Media mogul Byron Allen has renewed his attempt to acquire BET Media Group from Paramount Global — extending a $3.5 billion offer.
On Tuesday, Allen, who is founder and CEO of Allen Media Group, emailed Paramount Global senior executives and board, offering $3.5 billion for BET Media Group, which includes the BET cable channel, VH1, BET Studios and streaming service BET+, sources familiar with the situation confirmed to Variety. That’s up from $2.7 billion that Allen had offered earlier in 2023.
Reps for Paramount Global and Allen Media Group declined to comment. Bloomberg first reported on Allen’s renewed offer for BET. Other potential buyers of BET Media Group include BET CEO Scott Mills, a 26-year veteran of the company, and Chinh Chu, a former executive at private-equity firm Blackstone executive who runs Cc Capital Partners, who have discussed a price tag of under $2 billion, Bloomberg reported.
In the email to Paramount brass, Allen wrote,...
On Tuesday, Allen, who is founder and CEO of Allen Media Group, emailed Paramount Global senior executives and board, offering $3.5 billion for BET Media Group, which includes the BET cable channel, VH1, BET Studios and streaming service BET+, sources familiar with the situation confirmed to Variety. That’s up from $2.7 billion that Allen had offered earlier in 2023.
Reps for Paramount Global and Allen Media Group declined to comment. Bloomberg first reported on Allen’s renewed offer for BET. Other potential buyers of BET Media Group include BET CEO Scott Mills, a 26-year veteran of the company, and Chinh Chu, a former executive at private-equity firm Blackstone executive who runs Cc Capital Partners, who have discussed a price tag of under $2 billion, Bloomberg reported.
In the email to Paramount brass, Allen wrote,...
- 12/20/2023
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Recent news reports suggest Paramount Global may be considering a sale of its cable channel BET. Further reports identify media moguls Tyler Perry, Byron Allen, Sean “Diddy” Combs and a partnership comprised of Shaquille O’Neil, 50 Cent, and Kenya Barris as prospective buyers of the platform, which was originally created to offer programing targeted toward Black viewers. Each of these potential suitors is more than worthy of the opportunity to helm such a significant portal of Black imagery. Still, a greater agenda raises additional considerations and a distinctive option for ownership.
Founded by Robert L. Johnson in 1980, BET has been a primary hub for Black-themed content since its inception. Johnson sold the cable channel to Viacom in 2001 for $3 billion, resulting in an infusion of capital and infrastructure expansion, to include the addition of BET+ and BET Her. The broadcast schedule is populated with original scripted and unscripted programming, as well as acquired off-net fare,...
Founded by Robert L. Johnson in 1980, BET has been a primary hub for Black-themed content since its inception. Johnson sold the cable channel to Viacom in 2001 for $3 billion, resulting in an infusion of capital and infrastructure expansion, to include the addition of BET+ and BET Her. The broadcast schedule is populated with original scripted and unscripted programming, as well as acquired off-net fare,...
- 5/31/2023
- by Kyle Bowser
- Variety Film + TV
“I will never work on a more important film than this one,” declares Ken Burns of “The U.S. and the Holocaust,” the three-part, six-hour PBS film he co-produced and co-directed (with frequent collaborators Lynn Novick and Sarah Botstein) and released last September. Coming from Burns, that’s a mouthful, considering he is perhaps the most celebrated documentarian of our time and the foremost chronicler of the American experience. He’s a filmmaker who is responsible for many of the most treasured nonfiction series and biographies ever put to film, among them “The Civil War,” “Baseball,” “Jazz,” “Jackie Robinson” and “The Vietnam War.” A two-time Oscar nominee and five-time Emmy winner, Burns is without peer on the documentary production stage. And he is as proud of “U.S. and the Holocaust” as anything he’s ever done in his four-decade filmmaking career. Watch the exclusive video interview above.
What Burns – a...
What Burns – a...
- 5/2/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
“I’m Jewish, and I thought I knew a fair amount about this topic, and it was revelatory to find out how much I didn’t know, especially about the American side of the story,” admits Lynn Novick, the co-producer and co-director (along with Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein) of the powerful three-part PBS documentary film “The U.S. and the Holocaust.” What Novick and the filmmakers discovered in their deep and impeccable research was that the long-held assumption that Americans helped save the world from Nazism and totalitarianism and were in fact liberators is true only up to a point. During the late 1930s and ’40s, the United States was as guilty of turning its back on Jewish refugees and their brethren being slaughtered by the millions in Europe during Hitler’s industrial-scale program of extermination. Watch the exclusive video interview above.
“I had this idea going in that for Americans,...
“I had this idea going in that for Americans,...
- 4/25/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
The Television Academy is honoring actor, director, and activist Sean Penn with the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, which will be bestowed on him at the Hall of Fame event on Wednesday, November 16, at the TV Academy’s Saban Media Center. In addition, six television figures will be inducted into the 26th Hall of Fame: documentarian Ken Burns, entertainer Rita Moreno, choreographer and actress Debbie Allen, CBS executive Bob Daly, BET founder Robert L. Johnson, and cinematographer Donald A. Morgan. The Academy is also set to unveil four new busts of previous inductees in the Hall of Fame sculpture garden, including Shonda Rhimes, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Joan Rivers, and Katie Couric. “These legendary performers, creators, craftspeople and television executives are luminaries in our industry,” said the TV Academy chairman and CEO, Frank Scherma (via Variety). “Their work has influenced and immeasurably elevated the current television landscape and culture. We are proud to...
- 10/26/2022
- TV Insider
Click here to read the full article.
Sean Penn has a date with the Television Academy on Nov. 16.
The actor, filmmaker and founder of Community Organized Relief Effort (Core) will be feted with a Bob Hope Humanitarian Award at the organization’s Hall of Fame event. Held at TV Academy headquarters at the Saban Media Center in North Hollywood, the event serves as the induction ceremony for new members into the Hall of Fame.
This year, six new members will take a turn in the spotlight, including Debbie Allen, Ken Burns, Bob Daly, Robert L. Johnson, Rita Moreno and Donald A. Morgan. The Hall of Fame honors small-screen legends “who have made outstanding contributions in the arts, sciences or management of television over a lifetime career or via singular achievements.”
Debbie Allen, Ken Burns, Bob Daly, Robert L. Johnson, Rita Moreno and Donald A. Morgan
As for Penn, he’s...
Sean Penn has a date with the Television Academy on Nov. 16.
The actor, filmmaker and founder of Community Organized Relief Effort (Core) will be feted with a Bob Hope Humanitarian Award at the organization’s Hall of Fame event. Held at TV Academy headquarters at the Saban Media Center in North Hollywood, the event serves as the induction ceremony for new members into the Hall of Fame.
This year, six new members will take a turn in the spotlight, including Debbie Allen, Ken Burns, Bob Daly, Robert L. Johnson, Rita Moreno and Donald A. Morgan. The Hall of Fame honors small-screen legends “who have made outstanding contributions in the arts, sciences or management of television over a lifetime career or via singular achievements.”
Debbie Allen, Ken Burns, Bob Daly, Robert L. Johnson, Rita Moreno and Donald A. Morgan
As for Penn, he’s...
- 10/26/2022
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Television Academy announced that it will honor actor, director and activist Sean Penn with the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award. Additionally, six television figures will be inducted into the Academy’s 26th Hall of Fame: Ken Burns, Debbie Allen, Bob Daly, Robert L. Johnson, Rita Moreno and Donald A. Morgan, A.S.C.
The Hall of Fame event will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at the TV Academy’s Saban Media Center. Along with the 2022 Hall of Fame induction and the presentation of the Bob Hope Award, the Academy will unveil four new busts of previous inductees in the Hall of Fame sculpture garden, including Shonda Rhimes, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Joan Rivers and Katie Couric.
“These legendary performers, creators, craftspeople and television executives are luminaries in our industry. Their work has influenced and immeasurably elevated the current television landscape and culture,” said Frank Scherma, chairman and CEO of the Television Academy.
The Hall of Fame event will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at the TV Academy’s Saban Media Center. Along with the 2022 Hall of Fame induction and the presentation of the Bob Hope Award, the Academy will unveil four new busts of previous inductees in the Hall of Fame sculpture garden, including Shonda Rhimes, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Joan Rivers and Katie Couric.
“These legendary performers, creators, craftspeople and television executives are luminaries in our industry. Their work has influenced and immeasurably elevated the current television landscape and culture,” said Frank Scherma, chairman and CEO of the Television Academy.
- 10/25/2022
- by EJ Panaligan
- Variety Film + TV
The Television Academy said Tuesday that it will honor Sean Penn with the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award and induct six new members into its Hall of Fame in November.
The six Hall of Fame honorees are Debbie Allen, the six-time Emmy-winning director/choreographer; Ken Burns, the 16-time Emmy winner and documentarian; Bob Daly, the former chairman of Warner Bros; Robert L. Johnson, the founder of BET; Rita Moreno, actress and Egot winner; and Donald A. Morgan, an 11-time Emmy winner and director of photography and lighting design.
The induction ceremony, where Penn will also receive his award, is set for Wednesday, November 16 at the Academy’s Saban Media Center in North Hollywood.
“These legendary performers, creators, craftspeople and television executives are luminaries in our industry. Their work has influenced and immeasurably elevated the current television landscape and culture,” said Frank Scherma, chairman and CEO of the Television Academy. “We are...
The six Hall of Fame honorees are Debbie Allen, the six-time Emmy-winning director/choreographer; Ken Burns, the 16-time Emmy winner and documentarian; Bob Daly, the former chairman of Warner Bros; Robert L. Johnson, the founder of BET; Rita Moreno, actress and Egot winner; and Donald A. Morgan, an 11-time Emmy winner and director of photography and lighting design.
The induction ceremony, where Penn will also receive his award, is set for Wednesday, November 16 at the Academy’s Saban Media Center in North Hollywood.
“These legendary performers, creators, craftspeople and television executives are luminaries in our industry. Their work has influenced and immeasurably elevated the current television landscape and culture,” said Frank Scherma, chairman and CEO of the Television Academy. “We are...
- 10/25/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Six television legends will be inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame on November 16. Those chosen for the 26th ceremony are: Debbie Allen, Ken Burns, Bob Daly, Robert L. Johnson, Rita Moreno and Donald A. Morgan. In addition, actor Sean Penn will receive the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award. The event will be held in North Hollywood at the Saban Media Center.
The Hall of Fame event will take place Wednesday, Nov. 16, at the Television Academy’s Saban Media Center and includes the unveiling of new busts of previous inductees, the induction of the 2022 Hall of Fame recipients, and the presentation of the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award.
Seetv Hall of Fame: Top 50 best choices who should be inducted next
The first induction was held in 1984 and it’s been an annual tradition almost every year. That class of legends consisted of actress/executive Lucille Ball, actor/comedian Milton Berle, writer Paddy Chayefsky,...
The Hall of Fame event will take place Wednesday, Nov. 16, at the Television Academy’s Saban Media Center and includes the unveiling of new busts of previous inductees, the induction of the 2022 Hall of Fame recipients, and the presentation of the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award.
Seetv Hall of Fame: Top 50 best choices who should be inducted next
The first induction was held in 1984 and it’s been an annual tradition almost every year. That class of legends consisted of actress/executive Lucille Ball, actor/comedian Milton Berle, writer Paddy Chayefsky,...
- 10/25/2022
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Samuel Di Piazza Jr. will serve as the chairman of Warner Bros. Discovery following the close of the deal to combine the two media companies, AT&T announced.
Di Piazza, previously global CEO of PricewaterhouseCoopers from 2002 until his retirement in 2009, spent 36 years working at PwC. He was among the seven board members of the combined WarnerMedia-Discovery that AT&T announced Tuesday. The Warner Bros. Discovery board of directors initially will comprise 13 members, seven appointed by AT&T and six by Discovery.
Following the approval of the Discovery-WarnerMedia merger by Discovery shareholders last week, the $43 billion deal is expected to close early in the second quarter.
The seven directors appointed by AT&T are: Dipiazza; Li Haslett Chen, founder and CEO of commerce and payments platform Narrativ; Richard Fisher, senior adviser to Barclays and former president/CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas; Debra Lee, previously chair and CEO of BET Networks; Fazal Merchant,...
Di Piazza, previously global CEO of PricewaterhouseCoopers from 2002 until his retirement in 2009, spent 36 years working at PwC. He was among the seven board members of the combined WarnerMedia-Discovery that AT&T announced Tuesday. The Warner Bros. Discovery board of directors initially will comprise 13 members, seven appointed by AT&T and six by Discovery.
Following the approval of the Discovery-WarnerMedia merger by Discovery shareholders last week, the $43 billion deal is expected to close early in the second quarter.
The seven directors appointed by AT&T are: Dipiazza; Li Haslett Chen, founder and CEO of commerce and payments platform Narrativ; Richard Fisher, senior adviser to Barclays and former president/CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas; Debra Lee, previously chair and CEO of BET Networks; Fazal Merchant,...
- 3/15/2022
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
AMC Networks is in the midst of rebranding Umc, or Urban Movie Network, the SVOD service founded by BET founder Robert L. Johnson in February of 2015. Now titled Allblk, the streaming platform features “urban-themed” series and movies, including the channel’s library of live stand-up performances by Kevin Hart, Jamie Foxx and Charlie Murphy, as well documentary films, reality series and stage plays. A direct competitor to the more recognizable BET+, chief content officer Brett Dismuke is hoping a new slate of original programming will help position Allblk as the “premiere streaming destination for black creators and storytellers.”
Speaking to the virtual Ctam Winter 2021 Press Tour on Thursday, Dismuke said he hoped a renewed industry support for Black creatives and stories would usher in renewed excitement for Allblk. “While we’ve updated our brand, what remains unwavering is our commitment to representation and identifying new and emerging talent both in...
Speaking to the virtual Ctam Winter 2021 Press Tour on Thursday, Dismuke said he hoped a renewed industry support for Black creatives and stories would usher in renewed excitement for Allblk. “While we’ve updated our brand, what remains unwavering is our commitment to representation and identifying new and emerging talent both in...
- 2/18/2021
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Less than two weeks after unveiling its ambitious Discovery+ direct-to-consumer play to investors, Discovery Inc said Monday that it has appointed BET founder Robert L. Johnson to its board of directors. The move is effective January 1.
The company said today that S. Decker Anstrom, who has served on the board since 2012 as a preferred stock director, will step down effective at year’s end. Susan M. Swain, a current common stock director on the board, will assume Anstrom’s role as a preferred stock director.
Johnson will serve as a Class I common stock director with Swain’s move. His initial term as an independent director will expire at the company’s 2021 annual meeting of stockholders, according to Discovery’s 8-K filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Johnson was the founder and chairman of Black Entertainment Television, launching it in 1979. The media entrepreneur is the founder of The Rlj Companies,...
The company said today that S. Decker Anstrom, who has served on the board since 2012 as a preferred stock director, will step down effective at year’s end. Susan M. Swain, a current common stock director on the board, will assume Anstrom’s role as a preferred stock director.
Johnson will serve as a Class I common stock director with Swain’s move. His initial term as an independent director will expire at the company’s 2021 annual meeting of stockholders, according to Discovery’s 8-K filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Johnson was the founder and chairman of Black Entertainment Television, launching it in 1979. The media entrepreneur is the founder of The Rlj Companies,...
- 12/15/2020
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s TV news roundup, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” introduces a Season 13 twist, and Karamo Brown, Tony Hawk and Leslie Jones are set to compete on “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.”
Casting
Contestants announced for “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” will include Karamo Brown, Yvette Nicole Brown, Nicole Byer, Drew Carey, Rachael Leigh Cook, Jennie Garth, Chris Harrison, Teri Hatcher, Tony Hawk, Robert Herjavec, Leslie Jones, Jeannie Mai, Joel McHale, Maria Menounos, Chrissy Metz, Kevin Nealon, Patton Oswalt, Paul Reubens, Alfonso Ribeiro, Rob Riggle, Sherri Shepherd, Joe Tessitore, Chandra Wilson and Constance Zimmer. Premiering Jan. 7 at 8 p.m. on ABC, the series will feature a spin on the typical “Wheel of Fortune” style by pitting celebrities against each other. Watch the announcement video shared by ABC below.
Dates
USA Network announced premiere dates for three of its shows, giving “Straight Up Steve Austin” a Season 2 premiere of Jan. 11 at 11 p.m., and setting a Jan.
Casting
Contestants announced for “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” will include Karamo Brown, Yvette Nicole Brown, Nicole Byer, Drew Carey, Rachael Leigh Cook, Jennie Garth, Chris Harrison, Teri Hatcher, Tony Hawk, Robert Herjavec, Leslie Jones, Jeannie Mai, Joel McHale, Maria Menounos, Chrissy Metz, Kevin Nealon, Patton Oswalt, Paul Reubens, Alfonso Ribeiro, Rob Riggle, Sherri Shepherd, Joe Tessitore, Chandra Wilson and Constance Zimmer. Premiering Jan. 7 at 8 p.m. on ABC, the series will feature a spin on the typical “Wheel of Fortune” style by pitting celebrities against each other. Watch the announcement video shared by ABC below.
Dates
USA Network announced premiere dates for three of its shows, giving “Straight Up Steve Austin” a Season 2 premiere of Jan. 11 at 11 p.m., and setting a Jan.
- 12/15/2020
- by Eli Countryman
- Variety Film + TV
Umc, the AMC Networks-owned streaming service focused exclusively on Black television and film that was created by BET founder Robert L. Johnson, will be rebranded Allblk in January 2021 with a new look and feel.
Johnson’s Rlj Entertainment launched Umc (Urban Movie Channel) in November 2014. The service became part of AMC Networks two years ago with the cable programmer’s acquisition of Rlj Entertainment.
Heading into 2021, Allblk is ramping up production on a slate of original series, including previously announced multi-cam comedy “Millennials”; Mc Lyte sitcom “Partners in Rhyme”; legal drama “Lace”; haircare makeover series “My Mane Problem”; and the Datari Turner/eOne reality series “Notorious Queens.” In addition, the Allblk content lineup will feature the continuation of original series “Double Cross,” “A House Divided” and Craig Ross Jr.’s “Monogamy”; We tv co-production “Beyond the Pole”; and recent releases “A Closer Look,” “For the Love of Jason” and “Terror Lake Drive.
Johnson’s Rlj Entertainment launched Umc (Urban Movie Channel) in November 2014. The service became part of AMC Networks two years ago with the cable programmer’s acquisition of Rlj Entertainment.
Heading into 2021, Allblk is ramping up production on a slate of original series, including previously announced multi-cam comedy “Millennials”; Mc Lyte sitcom “Partners in Rhyme”; legal drama “Lace”; haircare makeover series “My Mane Problem”; and the Datari Turner/eOne reality series “Notorious Queens.” In addition, the Allblk content lineup will feature the continuation of original series “Double Cross,” “A House Divided” and Craig Ross Jr.’s “Monogamy”; We tv co-production “Beyond the Pole”; and recent releases “A Closer Look,” “For the Love of Jason” and “Terror Lake Drive.
- 12/8/2020
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Umc, the AMC Networks-owned streaming service focused on Black TV and film, will rebrand as Allblk in January.
The new name and look comes on the heels of a corporate realignment of the service. Last week, AMC Networks shifted it under the aegis of Gm Brett Dismuke along with linear network We tv.
Robert L. Johnson, the businessman known for founding BET, created Umc (short for Urban Movie Channel) in 2014. Johnson’s Rlj Entertainment, which also had streaming assets like Acorn TV, was acquired by AMC Networks in 2018.
“Umc began as a distribution model for Black creatives to directly reach the then largely underserved African-American audience without the restrictions of legacy content development and traditional broadcast models,” Johnson said in a statement. “As technology advances and programming demands from our community evolve, the rebranded Allblk will be well positioned to breakout as the preeminent streaming destination for viewers seeking Black entertainment.
The new name and look comes on the heels of a corporate realignment of the service. Last week, AMC Networks shifted it under the aegis of Gm Brett Dismuke along with linear network We tv.
Robert L. Johnson, the businessman known for founding BET, created Umc (short for Urban Movie Channel) in 2014. Johnson’s Rlj Entertainment, which also had streaming assets like Acorn TV, was acquired by AMC Networks in 2018.
“Umc began as a distribution model for Black creatives to directly reach the then largely underserved African-American audience without the restrictions of legacy content development and traditional broadcast models,” Johnson said in a statement. “As technology advances and programming demands from our community evolve, the rebranded Allblk will be well positioned to breakout as the preeminent streaming destination for viewers seeking Black entertainment.
- 12/8/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
AMC is rebranding Umc, its streaming service devoted to Black television and film programming.
Beginning in January, Umc will become Allblk as it ramps up production on a slate of new originals, including multi-cam comedy Millennials and legal drama Lace.
Umc launched in 2014 under BET founder Robert L. Johnson’s Rlj Entertainment as a home for programming focused on African American audiences. It was moved under the AMC Networks corporate umbrella after the entertainment company’s acquisition of Rlj in 2018. “Umc began as a distribution model for Black creatives to directly reach the then largely underserved African American audience ...
Beginning in January, Umc will become Allblk as it ramps up production on a slate of new originals, including multi-cam comedy Millennials and legal drama Lace.
Umc launched in 2014 under BET founder Robert L. Johnson’s Rlj Entertainment as a home for programming focused on African American audiences. It was moved under the AMC Networks corporate umbrella after the entertainment company’s acquisition of Rlj in 2018. “Umc began as a distribution model for Black creatives to directly reach the then largely underserved African American audience ...
- 12/8/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
AMC is rebranding Umc, its streaming service devoted to Black television and film programming.
Beginning in January, Umc will become Allblk as it ramps up production on a slate of new originals, including multi-cam comedy Millennials and legal drama Lace.
Umc launched in 2014 under BET founder Robert L. Johnson’s Rlj Entertainment as a home for programming focused on African American audiences. It was moved under the AMC Networks corporate umbrella after the entertainment company’s acquisition of Rlj in 2018. “Umc began as a distribution model for Black creatives to directly reach the then largely underserved African American audience ...
Beginning in January, Umc will become Allblk as it ramps up production on a slate of new originals, including multi-cam comedy Millennials and legal drama Lace.
Umc launched in 2014 under BET founder Robert L. Johnson’s Rlj Entertainment as a home for programming focused on African American audiences. It was moved under the AMC Networks corporate umbrella after the entertainment company’s acquisition of Rlj in 2018. “Umc began as a distribution model for Black creatives to directly reach the then largely underserved African American audience ...
- 12/8/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
AMC Networks has realigned its Umc streaming service and We tv network under a shared leadership team headed by Brett Dismuke.
The executive, who became head of content for Umc in 2019, will now be general manager of the service as well as We tv, reporting to Miguel Penella, president of SVOD for AMC Networks. Penella, in turn, reports to company COO Ed Carroll.
Sylvia George, the former Gm of Umc, is moving to a new role within the marketing organization of AMC Networks, heading performance marketing for the company’s portfolio of niche streaming services. George had led Umc as Gm since 2018, after previously serving as chief marketing officer. She joined Acorn Media as a marketing manager in 1999 and served in a variety of marketing and sales roles.
AMC Networks acquired Rlj Entertainment, parent of Umc and Acorn in 2018. As it looks to restructure its operations to emphasize streaming, AMC...
The executive, who became head of content for Umc in 2019, will now be general manager of the service as well as We tv, reporting to Miguel Penella, president of SVOD for AMC Networks. Penella, in turn, reports to company COO Ed Carroll.
Sylvia George, the former Gm of Umc, is moving to a new role within the marketing organization of AMC Networks, heading performance marketing for the company’s portfolio of niche streaming services. George had led Umc as Gm since 2018, after previously serving as chief marketing officer. She joined Acorn Media as a marketing manager in 1999 and served in a variety of marketing and sales roles.
AMC Networks acquired Rlj Entertainment, parent of Umc and Acorn in 2018. As it looks to restructure its operations to emphasize streaming, AMC...
- 12/4/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
The organizers of the 20th annual BET Awards know all too well that 2020 is both different from past years and, sadly, not different enough — and the show kicked off on Sunday night in fiery fashion with a song that sums up both 31 years ago and now: an incendiary new version of Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” that featured new verses from Nas, Yg, the Roots’ Black Thought, Rapsody joining Chuck D and Flava Flav’s classic original lines, accompanied by guest DJ Questlove. The video featured both the performers, footage from the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial in Washington DC, references to Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing” (which the original version of “Fight the Power” soundtracked), and vivid footage from recent protest marches all across the country.
It was a powerful start to a powerful show: Nas’ lyric addressed both the current political and paid tribute to Public Enemy:
“Yo Chuck,...
It was a powerful start to a powerful show: Nas’ lyric addressed both the current political and paid tribute to Public Enemy:
“Yo Chuck,...
- 6/29/2020
- by Jem Aswad
- Variety Film + TV
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter will be honored with the Humanitarian Award at Sunday’s 20th Annual BET Awards, the network said today. The show also will pay tribute to NBC star Kobe Bryant and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Little Richard. Lil’ Wayne will pay tribute to Bryant and Wayne Brady will honor Little Richard. The BET Awards airs Sunday from 8-11 p.m. Et/Pt on BET and CBS.
Beyoncé will be honored for her 2017 BeyGOOD initiative’ Formation Scholars scholarship program for young women “who are unafraid to think outside the box.” That year, she partnered with Unicef to create ‘BeyGood4Burundi, a multi-year partnership to bring safe water and sanitation to the small, landlocked East African country of Burundi. In 2018 she created the Homecoming Scholars Award Program, following her historic performance at Coachella, which benefited students at eight Hbcu colleges and universities.
In response to the pandemic, Beyoncé teamed up with her mother,...
Beyoncé will be honored for her 2017 BeyGOOD initiative’ Formation Scholars scholarship program for young women “who are unafraid to think outside the box.” That year, she partnered with Unicef to create ‘BeyGood4Burundi, a multi-year partnership to bring safe water and sanitation to the small, landlocked East African country of Burundi. In 2018 she created the Homecoming Scholars Award Program, following her historic performance at Coachella, which benefited students at eight Hbcu colleges and universities.
In response to the pandemic, Beyoncé teamed up with her mother,...
- 6/25/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
The BET Awards have announced several new additions to the show’s lineup, including tributes to NBA great Kobe Bryant and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Little Richard and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter receiving the Humanitarian Award. Lil’ Wayne will pay tribute to Bryant and Wayne Brady will honor Little Richard. The show airs Sunday from 8-11 p.m. Et/Pt on BET and CBS.
Beyonce will be honored for her BeyGOOD initiative, Beyoncé established “Formation Scholars,” to encourage and support young women in four colleges. That year, she partnered with Unicef to create “BeyGood4Burundi,” a multi-year partnership to bring safe water and sanitation to the small, landlocked East African country of Burundi. In 2018 she created the Homecoming Scholars Award Program, following her historic performance at Coachella, which benefited students at eight Hbcu colleges and universities.
And recently, in response to the pandemic, Beyoncé teamed up with her mother, Ms.
Beyonce will be honored for her BeyGOOD initiative, Beyoncé established “Formation Scholars,” to encourage and support young women in four colleges. That year, she partnered with Unicef to create “BeyGood4Burundi,” a multi-year partnership to bring safe water and sanitation to the small, landlocked East African country of Burundi. In 2018 she created the Homecoming Scholars Award Program, following her historic performance at Coachella, which benefited students at eight Hbcu colleges and universities.
And recently, in response to the pandemic, Beyoncé teamed up with her mother, Ms.
- 6/25/2020
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
Long before what is now referred to as the streaming wars began, Robert L. Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television (Bet) and Chairman of Rlj Entertainment, announced Umc — Urban Movie Channel, Rlj’s proprietary streaming network. Officially launched in February 2015 featuring “urban-themed” series and movies, the service, which is now known only as Umc, is part of a suite of channels and streamers owned by AMC Networks, after the media company acquired Rlj in late 2018.
A direct competitor to the more recognized brand in Bet+, which launched just last fall, Umc might be smaller in comparison, but it’s a characteristic that makes them much more flexible and far less averse to taking risks, especially when it comes to programming decisions. Additionally, having a five-year head start has allowed them the time to work through kinks that typically come with being a pioneer, which arguably gives them a leg-up when...
A direct competitor to the more recognized brand in Bet+, which launched just last fall, Umc might be smaller in comparison, but it’s a characteristic that makes them much more flexible and far less averse to taking risks, especially when it comes to programming decisions. Additionally, having a five-year head start has allowed them the time to work through kinks that typically come with being a pioneer, which arguably gives them a leg-up when...
- 3/12/2020
- by Tambay Obenson
- Indiewire
AMC Networks has named Rlj Entertainment head Miguel Penella to the new role of President, Global Direct-to-Consumer. He will continue to run Rlje, the parent of Acorn TV and Umc in which AMC acquired a majority stake last year.
In his new position, Penella will oversee a portfolio that includes Shudder and Sundance Now as well as Acorn and Umc (Urban Movie Channel). The company’s AMC Premiere service is technically not classified as direct-to-consumer since it requires a pay-tv subscription.
Like many content-centric owners of cable networks, AMC Networks is pushing to diversify its revenue streams and lessen its dependence on traditional pay-tv carriage as the TV bundle is reconfigured.
“Miguel is perfectly qualified to take on this new assignment, consistent with his role as president of Rlj Entertainment. His leadership will continue to prove the benefit of the strategic combination of Rlj Entertainment and AMC Networks,” Rlj founder...
In his new position, Penella will oversee a portfolio that includes Shudder and Sundance Now as well as Acorn and Umc (Urban Movie Channel). The company’s AMC Premiere service is technically not classified as direct-to-consumer since it requires a pay-tv subscription.
Like many content-centric owners of cable networks, AMC Networks is pushing to diversify its revenue streams and lessen its dependence on traditional pay-tv carriage as the TV bundle is reconfigured.
“Miguel is perfectly qualified to take on this new assignment, consistent with his role as president of Rlj Entertainment. His leadership will continue to prove the benefit of the strategic combination of Rlj Entertainment and AMC Networks,” Rlj founder...
- 4/5/2019
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
After buying MGM in 1986, legendary media mogul Ted Turner marveled that go-go media moguls are celebrated for being so rich, while their bankers constantly remind them that they owe a fortune.
“That’s exactly right,” chuckles Byron Allen of the parallels to his company Entertainment Studios, founded 25 years ago as Cf Entertainment. “And Ted’s one of my heroes.”
The standup comic-turned-Hollywood entrepreneur has built his privately owned company into a sizable entertainment enterprise with 650 employees. His burgeoning empire spans basic cable TV networks, over-the-top video streaming channels, motion pictures, TV production/syndication and digital media.
Two events in the past year provided transformative leaps: Allen acquired basic cable network the Weather Channel in March for a reported $300 million, and then lined up a $500 million credit line in September that can fuel more expansion. It is estimated that adding the Weather Channel lifted Entertainment Studios — solely owned by Allen — to about $600 million in annualized revenue.
“That’s exactly right,” chuckles Byron Allen of the parallels to his company Entertainment Studios, founded 25 years ago as Cf Entertainment. “And Ted’s one of my heroes.”
The standup comic-turned-Hollywood entrepreneur has built his privately owned company into a sizable entertainment enterprise with 650 employees. His burgeoning empire spans basic cable TV networks, over-the-top video streaming channels, motion pictures, TV production/syndication and digital media.
Two events in the past year provided transformative leaps: Allen acquired basic cable network the Weather Channel in March for a reported $300 million, and then lined up a $500 million credit line in September that can fuel more expansion. It is estimated that adding the Weather Channel lifted Entertainment Studios — solely owned by Allen — to about $600 million in annualized revenue.
- 1/25/2019
- by Robert Marich
- Variety Film + TV
AMC Networks beat Wall Street’s estimates for third-quarter earnings and revenue, and pointed to its acquisition of Rlj Entertainment as a sign of the content company’s expansion into direct-to-consumer streaming.
Earnings per share for the period ending Sept. 30 increased 43% over the same quarter a year ago, coming in at $1.93 on a diluted basis and $2.15 on an adjusted basis. The consensus among analysts was for $1.80 a share.
Revenue gained 7.5% to $697 million, topping estimates for $694.3 million.
On October 31, the company noted, it closed on its planned deal for full ownership of Rlj, paying $59 million for the remainder of the shares it did not previously control. Rlj, founded by media entrepreneur Robert L. Johnson, operates streaming services Acorn TV and Umc, which reach 1 million subscribers. “This acquisition represents a major step forward for AMC Networks as we further diversify our business through direct-to-consumer offerings that we own and control, and through...
Earnings per share for the period ending Sept. 30 increased 43% over the same quarter a year ago, coming in at $1.93 on a diluted basis and $2.15 on an adjusted basis. The consensus among analysts was for $1.80 a share.
Revenue gained 7.5% to $697 million, topping estimates for $694.3 million.
On October 31, the company noted, it closed on its planned deal for full ownership of Rlj, paying $59 million for the remainder of the shares it did not previously control. Rlj, founded by media entrepreneur Robert L. Johnson, operates streaming services Acorn TV and Umc, which reach 1 million subscribers. “This acquisition represents a major step forward for AMC Networks as we further diversify our business through direct-to-consumer offerings that we own and control, and through...
- 11/1/2018
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
AMC Networks said second-quarter profit rose 3% as the owner of cable networks like AMC and IFC narrowed operating losses at its international operations.
The New York company said net income came to $106 million, or $1.82 a share, compared with $103 million, or $1.54, in the year-earlier period. Revenue, meanwhile rose 7.2% to $761.3 million from $710.5 million.
Operating income rose 9%, owing in part to a decrease of 63.7% in operating loss at the company’s international operations. Operating income at the company’s U.S. networks fell by 0.8%.
In prepared comments, AMC Networks CEO Josh Sapan said the company was eager to increase “our interests in ad-free direct-to-consumer businesses that we own and
control,”as well as through owning more of its content.
Earlier this week, AMC completed an agreement to purchase Rlj Entertainment, Robert L. Johnson’s over-the-top video company, under which it will pay $65 million in cash for shares the cable programmer didn’t already own.
The New York company said net income came to $106 million, or $1.82 a share, compared with $103 million, or $1.54, in the year-earlier period. Revenue, meanwhile rose 7.2% to $761.3 million from $710.5 million.
Operating income rose 9%, owing in part to a decrease of 63.7% in operating loss at the company’s international operations. Operating income at the company’s U.S. networks fell by 0.8%.
In prepared comments, AMC Networks CEO Josh Sapan said the company was eager to increase “our interests in ad-free direct-to-consumer businesses that we own and
control,”as well as through owning more of its content.
Earlier this week, AMC completed an agreement to purchase Rlj Entertainment, Robert L. Johnson’s over-the-top video company, under which it will pay $65 million in cash for shares the cable programmer didn’t already own.
- 8/2/2018
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
AMC Networks has reached a definitive agreement to purchase Rlj Entertainment, Robert L. Johnson’s over-the-top video company, under which it will pay $65 million in cash for shares the cable programmer didn’t already own.
AMC had previously announced plans to acquire Rlj Entertainment in February 2018. Rlj operates two internet video subscription services: Acorn TV, which features British television and film content, and Umc (Urban Movie Channel). AMC’s agreement to acquire Rlj for $6.25 per share announced Monday is 47% a premium over its $4.25 per share offer in February.
The total enterprise deal of the value is approximately $274 million, according to the companies. Upon completion of the merger, Rlj Entertainment will become an indirect subsidiary of AMC Networks, with Johnson and his affiliates owning a 17% stake.
Josh Sapan, president and CEO of AMC Networks said in announcing the deal, “Bob Johnson is a legend for good reasons that we are the beneficiaries of.
AMC had previously announced plans to acquire Rlj Entertainment in February 2018. Rlj operates two internet video subscription services: Acorn TV, which features British television and film content, and Umc (Urban Movie Channel). AMC’s agreement to acquire Rlj for $6.25 per share announced Monday is 47% a premium over its $4.25 per share offer in February.
The total enterprise deal of the value is approximately $274 million, according to the companies. Upon completion of the merger, Rlj Entertainment will become an indirect subsidiary of AMC Networks, with Johnson and his affiliates owning a 17% stake.
Josh Sapan, president and CEO of AMC Networks said in announcing the deal, “Bob Johnson is a legend for good reasons that we are the beneficiaries of.
- 7/30/2018
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
AMC Networks is paying $274 million to acquire Rlj Entertainment after buying a stake in the media company in February.
Rlj, which was built by notable media figure Robert L. Johnson, controls assets like subscription streaming services Acorn TV and Urban Movie Channel. Together, the two SVODs have racked up 800,000 subscribers, up 45% over the past year.
“Bob Johnson is a legend for good reasons that we are the beneficiaries of,” said Josh Sapan, CEO of AMC Networks. “His management team is extraordinary, having successfully transitioned Acorn TV from a home video and DVD business to a leading direct-to-consumer subscription service, and growing both Acorn TV and Umc in a competitive environment, by offering excellent, sought-after content and creating strong brands.”
Rlj also has a majority stake in the Agatha Christie library, which will offer opportunities to AMC’s portfolio of networks. Fox recently made a profitable film remake of Murder on the Orient Express,...
Rlj, which was built by notable media figure Robert L. Johnson, controls assets like subscription streaming services Acorn TV and Urban Movie Channel. Together, the two SVODs have racked up 800,000 subscribers, up 45% over the past year.
“Bob Johnson is a legend for good reasons that we are the beneficiaries of,” said Josh Sapan, CEO of AMC Networks. “His management team is extraordinary, having successfully transitioned Acorn TV from a home video and DVD business to a leading direct-to-consumer subscription service, and growing both Acorn TV and Umc in a competitive environment, by offering excellent, sought-after content and creating strong brands.”
Rlj also has a majority stake in the Agatha Christie library, which will offer opportunities to AMC’s portfolio of networks. Fox recently made a profitable film remake of Murder on the Orient Express,...
- 7/30/2018
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Rlj channels include Acorn TV and Umc.
Cable operator AMC Networks has put in a $16m offer to acquire full control of Rlj Entertainment.
The move to buy outstanding shares of Robert L. Johnson’s company comes 16 months after AMC Networks invested $65m in the form of loans (which have since grown to an aggregate of $78m) as part of a strategic partnership.
AMC and Johnson currently own approximately 26% and 47% of the outstanding shares of Rlj Entertainment common stock, respectively.
The proposal involves paying $4.25 per share in cash, with the goal of turning Rlj Entertainment into a privately held subsidiary.
AMC Networks said, ”AMC Networks has advised Rlj Entertainment that it is only interested in acquiring the shares of Rlj Entertainment not owned by AMC Networks or entities affiliated with Mr. Johnson, and has no interest in disposing of its stake in Rlj Entertainment or participating in any other strategic process.”
Rlj Entertainment’s Ott branded...
Cable operator AMC Networks has put in a $16m offer to acquire full control of Rlj Entertainment.
The move to buy outstanding shares of Robert L. Johnson’s company comes 16 months after AMC Networks invested $65m in the form of loans (which have since grown to an aggregate of $78m) as part of a strategic partnership.
AMC and Johnson currently own approximately 26% and 47% of the outstanding shares of Rlj Entertainment common stock, respectively.
The proposal involves paying $4.25 per share in cash, with the goal of turning Rlj Entertainment into a privately held subsidiary.
AMC Networks said, ”AMC Networks has advised Rlj Entertainment that it is only interested in acquiring the shares of Rlj Entertainment not owned by AMC Networks or entities affiliated with Mr. Johnson, and has no interest in disposing of its stake in Rlj Entertainment or participating in any other strategic process.”
Rlj Entertainment’s Ott branded...
- 2/26/2018
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Rlj channels include Acorn TV and Umc.
Cable operator AMC Networks has put in a $16m offer to acquire full control of Rlj Entertainment.
The move to buy outstanding shares of Robert L. Johnson’s company comes 16 months after AMC Networks invested $65m in the form of loans (which have since grown to an aggregate of $78m) as part of a strategic partnership.
AMC and Johnson currently own approximately 26% and 47% of the outstanding shares of Rlj Entertainment common stock, respectively.
The proposal involves paying $4.25 per share in cash, with the goal of turning Rlj Entertainment into a privately held subsidiary.
AMC Networks said, ”AMC Networks has advised Rlj Entertainment that it is only interested in acquiring the shares of Rlj Entertainment not owned by AMC Networks or entities affiliated with Mr. Johnson, and has no interest in disposing of its stake in Rlj Entertainment or participating in any other strategic process.”
Rlj Entertainment’s Ott branded...
Cable operator AMC Networks has put in a $16m offer to acquire full control of Rlj Entertainment.
The move to buy outstanding shares of Robert L. Johnson’s company comes 16 months after AMC Networks invested $65m in the form of loans (which have since grown to an aggregate of $78m) as part of a strategic partnership.
AMC and Johnson currently own approximately 26% and 47% of the outstanding shares of Rlj Entertainment common stock, respectively.
The proposal involves paying $4.25 per share in cash, with the goal of turning Rlj Entertainment into a privately held subsidiary.
AMC Networks said, ”AMC Networks has advised Rlj Entertainment that it is only interested in acquiring the shares of Rlj Entertainment not owned by AMC Networks or entities affiliated with Mr. Johnson, and has no interest in disposing of its stake in Rlj Entertainment or participating in any other strategic process.”
Rlj Entertainment’s Ott branded...
- 2/26/2018
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
A little more than a year after offering a loan that stabilized Rlj Entertainment, AMC Networks is making a $16 million offer for full control of the company behind streaming service Acorn TV and the Urban Movie Channel. The cable programmer, which owns AMC as well as channels including SundanceTV and IFC and Svod service Shudder, already owns 26% of Rlj, and founder Robert L. Johnson has 47%. Its latest proposal is to pay $4.25 a share to acquire the 27% of Rlj shares…...
- 2/26/2018
- Deadline TV
A little more than a year after offering a loan that stabilized Rlj Entertainment, AMC Networks is making a $16 million offer for full control of the company behind streaming service Acorn TV and the Urban Movie Channel. The cable programmer, which owns AMC as well as channels including SundanceTV and IFC and Svod service Shudder, already owns 26% of Rlj, and founder Robert L. Johnson has 47%. Its latest proposal is to pay $4.25 a share to acquire the 27% of Rlj shares…...
- 2/26/2018
- Deadline
Joining Issa Rae are Deion Sanders, Aj Johnson, DeRay Davis, and Cheryl Jackson, all producing content for the newly-formed Alright TV - a faith/family-friendly YouTube channel created by Robert Johnson and Tracey E. Edmonds (who's running it), in an agreement with YouTube. News of this new channel was first announced in August; and now here's your list of original programs that will be broadcast via this new channel - programs created by the names above, via press release from Johnson's Rlj. Los Angeles, Feb. 13, 2013 -- Robert L. Johnson, Founder and Chairman of The Rlj Companies, and Tracey E. Edmonds, President and CEO of Alright TV, today announced the new...
- 2/13/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Bethesda, Md., Aug. 2, 2012 -- Robert L. Johnson, founder and chairman of The Rlj Companies (Rlj), today announced an agreement with YouTube to develop a new faith-friendly channel. Alright TV is a faith-friendly channel designed to appeal to the aspirational and inspirational goals of consumers of all ages with an emphasis on content that informs, entertains, and addresses personal and family-related issues in a secular and positive manner. The Rlj Companies is also the sponsor of Rlj Acquisition, Inc., a special purpose acquisition company that is in the process of completing a business combination of Image Entertainment, Inc. (Image) and Acorn Media Group (Acorn). Mr. Johnson...
- 8/7/2012
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
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