UEN, Impact Network's Historic Partnership To Broadcast HBCU+

Two media companies partner to deliver HBCU+ to approximately 70% of U.S. households with cable and satellite services.

HOUSTON – Todd Brown, the CEO and co-founder of Urban Edge Network (UEN), and his staff have formed a historic partnership with Impact Network.  It's a collaboration between two-black owned media companies that aims to expand the reach of UEN's HBCU+ to broadcast via cable and satellite services in 70% of households across the United States.  The deal will allow the 36 HBCU institution's sports programming – football, basketball, baseball, etc. – to broadcast on Impact Network starting in September 2023.  Expect cross-programming from the networks to spotlight the HBCU culture and entertainment as an aspect of the agreement.

"We are both proud and excited to have this partnership and expand our reach by adding 75 million homes.  This completes our marketing 360 strategy for our new NBA G League and HBCU + partners." Hardy Pelt, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer, Urban Edge Network.  The association allows UEN to expand its digital sports footprint for millions of viewers to witness HBCU sports at its finest.

UEN recently unveiled its partnership with the NBA G League's Texas Legends affiliate.  Through their digital streaming platform, fans of the Texas Legends can now watch live games and access professional sports content.

The press release states, "Impact Network will become the official linear network home for the Urban Edge Network (UEN) and its HBCU+ sports and entertainment content.  Impact will access all the HBCU+ football, basketball, volleyball, and other HBCU sports as they become available.  In addition to sports, Impact will provide adjacent HBCU programming that highlights campus life and education on HBCUs in entertaining and engaging ways.   Impact's goal will be to educate the general public about HBCU schools and their historical significance and provide general entertainment content around HBCU campus life and student activities to help elevate HBCU schools in the public consciousness.  The partnership will include both parties utilizing their platforms, audiences, and each to cross-promote the games and other entertainment entities."

Ze3no is the ad sales partner of Impact Network, where Dennis Ray and Jahid Mariza brokered the deal.  The ad sales and client revenue opportunities for UEN will include "on-air spots, broadcast integrations, branded entertainment, and sponsorships."

After the George Floyd incident, corporations have sought to strike advertising deals with black media outlets.  The pact will produce substantial revenue for UEN and Impact Network.

"As a multi-generational platform, it's an honor for Impact Network to be able to serve the African-American and HBCU communities on multiple levels, from HBCU alumni to students and future recruits," Impact's EVP Royal Jackson said.

"I am excited about Impact Network's partnership with UEN & HBCU+. This is a monumental opportunity to have Historically Black Universities being presented to viewers everywhere on a Black founded & operated national tv network," Bishop Wayne T. Jackson, Impact Network's founder.

WHO IS IMPACT NETWORK

Impact Network is an independent, 100% black-founded & operated cable network, providing entertainment & lifestyle content aimed at multicultural audiences with a purpose to enrich, educate and entertain.  Impact was founded in 2010 by community leaders, serial entrepreneurs & philanthropists Bishop Wayne T. Jackson and Dr. Beverly Y. Jackson.  Impact is media with a mission that connects with a coalition of organizations to holistically improve and impact lives within underserved communities.  Impact Network's operations are led by Executive Vice President & GM Royal W. Jackson.  The Impact Network can be found in over 70% of US Homes, broadcasting via cable & satellite across the United States on Comcast-Xfinity, Frontier, Cox, Time Warner, Spectrum, Charter, Spectrum, ATT-U-verse, Verizon, Fios, Altice, DirecTV, DISH and expanding digitally.

WHO IS URBAN EDGE NETWORK

Urban Edge Network (UEN) is a Black-owned media company that delivers diverse intelligence targeting, allowing UEN and the Legends to tailor the content to each consumer's unique interests.  Their unique media consumption environments and specialized creative solutions assist brands in better understanding and reaching diverse audiences.

HBCU+ gives 24/7 access to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) on men's and women's sporting events (football, basketball, baseball, tennis, swimming, golf, and track and field), TV shows, marching band competitions, eSports tournaments, podcasts, and more!