Milwaukee, WI — The media world and African American community are mourning the loss of a visionary titan, Dr. Jerrel W. Jones, founder and CEO of Courier Communications, who passed away on June 4, 2025. Revered as a media pioneer and community advocate, Dr. Jones made history as the first Black man in the United States to simultaneously own both a newspaper and a radio station—Milwaukee’s iconic Courier and WNOV 860AM/106.5FM.

Dr. Jones’s remarkable journey began in 1964, inspired by his trailblazing mother, Dr. Mary Ellen Strong, founder of the Milwaukee Defender. With her influence and his unwavering commitment to amplify underrepresented voices, he established the Milwaukee Courier, which would become a trusted voice for Black Milwaukeeans. The paper remains a cornerstone of civic engagement, cultural celebration, and truth-telling journalism.

In 1986, Dr. Jones expanded his media empire with WNOV 860AM, and later 106.5FM, cementing his reputation as a bold innovator in broadcast media. Under his leadership, WNOV thrived as a powerful hub for talk radio, civic discourse, and community connection—while also becoming a beloved home for soulful music, from Gospel and Jazz to Reggae, Blues, and R&B.

His influence reached beyond the airwaves and the printed page. Dr. Jones was a formidable force in Wisconsin politics, with local and national leaders regularly appearing on WNOV to engage directly with the community. Though he left college early to focus on his fast-growing businesses, his impact on media, entrepreneurship, and civic life was so profound that he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree by Cardinal Stritch University in 2022.

“My father believed education was the foundation of progress,” said Mary Ellen Jones, General Manager of WNOV. “He worked tirelessly to inform, inspire, and uplift our community. His legacy lives in every word spoken on WNOV and every headline printed in the Milwaukee Courier. He was more than a media mogul—he was a mentor, a pioneer, and a pillar of strength.”

To honor his indelible legacy, the Milwaukee Courier will release a special Tribute Edition in July, commemorating what would have been Dr. Jones’ 86th birthday. Friends, leaders, business partners, and community members are invited to submit tributes and personal reflections to be included in this historic edition.

Details about a Life Celebration Service will be shared by the family in the coming weeks. Dr. Jerrel Jones’s legacy is not only etched in the institutions he built—but in the countless lives he touched, the truths he helped amplify, and the community he so fiercely loved.

For more info, couriernewsroom.com

#RestInPower #DrJerrelJones #BlackMediaMatters #CourierLegacy #WNOVMilwaukee