Media Entrepreneur & Broadcasting Innovator; Founder & Chairperson of Urban One; Creator of the "Quiet Storm" Radio Format

Maryland, USA

Cathy Hughes Biography

Cathy Hughes is an entrepreneur, media executive, and broadcaster recognized for her influence on African-American media. Hughes began her radio career at Howard University in Washington, D.C., joining the School of Communications and advancing to general sales manager of the university's radio station, WHUR-FM. In that role, she increased the station's annual revenue from $250,000 to $3 million in one year. Hughes later became the first woman vice president and general manager of a radio station in the nation's capital. During this period, she developed the "Quiet Storm" format, a late-night blend of R&B, ballads, and smooth jazz that became a staple of urban radio and was adopted by more than 480 stations nationwide.

Hughes purchased WOL-AM in Washington, D.C., where she introduced the "24-Hour Talk from a Black Perspective" format, guided by the theme "Information is Power." She hosted the station's morning show for 11 years, and WOL remains a leading talk radio station in Washington, D.C.

From this foundation, Hughes built Urban One, Inc., the largest African-American-owned diversified media corporation in the United States. Working with her son and business partner, Alfred C. Liggins III, Hughes expanded the company to reach more than 80 percent of Black U.S. households through subsidiaries including Radio One, with over 55 broadcast radio stations; cable television networks TV One and CLEO-TV; syndication company Reach Media; digital platform iOne Digital; and marketing firm One Solution. The company became publicly traded, making Hughes the first African-American woman to chair a publicly traded corporation. TV One, launched by the company, is the country's largest African-American-owned cable channel and features series such as "Unsung" and "Uncensored."

Hughes has been inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, the Radio Hall of Fame, and the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. Her honors include 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 Essence Women Shaping the World Award, the Madam C.J. Walker Award for Entrepreneurship, and the NAB Lifetime Achievement Award. Howard University renamed its School of Communications the Cathy Hughes School of Communications in recognition of her contributions to communications education. Hughes has also been listed among the wealthiest Black women in the United States.

Throughout her career, Hughes has focused on mentoring emerging media professionals and amplifying Black voices across radio, television, and digital platforms. Her journey, from overcoming multiple bank rejections to building a major media corporation, highlights her commitment to community-centered storytelling. As founder and chairperson of Urban One, Hughes continues to influence the landscape of African-American media.

BOOK Cathy Hughes

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 09/03/2026.

Cathy Hughes Videos

Cathy Hughes - Questlove Supreme Podcast

Cathy Hughes - Questlove Supreme Podcast

Watch the Questlove Supreme Podcast

How Cathy Hughes has transformed the media landscape

How Cathy Hughes has transformed the media landscape

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser recently presented media mogul and Urban One founder Cathy Hughes with the key to the city.

Cathy Hughes Gives You the Secrets to Success

Cathy Hughes Gives You the Secrets to Success

Media pioneer and entrepreneur Cathy Hughes shares a powerful masterclass on success leadership and perseverance.

  • How do I book Cathy Hughes to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for Cathy Hughes

    Speaking fees for Cathy Hughes, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Cathy Hughes are $50,000 - $100,000 for live events and $20,000 - $30,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Cathy Hughes, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • 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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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 Daymond John, Carla Harris, Janice Howroyd, Arlan Hamilton and Sheila C. Johnson. 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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