Rickey Smiley will replace legendary Tom Joyner, host of the Tom Joyner Morning Show, as Joyner announced his plans to retire at the end of the year, according to Radio Facts. In a statement, Smiley said that he will bring ”a new and expanded audience” to the show, keeping ”the party with a purpose going” while finding ”a purpose to the party,” he told Joyner.
“It’s an honor to continue the legacy of my boss and frat brother Tom Joyner,” Smiley said, making the announcement public and sharing the same excitement Joyner had and giving Smiley his best wishes. He continued, ”Not only has he been a friend to my family and me over the years, but we consider him family. Tom’s mentorship has instilled in me valuable wisdom that I will carry with me through this new morning show.” Joyner hosted his popular morning show for over the course of 25 years.
”Twenty-five years ago, there was no template for a syndicated Urban radio show and we worked hard to prove that we could successfully produce and market a national platform that would entertain, inform and empower African-American listeners,” Joyner said in a statement. ”We broke some ground, raised the bar for what audiences expected from Black radio all while partying with a purpose.”
Head over to Radio Facts to read more.
