New Urban Lifestyles VOD Network Sets Distribution Deals

A new, Harlem-based network offering original urban lifestyle content over multiple platforms is set to launch in August.
Urban Broadcast Company will provide news, entertainment, business, fashion and health and fitness via video on demand, according to president, executive producer and CEO Peggy Dodson.

UBC-TV Network has VOD distribution deals with Time Warner, Dish Network and Comcast to offer original programming that will include news, entertainment, business, fashion, health and fitness, sports, cooking, live concerts, talk shows and UBC-TV specials, according to Dodson. She added that the network is in discussions with other distributors, but would not reveal specific details.

The network's programming will feature social media components that Dodson said will allow UBC-TV to interact with urban viewers on several platforms.

"The urban multicultural market is now mainstream and it is time our voices be heard and our stories be told by us," she said. "I am big on technology and the future of television and technology is just in its beginning stages, there is so much more to come and UBC-TV will no doubt be a part of that revolution."

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.