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MMTC offers twelve recommendations for changes in telecom policy

(July 21, 2008) On the second day of its annual conference in Washington, DC, The Minority Media and Telecommunications Council put forth twelve recommendations it hopes the Federal Communications Commission and other federal agencies will adopt.

"This Road Map for Telecommunications Policy seeks nothing less than the complete eradication of racial discrimination and its present effects...
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BlackInAmerica.com hopes to take advantage of audience for CNN special

(July 21, 2008) Which came first, the cable television special entitled "Black In America," or the Web site, BlackInAmerica.com? Dante Lee, (left) President and CEO of Diversity City Media is happy to say he got there first. Lee registered the name long before CNN planned its six-hour special which debuts tomorrow tonight.

The cable broadcast, hosted by reporter Soledad O'Brian, looks at the stereotypes and challenges faced by African-American men, women and families everyday. The special is expected to draw a large audience following CNN's growing appeal...
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Gorilla Nation adds African-American sites, staff to multicultural division

(July 22, 2008) Gorilla Nation, the world's largest online ad rep firm, today announced that it has been selected to exclusively represent the online ad inventory of three African-American and two Hispanic web properties through its GNMulticultural division.  
 
Included in the AA segment is TheUrbanBlogger.com, a social network created for the up and coming urban community which features an active and influential growing membership; SandraRose.com, an AA-focused celebrity blog with the latest news and exclusive photos; and...
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Ford scores higher than auto industry on annual NAACP Report Card

(July 17, 2008) The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) announced today that Ford Motor Company once again received one of the highest grades awarded on the Economic Reciprocity Initiative (ERI) automotive industry report card. Results of the study were released at the NAACP's 99th Annual Convention, themed Power, Justice, Freedom & The Vote, at the Duke Energy Center in Cincinnati, OH.

The NAACP ERI report card measures the exchange of economic costs and benefits between African-American consumers and various industries.  The scoring is based...
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Starbucks closings seen hitting urban economic developments efforts hard

By Bonnie Miller Rubin
Chicago Tribune
(July 16, 2008) Russell Morgan wants the corporate honchos at Starbucks to know that when it comes to closing store locations, they don't know beans.
 
He may be a retired railroad worker, but get him going on the Seattle coffee giant and he speaks with the authority of a Wall Street analyst. He rattles off a multitude of reasons for the company's financial woes, but nothing, he says, is as boneheaded as the announcement this week that it will shutter the Country Club Hills store at the end...
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Cable TV Ratings for Week of July 7 - 13
'Payne' is leader but with fewer viewers; BET, USA are most watched networks

(July 17, 2008) Even though it averaged fewer than its usual two million viewers per show, "House of Payne" maintained its lead over the top 25 most watched cable shows by black households. The TBS program took first, second and third position during the second week of July. Shifting summer viewing habits gave BET's "Baldwin Hills" fourth and fifth place on the chart.

BET and USA tied for the title of week's...
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MMTC calls on FCC to install compliance officer for non-discrimination rule

From Radio Ink
(July 16, 2008) The Minority Media and Telecommunications Council has asked the FCC to appoint a compliance officer to oversee enforcement of its new rule banning "no Urban" and "no Spanish" dictates, where advertisers refuse to consider buying time on stations that serve African-American or Hispanic audiences. The MMTC believes universal compliance with the rule, which went into effect yesterday, would raise revenue for minority broadcasters by 5 to 10 percent.

In a letter to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, MMTC Exec. Director David Honig writes, "Public awareness of the...
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Coca-Cola backs six-city summer concert tour featuring artist Lupe Fiasco

(July 17, 2008) Coca-Cola keeps the summer cool and makes it hot for teens across the country as it kicks off the six-city, invitation only 'Coca-Cola Refresh Your Flow Tour' featuring hip hop artist Lupe Fiasco today in Los Angeles.

Grammy award-winning hip hop artist Lupe Fiasco will bring his hits, 'Kick, Push' and 'Superstar' to lucky teens, ages 13-17, across the country for an exclusive, invitation only concert tour created by Coca-Cola North America...
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NAACP releases its 12th annual report card on economic reciprocity

(July 16, 2008) After 12 years of tracking the diversity efforts of some of the nation's largest companies in five key industries, the NAACP reports measured progress toward the goal of addressing economic concerns of the African American consumer.
 
The 2008 edition of the NAACP Consumer Choice Guide, part of the NAACP Economic Reciprocity Initiative (ERI), is now available. The latest guide provides African American consumers with empowerment tools that enable them...
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BET, Marvel Animation to co-produce "Black Panther" series

(July 15, 2008) BET Networks and Marvel Animation are teaming up to produce an animated series based on the legendary superhero, The Black Panther. Casting is already underway for the series that is slated to premiere in the first quarter of 2009.

A special sneak preview will premiere at Comic-Con in San Diego during BET's panel on Saturday, July 26. The series will be adapted directly from the first six issues of the Marvel Comic written by BET's president, Reginald Hudlin...
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George Foreman's "Family Foreman" reality series debuts on TV Land tonight

(July 15, 2008) TV Land invites viewers into the bustling home life of heavyweight boxing champion and grillionaire pitchman George Foreman, his wife and his children -- four of whom are also named George -- with the premiere of the original reality series "Family Foreman" on Wednesday, July 16 at 10:00PM ET/PT.

The six thirty-minute episode series follows Foreman as he tries to balance fatherhood with his numerous...
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TV Ratings for Week of July 7 - 13
"CSI" keeps its grip over summertime viewing; CBS remains to network

(July 15, 2008) It's obviously still too hot to change the dial or our viewing habits. CBS' CSI franchise continues to melt the competition and is again No.1 and 2 of the week's most popular shows in black households. Fox still held on to third place, this week with "So You Think You Can Dance" instead of last week's "Hell's Kitchen."

CSB was again the most watched network by...
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African-American media waiting for ad spending by Obama campaign

By Ira Teinowitz
Adage.com
(July 14, 2008) In 2004, the John Kerry campaign made a July announcement that it would make a $2 million buy in African-American media. The buy, said African-American media experts, was never completed. BET got some money, but not much went elsewhere, they said. This time around, they're hoping for better from Sen. Barack Obama.

Mr. Obama might want to move beyond race, but African-American media outlets are hoping he remembers his roots. Not only would it benefit their particular media sector, it could also have an impact on congressional and local races.

"We are very optimistic," said Sherman K. Kizart, senior VP-director of urban marketing for Interep, which...
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Griffin MarCom back in Atlanta with free service to non-profits, small business

(July 14, 2008) Griffin MarCom Inc., a fast growing strategic marketing and communications agency, today announced its return to the Atlanta market, where it was originally founded in 2000. The firm and its founder, well known for business leadership in Atlanta, return after a 5-year hiatus.

In conjunction with its return, Griffin MarCom will provide free, and discounted strategic marketing and communications support to a select group of Atlanta area nonprofits and small businesses. Nonprofits and corporate sponsors needing...
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TV Ratings for Week of June 30 - July 6
CBS continues its dominance as summer network of choice on Top 25

(July 9, 2008) With the Fourth of July marking the middle of the summer season, many black viewers are too hot to change their habits, and CBS is the beneficiary. The network continues its reign over the Top 25 shows in black households with its CSI franchise claiming the No.1 and No.2 spots.

CBS' 13 entries on this week's chart means that it continues to be the most watched network...
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Uptownlife.net offers lifestyle destination to affluent African-Americans

(July 9, 2008) UPTOWN Magazine, the luxury lifestyle publication targeted at Affluent African Americans, has launched its web-based counterpart, Uptownlife.net, bringing the UPTOWN lifestyle to consumers on a daily basis.

Uptownlife.net complements the magazine by offering additional content with features including "Clique," the photo section of the site, which allows viewers to submit and view gallery photos, Uptown TV, the broadband section that offers custom webisodes as well as...
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Cable TV Ratings for Week of June 30 – July 6
'Payne' takes the top four for the week; USA is most watched cable network

(July 10, 2008) Summer may be changing the viewing for some, but black cable watchers are holding steadfast to their favorite programs. TBS' "House of Payne" remains the dominant favorite, capturing the first four spots on the top 25 chart. VH1's new series, "I Love Money" took fifth place.

The week's most watched network was...
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Internet veterans Donna Byrd and Omar Wasow join TheRoot.com

(July 7, 2008) The Root, an online magazine featuring perspectives from prominent and emerging black thought leaders, today announced that Omar Wasow will be the site's Product Strategist, joining recently named Publisher Donna Byrd.

Veterans of Black America Web and BlackPlanet, Byrd and Wasow hope to combine their skills to make The Root a smart, savvy hub of thoughtful news and...
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FCC voids resolutions calling for investigation of Arbitron's PPM system

From Radio Ink
(July 7, 2008) Citing violations of the law's "openness" provisions, the FCC has set aside the resolutions made at the FCC Advisory Committee on Diversity for Communications in the Digital Age's July 2 telephone meeting -- including the committee's resolution requesting that the FCC investigate the Portable People Meter on the grounds that it "may not accurately measure minority audiences." The FCC ruled that, because the public had no opportunity to participate, the resolutions made...
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FCC Diversity Committee asks for investigation of Arbitron's PPM system

From Radio Ink
(July 3, 2008) A resolution by the FCC Advisory Committee on Diversity for Communications in the Digital Age asks the commission to "investigate Arbitron's new PPM audience measurement system to determine whether the system is having or will have a detrimental and discriminatory effect upon stations targeting minority audiences."

Ratings systems are not part of the FCC's ordinary purview, so the advisory committee also wants...
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GM, Procter & Gamble said to have pulled ads from two BET programs

By Leila Noelliste
Chicago Defender
(June 27, 2008) Media watchdogs are declaring it a victory. Black Entertainment Television hasn't said much, and advertisers are mum. What is clear, though, is that at least two top advertisers–-automaking giant General Motors and consumer goods manufacturer Procter & Gamble–-have pulled ads from BET's Rap City and 106 & Park programs.

Rap City features music videos and artist interviews, and 106 & Park is a top 10 music video countdown. They air...
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AOL's Black Voices.com launches weekly video entertainment wrap up with Toyota

(June 30, 2008) Black Voices, has launched The Black Voices Weekly Wire, a weekly three-minute video recap of top entertainment news. Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. is the official sponsor of the six-week program, with a new video available every Friday on Black Voices' Entertainment Newswire and Style Spotter blogs.

The Black Voices Weekly Wire is hosted by Tatyana Ali, R&B artist and actress who is best known for her role as Ashley Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Black Voices is the No. 1 online destination for...
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TV One's Pinkney resigns post as programming Vice President 7-2-08

Radio One releases largest national survey conducted on African-Americans 6-27-08

UniWorld moves beyond 30-second spot with mini-movie for new Lincoln MKS 6-27-08

Cable TV Ratings for Week of June 16 - 22 'Payne' keeps claim over the top 24 cable shows; USA is most watched network 6-26-08

IMAGES USA expands multicultural capabilities with promotion of Joan Villas 6-26-08

TV Ratings for Week of June 16 - 22, 2008
Celtics-Lakers match-up sends NBA out like a champ; CBS is top network 6-25-08

Planned black cable news channel faces many obstacles 6-25-08

BET, TV One make plans to go all out over Obama convention coverage 6-24-08

Tonight's BET Awards offers integrated, multimedia platforms for advertisers 6-24-08

Cable TV Ratings for Week of June 9 - 15, 2008
'House of Payne' makes usual clean sweep of top 25; Disney is top network 6-23-08

Ad agency Interpublic Group sees progress in effort to build diversity 6-23-08

TV Ratings for Week of June 9 - 15, 2008
Black households were one-third of record-setting NBA Finals audience 6-20-08

Memorial service announced for Pat Tobin, pioneering public relations professional 6-20-08

After 38 years, 'Soul Train' to get new owner and new lease on life 6-19-08

FCC under fire from black lawmakers for XM, Sirius merger approval 6-19-08

Nielsen: Black-oriented TV tied for second largest ad gains for Q1 6-16-08

FCC chief okays satellite radio merger after deal on minority programming 6-12-08

Cable TV Ratings for Week of June 2 - 8, 2008
'Payne,' election coverage lead black cable viewing; USA most watch network 6-13-08

Miami-based Circle of One Marketing eyes social change with new division 6-13-08

TV Ratings for Week of June 2 - 8, 2008
Basketball fever rolls on with historic ratings; CBS dominates half of top 25 6-12-08

Spike Lee creates AIDS PSA for Abbott, Magic Johnson Foundation 6-11-08

Patricia L. Tobin, public relations pioneer and icon, loses fight with cancer 6-10-08

Renetta McCann stepping down as Starcom MediaVest CEO 6-10-08

Alloy Access, Real Content form alliance for multicultural mobile strategy 6-10-08

Burrell touts Toyota Camry to black women in new digital effort 6-9-08

Pepsi partners with Howard University with 'Four Weeks For Father' campaign 6-9-08

Tourism conference addresses niche marketing in the Caribbean 6-6-08

D.L. Hughley to host 'BET Awards '08' live from L.A. June 24th 6-6-08

Honorees named for 2008 Marketing to African Americans with Excellence (MAAX) Awards 6-5-08

Thomas A. Johnson, pioneering black journalist, dies at 79 6-5-08

Cable TV Ratings for Week of May 26,  - June 1, 2008
NBA Playoffs keep and grow its audience, again giving TNT network title 6-5-08

TV Ratings for Week of May 26 - June 1, 2008
Fox hangs on to No.1 even with 'Idol' gone; CBS's top 25 dominance grows 6-5-08

Barack Obama to become first black nominee of a major political party 6-4-08

Study compares online behavior of Blacks, Hispanics and general market 6-4-08

AOL's BlackVoices.com celebrates Black Music Month with new video site 6-3-08

A weekly newspaper supplement focused on race issues set to launch 6-3-08

Sean Combs, Spike Lee help Burger King promote later hours in TV spots 6-2-08

UPTOWN magazine hires Squeakywheel Promotions for PR push 6-2-08

Cable TV Ratings for Week of May 19 - 25, 2008
Viewers can't get enough NBA playoffs, and TNT again dominates top 25 5-30-08

Union Bank names Tisa Jackson vice president for diversity and inclusion 5-30-08

TV Ratings for Week of May 19 - 25, 2008
Final 'American Idol' pulls season's biggest audience; CBS again top network 5-29-08

Eleven new African-American research studies to be unveiled at MAAX Summit 5-21-08

FraserNet to launch search engine that promotes black-owned businesses 5-29-08

Sears, LL Cool J  join forces with fall launch of apparel line 5-28-08

Def Jam artist Chrisette Michele partners with TBS in 'House of Payne' promo 5-28-08

Arnold names Reginald Osborne SVP, Director of Multicultural Marketing 5-28-08


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