From my knowledge, it has always been the programming attempt of The Power, when it was co-run by XM Radio and Radio One Inc. to provide programming content that was political in nature and analyzed with a black perspective. Even the connotation of “The Power,” outlines the intent of the channel—expressing black political muscle.

However, it seems that Sirius Radio (before merging with XM Radio) never had a black talk format. (See the attached link to Sirius Radio channel guide http://www.dogstarradio.com/SIRIUS_Channel_Guide.pdf) At closer glance Sirius Radio, prior to becoming SiriusXM, only black programming was in the area of Hip-Hop and R&B. Those channels were:

43 Backspin Hip-Hop/R&B Old Skool Rap

45 Shade 45 Hip-Hop/R&B Eminem’s Uncut Hip-Hop

50 Hot Jamz Hip-Hop/R&B Hits

51 Heart & Soul Hip-Hop/R&B R&B Hits

53 Soul Town Hip-Hop/R&B Classic Soul

Noticing this trend along with what has been revealed recently, I can only conclude that Sirius and SiriusXM never wanted or want to continue with a black talk radio format.

Analysis

Recently, SiriusXM announced that "The Power" will now become "The Urban View." As you are aware, these programming changes took Redding News Review off the air from a prime-time spot and replaced it with “The B. Smith and ‘Thank You Dan’ Show.”  This move clearly demonstrates the unclear motives behind SiriusXM decisions. I restate, the Power is a political voice for the black community, surely placing programs that are not political in nature, on SiriusXM 128 transforms the entire dynamic of the channel, which would lead a good journalist to analyze why?

In no way should this communication be construed as an attempt to criticize B. Smith. Smith is an extraordinary black entrepreneur who has an interest in radio. However, it seems that placing a variety type program on what has been traditionally all political (black) talk format in the middle of the afternoon may be a clandestine attempt to remove black political talk radio out of the African-American community.   

Frankly, this change in programming is a slap in the face to the black community. It demonstrates that our interests are being communicated to us rather than being resonated by us.

I would also like to clear up some other misconceptions: Redding News Review is a news organization. Robert Redding, is a journalist/broadcaster not and announcer or talk host. Mr. Redding has assembled a team of top journalists who continuously present, analyze and address: issues, concerns, and viewpoints that impact the black community. Our jobs as journalists is not to say what people want to hear, however, to present the facts and reasoning behind facts, whether the viewpoint is popular or not. We have done this before the creation of SiriusXM and we will continue afterwards.

Also, another strange thing about this move to "The Urban View,” is that Sirius abated Rev. Al Sharpton by an hour. For me, the change from The Power to "The Urban View" could not be based on business. What business person would cutting Sharpton by an hour, a man who topped Wolf Blitzer on MSNBC, and No. 1 among blacks?  (See: http://www.mediaite.com/tv/friday-ratings-al-sharpton-tops-wolf-blitzer-in-demo-total-viewers/ and http://newsone.com/1444125/why-is-the-media-scared-of-rev-al-sharpton/) What's more, the decision appears to eliminate other shows from Kojo Nnamdi to GW on the Hill.

Last, it seems that this move was being plotted by SiriusXM long before, Liberty Media took over the controlling interest of the company this summer. On June 2, 2011, the Web site, the "UrbanBlog" reported that SiriusXM was making changes to 128 The Power, even calling 128 The Urban View almost two years in advance. (See: http://theurbanblogg.wordpress.com/2011/06/02/sirius-128-the-power-what-does-change-look-like-to-you/?replytocom=452#respond).