SILVER SPRING, Md., Jan. 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Robert L. Johnson, Chairman of RLJ Entertainment (NASDAQ: RLJE) and Founder of Black Entertainment Television supports Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler's announcement to overhaul the rules for television set-top boxes which would allow consumers to view traditional cable and streaming video content on the television.
Johnson stated, "In my opinion, this is the best decision that the FCC has made to increase minority diversity in media content distribution since the Commission championed the tax certificate which allowed for the increase in minority ownership of media properties. I am also very pleased that after speaking with several Members of the Congressional Black Caucus, the Caucus has agreed to a meeting to hear my position on this matter."
"If you have a good program idea, some financing and access to the Internet, you can find your audience. But your audience can only find you if they have a modem or a set-top box or software that lets them know you are there and gives them access to your programs unconstrained by the network gatekeeper," Johnson concluded.
RLJ Entertainment has three proprietary digital streaming channels with exclusive and niche-focused content: UMC - Urban Movie Channel (urban-themed programming), AcornTV (British mystery and drama), and AcaciaTV (fitness) that are available on a variety of platforms but would be better accessed if consumers could also find these and other streaming channels on their set-top boxes. Today's announcement by the FCC will allow consumer choice and create opportunities for minority programmers.
For additional information on Mr. Johnson's position on this matter, please visit http://bit.ly/205mwci and http://on.wsj.com/1SbwZPc
Media contact: Traci Otey Blunt, 240.743.7620
About RLJ Entertainment
RLJ Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: RLJE) is a premier independent owner, developer, licensee, and distributor of entertainment content and programming in primarily North America, the United Kingdom, and Australia. RLJE is a leader in numerous genres including feature films and urban with distinct content via its owned and distributed brands such as Acorn (British TV), Acacia (fitness), and Athena (documentaries). These titles are distributed in multiple formats including broadcast television (including satellite and cable), theatrical and non-theatrical, DVD, Blu-Ray, digital download, and digital streaming.
Through Acorn Media Enterprises, its UK development arm, RLJE owns all rights to the hit UK mystery series Foyle's War and is developing new programs. RLJE owns 64% of Agatha Christie Limited, which manages the intellectual property and publishing rights to some of the greatest works of mystery fiction, including stories of the iconic sleuths Miss Marple and Poirot.
RLJE leverages its management experience to acquire, distribute and monetize existing and original content for its many distribution channels, including its branded digital subscription channels, Acorn TV, AcaciaTV, and UMC - Urban Movie Channel, and engages distinct audiences with programming that appeals directly to their unique viewing interests. Through its proprietary e-commerce web sites and print catalogs for the Acorn and Acacia brands, RLJE has direct contacts and billing relationships with millions of consumers. For more information, please visit www.RLJEntertainment.com
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SOURCE RLJ Entertainment, Inc.
