P. Miller Launches Better Black Television

[San Goku]

Entrepreneur P. Miller today confirmed the launch of Better Black Television, a family-oriented cable network set to debut in 2009.

Dubbed BBTV, the network promises to cover the diverse experience of African-American culture by offering a myriad of genres: politics, movies, teen and children’s educational programming, animation, sports, and news.

In response to the criticism leveled at BET’s music video choices, the network has guaranteed to deliver “responsible Hip-Hop music and videos.”

P. Miller will oversee the channel as its chairman and CEO.

The advisory board team includes Oscar winner Denzel Washington, NAACP executive director Vicangelo Bullock, Hip-Hop founder Kool Herc, cable industry veteran Professor Sal Martino, and real estate mogul Curtis Oakes.

While seen as a risky business endeavor, Miller states he’s planned this venture for several years and feels he has gathered a strong team to uphold his vision.

“I believe that there is a market in our community for a new diverse network,” he explains. “(A network) that provides superior programming that caters to all aspects of television, from reality to original programming. We believe TV content can be positive and responsible and still have good ratings with great content.”

Aware that his network will be seen as a direct challenge to Viacom and its BET and MTV brands, Miller remained diplomatic on his competition.

“I have a great relationship with BET and MTV and will continue to work with them and support their networks,” he states.

Miller also had kind words for controversial BET founder Bob Johnson, who he credits as a mentor to his cable network plans.

“I remember him telling me back in the day that if you wanted to know real estate, you’ve got to hang out with real estate investors,” Miller explicates. “If you wanted to know sports, you’ve got to hang out with athletes. I wanted to know TV, so I hung out with Bob and learned the TV game from one of the best in the business.”

BBTV’s news programs have begun airing in Florida, Louisiana, California, and New York.

At press time, the network is purchasing local cable channel affiliates in preparation for its 2009 debut.

AllHipHop.com Daily News - : P. Miller Launches Better Black Television

Master P doing big things, always respected this guy, this looks like a positive step towards the future for the youth, and adults.

[Marlie]

Good news. Alot of people clown on P but I've always like him even way back in the No Limit days. He can make it work.

[b@st@rd]

If there's a need for it then good on him. More choice ftw.

[zshortysmall]

Personally, I hope that this replaces BET.
This is going to be a great thing.

[ACCUNE]

That's great news.There is another network on called TV1 it's pretty good it self.They have a program on there called Black Men Revealed which touches on a lot of issues. BET back in the day had a program that use to come on 12:00pm et on Saturdays which was called Teen Summit and it was very informative.Congrates to P on that,also this man even played in the NBA for a short while on The Hornets(circa Charlotte)

[Azn]

This is a great idea, and will hopefully, it will work well for Miller.

[pschy_leprae]

lol black TV? LOL kids programs on mugging ..... But what's up with the whole separatism ?
I mean ain't you all americans ? I though in america your race and skin colors are not important and every one gets along so wonderfully well ?

[ACCUNE]

^It's more like when Indian people may have a restaurant that sells Indian food but it is meant for all to enjoy. At least thats how I see it and not to negate that there are those who have the separatist mind set. I wouldn't mind watching a channel that's about the people who live in Appalachian and rural area White Americans who do things like Noodling and tailgate at Nascar events.

[AnarchoElk]

I laughed when I read this "Better Black Television"

Trying to improve the black image that's been basically ruined by rap culture.

I wish them luck, its just when you see these people trying to change the black image, it always comes up like its trying to be white, or trying to be culturally African.

If they can REALLY change the black perception away from gangster rap to something positive, without trying to make black culture white culture, dark edition, or traditional African, I'll be impressed. I'm tired of the rap culture associated with blacks, but the oreo culture, and the out of nowhere African culture aren't a plausible answer.

mind you I'm all for keeping culture alive, but usually when the whole African theme is brought into the mix, usually by people with very little experience with the culture, it seems forced. Like if I were to just throw on a kilt and rename myself with a traditionally Scottish name, and started acting like I'm Scottish born and raised.

I believe the image can be fixed, and it would go along way to kill off the prejudice and stereotyping still going on.

[San Goku]

^

I don't think that they're necessarily trying to change the image, just that usually the only type of spotlight given is always through music, P Miller is just giving something else. I think also the expectation has always been too much on BET, there an entertainment station much like MTV. To have anything nourishing to the mind for the youth is just not BET, they will remain nothing more then pure entertainment, a music video station. I think having more of a veriety of shows with a black american face will be a good thing, and they wont be takening away from anyone either.

[ACCUNE]

^ You're right and now that I think of it I believe that was the reason that they started that channel called BETJ which have programs like Black Stories and My Two Cents.

[Righteous Judgment]

"Black Family Channel" had more backers who were also more respected then Mr Miller I don't see how he is going to succeed where they failed.

[San Goku]

^

He has money, street cred, and Denzel?

[Righteous Judgment]

^How much money does he really have though? I mean what is he doing now a days for income? No limit isn't still active is it? I imagine he's still making residuals off his music but it's not like those songs are featured in commercials or anything

[{Pebbles}]

lol not surpising.

BET is getting worse everyday. It took me when that didn't play Coretta Kings funeral. She's a big part of black history, being the wife of Martin Luther King Jr, and witnessing his accomplishments.

I had to turn to CNN to watch it. Maybe the reason is becasue BET is now owned by white people. It's just more Ghetto each day. That Keiysha Cole the way it is shit, was horrible. That's not black entertainment, that's blacks acting like Ghetto trash. But if it gives it good ratings they don't even care.

I hope this new channel shows blacks in a better image, instead of portraying them as having all these kids, and I fucked her, the baby ain't mine, getting locked up, and all that crap.

[X2thaU]

hes gonna make 'em say uhhhhhhhhhh

lol but srsly, he was one of the reasons why rap culture is what it is =x

[San Goku]

Originally Posted by JAILTIME

^How much money does he really have though? I mean what is he doing now a days for income? No limit isn't still active is it? I imagine he's still making residuals off his music but it's not like those songs are featured in commercials or anything

Plenty of it, P Miller's been an euntrapenur for a long time now. I remember when he tried out for the raptors, commentators made lulz and stressed the fact that he would be thee richest nba player if he was to make the team. Oh I just checked his net worth out, he's worth half a billion in 2002.

[Marlie]

In the end it's someone trying to do something positive. That always deserves kudos. No matter if he's Black, a rapper or whatever the case maybe.

[krozar]

I don't see rap losing its place in black culture any time soon. But it's nice to see diversity in black television just as I would expect to see with any cultural group.

[Digital Masta]

Rap doesn't have to lose it's place...people just need to be intelligent about what they are putting out there for the world to see and BET hasn't been helping that.


Hopefully this will.