ASPiRE (TV network)
ASPiRE (TV network)
Aspire | |
---|---|
Launched | June 27, 2012 (2012-06-27) |
Owned by | Magic Johnson Enterprises |
Picture format | 1080i HDTV (downscaled to letterboxed 480i for the SDTV feed) |
Slogan | See yourself here |
Country | United States |
Broadcast area | United States |
Headquarters | Atlanta, Georgia |
Website | www.aspire.tv [6] |
Availability | |
Satellite | |
DirecTV | Channel 381 (HD) |
IPTV | |
Verizon FiOS | Channel 272 (SD) Channel 772 (HD) |
AT&T U-verse | Channel 158 (SD) Channel 1158 (HD) |
Comcast | Channel 120 (SD) |
Streaming media | |
Philo | OTT Subscription |
Aspire is an American pay television channel targeting Black Americans launched by Magic Johnson on June 27, 2012.
Aspire | |
---|---|
Launched | June 27, 2012 (2012-06-27) |
Owned by | Magic Johnson Enterprises |
Picture format | 1080i HDTV (downscaled to letterboxed 480i for the SDTV feed) |
Slogan | See yourself here |
Country | United States |
Broadcast area | United States |
Headquarters | Atlanta, Georgia |
Website | www.aspire.tv [6] |
Availability | |
Satellite | |
DirecTV | Channel 381 (HD) |
IPTV | |
Verizon FiOS | Channel 272 (SD) Channel 772 (HD) |
AT&T U-verse | Channel 158 (SD) Channel 1158 (HD) |
Comcast | Channel 120 (SD) |
Streaming media | |
Philo | OTT Subscription |
History
As part of its arrangement to acquire a minority interest in NBCUniversal, Comcast Corporation committed to carry several minority-owned channels.[1] The arrangement followed pressure led by Maxine Waters in congressional hearings.[2] In April 2011, Comcast solicited proposals for minority owned networks.[3] In February 2012, Comcast announced distribution arrangements for four networks, including Aspire.[4] The four announced networks and six forthcoming stations are being chosen from among an excess of 100 proposals to begin airing by 2020.
Business plan
The focus of the network will be "positive, uplifting images of African Americans", according to Johnson. The station intends to deliver films, music and comedy, with a combination of acquired projects and original programming. The programming will include performing arts and shows about faith.[2] The show is intended to provide a forum for African American producers and performers.[5] Johnson is partnering with the Gospel Music Channel. Johnson said the following about the network: "Aspire will be a network that encourages and challenges African-Americans to reach for their dreams," adding that it "will celebrate our heritage, our groundbreaking achievements and the fearless talent that has shaped American culture."
Programming
Current
Unboxed with Nikki Chu
Butter+Brown
The Bernie Mac Show
The Graduates ATL
The Hughleys
In Living Color
My Wife and Kids
Former
The Bill Cosby Show
The Flip Wilson Show
I Spy
Julia
Lincoln Heights
The Mod Squad
Room 222
Soul Food (January 1, 2016–18)
Soul Train
Upcoming Programming
Aspire also holds the broadcast rights to a selection of CIAA college football games involving historically black colleges and universities.
See also
aspireTV – an American digital cable and satellite channel owned by businessman and former basketball player Magic Johnson.
Black Entertainment Television – The flagship American basic cable and satellite channel of the BET Networks, currently owned by Viacom, which launched in 1980 as the first television network devoted to programming targeting African-Americans. BET Her - A spinoff digital cable and satellite channel targeting African-American women.
Bounce TV – an American digital multicast network owned by E. W. Scripps Company.
TV One - a cable and satellite network targeting African-Americans owned by Urban One, Inc.
Cleo TV - a sister network to TV One targeting to African-American women.