started as a music station. It played jazz blues gospel and more. But its story is much bigger than music.
WVON joined the airwaves during the Civil Rights Movement. It provided news and conversations from Black individuals for Black individuals. Twelve hosts known as The Good Guys represented listeners. Many were migrants or children of migrants. They reflected Chicago’s population after the Great Migration.
Initially a music station WVON featured an early segment called Hot Line. This covered civil rights issues. By 1986 the station shifted to the all-talk format we know today. Over the years WVON has hosted incredible guests. Martin Luther King Jr Rev Jesse Jackson and Barack Obama all graced its airwaves. Jackson was introduced through Hot Line in 1965. He became a regular voice promoting Operation Breadbasket and other civil rights causes.
WVON created a Black Public Sphere. This was a space for discourse and public opinion. It allowed marginalized voices to be heard. Host Atiba Buchanan joined in 2019. He highlights the station’s relatability and the freedom to disagree. Listeners share diverse viewpoints. The station strives to give everyone a voice.
Longtime listener Shapearl Wells underscores this community aspect. She’s listened since the mid-2000s. She called in after her son’s death in 2016. The WVON community offered her support. She met other listeners at WVON events. It became a family. WVON also delivers information beyond talk shows. It provides traffic updates news and resources. It hosts events and launched VON TV a streaming network.
WVON has evolved. But its core mission remains. It’s a voice for Black America. It lets Black voices be heard. From health to politics WVON engages its listeners in vital conversations. It’s a safe space. It’s a place to be heard and to connect. It’s a true testament to the power of community radio. So next time you’re in Chicago remember WVON-AM. It’s a story worth listening to.