Condista Networks set out to launch a campaign to create awareness of the challenges and opportunities faced by independent minority networks in the current market environment. Economic pressures have distributors looking to lower programming costs, which can mean that independent and diverse networks have trouble launching or face potential channel drops.
The Condista team decided one of the best ways to address all the complex issues surrounding independent networks is to have an open discussion. With a small budget, Condista teamed up with the Congressional Multicultural Media Caucus to host a panel discussion with MVPDs, regulators and minority-owned networks to explore solutions.
Representatives from Charter, DISH, WOW!, Condista’s Kids Central and Revolt TV were part of the panel and the president and CEO for Multicultural Media Telecommunications Council participated as the moderator. The panel had clout with Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D-NY) and her staff lending support. There was also a social media push and promotion of the event among MMTC members.
No, Condista didn’t level the playing field for independent programmers with one campaign, but it did succeed in getting regulators and stakeholders talking about issues, such as giving MVPDs flexibility and encouraging investment in minority-owned outlets. And as any good negotiator will tell you, getting everyone to the table is the first step toward progress. Condista said this is an on-going initiative, with the goal of developing a bill that supports both the MVPDs and independent programmers.
