Minority Entertainment The following link shows a 2017 US TV Network Ownership Chart:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Media_cross-ownership_in_the_United_States
According to the link, 50 companies owned Tv Networks in 1982. However, in 2012, SIX companies have ownership over all Tv Networks! That's simply astounding explains why the Industry is so one-sided. Gone are the days of Martin, Living Single and New York Undercover. These SIX companies have monopolized what we see on our small tv screens. They completely control the narrative which is a disadvantage to our Communities. Outside of Byron Allen Owning the Weather Channel, people of color Don't Completely Own Nada. I double checked to see if Tyler Perry owns one and he doesn't. I'm Proud of him for having his Own Studios-it's a Blessing! I checked to see if Oprah owns OWN and she doesn't own it completely. Turns out, Disney co-owns it with her. I checked to see if 50 Cent owns one and it's the same answer, No. Yes, he does Own the popular show Power and tons of other Projects. Again, I'm proud of His success but it's all at a cost.
This post is not about hating on those mentioned. I just ask them to take responsibility for what they put out. People of color deserve to be represented positively,especially now!
Unfortunately, I see how NOT solely Owning Tv Networks makes that hard to do. In my opinion, that's the MOST important thing! Sadly, that has been and will continue to be the Biggest Challenge WE face regarding this topic. There's way too many benefits for our enemies to control our voices and the faces behind it.
I would rather those who have the position to MAKE the Entertainment NOT compromise and put out Empowering content on a smaller scale. Would good is it to pimp out your talents to tv Network owners who dont accept the Positive Narrative to continue to oppress us.
I NEVER wanted to watch Power or Empire because I knew MY people would NOT be Represented Positively. It's NOT enough to see black & brown faces on the screen. We NEED to see those faces doing and saying Positive things. Unfortunately, we don't have many options out there. Minorities are severely under-represented on every level, so when we see our reflection on screen, we WILL gravitate toward it. We tend to operate emotionally so supporting "our people" becomes more important than holding "our people" accountable for the projects they partake in. Content should always trump familiarity but it doesn't because of this issue.
I have to keep it 100 and admit to watching Power and Empire from last Season to now. A cousin of mine kept telling me to give it a try. If it weren't for the actors in them, I wouldn't have. Both shows are what I expected but I mainly watch to see how they will end. I don't glorify the subject matters at all. I fast forward through a ton of scenes lol. I can say that I'm glad 50 changed Power's Intro back lol. I knew immediately when watching episode 3 that it was changed. I don't glorify the lyrics too much but I'm glad it's Joes voice I'm hearing. Though it's a Huge accomplishment for 50 to OWN the show, it would be better if he OWNED Starz. That way, he could present a more positive alternative to Empire or vice versa.
I didn't realize that tv networks like BET and ASPIRE weren't OWNED by a Minority. It makes sense due to the content not being positively balanced.
The ONLY person mentioned that OWNS any part of a tv network is Oprah. So, let's look at some of the Shows OWN is putting out: Queen Sugar, Greenleaf & Ambitions... to name a few. I started watching Queen Sugar last Season. It's lovely to see All shades of brown represented but it makes me feel like we NEVER left the Slave Plantations. The show itself is decent but not digging Nova's sexuality. I started watching Greenleaf arounr the same time and I feel it's s mockery of the Black Church. Again, it's great to see our faces on the screen but Oprah herself is NOT a "True" Christian in favor of New Age beliefs. So its a slap in the face to True Believers! I'm not feeling the fakeness of the Megachurch drama. Finally, Ambitions. I admit, I've never seen it but the show's Thumbnail on OWN says it all. I have seen previews of the show which only confirms my opinion.
To sum it all, WE are ALL responsible to "Rep" OUR people the Best way we can, where we are. It's not missed on me that there are many races of people that represent ALL shades of brown. So just because you see someone who "looks" like you doesn't mean they are OF you. Those people are not going to represent you anyway. Conversely, those that are kin dont always represent you either, for they have sold you out! That leaves a remnant of kinsmen who are truly down for eachother. That makes the struggle for Minority Entertainment Inclusion even harder! We gotta put and keep GOD the Father into it.
PS, as I was writing this, Byron Allen's case was mentioned on the news. It said Comcast will continue to fight the ruling. Confirmation from God!
God Bless.
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