Cathy Hughes
Keynote Speaker: Founder & Former CEO of Urban One (formerly Radio One)
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Cathy Hughes Biography
Cathy Hughes is a dynamic media pioneer who demonstrates the power of one – one woman, one vision, one company – Urban One, formerly known as Radio One. As Founder and Chairperson of Urban One, Inc., the largest African-American-owned and operated broadcast company in the nation, Hughes’ unprecedented career has spawned a multi-media conglomerate that generates original content across the spectrums of radio, television, and digital media. Her humble beginnings in Omaha, Nebraska, were not a deterrent to her success but rather part of the catalyst that fueled her ambition to empower African Americans with information and to tell stories from their perspective.
Hughes began her radio career in her hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, at KOWH (AM), a station owned by African-American professionals. In 1971, she moved to Washington, D.C., and became a lecturer in the newly established School of Communications at Howard University. During her tenure, she served as General Sales Manager at WHUR, Howard University Radio, increasing the station’s revenue from $250,000 to $3 million in her first year. She also became the first woman Vice President and General Manager of a station in the nation’s capital and created the format known as the “Quiet Storm,” which revolutionized urban radio and was aired on over 480 stations nationwide. In 1980, Hughes purchased her first radio station, WOL-AM, in Washington D.C. and pioneered another innovative format – “24-Hour Talk from a Black Perspective.” With the theme, “Information is Power,” she served as the station’s morning show host for 11 years.
In 1999, Hughes became the first African-American woman to chair a publicly held corporation, following the sale of more than seven million shares of common stock to the public. Since then, she and her son and business partner Alfred Liggins III have grown Urban One into a multi-media company that is an urban radio market leader with 56 stations comprising hip hop, R&B, gospel, and talk radio formats. Urban One is the first African-American company in radio history to dominate several major markets simultaneously and is the first woman-owned radio station to rank number one in any major market. Its success has earned Hughes hundreds of prestigious awards and recognitions, including the ADColor Lifetime Achievement Award, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Chair’s Phoenix Award, the NAACP Chairman’s Award, the Giant of Broadcasting Award, the Uncommon Height of Excellence Award, the Essence Women Shaping the World Award, the Ida B. Wells Living Legacy Award, and induction into the American Advertising Federation Hall of Fame.
Hughes’ philanthropic works are also on par with her success in the business arena. Her passion for education is evident in her efforts to continue her family’s work and legacy at The Piney Woods School in Piney Woods, Mississippi. She is a staunch supporter of the school, which was established by her grandfather in 1909 and is the largest of only four African-American boarding schools in the country. In addition, she is a champion for the hungry and homeless, a mentor to countless women, and an advocate dedicated to empowering minority communities.
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Speaking fees for Cathy Hughes, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Cathy Hughes are $50,000 - $100,000 for live events and $20,000 - $30,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Cathy Hughes, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
What topics does Cathy Hughes speak about?
Cathy Hughes is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Diversity, Broadcasting, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Black Heritage and Influential Women.
Where does Cathy Hughes travel from?
Cathy Hughes generally travels from Maryland, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
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Cathy Hughes is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Diversity, Broadcasting and Entrepreneurship. The estimated speaking fee range to book Cathy Hughes for live events is $50,000 - $100,000, and for virtual events $20,000 - $30,000. Cathy Hughes generally travels from Maryland, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Ellen McGirt, Morgan DeBaun and Wendy Osefo, PhD. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Cathy Hughes for an upcoming event.
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Cathy Hughes News
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Omaha Dedicates Cathy Hughes Blvd
Cathy Hughes, was honored in her hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, where she received several recognitions for her life of service. Some of the highlights are listed below with photos and video from the various occasions. Wednesday, May 16, 2018 Cathy Hughes visited the Omaha Star newspaper, where she worked as a teenager and Duchesne Academy…
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NYC Mission Society Honors Cathy Hughes, ‘She Embodies Our Mission’
NYC Mission Society gathered on Tuesday, April 24th to celebrate over 200 years of service to NYC’s most underserved communities of children through education, work internships, and music education through the annual Champions For Children Gala. Urban One, Inc. Founder and Chairman Cathy Hughes was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
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