On the eve the first anniversary of the Comcast/NBC Universal merger, the company has yet to name three new multicultural networks it has committed to launch over the next year.
Comcast has pledged to launch an English-language Hispanic-themed channel by July 28, 2012, and two majority African-American-owned channels by Jan. 28, 2013 as part of a commitment it made for federal approval for its deal to secure control of NBCUniversal, which was completed last January.
Comcast officials said Tuesday that the company "continues to conduct business discussions with select applicants and hopes to have an announcement on the selected networks in the near future."
The company's response comes on the heels of a report that hip-hop mogul P Diddy (Sean Combs) will launch a new urban music skewed channel dubbed Revolt that will serve as one of the two Comcast African-American channels. Revolt, news of which was first reported by B&C, is expected to launch Dec. 12.
Other entertainment names tied to potential new African-American targeted, cable network launches include Bill Cosby, Pharrell Williams, Tyler Perry and Magic Johnson, according to sources.
