Bounce TV, Among Other Networks to Target African Americans

Syracuse, NY – Amanda Quick

Before the launch of Bounce TV, Ryan Glover felt there was a void in the number of networks that targeted African Americans. He wanted to see this change.  Glover joined forces with Martin Luther King III, Andrew Young and Jonathan Katz, to create a television network that would appeal to the black community.

“The opportunity availed itself and aligning with two legendary industry leaders was a no-brainer,” said Glover, the President of Bounce TV.

Programming Pioneer

Glover said Bounce TV is the first African American broadcast network.  Currently, Bounce TV offers theatrical motion pictures, sporting events, documentaries, specials, and inspirational faith-based programs along with other original programming.

The network targets the 25-54 demographic. Glover said the network’s nationwide audience enjoys the theatricals, which is one of Bounce TV’s most popular programs. “Theatricals resonate with the audience…especially one with classical African American titles,” Glover said.

Cities with Bounce

Bounce TV is offered in the top 16 out of 20 national markets for African Americans. The long- term goal of the company is to eventually broadcast in all of the top 20 markets. They are building the brand and hope to market as often as they can.
“Bounce is unique – it’s free over the air as well as to those that have cable,” Glover said.

In the upcoming year, Glover said Bounce TV plans to broadcast boxing matches and expand its sports offerings for 2012. Bounce TV will also venture into incorporating music onto the network by broadcasting live concerts. Glover said the concerts will feature top artists mostly from the R & B genre.

The network is not yet rated by Nielsen, but it is available in 55% of U.S. homes and nearly 75 % of African American television households.

More New Networks

In addition to Bounce TV, two other new television networks targeting African Americans are expected to launch in 2012.

“The audience is grossly underserved,” said Glover. “ We see companies in the future following our lead just as we have followed BET and TV 1.”

One of the networks, the Soul of the South Network, will launch this spring and focus on the southern region of the U.S. It will offer programs related to news, entertainment, sports and culture.   There are also reports that Magic Johnson will release Aspire, his own 24-hour television network that will be carried by Comcast.

While Glover and other leaders at Bounce TV are aware of networks with similar goals they aren’t focused on being in a competition with other networks.

“We are looking at the future and how we can better serve our broadcast base,” Glover said.

Additional information about Bounce TV is available at http://www.bouncetv.com/