Journals

A new cable and broadcasting station is being created, mainly targeting Africa, the African Diaspora, and all those with an interest in African matters. I interviewed Agnes Pleasant, President and founder of the African World Broadcasting Corporation. I have written this summary using most of her own words.   The mission of AWBC is to: Provide viewers with accurate information to enrich their knowledge and lives Foster understanding between Africa and Western societies Assist African people outside Africa to adapt and assimilate to "mainstream" society Contribute to pluralism and the free flow of information in the English and French-language media   AWBC was created because the Africans and African diaspora need their own TV Station to convey their message, news, cultural and business information, uncensored and free-flowing. There are so many concepts that have divided people through the ages, but thanks to global communications, Africans are beginning to speak as one voice.   The Satellite Range will be North & South America, Europe, Africa, and Middle East. The Cable Range will be Washington DC, Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Michigan. Two separate organizations are planned: AWBCTV (for profit) and ABFTV (nonprofit). As Agnes Pleasant says: "The African World Broadcasting Corporation (AWBC) is our for-profit corporation, and African Broadcasting Foundation is a nonprofit organization (also a Television Program). Our aim with the nonprofit organization is to address directly stressful situations in Africa by raising money to help families, women and children. We already have a Shoes and Clothing Drive in place. We will venture into books, computers, educational supplies, and water wells, in the near future. We have 4 fundraising events per year: a Street Fair, Aids Walkathon, Fine Arts Award, and a Scholarship Drive. Our computer, water wells and food programs will be organized in conjunction with the  African Union  and the UN." Topics to be covered: AWBC will provide local and world news, sports, entertainment, drama series and sitcoms. The station is being financed through private investors; there is no political backing.   The channels that will be carrying WABTV are still under negotiation. The channel is to be free of charge to the audience. Operations will be financed through  TV and Internet ads and Sponsorship packages.   The  Producers will be John Johnson, Samuel Zhoe, and Hanif Shabazz.  Shows, to name a few are: Body and Mind Health, Financial Focus, Let’s Talk, World News, and Up Beat Magazine. Agnes Pleasant hopes that the station will be ready to launch by spring 2010.   The "Target audience will be Africans on all continents, cultures, religions, diasporas, education and social class." And, I'll add on a personal basis, as I was not born African, any and all who are interested in the progress of the African continent.   Full disclosure : I am slated to be the secretary of the board for the non-profit branch, African Broadcasting Foundation (ABF), and will possibly host, or help host programs in the future.