News One Now: ‘A Voice for the Voiceless’

At a date to be determined in September, TV One will morph its “Washington Watch” program into an hour-long, daily morning show “News One Now,” hosted by Roland Martin. The well-known commentator told TCA his show will focus on issues of importance to the black community, a perspective absent on broadcast and cable, he said. In addition, Martin vowed to eschew “who won/who lost” discussions in favor of diving deep into issues and offering solutions to the African-American audience. “I want to move the ball forward,” Martin said. While other shows go after big-name guests, News One Now will make “the issue the centerpiece.” The show will be culled from the final hour of a three-hour radio show of Martin’s Radio One program. Radio One talent Tom Joyner, Ricky Smiley, Russ Parr and others will contribute to the show. Celebrating its 10^th anniversary, TV One announced it will stick with its format of celebrating real women, presenting comedy, news and true stories. In addition it will expand its “R&B Divas” franchise with a special Christmas concert in Washington, D.C., with music performed by the cast of the series, “R&B Divas Atlanta” and “R&B Divas LA.” TV One enjoyed record ratings through June 1, said TV One Pres/CEO Alfred Liggins.