Radio Milwaukee’s new Urban Alternative HYFIN (WYMS-88.9FM HD2) shared the names of the on-air talent that will be a part of the media channel. Element Everest-Blanks, one of the original on-air voices of 88.9FM, and Anthony Foster will each host on-air shows on HYFIN, alongside HYFIN Program Director Tarik Moody, the station announced Tuesday.
Urban Alternative is an innovative, locally customized public radio format connecting to young, diverse audiences through the full spectrum of Black music. Radio Milwaukee’s HYFIN, backed by a $450,000 grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, is launching on Juneteenth this year.
From June 19 to July 3, HYFIN will be unhosted except for Moody’s shift, allowing listeners to enjoy the depth and intentionality of the music programming of HYFIN. Beginning July 4, the weekday programming schedule on HYFIN will be as follows:
6 a.m. to 12 p.m. - “The Morning Mix,” Milwaukee’s most music morning show with no talk and all tunes
12 to 3 p.m. - Anthony Foster
3 to 9 p.m. - Element Everest-Blanks
9 p.m. to 12 a.m. - Tarik Moody, simulcast on 88.9FM HD1 and HD2
12 a.m. to 3 a.m. - Unhosted, simulcast on 88.9FM HD1 and HD2
HYFIN will be unhosted on the weekends and will be simulcast on 88.9FM HD1 seven days a week from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.
“Anthony and Element both greatly exemplify the spirit and mission of HYFIN,” said Moody. “Their passion and commitment to the community make them the perfect voices for our channel.”
Everest-Blanks was part of 88.9FM’s original on-air cohort of DJs when the station launched in 2007. She returned to the station as a part-time on-air host in September 2021 and will continue to host her Saturday 12 to 3 p.m. on-air shifts on 88.9FM. In addition to her role on-air with HYFIN, Everest-Blanks will also be HYFIN’s brand ambassador working to create on-air and online content and build relationships within the community.
“The idea that we could launch a channel like HYFIN is beyond anything we could have ever dreamed back in 2007,” shared Element. “The music on HYFIN will feel like family to our listeners. They grew up hearing these voices and we will also be introducing them to artists that they would never hear on any other station.”
Foster is also currently on-air on 88.9FM on Saturdays from 6 to 9 a.m. and will continue to host that shift in addition to his HYFIN on-air responsibilities. Chris Alexander, currently on-air on 88.9FM on Sundays from 12 to 3 p.m., will offer programming support for HYFIN.
In addition to the three on-air roles, Radio Milwaukee has also hired Darron “DJ” Brüwer as HYFIN’s Community Engagement Coordinator. Brüwer comes to Radio Milwaukee as an entrepreneur most recently owning his own social media firm, F2 Social.
Additional imaging that will be heard on HYFIN was provided by the voices of Alesia Miller, Lauren Feaster and Kia Rap Princess.
“We are creating HYFIN for all of Milwaukee, but specifically Black women, who are underserved by media and culture in our city,” shared Moody. “It was important to me to make sure that this audience heard themselves on HYFIN immediately in our imaging.”