Robert Johnson Looks To Start New African American Cable Network

Johnson , is reported to be petitioning the FCC to grant Ion Media Networks and Urban Television, a newly formed company controlled by Johnson's RLJ Companies, co-channel licensees of 42 television stations, for a African-American-targeted digital network.

According to the petition, Johnson’s RLJ Companies, LLC would own 51% of  newly created Urban Television LLC -- Ion would hold 49% of the venture -- and the service would operate as part of ION’s digital channel offerings in 42 markets.

Traci Otey Blunt, vice president of communications and public affairs for RLJ said, "Urban will provide a continuous television program service aimed at serving the needs and interests of urban viewers and traditionally underserved minority communities. Urban Television will be a new addition to the current broadcast channel lineup, and Ion Media Networks will continue to operate its own broadcast networks."

ION Media Networks, Inc. is a network television broadcasting company which owns and operates broadcast television stations. The Company owns and/or operates 60 full-power broadcast television stations, including stations in each of the top 20 U.S. markets and 39 of the top 50 markets.

SOURCE: Radio Business Report