Pioneering Black Talk Host Bob Law Dies at 86

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Bob Law, a pioneering Black radio personality who hosted the nationally syndicated 'Night Talk' program, has died at the age of 86. Law began his career at WWRL in New York as a community affairs director before rising to program director and launching 'Night Talk' in 1981, which was considered the first nationally broadcast Black radio talk show in the country.

Why it matters

Bob Law's 'Night Talk' program was a groundbreaking achievement, giving a national platform to Black voices and perspectives at a time when mainstream media was still largely dominated by white hosts and viewpoints. His work helped pave the way for greater diversity and representation in the radio industry.

The details

Law started at WWRL in New York as a community affairs director before becoming the station's program director. In 1981, he put his 'Night Talk' program into national syndication through the National Black Network, making it the first nationally broadcast Black radio talk show in the country.

• Bob Law began his career at WWRL in New York.
• In 1981, Law put 'Night Talk' into national syndication through the National Black Network.