AAMU Leverages Black Effect’s Cultural Reach to Promote Online Programs

Alabama A&M University today announced a new partnership with The Black Effect Podcast Network, a premier platform founded by Charlamagne Tha God in collaboration with iHeartMedia. Established in September 2020, The Black Effect Network rapidly grew into a trailblazing Black‑owned podcast collective, designed to “amplify, elevate, and empower emerging and established Black creators” across realms such as politics, social justice, sports, music, mental health, relationships, and pop culture.

With over 2.3 million monthly listeners, alongside more than 800 million total downloads, the network boasts industry-leading reach and dozens of widely followed shows like “The Breakfast Club”, “The 85 South Show”,“Black Tech Green Money”,“All the Smoke”, “R&B Money”, and more. Since launching in 2020, the network has debuted 45 shows and continues expanding the roster with dynamic, culture‑defining voices.

The network’s typical audience is engaged, culturally aware, and values authentic storytelling and thought leadership across varied domains from wellness and entrepreneurship to relationships, entertainment, and social commentary. The listeners are young, tech-savvy, socially conscious, and motivated to discover new perspectives.

This aligns seamlessly with AAMU’s new global campaign aimed at promoting its online academic programs and showcasing the University’s strength. Tapping into The Black Effect’s listenership gives AAMU an exceptional platform to position its offerings as accessible, culturally relevant, and academically rigorous.

Alabama A&M’s ads will run inside every show on The Black Effect Network—ensuring consistent exposure across all programming and reinforcing brand recall among a highly engaged audience. This integration places Alabama A&M front and center in listeners’ hearts and minds across the network’s entire spectrum of content.

Assistant Vice President for Advancement and Branding Aaron Thompson underlined the resonance of the network with the University’s ambitions. 

“The shows on The Black Effect Network are among the most popular and influential cultural platforms today,” said Thompson. "Whether you’re tuning in to talk business, wellness, entertainment, or social issues, people are listening. This campaign signifies AAMU’s ambition to reach audiences everywhere with our brand story. We’re showcasing our programs, mission, and strengths to learners around the globe.”

The partnership builds on sustained growth on The Hill. The University continues to set enrollment records year after year, expanding not just in headcount but also through a growing slate of academic programs and enhancements to its campus. But AAMU is far from complacent. As the University celebrates its 150th anniversary, Alabama A&M plans to accelerate efforts to elevate its brand story even further one listener at a time.