| Join E-Mail List | Submission | Reviews | Advertising |

Silver Spring, MD (BlackNews.com 3/20/06) - Award-winning director, producer and writer Spike Lee discusses his legendary career in the film business, his views on Hollywood, the Oscars and the lack of diversity in the movie business, and his outspokenness against the glamorization of the thug lifestyle in an interview with TV One on One host Cathy Hughes premiering Thursday, March 23 at 8 PM, repeating at midnight (all times ET).
The filmmaker also discusses two of his latest projects, the feature film Inside Man, which premieres Friday, March 24 and stars Denzel Washington, Jodie Foster and Clive Owen; and the HBO documentary he is producing about the effects of Hurricane Katrina.
Hughes also asks Lee about his role in providing many African Americans with a foot in the door in the film business, including such major stars as Halle Berry, Queen Latifah, Martin Lawrence, Mekhi Phifer and S. Epatha Merkerson, each of whose first film role was in a Spike Lee movie.
Later in the interview, Lee is joined by his wife, author and children's television producer Tonya Lewis Lee, and the two discuss a wide range of topics with Ms. Hughes, including how they met, their family backgrounds, their children and her publishing career.
The Spike Lee interview will also air on Friday, March 24 at noon and 4 AM, Saturday, March 25 at 6:30 (immediately preceding the telecast of Spike Lee's film, Mo' Better Blues, also starring Denzel Washington) and Sunday, March 26 at 5 PM (immediately following a rebroadcast of Mo' Better Blues) and Friday, March 31 at 11 AM and 11 PM (all times ET).
Launched in January 2004, TV One (www.tvoneonline.com) serves more than 27.2 million subscriber households, offering a broad range of lifestyle and entertainment-oriented original programming, classic series, movies, fashion and music designed to entertain, inform and inspire a diverse audience of adult African American viewers. TV One's investors include Radio One [NASDAQ: ROIA and ROIAK; www.radio-one.com], the largest radio company that primarily targets African American and urban listeners; Comcast Corporation [NASDAQ: CMCSA and CMCSK; www.comcast.com], the leading cable television company in the country; The DirecTV Group; Constellation Ventures; Syndicated Communications; Pacesetter Capital Group; and Opportunity Capital Partners.


Beverly Hills, CA (BlackNews.com 3/14/06) - In an attempt to get answers on why her late husband's signature has been forged on contracts from Sony/Columbia pictures, Essie Berry, the widow of 70's sitcom icon, Fred "Re-Run" Berry has no other alternative but to speak the truth and seek legal action. Essie Berry is naming names and big names at that. Advised by many industry professionals not to reveal the truth of what has happened, Essie Berry calmly and respectively responds, "if it is the truth, why not tell it".
Essie Berry has been in mourning of her beloved husband since his untimely death in October of 2003 but says enough is enough. The exploitation of her belated husbands name and likeness and image on releases of "What's Happening" DVD's, family television games sold at Wal-Mart showcasing the late actor's picture. Also, the re-release of the iconic television show, "What's Happening" on TV-Land that starred her husband, Fred Berry. The blatant exploitation is something Mrs. Berry can no longer deal with.
"There is no reason why these shows or games should be in stores or on television because no one came to me for permission and or authorization. As the widow and executor of his estate, this is a violation. After some of my own investigation, I found forged and unauthorized contracts from Sony/Columbia Pictures and other entertainment companies in the industry that were reviewed by a world renowned signature expert who will swear and testify under oath that the documents are in fact forged". Ms Berry has been advised to place the documents in an undisclosed location for safe-keeping.
The contention of the estate of Fred "Re-Run" Berry is that the family should be compensated for the late actor's likeness and image. "Unfortunately, in the billion-dollar entertainment industry, our black actors and black actresses are always given the short end of the monetary stick, for example look at how many black people have stars on Hollywood. Fred should be on that 'Walk Of Fame'. I'm not only fighting for the estate and family of Fred Berry, but I'm fighting for all of those other widows and children of famous actors and entertainers who are getting robbed everyday by the big entertainment companies," states Berry.
Asked why she chose to come out after two years of silence, Essie Berry simply states, "I was tired of seeing what they were doing with my husband's likeness and image and not compensating his family for it. It's the principal of the entire issue, but more importantly it's about the lies and vicious cycle of exploitation that the industry does to our black actors and actresses". Sources at both SAG and Aftra have informed and confirmed that no network should have aired anything without her permission, as executor of Fred Berry's estate.
The matter is currently being investigated and hopefully will come to an amicable resolution. In the meantime, Essie Berry continues to fight for the justice for her husband's legacy and the injustices that continue throughout Hollywood.
New York, NY (BlackNews.com) (2/3/06)- The BLACK ENTERPRISE REPORT, a weekly, syndicated television series focusing on African American financial and personal empowerment, will celebrate Black History Month with the broadcast of four half-hour programs highlighting the progress and triumphs of noted African American entrepreneurs. The report, created by Earl G. Graves Ltd., parent company of BLACK ENTERPRISE magazine, made its national debut in November 2003.
"Black History Month is an opportunity for all Americans to not only reflect on our shared history but spotlight the growing crop of successful African American entrepreneurs who are making history today," says newly appointed BLACK ENTERPRISE CEO Earl "Butch" Graves Jr. "With its new lineup, the BLACK ENTERPRISE REPORT provides a unique forum through which we acknowledge and celebrate the advancement of black-owned businesses and recognize African Americans who are making an impact."
Beginning February 4, 2006, the BLACK ENTERPRISE REPORT will pay homage to the late John H. Johnson in a two-part series. Johnson, the founder, publisher, and chairman of Chicago-based Johnson Publishing Company Inc., formed the No. 1 African American publishing company in the world in 1942. The company includes EBONY and JET magazines, as well as Fashion Fair Cosmetics and EBONY Fashion Fair fashion show. Later in the month, the BLACK ENTERPRISE REPORT will also highlight the leadership of Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) and the creative power of Ralph Gilles, top car designer for the Chrysler Group.
The BLACK ENTERPRISE REPORT airs nationally on cable TV's Superstation WGN and on select broadcast stations around the nation. Visit www.blackenterprise.com for more details and a channel lineup.
The BLACK ENTERPRISE REPORT, launched in November 2003 in collaboration with Chicago-based Central City Productions, is a syndicated television series focused on African American financial and personal empowerment. The weekly, half-hour series provides minority business coverage, investment tips, career guidance, personal finance advice, entrepreneur profiles, stock market updates, and lifestyle information to viewers across the country.
BLACK ENTERPRISE, your ultimate guide to financial empowerment, is the premier business and investment resource for African Americans. Since 1970, BE has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. The publication provides 3.7 million readers with monthly information on entrepreneurship, careers, and financial management. As the definitive source of information for and about African American business markets and leaders, BE is the authority for business news and trends.

Washington, DC (BlackNews.com) (2/2/06) - The Angry Black Woman Show with Sunny James is now podcasting from the Nation's Capital. Rants, raves and social commentary. News you can use, news you missed and news that just might make your day or piss you off. Sunny James gives you her take on the news and issues that you don't get delivered to your front door or that you don't get at 6 and 11. She brings her years of insight from working in the media and a unique take on issues to an mp3 player or computer near you.
Sunny uses her hour-long show to provide variety to your regular newsgathering. She believes that people, unfortunately, rely on one or two regular sources for their daily news. And those sources usually reinforce how they see the world or their little corner of it. Whether small news items that you probably missed, new book or music titles or stories about how people are living differently, she challenges you to change your paradigm. Listen to her weekly take on issues that may not have been picked up by your news at 6 and 11. You just might discover a world outside your own, where the people look different and the same as you!
People are talking:
Donald in Portland, Oregon: "Love your show, but haven't you had enough of the angry black woman stereotype?"
"Another black sista in your backyard," Rita from Arlington, VA writes: "great show but where's the hand on the hip, eye rolling, loud sapphire that the world has come to expect of we ABW? (lol)"
Midwest Maddie says, "Life out here in the bible belt is starting to sounding pretty good to me."
Debbie in Akron writes, "You lied! That's not a small voice from the nation's capital!"
Interested ones can listen to the show online at:
www.theangryblackwoman.net
A small voice from the nation's capital©

Atlanta, GA - (2/2/06 BlackNews.com) - Black Family Channel pays tribute to Black historians, news makers and image shapers every day, all day - through it's regular program offerings. Beginning February 1, viewers will get a double dose of news and information, original programs, special presentations and black movie classics. Check your local cable guide for channel listings, show times and encore presentations or visit www.blackfamilychannel.com for more information.
In addition to our regularly scheduled programs, viewers will get more of everything in February! Kicking off the month, Black Family Channel presents a news and information special entitled Memphis: Then and Now, which takes a comprehensive examination at the changes within the Memphis community since the assassination of civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (2:00 p.m.). On Thursday, February 2, get ready to dance with Dance Nia pt. I (2:00 p.m.); then get engaged with back-to-back Portraits in Black, a news and public affairs program which documents stories of legends in the African-American community. Mamie Till Mobley, an original network documentary shares the legacy of an undaunted Chicago woman who refused to let the brutal slaying of her son, Emmett Louis Till go unnoticed. Then, Della Reese gives insight to her life and career during a one-on-one interview (8:00-9:00 p.m.). The weekend brings timeless movies and more entertainment! Catch Dance Nia pt. II and the 1951 movie drama Native Son starring author Richard Wright, February 3 (12:00-2:00 a.m.). On February 4 at 4:30 p.m., watch Killer Diller a 1948 all black musical review featuring Moms Mabley. And, at 6:00 p.m., stay tuned for a Black Family Channel three-part history special, Foot Soldiers for Justice. On Sunday, February 5, at 4:00 p.m., viewers get to go Inside the Congressional Black Caucus to learn about our leaders' opinions and examine important issues that shape and impact our nation.
The second week in February is mixed with music, movies and milestones. Beginning February 7, at 8:00 p.m., gather the family to enjoy the sounds of gospel sensation the Mighty Clouds of Joy followed by a musical classic Hi-De-Ho, featuring Cab Calloway. Stay tuned for Future of Black America: MLK 35 Years Past, Present, Future, an all-inclusive look at the life of one of the most profound orators of our time, civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On Thursday, February 9 at 8:00 p.m., Black Family Channel will air Bloody Island, a news and information special about the 1917 race riots in East St. Louis. The week closes out with the U.S. Army National Band Competition featuring eight urban high schools as they compete for the title of the "best show band" (5:00 p.m.); followed by New Faces of 1952, a timeless black movie classic starring Eartha Kitt.
On Tuesday, February 14th get ready for the sound of some foot-stomping, toe tapping gospel music with Great Performances I featuring Donnie McClurkin, Shirley Caesar, Tonex and many more (8:00 p.m.)! And, be sure to watch the Jackie Robinson Story starring Ruby Dee at 9:00 p.m. On February 16th and 17th, don't miss performances by Historically Black College marching bands in Gimme' a Beat, pt. I and II (2:00 p.m.).
Starting Tuesday, February 21 from 8:00-11:00 p.m., enjoy Great Performances II featuring more gospel favorites including Yolanda Adams and Kim Burrell followed by Boy What a Girl , the classic movie, starring Tim "Kingfish" Moore, about two fly-by-night Harlem producers hoping to make a hit Broadway play.
"Who Killed Emmett Till" a Black Family Channel exclusive is set to air Thursday, February 23 at 8:00 p.m. This special presentation investigates a number of unanswered questions that remain from this horrible murder 50 years ago. Producer, Ray Metoyer examines the timeline of the murder, retraces the footsteps of the killers and visits the barn where Emmett Till was tortured to death. He also reveals the passion of filmmaker Keith Beauchamp, whose film "The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till", helped to get the case re-opened by federal investigators. Airing February 28, at 8:00 p.m. is Gold and New - a gospel special featuring musical performances by Cece Winans and Dottie Peebles. This gospel music mix will be followed by Rhythm & Blues Review, a 1955 musical extravaganza starring Count Basie, Nat "King" Cole, Lionel Hampton and Sarah Vaughan.
Black Family Channel (BFC) is America's only minority owned
and operated cable network committed to providing responsible
programming for the entire family. Our mission is to entertain,
inform and empower communities with family programming that is
original, real, authentic and relevant. BFC is currently viewed
in 16 million households; including all of the top 25 African-American
TV markets. For more information about Black Family Channel visit
www.blackfamilychannel.com

Silver Spring, MD (BlackNews.com 2/23/06) - Comedian, health advocate, civil rights activist and conspiracy theorist Dick Gregory recounts to TV One on One host Cathy Hughes candid stories about his childhood, groundbreaking comedy career and his 40+-year-quest as an advocate for social justice in a special Black History Month edition of TV One on One premiering Sunday, Feb. 26 from 10-11 PM (ET). The interview will repeat on Monday, March 6 at 8 PM and midnight.
During the one-hour program, Mr. Gregory and Ms. Hughes cover a wide range of topics, including his views on Hurricane Katrina, the war in Iraq, and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, his evolution from a celebrated comedian to civil rights activists and the inspiration behind his best-selling autobiography, "Nigger," written more than 40 years ago but still selling in bookstores.
Mr. Gregory tells Ms. Hughes that he became an activist at an early age, mounting his first protest as a teenager, when he set a world track record that wasn't recorded because it took place at an all-black track meet.
In a separate segment, Mr. Gregory also explains some of his more provocative conspiracy theories that involve the President Clinton-Monica Lewinsky scandal, the Atlanta child murders and the D.C. snipers.
Launched in January 2004, TV One (www.tvoneonline.com) serves 25.7 million households, offering a broad range of lifestyle and entertainment-oriented original programming, classic series, movies, fashion and music designed to entertain, inform and inspire a diverse audience of adult African American viewers. TV One's investors include Radio One [NASDAQ: ROIA and ROIAK; www.radio-one.com], the largest radio company that primarily targets African American and urban listeners; Comcast Corporation [NASDAQ: CMCSA and CMCSK; www.comcast.com], the leading cable television company in the country; The DirecTV Group; Constellation Ventures; Syndicated Communications; Pacesetter Capital Group; and Opportunity Capital Partners.
Salute to Greatness Becomes Most-Watched Show in BET's 25-Year History; Kanye West, Ciara, Alicia Keys and John Legend Lead List of Winners
7-1-05. Los Angeles, CA (BlackNews.com) - It was a night like no other at the 2005 BET AWARDS as the network's annual salute to superlative performances in music, entertainment and sports lit up the Hollywood skyline and the Kodak Theatre on Tuesday. Fans responded accordingly by making that premiere showing BET's most-watched telecast in the network's history with 6.6 million viewers (5.1 rating, 4.1 million households) watching the three-and-a-half-hour program according to Nielsen Media Research. Now in its fifth year, the '05 BET AWARDS will have encore showings on July 1 at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT and July 4 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
The 2005 viewership numbers marked a double-digit increase for the BET AWARDS telecast across all metered categories. Total viewers increased a whopping 16% versus the 5.7 million from 2004; households jumped 12% compared to 3.6 million; and the overall rating climbed 11% against the 4.6 generated in '04. BET again teamed with Cossette Productions, famed producers of the GRAMMY Awards® and the four previous record-setting BET AWARDS shows, to handle production of the telecast.
The BET AWARDS POST-SHOW: THE AFTERSHOCK, hosted by BET News anchor Jacque Reid and Entertainment Tonight's Kevin Frazier, maximized momentum from the awards telecast, too, grabbing 3.4 million viewers (2.36 rating, 2.1 million households). It's now the most-watched BET AWARDS POST-SHOW ever, increasing its audience by 9% over 2004.
Rapper/producer impresario Kanye West was the evening's big winner, grabbing awards for Best Male Hip Hop Artist and for Video of the Year for his spiritual composition "Jesus Walks." First-time BET AWARDS nominees Ciara and John Legend each walked away with trophies, as Ciara won for Best Collaboration for her tandem with rapper Missy Elliott on "1, 2 Step," and Legend scored as Best New Artist. Multi-platinum songstress Alicia Keys took home her first BET Award as well, being crowned Best Female R&B Artist. BET also used the star-studded night to honor music legend Gladys Knight with the network's Lifetime Achievement Award, and Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington and his wife Pauletta with the BET Humanitarian Award.
Former B2k phenom Omarion won the coveted Viewers' Choice Award, voted on prior to and in real time on the BET.com website throughout the telecast. This was also the first year that viewers could vote via major wireless carriers. A total of 805,479 votes were cast in the hotly-contested category.
BET's big night exploded with amazing performances and special salutes as Hollywood power couple Will Smith and wife Jada Pinkett Smith served as hosts for the first time. Bringing the audience to its feet from the beginning was a surprise reunion of Lauryn Hill and the Fugees with a killer performance of their old school hits including "Ready or Not" and "Killing Me Softly." Other performers included living legend Stevie Wonder, smoking hot "Dirty South" rapper T.I. along with superstars Mariah Carey, Destiny's Child, Toni Braxton, Ludacris, Faith Evans, Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige, Mike Jones, Fantasia, Tye Tribbett and The Game in an "off the meter" throw-down that rocked the house and the thousands fortunate enough to have a seat for BET's biggest show of the year. A sparkling list of Hollywood's celebrity A-List also joined the show as presenters, including Halle Berry, Tom Cruise, Queen Latifah, Steve Harvey and Vivica A. Fox.
The night included solemn moments, too, as BET paid memorial tributes to actor Ossie Davis, attorney Johnnie Cochran, singer Rick James and rapper Ol' Dirty Bastard, all of whom died since last year's BET AWARDS show.
The following is a list of all winners from the 2005 BET AWARDS:
Best Female R&B
Alicia Keys
Best Male R&B
Usher
Best Group
Destiny's Child
Best Collaboration
Ciara featuring Missy Elliott (1, 2 Step)
Best Female Hip Hop
Remy Martin
Best Male Hip Hop
Kanye West
Best New Artist
John Legend
Best Gospel Artist
Donnie McClurkin
Best Actress
Regina King
Best Actor
Jamie Foxx
Female Athlete of the Year
Serena Williams (Tennis)
Male Athlete of the Year
Shaquille O'Neal (Basketball)
Video of the Year
Kanye West (Jesus Walks)
Viewers' Choice Award
Omarion (O)
[distributed through BlackPR.com/BlackNews.com]

New York, NY - (5/11/04) Nielsen Media Research today said that African American and Latino television viewers are watching a more diverse range of television programming in New York than has previously been reported by paper diaries.
The analysis, which reviewed the recent March data from electronic, Local People Meter (LPM) measurement in New York, found that:
The analysis found that People Meters, which electronically measure TV viewing, provide more accurate viewing measurements for all viewers, including people of color, than the current paper diary system, which relies upon people remembering to record what they watched after they have watched it. This increased accuracy is due to a number of factors, including higher levels of cooperation and participation for Local People Meters over diaries, better demographic representation and larger sample sizes.
"This in-depth examination of our March ratings confirms Nielsen's commitment to correctly measuring the viewing behavior of all New Yorkers," said Susan D. Whiting, president and CEO of Nielsen Media Research. "The data in no way suggest that African Americans or Latinos are undercounted by the Local People Meter service. What they show is that the way these and other viewers watch TV is changing along with the industry itself."
The enhanced accuracy of People Meter technology enables it to better track shifting viewing patterns than the less sensitive paper diary system. The recent analysis of March data showed a number of important differences between paper diary and Local People Meter measurements.
Nielsen Media Research's technology for measuring television viewership is an example of excellent design, constantly improved. Today's data collection systems from Nielsen Media Research can keep pace with hundreds of channels - broadcast or cable, analog or digital, satellite or terrestrial - scanning every channel every 2.7 seconds to accurately report the tuning status of every television set within the sample household. Nielsen can use the conventional phone line to download data from sample homes, or it can use cellular. The data are then transformed into the "overnight" ratings and are reported by Nielsen the next morning.
Arlington, VA - (4/22/04) Krosslink Management is proud to announce the premiere of the first in a series of music performance specials connecting the generations of contemporary African American music on StarJamz. Created by Keith and Wilma Killgo and produced by their company, Krosslink Management in association with TV One, StarJamz brings together two stars from different generations to talk, perform individually, together and jam live with the StarJamz House Band. The first special, scheduled to premiere Thursday, April 29 from 9-10 PM (ET), features NAACP Image Award winner and American Idol 2003 champion Ruben Studdard and Grammy Award-winning soul vocalist Peabo Bryson.
StarJamz was inspired by many one-of-a kind nights experienced by host and musician, Keith Killgo while performing on the road. "Performers may stop in and check out one another in jazz clubs," says Killgo. "And sometimes after closing they continue to talk and jam and create musical experiences most fans never have the opportunity to see. StarJamz specials will give audiences the opportunity to experience a glimpse of what sometimes happens after the show."
StarJamz: Ruben Studdard Meets Peabo Bryson will repeat at midnight on April 29, and will also air Friday, April 30 at 9 PM and midnight. The special will also air Saturday, May 1 at 10 PM, repeating at 1 AM (all times ET).
"StarJamz beautifully brings together old school and new school artists in the type of performance that is rarely seen on television," said TV One President and CEO Johnathan Rodgers. "Viewers not only get to see some amazing performances, but they also get a glimpse of the similar experiences and challenges these very different performers have faced during their careers."
The series is being produced for TV One by Krosslink Management, and the Executive Producers are Wilma Killgo and Lydia Cole. The producer-director of StarJamz is Larry D. Holland, President of The Holland Group. Both Larry and Lydia bring decades of experience in television production with both broadcast and cable television networks. The Talent Consultant for StarJamz is Diane Blankumsee, President of Royal D Visual Marketing. StarJamz is being taped before a live studio audience at Atlantic Video in Washington, DC.
Ruben Studdard, the 2003 American Idol winner and winner of Best New Artist in this year's NAACP Image Awards, released his first album, the top-selling Soulful, for J Records in December 2003. His newest single, What If, was released March 29.
Peabo Bryson's career as a top R&B vocalist has spanned more than two decades. He has appeared numerous times in Billboard's R&B chart, and is a multiple Grammy Award and Academy Award winner for Beauty and the Beast, his duet with Celine Dion; and A Whole New World (Aladdin's Theme), his duet with Regina Belle. In February 1992, he became the first artist in history to have separate records atop four different charts.
Mr. Bryson will join Killgo and the StarJamz House Band in a performance and publicity tour in select cities this spring.
Keith Killgo has been a part of the metamorphosis that has taken place in the world of jazz. As drummer, vocalist and one of the founding members of the jazz-fusion group, the Blackbyrds, Killgo helped meld the styles of jazz, funk, rock and be-bop into the new jazz through the expression of his art form. The Blackbyrds received an impressive array of awards including three gold albums and a Grammy nomination for Walking in Rhythm as well as a Billboard Award in 1975 for #1 Pop Album Instrumentalist. Keith wrote several hit singles for the Blackbyrds including, Flying High, Time Is Moving and Mysterious Vibes. Musical expansion and diversity have been the constant thread throughout the most recent stage of Keith's career as he has performed and recorded with his own band and artists as diverse as Joe Williams, Dianne Reeves, Gary Bartz and Larry Coryell among others.
Launched in January 2004, TV One (www.tv-one.tv) offers a broad range of entertainment-oriented original programming, classic series, movies, fashion and music that focus on African American themes, issues culture and politics. TV One's investors include Radio One [NASDAQ: ROIA and ROIAK; www.radio-one.com], the largest company that primarily targets African American and urban listeners; Comcast Corporation [NASDAQ: CMCSA and CMCSK; www.comcast.com], the leading cable television company in the country; Constellation Ventures; Syndicated Communications; Pacesetter Capital Group; and Opportunity Capital Partners.
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
| About Us | News and Articles | Shopping | DVC Business Network | Communities | FAQs | Yellow Pages | Advertising | Site Map | Home |


|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|