TheNational Negro Network was a black-orientedradio programming service in theUnited States founded on January 20, 1954 by Chicago advertiserW. Leonard Evans, Jr.[1][2] It was the first black-owned radio network in the country, and its programming was broadcast on up to 45 affiliates.[3] An article in the trade publicationBroadcasting said that the network was expected "to reach approximately 12 million of the 15 million Negroes in America."[4]
Evans was the network's president. Reggie Schuebel was vice president-treasurer, and John M. Wyatt was executive vice president.[4]
The network featured a variety of different programming, including a popularsoap operaThe Story of Ruby Valentine, which was based onCBS'sWe Love and Learn andAs the Twig is Bent, and starredJuanita Hall,Ruby Dee andTerry Carter.[5] The serial was sponsored by, among others,Philip Morris andPet Milk. Other short-lived series includedThe Life of Anna Lewis withHilda Simms, andIt's A Mystery Man withCab Calloway.[5][6][7]
Some shows were produced by Calloway andEthel Waters. Other fare included broadcasts of symphony concerts from black colleges, and programs hosted by black DJs at affiliate stations.[3]
The network drew up plans for several more series, but—with the TV era exploding—fell apart within a year due to inadequate capital.[3][6][8]
Jason Chambers wrote in his book,Madison Avenue and the Color Line: African Americans in the Advertising Industry, that Evans felt that advertising agencies were hesitant to recommend NNN to clients. "Agencies are aware of our existence and watch our growth closely," Evans said, "but ... are still reluctant to come right out and make a recommendation [for using] Negro radio, preferring to keep campaigns at a 'test' level while watching to see what others do."[9]
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