Tarik Moody, who has spent nearly 15 years with
88Nine Radio Milwaukee as an on-air host, digital director and director of digital strategy and innovation, will lead 88Nine’s new Urban Alternative channel as its program director, the station announced Monday.
Early next year the station will hire additional Urban Alternative staff members and will share the channel’s name and brand identity. The new channel is slated to launch on June 19, Juneteenth Day.
“Tarik is an incredible visionary,” said Radio Milwaukee (WYMS-88.9FM) executive director Kevin Sucher. “He has been instrumental in Radio Milwaukee’s pursuit of the Urban Alternative channel, and his nationally syndicated program ‘Rhythm Lab Radio’ has pioneered this sound across the country. Tarik’s passion for new technology, music and Milwaukee make him the perfect choice for this important role."
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is providing a $450,000 grant to Radio Milwaukee to help create the new channel.
88Nine Radio Milwaukee says the Urban Alternative channel “will offer an eclectic radio experience, celebrating the full spectrum of Black music and the power of public radio.” It will have an on-air presence and use a multi-platform digital approach online.
Radio Milwaukee’s current programming on 88.9 FM will also continue on-air and on its digital platforms.
“Our Urban Alternative channel aims to reclaim the word ‘urban’ for the Black community,” Moody said. “Instead of putting Black artists in a box, our channel will celebrate the beauty and diversity of Black music and creativity.
“We will champion new talent from Milwaukee and pay respect to artists that paved the way,” he said. “We will also share the untold stories of our community in a way that isn’t found in mainstream media. Most importantly, we invite the community to be part of this journey.”
In addition to serving as program director of Urban Alternative, Moody will continue to host “Rhythm Lab Radio;” weekly foodie podcast “This Bites;” and serial podcasts “Diverse Disruptors'' and “By Every Measure.”
Additional responsibilities from his current role will be transitioned to existing Radio Milwaukee employees.
Moody will work in conjunction with station director Jordan Lee on launch preparations for the new channel. Lee will oversee technical and engineering, grant reporting requirements and project timelines. Moody will lead music programming, staffing and content.
The Urban Alternative channel will share administrative staff with Radio Milwaukee.
