Better Black Television network to launch in 2009

First there was BET. Then there was TV One. And now in the past few months, two new groups have announced plans to launch new black-oriented television networks.

Earlier this summer, former Republican Congressman J.C. Watts announced he was planning a black television news network to launch in 2009. The latest person to enter the fray is Percy Miller, known to hip hop audiences as Master P, who will run Better Black Television (BBTV).

A press release announcing the venture describes Miller as "the first hip-hop entrepreneur to own a television network" and "the youngest chairman in the game."

BBTV is described as "a family friendly network" that will provide that will "appeal to all races with a goal to bring people of color a choice when turning on their television." Miller also promises the network will provide "clean, quality, and positive subject matter."

The content on the channel will include programming on health and fitness, financial planning, reality TV, sitcoms, dramas, movies, and what the news release calls "responsible hip-hop music and videos."

The network -- which will be based out of California, New York, Louisiana and Florida -- will also program politics, sports and entertainment news, "educational children's shows" and "teen and family programming."

BBTV is said to be purchasing local cable channel affiliates across the country to distribute its content. Denzel Washington and Will Smith are among the members of the BBTV Advisory Board, but it is not clear what role they will play.

"Better Black Television has been a vision of mine for some years," said Miller, BBTV's Chairman & CEO. "I've done a lot to promote and change the way messages are relayed to our children and our families over the last few years. Promoting positive content and positive messages is so important to educate and preserve the next generation."

Miller also said he wanted to expose the urban community to "a vast array of jobs" in the entertainment industry that they might not otherwise be privy to. "I have a great relationship with BET and MTV and my son [Romeo] and I will continue to do work with them and support their networks," Miller said.

But Miller said there is consumer demand for "family friendly hip-hop content." The new network's shows slated for development include:

   -- Sunset and Vine -- Hosted by Vyshonn Miller and Brittany
      Phillips -- This video show will showcase the top 8 at 8pm, the top
      hip-hop and R&B acts as well as play classic videos and will feature
      a section where you can vote on new indie unsigned artists who will
      showcase their talent and the audience will have the option to place
      them in the "You Pick It Video" section by voting for them online.

   -- One Shot Comedy Show -- will consist of clean hilarious comedy and
      will be hosted by Gary Johnson (a.k.a. G-Thing) and some of the
      funniest comedians around. It will give upcoming comedians the
      opportunity to hit the stage.

   -- Gee Gee the Giraffe -- Children's educational show featuring Gee Gee
      the Giraffe, a magical friend that takes kids on educational
      adventures focused on reading and writing. (Will air on BBTV Kids
      Saturday Morning Show).

   -- Manage Your Money -- Featuring financially successful people lending
      information to viewers to help promote financial literacy.
   -- Close to the Starz -- A behind the scenes show that takes the viewers
      up close and personal to their favorite celebrities.

   -- Karma TV Show -- Bilingual soap opera with an African-American and
      Latino cast.

   -- What's Cooking TV Show -- Talk show that covers wide aspects of
      entertainment and current events while cooking and enjoying a good
      meal. The host and guests prepare healthy, budget-conscious meals.

   -- The Black List Movies -- Family friendly content featuring or created
      by top filmmakers and actors. From the classics of the past to the
      biggest stars of today, from original BBTV productions to quality
      independents, you'll find them on "The Black List."

   -- Hip-Hop Garage Show -- Saturday show that will play nothing but the
      hottest new and upcoming artists in their latest music videos and
      interviews selected with content appropriate to BBTV's mission and
      standards.