Martin Luther King III and former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young will be unveiling the first-ever over-the-air broadcasting network for African Americans this fall. Bounce TV — based in Atlanta — will target viewers ages 25 to 54 and feature a lineup of classic black films, live sporting events, documentaries and original programming.
While cable channels like BET, TV One and Centric dominate the market, Bounce TV executive Ryan Glover says that the network is not necessarily competing with them. "We are basically targeting the rabbit-ear consumer," Glover said. "Our audience is so desperately underserved, we think they will welcome a fourth option. Bounce TV will fill the void for people who are hungry for more African-American-related programming, stories, characters, sports and events."
It is hoped that the network, which will be supported by sponsors, will launch in up to 50 million households this fall. Bounce has already acquired rights to more than 400 movies, including Spike Lee's films Mo' Betta Blues, Do the Right Thing and Jungle Fever; films featuring Oscar-winner Denzel Washington, such as Glory, The Hurricane and Philadelphia; and classics like The Wiz and Car Wash. The network also penned a multiyear deal with the Urban Sports Entertainment Group for the rights to air college football and basketball games.
Rainforest Films co-founders Rob Hardy and Will Packer are also on the network's executive team, with Hardy serving as chief content officer and Packer as chief strategy and marketing officer.
Finally, a network we can watch with the whole family without having to pay for it.
Read more at the Huffington Post.
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