Hip-hop’s original mogul, Russell Simmons, has laid an impressive blueprint for others to follow throughout his decades-long career, planting flags of success in industries such as music, literature and fashion. Now, Simmons is setting his sights on the television industry, announcing that he plans to buy a television network.
“I am going to buy a TV network,” said Simmons during a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal.
According to the multiplatform mogul, Hollywood producers Brian Grazer and Ron Howard are already on board with his plans and with his network he hopes to imbue more diversity onto the small screen.
“[When mainstream networks] say diversity,” he said, “they mean segregation. ‘Let’s do some more black TV.’ Instead, there’s all these cultures that should be more integrated properly.”
Continuing to share his ideas for the network, Simmons explained that more popular minority celebrities, like current it-girl Amber Rose, should be provided a spotlight on TV.
“Instead of giving Paris Hilton a show, for example, you could do one with Amber Rose,” said Simmons. “You’d be better off. One is hot, the other is not. Networks are a little slow in how mainstream culture is shifting. There’s a lack of integration in Hollywood, and I want to address that.”
Simmons previously hinted at his new television scheme, last month, in an interview with the New York Post.
“Gatekeepers don’t understand. They think there’s still segregation. This is America now. That’s why I want to buy a TV network,” said Simmons. “I don’t want a black TV network. Eighty percent of the people who grew up on hip-hop are not African American. I’m dedicated to all the people who grew up on hip-hop. That’s the audience I want to serve.”
Though Simmons has yet to solidify his plans and confirm his new initiative, he assures that his plans will surely fall into place in the near future.
“Hopefully soon,” he said. “Now you’ve heard about it. It’s going to happen.” –nicholas robinson
