MBC Cuts Staff, Seeks Additional Funding

Atlanta-based Major Broadcasting Corp. recently suffered through its first-ever round of layoffs amid efforts to raise additional network funding.

The African-American-targeted, family-oriented service eliminated approximately six low- and mid-level executive positions in various departments as part of an overall network "revamping" effort, according to MBC executive vice president of operations Travis Mitchell.

Major Broadcasting Cable Network, which is in about 11.7 million households, is also seeking to raise additional funding, although Mitchell would not reveal specific details.

The network’s owners are former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield, entertainer Marlon Jackson, famed lawyer Willie Gary, former baseball star Cecil Fielder and cable veteran Alvin James.

"We're close to deals, but there's nothing to announce at this time," Mitchell said.

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.