Magic Johnson Starting TV Network Targeting Blacks

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Earvin "Magic" Johnson is launching a basic cable television network targeting black viewers with positive, uplifting images of African Americans.

The former Los Angeles Lakers star tells the Los Angeles Times ( ) that his 24-hour Aspire channel will also offer opportunities for blacks who have struggled to find work in mainstream Hollywood. http://lat.ms/Ar1Th7

Aspire's mix will include film, TV, music, comedy, performing arts and shows about faith.

The 52-year-old Johnson, who was enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002, says he's wanted a vehicle to showcase positive images of African Americans with stories written, produced and directed by blacks.

Comcast Corp. reached an agreement with the FCC and Department of Justice to diversify.

Johnson's channel will launch on June 30.

Comments

[TRUTHHURTS500]

09:36 AM on 02/26/2012

I hope this new venture of Perry is something that will attract young people more so than anyone. There is a lot of propaganda being pushed in this country by the mainstream media that need to be addressed. Young people need to be educated how domestic and foreign policy desicions the govenment makes will affect their lives. Our history need to be told in a way that will inspire young people to take control of their lives and community in a postive way. They need to be taught about people that the mainstream called militant or radical were not really that but people who wanted to move Black people out of proverty, to fight racism and imperialism. To understand there were people who fought for the things they enjoy today. Politics need to be explored in the Black community because Black people need to understand their is no political party out there that is going to do for Black people better than we can do for ourselves. We have economic power and the inspiration of our history to do much better than we are today.

[Sean Johnson]

05:39 PM on 02/24/2012

Hopefully Magic's network won't morph into what BET turned into.

[Akhet]

09:39 PM on 02/24/2012

Its a shame what happened to bet. The only thing Iv watched on there in years is and odd throw back movie now and again and the Black Panther cartoon (thats actually pretty good).

[jmoser1973]

08:12 AM on 02/24/2012

I hope it does well. Takes a lot of guts to get it going, especially after Oprah is proving how hard it is.

[blatinotop4u]

04:51 PM on 02/23/2012

Okay another black channel besides... BET, TVone, GMC, Bouncetv... but why does he have to add inspirational/religion programming. Can we get a black atheist already???

[jmoser1973]

08:09 AM on 02/24/2012

Why don't you start your own network then...in the meantime would it be hard to congratulate him?

[blatinotop4u]

02:42 PM on 02/24/2012

No. I want black atheist.

[jemdad99]

07:17 PM on 02/22/2012

Good luck Magic.

[LesaSays]

05:11 PM on 02/22/2012

Can you say weekend long "Martin" marthone?

[Skiwee]

03:57 PM on 02/22/2012

Congrats and good luck, Magic.

[seminoles]

02:43 PM on 02/22/2012

Typo on earlier post.Much success to you Magic Johnson.

[Skiwee]

03:59 PM on 02/22/2012

Not to worry, we realized it was.

[seminoles]

02:40 PM on 02/22/2012

Much success to you Majic Johnson.I will tune in and show my support.

[rewith85man]

01:56 PM on 02/22/2012

There will be another BET, TVOne, or another black channel.

I would like to see a new channel targeting various people regardless of race, culture, etc.

[LesaSays]

05:20 PM on 02/22/2012

rewith85men....GO tell that to CBS, NBC and ABC they have had 85 years of network TV to create diverse network (channel) that reflect people of color. So since they have not thank you, Bob Johnson, Cathy Hughes and Magic!

[donnablinger]

03:50 AM on 02/26/2012

Well said 'LesaSays'! I fan and fave you!

[el diablo negro]

08:54 PM on 02/22/2012

Quit your b.i.t.c.h.i.n. there are white channels for people like you it's called the mainstream media and also one for white nationalists like yourself it's called FOX NEWS.

[donnablinger]

03:51 AM on 02/26/2012

He, he, he.

[UnknownSolider]

01:50 PM on 02/22/2012

TV is a tough rough and tumble business, you MUST get Advertisers, you can have the greatest ideas for shows, the best talent, but if Advertisers are not willing to buy your shows, the network will go no where. Unless Magic pitches the Network as a Black HBO....... I wish him the best of luck and I will support the Advertisers that support this Aspire Network, now here is hoping other blacks do the same thing.......... I doubt it

[hjo4]

12:33 PM on 02/22/2012

I admire, applaud and salute Magic Johnson all he's done for his OWN people American Blacks. He invested in us, believed in us, employed us and gave us more opportunity that any Black person in America has every done. He is a true hero for us American Black folks and he remembers where he came from and does not run away from being Black as many successful American Blacks have done. I look forward to his Aspire Channel and have no doubt it will be a success for the audience it's targeted for. Irvin "Magic" Johnson I thank you for what you've done for us.

[jhNY]

02:20 PM on 02/22/2012

What's your take on his spokesmodeling for Rent-A-Center? That opportunity could place not a few participants in a pretty straight-up victim of usury situation, so far as I can tell.

[hjo4]

09:45 PM on 02/22/2012

While I don't support those businesses they give those who for whatever reason a choice to use their businesses or not. Some folks don't mind paying outrageous fees so they can have things that are important to them. Who am I to say those stores should not exist. I don't consider Rent A Center the same as I do the RusCard or that shill Montel Williams pushing pay day loans to those going thru a rough patch.

[Leon Holston Sr]

11:45 AM on 02/22/2012

there are no black channels.they have more white and latinos on so called black channels than blacks.if you turn to asian channels,no blacks,latino channels,no blacks.even soul train had many whites and latinos so stop saying do we need another black channel and research these points i put up.holla-back

[Queen Cassandra]

12:56 AM on 02/22/2012

I Love Earvin.

[Dilemma Onassis]

12:53 AM on 02/22/2012

Magic gets Aspire, Diddy gets Revolt; Black folk get more mental junk food to swallow.

[LesaSays]

05:22 PM on 02/22/2012

Don't hate, congratulate!

[Dilemma Onassis]

08:25 PM on 02/22/2012

It's not hate, it's recognizing what everyone else chooses to ignore. They're about to make more money at the expense of black people, hooray!! What does that mean for you?