Behind The Scenes Comcast Launched 2 Black Networks
Hey Cuties,
On Thursday I hit the streets to celebrate the Comcast launch event of two majority black-owned networks. Oh yes, thangs are changing I introduce to you AFRO and CLEO TV on the Comcast Xfinity platform. This dope super black event took place at the Newseum in Washington, DC. The who’s who of the two networks were in attendance and I, MimiCuteLips had her face all up in the place.
L to R: David L. Cohen, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer of Comcast + Yves Bollanga, President and Founder of AFRO + Cathy Hughes, Founder and Chairperson of Urban One, Inc. + Michelle Rice, GM of TV One/CLEO TV + Keesha Boyd, Executive Director of Multicultural Products of Comcast
About Afrotainment: Afrotainment, a Florida-based company edits, operates and distributes eight networks from its state-of-the-art film and television studios in Orlando and Queens, New York. Afrotainment channels are available in the US and Canada via cable, satellite, fiber-optic and OTT platforms. AFRO is a 24-hour polycultural black network mainly broadcasting top-rated Nollywood and black movies, dramas, sitcoms, music, talk, and late-night comedy shows for the African, Caribbean, along with the Afro-Latino and Hispano audiences.
About CLEO TV: Launching in January 2019, CLEO TV is a lifestyle and entertainment network targeting Millennial and Gen X women of color. Derived from the name Cleopatra, one of the most powerful, trendsetting, rule-breaking and iconic women in history, CLEO TV will offer quality.
Did you peep that Gen X black women part? Once Millennial’s came on the scene the world ignored everyone else. It was all Millenial’s all the time, the problem with that is they aren’t the target market for everything. They aren’t the ones that have fully experienced life, they don’t have solid careers, they don’t have 401ks, and they haven’t hit the stability that Gen X’ers have. I’m just saying! There is a world of people out there that people have forgotten about. It is nice to see AFRO and CLEO TV being more inclusive, we appreciate you for that.
L to R: Cathy Hughes, Founder, and Chairperson of Urban One, Inc. [formerly Radio One, Inc.], Alfred Liggins III, President and CEO, Urban One Inc. CEO, TV One, and Chef Jernard Wells, New Soul Kitchen.
New Soul Kitchen features Culinary superstars Chef Jernard Wells and vegan guru Porsche Thomas mix it up in the kitchen. It brings viewers exiting, fresh recipes, along with tips for eating better. Chef Jernard is known for his down-home fare with a healthy twist, while Porsche is one of today’s most sought-after vegan cooks. Together they serve up healthy alternatives to Southern-inspired dishes.
L to R: Syleena Johnson [Singer], Trina Braxton [Singer + Reality Show Star], and Rashan Ali [TV host, sports reporter, and radio show host]
Sister Circle LIVE is a daily talk show from TEGNA Inc. and TV One, it is hosted by a panel of four women – Quad Webb-Lunceford [Married to Medicine], Syleena Johnson [R&B Divas], TV host, sports reporter, and radio show host Rashan Ali and Trina Braxton [Braxton Family Values] and airs weekdays from 12 PM – 1 PM ET on TV One.
The gang is almost all here, let me tell you who is who and what they are doing.
L to R: James Yon, Comedian and host of That Other Show. CL Freeman, Custom Tailor and Co-host of Style Check. Kaya Chipungu, Co-host of Point of View. Sandy Laborde, Co-host of Point of View. Candice Cruz, Co-host of Point of View. Catrina Green, TV Producer for AFRO Network. Sisaundra Lewis, Co-host of Point of View. Rashan Ali, Co-host of Sister Circle LIVE. Unknown. Katrina Lee-Jones, Co-host of Style Check. Shante Tasby, TV Producer for AFRO Network.
We enjoyed a live performance by The String Queens, these ladies are hella dope. Praised for its “authentic, soulful, and orchestral sound”, The String Queens is a dynamic trio that creates stimulating musical experiences that inspire diverse audiences to love, hope, feel, and imagine! With an array of repertoire spanning from the Baroque era to the Jazz Age to today’s Billboard Hot 100 Chart, The String Queens perform versatile programs that transport audiences through time and a multitude of musical genres.
Based in Washington, D.C., TSQ members have been featured in famed performance venues across four continents and members have also shared stages with award-winning artists including Ledisi, Solange, Leslie Odom Jr., Janelle Monae, Jennifer Hudson, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Common, Aretha Franklin, Fantasia, Mos Def, Whitney Houston, Richard Smallwood, Jussie Smollett, Andra Day, Donnie McClurkin, Larry Graham, Donald Lawrence, Kurt Carr, and Lalah.
Fun Fact: The food was so bomb and super black and I tried to eat everything. The mini beef patties were a hit and went well with the Jerk Chicken. I’ve been to a lot of events, and the food selections don’t even come close to this. My dress was unforgiving but that didn’t stop me from eating all of the things. Then I washed it all down with wine from the open bar.
I am excited about both of these networks and as a Comcast/Xfinity customer, I am proud that they understand the importance of diversity. They get that we need networks for us and created by us. SUPPORT THESE NETWORKS! We get more by supporting those that already exist. We need to show them with our ratings.
Chat with me in the comments below or FB, IG, and Twitter.
This is awesomely dope. It’s great to see African Americans launching networks to bring more diversify to the small screen. I guess now I’ll switch back to xfinity.
Yes, this is much needed.
This is awesome! I’m so happy we got our cable back. We can actually support. (I used Hulu and Netflix solely for years.)
Yay, you are just in time.
This event sounds like it was so great! That’s awesome that these Black networks are being created. More opportunities for content creators, directors, actors, etc!
Yes, Kendro! That is exactly what is happening.
Your dress is freaking cute! I want it for myself. Unforgiving my butt! The event sounds fun. I didn’t know that these two new networks were being launched.
Thanks, it is an H&M find. Most people don’t know about the networks which is why I had to share.
Okay I need to look into this. I don’t have cable but I want to know more about these new channels.
You can also stream these networks. 😉
My family and I don’t watch much television but please for the diversity that in this area of entertainment.
I totally get it, the diversity is long overdue.
I just heard about Cielo TV, but wasnt sure what it was. I haven’t heard about Afro. That is great they are getting more networks.
It is, I hope we continue to get more.
This is major! I’m looking forward to checking out the programs that each will offer.
Please do, and let me know what you think.
I love reading about all of these events that you attend! I think it would be fun just to sit back and watch people. By the way, I want that black and white dress. So cool !
Thanks, I never know what it will be like until I step inside. I love mixing and chatting with people.
I love that black platforms keep expanding! I missed the red carpet in Atlanta but excited for the Cleo Network!
Yes, they are much needed and appreciated.
This is incredible! I’ve always wished there were more truly black-owned networks. Cannot wait to check them out!
They are working on it for sure.
It’s great to have Black networks that aren’t just focused on the millennials. Give us some variety! Love your outfit too btw
I totally agree, Millennial’s aren’t the only people in this world.
Love this news. These are exactly the kinds of networks I hope to work for whenever I go back to TV full-time.
Yes, these are exactly what we need.
Great recap of the event and information about two upcoming networks. Television networks catering to our community are a plus, especially since we need more content for us and by us. Do you know if Afrotainment and Cleo TV are Black owned?
They are both black owned.