NEW YORK - Verizon today announced a programming-distribution agreement with Black Family Channel, which delivers entertainment, sports, informational and inspirational programming for African-American and urban families 24 hours a day. Under the agreement, Verizon will carry the channel on Verizon Fios TV when it launches later this year.

Black Family Channel joins other major and independent cable networks that will be part of Verizon's TV service. Verizon will offer a variety of culturally diverse programming, including content from such network groups as NBC Universal Cable, A&E Television Networks, Discovery Networks, Si TV and TBS, Inc. Verizon previously announced multiple-channel agreements with these and other networks for a wide range of familiar, diverse and newer programming. Black Family Channel will be available to subscribers of Verizon's expanded basic service.

"We are pleased to offer Black Family Channel, which features a family-friendly lineup of news and information, and original and lifestyle programming, that will appeal to African- American viewers," said Terry Denson, vice president of programming and marketing for Verizon Fios TV. "Black Family Channel advances our commitment to provide increased content choice and diversity to future Fios TV customers."

Rick Newberger, Black Family Channel's president and CEO said, "TV from new competitors is clearly going to be an important component of the future of multi-channel television in this country, and we are excited to be part of shaping that future with Verizon. The African-American family watches more television and spends more on television services than any other demographic or ethnic group. We are pleased that Verizon has recognized the needs of this important customer, and we look forward to working with Verizon to make Fios TV a big success."

Black Family Channel's programming mix includes a unique blend of original shows created by Hollywood actor and filmmaker Robert Townsend, who is the president and CEO of productions for Black Family Channel.

Verizon Fios TV will offer customers a competitive alternative to cable or satellite. Fios TV will deliver hundreds of digital video and music channels, high-definition programming, video-on-demand content, an interactive programming guide and other customer-friendly features via the company's fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) broadband network. Verizon is already constructing FTTP networks in parts of 15 states, more than half the states where it offers landline communications services.
Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

About Black Family Channel

Black Family Channel is America's only minority owned and operated, 24-hour cable network committed to providing quality entertainment for the entire family. Our mission is to entertain, inform and empower urban communities with family programming. For more information, visit http://www.blackfamilychannel.com/.