Gospel Channel May Replace Black Family
By Scott Leith, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Apr. 25–Gospel Music Channel is in talks to replace Black Family Channel in cable TV lineups that reach millions of viewers.
BFC would disappear from cable if the deal goes through, according to a person familiar with the situation, while Gospel would gain a bigger audience.
Additional details about the possible agreement weren’t available, including financial terms and what role BFC leaders might retain with Gospel.
Both networks are based in Atlanta.
The person said a deal could be reached this week.
BFC can be seen in 16 million homes and has a roster of high-profile investors and managers.
Well-known Florida attorney Willie Gary chairs the company, while other investors include former baseball star Cecil Fielder and boxer Evander Holyfield.
BFC dates to 1999 and was first known as MBC Network, short for Major Broadcasting Corp.
The goal of the founders was to provide family-friendly programming for African-Americans.
Gospel debuted in 2004. The network doesn’t disclose its subscriber count, though the trade publication Multichannel News reported that Gospel is available in 10 million homes.
Like BFC, Gospel has a sizable audience of African-Americans, although Gospel has a more diverse viewership.
A BFC representative could not be reached for comment, nor could a representative of Gary’s law office. Gospel’s president, Charley Humbard, declined to comment.
News of the potential deal was first reported Tuesday by Multichannel News. The publication cited unnamed BFC executives as saying the network will “not shut down operations” if the deal goes through, but that the future of BFC remains unclear.
In Atlanta, BFC can be seen on Comcast digital cable on channel 272. Gospel appears on channel 189.
Comcast spokesman Reg Griffin said the company hasn’t been notified about possible changes involving BFC.
While the two networks appear on the same cable systems in some areas, including Atlanta, Gospel still would expand its availability by taking BFC’s space.
Gospel Music Channel’s programs include a concert series called “Front Row Live” and an “American Idol”-like program known as “Gospel Dream.”
BFC’s lineup includes three different gospel music shows, along with many other offerings.
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