Before the 1970s, it was rare to watch or read news about Detroit reported by Black journalists.

An attorney named William V. Banks changed that when he purchased and launched WGPR-TV - the nation's first Black-owned television station. Programs like "The Scene" and "Big City News" became staples on the network and in Detroiter's homes.

Many Black journalists were trained at WGPR, then went on to be seasoned broadcasters. WGPR Historical Society is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding on October 4.

Joe Spencer, President of the non-profit and the former Director of Programming at WGPR, joined the show to discuss the station's legacy.