DON'T SILENCE OUR VOICES BY SHUTTING DOWN OUR HISTORIC BLACK RADIO STATION

 

In  March of 2022, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) initiated an administrative proceeding to revoke Joe Armstrong's broadcast license. Joe is the owner of the historic WJBE, a black-owned radio station in Knoxville, Tennessee. 

The FCC believes his 2016 conviction for making a false statement on his 2008 tax return suggests he lacks the character to operate WJBE 1040 AM (99.7FM)honestly and reliably. Mr. Armstrong has successfully operated WJBE for the last ten years without any FCC violation during this time frame.

WJBE was founded in 1968 by The Legendary James Brown

WJBE stands for "Just the Best Everyday." "with the original call letters standing for James Brown Enterprises. In the late 70s, Armstrong worked as a salesman for James Brown's WJBE before Brown sold the station. Mr. Brown founded three radio stations where he and other Black artist music could be played over the airwaves. WJBE is the only station that broadcast Steve Harvey Morning Show, D.L. Hughley Show, and The Sweat Hotel in Knoxville.

 Currently, there are 15,000 radio stations across the country. Only 1.3 % are black-owned, and only .5% are in the top 100 markets. Knoxville's WJBE is ranked  #72.

This radio station has served as a way for local businesses and community partners to advertise and share their initiatives with the community while highlighting local artists and events. In addition, it has been an institutional pillar for the community helping to spread important information, document information, and inform the community it serves.

"We've never had any complaints on WJBE—not from our vendors, not from our listeners, not even from our competition," Armstrong said. "We have an impeccable record with the FCC, and the quality of programming that we do

Joe's attorney stated, "No law at the FCC or anywhere else should irrationally deny Americans a fresh start," 

IJ Attorney Andrew Ward said. "Joe has the 'character' to run a radio station. He's proven that for a decade."

Joe said, "I've been convicted and have made restitution and have had all the rights restored, but yet I am being discriminated against all because of my past, and there are other people out here that are being discriminated against because they have made a mistake in the past," Armstrong said. "People are not able to get a professional license or operate a nursing home or work in a certain capacity, and if they've done right and paid their dues, then they deserve a second chance."

"How long does a person have to bear the cross? I've paid my debt to society," he told Knox News. "To come back and question my ability to run this station is a knee-jerk reaction on their part. This is bigger than me."

If this historic black radio station is silenced, the community will lose its voice and a way to express itself in a very volatile time in society when information and the ability to receive correct information is pertinent. Please sign this petition to say we stand with Joe and believe in second chances. Also Please if you are able please write a personal letter to support Joe and WJBE!

Below is the request from Joe and his legal team

Dear Friend,

In March of this year, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) initiated an administrative proceeding to revoke my station license.  The FCC did so because it believes my 2016 conviction for making a false statement on my 2008 tax return suggests I lack the character to operate WJBE 1040 AM (99.7 FM) honestly and reliably.

Your willingness to write a letter on my behalf means so much to me.   It is your support that will help me continue to operate WJBE for the Knoxville Community.

Because the FCC proceeding is about my character, your letter should provide your opinion of my character, including my trustworthiness, dependability, and contributions to the community (and whether my conviction affects these).  Additionally, your letter should explain how long you have known me, how we are acquainted, and our interactions with each other.  Finally, your letter should include, if applicable, the effect WJBE has had on you or the community.

Please simply address your letter with "To Whom It May Concern,"

Printed letters or scans of printed letters work best.  Emails are also acceptable.  If you handwrite your letter, please print your name clearly below your signature.

For scans, or emails, please include "Joe Armstrong" in the subject of the email and send to awild@ij.org.

For Handwritten letters, please send to:  

The Institute for Justice

ATTN: Allisisa Wild

520 Nicollet Mall, Suite 550

Minneapolis, MN 55402

Please submit your letter no later than Friday, October 21, 2022.  If you complete your letter sooner, you can submit it earlier.

If you have any questions, please contact Daniel Nelson at the Institute for Justice via email at  dnelson@ij.org or by phone at (703) 682-9323 ext. 218

Thank you again for your support.  I am truly grateful

Yours,

/s/ Joe Armstrong