Comcast in search for two new African-American-owned networks

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On Thursday, cable giant Comcast announced that it would be accepting proposals for two new independent networks, specifying that they were looking for substantially African-American-owned networks in particular.

“We are looking forward to receiving another round of great proposals as we begin the process to launch two more African American majority owned networks,” said Justin Smith, Senior Vice President of Content Acquisition for Comcast Cable.

According to Black PR Wire:

Criteria for selecting the next two substantially African American owned networks that Comcast will launch include: the content of the network; whether the network is fully financed; whether the network’s ownership and/or management group(s) are well established, have relevant experience, and are substantially owned by African Americans; whether the network is already launched and has existing or potential multichannel video programming distributor (MVPD) distribution; price; and whether the network and its potential carriage provide value to Comcast and its customers. Comcast will accept proposals for every major genre, including general entertainment, movies, music, kids, news, and sports.

The move comes as Comcast is diversifying its networks, with 20 new networks launched since the NBCUniversal transaction in 2011, doubling its independent networks as part of the agreement.

Proposals are due by March 15, and applicants can go here to apply.