Magic Johnson’s Cable Network Is Set To Premiere A Black Alternative To “The View”

These days, Magic Johnson is dipping his toes into more business enterprises than Russell Simmons. Maybe that's not true, but he's been more visibly active. However, it's been a while since he's been involved with non-basketball-related television. Or so I thought. Apparently, Johnson has a television network, ASPIRE, which launched last June. Props to him for not going the Oprah route and naming it the Magic Network. According to Indiewire, ASPIRE will be presenting an African-American alternative to The View on his new network that will discuss issues affecting black people.

ASPiRE, the new television network from Magic Johnson Enterprises that promised, at the time of its launch, an "entertaining and inspiring mix of original and groundbreaking programming," with the likes of Laurence FishburneOmari HardwickEsperanza Spalding and Jonathan Slocumb set to host prime-time series blocks focused on movies, comedy, original series, and music, has has greenlit it first talkshow, according to Variety.

Titled Exhale, the new network's entry into the talkshow space is said to be similar to The View, and will be hosted by 5 African American women in media: journalist Angela Burt-Murray, actress and comedian Erin Jackson, Issa Rae (you know her! Go Issa Rae!!), author and TV anchor Rene Syler, and actress Malinda Williams.

Content will include conversation on the usual topics – family, relationships, career, money and faith.

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