To increase diversity of programming, Comcast plans 10 new channels and Fox forms Fox Hispanic Media

To satisfy commitments made to win approval of its merger with NBC Universal, Comcast Corp. yesterday announced plans for 10 new independent channels, to be launched over the next eight years, with African-American, American-Latino or Hispanic majority owners or operators, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports. The first channel, scheduled to launch July 2012, will be American-Latino operated; two other majority African-American owned channels should launch by January 2013, WSJ reported. Of the ten planned networks, Comcast aims to launch four majority African-American owned channels, two majority Hispanic owned channels, and two channels operated by American-Latino programmers. Comcast also announced plans to expand Mnet, its cable network geared toward Asian-Americans and fans of Asian pop culture, WSJ said.

Variety reports that Fox announced formation of its own new unit, Fox Hispanic Media, the same day. The FOX unit will include the broadcaster’s Spanish-language sports network (Fox Deportes), a lifestyle network aimed at Latina women (Utilisima), and a family-friendly network with Spanish language programming on nature, culture and historical topics (Nat Geo Mundo), according to Variety.

Comcast Details Plans For 10 Channels To Boost Diversity, The Wall Street Journal, 4 Apr 2011
Fox, Comcast Add Ethnic Outlets, Variety, 5 Apr 2011.