Russ Parr Replaces Tom Joyner in Atlanta, Rickey Smiley Remains on Hot 107.9

Many Radio One stations across the country are expected to pick up the revamped Urban AC version of the Rickey Smiley Morning Show to replace Tom Joyner. However in Atlanta the Tom Joyner Morning Show will be  replaced by the Russ Parr Morning Show instead on Classix 102.9 in 2020 as reported by Rodney Ho of the AJC.

Russ Parr's show originates from Majic 102.9/92.7 (WMMJ) in Washington, D.C. The syndicated morning show from Reach Media transitioned from 93.9WKYS a few years ago and also airs on Radio One stations in Philadelphia and Cincinnati along with others markets across the country. The show’s cast includes Alfredas, Supaken, Priya, Vic Jagger and Albert.

The Rickey Smiley Morning Show will remain on Hot 107.9 (WHTA) an urban/ hip hop formatted station. Although the show will now be geared towards an urban adult contemporary audience, Rickey Smiley is a ratings winners in Atlanta and outperforms Steve Harvey (on Radio One's Magic 107.5/97.5) and The Morning Culture on V-103 with Frank Ski in key demographic areas. The show itself has relocated to Reach Media studios in Dallas. Rickey still makes local appearances in Atlanta as witnessed by a local back to school event in the summer below. He is a part of the ATL community. All show members will be joining Rickey in Dallas except for Headkrack.



Headkrack will head up "The Morning Culture" with 93.9 WKYS personalities Angie Ange, “On Air” Jordan, Lore’l and Billy Sorrel. The show will be produced in Atlanta. The daily show itself will not be heard in Atlanta. Headkrack's weekend show is heard on Saturday.

The ideal spot for the Rickey Smiley Show would be on Radio One Atlanta's Urban AC station Magic 107.5/97.5. However that station has been airing Steve Harvey Morning Show and due to contractual obligations, they will continue to carry the SHMS.