{"id":5030,"date":"2014-04-10T14:02:38","date_gmt":"2014-04-10T18:02:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/faithmediaandculture\/?p=5030"},"modified":"2014-04-10T14:02:38","modified_gmt":"2014-04-10T18:02:38","slug":"magic-johnsons-aspire-tv-network-unveils-2014-2015-programming","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/faithmediaandculture\/2014\/04\/magic-johnsons-aspire-tv-network-unveils-2014-2015-programming.html","title":{"rendered":"Magic Johnson’s ASPiRE TV network unveils 2014-2015 programming"},"content":{"rendered":"

Here\u2019s today\u2019s dispatch from the crossroads of faith, media and culture.<\/strong><\/p>\n

ASPiRE aims high.<\/strong> ASPiRE, a partnership of UP TV and basketball legend-turned-entrepreneur Earvin “Magic” Johnson, has unveiled its programming slate for the second half of 2014 into 2015. The ambitious development roster showcases the network\u2019s ongoing commitment to presenting positive African-American images to its viewers while building on growth achieved during the year to date.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cWe are proud to announce our upcoming slate of programming for 2014-2015 and primed to take the network to the next level,\u201d says ASPiRE General Manager Paul Butler.\u00a0 \u201cFor an upscale and professional African-American audience, ASPiRE\u2019s programming offers a balanced mix of movies, music, sports and lifestyle, talk, documentaries and sitcoms that honor our past, celebrate our now and introduce our next.\u00a0 We hope that our viewers will continue to be entertained, informed, inspired and socially engaged with us wherever they may be moving forward.\u201d<\/p>\n

“Our advertisers and partners know that ASPiRE connects them to viewers looking for relevant and relatable images of positive Black culture on TV,\u201d adds Ty Johnson, VP, multicultural sales & development, ASPiRE.\u00a0 \u201cWith ASPiRE Chairman and CEO Earvin \u2018Magic\u2019 Johnson\u2019s long history of connecting brands to the community, our viewers have embraced the impact we\u2019re having and difference we\u2019re making with positive entertainment for African-American families and urban professionals.\u00a0 We anticipate another great year of continued growth as we celebrate the groundbreaking achievements and game changing contributions African-Americans continue to make to popular culture.\u201d<\/p>\n

Highlights of ASPiRE\u2019s original programming schedule include:<\/p>\n

SERIES<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

exhale (Season Two)<\/b> – Premieres Wednesday, May 7 at 8 p.m. EDT
\n<\/b>With a unique mix of bold humor, sincerity and insight, journalist and media maven Angela Burt-Murray; actress and comedian Erin Jackson; director, writer and actress Issa Rae; blogger, author and TV anchor Rene Syler; and actress Malinda Williams return to provide a fresh in-depth perspective on topics that are relevant and evergreen in the lives of African-American women.\u00a0 The five hosts from different generations, fields and backgrounds get real about family, relationships, career, money, faith and other matters of interest to modern women.\u00a0 This season, some of the topics include \u201cWhat Is Love?,\u201d African-Americans and the criminal justice system, and \u201cChildhood Health & Wellness\u201d with guests such as Laila Ali (Favela, All in with Lalia Ali<\/em>), Boris Kodjoe (Baggage Claim<\/i>, Soul Food<\/em>) and Nicole Ari Parker (Revolution, Soul Food<\/em>), Judge Greg Mathis, comedienne Niecy Nash (Getting On, American Dad!<\/em>), Tracee Ellis Ross (Bad Girls<\/i>, Girlfriends<\/em>) and more.\u00a0 Executive produced by Lynne Robinson and Black Robin Media.<\/p>\n

\u00a0ABFF Independent<\/em> (Season Three) \u2013 Sneak-Preview on Friday, June 20 at 8 p.m. EDT, Season Premieres Fall 2014
\n<\/b>Hosted by actor Omari Hardwick (Sparkle<\/i>, Dark Blue<\/em>), ASPiRE\u2019s acclaimed weekly, two-hour original series presents the best independent shorts, feature films and documentaries from emerging black artists.\u00a0 This year, ABFF (abff.com<\/a>, June 19-22, 2014) will be held in New York City for the first time ever.\u00a0 ASPiRE will be at the Festival hosting a \u201cPitch Suite\u201d where young filmmakers can meet with ASPiRE executives to pitch their films to get into the next season of ABFF Independent.<\/em><\/em><\/b> ABFF Independent<\/em> is executive produced by Jeff Friday, and Sean Joell Johnson and Ralph Scott of LeftCenter Entertainment, Inc.<\/p>\n

Black College Quiz<\/em> \u2013 Currently Airs on Mondays at 7:30 p.m. EDT
\n<\/b>Spotlighting the academics of HBCUs, Black College Quiz<\/b><\/em> is a game show that tests the knowledge of students.\u00a0 Topics range of pop-culture to African-American History.\u00a0 The series is hosted by \u201cNephew Tommy\u201d from The Steve Harvey Morning Show<\/i>.\u00a0 Produced by Central City Productions (CCP).<\/p>\n

DOCUMENTARIES<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Closure<\/em> \u2013 Premieres Fall 2014
\n<\/b>A documentary about a trans-racial adoptee, Angela Tucker, who finds her birth mother, and meets the rest of a family who didn’t know she existed, including her birth father. \u00a0 A story about identity, the complexities of trans-racial adoption, and most importantly, Closure<\/i>.\u00a0 Directed by Angela\u2019s husband Bryan Tucker.<\/p>\n

The Wayman Tisdale Story \u2013 Premieres Fall 2014
\n<\/b>The Wayman Tisdale Story<\/i> is a feature length documentary celebrating the life and legacy of Wayman Tisdale, a three-time All-American, Gold Medal Olympian, former NBA star and world renowned Jazz musician who lost his two-year battle with bone cancer in May of 2009.\u00a0 Directed by Brian Schodorf. <\/b><\/p>\n

SPORTS AND LIFESTYLE<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

HBCU Sports \u2013 Premieres Fall 2014
\n<\/b>For the second year, ASPiRE will broadcast live six football games and 12 Men\u2019s and Women\u2019s basketball games, including the Women\u2019s Championship Game in 2015.\u00a0 Steeped in history, legacy and tradition, these games are the essence of the HBCU game-day experience.\u00a0 From the intense overall competition on the field to the unique HBCU tailgating environment and bands battling during the half, these rivalries resonate with fans and alumni nationwide.<\/p>\n

Inside the Game<\/em> \u2013 Premieres Fall 2014
\n<\/b>Moving into its 18th<\/sup> year, Inside the Game<\/em> is the nation\u2019s longest-running sports highlights TV show devoted exclusively to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).\u00a0 Hosted by ESPN host\/analyst\/producer Stan Lewter, the weekly series provides viewers with football and basketball highlights, plus interviews and features on and off the field from HBCU institutions, including the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) and independent schools.\u00a0 The series is produced by Urban Sports & Entertainment Group.<\/p>\n

ORIGINAL VIGNETTE SERIES<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

ASPiRE produces several original vignette series, including:<\/p>\n

I ASPiRE<\/em>
\n<\/b>A vignette series that profiles young African-Americans doing the expected and the unexpected.\u00a0 In their own words, they tell their stories, describe their motivations and inspirations, and share who they ASPiRE to be.\u00a0 To date, ASPiRE has produced more than 80 profiles of young African-Americans from all walks of life and disciplines.<\/p>\n

On the Reel
\n<\/em><\/strong>A vignette series that brings viewers behind-the-scenes of our original series tapings, live music concerts, film festivals and award shows.\u00a0 Vignettes also feature industry conferences, corporate events and community events that are sponsored and supported by partners, such as Nationwide (CIAA Tournament), Colgate (Colgate Women\u2019s Games) and Johnson & Johnson (\u201cStay Fit\u201d Health & Wellness Event).<\/p>\n

On the Yard
\n<\/b>This vignette series <\/i>visits annual HBCU battle-of-the-band competitions, football classics, homecoming parades\/pageants, alumni reunions, tailgates and fraternity\/sorority step shows to spotlight these signature events and cultural celebrations.\u00a0 Produced by Urban Sports & Entertainment Group.<\/p>\n

<\/em>IN DEVELOPMENT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Magic in the Making<\/em>
\n<\/b>A series of quarterly specials hosted by ASPiRE Chairman and CEO Magic Johnson as he sits down one-on-one with the newsmakers of today and tomorrow in sports, entertainment, business, politics and philanthropy.\u00a0 The conversations will be candid, personal, entertaining and intimate.\u00a0\u00a0 Guests will come from the diverse mix of friends and colleagues from Magic\u2019s inner circle.\u00a0 Produced by Rivet Entertainment.<\/p>\n

Magic Johnson HBCU All-Star Invitational
\n<\/b>A special HBCU All Star Basketball Game in the vein of the McDonald\u2019s All American Game for high school ballers.\u00a0 Partnered with Urban Sports & Entertainment Group.<\/p>\n

Change Makers
\n<\/b>A half-hour documentary series that takes a look at today\u2019s top celebrities, their contributions,\u00a0how they impact and uplift their community while exploring social and health\u00a0issues affecting millions\u00a0worldwide.\u00a0 Rapper, entrepreneur and actor Ludacris (Fast & Furious 6<\/i>, \u201cBeing Mary Jane\u201d) will be one of the celebrities featured.\u00a0 Produced by Swirl Films.<\/p>\n

Game Time<\/b>
\n<\/em>A HBCU version of the popular College Game Day studio and college campus show.\u00a0 Produced by Urban Sports & Entertainment Group.<\/p>\n

UNCF Next Generation<\/b><\/em>
\nPartnering with UNCF and their groundbreaking campaign, \u201cA Mind Is A Terrible Thing to Waste,\u201d host Laurence Fishburne (Man of Steel<\/i>, Hannibal<\/em>) follows the real-life journey of students from different backgrounds, circumstances and areas of interests as they pursue the dream of a college education.<\/p>\n

The Graduates<\/b>
\n<\/em>This new reality series highlights the journey of five recent HBCU alumni after they graduate college and move to New York to pursue their dreams and aspirations.\u00a0\u00a0 Produced by Randolph Sturrup of RDS Entertainment.<\/p>\n

PRO-SOCIAL PLATFORM<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

ASPiRE TO CHANGE THE GAME<\/em>
\nASPiRE to Change The Game<\/em> is the network\u2019s pro-social campaign to raise awareness and engagement on the critical issues facing the next generation. \u00a0\u00a0ASPiRE works with corporate and community partners to bring awareness to five \u201ccategories of community concern\u201d for the next generation of African-Americans:\u00a0 <\/b>Education, Health & Wellness, Economic Empowerment, Social Justice and Community Impact.\u00a0 To date, the network has already worked with a number of community and corporate partners, including UNCF, Colgate and The Billion Dollar Roundtable.<\/p>\n

Encourage one another and build each other up \u2013 <\/em>1 Thessalonians 5:11<\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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