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For about a month Norfolk’s WCPK 1600 AM has been broadcasting the Jack Gravely Show, a popular radio talk show that started in Richmond almost three years ago.
People call in to talk about the economy, politics, Donald Trump, racism, and other timely topics. Now listeners in Norfolk can tune in to hear Gravely’s show, which originates in Richmond at WLEE 990 AM. It is transmitted live from Richmond’s station to Norfolk’s WCPK 1600 AM., Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to Noon.
“This is a talk show you should not judge, until you listen,” Gravely said of his radio talk show which is also available online on his website (the jackgravelyshow.com).
“While I’m not going to try to jump through a flaming hoop to attract listeners in Norfolk, I plan to give everyone a good solid talk show,” said Gravely, who lives in Petersburg but commutes to Richmond to do his radio talk show.
“I talk about sports, education, religion, politics, international relations, prison, crime,” said Gravely, a Vietnam veteran and a Fayetteville State University graduate. “I talk about issues that are happening in all communities. We discuss numerous issues so I would not paint us in a box.”
Gravely’s diverse background led him to seat himself behind a microphone 15 years ago. A graduate of the law school at the University of Virginia, he has also been a guest on many popular TV talk shows, including the Today Show, Nightline, Crossfire and Tony Brown’s Journal.
He also rose through the ranks of the NAACP, serving as the state director, board chair, and special assistant to Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks. At the Federal Communications Commission he was appointed as the first diversity director. He has testified before congressional committees. His editorials have appeared in numerous publications, including the Washington Post, the Richmond Times, the Richmond Afro-American, and the Free Press of Richmond.
“I thought there was a need for a different voice and view on the radio,” Gravely said.
“I became frustrated with the drab right wing and conservative views on talk shows, especially when it came to examining the black perspective.
“There are a multiplicity of ideas across the landscape,” he continued. “But we never heard any of those views coming from the African American community. But African Americans are just as concerned about their churches, the work ethic and their families. We just never hear these views expressed too often.
“Frankly, I resent turning on a talk show on MSN or CNN and hearing a white commentator on non African American pundit talk about what is going on in the black community,” Gravely said. “I think black folks can decide for themselves how they feel about a specific issue.”
When you tune in from Norfolk, expect to hear listeners and guests from all over. On April 11, for example, listeners heard from black Tea Party member Dr. Earl W. Jackson, the founder of Exodus Faith Ministries in Chesapeake. Jackson is running for the newly vacated Senate seat in Virginia.
Meanwhile, the Uncle Tom term was discussed on March 29. Talk show guest E. Ethelbert Miller explored the issue with listeners, who often give Gravely’s show high marks.
One listener, who admires Fox commentator Glenn Beck, said in a blog, “Dear Mr. Gravely. It was an honor to speak to you today, live on the radio.” The blog was signed by Blackstone Mayor Billy Coleburn.
Another listener wrote, “Jack, I really enjoy your show. . .I am a conservative Republican and I’d rather listen to you than Limbaugh because he screens all his callers to bow unto him.”
Gravely, who hopes to eventually host a national syndicated radio talk show, said, “The calls come in everyday. The secret to becoming a syndicated show is hard work, luck, and good people. We are not going to stop in Norfolk. Someday we will do our show all over the country.”
Original Article