A different kind of ownership model is taking shape in Milwaukee, and it’s one that could ripple far beyond a single market.
Civic Media is moving forward with plans to place several Black-focused media properties into a newly formed community ownership structure, the Milwaukee Black Media Trust, following its agreement to acquire 860 WNOV and the Milwaukee Courier newspaper late last year.
The Trust is expected to operate multiple assets, including WNOV upon regulatory approval, the Milwaukee Courier, and — through a local marketing agreement — “101.7 The Truth,” currently owned by Good Karma Brands.
The structure goes beyond traditional ownership.
Under the plan, employees will participate in a profit-sharing model that vests over time, while governance will be handled by a group of trustees responsible for appointing leadership overseeing day-to-day operations under Milwaukee Black Media LLC.
Civic Media CEO Sage Weil framed the initiative as both strategic and mission-driven.
“We are very excited about Milwaukee Black Media because it puts these important community media assets under the control of the community that they serve, with a financial structure that benefits the employees doing the work,” Weil said. “We look forward to working closely with Milwaukee Black Media to support the new organization’s growth and success in the years to come.”
The Trust’s founding leadership includes Milwaukee Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, marketing executive Tiffany Wynn, and Milwaukee Courier editor Roemel Brown, who will serve as the employee representative trustee.
Coggs emphasized the broader cultural impact of the move.
“These institutions have served as the voice and reflection of Milwaukee’s Black community for decades—creating space for sharing ideas, challenging perspectives, and fostering dialogue,” she said. “The Trust ensures that these institutions remain community-controlled and Black-centered at a time in our nation’s history when the Black experience is too often diminished.”
Operational leadership will include Robert “Biko” Baker as general manager, working alongside programming, editorial, and sales leadership to guide the properties forward.
Baker pointed to the moment as more than just a business transition.
“This is a pivotal moment: one that calls for tearing down silos, elevating authentic voices, and building media institutions that serve our community across generations,” he said. “What we are building is not simply a media company—it is a platform designed to inform, connect, and uplift a community that deserves nothing less.”
Civic Media will continue to support the effort with backend services, including technology, sales, and administrative infrastructure.
Good Karma Brands CEO Craig Karmazin said the partnership aligns with a broader vision of community-rooted media.
“Good Karma Brands is proud to support a model that keeps these important media institutions rooted in the community they serve and expands the opportunity for our teammates,” he said.
Zoom out, and this is where the story gets bigger.
At a time when consolidation has defined much of radio’s recent history, this model flips the script — moving toward localized, community-driven ownership with built-in employee participation.
It’s not just a transaction.
It’s an experiment.
And if it works, it could become a blueprint.
On The Dial covers breaking radio industry news, including layoffs, programming changes, talent moves, and broadcast trends across the United States.