ASPiRE (TV network)
| ASPiRE | |
|---|---|
_Logo.png){kind=logo} | |
| Launched | June 27, 2012 |
| Owned by | Magic Johnson Enterprises |
| Picture format |
480i (SDTV) 1080i (HDTV) |
| Slogan | Our Past. Our Now. Our Next. That's Aspire. |
| Country | United States |
| Headquarters | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Website |
www |
Availability | |
| Satellite | |
| DirecTV | Channel 381 (HD only) |
| Dish Network | TBA |
| IPTV | |
| Verizon FiOS | Channel 272 (SD) |
| AT&T U-verse |
Channel 158 (SD) Channel 1158 (HD) |
ASPiRE is an American cable television network targeting African American audiences launched by Magic Johnson on June 27, 2012.
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
- Black College Quiz
- The Flip Wilson Show
- Julia
- Soul Food (January 1, 2016-present)
- Room 222
- Mod Squad
Former
Aspire also holds the broadcast rights to a selection of past and present college football games involving historically black colleges and universities.
Notes
- ↑ Stelter, Brian (2012-02-20). "Hip Hop Mogul to Unveil Plan for Music Cable Channel". The New York Times. Retrieved 2012-02-24.
- 1 2 Braxton, Greg and Meg James (2012-02-21). "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 2012-02-24.
- ↑ Jensen, David (2011-04-04). "Comcast Begins Effort to Launch 10 Independent Networks". Comcast. Retrieved 2012-02-24.
- ↑ Guthrie, Marisa (2012-02-21). "Comcast to Launch Networks Backed by Sean Combs, Magic Johnson and Robert Rodriguez". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2012-02-24.
- ↑ Gray, Madison (2012-02-21). "Magic Johnson, Sean 'Diddy' Combs Toss Their Hats Into the Cable TV Ring". Time. Retrieved 2012-02-24.