Company Overview
Midway Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) is an independently-owned media company based in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in niche programming through its broadcast and digital platforms. It primarily serves Chicago's Black and Latino communities. MBC's flagship radio station, WVON 1690AM, has a longstanding reputation for delivering cultural and community-focused content that significantly impacts urban Chicago. The company, operating within the Broadcast Media Production and Distribution sector, is structured for profit, emphasizing growth and competitive market presence.
Digital and Brand Reach
- Unique Monthly Visitors: Over 300,000, demonstrating strong digital presence and audience engagement.
Leadership and Key Contacts
- Melody Spann Cooper
- Position: Chair & CEO
- Email: [melody@midwaybroadcasting.com](mailto:melody@midwaybroadcasting.com)
- LinkedIn: [Melody Spann-Cooper](https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodyspanncooper)
Melody has been leading MBC since acquiring a controlling interest in 1999. One of the few female media owners in the U.S., her leadership has broadened MBC's reach. Recognized for her professional accomplishments, she authored "The Girlfriend’s Guide To Closing the Deal" and actively participates in the Obama Library Foundation and the National Association of Black-Owned Broadcasters.
- Pierre Cooper
- Position: President
- Email: [pierre@midwaybroadcasting.com](mailto:pierre@midwaybroadcasting.com)
- LinkedIn: [Pierre Cooper](https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierre-cooper-44029926)
Pierre spearheads strategic sales initiatives to strengthen MBC’s market presence and supports WVON’s prominence as a leading urban talk radio station.
- Alex Garza
- Position: Executive Vice President-WRLL
- Email: [alex@midwaybroadcasting.com](mailto:alex@midwaybroadcasting.com)
Alex manages WRLL and empowers community-focused programming to effectively engage listeners.
- Chandra Simmons
- Position: Director of Strategic Corporate Partnerships
- Email: [chandra@midwaybroadcasting.com](mailto:chandra@midwaybroadcasting.com)
Chandra directs collaborations to expand MBC’s outreach and impact within the community.
- Jessica Miyasato
- Position: Chief of Staff
- Email: [jessica@midwaybroadcasting.com](mailto:jessica@midwaybroadcasting.com)
- LinkedIn: [Jessica Miyasato](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicamiyasato)
Jessica coordinates corporate strategies and aids corporate leadership, ensuring smooth organizational functions.
Engagement and Strategic Direction
MBC emphasizes empowering and educating minority communities in Chicago. The company's strategy aims to amplify its digital influence and pursue partnerships that resonate with its mission, particularly enhancing diversity and inclusion in media. Leadership focuses on nurturing community relations and fostering strategic brand partnerships, reinforcing MBC as a trusted voice in Chicago's urban media landscape.
Key Competitors
MBC faces competition from several industry players:
Zeno Media
- Location: New York City, NY
- Founded: 2016
- Company Type: Privately Held
- Employees: 51-200
- Specialties: Specializes in ad-tech for streaming and podcasting, partnering with audio companies to reach 40 million global listeners monthly. Zeno Media enhances broadcasting and monetization for content creators.
River Radio
- Headquarters: Gahanna, Ohio
- Founded: 1965
- Company Type: Nonprofit
- Employees: 11-50
- Mission: Focus on community engagement through regional broadcasting and building advertiser-consumer relationships, known for faith-based content.
ABC7 News Bay Area (WLS-TV)
- Location: San Francisco, CA
- Founded: 1949
- Company Type: Public, owned by The Walt Disney Company
- Employees: 51-200
- Specializations: Leader in local news coverage and ad solutions across digital, linear, and OTT/CTV platforms.
Market Position and Strategic Insights
In a competitive market, MBC's independent ownership allows strategic flexibility. The corporation's blend of traditional and digital platforms helps capture diverse audience segments, meeting modern media consumption needs. While Zeno Media is driven by global reach, River Radio focuses on local community ties, and ABC7 News leverages substantial corporate backing for regional news supremacy. To strengthen its market standing, MBC could capitalize on its unique identity, explore partnerships, and adopt new technologies to enhance audience engagement and presence in a dynamic media landscape.
