Entertainment Studios, NAAAOM Assertions 'Inflammatory,' Magic Johnson Says
Claims about his Aspire cable channel by Entertainment Studios and the National Association of African American Owned Media (NAAAOM) are "derogatory and inflammatory," said Earvin "Magic" Johnson -- describing himself as majority owner and CEO -- in a statement to…
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us Wednesday. Entertainment Studios and NAAAOM petitioned the FCC to investigate Comcast's compliance with merger conditions on diverse programming stemming from its buy of NBCUniversal, claiming its addition of channels like Aspire to its lineup don't fulfill its requirement to add independently owned and operated programmers in which African-Americans have a majority or sizable ownership interest (see 1603280030). “We, my executive board and Aspire staff, are grateful for Comcast and their outstanding [External Joint Diversity Advisory] committee that has made a way for African American owners to do business in television," Johnson said in the emailed statement. "They have provided opportunities for ASPiRE to showcase positive images and authentic portrayals of African Americans and urban culture. I am proud of my network and will continue to use my platform and influence to advance the community.” NAAAOM and Entertainment Studios didn't comment.