The Black News Channel, brainchild of former U.S. House of Representative J.C. Watts and media industry vet Bob Brillante, has pushed back its launch date to Feb. 10 to coincide with Black History Month.
Based out of Tallahassee, Florida, the round-the-clock minority-owned and operated news network targeting African Americans was set to launch on Nov. 15 to 33 million households through its partnerships with Comcast, Charter Communications and DISH.
Then, the launch date was pushed back to Jan. 6. The latest launch date change comes after the network learned that they could potentially launch to an audience of 70 million instead of 33 million, as first projected.
“Our technicians, crew and launch partners are working overtime to make sure that the additional pieces are in place to provide our African American audience with the programming that tells more of our story in a way that is not provided by current news outlets,” Watts said in a statement. “We will make history together as we launch February 10, 2020 to more than 70 million homes and devices.”
The new launch date will ensure that the network delivers the standard of viewing experience anticipated by its viewers and investors.
“Black History Month is an appropriate time to launch the Black News Channel,” said Brillante. “We are committed to make sure that when our viewers tune in they are witness to a quality viewing experience.”
Back in October, Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan announced that he would be a majority investor in the network. Watts is chairman, while Brillante serves as CEO.
The network will focus on important news and cultural topics regarding the African American community.
“I am a big believer in the fact that we have a number of communities, obviously especially the African American, who are underserved,” Khan said in the call. “We know the mission, but I’m hoping that as time goes on this becomes a bridge to connect all the cultures, including obviously south Asian, which I am. This is a great worthwhile cause.”
Satellite locations for the network will be placed all around the U.S. Access to the channel will be available in major black markets, including Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, New Orleans and Chicago.
