African based channel strategic to filling a void of representation in national news launched in the US.
The management of Black News Channel has announced the launching of the country’s sole African American-led news network. The channel was regarded by the founders as being strategic to fill a void of representation in national news.
It was reported that the 24-7 cable channel began broadcasting last week while featuring black anchors dedicated to the unique perspective of African American communities.
According to a statement released by its co-founders J.C. Watts and Bob Brillante, the network station which debuted in African American markets first in Atlanta and Los Angeles, will be available to select Spectrum and Xfinity X-1 customers and will premiere on Sling and Roku at a later, unspecified date.
Walts further said that the media aims to reach 100 million households at the end of its rollout.
The founder announced that the programs will include a health series focused on medical issues that impact African Americans and traditional morning and primetime news programs.
“Major news outlets feature black hosts and guests, while they rarely focused on uniquely African-American experiences,” said Walts.
“I strongly think there needs to be a more detailed story told about the African American community, and now, we have a venue to do that,” he averred.
“Black News Channel is committed at tackling politicized topics but won’t take a side,” Watts confirmed.
“We’re not looking to be conservative or liberal. We want to create a medium for African Americans to have a say in society, to be a part of the conversation that’s going on in the country, be it incarceration reform or impeachment.”
Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus and California Rep. Karen Bass said at the launching event, “I can’t tell you how happy I am that there is going to be a 24 hour, seven day a week Black News Channel. I was thrilled from day one.”
In addition to Kareen, New York Rep. Yvette D. Clarke said, “We’ve been really pushing for diversity and inclusion in the broadcast space and cable space and it’s because we live in a multi-racial civil society. For several years, our media didn’t address that and today still doesn’t address that diversity. The Black News Channel will fill a void in many spaces.”
While the network’s availability is limited, Watts also announced plans to grow its coverage.
Currently, the organization has already employed over 60 people at its headquarters in Tallahassee, Florida, and has plans to build bureaus in Washington, New York as well as Atlanta.
