One of the Most Powerful People in Urban Radio Leaves Her Post

Mary Cathy Sneed retires

One of the Most Powerful People in Urban Radio Leaves Her Post

One of the most powerful and influential people in urban radio has left her post as COO this morning. We’re talking about MC Sneed aka Mary Cathy Sneed of Black owned Radio outlet Radio One.

For the past few years much has been written about this 50 something year old white woman with a country music background who came on board the nation’s largest and most listened to Black owned radio chain and determined what would be played or not played.  Considering that Radio One reaches an estimated 70% of the urban music market,  this woman yielded considerable clout.

At this time, we’re not sure how much things will change in her wake. Aflred Liggins who is son to Radio One owner Kathy Hughes will be filling in…

Here’s how one of the music trades ALL Access reported it..

ALL ACCESS confirms that RADIO ONE COO MARY CATHERINE SNEED has exited the company. While a replacement has yet to be named, CEO ALFRED LIGGINS — son of RADIO ONE Chairman CATHY HUGHES — will assume SNEED’s responsibilities in the interim.

Here’s the memo LIGGINS sent out to the staff:

“We are grateful for MCs contributions and wish her the best in her future endeavors. In her absence I will serve as Interim Chief Operating Officer.

I will be visiting each and every market during the month of July to meet with all of you. This will give everyone a chance to hear directly from me what I think the future holds for our company and all the new initiatives that we are pursuing.

If you have any questions concerning this transition period, please feel free to speak to your General Manager. In the meantime, I trust that I can count on your continued support and effort on behalf of Radio One.”

Return to Davey D’s Hip Hop Corner