Black On TV

Happy July 4th!

2008-07-04T10:50:00.004-05:00

I always loved watching School House Rock during Saturday morning cartoons. But while the above clip gives you the history behind Independence Day here's a little black history for you:

On July 4, 1827, slavery was abolished in New York State.

Have a happy and safe holiday!

Latifah Lost 20!

2008-07-02T08:59:00.007-05:00

Queen Latifah showed up and showed off her slimmer figure on the red carpet of Will Smith's movie premiere of Hancock
this week in Los Angeles.

I've been giving Latifah a hard time lately because since January the Jenny Craig spokeswoman didn't seem to be losing any weight. In fact, unlike previous Jenny Craig celebrity spokepersons Kirstie Alley and Valerie Bertinelli, no weight loss figure was being mentioned in the commercials tracking Laitfah's weight loss.

Well last night I caught Latifah in an interview with The Insider on the red carpet, where Latifah confessed to losing 20 lbs. and that she may keep on losing more.

Well done Latifah! Well done.

Is Al Roker Our First Black Game Show Host? Survey Says...Yes!

2008-07-01T11:27:00.001-05:00

Today Show's Al Roker will be the host of NBC's 'Celebrity Family Feud'.

The game show will feature celebrity contestants competing with their real life families or TV families from the show they star.

First airing in 1976, 'Family Feud' has had a sleu of white hosts including Richard Dawson, Louie Anderson and Ray Combs.

And while Roker is no stranger to hosting a game show having hosted MSNBC's 'Remember This?' in 1996 and serving as a guest host of 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire', I do think he will go down in history as the first African American to host a game show.

Celebrity Family Feud can be seen tonight at 8 PM EDT.

Meet 90210's Tristan Wilds

2008-06-30T10:00:00.005-05:00

Tristan Wilds who is best known for his work on The Wire is set to be the new black face of CW11's 90210

Wilds will be playing Dixon, the adopted son of The Mills family. Hear what Tristan had to say about his role in the clip below:

I have to admit I watched Beverly Hills 90210 back in the day. But something about this remake doesn't fly with me. I think this show will come off a tad bit corny when compared to CW11's more popular teen show Gossip Girl.

90210 will kick off this fall on Tuesday's at 8 PM EDT.

MTV Wants Obama To Win

2008-06-26T08:34:00.005-05:00

According to the New York Post, MTV will now run political ads on their network:

Barack Obama is likely to benefit the most from this decision since his young supporters are MTV's target audience.

In it's 27 years of existence, MTV has never ran political ads with the exception of ads encouraging viewers to vote. Most recently, Obama's campaign approached MTV attempting to buy ad space on the network but was met with a decline. Now the network has decided to run political ads as the executive vice president, Jeannie Kedas cites:

"..the youth vote has increasingly played a crucial role in past presidential elections"

In 1992, MTV aired Bill Clinton playing the saxophone during his presidential run which made him very popular among young voters.

MTV must want Obama to win because this recent decision clearly gives him an advantage over that other old man running for president.

In other Obama news, it seems hispanics are finally wising up and getting on the Obama ticket. Read more about this here.

BET Does It Again...

2008-06-25T09:19:00.009-05:00

Last night I ~~slept through~~ watched BET's one claim to fame, the 2008 BET Awards.

And while, BET calls this awards ceremony the 'hottest ticket in television', I was not impressed.

Normally it's the lackluster performances, ridiculous outfits or bad host(s) that makes me want to reach for the remote after the first 30 minutes but this time around it had to be the ridiculous scripts given to the "celebs" to read off the teleprompter throughout the show.

The award for the most offensive joke of the night goes to none other than Niecy Nash.

Nash poked fun at the recent adoption of African babies by white celebs Madonna and Angelina Jolie by bringing up 3 white children on stage that she joked were her new adopted children. And while I love our black people for being able to poke fun at ourselves, this joke was just in poor taste.

How stupid do black people look poking fun at white people who are adopting babies in Africa when we ourselves haven't done so?

A few week's back I posed the question if BET Has Gotten Any Better since Reginald Hudlin's tenure? Now looking back, I really should have asked if the network has gotten any better since Debra Lee's tenure because I can't imagine the president and chief operating officer of BET approving that this joke be included in the ceremony script.

While I could not find a clip of the 'joke' just yet on the internet, take a listen to what this half white viewer had to say about it.

"The BET Awards was ghetto...nasty, dumb and ridiculous."

I could not agree with him more.

You can catch an encore of the ceremony on Friday at 7:30 PM EDT.

Latifah: It's Not 'About Getting Skinny'

2008-06-23T19:46:00.002-05:00

So a while back I posed that question, What The Hell Is A Size Satisfaction?

What I really was trying to say was 'when the hell is Queen Latifah going to shed some pounds having been a spokesperson for Jenny Craig since January'?

Well maybe Latifah reads BONTV because in a recent interview with People magazine, Latifah had this to say:

It's not "about getting skinny,...my intention was to lose five to 10 percent of my body weight because it makes a difference with health related issues, and I achieved that goal in a couple of months. I'm excited about this weight loss."

I agree that it shouldn't be about getting skinny. Skinny isn't healthy either. But I think Latifah could stand to lose a little bit more weight than just 5-10 percent of her body weight if health is to be the primary goal and not vanity.

"My jeans are looser, I feel more energetic," she said of shedding the weight. "People dig it. They come up to me and say 'I'm glad you're talking about the health side of it.' People get that message, which is important too."

I concur. I was very glad to see the 'healthy' spin they took with Latifah's campaign. But I cant help but feel this 'healthy' spin was used to masquerade how little, if any, weight has been lost.

"They see that I'm doing this for the health reasons but also say, 'She's still representing for the big girls. She hasn't abandoned us!'" Latifah added. "This is me doing something for me, but if I am going to be a role model I hope people can catch on."

Ok. Being big is not healthy yet big girls want representation. Am I missing something?

For more on this and the Queen suing the producers of movie 'Perfect Holiday' click here

Janet Gets In Bed With MTV......Again.

2008-06-19T10:24:00.004-05:00

According to Variety.com, Janet Jackson has inked a deal with 25/7 Productions to produce a reality TV competition to be aired on MTV.

"It's really about finding who's the next Janet Jackson or Justin Timberlake or Usher," said exec producer Dave Broome. "And we'll find it from a pool of people who you wouldn't typically find it from. We'll go to YMCAs, church groups, local community centers and try to cast the show."

No title yet for the show, but casting is already underway as the show will be shot in the coming months. Jackson, who is set to go on tour in September, will act as a mentor to the aspiring singers and dancers. No word yet on the prize for the winner but there are speculations it will more than likely involve her tour.

Black On Sports: Another Unemployed Black Man

2008-06-18T10:56:00.008-05:00

Tongues could not stop wagging yesterday by the office water cooler about the Monday late night firing of New York Mets manager, Willie Randolph.

Although I was raised in the Bronx by two baseball fanatics (my parents), I don't follow baseball all that closely.

But I do know enough to know that when a team isn't performing as this team obviously hasn't been, you can't always blame the manager.

But then again...when a team does well...doesn't the manager sometimes get all the glory?

Read more on Randolph's being let go by clicking here.

CNN Presents: Black In America

2008-06-17T14:55:00.005-05:00

CNN is airing a six hour, two part series entitled, Black In America:

Watch as this documentary takes a close look at the issues, successes and struggles of black men, women and families.

I am sure Obama-mania has a lot to do with the timing of this documentary.

Nonetheless, I will be watching.

You can catch CNN's Black In America on July 23/24. Check your local listings for times.

Gossip Friday: R. Kelly Acquitted!

2008-06-13T15:01:00.008-05:00

All I want to know is how much did R. Kelly pay each member of the jury?

Because surely a jury of 12 can't be that stupid. Can they?

Had this been a 13 year old boy or a 13 year old white girl that he was on trial for, I am sure the verdict would have gone the other way.

Only in America can 1 man get off for molesting a child yet another gets 2 years behind bars for hosting dog fights.

Read more on how this child molester got away by clicking here.

BONTV News Break: How Does One Get To Hell?

2008-06-13T11:15:00.011-05:00

We take a break from our normal scheduled program to bring you this breaking news.

Often times you hear the phrase, 'Go To Hell'. But how does one really get there? While I am sure there are various ways of getting to that warm destination, here is a sure 'fire' way of getting a free, non-stop, one way ticket to Camp Hell.

This video was taken from a camera posted outside Catholic school, Good Shepherd School in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn that caught 18 year old, Eric Ferguson attacking a 62 year old teacher at about 6:40 am on Monday morning.

After punching her in the face he ran off with her purse which carried her car keys all while under the cross at the gate of the school. Ferguson later came back and stole her car as well.

The culprit was caught at his home and is being questioned by police.

Mr. Ferguson...you just earned a free first class ticket to hell.

For more details on this story, click here.

Fox News 'Stop Picking On Obama's Baby Mama' WTF!

2008-06-12T11:15:00.014-05:00

So now that Barack Obama has clinched the Democratic presidential nomination, Republicans are taking aim at ~~him~~ his wife, Michelle. WTF!

But Republicans aren't the only ones taking ridiculous shots at Michelle. Check out this clip taken from the Fox News Channel:

All I want to know is....

Why the are they referring to Michelle Obama as 'Obama's Baby Mama'?

This is exactly the kind of crap I was not looking forward to but I can't say I am surprised.

After listening to the news segment, I don't even know why Fox News even had that phrase on the screen. The segment had nothing to do with that.

Black people have tough skin and we are going to need it in these upcoming months because I am sure there is going to be countless racist moments like this ahead on this campaign trail.

To read more on this and on how Obama is leading McCain in a new poll click here.

Hell No! FCUK Hillary!

2008-06-11T11:21:00.005-05:00

In a recent BONTV poll we asked readers on whether they felt Barack Obama should choose Hillary Clinton as his running mate?

55% of voters answered HELL NO, FCUK Hillary!

Yes [ 14% ]
No [ 29% ]
Hell No, FCUK Hillary! [55%]

Accoring to these polls, it seems the Democratic party is far from unified after this long presidential nominee campaign.

I must say a while back I thought the idea of these two candidates coming together would be a 'dream'. But after this mess of a campaign, now I am not so sure.

As much as I want Barack Obama to be the next president, I don't know if Clinton can be trusted as his running mate. I fear she would secretly sabotage Obama's good endeavors for the country with the hopes of saying, 'I told you I was the better candidate.'.

Bravo's The Real Black Housewives

2008-06-10T10:31:00.012-05:00

According to YBF, it seems Bravo's The Real Housewives is coming to Atlanta.

Pic Cred: TheYBF.com

Tapings of the The Real Housewives of Atlanta reportedly wrapped last week so details on the chosen wives have surfaced.

Wife of Oakland Raiders player, Ed Hartwell, Lisa (pictured above) made the cut. Lisa is a screenwriter and film producer. While clothing designer, Sheree Whitfield (pictured left) is the former wife of Atlanta Falcons player, Bob Whitfield. Nena Leakes (right), a real estate broker, is also one of the confirmed housewives.

Other wives include wife of NBA player for The Cleveland Cavaliers, Eric Snow, Deshawn. And there seems to be another wife named Kim, although no background details yet have surfaced on her.

I never watched a season of this show before but now that we have a black season in the works that may change.

Damon Wayans is 'Never Better'

2008-06-09T10:29:00.009-05:00

I don't know how this slipped past my radar, but apparently it was confirmed last month that Daman Wayans is set to star in a new ABC comedy pilot entitled, "Never Better".

Wayans will play a man who is overcoming a drinking problem and who is eager to reform his past so that he will be a better father and husband.

Nicole Ari Parker has also joined the cast as she will be playing Wayan's wife.

I don't know about this sitcom. Although Wayans had a good five season run with ABC's 'My Wife and Kids', I can't see lightning striking twice in the same location. Also, Parker doesn't have much comedy appeal in my opinion like Wayans' former on-screen wife, Tisha Campbell.

And is it me or does Damon Wayans seem like he has a drinking problem of his own as of late? Maybe the plot for this new sitcom is based on fact moreso than fiction.

No word yet on when or if this pilot will see the light of day. If so, BONTV will be sure to give you the scoop.

Oprah's Doing The Happy Dance

2008-06-06T11:32:00.010-05:00

"I'm euphoric, I've been doing the happy dance all day," Oprah said in a statement released on Wednesday. "I'm so proud of Barack and Michelle and what this means for all of us ... the new possibilities for our country. And if he wants me to, I'm ready to go door to door."

I love that Oprah doesn't give a fcuk about losing those old white women (Hillary supporters) viewers and keeps on supporting Obama.

Dance on Oprah...dance on.

Michelle Obama's 'View'

2008-06-05T10:25:00.007-05:00

Michelle Obama Poses For Vogue
On June 18th, Michelle Obama, will co-host ABC's The View.

Yesterday, Barack Obama made history as the first African American to ever clinch the first major-party presidential nomination and I'm still on this high.

I'm looking forward to seeing Michelle join the ladies of The View. Im hoping they will sit her right next conservative Republican, Elizabeth Hasselbeck.

The View can be seen daily at 11:00 AM EDT.

Eva Is 'Young and Restless'

2008-06-04T11:35:00.006-05:00

Guess who landed a gig on CBS' Young & The Restless?

Pic Cred: THEYBF.com
America's Next Top Model Cycle 3 winner, Eva ~~Pigford~~ Marcille, is set to play a young mother on the daytime soap.

I'm glad to see that she has been able to secure something steady since winning the ANTM title.

Young and The Restless can be seen daily at 12:30 PM EDT.

Barack Obama Makes Black History!

2008-06-04T08:58:00.008-05:00

Today we interupt your regular BONTV programming because Barack Obama has made history!

Honestly, I never thought I would be alive to witness this historic moment as a first time major party presidential nomination has gone to an African-American.

And as inspiring as this moment is for me, I can't begin to imagine what this moment means to the millions of young black people in this world that can finally believe that they too can strive for anything.

I know the United Stated of America is the best place in the world to be born/live but to quote Michelle Obama, 'for the first time in my adult life I am proud of my country'.

With Barack Obama as President of The United States, I do believe that 'Yes We Can'.

Are We There Yet Papa Smurf?

2008-06-03T11:34:00.008-05:00

So after what felt like a year of campaigning, tonight should mark the end of the Obama/Clinton ~~marathon~~ race for The White House.

Obama is expected to snag the 35 delegates needed to win. While Hillary is planning on making a speech from New York City where she will more than likely announce she will be endorsing Senator Obama.

This has certainly been a long drawn out fight. Hopefully the pair will be able to come together and form a 'dream ticket' and bring some unity to this divided party.

Well...one can hope.

Gossip Friday: Oprah Gossip Mania and Who Does Tyra Think She Is?

2008-05-30T10:26:00.010-05:00

According to the June 1st cover of The New York Times Magazine...

Oprah and Martha!

Scheduled to hit the newstands tomorrow, this cover is already causing tongues to wag as is it seems Tyra is being compared to media queens, Oprah and Martha Stewart.

Is she next in line to hold the title of Queen of Media?

Speaking of the queen of media, Oprah got her fare share of gossip this week:

Oprah's beloved Stedman tells of Oprah and Gayle's gay antics.

Oprah's dad writing a tell all book on Oprah and she didn't even know.

Oprah ain't leaving Stedman a penny of her billion dollar empire when she kicks the bucket.

Tyra needs to be careful what she asks for. The tabloids will have a field day with you once you've made it to the top.

Have a great weekend!

Is 'Black' Not In Season?

2008-05-29T12:07:00.007-05:00

BET's Fashion Blackout tackles one of the growing problems in the fashion industry as of late....

Where are the black models?

In this half-hour special, BET takes an inside look at why are there fewer black models on the catwalk and in fashion print ads. Is the fashion industry racist?

Bethann Hardison, Naomi Campbell, Andre Leon Talley, Tracy Reese Liya Kebede, Iman and others give their thoughts on the issue.

Fashion Blackout can be seen tonight at 8:30 EDT.

Is Oprah's Empire On The Decline?

2008-05-28T14:20:00.002-05:00

In an interesting article in the New York Times, writer, Edward Wyatt takes a look at how Oprah's growing success doesn't seem to be growing any longer. In fact, it seems to be on the decline:

In it's third straight year of decline, "The Oprah Winfrey Show" has seen a drop of 7% of its average audience.

Oprah's debut to reality TV competition, "Oprah's Big Give" started 'big' but lost 1/3 of it's viewers during the rest of its 8 week run.

O, The Oprah Magazine has also seen a drop in its circulation totalling more than 10 percent in the past three years.

So what's the cause?

The article speculates two main factors may be to blame.

Oprah's latest promotions of new-age spirituality such as her latest book club pick, A New Earth, by Eckhart Tolle seems to be turning folks off.

Also, Oprah has also received criticism over her public endorsement of presidential candidate Barack Obama. The middle-aged white women who are either Republicans or Hillary Clinton supporters clearly wasn't feeling this move.

I dont know what to make of all this just yet. But isn't it funny how this 'decline' is now being made a big deal soon after her supporting a black candidate for president?

You do the math.

You can read more on this article by clicking here.

Is There A Black CNN In The Works?

2008-05-27T08:57:00.009-05:00

According to the New York Post, plans are underway to launch an all black news channel tentatively titled, Black Television News Channel.

Former Rep. J.C. Watts, who is already being called the 'black Ted Turner', is currently working to launch the network in early 2009 citing,

"Im not sure that you see anything on CNN or Fox News that specifically targets the African American community."

Comcast has already agreed to carry the network in large black populated cities such as Philadelphia, Chicago, Detroit, Baltimore, Atlanta and Wachington D.C.

Starting a news network on cable can cost upwards of $100 million. While Watts isnt identifying who is financially backing this project he has stated that he and 'two cable industry vets' are supporting most of the startup.

Watts is currenly a frequent commentator on both Fox News and CNN. He was the only African American Republican in Congress until 2003 after which he resigned to start his own business.

Although there is no mentions of this network coming to New York City just yet, I do hope these plans come to fruition. We need a 24 hour network that can give us the news that is often times overlooked by the likes of CNN, MSNBC and Fox. And since BET crashed its BET Nightly News back in 2005 we really haven't had a source on telelvision to get black news.