Empowering Voices and Embracing Diversity: Angela Cannon's Vision for aspireTV and Beyond (VIDEO)

By Profiles In Leadership Archives
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In this week's episode of Legends & Leadership, Jack Myers is joined by Angela Cannon, the dynamic Senior Vice President of Multicultural Networks and General Manager of aspireTV. Their conversation covered a range of engaging topics, from the Harlem Globetrotters to the impressive growth and success of aspireTV. Angela shared her diverse responsibilities within the network, her passion for culturally specific content, and her commitment to nonprofit initiatives, providing an in-depth look at her work and vision.

Both Jack and Angela reminisced about their childhood memories of the Harlem Globetrotters, expressing their excitement about a new collaboration that will bring the Globetrotters' international experiences to the screen in aspireTV's new series Harlem Globetrotters: Secrets of the City. This partnership promises unique merchandising and marketing opportunities for brand marketers and advertisers, enhancing the timeless appeal of the Globetrotters.

Angela highlighted her enthusiasm for the partnership between aspireTV Studios and Sunwise Media, emphasizing the significant opportunity for advertising partners to support culturally specific content. With upcoming productions, including a Harlem Globetrotters' episode set in Cairo, Egypt, this collaboration is set to deliver compelling content that resonates with diverse audiences.

She shared exciting updates on aspireTV's original programming, noting that City Eats has been nominated for a NAMIC Vision Award, and a new barbecue competition show, Hustle, Sizzle and Smoke, is set to premiere. Other upcoming shows like Style Kings, focusing on Black men in interior design and fashion, and The Level Up Experiment, a competition for HBCU students offering scholarships and internships, promise to continue aspireTV's tradition of celebrating and uplifting diverse voices.

The success of season two of Downright Delicious with Yo-Yo underscores the broad appeal of aspireTV's storytelling. Angela emphasized the network's tagline, "see yourself here," highlighting the diverse demographics of its audience, from older viewers to HBCU students. She stressed the importance of data-driven decision-making in shaping the network's future.

In discussing the strategic expansion of aspireTV, Angela mentioned the success of their fast channels like aspireTV Life and Cine Romantico, which have effectively reached Hispanic audiences. The launch of aspireTV+ on Amazon Prime Channels marks a significant step in growing subscribers and engagement in the SVOD space, demonstrating aspireTV's commitment to catering to both linear and digital platforms to reach a wider audience.

Angela's vision for aspireTV and UP Entertainment is centered on fostering a culture of growth and empowerment. She emphasized the importance of leveraging technology in everyday workflows and building strategic partnerships. By empowering employees and making informed decisions, Angela believes the network can adapt to the evolving landscape of content consumption, marketing, and audience engagement.

Her commitment to nonprofit initiatives is evident in her active engagement with various organizations. Angela mentors at Black Girls Film Camp and works with Black Women in Film. Her nonprofit, The Give Back Project, aims to bridge the gap between STEM and young people. She also shared insights from her book, "Who Am I? I'm God's Princess," which aims to empower young girls with messages of value and potential. Her dedication to fostering opportunities for Black storytellers and ensuring their voices are heard shines through her work with these organizations, as well as her efforts to provide a space for young girls to feel valuable and capable.

Angela Cannon's conversation with Jack Myers is a testament to her passion for culturally specific content, her dedication to nonprofit work, and her vision for the future of aspireTV and UP Entertainment. Her leadership and commitment to empowering others continue to drive the success and growth of aspireTV, making it a leading voice in multicultural storytelling. View the full video conversation here or  above.

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