Black News Channel Launches Nationwide African-American News Network

Weekday on-air personalities Lauren McCoy (left), Kevan Smith, Fred Hickman, Laverne McGee, Anthony Amey and Rarione Maniece. (Image credit: Black News Channel)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Black News Channel, the nation’s only African-American news network, launched today, Feb. 10, from its state-of-the-art network operations center in Tallahassee, Fla., and bureaus around the country.

“The launch of Black News Channel will be not only historic, but also transformational,” said CEO and co-founder Bob Brillante. “We will shed more light on the stories that demonstrate our commonality, rather than those that highlight our differences.”

Morning news with Kevan Smith, Lauren McCoy and Rarione Maniece.

Morning news with Kevan Smith, Lauren McCoy and Rarione Maniece. (Image credit: Black News Channel)

“I have traveled around the country participating in interviews, serving on panel discussions and sharing BNC’s mission and commitment to telling a more complete story of the African-American community,” said BNC chairman and co-founder J.C. Watts Jr. “There is growing interest and anticipation about the Black News Channel, as well as a palpable level of excitement about our launch.”

BNC currently can be seen on Spectrum, XFinity X-1 Platform and Dish Network. Plans call for availability on Sling, Vizio Smart TVs, Xumo and Roku Channel. Together, the platforms will bring BNC to more than 100 million homes.

Evening news with Fred Hickman and Laverne McGee.

Evening news with Fred Hickman and Laverne McGee. (Image credit: Black News Channel)

BNC currently can be seen on Spectrum, XFinity X-1 Platform and Dish Network. Plans call for availability on Sling, Vizio Smart TVs, Xumo and Roku Channel. Together, the platforms will bring BNC to more than 100 million homes.

More information about BNC is available on the news network’s website.

Phil Kurz

Phil Kurz is a contributing editor to TV Tech. He has written about TV and video technology for more than 30 years and served as editor of three leading industry magazines. He earned a Bachelor of Journalism and a Master’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.