TVONE (BLACK T.V. NETWORK)
- Thread starter JROCK
- Start date
JROCK
Preeminent
kellis said:
This is the only thing I was able to find on the net (it is no longer in the making but rather now a reality). I love their Throw Back Theatre! This station already has better programing than BET.
Comcast, Radio One plan network aimed at black viewers
PHILADELPHIA (AP) ? Comcast, the nation's largest cable television company, and Radio One said Monday they plan to launch a television network targeted toward black viewers.
The network, which would carry entertainment, news, opinion and sports programming, would compete with Black Entertainment Television, founded in 1980 by billionaire Robert Johnson and bought by Viacom in 2000.
The companies said they expect to launch the network, which hasn't been named, by the middle of this year. It will be designed to appeal mainly to black viewers from 25 to 54 years old.
Brian Roberts, Comcast's chief executive and president, said the channel would be launched in a "significant number" of Comcast's systems and the companies would also seek to make it available through other cable and satellite providers.
"Comcast serves 21 of the top 25 U.S. markets, where 50% of African-Americans reside," Roberts said.
Comcast officials wouldn't comment on whether BET would still be available on those systems. "As of now there are no plans to change the lineup as far as BET is concerned," said Tim Fitzpatrick, a Comcast spokesman.
BET officials didn't immediately return calls seeking comment.
Comcast and Radio One said the network would be designed to appeal to what they said was the underserved black demographic group, which comprised 13% of the population and had $572 billion in buying power in 2001.
"African-Americans have experienced explosive population and per-capita income growth and are one of this country's most attractive consumer demographic groups," said Alfred Liggins, chief executive and president of Radio One. Liggins will become chairman of the network.
The network will be a joint venture between Comcast and Radio One, which aims mainly at a black audience with 66 radio stations in 22 urban markets.
The companies said Radio One will invest $70 million in cash in the new network, and an additional $60 million will come from Comcast and other investors.
Comcast, which has more than 20 million subscribers nationwide, already owns major stakes in several cable networks, including the QVC shopping network, E! Entertainment Television, the Golf Channel and regional sports networks