TV One

TV One. TV One is an American basic cable television network owned by Urban One, founded by media pioneer Cathy Hughes. The network was launched in 2004 with a mission to provide entertainment, lifestyle, and news programming targeted primarily toward adult African American audiences. It serves as a sister network to Radio One and operates alongside the CLEO TV lifestyle network.

● History

The network was conceived in the early 2000s by Cathy Hughes and her son, Alfred Liggins, the CEO of its parent company, then known as Radio One. The official launch occurred on January 19, 2004, coinciding with the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday, with initial distribution secured through a partnership with satellite provider DirecTV. A significant expansion of its reach came in 2005 when it became part of the channel lineup for Comcast, following advocacy from figures like Kweisi Mfume of the NAACP. In 2017, the parent company rebranded from Radio One to Urban One to reflect its diversified media holdings beyond radio. Key early programming included acquired series like *Amen* and original talk shows, establishing its niche in the cable television landscape.

● Programming

TV One's programming strategy focuses on original movies, reality series, sitcoms, and talk shows that highlight African American experiences and culture. It has produced a prolific slate of original films, often biographical, under banners like the "True Crime Mondays" and "Urban Movie Channel" presentations, covering figures such as gospel singer Mahalia Jackson and comedian Robin Harris. Signature reality series include the long-running *Unsung*, a documentary series profiling underappreciated R&B and soul music artists, and *Rickey Smiley For Real*, following the radio host. The network also airs acquired classic sitcoms like *Martin* and Living Single, and has hosted talk shows featuring personalities such as Roland Martin and Donnie Simpson. Special event programming often includes the annual Trumpet Awards ceremony.

● Availability

The network is distributed as a basic cable channel across the United States, available through major multichannel distributors including Comcast, Spectrum, DirecTV, and Dish Network. Its carriage has expanded significantly since launch, now reaching approximately 50 million households. TV One is also offered on various live streaming television services such as Philo, Sling TV, and fuboTV, increasing accessibility for cord-cutters. Internationally, select programming is available through the company's streaming service, Urban Movie Channel, and via licensing agreements in markets like Canada and the Caribbean.

● Controversies

The network has faced several controversies, primarily related to its original film content and public statements by its personalities. Its biographical films, such as those about R. Kelly and Bobby Brown, have been criticized by subjects or their estates for alleged inaccuracies and sensationalism. In 2015, the series *The Next:15* sparked a lawsuit from Tiger Woods's ex-wife, Elin Nordegren, who objected to a fictionalized portrayal. Furthermore, commentary by host Roland Martin on TV One's news program *NewsOne Now* has occasionally drawn scrutiny for its political tone. These incidents have prompted discussions about the ethics of biopics and the network's editorial stance within the broader media landscape.

● Awards_and_Nominations

TV One has received recognition from various industry and cultural institutions, particularly for its original movies and the *Unsung* series. It has earned multiple NAACP Image Award nominations, with wins for Outstanding News/Information Series for *NewsOne Now* and Outstanding Television Movie for films like *The Bobby DeBarge Story*. The *Unsung* series has consistently been nominated for Outstanding Reality Program. The network has also been honored by the Gracie Awards for its portrayal of women and received nominations from the Black Reel Awards for its television movies. These accolades underscore its impact on celebrating African American stories within the television industry.

Category:American television networks Category:African-American television Category:2004 establishments in the United States