Civic Media Acquires WNOV & Milwaukee Courier, Promising to Expand Black Community Voice

The deal raises hopes and questions about the future of these trusted Milwaukee media institutions.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:28am

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a stack of newspapers and a vintage microphone, symbolizing the transition of a community media institution to new ownership and the uncertainty of preserving its grassroots essence.As a beloved Black community media institution changes hands, the future of its legacy hangs in the balance.Today in Milwaukee

Civic Media has acquired WNOV 860, a beloved Black Talk/Gospel radio station, and The Milwaukee Courier, a weekly newspaper that has been a cornerstone of Milwaukee's Black community since 1964. While the Jones family, who built these platforms to amplify Black voices, believes Civic Media will honor their legacy while investing in the future, some are skeptical about how corporate ownership might impact the community-focused spirit of these outlets.

Why it matters

WNOV and The Milwaukee Courier have long served as vital voices for Milwaukee's Black community, providing accurate information, uplifting stories, and a platform for community concerns. The acquisition by the larger Civic Media company raises questions about whether these trusted institutions can preserve their grassroots essence and commitment to serving their community under new corporate ownership.

The details

The deal, whose financial terms remain undisclosed, marks a significant transition for both WNOV and The Milwaukee Courier. Mary Ellen Jones, whose family built these platforms, will serve as a consultant to Civic Media, while Jerrel Jones Jr. and Dr. Robert 'Biko' Baker will assist with the transition. Civic Media CEO Sage Weil promises to 'steward that legacy while investing in their future', but some are skeptical about the impact of corporate ownership. Civic Media's Regional President Chris Moreau insists they're up to the task, pledging to provide 'the resources and infrastructure to help this team serve the community through broadcast, digital, and print media'.

  • Civic Media acquired WNOV 860 and The Milwaukee Courier on January 1, 2026.
  • The Jones family, who built these platforms, will serve as consultants during the transition.

The players

Civic Media

A media company that has acquired WNOV 860 and The Milwaukee Courier, promising to honor their legacy while investing in their future.

Mary Ellen Jones

The member of the Jones family whose parents built WNOV and The Milwaukee Courier to amplify Black voices in Milwaukee. She will serve as a consultant to Civic Media during the transition.

Jerrel Jones Jr.

The member of the Jones family who will assist with the transition of The Milwaukee Courier under Civic Media's ownership.

Dr. Robert 'Biko' Baker

The Operations Manager for both WNOV and The Milwaukee Courier under Civic Media's ownership.

Sage Weil

The CEO of Civic Media, who promises to 'steward the legacy of WNOV and The Milwaukee Courier while investing in their future'.

Chris Moreau

The Regional President of Civic Media, who pledges to provide 'the resources and infrastructure to help this team serve the community through broadcast, digital, and print media'.

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What they’re saying

“My parents built The Milwaukee Courier and WNOV to give Milwaukee's Black community a voice when few existed. Civic Media is committed to honoring that legacy while investing in the future of trusted media.”

— Mary Ellen Jones

“We believed that accurate information is powerful and our voices matter. We trust Civic Media to carry this mission forward with truth and integrity.”

— Earnestine Jones

“It matters greatly to our family that these institutions continue to inform, uplift, and serve with integrity. Civic Media has shown sincere respect for our parents' legacy.”

— Jerrel Jones Jr.

“We're up to the task of providing the resources and infrastructure to help this team serve the community through broadcast, digital, and print media.”

— Chris Moreau, Regional President, Civic Media

What’s next

Civic Media plans to officially take over operations of WNOV and The Milwaukee Courier on January 1, 2026. The Jones family will serve as consultants during the transition to ensure the community-focused spirit of these institutions is preserved.

The takeaway

This acquisition highlights the delicate balance between preserving the grassroots essence of community media institutions and providing the resources and infrastructure to help them thrive in the digital age. The success of Civic Media's stewardship will be closely watched by Milwaukee's Black community, who have long relied on WNOV and The Courier as trusted sources of information and advocacy.