Aspire TV (American TV network)

Last updated

Aspire
CountryUnited States
Broadcast areaUnited States
HeadquartersAtlanta, Georgia
Programming
Picture format 1080i HDTV
(downscaled to letterboxed 480i for the SDTV feed)
Ownership
Owner Up Entertainment
Sister channels Up TV
History
LaunchedJune 27, 2012;13 years ago (2012-06-27)
Former namesAspire (2012–2018)
Links
Website www.aspire.tv

aspireTV is an American cable television channel targeting African Americans. The network was launched by Magic Johnson on June 27, 2012. [1] AspireTV is the television network that celebrates and reflects Black life, style and culture in a way that is inspiring, authentic and entertaining . In addition to fan-favorite comedies and movies, aspireTV invites viewers to “see yourself here” [2] with series focused on food, travel, home design and fashion, as well as the passion and pride of HBCUs.

Contents

In 2019, Johnson divested his majority ownership after 10 year. aspireTV is now owned by UP Entertainment under the leadership of Senior VP of Multicultural Networks and Strategy Angela Cannon. [3] In a 2022 interview, Cannon shared that aspireTV was “number one in affinity within Black lifestyle networks.” [3]  

In 2024, aspireTV launched AspireTV+ on Prime Video Channels. AspireTV+ is a new subscription streaming service for Black culture and urban lifestyle entertainment. From fashion and beauty to food and travel, there’s a diverse selection of original programs, movies, series, independent films and documentaries.

AspireTV is under the UP Entertainment brand. In addition to AspireTV, UP Entertainment is home to UP Faith & Family, UPtv, aspireTV+, GaitherTV+ and Cine Romántico. [4] [5]

AspireTV launched an app for iOS and Android phones in summer 2024 featuring reminders, a channel finder and the Tribe Talk blog highlighting weekly updates in news, entertainment, business, sports and Black history.

AspireTV is available through a variety of sources including cable providers, nationally on DirecTV and for streaming on DirecTV Stream or Philo.

AspireTV Studios is a purpose-driven business development strategy, is committed to supporting a more diverse and equitable creative supply chain. Together with Sunwise Media [6] , a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), aspireTV Studios will source and connect advertisers with diverse owned media, content creation, full-service production and distribution across cable, satellite and streaming platforms.  

History

As part of its arrangement to acquire a minority interest in NBCUniversal, Comcast Corporation committed to carry several minority-owned channels. [7] The arrangement followed pressure led by Maxine Waters in congressional hearings. [8] In April 2011, Comcast solicited proposals for minority-owned networks. [9] In February 2012, Comcast announced distribution arrangements for four networks, including Aspire. [10] The four announced networks and six forthcoming stations were chosen from among an excess of 100 proposals to begin airing by 2020.

In 2019, Magic Johnson had divested his majority ownership, with UP Entertainment gaining it. [3]

Programming

Aspire TV holds the broadcast rights to a selection of CIAA college football games involving historically black colleges and universities.

Current

Former

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ "'Magic' Johnson on launching ASPiRE, a TV network focused on positive achievements in African-American community". CNN. June 27, 2012. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 Myers, Jack (May 20, 2024). "Empowering Voices and Embracing Diversity: Angela Cannon's Vision for aspireTV and Beyond (VIDEO)". MediaVillage. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
  3. 1 2 3 Umstead, R. Thomas (July 13, 2022). "New Aspire TV Leader Aims to Get Network's Content Widely Distributed". Multichannel News. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
  4. ↑ admin (October 28, 2020). "UP Entertainment Launches Spanish-Language Movie Channel Cine Romántico". UP Entertainment - Press. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
  5. ↑ Halterman, Jim (October 30, 2024). "UP Entertainment Turns 20: CEO Charley Humbard Reflects on Two Decades of Inspiring TV and What's Next". Variety. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
  6. ↑ Complex, Valerie (March 4, 2024). "AspireTV Teams Up With Harlem Globetrotters For New Series 'Harlem Globetrotters: Secrets Of The City'". Deadline. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
  7. ↑ Stelter, Brian (February 20, 2012). "Hip Hop Mogul to Unveil Plan for Music Cable Channel". The New York Times . Retrieved February 24, 2012.
  8. ↑ Braxton, Greg; James, Meg (February 21, 2012). "Laker legend to launch a TV network:Magic Johnson's channel, Aspire, will be carried by Comcast and focus on blacks". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved February 24, 2012.
  9. ↑ Jensen, David (April 4, 2011). "Comcast Begins Effort to Launch 10 Independent Networks". Comcast . Retrieved February 24, 2012.
  10. ↑ Guthrie, Marisa (February 21, 2012). "Comcast to Launch Networks Backed by Sean Combs, Magic Johnson and Robert Rodriguez". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved February 24, 2012.
  11. ↑ "AspireTV announces two new original series". NewscastStudio. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
  12. ↑ "MSN". www.msn.com. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
  13. ↑ Elfman, Lois (September 26, 2024). "Season 10 of 'HBCU 101' celebrates culture's vibrant institutions". New York Amsterdam News. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
  14. ↑ Ayala, Juan (September 25, 2024). "aspireTV's 'Style Kings' stars Justin Q. Williams and Dedrick Thomas - Behind the Scenes in Hollywood (VIDEO)". MediaVillage. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
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