Armstrong Williams

Armstrong Williams is a political commentator, entrepreneur, and media owner, known for his syndicated television and radio shows, newspaper columns, and ownership of Howard Stirk Holdings. After earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and English from South Carolina State University in 1981, Armstrong Williams embarked on a distinguished career in public service, including a presidential appointee role at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and serving as confidential assistant to Clarence Thomas, then chairman of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

In 1995, he premiered his television program, ‘The Right Side with Armstrong Williams.’ Williams’ media footprint expanded significantly in 1998 when he joined The Salem Radio Network, which syndicated his national radio show across 26 major U.S. markets. He continued to build his radio presence, moving to the Talk America Radio Network in 2002 and co-hosting ‘Drive Time Dialogue’ on WWRL 1600 AM in 2005. His reach further extended with the launch of ‘The Armstrong Williams Show’ on XM Satellite Radio Power 128 (now SiriusXM Urban View) in 2008.

By 2015, with further acquisitions such as KVMY and WLYH-TV, Williams solidified his position as the largest African-American owner of television stations in the U.S. at that point, considerably expanding his media footprint across the nation. Most recently, in 2021, Williams’ contributions to public discourse and entrepreneurship were recognized with an honorary doctorate from South Carolina State University. Today, he remains a prominent political commentator, entrepreneur, and media owner, known for his leadership at the Graham Williams Group, his expansive television and radio programming including ‘The Right Side Forum’ and his SiriusXM presence, and his influential syndicated newspaper column.