TheGrio, Allen Media Group’s television and digital platform, will simulcast CNN’s presidential debate on Thursday and air its own analysis programming before and after the showdown between President Joe Biden and Donald Trump.

TheGrio is calling its predebate and postdebate shows Black America Must Vote: Special Coverage of the CNN Presidential Debate.

The shows will be hosted by April Ryan, theGrio’s Washington, D.C., bureau chief and senior White House correspondent, and Natasha Alford, theGrio’s national correspondent. Columnists for theGrio, Touré and Michael Harriot, will provide additional commentary.

Allen Media Group said the coverage aims to inform and empower Black America ahead of the crucial 2024 presidential election.

“Through our preshow and postshow coverage of the presidential debate, theGrio will provide comprehensive analysis to ensure that viewers gain a deeper understanding of the political landscape and the stakes involved for America,” said Byron Allen, founder, chairman and CEO of Allen Media Group. “We hope that viewers will join theGrio for this crucial broadcast that navigates the complexities of the presidential debate and its impact on America.”

TheGrio’s debate coverage will appear on theGrio Television Network, theGrio streaming FAST channel and Allen Media Group’s Local Now streaming platform.

Allen Media Group’s theGrio said it will air two specials — theGrio Heroes and Byron Allen Presents Juneteenth: Celebrating Centuries of Black Excellence — to mark Juneteenth.

Both specials will air June 19.

"As we unveil the remarkable achievements of these 10 heroes and amplify the icons featured in our Juneteenth special, we are reminded of the incredible resilience and excellence that defines the African-American community,” said Byron Allen, founder, chairman and CEO of Allen Media Group. “Heroes are needed more today than ever before, and theGrio is steadfast in its mission to uplift Black culture and remains 1,000% committed to celebrating our frontline community leaders.”

The second annual edition of theGrio Heroes honors people who have shown exceptional dedication and commitment to their communities.

theGrio received a record number of nominations for the 2024 awards. Ten honorees have been selected.

The special is hosted by Panama Jackson, a columnist for theGrio.

theGrio Heros will be followed by Byron Allen Presents Juneteenth Celebrating Centuries of Black Excellence.

The show look at some of the most influential figures in Black and American history.

Among those featured are Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Little Richard, Whitney Houston, Whoopi Goldberg and Sidney Poitier.

“Striving to support empowering, measurable change, we elevate the critical contributions theGrio Heroes make to our community every day,” Geraldine Moriba, senior VP and chief content officer of theGrio, said. “We are honored to shine a light on their extraordinary accomplishments and support work that will inspire and uplift many people for generations to come.”

Allen Media Group’s theGrio said Oscar nominee Jeffrey Wright will be the first guest for Season 4 of its series Masters of the Game.

Masters of the Game returns March 29 with host Touré.

In the series, Touré interviews influential figures, who explain their journey to become masters of their craft.

"Touré is magnificent at hosting Masters of the Game,” said Byron Allen, Founder/Chairman/CEO of Allen Media Group. “Viewers can once again expect more thought-provoking discussions with today’s dynamic and impactful leaders who gather and meet at the intersection of culture, society, and personal achievement." 

In addition to Wright, Season 4 will feature activist and artist Erica Campbell, philanthropist Robert F. Smith and civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton.

"We are thrilled to bring back Masters of the Game for another great season, featuring trailblazers from a diverse range of backgrounds who have left an indelible mark on their respective fields," says Geraldine Moriba, senior VP and chief content officer of theGrio. 

Byron Allen’s theGrio is seeking nominations for its second annual theGrio Heroes program.

theGrio Heroes honors people who are dedicated to their community, many of whom have been working unheralded for years.

“We are committed to shining a spotlight on people whose actions speak louder than words,” said Byron Allen, founder chairman and CEO of theGrio’s parent company, Allen Media Group.  “We celebrate unsung heroes whose stories inspire and uplift our society and significantly impact humanity for the greater good.”

Nominations will be accepted via thegrio.com through February 9. TheGrio will conduct the evaluations and pick 10 winners. The list of theGrio Heroes for 2024 will be announced in April 2024.

The inaugural theGrio Heroes award was presented last year to Daryl  V. Atkinson, co-founder and co-director of Forward Justice, a law and policy center dedicated to secure rights for current and former incarcerated people.

“There are many people who should be nominated and deserve recognition,” said Geraldine Moriba, senior VP, news, entertainment and empowerment, theGrio. “I am thrilled we have the opportunity to honor those heroes in our local communities with unwavering commitment to positive change. Their steadfastness and resilience transforms lives.”

Allen Media Group’s theGrio is working with the Associated Press to present a segment entitled "Race and Democracy: The Facts and The Fury."

The segment will appear on television during theGrio News with Marc Lamont Hill on Oct. 4. It will also be available to AP customers on APNews.com.

It will feature a panel discussion moderated by AP race and ethnicity video journalist Noreen Nasir. Panelists include the AP’s Aaron Morrison and Ayanna Alexander and theGrio’s Christina Greer and Marc Lamont Hill.

The discussion will tackle issues including efforts to restrict how race can be taught in schools, targeted racial violence and threats to democracy.

Allen Media Group announced that Daryl Atkinson, co-founder and co-director of Forward Justice, is the inaugural recipient of theGrio Heroes Award.

Atkinson will be featured Monday on theGrio.com and on theGrio Television Network with Eboni K. Williams at 6 p.m. and Marc Lamont Hill at 7 p.m. He will also be on TheGrio Daily Podcast with Michael Harriot.

Forward Justice is an advocacy group focused on law, policy and strategy to combine community activism with litigation, public policy and scholarship.

“TheGrio Hero award recognizes an individual who has made significant strides in making America stronger, more just and compassionate,” said Byron Allen, Founder/Chairman/CEO of theGrio parent company, Allen Media Group. “Daryl Atkinson exemplifies the values and spirit of this award, and we are honored to highlight his extraordinary contributions to the country and to humanity as a whole.”

Atkinson was the lead attorney in the seminal felony disenfranchisement case, Community Success Initiative v. Moore, that challenged North Carolina’s felony disenfranchisement policies. Atkinson and Forward Justice were the central advocates that ushered in the passage of the Second Chance Act, landmark legislation that makes the expungement process easier giving formerly incarcerated people equal access to opportunities for housing, education and employment.

”If I can use the law as a tool to instill hope and to inspire more leaders to join the army of the people who have been wronged--then that’s what I want to do for the rest of my life,” said. Atkinson. “That’s why we started Forward Justice and we’re grateful to be recognized.”

Bounce Tv and theGrio will commemorate the Juneteenth holiday with documentary and special programming airing over the holiday weekend.

Bounce TV on June 19 will premiere Xernona Clayton: A life in Black and White,
a documentary celebrating the life of one of the most unheralded civil rights icons and African American pioneers of our time, according to the network. 

From Clayton's years working as an aide and close friend to Dr. Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King through her pioneering broadcasting career – including the creation of the Trumpet Awards – the documentary provides a march through Clayton’s nearly century-long life, said Bounce. 

Also on the 19th, the Allen Media Group-owned service theGrio will air the 4th Annual Freedom Forward: Juneteenth Special, which will feature appearances by Good Morning America co-host Robin Roberts and comedian Roy Wood Jr., as well as a performance from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. The one-hour special will be hosted by theGrio Daily host Natasha Alford from New York City and theGrio columnist and podcast host Panama Jackson from Washington D.C., said the service.

The two specials join CNN's June 19 Juneteenth: A Global Celebration for Freedom primetime concert special featuring such performers as Miguel, Kirk Franklin, SWV, Davido, Coi Leray and Jodeci.

Byron Allen’s theGrio will honor CBS Mornings host Gayle King with its Journalist Icon Award at the Byron Allen Presents the Washington D.C. Gala.

In its second year, the program will take place after the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on April 29.

Shot at the Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History & Culture, the special will air on theGrio Television Network and other platforms Monday, May 1.

The event will be hosted by Roy Wood Jr. and feature a live musical concert by Diana Ross.

“Gayle King and Diana Ross are both American treasures, and I can’t think of a better way to honor their excellence than by hosting this event at The Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History & Culture,” Byron Allen, founder, chairman and CEO of Allen Media Group, said. “I created the Washington D.C. Gala to be a spectacular celebration, informative and a great deal of fun.”

CNN on Saturday announced that King would be co-hosting a primetime show with Charles Barkley called King Barkley.

Allen Media Group’s theGrio said it was launching “theGrio Heroes,” an initiative aimed at identifying everyday unsung heroes in the community.

The media platform will begin accepting nominations March 1 on its website. How the winner will be recognized is still to be determined.

“We are excited to bring theGrio Heroes initiative for public participation as we continue to elevate the theGrio brand globally,” said Byron Allen, founder, chairman and CEO of theGrio parent company Allen Media Group. “TheGrio is about amplifying and celebrating excellence every day and everywhere.”

For its heroes, theGrio is seeking individuals that have demonstrated outstanding goodwill and achievement for the benefit and welfare of the community, leading by example through service and finding solutions with compassion, dedication and determination.

“Black people are central to the fabric of American culture,” said Geraldine Moriba, senior VP, News, Entertainment and Empowerment, theGrio. “We are honoring people who uplift, support and build the Black community by moving us forward.”

Nominations will be accepted through May 1.

An editorial committee at theGrio will conduct the first round of evaluations and choose a number of nominees to move forward to the next round.

Experts including Karen Boykin-Towns, NAACP national board of directors; Candice C. Jones, president and CEO, Public Welfare Foundation; Cameo George, executive producer, American Experience, PBS; Jade Magnus Ogunnaike, VP of corporate power, Color of Change; Irving Washington, senior fellow, health disinformation, Kaiser Family Foundation; and Blair C. Smith, senior director for Center for Financial Markets, Milken Institute, will identify a top 20. 

The general public will vote online to pick 10 finalists and the individual with the most votes will be named the inaugural theGrio Hero this summer. ■

Black viewers are streaming video and informational programming in unprecedented numbers, and a group of savvy TV veterans is leading the industry in striving to meet those consumers where they are looking for content. 

African-American audiences spend a majority of their viewing time watching streaming services — and 62% of those viewers say streaming is the most relevant platform for stories depicting Black life and culture, according to a recent Nielsen Diverse Intelligence Series report. The three dynamic and uncompromising executives profiled here are dedicated to making sure quality scripted and reality series are streaming — as well as news and informational content — are available to a Black audience with a voracious appetite for authentic, nuanced programming featuring their stories and images.

Brett Dismuke, GM, ALLBLK and WE tv

AMC Networks veteran programming executive Brett Dismuke has his hands full programming across multiple platforms as general manager of both cable network WE tv and streaming service ALLBLK.

Driving Dismuke’s efforts is an ultimate goal of providing quality, entertaining and relevant programming to Black viewers, especially on streaming via ALLBLK. “Many people in my generation grew up with the images we were allowed to have and see,” he said. “Now that we are in a position to control said images, I’m taking on the responsibility of guiding that ship.” 

Dismuke oversaw the 2020 rebranding of the streaming service Urban Movie Channel — formerly owned by BET founder Robert Johnson — to ALLBLK and has created a service that features original scripted and reality series, as well as short films targeted to Black viewers. In particular, scripted series such as comedy Partners in Rhyme, starring iconic hip hop artist MC Lyte, as well as drama series A House Divided (which last month launched its fifth season) and Double Cross, have helped Dismuke grow subscribers and audiences for the service over consecutive quarters, according to AMC. 

“Our goal is to make ALLBLK the No. 1 service in the world for Black stories and storytellers, and Brett Dismuke is a leader who is up for that ambitious objective,” AMC Networks president of entertainment and AMC Studios Dan McDermott said. “He expertly continues to not only develop unique, gripping content for ALLBLK — super-serving the audience — but also finds opportunity and success in the targeted alignments of WE tv and ALLBLK with incredible proficiency. Both platforms continue to grow under his skillful leadership.” 

For Dismuke, the ability to draw from popular reality content from WE tv such as series Love After Lockup, as well as offer original scripted comedy series like Millennials and dramas like Monogamy, gives ALLBLK a large library of diverse content that explores all aspects of the Black experience.   

“I want people to view ALLBLK as a trailblazer in the fairness of equal representation,” he said. “Nothing in life is 100% good, and sharing the depictions of Black and Brown narratives should be no different. I want ALLBLK to be considered a truth teller and an equal sharer of our stories.” 

The entrepreneurial producer and executive, who ran his own company, So Chi Entertainment, and also served as CEO of independent urban production company The Swirl Group prior to joining AMC Networks, said it is critical that Black consumers have viewing options across all platforms.

“Access to a reflection of one’s self can make or break how one views themselves,” he said. “It is great that some mainstream services and networks offer a small section of Black content, but it is a complete game-changer to have services dedicated to highlighting the vast array of our stories.”

Devin Griffin, Executive VP and GM, BET Plus

BET’s efforts to expand its iconic linear cable brand to streaming with the launch of BET Plus in 2019 paid off handsomely in 2022 with Emmy Award nominations for signature comedy series The Ms. Pat Show and drama series The Porter. 

Leading BET Plus’s charge to reach Black viewers on streaming is Devin Griffin, who has overseen operations for the service since its launch. Under Griffin’s tutelage, the service offers more than 2,000 hours of content, including a bevy of original series from such diverse producers as Tyler Perry, Kenya Barris, Lee Daniels, Pat Will­iams, Kirk Franklin and other leading Black content creators. 

“BET Plus puts us in a position to speak to the diversity of perspectives and interests that are within the Black community and those that love Black programming and stories,” Griffin said. “We believe that our edge is that we can tell stories from a place that is unique, but is broadly appealing and relatable.”

BET Plus has developed popular series including Tyler Perry’s Bruh, All The Queen’s Men, Tyler Perry’s Ruthless, The Family Business, Kingdom Business and First Wives Club — as well as series launching in 2023 including Average Joe starring Dion Cole. In 2022 the service struck gold with Emmy nominations for The Porter, which earned an Outstanding Choreography for a Scripted Program nod for its portrayal of Black Pullman workers in the aftermath of World War I, and original comedy The Ms. Pat Show, which garnered a nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series. The series follows the exploits of a convicted felon turned suburban wife, mother and comedian. 

The Ms. Pat Show star J. Bernard Calloway said the show’s Emmy nomination is verification of the quality of content that BET Plus is producing under Griffin’s leadership. 

“It’s great to be part of a project that has made history for [BET Plus],” he said. “The nomination is basically the respect of our peers and the recognition of how great the show is.”

Griffin said that recognition is helping to build greater awareness for BET Plus and confirms its strategic business plan is headed in the right direction. 

“One of the big driving forces for me is being able to contribute to expanding the ways Black stories and experiences get portrayed,” he said. “With BET Plus, we’ve been able to expand the canvas that we’re able to paint on.”

Geraldine Moriba, SVP of News, Entertainment andEmpowerment, theGrio

Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning producer, journalist and Stanford University Brown Institute research scientist Geraldine Moriba is successfully mixing the Allen Media Group-owned theGrio’s originally-produced news and information programming across multiple distribution platforms to create a successful media formula targeting a Black audience.  

To complement theGrio’s signature news and entertainment website and basic cable network theGrio.tv, Moriba in 2022 launched theGrio streaming network and mobile app dedicated to programming about and featuring unique Black voices. She also launched theGrio Black Podcast Network, offering more than five weekly podcasts on political, social and entertainment issues affecting Black culture. 

“Geraldine continues to pave the way in delivering high-quality, African-American-focused content,” AMG founder, chairman and CEO Byron Allen said. 

Extending theGrio’s reach beyond media, Moriba — who prior to joining theGrio in 2021 produced documentary series for PBS such as Sinking Cities and Chasing the Dream through production company, Moriba Media — also developed and oversaw theGrio Awards, celebrating excellence in entertainment and social justice. The inaugural event aired in November on CBS and Paramount Plus.  

Moriba wants to position theGrio as a global brand that serves Black consumers with quality, informative programming wherever they are consuming content.

“Right now, theGrio is the largest Black newsroom in the nation, and our reporting is unapologetic,” she said. “When you couple that with the entertainment and lifestyle value, it makes us very successful at targeting a diverse multimedia audience.” 

Allen Media Group’s purchase of Black News Channel assets this past July bolstered what already was arguably one of the leading Black-oriented news and entertainment websites. Moriba has already integrated former Black News Channel on-air personalities Marc Lamont Hill and Ebony K. Williams into its news and informational strategy by creating daily news shows for both that will run across theGrio’s multiplatform offerings.

Moriba’s ultimate goal is to ensure Black issues and stories are heard across all platforms, she said. 

“Without doubt, Black people are central to the fabric of American culture, and there are not enough platforms telling our stories,” she said. “Our mission is to build a portfolio of a broad representation of Black people across the spectrum. We are trying to get people of globally varied backgrounds, gender identification, ages and sexual orientations, with the driver being Black culture to help us move forward faster and stronger.” ■

TheGrio network has teamed with Black female-targeted entertainment brand Café Mocha, to launch a new weekly series profiling the best in travel hot spots.

The series, Café Mocha TV, showcases such travel destinations as Dubai, Paris, Barbados and South Africa as it takes viewers on a journey in search of finding and sharing the Black culture experience in each destination, according to the Allen Media Group-owned theGrio. Episodes feature influencers, celebrities, food and fashion experts, as well as a closing musical performance, according to the network.

Also: Byron Allen's 'theGrio Awards' on CBS Draws Major Sponsors

“From radio, podcasts and events, we provide entertainment and drive conversations from an unapologetic Black woman’s perspective,” said Café Mocha TV creator Sheila Eldridge in a statement. “There is absolutely nothing like Café Mocha TV that’s expanding the conversation globally, we’re honored to launch our latest television property on theGrio, the home of Black culture amplified.” ■

Major advertisers have signed up as sponsors of Byron Allen Presents theGrio Awards, which will be broadcast on CBS on November 26.

Sponsors include Procter & Gamble and its My Black Is Beautiful products, AT&T, JP Morgan Chase, PepsiCo, Amazon and Ford Motor Co.

Also advertising during the special are Abbvie, America’s Best, Campbell’s, Capital One, Chick-fil-A, Diageo, Domino's, Genentech, GSK, Hyundai, Johnson & Johnson, Kellogg’s, Kraft, Lexus, Lowe’s, Macy’s, Meta, Novartis, Olive Garden, Pizza Hut, SC Johnson, Stellantis, Toyota, Uber, Unilever and Wendy’s.

Allen has been active in trying to convince marketers to spend their ad dollars with Black owned media. He sued McDonald’s for $10 billion, charging the burger chain with discrimination.

TheGrio Awards are hosted by Sheryl Underwood and Taye Diggs.

Honorees include Dave Chappelle, Ben Crump, Allyson Felix, Jennifer Hudson, Patti LaBelle, Queen Latifah, Norman Lear, Alena Analeigh McQuarter, Don Peebles, Tyler Perry, Robert F. Smith and Kenan Thompson.

TheGrio Awards is co-produced by Allen Media Group and Backhand Productions. Byron Allen, Carolyn Folks, Jennifer Lucas, Jeff Atlas and Michelle Willrich are executive producers. ■

TheGrio will follow tomorrow night’s mid-term elections with its Black America Must Vote block of primetime programming.

The special live, two-hour election coverage, which will be live-streamed on theGrio.com website and theGrio Politics YouTube channel, will begin at 7 p.m. and will be hosted by April Ryan in Washington D.C., Natasha Alford in New York and Dr. Lamont Hill in Philadelphia, said the Allen Media Group-owned service.

Alford will provide election updates throughout the evening while Ryan interviews guest politicians and Hill speaks with voters, organizers and students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. In addition, theGrio Op-Ed writer Michael Harriot will provide additional coverage. 

“The importance of informed Black voters cannot be minimized nor underestimated,” said Byron Allen, founder/chairman/CEO of Allen Media Group in a statement. “Too many issues -- including women’s reproductive health, prison reform, climate change, education, and access to capital -- all disproportionately impact Black people. We need to engage and empower Black voters to help close the economic and social disparities. News coverage and perspectives from trusted sources like theGrio are crucial in creating an informed Black electorate.” ■ 

Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group is launching TheGrio Awards with a star-studded event on October 22 honoring Dave Chappelle, Tyler Perry and Norman Lear among others.

The event will be broadcast November 5 on TV stations nationwide and appear on theGrio Television Network and other Allen Media Group TV and digital platforms.

“I created theGrio Awards to celebrate and amplify African-American excellence and the incredible champions from other communities who truly support us,” said Byron Allen, Founder/Chairman/CEO of Allen Media Group. “As a child, strong, positive African-American icons such as Berry Gordy, Jr., Rosa Parks, Muhammad Ali, and Martin Luther King, Jr. helped me see myself differently, and changed the trajectory of my life. Celebrating and amplifying iconic individuals is something we can never do enough of, especially for our children.”

Also Read: Busy Byron Allen Wants To Be Big, but Doesn’t Want To Be a Unicorn

Chappell will be receiving theGrio Cultural Icon Award, Perry won theGrio Icon Awad and Lear will get theGrio Champion Award.

Other award-winners including Petti Labelle, Kenan Thompson, Ben Crump, Alena Analeigh McQuarter, Robert F. Smith, Allyson Felix, Don Peebles, Queen Latifah and Jennifer Hudson.

The event will include musical performance by Yolanda Adams, Tyrese, Fantasia and Patti LaBelle. Greg Phillinganes will be music director and DJ Kiss will be DJ and announcer.

Allen Media Group and Backhand Productions are co-producing theGrio Awards. Executive Producers include: Byron Allen, Carolyn Folks, Jennifer Lucas, Jeff Atlas, and Michelle Willrich.  ■

Byron Allen's theGrio is adding two news shows to the lineup on its cable network.

The shows, starting Oct. 24, are TheGrio with Eboni K. Williams at 6 p.m. ET weeknights and TheGrio with Marc Lamont Hill following at 7 p.m.

Allen acquired the assets of the Black News Channel, which was in bankruptcy in July for $11 million. The channel had stopped producing shows but still had carriage on cable with Comcast, Charter, Cox, DirecTV, Dish and Verizon Fios, and theGrio took over that distribution in August, airing mostly movies.

Allen in 2016 purchased theGrio, a videocentric news platform devoted to providing African-Americans with compelling stories. The upcoming shows are just the beginning of bringing news content to the cable channel, Geraldine Moriba, theGrio's senior VP of entertainment, news and empowerment, told Broadcasting+Cable.

Moriba said theGrio planned to roll out a couple more news shows by spring.

"The word grio means storyteller or journalist," she said. "We're trying to be a destination that reflects what the conversations are right now in the Black community."

Both Williams and Hill are qualified to not just talk about the issues, but can bring analysis based on their experience and knowledge.

Williams is an attorney, former radio host, podcaster and a former Real Housewives of New York cast member who has been on TV with Fox News and Revolt TV.

Her show on theGrio will look at news-making legal cases of interest to African-Americans. Some cases will involve famous people, others not so much.

"The one thing about Eboni Williams that the audience will see is she's unapologetic. She's going to basically bring legal analysis and common sense to her commentary and conversations about what's happening in our world right now," Moriba said.

Hill previously had a show on Black News Channel, before it was acquired by Allen. Moriba said it was the most successful show on the network. "It just made sense for him to do something similar to what he was doing before," she said.

The show will have Hill, a professor of media studies and urban education at Temple University, talking about politics and other subjects.

Hill will be talking about a study theGrio did with the Kaiser Family Foundation, looking at Black voters.

"The show gives us an opportunity to have really in-depth conversations around what black voters are thinking about the Democratic Party, the Republican Party or whether or not they approve of Joe Biden's job performance," said Moriba.

One of the first episodes will reunite the cast of A Different World. "It was a very popular show among certain generations," she said. "He got the cast together and he's doing an entire episode on the show. What's happened since, but also what the show meant in that moment of history."

Moriba said theGrio's mandate is to give a voice to the community in a way that isn't happening anywhere. "We're the largest black newsroom. There is no other news organization in the country that's doing what we're doing." ■

Byron Allen’s theGrio said it plans to launch a new series, Masters of the Game, on Sept. 30.

The series is hosted by journalist Touré, who interviews high achievers, asking about their path to success.

The first guests on the show are tennis player Frances Tiafoe and Jennifer King, the first Black female NFL coach. 

Future guests include Tyler Perry, Debbie Allen and Doc Rivers.

Also: Byron Allen’s Entertainment Studios Acquires theGrio

“I’m honored that theGrio has given me this opportunity to talk to the most successful Black people around and to help us all learn from their brilliance. Our conversations will tell us how they became masters of the game,” said Touré. “After doing interviews for over 25 years, these are some of the biggest ones I have ever done. I'm looking forward to sharing these conversations with our audience.”

The show is executive produced by Kash Alexander and producer/director is Christina Faith. ■

Allen Media Group has inked author and Tv journalist Marc Lamont Hill to appear on its theGrio news/entertainment media platform.

The veteran journalist, who has appeared on such networks as CNN, BET and Fox News, will host a daily, one-hour television show for theGrio and a weekly podcast for theGrio Black Podcast Network.

Hill also appeared on the Black News Channel, the assets of which Allen Media Group acquired last month. 

“Marc Lamont Hill is exceptionally smart and talented, which makes him a great addition to our platforms,” Allen Media Group Founder/Chairman/CEO Byron Allen said in a statement. “TheGrio is one-hundred percent Black-owned, which gives us a unique perspective.”

Also: TheGrio Aims To Deliver News, Entertainment Content to Black Audiences Across Multiple Platforms

Hill added:  I couldn’t be more honored to join theGrio family at a moment when the stakes are so high for our community--economically, politically, socially, and culturally. I’m excited to be part of the most trustworthy and innovative Black news team in the world. Together, we will create and expand spaces for engaging the most vital voices, issues, and perspectives.”■

Allen Media Group-owned digital news service theGrio is ramping up its push to serve Black audiences looking for news and entertainment information through its TV network, digital and podcast offerings.

The company, which Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group purchased in 2016, recently launched theGrio Black Podcast Network -- which offers listeners access to Black Entertainment, culture and news -- to go alongside the service’s theGrio.tv digital network and theGrio news-based website. 

TheGrio senior VP of news and entertainment Geraldine Moriba recently spoke to Multichannel News Senior Content Producer, Programming R. Thomas Umstead about the company's strategy to serve Black consumers on whatever platform audiences choose. An edited version of that interview appears below. 

Multichannel News: How do you feel theGrio’s brand is positioned in a very crowded television marketplace?

Geraldine Moriba: Our mission is to inform the black community everywhere we consume information. We know some people get their information from a website; some people get it from mobile apps; other people listen to podcasts. We over-index in new technology, so we wanna keep up with that and be everywhere we consume information. At the same time we don’t want to leave out generations who are still going to go to the website, because that is our bread and butter, but we also want to reach new audiences who are getting information from other platforms.

MCN: How does theGrio’s recent Black Podcast Network launch mesh with its website and television distribution strategy?

GM: The black community is a large community and we're not all the same – we don’t think the same, we don’t behave the same and we don’t all have the same beliefs. There's definitely commonality, but we’re different people. The way we consume information and where we get information also varies. There are people who get stories and information from podcasts – in fact, Black Americans over-index in podcasts, according to Nielsen. We right now make up over 20% of all podcast listeners, which is practically double our population. People who listen to podcasts might also get news from websites or a mobile app. Certainly there’s some overlap, but people are creatures of habit, and we want to genuinely try to inform people wherever they consume information. We’re about providing information and becoming a destination, but as black-owned media company it’s also about empowerment.

MCN: With respect to television, what is theGrio’s strategy to attract viewers?

GM: So on the television side, we will still have some news, but the television side is more lifestyle and entertainment. It is a different medium, and we recognize that people go to TV for different things. We don't want to create a 24-hour news channel – that's not our mission. We are building shows right now that will have a news component, but the majority of the content will always be lifestyle and entertainment and movies. There are over 1,500 movies available now on theGrio’s OTT (over-the-top) and OTA (over-the-air) platforms.

MCN: You mentioned that theGrio.TV’s focus on the television side is not necessarily news, but at some point will the network look to fill a void for news content targeted to Black viewers created by the recent shut down of The Black News Channel?

GM: It’s unfortunate that BNC shut down – there were a lot of talented people there, and we need that information. We are absolutely trying to be number one in our competitive set and trying to amplify Black culture. BNC was strictly news – we’re definitely news but also entertainment and lifestyle. ■ 

TheGrio, Allen Media Group’s Black focused digital news platform, plans to launch theGrio Black Podcast Network.

The network’s first podcast, Dear Culture with Panama Jackson, is set to have its debut May 26 and there are six more podcasts set to premiere over the summer and fall.

“I am proud to launch theGrio’s Black Podcast Network. Black podcast listeners are growing faster than any other demographic,” said Byron Allen, founder/chairman/CEO of Allen Media Group. “TheGrio will match that demand by releasing the best original and aggregated podcast content. This will be the number one destination for curated global podcast content as theGrio continues to make positive history.”

Dear Culture with Panama Jack looks at cultural topics such as: Which Jackson sibling — Michael or Janet — had the best album? What’s the Blackest song of all time?

Upcoming pods include TheGrio Daily with Michael Harriot debuting June 20; Blackest Questions with Christina Greer starting in July; Acting Up with Cortney Wills returning in July; Writing Black with Maiysha Kai launching in August; Being Black, the 80s with Touré debuting in September; That’s the Point with Natasha Alford coming in September; and Black Backstage with Touré arriving in October.

The podcasts can be accessed through theGrio’s new mobile app and other podcast platforms.

Additional podcasts are in the works, the company said.

“TheGrio is dedicated to amplifying Black culture and providing our audience with new and exciting content on all platforms,” said Geraldine Moriba, senior VP of news and entertainment for theGrio. “Our ambitious plan for the Black Podcast Network is to be the primary source and first choice for dynamic, thought-provoking daily conversation for global Black audiences. We are delighted to present this first collection of original new podcasts to provide our audience access to the new torch-bearers and storytellers driving today’s crucial conversations.”  ■

Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group said it hired Jocelyn Langevine as VP of advertising sales and client partnerships for theGrio, Allen’s Africa American targeted brand.

Langevine, most recently director of integrated marketing and senior director of integrated marketing at ViacomCBS, will represent all of theGrio’s platforms, including its broadcast and digital television network and a free-streaming app to be introduced later this year.

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The new app will provide hyper-local news, information, weather, sports and traffic based on the user’s zip code. The app will also offer free movies, television shows, documentaries and entertainment channels.

Langevine reports to Cindy Kelly, president of Ad Sales for Allen Media Group’s Entertainment Studios Networks and is based in New York.

“All of our Allen Media Group properties, especially theGrio, are strategically positioned for long-term global success,” said Byron Allen, founder/chairman/CEO of Allen Media Group. “Jocelyn Langevine is an excellent advertising sales executive with enormous experience and relationships. Jocelyn is a great addition to the Allen Media Group family.”

Before ViacomCBS, Langevine held posts at Essence magazine, NBCUniversal, BET Networks and CBS Outdoor.