Multicultural News

• TV One Gets More Real
  TV One will look to add more reality to its primetime lineup as the African-American-targeted network moves away from lifestyle programming to more entertainment-based content. The Comcast- and Radio One-owned network will launch two new original reality specials in primetime over the next two months and plans to roll out a number of series focused on celebrity lives and African-American culture by second-quarter 2009, according to recently promoted senior vice president of original programming Toni Judkins. more » » » 
• Hispanic Nets Cover Vote on TV, Online
  With over 12 million Latinos expected to go to the polls this Nov. 4, Hispanic TV networks are putting together their most-comprehensive Election Day coverage ever. Plans include sending news teams to cover voting booths in major Hispanic markets, real-time news updates throughout the day and special election-night broadcasts. But unlike previous years, when coverage had been mostly limited to the television screen, Hispanic networks will leverage their growing Web presence for a multiplatform effort that will include live blogging, online polls and text-message updates. more » » » 

• Casting for Diversity
  Disney-ABC Television Group executive vice president of casting Keli Lee is spearheading the company’s strategy of placing diverse actors and actresses in such popular ABC Studios-produced shows as Army Wives, Ugly Betty, Raising the Bar and Lost. Lee recently talked to Multichannel News programming editor editor R. Thomas Umstead about her efforts to find and cast actors of color in major television roles. more » » » 
• TV One Sets Election Night Coverage
  African-American targeted network TV One will provide comprehensive coverage of next Tuesday’s Presidential election returns beginning at 7 p.m. ET. The Comcast Cable and Radio One-owned network’s live Election Night 08: A Vote for Change special will originate from multiple locations, including the election night headquarters of Democratic nominee Barack Obama and Republican nominee John McCain; the TV One Election Newsroom and the AP’s national vote tally center, according to network officials. more » » » 
• Hispanic Summit 2008
  Industry executives convened at the New York Hilton last week for the sixth annual Broadcasting & Cable / Multichannel News Hispanic Television Summit. Tiers, ad sales and what Hispanic consumers really want were among the top-of-mind topics at this year’s industry gathering. more » » » 

• Video: ESPN’s Clinkscales Tackles Docu, Original Movies Strategy
  ESPN senior vice president of content development and enterprises Keith Clinkscales discusses the sports network’s efforts to develop original movies and documentaries. more » » » 
• BET J Rolls Reality Quartet
  BET J is debuting four new reality series this week as part of its fall 2008 lineup. more » » » 
• Hispanic Stations React to FCC Cancellation on LPTV Plan
  A group of community broadcasters and the recently formed Coalition for Local Television (CLT) were left in the lurch this month when the Federal Communications Commission unexpectedly cancelled its Oct. 15 meeting in Nashville, Tenn., which was to include a proposal that would allow Class A TV stations an opportunity to apply to earn full-power TV status, giving them full spectrum rights and access to cable distribution. Many of these stations serve minority and rural communities and include a range of Azteca América and Telemundo affiliates nationwide. more » » » 
• Golf Channel To Honor African-American Players
  Golf Channel in February will take a look at the contributions of African-Americans to the sport with an original documentary, Uneven Fairways. more » » » 
• BET Gets Film-Package Deal With Weinstein
  BET Networks has closed a deal with The Weinstein Co. that gives it first network-window premiere rights to a package of theatrical films. more » » » 
• NAMIC Casts Wider Net for Vision Award Nominees
  NAMIC is calling for nominations for its annual NAMIC Vision Awards—but this year it’s reaching beyond traditional cable network outlets. more » » »