The Columbia Urban Broadcast Network (CUBN) is an independent South Carolina-based media and community information platform dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices, strengthening civic awareness, and documenting the cultural, economic, and political life of communities throughout Columbia, the Midlands, and across the state.

 

Founded by Javar Juarez, an American businessman, award-winning journalist, Community Development Corporation executive, philanthropist, and media entrepreneur, CUBN was created to provide accessible, community-centered journalism focused on the people, institutions, businesses, and issues often overlooked by traditional media outlets. What began as a local grassroots media effort has evolved into a rapidly expanding statewide digital platform reaching more than 175,000 subscribers, readers, and supporters while generating millions of annual impressions across news, social media, digital publishing, and community engagement initiatives.

 

Under Juarez’s leadership, CUBN has grown into a trusted platform for public interest journalism, business visibility, civic engagement, and community storytelling. The network’s reporting spans politics, education, economic development, culture, arts, public policy, entrepreneurship, and issues directly impacting working-class and historically underrepresented communities throughout South Carolina. CUBN is also a card-carrying member of the South Carolina Press Association, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to professional journalism standards, ethical reporting, and press integrity.

 

In partnership with organizations such as the Broad River Business Alliance (BRBA), an award-winning Community Development Corporation and South Carolina Public Charity, CUBN has expanded beyond journalism into economic and community development initiatives designed to strengthen visibility, collaboration, and economic empowerment for local businesses and entrepreneurs. This includes the development of the CUBN Black Business Registry, a statewide certification and visibility initiative connecting consumers with trusted Black-owned and allied businesses throughout South Carolina.

 

As digital platforms continue reshaping how communities receive information, CUBN has invested heavily in strengthening its independent media infrastructure to ensure reliable public access to local reporting, emergency information, civic engagement resources, and community-based initiatives. The network remains committed to building sustainable, people-centered media that informs, connects, and empowers communities during a time of growing political, economic, and social change.

 

CUBN believes access to trustworthy information is a public necessity, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford expensive subscriptions. Its contributors, partners, and supporters remain committed to ethical journalism, factual reporting, accountability, and preserving the dignity and complexity of the communities it serves.

 

More than a news platform, CUBN has become a growing ecosystem for information, advocacy, business visibility, economic empowerment, and community collaboration across South Carolina.

 

We thank you for supporting independent community journalism and for helping amplify voices, businesses, and stories that deserve to be seen, heard, and remembered.