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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 Fishburne, Omari Hardwick, Esperanza 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...

Earvin "Magic" Johnson added yet another pillar to his ever-growing business empire on Wednesday evening, officially launching his “Aspire” cable network. Distributed via Comcast, Fave TV and Time Warner Cable networks, Aspire will feature an array of original programming centered on music, comedy, inspirational shows, documentaries and short films, according to a press release.

The new network will be available in 7 million homes and 16 of the top 25 African-American markets, including New York City, Atlanta, Chicago and Washington, DC.

During the network’s star-studded launch event at New York’s Cipriani Dolci, Johnson, a savvy media maverick and NBA Hall of Famer, explained his hopes for Aspire.

“My vision is to really bring great family programming to an audience that has been underserved when it comes to that, and bring quality, smart programming,” Johnson said. “The African American creative community is really excited about it. When you think about it, we have great actors,...

The Gospel Music Channel said Thursday that Ford Motor Co. has signed on as the lead sponsor of its upcoming series Gospel Dream 2005, which will premiere Oct. 5. Taped auditions will begin in August in Atlanta, Dallas/Ft. Worth, New Orleans, St. Louis, Chicago, Detroit and Memphis. Jonathan Slocumb (The Steve Harvey Show) has been tapped to host.