The Philadelphia Tribune September 23, 2010 HBCU to launch 24/7 network in 2011<http://www.phillytrib.com/tribune/entertainment/50-tventertainment/14695-hbcu-to-launch-247-network-in-2011.html> By Kimberly C. Roberts C3 Media, LLC recently announced that the HBCU Network, a "24/7," 365 days a year sports, "edutainment" and lifestyle network dedicated to the 105 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) across the United States, will launch in 2011. Designed to fill a void in the cable industry, the channel will be the official destination of the four major HBCU Conferences (MEAC, SWAC, SIAC, CIAA), featuring Division I and Division II Black College sporting events. In addition, the network will offer a full complement of education and entertainment (edutainment) as well as lifestyle programming. Built on the solid foundation of the 143-year old HBCU brand, it will focus on a "previously unexplored" aspect of African-American life of significant cultural importance to global community. According to a written statement, the new channel brings a different business model to the cable industry by reinvesting in the African-American community it serves. The HBCU Network will provide a 20 percent equity position to the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, offering direct financial benefit and long-term sustainability. "The idea and vision behind the creation of the HBCU Network is to preserve and celebrate the African-American colleges and universities while also providing opportunities for their growth and further prosperity," said CEO Curtis Symonds. "At the same time, we are passionate and excited about building a strong media brand and network from the ground up." Based in Atlanta, the HBCU Network is owned and operated by C3 Media, LLC, a holding company that includes an executive team with more than 75 years of cable industry experience. "We are excited at the opportunity to bring an unexplored side of the African-American experience to television," said Candace Walker, executive vice president, HBCU Net Programming. "Our goal is to engage our audience with quality programming that promotes the rich history and legacy of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities while giving voice to a young and diverse urban population. HBCU Net is well-positioned to educate, motivate and inspire with a clear focus on African-American heritage and legacy." HBCU Network's primary audience will consist of African Americans 15-24 years of age and include the HBCU student population, Panhellenic organizations, Theological seminaries and the multicultural and general market student population at non-traditional universities and colleges. The network will also target HBCU faculty, alumni and sports fans: along with the broader African American 25 - 49-plus population. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Program Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 404.592.4820 1438 West Peachtree Street NW Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (Lyrasis) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/meeting-form.html for the October 24-26, 2010 HBCU Library Alliance 4th Membership Meeting and the "Conference on Advocacy" pre-conference in Montgomery, AL. The Pre-Conference and Membership meeting are open to directors and other librarians.