Sports Media Report
Today, SiriusXM and Pandora unveiled their lineups of special programming across music, talk, sports, and comedy in honor of Black History Month. While both brands showcase Black history and its influence on culture all year long, throughout February, a collection of limited-run channels and special events will spotlight the artists and other influential figures who have transformed Black communities and shaped society, art, and more.
This year, each platform is bringing its own focus and flair to Black History Month with unique brand campaigns in support of its content. On SiriusXM, IYKYK celebrates those in the know and entices those interested to learn more about the Power of Black Culture, while on Pandora, creative and cultural innovators are honored as leaders of Black Resistance.
“This Black History Month, SiriusXM and Pandora are amplifying the Black experience and the impact of Black artists, creators, our hosts and talent have had on pop culture through our curated cross-platform content,” said Kimberly K. Wilson, SVP, Brand and Consumer Marketing at SiriusXM. “The Power of Black Culture has influenced music of all genres, sports, comedy, and talk. We’re thrilled to honor Black voices across the diaspora and celebrate their brilliance.”
“While we run channels dedicated to amplifying Black voices and highlighting the Black experience year-round, our Black History Month programming aims to honor the generations of Black Americans who have helped shape music as we know it today,” said Dion Summers, VP, Urban Music Programming at SiriusXM. “From jazz and blues to hip-hop and R&B, the influence of Black musicians is present throughout all aspects of American culture, and we’re excited to offer our SiriusXM and Pandora listeners a platform to experience and listen to Black artists’ cultural pride expressed through their music.”
Programming highlights for Black History Month across SiriusXM and Pandora include:
CHANNELS AND MODES
The Apollo Theater Channel: From the early days of Jazz, through decades of R&B and Hip-Hop to today, The Apollo has been, and continues to be, the mecca of Black culture. Now, SiriusXM spotlights the music and artists that have graced the stage and have been influenced by the legendary organization. The Apollo Theater Channel features SiriusXM Apollo shows (including Alicia Keys, H.E.R., and more), artists who’ve performed at the Apollo, and those who’ve been inspired by the Apollo. You’ll also hear classic performances from artists who’ve graced the iconic Apollo stage over the years. The Apollo Theater Channel airs for two weeks on channel 104 starting February 14 and for 30 days on the SiriusXM app.
Notorious Radio: Inspired by the Brooklyn-born rapper, Notorious B.I.G., the Notorious Radio channel will feature his entire catalog of music, along with music of other Hip-Hop artists and luminaries paying tribute to the rap legend gone far too soon. Notorious B.I.G. changed Hip-Hop forever when he burst onto the rap scene in the early 90s, and his laid-back lyrical delivery tells the tales of celebration and strife. Hear why Rolling Stone calls B.I.G. “the greatest rapper that ever lived,” on Notorious Radio for one week starting February 8 on channel 105 and 30 days starting February 3 on the SiriusXM app.
The Whitney Channel: Widely considered The Voice, and the most awarded female artist of all time, the incomparable Whitney Houston continues to inspire and amaze with her signature ballads and upbeat dance songs. The Whitney Channel will feature her many pop and R&B classics, along with remixes and live performances. You’ll also hear from celebrities and fellow artists who had the pleasure of knowing and working with Whitney. During Black History Month, fans can also watch the new biopic, “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody” on digital (2/7) and Blu-Ray (2/28), a powerful and triumphant celebration of the incomparable Whitney Houston. The Whitney Channel airs on channel 14 and the SiriusXM app for 30 days starting February 3.
Black Music Forever: Hear the tracks that currently move The Culture, and discover the music that’s on the come-up. If it’s Hip-Hop and R&B that’s killin’ it in the clubs, or emerging Afropop and Caribbean vibes – hear it all on Black Music Forever airing on channel 105 for one week starting February 15 and for 30 days on the SiriusXM app starting February 3.
For a continued Black History Month music audio experience, Pandora listeners can tune into the platform’s Black Music Forever station. This station features the chart-toppers and sounds of today’s Black music that is shifting the culture, with music from SZA, Diddy, Beyoncé, Lizzo, Travis Scott, Kendrick Lamar, Tems, Lil Nas X, Samara Joy, Jonathan McReynolds, and more. In honor of Black History Month, the station will have a special Awakened Mode, which represents the powerful voices that have broken down barriers in music and worldwide. From Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit” to Kendrick Lamar’s “United In Grief,” the Mode will empower listeners to feel energized and committed to resist.
