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Overview
In 2024, EBO partnered with WEAA 88.9 FM, Baltimore's NPR-affiliated public radio station, to increase the representation of diverse voices across the Baltimore-Washington region. The pilot program successfully expanded expert participation by 70%, tripled segment engagement, and grew listenership by 40%.
Background
Over 60% of U.S. local news outlets struggle to find qualified experts for specialized topics, resulting in a 35% reduction in the diversity and depth of news coverage in critical areas like healthcare, technology, and public policy. This gap in expert commentary directly impacts financial stability, as local outlets see ad revenue drop by 15-20% due to declining viewer engagement. Expert-led segments improve audience retention by 25%, yet many stations lack the resources to secure a wide range of expert voices.
Challenges Facing WEAA
WEAA 88.9 FM, dedicated to serving Baltimore’s diverse community, faces unique challenges:
Funding Constraints: Limited financial resources restrict the station’s mission of delivering culturally relevant programming.
Access to Diverse Experts: Financial limitations reduce WEAA’s ability to provide varied expert insights on air.
Economic Disparities: Baltimore’s economic environment hinders WEAA’s capacity to fully meet community needs.
EBO’s Technology: A Game-Changer
EBO’s media booking technology provided WEAA with advanced tools to identify and engage top talent, addressing challenges to bring valuable voices into the conversation:
Expanded Expert Participation: EBO’s platform increased vetted expert representation on WEAA by 70%, enriching programming diversity.
300% Engagement Boost: Signature shows like Two Way Talk experienced a 300% rise in engagement, driven by the credibility and insights of EBO-sourced guests.
40% Audience Growth: By connecting WEAA with a broader expert pool, EBO expanded the station’s reach and audience base.
Real-Time Impact
In 2024, EBO helped WEAA navigate sensitive social and political discussions, mobilizing experts on key issues:
Dr. Walid Phares: Foreign policy expert, offered insights on the Israel-Hamas conflict’s impact on Baltimore’s Black community
Dawn Myers: CEO of The Richualist, explained the CROWN Act’s significance, raising awareness about discrimination in education.
Janett Liriano: Co-founder of INARU, discussed women entrepreneurship across the African diaspora, inspiring dialogue on community-driven economic growth.
These contributions empowered WEAA’s audience to engage with critical, solutions-focused conversations, strengthening community knowledge and involvement.
Empowering Local Voices
Beyond increasing expert participation, EBO enabled WEAA to spotlight local leaders and community advocates. With a more diverse lineup of contributors, programs like Middays with V. Charmaine saw a 60% increase in listener engagement, fostering deeper community connection and solidarity.
Community Impact and Strategic Alignment
The EBO-WEAA partnership aligns with the values of socially conscious investors interested in scalable, impact-driven technology solutions. This collaboration serves as a blueprint for how mission-aligned tech investment can drive meaningful change for underrepresented media outlets. Here’s another real-time example [hypelink Paul Bashea Williams supplemental case study].Â
Conclusion
EBO’s collaboration with WEAA 88.9 FM demonstrates how technology can empower local media to engage diverse voices, bridge economic disparities, and drive impactful community dialogue. WEAA’s success in elevating underrepresented perspectives underscores the transformative potential of tech-driven media solutions, setting a precedent for growth and investment in 2025 and beyond.
Supplemental Case Study: Elevating Mental Health Expertise on WEAA’s The Afternoon Vibe
Introduction
EBO’s mission to connect timely expertise with community needs came to life through a recent collaboration with The Afternoon Vibe on WEAA, hosted by Valencia Charmaine. Following a tragic campus shooting at Morgan State University, EBO arranged for mental health expert Paul Bashea Williams to provide critical insights on student mental health during this challenging time.
About Paul Bashea Williams
Paul Bashea Williams, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and trauma expert, is renowned for his focus on mental health within Black communities. His expertise offered WEAA’s listeners impactful strategies for coping with trauma, supporting resilience, and addressing mental health challenges head-on.
Booking Highlights
Show Name: The Afternoon Vibe
Host: Valencia Charmaine
Topic: MSU Campus Shooting and Its Impact on Students’ Mental Health
Focus: 15-minute segment with practical, actionable mental health advice
Read Full Story: https://www.morgan.edu/news/2023-10-04_timeline-of-events-regarding-shooting
Key Impact
Emotional Support: Paul provided coping strategies tailored to students, faculty, and families affected by the event, reinforcing the importance of mental health resources for recovery.
Audience Engagement: WEAA experienced a significant increase in engagement, with messages from listeners expressing gratitude for the timely conversation and actionable advice.
Community Awareness: Paul’s message urged the community to advocate for mental health resources in schools, igniting broader support for accessible mental health services.
The EBO-WEAA Partnership in Action
By bringing Paul Bashea Williams to The Afternoon Vibe, EBO enabled WEAA to serve as a beacon of support and resilience during a critical moment. This partnership not only met immediate community needs but solidified WEAA’s role as a trusted source for navigating local crises.
ConclusionThis collaboration highlights the transformative potential of expert-driven discussions in local media. With EBO’s support, WEAA continues to advance timely, impactful conversations, fostering an informed and resilient community. This segment is just one example of how EBO empowers communities to heal, advocate, and grow.
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