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Watching Xzibit host MTV’s “Pimp My Ride” back in the day is a piece of nostalgia that many of us share. As the face of the successful show, one would expect the rapper to have reaped the benefits. But recently, he’s called out ViacomCBS for failing to pay up for using his image and likeness, according to Complex.
Here’s to supporting Black journalists across the nation! On May 13, Gayle King — co-host of CBS This Morning — announced that ViacomCBS will provide scholarships to future journalists in an effort to increase the representation of Black journalists in newsrooms across the country, according to a press release provided to AfroTech. The University of Southern California (USC) Annenberg School of Communication and ViacomCBS have joined forces to make things happen for future Black journalists that want to further their education within the field. The ViacomCBS HBCU Diversity in Journalism Scholarship will cover yearly tuition costs for graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to enroll in one of USC Annenberg’s journalism master’s programs. In an announcement during USC Annenberg’s virtual celebration for its Class of 2021, King revealed the plans of the new scholarship and spoke to ViacomCBS’s commitment to not only supporting and uplifting the next...
The world of podcasts is getting a huge push in 2020, and now mega-media companies are getting in on the fun too. This week, mass entertainment companies ViacomCBS and iHeartMedia announced a three-year joint deal that includes a slate of over a dozen original podcasts based under both brands, Variety reports . According to a news release , the three-year pact calls on iHeartMedia — the biggest global commercial podcast publisher — to produce both new podcasts and shows associated with ViacomCBS’s portfolio of channels that span across different genres, including music, comedy, pop culture, and history. “We are excited to partner with iHeartMedia, the leading global commercial podcast publisher to expand our hit shows and IP into hit franchises,” said Keyes Hill-Edgar, chief operating officer of ViacomCBS’ Entertainment & Youth Group, in a statement . “iHeart’s wide distribution and availability across a number of leading platforms align well with our global reach and audiences.”...
Although in no rush to become a billionaire, 50 Cent is following Tyler Perry’s blueprint. Both entrepreneurs have their own studios, which house their current and future projects and create jobs that benefit the surrounding communities and beyond. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, Perry, a self-made billionaire, relied on his earnings to fund a 330-acre studio in Atlanta, GA, which opened its doors in 2008. “That’s why ‘Sistas,’ ‘The Oval,’ ‘Ruthless,’ and ‘Zatima’ — soon to come — All these shows on BET are doing so well, because I had us,” Perry said during Invest Fest 2023. “So, I haven’t been in a position where I’ve had to use private equity or money like that.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tyler Perry Studios (@tylerperrystudios) Today, Tyler Perry Studios grants him greater creative freedoms through its built-in features that include 12 sound stages — available to rent — and various staged sets such as baseball fields, a chapel, a bank, a county jail, a...
For years, Xzibit transformed whips for lucky fans across the nation. However, this time, he is honoring one die-hard football fan with the ultimate fan cave and even tapped artificial intelligence to do so. The musician, who served as the face of MTV’s “Pimp My Ride,” is a fan of the way technology has evolved, allowing entertainers to have a personal experience with fans across the globe.
Terzel Ron understands that if nothing else, the entertainment industry is volatile. So, after he graduated from New York University in 2018, he spent nine months looking for a job — only to finally land a job as a production assistant at ViacomCBS. Thanks to that job, he was able to pay off $5,000 in student loans — but according to CNBC, he wanted more. In 2021, he got a job at a “large television network” where he makes $110,000 per year. Terzel Ron subsequently got a second part-time job, where he makes an additional $40,000 per year, for a grand total of $150,000 per year. And, he says, it was imperative to save — and invest — as much of it as he could. “I invest most of what I make and try to forget the amount of money in my accounts. Jobs come and go, and when they go, the only thing left to show for it is the amount of money you have saved and invested from it,” he said to the outlet. What’s more, Terzel Ron said he works a lot, too. He told CNBC that he works seven days a...
Scott M. Mills will be sporting a new hat at Black Entertainment Television (BET). In a press release, it was announced that the president has been promoted to the chief executive officer of BET. During Mills’ four-year tenure at the network, he has led the creations of BET+, BET Studios, partnerships with high-profiled content creators and more. Now BET has become the largest commissioner of Black premium content by working alongside industry giants such as Tyler Perry, Lena Waithe, Kenya Barris, Lee Daniels, amongst others. “Under Scott’s leadership, BET has reached new heights with continued commercial success and profound cultural impact during a period of immense industry and social change,” said Bob Bakish, President and CEO of ViacomCBS, in a press release. “Scott has been instrumental in the expansion of the BET brand as the premier destination for Black entertainment and top talent, and he has spearheaded transformative initiatives that not only give back to the community...
John Thompson III is entering a different league as investing in sports seems to be a blueprint to success. Coming from a sports background himself, the former Georgetown basketball coach is now a minority-owner in the American Cornhole League (ACL). The ACL’s popularity is picking up speed and its impressive growth caught his interest to invest. In his CNBC interview, Thompson III claims that “the league is positioned to increase revenue over this decade.” “You kind of chuckle when you think about it,” Thompson III told CNBC. “But as you dive in and do the research, cornhole is one of the fastest-growing activities in the world. Is it a risk? Absolutely. But all investments are a risk. I feel strongly about the management team that’s we’re putting together and the team already in place.” Along with Thompson, Asland Capital Partners CEO James Simmons III also invested in the first funding round for the ACL and their investments will go toward the sport’s overall expansion. According...
iHeartMedia Atlanta is committed to helping aspiring Black entrepreneurs thrive! According to PRNewswire, the company will assist 10,000 aspiring Black entrepreneurs in the Atlanta metro area with the resources needed to launch their businesses. The exciting news follows iHeartMedia Atlanta’s recent pledge to a multi-year commitment designed to help Operation HOPE create one million new Black businesses by 2030 through its national 1 million Black Business Initiative (1MBB). “We are excited to partner with Operation HOPE to grow Black business ownership here in Atlanta,” said Drew Lauter, President of iHeartMedia Atlanta, in an official statement. “Our city is the epicenter for entrepreneurial energy and we are proud to use iHeart’s considerable resources to help owners of Black businesses achieve their dreams.” There are over 2.6 million Black-owned businesses in the U.S. and Atlanta is in the top five cities for Black entrepreneurs, reports the U.S. Census Bureau. As a part of the...
Creator of “Black-ish” Kenya Barris is expanding his Hollywood profile to the music business with a new entertainment company. According to The Hollywood Reporter (THR), the famed writer and producer has announced the launch of Khalabo Music — a joint venture with Interscope Records that already has a stacked roster of fresh, talented artists. As an extension of his production company, Khalabo Ink Society, Barris is looking at new ways he can work his signed artists into other areas of his entertainment hub. “Kenya touches people in so many different ways and he wants music to be part of that experience, so the conversation is not just about, ‘Let me find this one artist and make the best record,'” Interscope Geffen A&M Records vice chairman Steve Berman told THR. “He wants to find the artists and be able to plug music into his universe in many different ways. It’s the complete picture with him.” Per Berman’s interview with the outlet — as part of Barris’ latest cover story — the...
Dreams really do come true! According to the Economic Times , Brandy Fisher-Blood will now lead the company’s Diversity & Inclusion Strategies and will be responsible for overseeing diversity and inclusion efforts across Walt Disney Animation Studios. She will also serve as the primary strategic consultant to Walt Disney Animation Studios’ business leaders and creative leaders which includes directors, producers, and production leadership along with its Human Resources partners. Fisher-Blood will bring insight on the best inclusion methods that will help to broaden Walt Disney’s inclusion commitment both internally and externally. “I was 8 [years] old when the first BIPOC Disney Princess hit the big screen and no words can express how it felt to [finally] see an animated Disney character resemble me on TV, in stores, on lunchboxes at school, on t-shirts at the playground, and much more,” said Fisher-Blood in an interview with the Economic Times. Fisher-Blood will be responsible for...
In honor of Black History Month, we here at AfroTech, wish to recognize the efforts of Black scientists, technologists, and entrepreneurs. Throughout history, Black American accomplishments have revolutionized not only our country but the world at large. While there are many more, here are 28 Black pioneers in science, technology, and business today you should know about: Asmau Ahmed, Founder of PlumPerfect View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Next IT Girl (@thenextitgirl_) Asmau Ahmed is a Senior Strategist that has led corporate strategy and digital innovation for established and emergent organizations in a number of industries including financial services, and consumer retail. She thrives on identifying and growing (digital) companies that have the power to transform the way everyday people do everyday things. With experience in both corporate and entrepreneurial leadership, she has honed her skills in assessing the business viability and risk profile and in...
The Apollo Theater has appointed a new chairman to its board of directors as it continues its mission to provide a cultural space for future generations. This week, the Harlem landmark named Charles Phillips — a former board member and Vice Chairman for the nonprofit — as its new Chairman of the Board, according to a press release. Phillips marked his new appointment with a generous $1 million gift to the theater’s Emergency Fund, which was created to ensure the theater’s continued financial stability amid its COVID-19 closure. “From his work on the Board’s Executive Committee to his generous $1 million gift to the Theater at this critical time, Charles’ commitment to the Apollo has been immense,” said Apollo Theater President/CEO Jonelle Procope in a statement . “His support, coupled with additional donations from many donors, has enabled us to meet the Emergency Fund’s $4 million goal, allowing us to create dynamic, free events and education programs on the Apollo Digital Stage...
More Black women are climbing the ranks of leadership in the business world. This past Wednesday, Debra L. Lee — former chairman and CEO of cable network channel BET — joined the board of directors at the Procter & Gamble (P&G) — a multinational consumer goods company, Black Enterprise reports . “We are delighted to welcome Debra to the board,” said P&G Chairman, President and CEO David Taylor in a news release . “She has distinguished herself as a leader in the media industry for more than 30 years and brings broad, deep knowledge ranging from media strategy and programming to corporate risk oversight.” He added: “Her experience, expertise and guidance will further strengthen our efforts to better serve consumers and a broad range of stakeholders. We look forward to her contributions.” Lee is a seasoned executive in the media business having served in numerous C-suite roles at BET Networks — a media and entertainment subsidiary of ViacomCBS –throughout her 30-year tenure. She...
We hear stories about Black women millionaires and business leaders but rarely do we get a chance to know the origin stories of Black women billionaires like Sheila C. Johnson — co-founder of BET and CEO of Salamander Hotels and Resorts — who was able to build up her fortune as a trailblazer in business. Born in Pennsylvania to George P. Crump — a neurosurgeon — and Marie Iris Crump — an accountant — and raised in Maywood, Illinois, Johnson grew up to graduate from Proviso East High School in Chicago. She later attended the University of Illinois obtaining a B.A. degree in music. As an accomplished violinist, co-founder of a popular cable network, co-owner of professional sports franchises, CEO of a chain of hotels and resorts, Johnson has amassed quite an accomplished resume all while triumphing some remarkable feats in the industry. Her billionaire mindset didn’t come until later in her career, but Johnson credits her skills as a violinist with shaping her path in business....