Comcast is making good on its agreement with the U.S. government to launch networks targeted to multicultural viewers in order to complete its 2011 purchase of NBCUniversal.
The company is now accepting proposals for two substantially Hispanic-owned, independent English-language networks that it will launch in select Comcast markets by Jan. 28, 2017.
The two channels are among 10 networks, all of which are to launch by 2019, designed to reach multicultural viewers. As part of its agreement, four of the networks will be majority African American-owned; two will be operated by Hispanic programmers; two will be substantially Hispanic-owned; and two will be independently operated.
El Rey Network, created in partnership with cult filmmaker Robert Rodriguez and backed by Univision, is among the 10 networks.
“We are committed to delivering programming that reflects the interests of our customers and are eager to review many innovative network proposals with the potential to bring new and exciting content to our customers,” Comcast Cable executive vice president of content acquisition Greg Rigdon said.
Criteria for selecting the two substantially Hispanic-owned networks Comcast will launch include the content; whether the network is fully financed; whether the network’s ownership and/or management groups are well-established, have relevant experience and are substantially owned by Hispanic Americans; whether the network is already launched and has existing distribution; price; and whether the network and its potential carriage provide value to Comcast and its customers.
Comcast will accept proposals for every major genre, including general entertainment, movies, music, kids, news and sports.
