Good Interview. Interesting idea. I'll be interested to see how differently this concept turns out from BET by using a somewhat democratic process of allocating time slots to people.

Of course that's going to call for someone to be the EP of the entire channel so that it doesn't turn out like Manhattan Neighborhood Network cable and just ANYBODY putting ANYTHING on the air, just because they can afford to pay for the slot.

Also, not doing that is how you end up with ALL music video shows and informercials and here we go again...

Haven't heard the interview yet but I LOL at Bill's comment about Manhattan Neighborhood Network cable. You will see ANYTHING on one of those channels.

Good insight into whatis going on in Bob Johnson's mind. My question is whether this new network is going to really promote African American programming by giving us 'THE OPPORTUNITY" to produce engaging technically competent , sponsor underwritten, financially stable programming. or become a broker that would make huge profits. What will the network provide to its "paying affiliates" to enable them to share in this potential revenue stream ?.

What syndication possibilities will develop to give opportunities to create "technologically competitive products that will draw and maintain viewers that will provide the numbers to meet the network's financial expectations? Will the network purchase syndicated programming that will allow producers to share in the wealth.?

To me it seems like a pyramid scheme that will never enable those on the bottom to ever reach the top, and guess what, there usually is only one person at the top. It sounds like a great idea, but needs non self-serving organized effort to create a fair opportunity for us all. Get it together and I'm in.

Wow pretty disappointed in Mr. Johnson's new venture. Television? Wow. This sounds really expensive and it doesn't sound like there is a huge audience for this. "Urban" Do you mean black? I get it. He started BET. sold it to Viacom, made about a billion, now what? If anyone was to start a Y Combinator for minority tech startups it would be him. I am just disappointed that he is missing this great opportunity in getting involved with the web.

I am not downplaying whatever this network that he is involved with is doing. I just hold individuals like Bob Johnson to a higher standard then others. Advertising is shifting and will ultimately dominate over print, television, and radio.

Its a good idea, it just seems like a waste of money on a polished half baked idea. Especially since whenever Angela mentioned the web he sort of brushed over it.

Just my thoughts

"If anyone was to start a Y Combinator for minority tech startups it would be him." Agreed, I am looking forward to seeing someone delve into this area, it is much needed. One thing that I think was probably missed in the interview is Urban Television will infact have a web counterpart...If I can remember correctly we get in to this in part 2. We described more about what it will actually be here:
http://www.blackweb20.com/2008/12/03/bob-johnso...

Thanks to all who have commented thus far :)

One thing I see among lots of old media heads is they stay aligned with old media companies - such as Essence and Ebonyjet instead of new people that are new and next up.

I would think they should do a black or multicultural HULU (www.hulu.com) - that would be the best move. Or go back and get black shows that were very popular - Girlfriends, Martin, and other new pilots that can't get picked up by mainstream and support them and bring them on. That would bring lots of fans and respect in my opinion - but I am not a TV head - so I don't know...

Making people pay for streaming videos for anything - no go.

Also, I find it's interesting to say it's open to all how can do the "rate card" - but most small/mid size publishers wont be able to afford it. Also, it's not that easy to get sponsors - ad agencies like old media - only want to work and back established brands or publishers - so this seems like the same ole with the same 5 brands with money. But, I will support and see what happens.

Dede, did you know that there is a concept similar to what you mentioned,
"I would think they should do a black or multicultural HULU (www.hulu.com) - that would be the best move" already out." One of the people behind it is Robert Townsend [ http://www.africast.com ]. At present they have lots of African content and my understanding is that they are doing some things on this side of the water too.

Thanks for responding! That's great to see but "Africast" is not what I am visualizing when I think of a black HULU. The concept is great and I will support, but the quality level is not there yet. Also, I don't see if pulling in to many visitors mainly because of the content and the design. I think if someone comes up with a quality site with a great design and user interface with new pilots that Hollywood wouldn't pick up and shows that got cancelled such as Girlfriends - it will do very well - very very well.

Hi Dede, You are very welcome. So you know the guys at Broken Curve? Cool, what a small world. I actually know about them because they are in Atlanta and one of the founders went to the Atlanta University Center. But ok, I think I get where you are coming from on that and it makes sense.

In terms of widgets, yes, you got it right on the money. Basically, publishers tailor the widget to their sites-picking the news, movie, or other video content from Africast that is relevant to the themselves-the publishers. It is essentially a premium white label content add on for the publisher and for Africast it is distribution. There is more to it and I must say also, that this is something that I am personally involved in. As a matter of fact, if you don't mind discussing it further-I think its a topic that we'd like to revisit with you within the near future.

Please let me know. Thanks.

Thanks again - cool. I actually know Stanley with Broken Curve/Dime Wars - great guy! But, that is not what I am looking for either as a viewer and new media enthusiast. Basically, I want a full network online that is high quality of shows for our demo/audience. I think no one has tried to do it on a high quality level and actually try to work with directors/writers/producers like Mara Brock Akil, Chris Rock and others all at one time to bring there ideas and shows to a specific online channel - meaning like a black HULU. If you look at their model - it's shows and clips from shows - I would love to know if they cancel a show like “Girlfriends” or "The Game" I know It will be picked up or still run online only. That is what I would like to see.

When you say "widgets" do you mean that the video is embeddable on other sites? Or are you saying that a viral widget showing the content from the site that lives on other sites to direct traffic?

Stanley is just trying to get any content in there - yeah it's cool content - but not what I would be checking for. Same for Africast - cool - but nothing something I would go crazy over. The outlet needs to be something that will cause a crazy following and in my eyes bringing new and old successful shows will get things rolling quickly and create quite the following.