On August 29, 1979, the Mutual Black Network (MBN) was launched, becoming the first completely Black-owned radio network in the world. It was founded by Dr. John H. Johnson, the publisher of Ebony and Jet magazines, in collaboration with other key figures in the Black media and broadcasting industry.

MBN’s purpose was to provide news, entertainment, and information targeted to African American audiences, countering the mainstream media’s lack of diversity and representation. It offered news programs, talk shows, and music programming that reflected the cultural interests and issues important to the Black community.

The network played a significant role in shaping Black media and representation in broadcasting, offering a platform for voices that had historically been marginalized in mainstream media.