Fred Mwangaguhunga made a business out of Black news (Image: Press)

On paper, 37-year-old Fred Mwangaguhunga seems a lot like other successful businessmen. He has an MBA and a law degree from Columbia University, as well as a passion for his business that keeps him working seven days a week (and he says he hasn’t taken vacation in five years). But what makes Mwangaguhunga special—besides his difficult to pronounce surname—is his business, MediaTakeOut.com, an extremely popular and controversial urban gossip site.

Starting a gossip site wasn’t a lifelong aspiration of Mwangaguhunga. The son of Ugandan immigrants who stressed education and the security of a good 9-to-5 job, he initially chose a more traditional education and career path. After law school, Mwangaguhunga practiced corporate tax law at a Wall Street firm for four years, but ever since he was a teen he knew that he wanted to run his own business. “I started working at 14. I worked with a bunch of small business guys who videotaped weddings, and they started off pretty small,” he says. “At some point they were the biggest, or certainly the most reputable, wedding photographers in New York.”

Working with the small photography and videography company that did big jobs, like shooting the weddings of Donald Trump and Eddie Murphy, inspired the young New York native. “I knew that I wanted to do what they did—take something small and make it big,” he says. “I liked the idea that they were working for themselves [and] employing people, all that.”

Knowing that he couldn’t ignore the voice in the back of his mind any longer, Mwangaguhunga struck out on his own. He left his six-figure salary job to start his first venture Laundry Spa, a boutique laundering service for professionals like himself. Needless to say, his family and coworkers were taken aback. “Everyone I knew thought I was nuts,” he says with a chuckle. “At the time, I had graduated and was working at one of the better firms in a good practice area. Everyone at the firm liked me. They said, ‘Wow, you could really go far,’ and then I said, ‘Well, I want to leave and start a dry-cleaning business.’ They said, ‘What? Are you kidding me?’”

The business was no joke, and after only two years, Laundry Spa was so successful that one of its main competitors made Mwangaguhunga an offer to buy it. He sold the company and was back at square one, a little richer and wiser, but with no interest in going back to working for someone else. With a desire to fill the void for a different voice in entertainment news and a little less than $600 to buy the domain name and pay a Website developer in Bangladesh, Mwangaguhunga started MediaTakeOut.com.

But why gossip? “There’s this world of entertainment news, and at some point, entertainment news almost turns into just a bunch of press releases where no one was really telling you what’s going on,” he explains. “If you really wanted to know what’s going on, you had to listen to Wendy Williams or go to your barbershop or hair salon and hear the whispers.”

Identifying an untapped market for raw, sensational and often salacious celeb news, he has organically grown the business into “the most visited urban site in the world” as its tagline boasts. Often the first to dish major news on Black celebs,  MTO was the first source to break the stories like Chris Brown’s assault on Rihanna and T.I.’s 2007 arrest on federal gun charges. In six short years, Mwangaguhunga has seen the site blossom into a multimillion dollar business with a staff of four that averages over 14 million page views a day.

“Every decision that I make; it all comes down to the No. 1 thing, making sure the consumer has the best experience,” Mwangaguhunga says.  ”Whenever I walk around and meet people I talk to them and ask them what they think of the site and I want to hear everything—the good and the bad… The amazing part is that you touch all these people’s lives and that they’re waking up every morning and they’re like, ‘Oh, I wanna see what’s on MTO;” you’re a part of their life, you’re part of what they do. That’s the amazing part, if you can build a business around that that’s incredible.”

As the owner of The Chamber Group–a boutique public relations, image marketing and special events company in NYC–the PR veteran of 21 years helps guide the careers of some of the biggest names in showbiz, among them Wendy Williams, Jill Scott and Drake.

So it may come as a surprise to hear that, outside of Chambers’s current roster of entertainment-industry clients–which have also included Keri Hilson, Outkast and Ne-yo–he’s not interested in repping artists anymore.

“The goal is to move further away from entertainment and do more brands and sports,” says Sony BMG’s former Senior Vice President of Publicity & Artist Development, who has designed the marketing campaigns of brand heavyweights like Armani, Versace, Ford and Belvedere.

“I don’t find that pushing the whole celebrity PR thing is lucrative,” explains Chambers, who spoke to BlackEnterprise.com as part of our continuing coverage of the Business of Music this month. “A lot of young PR folks are about that because it looks good on paper…but business-wise it’s not as attractive as working [with large corporations].”

“I’m 41; not 21,” the one-time Arista exec confides. “I’m not pressed to say ‘I rep so and so.’ So if you come to me it’s about you wanting us to put together a strategic media campaign. I am not the party publicist.”

The seasoned rep and marketing expert says he built up the confidence to strike out on his own in 2006 and form his own agency after so many years in “the industry” watching his mentors–music svengalis slash business titans like L.A. Reid, Jimmy Iovine and the legendary Clive Davis–run superstar record labels. “[Clive] taught me a lot on the business management end, so when I did decide to leave [Sony BMG] I was able to take those management skills and apply them to my own company,” he says.

“People say I left the music industry at the perfect time,” the Jamaica native continues, referring to the biz’s now pay-per-single I-Tunes format. “I left [Sony] five years ago because I felt I had reached a plateau and needed to be challenged. Even though it was scary…I figured, for years I have worked very hard for others, why wouldn’t I do the same for myself?”

When it comes to offering advice to aspiring entrepreneurs or publicists wanting to follow in his footsteps, Chambers offers: “Your word should be your bond,” especially when it comes to building and maintaining relationships. “If someone trusts you because of the work relationship you’ve established over the years, they may very well work with you on projects you’re fighting hard to get coverage on.”

Second, he advises, don’t think that simply doing your job correctly means you’re going the extra mile. “Good publicists take the time to put together professional campaign proposals as well as prepare official reports updating their clients on their progress. Being organized is key,” he suggests.

Lastly, Chambers says, if you’re just starting out in the business, intern several places before you go solo. “Interning is critical,” he says. “A young person fresh out of college should become well-versed in different mediums of PR–whether that’s corporate, crisis management, fashion, sports or entertainment. It’s best to feel out each work style to figure out where you best fit in.”

(Images: File)

Last week, A-list stars and fans alike descended upon Chicago to wish talk show and media icon Oprah Winfrey farewell during the taping of her final episodes of the Oprah Winfrey Show before going off the air for good. In addition to stars ranging from Madonna and Beyoncé to Halle Berry and Tom Cruise, tens of thousands of spectators, including BlackEnterprise.com’s own Karen Taylor Bass, took to the United Center to witness the end of an era. After taping her final show, which airs Wednesday May 25, Winfrey will continue building her media empire with cable TV’s OWN network and its roster of programming.

After 25 years on the air, the question remains: Who could possibly take the baton being passed by the $2.7 billion-dollar mogul and work toward becoming the new queen (or king) of media? Many have mentioned white media personalities, including Katie Couric, Anderson Cooper, and Ellen Degeneres. But, BlackEnterprise.com came up with five African American candidates who could be worthy heirs to Oprah’s throne or just savvy enough to build successful media empires of their own. 

WENDY WILLIAMS

Unapologetic, bold and honest, Williams first made her mark on radio, attracting 12 million listeners in more than 10 markets to tune in to The Wendy Williams Experience for its celebrity gossip and social commentary. Now, the self-professed “Queen of All Media” and Radio Hall of Famer has expanded her multi-million-dollar brand into two New York Times bestsellers and Debmar-Mercury’s top-rated daytime talk show, The Wendy Williams Show. Initially launched as a six-week limited trial run, the show was renewed for its third season this year due to high ratings among women ages 18-34. After increasing her brand exposure as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars, Williams also hosts GSN’s Love Triangle, which premiered this past April. Wendy clearly has a following and her best friend personality makes her a charming distraction for those going through Oprah withdrawal.

TYRA BANKS

Supermodel-turned-entrepreneur Banks has built a more than $90 million multi-media brand—from having a successful five seasons of Emmy award-winning The Tyra Banks Show; to executive producing the CW/UPN network’s America’s Next Top Model (in its 16th season); to co-producing ABC’s True Beauty; and several other projects under the umbrella of her Bankable Productions company. She recently upgraded her Web presence, adding to her brand with typeF.com, a fashion and beauty platform that offers interactive applications, content and advice from industry experts. More recently, Banks enrolled in Harvard Business School, taking an executive education course geared toward entrepreneurs—a definite boss move that will help propel her into the ranks of successful media maven.

TAVIS SMILEY

The talk show host, author, and activist’s resume boasts a range of media highlights, including host of BET’s top-rated Tonight with Tavis Smiley; host of NPR’s The Tavis Smiley Show, where he interviewed President Barack Obama, among other notable figures; and commentator on radio’s top-syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show. Today, Smiley continues building his brand as host of a PBS late-night show that bears his name, and with his company Smiley Radio Properties, which recently teamed up with Public Radio International in a deal for weekly broadcast of Smiley and West, his radio program with Princeton professor, Cornell West.

MO’NIQUE

Veteran comedienne. Top-rated host. Academy and Golden Globe award-winning actress. Mo’Nique has star power in her favor, giving her the potential to continue climbing up the television and entertainment ranks. After starring in multi-seasons of UPN’s The Parkers, host of Showtime at the Apollo, and appearances on Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam, Mo’Nique has continued her ascent as host and executive producer of Mo’Nique’s F.A.T. Chance, a beauty pageant for plus-sized women, and host of VH1′s successful reality TV franchise, Flavor of Love Girls: Charm School. In 2009, she became the first African American woman with her own late-night talk show, The Mo’Nique Show, created along with her husband, Sidney Hicks, via their production company, Hicks Media. The show had more than 1.5 million viewers watching its October 2009 premiere alone, and continues in its second successful season.

CATHY HUGHES

Hughes is a media powerhouse, having taken her company, Radio One Inc., co-founded with her then-husband, Dewey Hughes, in 1979, and building a multi-million-dollar media empire. The company owns 53 radio stations in 16 urban markets and Reach Media, Inc., (think radio’s uber-successful Tom Joyner Morning Show). Radio One went public in 1999, making it one of the few Black-owned companies listed on the NASDAQ. Keeping the success rolling, in 2004, the company launched TV One, creating the nation’s largest Black-owned cable TV network, with a roster that includes the top-rated Lisa Raye: The Real McCoy and Hughes’ own show, TV One-on-One, where guests have included President Barack Obama, Queen Latifah, and Aretha Franklin.

Oprah Winfrey announced on her show Nov. 20 that she will end her 25-year daytime television run.

When BlackEnterprise.com readers were given the choice between Ellen DeGeneres, Tyra Banks, and Wendy Williams, to replace Oprah Winfrey as queen of daytime television, a majority of respondents to a recent poll chose none of the above.

Upon Winfrey’s announcement that on Sept. 9, 2011 she would end “The Oprah Winfrey Show” after its 25th season, 52% of respondents said none of the listed contenders was her heir apparent.

“The Oprah Winfrey Show” is produced by Harpo Productions Inc. (No. 14 on the BE Industrial/Service list with  $340 million in assets), which was the BE 100s Company of the Year in 2008.

“Even before Oprah announced that she will be ending her talk show there has long been speculation about who could possibly steal the ‘queen’s’ crown,” says Robin Coleman, a professor of media studies and popular culture at the University of Michigan. “Rolanda Watts, Tempestt Bledsoe, Mother Love, Wendy Williams, Tyra Banks…all have tried.  But just as there is only one King of Pop, Queen of Soul, and Godfather of Soul, there will be only one Oprah.”

Becoming successor to Winfrey means a lot more than taking over the national time slots that she has filled since 1986. Her popularity drives consumer and political opinion. Winfrey’s endorsements have been known to increase or decrease sales of products overnight; and her endorsement of then-Sen. Barack Obama’s  run for president gave him a huge boost in the Iowa primary.

Tyra Banks, who has run her eponymously named Emmy award-winning show since 2005, pulled in 28% of the vote. But a host’s popularity doesn’t necessarily translate to influence, says Coleman. Also, viewers are looking for a daytime host who is “a little more of the people,” says Tracy Christian, a Hollywood talent agent.

“Unquestionably, Tyra has been grooming herself as the younger, hipper Oprah, but…Oprah has always been your best friend who you were never in competition with,”  says Christian. “Despite Tyra’s efforts, I think many women are still awed by her beauty.”

Christian says that talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, who received 17% of BE voters’ confidence “can do no wrong.” DeGeneres has been a guest on Winfrey’s show and appears on the December cover of  O Magazine.

Newcomer Wendy Williams siphoned off the remaining 3% of responses.

Although Winfrey’s stretch on network television is soon to end, don’t count her out just yet, says Coleman. Winfrey,has big plans for OWN, the Oprah Winfrey Network, a 24-hour cable network that reflects her values and interests.
In other words, the next queen of daytime television just might be “Oprah” repackaged.

POLL: Who should replace Oprah Winfrey as the queen of daytime TV?
None of the above 52%
Tyra Banks 28%
Ellen DeGeneres 17%
Wendy Williams 3%

RESOURCES

Oprah Means Business

The Oprah Phenonmenon

Oprah’s Complete Statement

Perhaps marking the zenith of her career, Williams, a 23-year broadcast veteran, was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in August, on the heels of announcing her departure from radio in July. Also a best-selling author, Williams is parlaying her brand into daytime television with The Wendy Williams Show after a successful six-week trial run. But beneath her signature biting humor and brazen candor is a shrewd businesswoman and advocate. The 45-year-old New Jersey native talked to Black Enterprise about her passion to reduce youth violence and her mission to give back to teens in her hometown.

You’ve talked about youth violence on your radio show, and shared that you will start a not-for-profit organization to address the problem. Why are you passionate about this issue?
The streets are bad and gang violence is horrible. Teenage girls are getting pregnant, the molestation of our young girls is ridiculous and it sends them into a lot of the problems that we see facing society now. The crime committed by young boys, particularly of the minority persuasion, is sending them to jail faster and leaving single parent households and young girls and women to fend for themselves. I don’t want to sound like ‘old Mrs. Jenkins,’ but kids are not like they used to be. I want to help educate young girls on taking control of their bodies and using birth control. I want to tell these young boys that there’s more to life than being a rapper or a basketball player.

Is this why you partnered with the Asbury public schools district in New Jersey in September?
I want to use my voice to let these young people know that they’re not forgotten. That’s my hometown and in 1970 there were horrible riots in Asbury Park and Newark, and my parents elected to move our family to Ocean Township [New Jersey]. In Asbury Park, there have been years where there’s been such a lack of interest in schools that they haven’t been able to have enough boys to be on a football team, because everybody’s caught up in some mess. I am just another voice, but I do represent the voice of a mother, of a boy, who happens to be a black boy. And I am very concerned for his future. In addition to this I have a communications scholarship for girls who are seniors in high school and are college bound. It’s not a lot of money, but it’s what I could afford and it’s my way of giving back.

What do you think are some of the causes of youth violence?
The breakup of the family is the cause. I’m not just talking about the inner city; I’m talking about all across the board. As adults we have to take some sort of responsibility for this. Without sounding too preachy, I have to say that more people need to start using condoms. People need to assess what they’re actually able to take care of, not just regarding money, but regarding time. If there are better family structures then parents don’t have to worry about the outside world influencing their children.

You’ve successfully overcome some personal challenges in your past, what is something you’ve overcome in your professional career?
Even when you deal with your counterparts who happen to be your race, you still have to deal with the obstacle of sexism. It’s on the rise, and minority women need to understand that they are battling both. My public persona is light and fun, but a lot of times men take that as frivolity. But when I go to a board meeting and put on my game face they’re like, “Whoa, where did that come from?” You can’t wear the same hat regarding every part of your life. There are many men who feel that we need to do nothing but be secretaries, or barefoot and pregnant. I’ve been running with men in terms of prestige and salary for quite some time and I feel like I’ve broken down the barrier. I’ve blazed a new trail.

This article originally appeared in the October 2009 issue of Black Enterprise magazine.

Known as the “Queen of All Media,” Wendy Williams has parlayed 22 years on radio airwaves into best-selling books, TV specials, and now her very own syndicated daytime talk show on Fox. With a penchant for keeping listeners on the edge of their seats with the hottest celebrity gossip and the latest news in pop culture, her afternoon drive radio show, The Wendy Williams Experience, based at WBLS FM in New York City, recently ranked No. 1 in New York in the 25-54 age group. Offering celebrity guests and biting humor, the show is syndicated in 10 markets and reaches 778,000 listeners. Williams spoke with BlackEnterprise.com about her career and the challenges in today’s radio industry.

BLACK ENTERPRISE: To what would you attribute most to your success?
Wendy Williams: Perseverance and determination. That might sound cliché, but I really haven’t always had the support I’ve needed. I am constantly having to prove myself. But I understand the business of radio. I have a very clear understanding of radio as a fan because I was a fan of radio and a student of radio before I executed it, and I’m still fan. Radio is my blood. I also don’t think I’ve ever rested on my laurels over my entire career. I know that I’m only as good as the show I did yesterday.

Some people contend that being on the air is a lot harder than it appears. Holding the audience’s attention isn’t easy.
I’ve never found the execution of radio to be tough. It’s nothing for me to get on the radio to make people smile. It’s easy. It’s been more of the business side that’s become tough. Believe it or not, the higher I’ve climbed, the tougher it’s become–sexism, racism, financial–you name it. As a successful woman in this industry, I’ve experienced it, and I continue to experience it. While there are a lot of women on the air, I don’t think there are a lot of women who hold the keys to the power on the air. We have a long way to go as women in business. But I have been able to close the gap and surpass some men in many ways. Radio has been good to Wendy Williams.

What do you think about the impact of syndicated radio on the broadcast radio landscape?
It’s bitter and sweet. It’s sweet because I am on the winning end of it for now. It’s bitter because I see my radio people in the trenches–kids graduating from college right now who aspire to do what we’re doing on the radio–who will never get a chance to do anything great in this business because of the effects of syndication. But to play two sides of the fence–syndication versus localization–syndication is cost-effective. With a few companies owning most of the stations today, it’s more financially prudent to have one personality service several markets.

Over the years, the industry has undergone a major consolidation. How has that affected you?
Consolidation is one thing that has messed radio up. You do horrible at one radio station in town and that radio station happens to own four other radio stations in town where you could possibly get a job. In addition, you now have non-compete clauses. It really tests your resolve as a human being about what you’re going to do about your career. For me, I know that if you’re not on the radio, you are as good as dead. We see it constantly in popular culture. As loyal as the audience says they are to you, they turn like wild dogs on their favorites because we have short attention spans. And it’s a fool who thinks they can leave radio for a month or a couple of years then all of a sudden be that star that they once were. It’s not like that.

Given the changes in the industry, is local radio dying?
Yes, local [radio] is going to fade away. I feel for the local person because it’s going to be all syndication and automation, and whoever is not already established has missed the boat. I wouldn’t even say grind harder in radio. I would suggest that you grind harder in your Plan B.

Your television talk show, The Wendy Williams Show, recently had its debut on Fox. Tell us about that.
The show is live, five days a week. And I did not have to do a pilot, as is common in the television business, so it’s been lights, cameras, action. We’re on in New York, Los Angeles, Detroit, and Dallas. I will have six weeks–30 shows–to wow these four cities and turn them on with my smile. Hopefully, I can give the audience the Wendy treatment the only way I know how. This is the opportunity of a lifetime.