Today it was announced that a new TV channel called Bounce TV will be launching this fall, becoming the nation’s first-ever o
ver-the-air broadcast network designed exclusively for black audiences, primarily targeting the 25-54 age group with a programming mix of movies, live sporting events, documentaries, specials, faith-based programs, off-net series, original programming and more.
Bounce has already announced major motion picture licensing deals with NBCUniversal Television, Sony Pictures Television, Codeblack Entertainment and Image Entertainment to bring nearly 400 movie titles to the fledgling network. The network also announced today that it has a multi-year rights agreement with Urban Sports Entertainment Group (USEG) to televise both football and basketball games from the nation’s largest black athletic conference, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). Bounce will air the CIAA championship football game and select quarter- and semi-final CIAA tournament basketball games as part of the agreement.
Among the network’s founders are Ambassador Andrew Young and Martin Luther King III. The leadership team is headed by Rainforest Films co-founders Rob Hardy and Will Packer; and former Turner Broadcasting execs Ryan Glover and Jonathan Katz. Bounce TV will be majority owned and operated by African Americans.
“My father envisioned the day that African Americans would play major roles in entertainment within ownership, not just serve as entertainers on the stage or in front of the cameras,” said King. “That’s what makes this even more exciting for me as we embark on this new endeavor of an independently owned and operated broadcast network featuring African Americans.”
“I am proud that our network will deliver free programming exclusively for our under-served community and be accessible to all homes around the country and not just those who pay for television,” Young said.
Bounce TV will air 24/7 as a digital terrestrial network designed for carriage on the digital channels of local television stations. The network plans more announcements in coming weeks.
I just found out today about this new channel and am very excited! I work for a cable company in my area and we get daily requests for a channel like this. Now I found out this channel will be available to our customers at no extra charge for now, so yes am very excited! My husband for one will be very happy to get this channel. Thank you so much for making this possible!!