ASPiRE held its Upfront presentations on its Upfront Tour Bus, the net’s mobile venue for client meetings, and unveiled a roster showcasing its commitment to bringing positive African-American images to viewers. “Our advertisers and partners know that ASPiRE connects them to viewers looking for relevant and relatable images of positive Black culture on TV,” said Ty Johnson, VP, multicultural sales & development. “With ASPiRE Chairman and CEO Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson’s long history of connecting brands to the community, our viewers have embraced the impact we’re having and difference we’re making with positive entertainment for African-American families and urban professionals.”

New shows premiering in the fall include documentaries Closure, about a trans-racial adoptee, and The Wayman Tisdale Story, celebrating the life of the late former NBA star and jazz musician. Shows in development include quarterly specials Magic in the Making, hosted by Johnson; Change Makers, a look at how celebs impact their community and reality series The Graduates.

ASPiRE continues its commitment to HBCU sports, with six football games and 12 basketball games, and the 18th year of sports highlights show Inside the Game, as well as its pro-social campaign, “ASPiRE to Change the Game,” raising awareness of categories of concern for the next generation of African-Americans.