Recently, The Utica Phoenix published an article referring to Phoenix Radio owner, Cassandra Harris-Lockwood, as the first Black woman to own a radio station in New York. Harris-Lockwood is actually the first Black woman to purchase and build a radio station from the ground up in New York. As you will read here, Sheila L. Brown, preceded Ms. Harris-Lockwood, in having been the first Black woman to purchase an up and running radio station in the state. To make the distinction, Cassandra Harris-Lockwood is the first Black woman in New York State, perhaps in the United States, to purchase FCC licenses and broadcast equipment to build, develop and operate a radio station from the ground up. Harris-Lockwood joins women such as Cathy Hughes, the first Black woman to operate a broadcasting company in 1980, and Martha Jean “the Queen” Steinberg, the first Black woman to own a radio station which she purchased in 1997.
Sheila L. Brown, Manager and Principal Owner of Visions Multi Media Group, LLC, is a visionary leader and a history-making business executive. Brown fulfilled her longtime dream of owning a radio station, becoming the first African-American female to do so in Buffalo, NY.
Brown’s uncanny knack for securing clients’ successes was evident from the moment she set foot inside WUFO studios in 1986 at the young age of 21. Hard working, eager, and willing to learn, she thrived, skyrocketing to the top of the sales pool at WUFO, outselling her colleagues, and becoming Sales Manager. Brown’s faith, determination, tenacity, and never-say-never attitude are responsible for the heights to which she has climbed in her career and business.
In the late 90s, Brown branched out, launching her own ad agency Visions Multi Media Group (VMMG) which is the parent company of her business today. Although her business was thriving, the call to WUFO could not be quieted. In 2006, she returned to the station and was soon promoted to General Manager tackling the day-to-day operations for the 53-year old legacy station. Her desire to one day own the station remained. Through prayer and preparation, that day has finally come. In November of 2013, Sheila purchased WUFO 1080 AM and in August of 2017, she purchased 96.5 FM.
Brown has big plans for WUFO which is now located in Broadway’s Historic District. Future plans include expansion into television and print, broadening the influence of the award-nominated media enterprise and bringing it up to date with the demands of the 21st century. Leveraging her extensive radio and television experience at Channel 4, WBLK, AM 1400, and through various partnerships with major corporations, Brown has the tools to grow and develop an influential media brand.
Mrs. Brown is the wife of Kenneth Brown, they have 3 children. Mrs. Brown is also the youngest of three siblings.
On October 29, 2015, Sheila Brown released her first book entitled “29 Years of Preparation” a guidebook to making your epic dreams come true. In the book it talks about how Mrs. Brown fulfilled a longtime dream of owning a radio station, becoming the first African-American female to do so in Buffalo, New York. “29 Years of Preparation” helps get you started on the road to success with prayer and a guidebook to help your dreams come true.
Building a career in the radio industry involves preparation, drive, and much faith according to Sheila L. Brown, In “29 Years of Preparation” you will see up close what it takes to achieve new levels of success. The book can be purchased at Barnes Nobles, Amazon, Wufo Studio, iUniverse.com, and http://www.29yearsofpreparation.com
