5 Major Career Moves: What BET Host Donnie Simpson Is Doing Now After His Radio Farewell
The legendary broadcast icon, Donnie Simpson, remains one of the most recognizable and influential voices in American media, even as of today, December 19, 2025. While many fans mourned his final on-air broadcast after 55 years in radio, the former BET host has proven that "retirement" is merely a transition to new, groundbreaking ventures. His recent moves—including a major podcast relaunch and a surprising return to his most iconic television property—cement his status as a media trailblazer who continues to shape the landscape of Black entertainment.
Simpson, renowned globally for hosting the seminal music video program *Video Soul* on Black Entertainment Television (BET), is focusing his energy on digital and ownership opportunities. His career trajectory, spanning from the golden age of radio to the current era of streaming and podcasts, is a masterclass in media evolution. The most compelling news, which broke in late 2025, involves a significant return to the BET brand and a new ownership stake in a global platform, demonstrating his enduring commitment to the culture he helped define.
Donnie Simpson: Complete Media Legend Profile
Donnie Simpson is an American radio disc jockey, television host, and media personality who achieved iconic status across multiple platforms. He is celebrated as one of the first video jockeys (VJs) and a pioneer in the urban contemporary radio format.
- Full Name: Donnie Simpson
- Born: January 30, 1954
- Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
- Primary Career: Radio DJ, Television Host, Media Personality, Author
- Iconic TV Role: Host of *Video Soul* on BET (1983–1997)
- Iconic Radio Roles:
- Host of The Donnie Simpson Morning Show (Washington, D.C.)
- Afternoon Drive Host on WMMJ-FM (Majic 102.3/92.7 FM)
- Other TV Credits: *Donnie After Dark* (TV One)
- Major Accolades: Inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame
- Recent Major Career Event (Radio): Final broadcast of "The Donnie Simpson Show" on MAJIC 102.3/92.7 FM on January 12, 2024, after 55 years in broadcasting.
- Current Major Project (2025): Relaunch of *The Donnie Simpson Show* as a podcast and the return of *Donnie Simpson's Video Soul*.
The Enduring Legacy of *Video Soul* and Its Surprising 2025 Return
For an entire generation, the name Donnie Simpson is synonymous with *Video Soul*. The show, which aired on BET from 1983 to 1997, was the preeminent platform for R&B, Soul, and Hip-Hop music videos, shaping the cultural tastes of millions of viewers across the nation. Simpson's smooth delivery, insightful interviews, and undeniable charisma made him a household name and a trusted voice in music.
The biggest news for longtime fans arrived with the announcement of *Donnie Simpson's Video Soul*. This is not just a nostalgic revival; it represents a major shift in his career. Simpson is not only returning as the host, but he has also secured ownership of the intellectual property. This move underscores a growing trend among media veterans to control their own content and legacy, transitioning from talent to proprietor.
The new iteration is set to be a six-episode limited series, bringing the iconic format back to the Black Entertainment Television platform. This return is particularly significant as it sees Simpson back in the historic BET Studios, which is now home to the DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME), completing a historical full circle moment in October 2025.
From Broadcast Legend to Digital Icon: The 2025 Podcast Relaunch
While his final radio broadcast on MAJIC 102.3/92.7 FM in January 2024 marked the end of an era—a remarkable 55-year run on the airwaves—Donnie Simpson made it clear he was not stepping away from the microphone entirely. True to his word, he quickly pivoted to the digital realm, embracing the podcast and streaming world.
On October 1, 2025, Simpson relaunched *The Donnie Simpson Show* podcast, kicking off an exciting new season. This digital format allows the veteran host to bring back the engaging, long-form interview style that characterized his best work, but with the flexibility and global reach of modern streaming platforms. The new season features a fresh set, an updated lineup of amazing guests, and a structure designed to evoke the best memories of his storied career.
The podcast relaunch was part of a larger announcement on October 8, 2025, detailing a new partnership and a stake in a Black-owned global platform. This strategic move ensures that Simpson's voice, which has been a staple in urban contemporary media since his start in Detroit, continues to resonate with both his loyal, established audience and a new generation of listeners.
The Trailblazer's Impact on Urban Contemporary Media
Donnie Simpson's influence extends far beyond his tenure at BET. He is rightly considered a trailblazer, having been one of the first radio personalities in his music format to achieve a level of national recognition that bridged the gap between radio and television.
His career is a masterclass in media versatility. He successfully navigated the transition from disc jockey (DJ) to video jockey (VJ) and television host, and now, to a multimedia content owner and podcaster. His early work in radio, particularly in the Washington, D.C. market, set the standard for urban contemporary programming, often featuring exclusive interviews with music royalty.
Simpson's induction into the Radio Hall of Fame is a testament to his decades-long commitment to the craft of broadcasting. He has been a consistent champion of R&B and Soul music, providing a crucial platform for Black artists throughout the 80s and 90s, at a time when mainstream exposure was often limited.
The success of his previous television show, *Donnie After Dark* on TV One, further demonstrated his ability to connect with audiences in a late-night talk format, showcasing his conversational skill and deep musical knowledge. His ability to remain relevant from the age of vinyl and terrestrial radio through to the modern era of streaming and digital content is unparalleled.
Why Donnie Simpson's 2025 Ventures Are So Significant
The career of Donnie Simpson is not just a historical footnote; it is an active, evolving story. His recent pivot to ownership and digital content in 2025 carries profound significance for the future of Black media. By relaunching *The Donnie Simpson Show* as a podcast and taking ownership of *Video Soul*, he is setting a new precedent.
This strategic move allows him to bypass traditional gatekeepers and directly control his narrative and intellectual property. It is an inspiring example for future generations of broadcasters and content creators, proving that a decades-long career can be successfully revitalized through entrepreneurial spirit and an embrace of new technology.
From his early days in Detroit radio to his iconic run on Black Entertainment Television and his current status as a digital media proprietor, Donnie Simpson continues to shape the culture. His enduring energy and commitment ensure that his legacy as a trailblazer in urban contemporary media will continue to grow, making him one of the most important figures in modern broadcasting history.
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