ASPiRE (TV network)

For the Australian television network, see Aspire TV.
ASPiRE
Launched June 27, 2012 (2012-06-27)
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.aspire.tv
Availability
Satellite
DirecTV 381 (HD)
Dish Network TBA
IPTV
Verizon FiOS 772 (HD)
272 (SD)
AT&T U-verse 1158 (HD)
158 (SD)

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

Former

Aspire also holds the broadcast rights to a selection of past and present college football games involving historically black colleges and universities.

Notes

  1. ↑ Stelter, Brian (February 20, 2012). "Hip Hop Mogul to Unveil Plan for Music Cable Channel". The New York Times. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
  2. 1 2 Braxton, 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.
  3. ↑ Jensen, David (April 4, 2011). "Comcast Begins Effort to Launch 10 Independent Networks". Comcast. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
  4. ↑ Guthrie, Marisa (February 21, 2012). "Comcast to Launch Networks Backed by Sean Combs, Magic Johnson and Robert Rodriguez". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
  5. ↑ Gray, Madison (February 21, 2012). "Magic Johnson, Sean 'Diddy' Combs Toss Their Hats Into the Cable TV Ring". Time. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
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