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Cathy Hughes

Founder & Former CEO of Urban One (formerly Radio One)

Cathy Hughes
Travels From Travels From:
Maryland, USA
Speaking Fee Speaking Fee:
Live Event: $50,000 - $100,000
Virtual Event: $20,000 - $30,000
More Fee Info
Categories Categories:
Categories Categories:
Black Heritage, Black History Month, Broadcasting, Business, Business Leadership, Diversity & Inclusion, Entrepreneurship, Host & Emcee, Influential Women, Leadership
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Cathy Hughes Biography

Cathy Hughes is a dynamic media pioneer who demonstrates the power of one – one woman, one vision, one company – Urban One, formerly known as Radio One. As Founder and Chairperson of Urban One, Inc., the largest African-American-owned and operated broadcast company in the nation, Hughes’ unprecedented career has spawned a multi-media conglomerate that generates original content across the spectrums of radio, television, and digital media. Her humble beginnings in Omaha, Nebraska, were not a deterrent to her success but rather part of the catalyst that fueled her ambition to empower African Americans with information and to tell stories from their perspective.

Hughes began her radio career in her hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, at KOWH (AM), a station owned by African-American professionals. In 1971, she moved to Washington, D.C., and became a lecturer in the newly established School of Communications at Howard University. During her tenure, she served as General Sales Manager at WHUR, Howard University Radio, increasing the station’s revenue from $250,000 to $3 million in her first year. She also became the first woman Vice President and General Manager of a station in the nation’s capital and created the format known as the “Quiet Storm,” which revolutionized urban radio and was aired on over 480 stations nationwide. In 1980, Hughes purchased her first radio station, WOL-AM, in Washington D.C. and pioneered another innovative format – “24-Hour Talk from a Black Perspective.” With the theme, “Information is Power,” she served as the station’s morning show host for 11 years.

In 1999, Hughes became the first African-American woman to chair a publicly held corporation, following the sale of more than seven million shares of common stock to the public. Since then, she and her son and business partner Alfred Liggins III have grown Urban One into a multi-media company that is an urban radio market leader with 56 stations comprising hip hop, R&B, gospel, and talk radio formats. Urban One is the first African-American company in radio history to dominate several major markets simultaneously and is the first woman-owned radio station to rank number one in any major market. Its success has earned Hughes hundreds of prestigious awards and recognitions, including the ADColor Lifetime Achievement Award, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Chair’s Phoenix Award, the NAACP Chairman’s Award, the Giant of Broadcasting Award, the Uncommon Height of Excellence Award, the Essence Women Shaping the World Award, the Ida B. Wells Living Legacy Award, and induction into the American Advertising Federation Hall of Fame.

Hughes’ philanthropic works are also on par with her success in the business arena. Her passion for education is evident in her efforts to continue her family’s work and legacy at The Piney Woods School in Piney Woods, Mississippi. She is a staunch supporter of the school, which was established by her grandfather in 1909 and is the largest of only four African-American boarding schools in the country. In addition, she is a champion for the hungry and homeless, a mentor to countless women, and an advocate dedicated to empowering minority communities.

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Cathy Hughes Videos

  • Cathy Hughes Is Honored In Her Hometown Omaha
    Cathy Hughes Is Honored In Her Hometown Omaha
    Cathy Hughes, was honored in her hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, where she received several recognitions for her life of service. Some of the highlights...
  • Cathy Hughes Interview - YouTube
    Cathy Hughes Interview - YouTube
  • Cathy L. Hughes: Radio One Documentary (2017) on Vimeo
    Cathy L. Hughes: Radio One Documentary (2017) on Vimeo
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FAQs on booking Cathy Hughes

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  • What are the speaker fees for Cathy Hughes

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  • What topics does Cathy Hughes speak about?

    Cathy Hughes is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Black Heritage, Black History Month, Broadcasting, Business, Business Leadership, Diversity & Inclusion, Entrepreneurship, Host & Emcee, Influential Women, Leadership.

  • Where does Cathy Hughes travel from?

    Cathy Hughes generally travels from Maryland, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.

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    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Cathy Hughes for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Cathy Hughes for your next private or corporate function.

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Cathy Hughes is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics . The estimated speaking fee range to book Cathy Hughes for your event is $50,000 - $100,000. Cathy Hughes generally travels from MD, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Kimberly Bryant, Ursula Burns, Dominique DiPrima, Cynthia Marshall and Ellen McGirt. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Cathy Hughes for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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