Joy Reid Unloads on Corporate Media, MC Shan Challenges Jim Jones & ELR Revisits Hot 97 | Essential ELR 7.17.26

Essential Ebro Laura Rosenberg · Jul 17, 2026 · 35m

Key Moments:

(00:00:00) The crew explains the Friday format and invites listeners to join Patreon for the full episode.

(00:00:54) Laura and Rosenberg revisit their Aaliyah tribute watch-along and the scripted Hot 97 reality show.

(00:02:00) Ebro explains how This Is Hot 97 was designed to increase a key radio ratings metric and advertising rates.

(00:03:13) The hosts reminisce about Hot 97’s former studios and why the station ultimately left its longtime Manhattan location.

(00:06:36) Rosenberg reflects on how leaving the old building marked the beginning of the end of an era for the show…