Byron Allen to Launch TheGrio.TV Network During Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend

By R. Thomas Umstead
last updated

African-American targeted service to replace Light TV multicast network

The Grio logo
(Image credit: Allen Media Group)

Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group will launch a new TV network targeted to Black audiences in January during the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

TheGrio.TV network will take over digital multicast network Light TV -- which Allen acquired this past October from MGM -- and will feature movies, sitcoms, dramas, concerts, and lifestyle content, according to AMG officials. The service will debut on Jan. 15.

Related: Allen Media Group Buys Hawaii TV Station for $30M

Byron Allen

Byron Allen  (Image credit: Allen Media Group)

Allen purchased TheGrio.com website from NBCUniversal in 2016.

“TheGrio.TV is the first and only 100 percent African American-owned and targeted broadcast television network and free digital platform – making us truly authentic, without being filtered or controlled by others outside of the community,” Allen said in a statement.

R. Thomas Umstead
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.