(Uptown Magazine) — The HBCU Network, a “24/7,” 365 days a year sports, “edutainment” and lifestyle network dedicated to the 105 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) across the United States is set to launch in September 2011. Designed to fill a void in the cable industry, the channel will be the official destination of the four major HBCU Conferences (MEAC, SWAC, SIAC, CIAA) featuring Division I & Division II Black College Sporting events. Additionally, the network will offer a full complement of education & entertainment as well as lifestyle programming. Built on the solid foundation of the 174-year old HBCU brand, it will focus on a previously unexplored aspect of African American life of significant cultural importance to the global community. In an unprecedented move, the new channel brings a different business model to the cable industry by reinvesting in the African American community it serves. The HBCU Network will provide a 20% equity position to the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, offering direct financial benefit and long-term sustainability.
