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Despite President Donald Trump’s orders, Comcast is one of several media companies the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is investigating for allegedly promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. According to Reuters, FCC Chair Brendan Carr announced the opening of the investigation into NBC News and its parent company, Comcast, on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2025, citing “substantial evidence” that the companies continue to promote DEI. Carr noted that Comcast operates across multiple FCC-regulated sectors, including cable, high-speed internet, broadcast television stations, and wireless services. “The FCC will be taking fresh action to ensure that every entity the FCC regulates complies with the civil rights protections enshrined in the Communications Act… including by shutting down any programs that promote invidious forms of DEI discrimination,” the letter to Comcast CEO Brian Roberts read, per Reuters. The FCC is also reviewing whether a “60 Minutes” interview with...
Reggie Bush is taking legal action against several organizations he claims failed to acknowledge his contributions when they benefited from his name, image, and likeness (NIL) . According to ESPN, Bush, a former USC running back and 2005 Heisman Trophy winner, announced the lawsuit on Monday against the university, the Pac-12, and the NCAA . His legal team claims the organizations profited significantly from Bush’s popularity through TV contracts, merchandise sales, and media rights — even after he went to the NFL. “This case is not just about seeking justice for Reggie Bush,” said attorney Evan Selik, per the outlet. “It’s about setting a precedent for the fair treatment of all college athletes. Our goal is to rectify this injustice and pave the way for a system where athletes are rightfully recognized, compensated, and treated fairly for their contributions.” Bush completed his college football career and entered the NFL draft in 2006, when the New Orleans Saints selected him as...
The battle between artificial intelligence (AI) software and the music industry continues in a new lawsuit against two AI music startups. Top record labels Universal Music Group (UMG), Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Records are accusing AI music creation programs Suno Inc. and Udio AI of “massive and ongoing infringement.” The lawsuit claims that the entities “copied sound recordings from the labels ‘en masse and ingested them into its AI model,’” a practice that the plaintiffs say violates copyright laws, Forbes reports. Moreover, Suno and Udio AI are accused of using artists’ songs to “train their AI services.” In the suit against Suno, the filings allege that if the company hadn’t “violated copyrights on such a large scale, Suno’s service would not be able to reproduce the convincing imitations of such a vast range of human musical expression at the quality that Suno touts.” Similarly, the accusations against Udio AI hold some of the same weight, noting that “since the day...
Prominent individuals in entertainment are joining forces to provide self-help resources to the Black community. This is being made possible through the inception of ALTR, described as a motivational and self-help app, per the company’s LinkedIn. The platform was co-created by David A. Wilson, founder of TheGrio, and Brandon John-Freso, who serves as the company’s chief technology officer, and is supported through a partnership with Viola Davis and husband Julius Tennon’s JuVee Productions. ALTR serves to provide audiobook miniseries that will tend to “the distinct life obstacles faced in the Black community,” Variety reports. These audiobooks will include topics such as: Mental well-being Feelings of isolation Financial stability Spirituality Personal relationships And more “There is a yearning for solutions and knowledge from our cultural perspectives,” Wilson told Variety. “Our authentic voices are lacking in the existing self-help, wellness and educational platforms, which is...
As the future of short-form video-hosting platform TikTok remains uncertain, one user is already creating a new home for creators. Viola Carmona is the founder of Tussle, an emerging livestream platform described as “the ultimate battle app” for creators to thrive. Carmona told AFROTECH™ that t he concept emerged following the experiences of her online peers who needed help with their earnings from TikTok through livestreams. TikTok’s Live feature, launched in 2019, allows creators to earn virtual gifts in the form of diamonds from supporters to earn revenue, the company website mentions. The more creators utilize this feature, the more they can be rewarded. Per TikTok, creators can earn a 50% split with the company following deductions for “the required payments to app stores, payment processors, and any other adjustment required under our terms and policies.” In December 2023, a report revealed that TikTok has generated $10 billion in total global consumer spending, and users have...
For six seasons between 2014 and 2020, Shonda Rhymes had television audiences on lock every Thursday, partially due to the thrilling drama series “How To Get Away With Murder.” Starring the iconic Viola Davis, the hour-long show chronicled the complicated daily life, career, and antics of its main character, Annalise Keating. Although Viola Davis gave viewers a captivating weekly performance, her time on the ABC series was not the first nor last time she would have audiences in a proverbial chokehold, enamored by her acting chops. According to an interview with the Harvard Business Review, Viola Davis was born on a former plantation in Saint Matthews, SC, and raised in poverty. She faced continued racism after moving to Rhode Island. However, her humble beginnings didn’t stop her from discovering her love of acting and using that as a tool for her success. “I had a passion for acting because it was therapeutic. Art heals the mind. Art is supposed to move you, shake you, make you...
The emergence of the holiday season usually means an array of parties, an abundance of shopping, and a lot of seasonal foods and drinks. And when it comes to food, some venture out and try new recipes. However, many people stick to their parents’ and grandparents’ tried-and-true culinary dishes. While the consistency of grandma’s sweet potato pie and deeply brewed sweet tea never misses, former NBA star Al Harrington is putting quite the unique spin on some of his favorites from his grandma that he believes will not disappoint. Harrington enjoyed a long and successful career in the NBA, spending 18 seasons with seven teams. During his time, he averaged 13.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. As he approached the final years of his basketball career, Harrington entered an industry many may not have thought of for him. However, inspiration from a loved one sparked his entrepreneurial pursuits. Harrington had a close relationship with his grandmother Viola. She had long suffered from...
Nicki Minaj has become known for having a ride-or-die fanbase, “the Barbies” — also known as “the Barbz.” To honor her loyal supporters, Rap Snacks partnered with the Harajuku Barbie in June for her own edition of Rap Snacks, The Barbie-Que Honey Truffle Potato Chips, as previously reported by AfroTech. “Nicki Minaj is unquestionably one of the most disruptive forces in the history of rap. You’re talking about a woman who rewrote the rules of hip hop culture and happens to be a phenomenal entrepreneur, as well,” Rap Snacks CEO James Lindsay said in a release at the time of the launch, according to PEOPLE. “It just makes sense that as a brand disrupting the snack industry, we align to push the bar even further. This is the beginning of a legendary partnership.” But it appears that what started as “legendary” has turned into a legal battle.
H.E.R. is officially taking legal action against her record label after being connected to the company for more than 11 years. The musician first signed at the tender age of 14, and she is now pushing to be released, citing a labor code violation as the reason. Born Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, H.E.R. filed a lawsuit against MBK Entertainment in a Los Angeles County Superior Court last Thursday (June 16) and accused the label of violating the California Labor Code § 2855. According to the LA Times, the policy limits personal service contracts to no more than seven years.
