Community Highlights: Meet Autumn-Joi Barrett of WLIT 106 Radio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Autumn-Joi Barrett.

Hi Autumn-Joi, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Autumn-Joi’s illustrious journey in media commenced over 20 years ago in radio. She received her first internship at WPGC 95.5 in Washington, DC, with radio/TV icon, Donnie Simpson. He allowed her to contribute to his weekly American Idol “chatter” and from that exposure, she knew behind the mic was where she wanted to be. Autumn then took her talents to South Beach where she interned with 99 JAMZ midday diva Sheby Rushin. It was at 99 JAMZ where she got to spread her radio wings when asked to fill in for DJ Khaled’s ‘The Takeover’ show. Autumn’s fresh, sultry, sound blew everyone away. Upon graduating from college, Autumn received the ultimate graduation present from 93.9 WKYS in Washington, DC when they asked her to bring her talents to their over-night and Sunday afternoon shows. Autumn’s ‘The Overnight Sensation’ show was born and she quickly became DC’s ‘Favorite Girl’. Autumn-Joi also produced, directed and starred in the ‘Weekly Recap’ seen on ThisIs50 .com . This show highlighted the latest gossip from sports to celebrity scandals. The ‘Weekly Recap’ received over 500,000 views per week and afforded her the opportunity to work along side the Gomez Brothers and Miss Mimi on Shade 45 Her unparalleled ability to forge personal connections with listeners became her trademark, distinguishing her as a truly unique and cherished figure in the field. She expanded her brand into Raleigh where she was #1 midday show at WQOK for 3,5 yeras. She then was hired back hom in DC on WHUR where she was the captivating host of the #1 midday radio show for 3 years, Autumn-Joi consistently dominated the airwaves with her magnetic personality and unwavering talent. Her remarkable ability to connect with listeners has earned her the endearing title of “Midday Love” among her loyal fan base.
Expanding her horizons beyond radio, Autumn-Joi seamlessly transitioned into television and digital media, contributing her expertise as a correspondent for esteemed outlets like TMZ, News One, MSNBC, Fox 5 DC, and TV One. From the glitz of red carpet events like the BET Awards to the significance of the NAACP Awards, her insightful interviews and compelling reporting have garnered her widespread respect and admiration from both colleagues and fans.

She currently serves as General Manager of WLIT 106 Radio, where she leads programming, talent, and community engagement while expanding the station’s reach across streaming platforms. Autumn is a Culture and Entertainment Contributor for Fox 5 DC and has previously served as a correspondent for TMZ and MSNBC, with coverage spanning major red-carpet events including the BET Awards and NAACP Image Awards. She is also the host of the Communicators Award–winning Autumn Joi Live Talk Show on the CTV Network, airing on Verizon and Comcast. A Prince George’s County native, she was named the official “Pride of Prince George’s County” in 2023, with January 26 declared “Autumn Joi Live Day,” and was recognized as one of 2026’s Top 50 Most Influential Women in Prince George’s County. In 2026, she was appointed Chair of the Prince George’s County Foster Care Task Force, where she works alongside county leaders and advocates to strengthen support systems for foster youth and families. Autumn is also the founder of the Autumn Joi Live Foundation, supporting underserved communities and foster youth, is a best-selling childrens book author with ‘JOI on the Radio’, a SAG/AFTRA actress and aspiring boating captain! Catch her weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on LIT 106.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My path was never going to be easy because I refused to compromise my integrity—especially when it came to protecting myself sexually in environments that expected compliance. Choosing the road less traveled meant taking the hard way round. I had to pack up and move from city to city, starting over completely alone without a safety net, navigating the fragile male ego in professional spaces while dealing with undercurrents of hostility and jealousy from other women that sometimes threatened my physical safety. On top of all that, I spent years severely broke, constantly being underpaid for work that left me completely overworked. But every single one of those struggles reinforced my boundary: I would rather build my success from scratch than sacrifice who I am to get it.

As you know, we’re big fans of WLIT 106 Radio. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
What do you do / specialize in / known for?

“As General Manager of WLIT 106 Radio, I oversee operations and direct a team of over 20 DJs and on-air talents. We specialize in curating the best in Hip Hop, R&B, Throwbacks, and Rhythm & Praise (R&P), alongside providing front- and backline sound services and event hosting throughout the DMV.”

What sets you apart from others?

“We bridges the gap between commercial-grade broadcasting and true community impact. While FM radio often prices out local entrepreneurs, we offer advertising at a fraction of the cost to lift up small businesses. Plus, our leadership style is rooted in mentorship—I hand-selected our team because I saw my own potential in them, creating a platform built on real talent and opportunity.”

What are you most proud of brand-wise?

“Since launching in 2024, we’ve built the #1 most streamed urban station on all streaming platforms, recently surpassing 1 Million streams. Watching a station built on community love grow this fast is my proudest achievement.”

What do you want readers to know about your offerings?

“Whether you’re tuning in for the music, looking to advertise your small business without breaking the bank, or need professional sound services for your next event, WLIT 106 is here for the DMV.”

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
You can’t survive being underpaid, overworked, isolated in new cities, and navigating hostile environments without an extraordinary level of grit. Resilience isn’t just about taking hits; it’s about refusing to lower your standards while you do. That relentless drive is what took me from having nothing to managing a station with over a million streams. When you refuse to break, success becomes the only option left and remember, if you fail ALWAYS FAIL FORWARD!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.LIT106.com
• Instagram: AUTUMNJOILIVE