Category: cable programming

african, African American media, Black media, cable programming, comcast, Diddy, Magic Johnson, Sean CombsLeave a comment

Comcast Launches New Channels with Backing from Magic Johnson and P. Diddy

urbanradionation

Aspire and Revolt are the names of the two new African American oriented channels  Comcast Corp. announced Tuesday that it will start carrying four new minority-owned networks – in partial fulfillment of a deal with regulators and minority groups that paved the way for the Philadelphia company to take over NBCUniversal last year. The channels, backed by NBA Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson, superstar entertainer Sean “Diddy” Combs and others, are scheduled to launch broadly on Comcast Cable systems between April and January 2014, Comcast said. “I salute them for keeping their word,” said Rev. Al Sharpton, one of three African … Continue reading Comcast Launches New Channels with Backing from Magic Johnson and P. Diddy

African American media, cable programming, oprah winfrey, own-the oprah winfrey network, reality TV1 Comment

Oprah Ready to Turn to African American Viewers to Save the OWN Network

urbanradionation

The Success of One Show Brings About a Shift in Their Thinking Executives think they may have found a way to salvage Oprah Winfrey’s struggling network… …by catering more to an African-American audience. That may help ratings, but it would mean a dramatic shift, and one that could put the channel at odds with Winfrey’s own brand. The Hollywood Reporter- According to OWN president Erik Logan and Discovery Communications CEO David Zaslav, the silver lining in an otherwise bleak performance record for the network since its launch last January is that it’s performing particularly well among its African-Americans audience members—especially … Continue reading Oprah Ready to Turn to African American Viewers to Save the OWN Network

al sharpton, cable programming, comcast, msnbc, PoliticsNationLeave a comment

It’s Now Official: Rev. Al Sharpton Named Host of MSNBC’s ‘PoliticsNation’

urbanradionation

After several weeks in a tryout role, the Rev. Al Sharpton has officially been named host of a weeknight hour on MSNBC. The program, now called “PoliticsNation,” will air at 6 p.m. Eastern and premieres next Monday, the network announced Tuesday. In his new role, the well-known civil rights activist and minister will lead a lively and informed discussion of the day’s top headlines, MSNBC said. Sharpton called the hosting job “a natural extension of my life work and growth.” Besides his work as a community leader and religious figure, Sharpton already hosts a nationally syndicated radio show. Click here … Continue reading It’s Now Official: Rev. Al Sharpton Named Host of MSNBC’s ‘PoliticsNation’

African American media, Bounce TV, cable programmingLeave a comment

Bounce TV Kicks Off with a Monday, September 26, 2011 Debut at Noon

urbanradionation

Boris Kodjoe is the spokesperson for the Bounce TV Network NEW YORK (TheWrap) – Bounce TV, a new broadcast network geared toward African-American viewers, will debut on September 26. The network, founded by Martin Luther King III, Andrew Young, and others, will debut at noon with a 24-hour, daily programing mix of movies, sports, documentaries and original programing. It will be available to viewers who don’t have cable and feel underserved by the major broadcasters. Like Centric and TV One, it will target viewers 25 and older. “September 26 will be an important milestone as we launch the first-ever independently … Continue reading Bounce TV Kicks Off with a Monday, September 26, 2011 Debut at Noon

BET, bet awards, cable programmingLeave a comment

BET AWARDS ’11 is the #1 Awards Show on Cable, Drawing 7.7 Million Total Viewers

urbanradionation

NEW YORK, June 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ The live premiere of the BET AWARDS ’11 on Sunday, June 26, drew 7.7 Million total viewers, making it the #1 Awards Show in Cable this year and the #2 telecast in BET history behind the BET AWARDS ’09 honoring Michael Jackson (June 29, 2009) (NMR, Live + Same Day, 6/27). In addition, the BET AWARDS has consistently ranked among the Top 5 Cable Awards Shows every year among total viewers. The Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice Award, which was given to Chris Brown, received more than 2.4 Million votes by mobile text and online voting, … Continue reading BET AWARDS ’11 is the #1 Awards Show on Cable, Drawing 7.7 Million Total Viewers

African American media, alfred liggins, cable programming, tv one, Wonya LucasLeave a comment

Wonya Lucas to Join TV One as President and CEO

urbanradionation

Wonya Lucas has been named President and CEO of TV One, effective Monday, August 8. The cable industry programming veteran succeeds Johnathan Rodgers, who has announced his retirement as of July 31. Most recently, Lucas was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Discovery Channel and Science Channel, where she was responsible for strategy and operations for the networks as well as oversight of the networks’ research and marketing departments. She joined Discovery Communications in 2008 as the Chief Marketing Officer. Prior to joining Discovery, Lucas served as Executive Vice President and General Manager of The Weather Channel Networks, … Continue reading Wonya Lucas to Join TV One as President and CEO