Civic Media to Acquire WNOV, Milwaukee Courier, and Related Properties
Civic Media has agreed to purchase Black Talk/Gospel powerhouse WNOV at 860 AM and its companion translator 106.5 W293CX in Milwaukee, along with the Milwaukee Courier weekly newspaper, from Courier Communications Corporation led by Mary Ellen Jones. Although the purchase price hasn’t been disclosed, Civic Media plans to take over operations on January 1. As part of the transition, Mary Ellen Jones will serve as a consultant, Jerrel Jones Jr. will assist with Newspaper transition efforts, and Dr. Robert ‘Biko’ Baker will join as Operations Manager for both the station and the newspaper. The former Editor of The Source will spearhead efforts to invest in journalism and programming that have long served Milwaukee’s Black community.
The Milwaukee Courier has been in publication since 1964 and has run WNOV since 1972.
Mary Ellen Jones reflected, “My parents launched The Milwaukee Courier and WNOV to give Milwaukee’s Black community a voice when few outlets existed. Passing this duty to others was not a decision made lightly. Civic Media is dedicated to honoring that legacy while investing in the future of trusted media.”
Earnestine Jones, Mary Ellen’s mother, added, “When Jerrel and I founded The Milwaukee Courier and WNOV, we believed that accurate information is powerful and that our voices matter. As we entrust Civic Media with this mission, we do so with confidence that it will continue to grow, serve, and stay rooted in truth and integrity.”
Jerrel Jones Jr. commented, “The Milwaukee Courier and WNOV helped shape my career and strengthen the Milwaukee community. It matters deeply to our family that these institutions keep informing, uplifting, and serving with integrity. Civic Media has shown genuine respect for our parents’ legacy and a thoughtful commitment to advancing it.”
Sage Weil, Civic Media’s CEO, remarked, “Acquiring The Milwaukee Courier and WNOV represents both an opportunity and a responsibility. These are trusted pillars with deep Milwaukee roots, and our role is to steward their legacy while investing in their future—modernizing operations, broadening digital reach, and ensuring continued service to the community with integrity. We’re honored to have Dr. Robert ‘Biko’ Baker lead these efforts.”
Baker stated, “I’m eager to help continue the Jones family legacy with Civic Media. This is a historic chance to keep these essential organizations engaged with the community. It aligns perfectly with Mr. Jones’s original vision.”
Chris Moreau, Civic Media Regional President, added, “We’re proud to carry forward WNOV’s legacy of serving Milwaukee’s core audience. Our commitment is to provide the resources and infrastructure needed for this team to reach people across broadcast, digital, and print media.”
WNOV and The Courier will join Civic Media’s Milwaukee cluster, which already includes Liberal Talk 540 WAOK, 100.3 W262CJ Milwaukee/101.1 W266BR Waukesha, and the Full-Service Oldies simulcast 1400 WRJN, serving Racine, Kenosha, Racine, Greenfield, and Franklin through associated translators and subchannels.
