From working in radio to owning the radio!
According to WIVB 4, Sheila Brown is now the first Black woman to own a radio station in Buffalo, New York.
Her career started in radio at WUFO in Buffalo, New York during the 80s and she decided to part ways after 14 years in the business when new management arrived.
She made a vow to someday return, and eight years later she not only returned but also purchased the station.
“I looked at the building and I waved and said, don’t worry baby, I’ll be back,'” Brown told reporters. “I went through everything, we had banks say no like three times before they said yes, credit unions said no your business plan needs to be updated, but True Bethel and Bishop Daris Pridgen, they had faith in me.”
Brown, a native of Buffalo, who grew up in Hamlin Park says she always dreamed of doing amazing things. As the youngest of three siblings, she credits her family, strong support system, and upbringing to her success.
“My uncles coming to see us would go hey here comes our super star,” she said. “Not saying it to boost me but just positive affirmation, so I never was afraid of anything I was going to do.”
Since her acquisition, Brown has added an FM channel to WUFO in partnership with Power 96.5 that has taken the brand to another level, expanding visibility by the millions.
She has opened doors for various influencers and popular DJs. Currently, the radio hosts a weekly talk with the mayor, interviews prominent figures, and runs the WUFO history collectible that contains nearly six decades of WUFO memorabilia.
“It feels good, but it’s sad in 2021 we’re still talking about the first if anything, but I’m just proud that the lord used me to be the first woman of color to own a radio station,” shared Brown. “The Vice President said she might be the first but not the last so my goal is to prep other people.”
Her goal is to continue to grow the WUFO imprint and Brown hopes her journey will make it easier for those to follow.
