MBC, a Positive Alternative

April 3, 2002

by Jeremy Reynalds

Forget NBC if you’re after family-friendly television. In an interview earlier this year with the Associated Press, NBC West Coast President Scott Sassa said the network’s programming plans call for material that’s "edgier and more adult-themed."

Sassa said that family-friendly programming is not seen by the network "as really the kinds of shows that are in our wheelhouse."

Also talking to the AP, NBC Entertainment President Jeff Zucker "echoed those remarks" by Sassa. Zucker said his network will look at developing programming "that fit(s) the NBC mold – smart, upscale, urban comedies. We know what we do well and we’re going to continue down that road."

With those comments in mind, you might want to think about changing channels to MBC, the Major Broadcasting Cable Network. MBC’s vision is to provide "intelligent, family oriented programming that embraces values in the business, entertainment, sports, non-profit and government sectors."

MBC Founder, Willie Gary

I recently learned that MBC was founded in 1998 and is now available to almost 11 million cable subscribers in over 1200 cities. The founders and principals of the organization are an impressive group of people. They are: former baseball great Cecil "Big Daddy" Fielder, four-time heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield, entertainer Marlon Jackson of the Jackson Five, broadcast veteran Alvin James and well-known Florida attorney Willie Gary.

I had the opportunity recently to talk with Gary about the network. He said, "I felt ... there was a tremendous need for family-based programming, the type of programming that would allow the whole family to have access to TV together and not have to worry about switching channels because of sex, violence and crimes."

That sounded good to me and, apparently, to a whole lot of other people as well. Viewers are responding very positively to MBC’s message, e-mailing the network with messages like this. "This network is absolutely wonderful! Never before have I been able to find an African-American Christian oriented channel with something for everyone before! If ever I got the opportunity I would love to meet and greet all who are responsible for this network! What can I say?! My wife and I love the preaching, sports, talk-shows, music and movies! My two-year old son can’t get enough of the ‘Hugabug Club’ and ‘Treasures In The Attic!’ Love the network! You are doing a wonderful job!"

Gary said he hopes it’s programs like the ones referred to by that enthusiastic viewer which will help put a dent in some of the problems such as school violence that our nation has experienced recently. Gary said this and other related societal issues are in large part a result of youngsters being exposed to television’s constant fascination with sex, crime and violence.

A brand new study supports Gary’s point of view. The study found that the more television teens watch the more they are prone to violence. Columbia University’s Jeffrey Johnson, the lead author of the study, told the AP that their research found adolescent TV watching in excess of an hour daily "is followed by increases in the rates of assaults, fights, robberies and other aggressive acts in later years."

While networks routinely attribute their sleazy programming to satisfying viewer demand and thus their bottom line, Gary said MBC is a living example that networks can provide good programming and still succeed. "We’ve proved that you can still make a difference and still make the bottom line," he said.

Obviously, Gary said, it’s essential that someone starts making a difference. "We’re losing our kids in record numbers. It can’t go on for ever."

Moving to the sort of programming MBC offers, Gary said while it’s positive, it’s still fun. The network doesn’t take away the "hip-hop. You can replace the lyrics and still keep the same beat," he said.

Programming is also inspiring. For example, on Gary’s show "Spiritual Impact," he said he deals "with people who were in the dumps and got up. We use real life stories (and show) that you can be whatever you want to be."

Viewers really do appreciate both Gary’s show and the other positive alternatives offered on MBC. In an e-mail to the network one enthusiast wrote, "I really enjoy the MBC Network’s programming because of the positive images of African-Americans and the uplifting messages that MBC delivers. I watched a show ... with Mr. Willie Gary interviewing Mr. Les Brown. I enjoyed this program."

Gary said the network also has shows that are targeted toward encouraging young people to stay in school. "We can deal with that in our programming," he said.

Gary said that MBC is more than just a television network, though. He said that MBC also provides a positive message by sponsoring community events.

And community involvement is an integral part of what MBC is all about. Network spokesperson Jamie Carlington called MBC a "community driven network." In an e- mail, she said that, "We always try to mentor to youths, meet with local grassroots leaders or speak at local churches."

The five network founders are committed to making a positive impact on America and seeing a reversal of the cultural and moral decay that has gripped our nation in recent years. As Gary said, "Maybe we can’t change (things) overnight but we’ll change (them)."

You can play an important role in helping MBC accomplish its goal. How? By doing just what this viewer did. He wrote in an e-mail to MBC, "I just wanted to send a word of thanks and encouragement to you and the MBC Network for what you’re doing. I live in Tuscaloosa Alabama, and have asked my local ... cable system to add MBC. There was no response to my request, but I’ll continue to write them, and ask friends to write them, to add your service to their line-up. Keep the faith."

For more information about MBC, go to www.mbcnetwork.com.

[an error occurred while processing this directive]
Site Meter


To comment on this article, please send us an e mail.

To send this article to a friend, click here.

For a full issue of Conservative Truth, available only to our subscribers,
please join our list! To subscribe click here.
Conservative Truth Home Page OpinioNet Home Page
Home Tom Barrett About Us Aldrich Alert Humor
Subscribe Contact Us Links Search Archives