I'm writing to ask your support and assistance in composing a letter to Ms. Peggy Dodson, the founder and CEO of UBCTV (Urban Broadcasting TV) who has been in the trenches trying to ensure that the FCC prevails in its efforts to open the Cable and Satellite TV Set Top Boxes to African American and minority independent broadcasting companies. This will make it possible to have programming more representative and reflective of African American culture as readily available to the viewing public as are HBO, ShowTime, and other major outlets that currently dominate the scene.
Peggy will be meeting with the FCC tomorrow, July 7, 2016, in Washington. DC, where she all be giving testimony before a committee there. The more support she can garner from those professionally involved in the media, the better.
However, it is of equally vital importance that she hear from those who are consumers as well - because this will affect and enhance what is currently being made available to a broad range of viewing audiences.
Peggy Dodson is the founder and CEO of Urban Broadcasting TV Network - UBCTV - based in New York City. She has already made quite an impact in her capacity to provide outletS to formerly overlooked local programs, events and issues; and will be able to link up with other Local Area Black Broadcasters to expand and enrich the vast landscape of television.
Interestingly enough, the FCC and President Obama, along with other Black producers are totally in favor of this option being made available. However, the opponents appear to be coming from none other than the Congressional Black Caucus, and some misinformed activists. This is not the place to cast aspersions on them, but to bolster her position.
Time is of the essence. The FCC hearing is tomorrow, Thursday, July 7, 2016. Your voices need to be heard. Please direct your letters and commentaries to:
I'm writing to ask your support and assistance in composing a letter to Ms. Peggy Dodson, the founder and CEO of UBCTV (Urban Broadcasting TV) who has been in the trenches trying to ensure that the FCC prevails in its efforts to open the Cable and Satellite TV Set Top Boxes to African American and minority independent broadcasting companies. This will make it possible to have programming more representative and reflective of African American culture as readily available to the viewing public as are HBO, ShowTime, and other major outlets that currently dominate the scene.
Peggy will be meeting with the FCC tomorrow, July 7, 2016, in Washington. DC, where she all be giving testimony before a committee there. The more support she can garner from those professionally involved in the media, the better.
However, it is of equally vital importance that she hear from those who are consumers as well - because this will affect and enhance what is currently being made available to a broad range of viewing audiences.
Peggy Dodson is the founder and CEO of Urban Broadcasting TV Network - UBCTV - based in New York City. She has already made quite an impact in her capacity to provide outletS to formerly overlooked local programs, events and issues; and will be able to link up with other Local Area Black Broadcasters to expand and enrich the vast landscape of television.
Interestingly enough, the FCC and President Obama, along with other Black producers are totally in favor of this option being made available. However, the opponents appear to be coming from none other than the Congressional Black Caucus, and some misinformed activists. This is not the place to cast aspersions on them, but to bolster her position.
Time is of the essence. The FCC hearing is tomorrow, Thursday, July 7, 2016. Your voices need to be heard. Please direct your letters and commentaries to:
In a recent event alert I had urged you to tune in on a radio talk show featuring Urban Broadcasting Company founder and CEO, Peggy Dodson, who founded the channel four years ago to give a voice to African Americans and people of color who had heretofore not been included in a significant way in either meanstream or cable and satellite channels or programming.
And I want to highly commend those of you who followed up and followed through. As you can now understand, there is a battle going on that is at the very heart of freedom of speech and expression for those of us who have been disenfranchised for eons - and there are some of us who have gotten our signals crossed and lined up with the opposition, as opposed to ensuring that their own people are given the rights they deserve. http://gloria-dulan-wilson.blogspot.com/2016/05/event-alert-peggy-dodson-of-ubc-ln-call.html#.V0RFxX1
"Set Top Box" is a term for an item that most of us are familiar with - especially if you subscribe to either cable or satellite TV. You pay a monthly premium to keep it going so that you can have access to the shows and sports events you want to see. And in some cases you pay dearly. There are a plethora of shows on cable - every thing from soup to nuts (mostly nuts) come through the Set Top Box unabated - 24/7/365 - ad nauseum. However, the one thing most of us do not get are the programs and productions that are proliferating across the country by thousands of African American producers, artists, directors and actors. Local information, when it does come through is whittled down to a mere sound byte, or ends up as part of some ersatz comedic mention.
Shows that speak to the current conditions, interests, concerns and creativity of the Black community are not part of the ongoing programming of such companies as Comcast Cable. And the few concentrated, obligatory shows they put on during Black History Month are necessary, but not sufficient to pass as Black programming.
Now I know someone is saying but what about TV ONE and BET. They're Black. TV ONE, started by the great Cathy Hughes is most definitely Black - and she definitely fought the good fight to be in a position of empowerment. However, BET, which was sold some time ago to Viacom's Sumner Redstone, has ersatz Black programming - mostly reruns, very little in the way of true innovation.
Realizing this gap in service, the FCC has determined that it is time to open up the Set Top Box to allow for greater diversity via the many and growing small Black (and other) channels. President Barack Obama has likewise applauded and endorsed the concept and has put his support behind it as well. So this is a time for celebration - Right? This is a time for hallaleuah - right?
Apparently not - at least, not yet. There appears to be some dissension amongst members of the Congressional Black Caucus about whether or not this is a good idea.
What???
You read it right folks. We have elected officials who are representing us in Congress who are in opposition to allowing the FCC to open up the Set Top Box to other Black Television Production Companies.
Yep! I'm just as shocked and dismayed as you are.
What's so interesting and amazing about this was last year, at a forum held by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, the very issue of Black production and issues being blocked, and the lack of access was the very heart of the topic. The room was packed with journalists, producers, artists - there to hash out what needed to be done to break down this barrier. It was so intense the panel discussion ran over the allotted time - there were so many who wanted to weigh in on the issue.
So, now, what is it that the CBC is not understanding about the benefits of African Americans having greater access, expanded programming, relevant productions? Why, with all the other things we need to be addressing in an election year, are we dealing with what could either be called the new version of "divide and defeat" or "the family feud."
I hate to point this out but our Latino brothers and sisters have at least ten (10) stations - most of which can be accessed via cable and satellite TV - and they are national and local. African Americans one.
We all understand the issue about being the "only" and the "first" when it comes to Black issues. We've been going through this for a long time - it is supposedly some mark of honor to have that accolade attached to you. The first Black person to do this; the only Black person to do that. What that really speaks to is breaking through the deliberate and concerted limitation of opportunities routinely leveled at us by meanstream media. So they let one through and that is supposed to assuage and satisfy everyone else. "Look, we got one! Wow!" When we decide we want to build a critical mass, or develop a network, or prefer our own cultural programming, the hackles go up, and so do the barriers. The search is then on for how they can block those who are now taking stands and calling for their right to be heard and accommodated.
Unfortunately, members of the CBC, including Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, have been brought into the picture, and are siding with the mega cable companies. It's unfortunate.
While we applaud the accomplishments of TV ONE - like other major channels in the meanstream system, they cannot continue to be the only one - no station is the end all be all to all Black people's needs, interests, or viewing appetites. Just like everything else, this field is big enough to accommodate more than one African American television company.
In a recent letter, dated May 19, 2016 (Malcolm X's 91st Birthday) several supporters of "UNLOCK THE BOX" wrote Congressman Butterfield urging him and the CBC to support Black owned Broadcasters:
What is so unreal is the fact that the Congressional Black Caucus stands to gain a great deal by having constituents who now have access to more relevant programming. The most largely ignored, and at the same time most relevant group of Black people, can't get coverage in their own communities unless they've committed some crime, or been caught in a compromising position. Their accomplishments and relevancy go uncovered by the meanstream - even in DC during the caucus, the only time the meanstream shows up is during the dinner when President Obama is there to address the audience. Often to the shame of the Caucus, the regular, loyal Black producers are shut out in favor of the meanstream media, who then proceed to reduce the entire event down to an eight minute sound byte - never to be seen or heard about again, once the event has ended.
Instead of Congresswoman Clarke asking for the FCC to slow down and do a "study," she should be urging them to speed up the process and make sure they have whatever they need to make it happen.
President Obama's endorsement of unlocking the box should be more than sufficient for the CBC to view this as a positive step in the right direction; however, in an article posted in the HILL, it turns out that there is some consternation on their part as to whether the President should have made a statement of that nature. Really?
"One member of the Congressional Black Caucus expressed surprise Friday that she and other members were not consulted before President Obama came out strongly in favor of a proposal to open up the cable set-top box market.
"I really have no idea," she told The Hill. "Again, I don't know what his motivation was. I'd like to have a conversation with whomever in his office advised him of that, or perhaps he's had his own conversations."
Clarke, also a member of the Energy and Commerce subcommittee on Communications and Technology, said there was no outreach to the more than two dozen Black Caucus members who had previously expressed concern that the plan could harm minority programming.
"There was no communication with me or any other member that I'm aware of who has expressed publicly their concerns about this. So I'd like to find out a bit more about what motivated him," Clarke said.
When asked if it seemed strange that the caucus was not consulted, she said, "It does. It does. It does." " - THE HILL ###
What's so disconcerting is the idea that opening up Set Top Box access to Black TV Production companies could "hurt minority programming" - when the very people asking for it to be opened are minority producers; and the ones who appear to not want it to be made available to them are meanstream cable production companies. Does anyone see a major disconnect here on the part of the CBC? My concern is not who's advising President Obama, but rather, who's advising the CBC? And what is their motivation?
I am happy to know that there will finally be a dedicated minority media caucus included in the Congressional Black Caucus - something I've been calling for, for at least 20 of the 30 years I've been covering them. There is a serious disconnect between the caucus members and how the Black press is treated over all - especially their veteran reporters who consistently try to give them light. However, in this instance, if it is for the purpose of blocking access to a wider audience, and or providing enhanced programming for those who already are paying for a service and getting very little from it, then the concept is misplaced.
When you get down to the bottom line, the Black elected officials were and are elected to reflect and support the best interests of their constituency - which by and large happen to be Black people. They are there to stand for us when opportunities are being prevented that would make a major difference in our lives and the lives of our loved ones. With the opening up of the meanstream set top boxes, the way will be made for more and better access to programming, employment and career opportunities, upgrading television viewership (we hope) to more than just the rank and file stereotypical programming that gains currency while more relevant shows are cast aside.
The leadership at the FCC and President Obama, Bob Johnson (former owner of BET), Robert Townsend, and so many others are on the right track. UNLOCK THE BOX - Open up the opportunities that have been held away from some of our most talented producers, writers and let Black people see the greatness there is available for them and to them among their own people.
Wake Up CBC - your people need you to be standing with them - not against them.
This just in!! I've always wanted to say that - and literally, I just received this information online a scant 20 minutes ago - and it's now 4:00 AM!
But this is serious and you need to know, be aware, participate and take action about this. Especially you who have Cable TV subscriptions, which keep going up and up and up, but don't provide you with programming that reflects who you are, your culture, your interests, and even your budget.
There's a not-so-quiet battle going on in DC with the FCC leading the charge against the monopolies of the Cable Companies that have been trying to block smaller TV venues from having access to the Set Top Box as a means by which subscribers can select them for some of their preferred programming.
Once such station owner, an upstart in the eyes of "big cable," is Ms. Peggy Dodson, founder and owner of Urban Broadcasting Company, based in New York City. Ms. Dodson valiantly stepped into the fray a few years ago, and declared that she was starting her own television network, that would be reflective of the interests of African Americans and communities of color throughout the US - with New York being the starting point. She has done quite well in her efforts, but has been seriously hampered by the Cable companies conspiratorially combining to prevent her from becoming a part of the viewers' choices. Ms. Dodson is one of several hundred small media companies that are providing content throughout the country.
Peggy will be appearing on a call in show, Thursday, May 19, at 11:00AM, along with Eric Easter, of the National Black Programming Consortium, discussing why this is so essential to opening the doors of opportunities to multicultural television providers throughout the country; and why Big Cable is trying to prevent them from doing so.
Eric Easter, Chair of th National Black Programming Consortium
Below is an excerpt from PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE's posting that gives even more in depth information about what's going on, and why you should not only care, but take action:
Public Knowledge will host a press briefing Thursday, May 19 at 11 a.m. ET featuring minority programmers who support the Federal Communications Commission’s Notice of Proposed Rulemakingto unlock the set-top box market so consumers can access the cable content they’re already paying for on the device of their choosing -- without a gatekeeper. It marks a necessary step to promote and protect multicultural and independent programmers currently at the mercy of cable.
These experts include Peggy Dodson (CEO/President, Urban Broadcasting Company) and Eric Easter (Chairman of the National Black Programming Consortium).
Press Call Participant Information: WHEN: Thursday, May 19 at 11 a.m. ET DIAL-IN: 1-712-432-3071 PASSWORD: 676292 INSTRUCTIONS: 5* to queue questions, please state your name and outlet clearly
Large cable companies hold a disproportionate amount of leverage in the video marketplace, enabling them to take unfair advantage of most programmers. This imbalance has been highlighted frequently in many recent proceedings at the FCC, but for the independent programmers and diverse content producers it affects, it is a reality of their daily lives.
The internet has provided some relief, facilitating alternate outlets for voices that cannot get carriage on traditional media, but there is still a long way to go. This proposal opens the door for multicultural and independent programmers, enabling them to reach wider audiences through online video distribution in the digital age.
Public Knowledge’s Chris Lewis, Vice President of Government Affairs, will present a group of experienced media and programming business leaders to review how the FCC’s set-top box proposal will improve diversity on-screen and help independent and multicultural programmers access wider audiences.
Participants will also be available to answer questions.
Peggy Dodson, CEO/President of Urban Broadcasting Company
Eric Easter, Chairman of the National Black Programming Consortium
Press Call Participant Information:
WHEN: Thursday, May 19 at 11 a.m. ET
DIAL-IN: 1-712-432-3071 - PASSWORD: 676292
INSTRUCTIONS: 5* to queue questions, please state your name and outlet clearly
If you’d like more information, please view our recent fact sheet on the set-top box proposal (see below).
FACT SHEET: GET THE STORY ON SET TOP BOXES
WHY THE COMPETITIVE NAVIGATION SOLUTION IS GOOD FOR CONSUMERS,
INNOVATORS, AND CONTENT CREATORS
It is no secret that the abysmal lack of competition in the cable marketplace frustrates most
Americans. This frustration extends not only to the lack of choice in access provider, but to
the stranglehold those providers hold over the device market as well. The bottleneck power
cable companies control results in surging prices for consumers1and a quelling of
technological innovations and diverse voices.
Currently, consumers are overpaying between $6 and $14 billion dollars annually in set-top
box rental fees for devices that are not only rarely updated, but also offer features and user
interfaces that are years behind what is available from devices in other competitive markets,
such as smartphones.
This is in spite of a 1996 statute that directed the Federal Communications Commission to
ensure a competitive market in devices that can access and display subscription TV
programming. The FCC’s current implementation of that statute (Section 629 of the
Communications Act, as amended) is the CableCARD system,2 which has not achieved
Congress’s purpose. Public Knowledge has long argued that the best way to promote
competition would be for the FCC to move away from the CableCARD regime to a more
modern, capable solution.
Happily, with the passage of STELAR,3 Congress created the opportunity for exactly that.
Among other provisions, that bill directed the Commission to "establish a working group of
technical experts" to detail a "downloadable security system designed to promote the
competitive availability of navigation devices in furtherance of section 629 of the
Communications Act of 1934." Public Knowledge was a member of the Downloadable
Security Technology Advisory Committee (DSTAC) STELAR established, and throughout
2015 worked closely with other stakeholders on the "competitive navigation" proposal.
The competitive navigation proposal is a lightweight, IP-based protocol based on existing
and widely-deployed technologies. As a testament to its feasibility, proponents of the
competitive navigation proposal have put on demonstrations of it working with various pay
TV systems using existing hardware. Under this proposal, any properly licensed device in a
viewer’s household would be able to directly access subscription television content without
needing to be attached to a rented set-top box. For instance, devices like the Amazon Fire
TV, Apple TV or Roku, smart TVs, and mobile phones and tablets would be able to display
cable content directly. Like CableCARD, the competitive navigation proposal would allow
each device to present its own user interface and program guide. Unlike CableCARD, however, each device will not require a separate, physical piece of hardware, meaning that
viewers would be able to access programming on multiple devices within their households. Additionally, the proposal is only a requirement that pay TV operators support third-party
devices for those subscribers who want to use them; operators can continue to offer
whatever devices and services they want to, without change.
With the filing of the DSTAC report, the technical questions were largely resolved. However,
there still exist a variety of discrete issues that must be addressed in order to ensure a truly
competitive device marketplace that equally serves the rights of consumers, tech innovators
and content creators. This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is the appropriate forum for the
agency to initiate a thorough examination of such policy questions.
For instance, the FCC must create deadlines so that customers who want to use competitive
devices know when they can. It must make sure that pay TV providers don't shift fees and try
to overcharge customers in other areas. And it must make sure that the licensing and
certification processes associated with creating a competitive device are reasonable, open
and fair while respecting the legitimate rights of programmers. The rulemaking process is the
best way the Commission can consider how to address issues of this sort. Public Knowledge
applauds the FCC’s ongoing progress to find the modern solution for competitive set-top
devices. We will continue to weigh in on how best it can achieve this goal, and encourage
others to do the same." ###
There has been some consternation on Ms. Dodson's part that members of the Congressional Black Caucus may have been given mis-information from the major Cable Corporations, and are acting in opposition to the Black owned independent media companies, instead of recognizing this as an opportunity for infinitely more participation, better quality programming, and increased relevancy to them and their constituents. It would be an egregious error if that is the case, given that there needs to definitely be a critical mass of African American/Caribbean/African and other cultural programming, produced by and for people of the cultural base - for us by us.
It wouldn't be the first time a member has weighed in on the wrong side of the discussion - but once they are aware of the implications - they generally make a midcourse correction and get it together. I'm saying this in hopes that if there are any who are laboring under any illusions that the cable companies mean these small Black media companies any good; disabuse yourselves of that concept right away. And conversely, the unfortunate truth is that what is motivating most of these cable companies is greed - there is very little damage any of these media companies can do to their bottom line. They are pretty much monopoly minded. But in this current climate, it does not bode well to find Representatives who have been elected to act in our behalf and best interest, standing with the opposition instead. So, to all my brothers and sisters of the CBC, if you're one of those, time to buy a clue; straighten up and fly right. Check in with your people. ASAP (I hope I've made myself clear).
It is significant that Bob Johnson, founder and former owner of BET is supporting the FCCs effort to make it possible for more Multicultural programming, and has stated that access to the Set Top Box is one of the most significant avenues making that happen.
So tune in tomorrow (or later today) at 11:00AM, EST, and make sure you are aware and involved - remember, you're one of the people paying that $14 Billion annually. Shouldn't you have programs that are relevant to you?
Now that you know, what are you going to do about it?
I met Peggy Dodson at the beginning of 2011, at a time when she was in the middle of the formulation of the UBC-TV Cable Network. Over the course of the year we played a game of sporadic telephone tag. I would call her and get her voice mail. Weeks later she'd call me back and get mine.
It was probably because she was busier than a one-armed paper hanger designing and developing a new Television Network, showing that Oprah Winfrey is not the only diva genius mogul amongst us.
My last conversation with Peggy was specifically about the fact that she's working on putting together a TV network. And if the following press release, and the recently held reception by AAWIC (African American Women In Cinema) is any indication, she's done it beautifully, and we are the beneficiaries of her vision and hard work.
It's great to know that yet another Black owned and oriented network has joined the pantheon. We have to support her, Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN); Centric, BET, and now UBC. No excuses!!
Urban Broadcasting Company, a Harlem-based broadcast multi-media company has just signed national cable and satellite distribution deals to launch a new Urban Lifestyle cable network, entitled UBC-TV.
It will produce original urban lifestyle content that will be distributed over multiple platforms, including cable, VOD, set-top boxes; mobile, wireless devices, social media and other platforms.
UBC-TV Network will be a producing network that will have its own UBC Originals, including news, entertainment, business, fashion, health, fitness, sports, education, cooking, live concerts, talk shows, and UBC-TV specials.
Phase II of the programming roll out will include film, comedy, music, history, drams and a different approach to the reality show format. UBC-TV's goal is to provide relevant, diverse, exciting and uplifting programming geared towards the underserved Urban Multi-Cultural market.
UBC-TV has teamed up with “Simply Me” to solidify distribution through Dish Network, Time Warner and Comcast. UBC-TV additionally has secured distribution through various independent distributors that will give it the prime time television presence, combining this with its video on demand (VOD) and mobile presence with a social media tie-in. This combination gives the viewers opportunities to watch and engage with UBC-TV programming on multiple platforms whenever they choose.
UBC will launch with its signature programming August of this year to over 50+ million households, with more distributions in the works.
Peggy Dodson, CEO, President and executive producer, stated: “The urban multicultural market is now mainstream and it is time our voices be heard, and that our stories are told by us. This is a dream come true that's been years in the making; but I also knew UBC's day would come. I am a big supporter of diversity and programming that reflects the real America; and all of the diverse cultures that make up this great country. UBC-TV will be making some bold moves in the market place. Social media will be an integral part of all of our programming. I am big on technology, and the future of television and technology is just in its beginning stages. There is so much more to come, and UBC-TV will, no doubt, be a part of that revolution.
Ms. Dodson's name is to thrive synonymously with media. She has paved her way to the leader's chair, having been in the entertainment industry for over 17 years as a recording artist, writer, producer, casting agent, and entrepreneur. She has a proven track record – great work ethic, and is considered a joy to work with, due to her personality and talent. She motivates those in her presence, and is considered a female powerhouse.
Krys Cameron, CEO of Simply Me says, “It gives me great pleasure to finally have the opportunity to work with Peggy and her media entourage. I think the public is going to be in for a well thought-out approach to entertaining media, with an edge on speaking to consumer needs. Advertisers are always looking for places to advertise, and UBC-TV is one of them, where they could finally place one of their hats. For both consumer and advertiser, UBC-TV intends to provide the repeat traffic without repeating shows nationally.”
In addition to the network, UBC-TV is planning to create a technology multi-media training school that will teach youth and adults in the inner cities how to get into the broadcasting and technology industries. The goal is to help educate and open doors to jobs and careers that will fuel the new economy.
For more info about UBC-TV Network, visit www.ubctvnetwork.com or info@ubcnetwork.com.
Kudos to Peggy Dodson for her vision and her capacity to bring it into reality. Make sure you demand it on Dish Network or your other carriers when the opportunity arises.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
