Coming soon to a television near you, the all new HBCU television network. Atlanta, the epicenter of black academia, is slated to house a new 24-hour 365 day college television network offering programming specifically designed for the African American student population.
Clinton Evans, a principal partner in the HBCU Network who helped spearhead the idea, says Atlanta was the natural choice for locating the station, as the area is home to more than 600,000 African American alumni. The region from southeastern Georgia to the Carolinas and the mid-Atlantic is an African American educational hub and contains the majority of HBCUs. “The idea is to create opportunities for young people. So now they’ll have a network that will be extremely accessible for them not only to receive internships, but also career opportunities.” explains Evans. -roz edward
What type of programming will the HBCU Network offer?
Our whole programming platform is to uplift, inspire and educate our young people. In terms of it’s programming, sports is the anchor. … but also we are looking at creating programming which is a blend of educational and entertainment programming. There will be guest speakers and life skills programs that will be integrated with classroom learning. … Our entertainment shows will be very similar to “The Cosby Show” and a “Different World.” In terms of musical entertainment, Kanye West and Lupe Fiasco are the type of hip-hop artists that you’ll see.
How will students have input in the programming?
The voice of the network will be driven by the student population. We’re setting up an advisory board of college students and they will critique [the content] and come up with creative ideas and the concepts, because they know what HBCU college life is all about. … Our tag line is “Our heritage, our legacy, our channel.”
How will the HBCU network benefit black schools?
We are providing a 20 percent equity of our company to create financial sustainability for the universities. … HBCU’s are 174 year-old brand. Our line of demarcation is in the areas of philanthropic efforts, education, recruitment and employment. That’s what we’re all about and that’s what sets us apart.
What opportunities will be available and how do students access them?
Anything from on-air personalities, to marketing positions to sales and new media positions, it’s wide open. We are holding an auditioning and casting call beginning in the fall. It’s from the ground up and from entry level positions to corporate positions.
For more information please visit www.hbcunetwork.com
