The Black Broadcasting Network (BBN) has inked its first distribution deal with Verizon Fios TV Video on Demand (VOD). The black-owned and operated company, which targets the “urban†18- to 34-year-old demographic, will offer African American and Latino-themed programming as part of Verizon’s national VOD services.
[The agreement] “established our existence in broadcast cable,” said Ricky Anderson, BBN’s chairman and CEO. “The network will focus on programming that is appealing, interesting, entertaining and culturally relevant to urban viewers today.â€
The deal “provides national broadcast distribution from New York to Los Angeles, with many major markets between the East Coast, West Coast, North, and South,†said Anderson.
The multiplatform network will focus on a variety of program genres featuring African American and Latino artists, casts, comedians, producers, filmmakers, and athletes. Programming includes the latest in movies, music, music videos, independent films, reality shows, comedy, and current affairs. Coverage includes black college sports, Battle of the Bands, the Premier Basketball League, Ringside Boxing, and such films as “Precious.”
The partnership, first announced in late December, is the Houston-based company’s first distribution deal. For those who do not have access to Verizon FIOS, BBN offers the ability to view content online with a monthly subscription for $3.99. BBN would not disclose the value of the deal.
The company was founded by Yusef F. Muhammad and Anderson in 2008 as a means to provide programming to underserved audiences.