The Impact Network has entered into a multi-year licensing partnership with A+E Media Group, owner of brands including A&E, Lifetime, The History Channel, among others. The deal is a part of furthering Impact’s commitment to diversifying and expanding its content and brand in the entertainment sector by tapping into A+E Media Group’s “Black Excellence Collection” from the company’s library of content. Both companies share a goal to create a cross viewing audience aimed at the elevated stories around the black community and its culture.
Impact’s EVP, Royal Jackson, said, “Impact feels like A+E Media Group has done an integral job in presenting African American voices, imagery and narratives with dignity and care. In addition, A+E Media Group has a diverse library of the black experience where content showcasing African American life reaches beyond a monolithic ‘one size fits all’ approach that fits perfectly with the Impact Network’s core mission of entertainment.”
The content partnership will also provide Impact with the foundation of a library of premium content. Some titles include The History Channel’s “Roots” (scripted), Lifetime’s unscripted series, “Bring it”, Lifetime’s scripted movie “The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel”, “Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution hosted by Kareem Abdul Jabar”, and several black A-List stars ranging from Grammy winner Mary J. Blige, Oscar winner Angela Bassett and Grammy winner Toni Braxton.
Impact’s CEO, Wayne T. Jackson added, “Impact applauds A+E Networks for stepping up to their commitment in the diversity space in media through its partnership with Impact.”
“A+E Networks is thrilled to be in business with Impact TV, enabling our diverse slate of programming to reach a new and dynamic audience. We share a goal to reach a broader audience aimed at the elevated stories around the black community and its culture,” concluded Ellen Lovejoy SVP, Global Content Sales at A+E Networks.