Today we’d like to introduce you to April J. They and their team shared their story with us below:
April Hall, affectionately known as April J, a moniker derived from her family’s nickname “April Jane,” embarked on her professional journey almost two decades ago, initially immersing herself in the realms of law and real estate. A proud graduate of Baltimore City College High School, she continued her education at the University of Baltimore, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
In her dynamic career, April J stands as the visionary founder and current owner of WPB Media Networks. WPB, originating in 2009 as an online women’s magazine titled “Women Photo Book,” and later expanded its horizons into the realm of online radio. This evolution birthed WPB Radio, swiftly growing into three lively interactive online radio stations and an engaging online television station, WPBTV, and AutoPlay. Despite lacking formal training in radio technology or engineering, April J’s determination led her to experiment with creating an online radio station. Over six months, she meticulously delved into website development and stream creation, ultimately resulting in a successful venture.
Dedicating an additional five months, April J crafted a professional sound and a diverse array of shows, catering not only to audiences who savor excellent music and engaging conversations but also to those seeking educational content. Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, she co-hosts “Women Talk Live,” a show co-created in 2010 with the late Bee West, marking one of the inaugural programs on WPB Radio. This show serves as a platform to raise awareness about women-centric issues and foster an environment where women can freely express their perspectives on significant topics. April J staunchly champions the belief in sisterhood, challenging stereotypes about women perpetuated by media. “Women Talk Live” has successfully run for thirteen seasons, currently featuring co-hosts SassyScribe and K Elle Boogie, and has been aired on CW in Charlotte, North Carolina, New Orleans, and Miami, Florida.
In 2015, April J pivoted from radio and expanded further into television and media content, rebranding WPB Networks into WPB Media Networks. With this new vision, she embarked on international travels, filming documentaries that shared her experiences with various tribal villages and local neighborhoods in Tanzania, Ethiopia, Ghana, and India. Her documentary, “Our Lens Our Story: Ethiopia,” garnered multiple awards at various film festivals, showcasing her commitment to diverse storytelling. April J continues to broaden her horizons, exploring new opportunities.
A devoted single mother to two remarkable daughters, Zaire and Autumn, April J strives to exemplify resilience and instill in them the belief that they can achieve anything through hard work and determination. Having triumphed over numerous obstacles in her own life, she generously shares her story with various women’s organizations and young women’s groups, aiming to uplift and inspire. Undeterred in her pursuits, April J envisions writing a book soon and exploring new ventures to further expand her burgeoning empire.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My parents divorced when I was around six years old while we were living in Denver, Colorado. During that challenging time, my mom and I faced homelessness, finding ourselves eating and sleeping at the hospital where she worked. I vividly recall one morning when my mom woke me up, two suitcases packed, and informed me that we were headed to Baltimore, never to return. As we moved, it was with nothing more than the clothes on our backs and those two suitcases.
In Baltimore, I witnessed my mom’s incredible resilience as a single mother. She worked tirelessly, juggling three jobs to ensure I had the essentials. Her unwavering dedication during that period instilled in me the strength to persevere. This strength became especially crucial when my ex-husband and I divorced after seventeen years of marriage. I found myself in a situation where I lost virtually everything, leading me to file for bankruptcy. Rebuilding was not just a financial endeavor but also a mental and emotional one, all while striving to be a pillar of support for my daughters.
It was during those challenging times that I discovered my true strength and resolve. The lessons learned from my mom’s sacrifices and my journey have shaped my ability to navigate adversity and provide for my family, echoing the strength that has been a constant in my life since the days of those two suitcases and the determination of a single mother in Baltimore.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
WPB Media Networks started in 2009 as an online magazine named Women Photo Book, then later in 2010 it transformed into the radio landscape with the birth of WPB Radio. This marked the commencement of a journey that led to the establishment of two additional radio stations, two national online television stations (WPBTV & AutoPlay), and a notable partnership with LaunchTV, a prominent national television network. WPB Radio’s diverse streams included RnB, Smooth Jazz, Classic Hip Hop, Urban Pop Music (via HOT695), and inspirational tunes (WPB Gospel).
WPB, starting with a small computer on a corner desk, and then blossomed into a fully interactive professional studio. The platform was not only to entertain but also to educate the listening audience. We also featured several shows with various on-air talents, and our station became a force to be reckoned with.
In 2015, WPB Networks underwent a significant transformation, discontinuing radio and venturing further into television and media content. This rebranding resulted in the birth of WPB Media Networks. WPBMediaNetworks.com stands as a multifaceted online broadcasting engine, entertaining, and social media interaction, and serves as a platform for businesses, individuals, products, and services to drive their brands directly to consumers.
WPB Media Networks has positioned itself as an online content media provider, honest discussions and quality content. In addition to being a multi-media content provider, we also offer graphics, web design, and video filming and editing, The network hosts several online shows with viewership on The CW (CBS/Warner Bros. Network) in Charlotte, NC, and, as of this year, in New Orleans, LA. Audiences from over 21 countries connect through platforms such as FB Live, YouTube, television, and the official website, showcasing the network’s global reach and impact.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my cherished childhood memories revolves around the moments spent with my grandmother. We shared a special bond that I continue to cherish to this day.
I often helped her in her garden, and help tend to her multitude of plants. I loved accompanying her when she had to pay her gas electric, and phone bills. We would often stop at Lexington Market, where she would treat me to lunch, purchase fresh fish from the fish stand, and buy her roasted peanuts. But, perhaps the most cherished moments were those spent in her kitchen, as she prepared dinner, and listened to her sing gospel hymns.
Those are the moments I think I cherish the most.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wpbmedianetworks.com
- Instagram: @wpbmedianetworks
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wpbmedianetworks
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-hall-455ab758/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUpl7BL_oOnSGAmPxHfNt8Q
Image Credits
Naaman Brown, Ena Rochelle, and Jermaine Gibbs
