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ASPiRE (TV network)

ASPiRE (TV network)

Aspire is an American pay television channel targeting Black Americans launched by Magic Johnson on June 27, 2012.

Aspire
LaunchedJune 27, 2012 (2012-06-27)
Owned byMagic Johnson Enterprises
Picture format1080i HDTV
(downscaled to letterboxed 480i for the SDTV feed)
SloganSee yourself here
CountryUnited States
Broadcast areaUnited States
HeadquartersAtlanta, Georgia
Websitewww.aspire.tv [6]
Availability
Satellite
DirecTVChannel 381 (HD)
IPTV
Verizon FiOSChannel 272 (SD)
Channel 772 (HD)
AT&T U-verseChannel 158 (SD)
Channel 1158 (HD)
ComcastChannel 120 (SD)
Streaming media
PhiloOTT 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.

References

[1]
Citation Linkwww.nytimes.comStelter, Brian (February 20, 2012). "Hip Hop Mogul to Unveil Plan for Music Cable Channel". The New York Times. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
Sep 26, 2019, 10:38 PM
[2]
Citation Linkarticles.latimes.comBraxton, Greg and Meg James (February 21, 2012). "Laker legend to launch a TV network:Magic Johnson's channel, Aspire, will be carried by Comcast and focus on blacks". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
Sep 26, 2019, 10:38 PM
[3]
Citation Linkblog.comcast.comJensen, David (April 4, 2011). "Comcast Begins Effort to Launch 10 Independent Networks". Comcast. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
Sep 26, 2019, 10:38 PM
[4]
Citation Linkwww.hollywoodreporter.comGuthrie, Marisa (February 21, 2012). "Comcast to Launch Networks Backed by Sean Combs, Magic Johnson and Robert Rodriguez". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
Sep 26, 2019, 10:38 PM
[5]
Citation Linkentertainment.time.comGray, Madison (February 21, 2012). "Magic Johnson, Sean 'Diddy' Combs Toss Their Hats Into the Cable TV Ring". Time. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
Sep 26, 2019, 10:38 PM
[6]
Citation Linkwww.aspire.tvwww.aspire.tv
Sep 26, 2019, 10:39 PM
[7]
Citation Linkwww.nytimes.com"Hip Hop Mogul to Unveil Plan for Music Cable Channel"
Sep 26, 2019, 10:39 PM
[8]
Citation Linkarticles.latimes.com"Laker legend to launch a TV network:Magic Johnson's channel, Aspire, will be carried by Comcast and focus on blacks"
Sep 26, 2019, 10:39 PM
[9]
Citation Linkblog.comcast.com"Comcast Begins Effort to Launch 10 Independent Networks"
Sep 26, 2019, 10:39 PM
[10]
Citation Linkwww.hollywoodreporter.com"Comcast to Launch Networks Backed by Sean Combs, Magic Johnson and Robert Rodriguez"
Sep 26, 2019, 10:39 PM
[11]
Citation Linkentertainment.time.com"Magic Johnson, Sean 'Diddy' Combs Toss Their Hats Into the Cable TV Ring"
Sep 26, 2019, 10:39 PM
[12]
Citation Linken.wikipedia.orgThe original version of this page is from Wikipedia, you can edit the page right here on Everipedia.Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Additional terms may apply.See everipedia.org/everipedia-termsfor further details.Images/media credited individually (click the icon for details).
Sep 26, 2019, 10:39 PM