Comcast: Still No Word on Multicultural Channel Launches

On the eve the first anniversary of the Comcast/NBC Universal merger, the company has yet to name three new multicultural networks it has committed to launch over the next year.
Comcast has pledged to launch an English-language Hispanic-themed channel by July 28, 2012, and two majority African-American-owned channels by Jan. 28, 2013 as part of a commitment it made for federal approval for its deal to secure control of NBCUniversal, which was completed last January.
Comcast officials said Tuesday that the company "continues to conduct business discussions with select applicants and hopes to have an announcement on the selected networks in the near future."
The company's response comes on the heels of a report that hip-hop mogul P Diddy (Sean Combs) will launch a new urban music skewed channel dubbed Revolt that will serve as one of the two Comcast African-American channels. Revolt, news of which was first reported by B&C, is expected to launch Dec. 12.
Other entertainment names tied to potential new African-American targeted, cable network launches include Bill Cosby, Pharrell Williams, Tyler Perry and Magic Johnson, according to sources.

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.