Black Press Delivers for Wisconsin Voters in 2026; Milwaukee Black Media Announces Print and Digital Expansion and New Collaboration with The Milwaukee Times

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — November 11, 2026 — Milwaukee Black Media (MBM) today celebrated a victory for the Black Press after a 2026 election season in which Black-owned newspapers, radio, and digital platforms informed Wisconsin residents about what was at stake and how to take part. Through its newspapers, radio programming, and digital channels, MBM delivered trusted, nonpartisan coverage of the races and ballot questions affecting Milwaukee's Black community, along with practical information on registering, finding polling places, and voting.

The results speak for themselves. During the election season, MBM doubled subscriptions to its digital newsletter, generated more than 500,000 impressions each week, and drew 150,000 views on Facebook during election week alone. MBM's coverage was also cited on debate stages and in candidates' campaign materials, a sign of how central the Black Press was to the conversation in 2026.

"This election season proved what our community has always known: when the Black Press shows up, our people are informed," said Biko Baker, General Manager of Milwaukee Black Media. "Our readers and listeners didn't have to wonder where to get answers they could trust. They came to us, and we delivered. Now we're building on that by investing in the platforms that will serve this community for the next generation."

"It's been a special year for the Black Press in Wisconsin, and I'm thrilled to have played a role in informing the public," said Drake Bentley of the Milwaukee Courier. "I look forward to what's next for Milwaukee Black Media."

Expanding Print and Digital Media

Building on the reach it achieved this election season, MBM is focusing on expanding both print and digital media. The organization will strengthen the printed newspapers that remain a trusted source in Milwaukee's Black neighborhoods while growing its digital presence to reach readers wherever they are: online, on social media, and on mobile devices.

A New Collaboration with The Milwaukee Times

MBM also announced a new collaboration with The Milwaukee Times, one of the city's longest-serving Black newspapers, together with a new generation of media leaders, including Jeff Cannady of Pwr Fwd Media. The collaboration brings together the history and community trust of The Milwaukee Times with MBM's operating experience and new partners' expertise in digital media, with the goal of ensuring that Milwaukee's Black Press is sustainable, growing, and owned by the community it serves.

"The Milwaukee Times has told our community's story for decades, and that story deserves to keep going for decades more," Baker said. "This collaboration honors that legacy while giving it the tools to reach a new audience."

"Black media is at its strongest when we build together," said Jeff Cannady of Pwr Fwd Media. "I'm proud to join this effort to bring The Milwaukee Times and the Black Press into the next era of print and digital media."

"I am excited to keep the work alive, working and collaborating with MBM," said Pastor Harold Turner of The Milwaukee Times.

Announcement Details

• What
  • Milwaukee Black Media announces its print and digital expansion and its new collaboration with The Milwaukee Times
• When
  • Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
• Where
  • The Milwaukee Times, 2238 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53212
• Who
  • Biko Baker, General Manager, Milwaukee Black Media; Jeff Cannady, Pwr Fwd Media; Pastor Harold Turner, The Milwaukee Times; Roemel Brown, Editor, Milwaukee Courier; Drake Bentley, Milwaukee Courier; Jazz Tyler

About Milwaukee Black Media

Milwaukee Black Media is a community-rooted media organization dedicated to informing, connecting, and amplifying Milwaukee's Black community through print, radio, and digital platforms. Its properties include The Truth 101.7 FM, WNOV 860 AM, The Milwaukee Times, and the Milwaukee Courier. Learn more at mketimes.com.