The Metro: The nation’s first Black-owned TV station celebrates its history 50 years after launch

, October 1, 2025

WGPR Historical Society is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding on October 4. Joe Spencer, President of the non-profit and the former Director of Programming at WGPR, joined the show to discuss the station’s legacy.

WGPR-TV Screen

Before the 1970s, it was rare to watch or read news about Detroit reported by Black journalists.

An attorney named William V. Banks changed that when he purchased and launched WGPR-TV – the nation’s first Black-owned television station. Programs like “The Scene” and “Big City News” became staples on the network and in Detroiter’s homes.

Many Black journalists were trained at WGPR, then went on to be seasoned broadcasters. WGPR Historical Society is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding on October 4.

Joe Spencer, President of the non-profit and the former Director of Programming at WGPR, joined the show to discuss the station’s legacy.

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Authors

  • Cary Junior II
    Cary Junior II is an audio journalist and producer for The Metro on 101.9 WDET. Cary has worked as a producer or host on a number of projects. His work includes short and longform audio, documentary series and daily radio. In his five year career in journalism he has worked for Crooked Media, the Detroit Free Press, and now WDET - Detroit's NPR station.

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