Pressroom

 and Aug. 3 return of critically acclaimed ‘Johnson’

ATLANTA (April 8, 2024) – Bounce TV’s 2024 original programming plans include a new comedy series “Mind Your Business” and the fourth-season premiere on the network’s hit dramedy “Johnson” on Aug. 3. 

Premiering Saturday, June 1, with two episodes back-to-back starting at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT, “Mind Your Business” is a half-hour comedy that tells the story of the Williams family, which is in the business of celebrating some of life’s biggest events with its music services. However, when it comes to the Williams’ family affairs, there’s a need for referees instead of DJs. 

Like a lot of small businesses, Lucille Williams’ once-prospering 30s-and-older lounge, Lucille’s Place, took a huge hit, forcing her to sell. Lucille’s baby brother, Henry Williams, couldn’t stand by and let Lucille’s Place slip away, so he recruited his fraternal twins, Aaliyah and Alfonso, to keep the business in the family. With Aaliyah’s creative sensibilities and Alfonso’s business mind, a safe space for planning and hosting events was born. Alfonso’s wife, Kimberly, and son, Alfonso Jr. (A.J.), join the event planning team. Even Aaliyah has one of their chosen family members, Mia, join the team; she is a jack of all trades – so she thinks. Although the new-and-improved Lucille’s Place brings everyone together, their affairs end up causing a mess bigger than a college frat party. 

The series stars Columbus Short (“Scandal,” “Stomp the Yard”) as Alfonso; Drew Sidora (“The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” “That’s So Raven”) as Aaliyah; singer and radio host Bebe Winans as Henry; Rolonda Watts from the internationally syndicated talk show “Rolonda” as Lucille; Caryn Ward Ross (“Fame,” “Monogamy,” “Patterns of Attraction”) as Kimberly; Brely Evans (“Ambitions,” “Being Mary Jane,” “The Man in 3B”) as Mia; Bryce Xavier (“A Bennett Song Holiday,” “Stay Tuned: The Movie,” Total Eclipse”) as A.J.; and Chloe Elise Ellis (“Borrasca,” “Footprints,” “Three Stories Up”) as Jordan, Alfonso and Kimberly’s youngest child. “Mind Your Business is produced by Harvest Studios and executive produced by Bentley Kyle Evans (“Martin,” “The Jamie Foxx Show.”)

In addition, Bounce has announced the summer return of its hit series “Johnson” – the popular dramedy that focuses on four lifelong best friends, all of whom share the same last name. Season four will debut on Saturday, Aug. 3, with two episodes back-to-back starting at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT. 

Shot on location in Atlanta, the series is a journey of love, self-discovery and brotherhood told from the Black male perspective but inclusive of all men. “Johnson” is produced in partnership with Eric C. Rhone and Cedric The Entertainer’s A Bird & A Bear Entertainment, Deji LaRay (the show’s creator) and Thomas Q. Jones’ Midnight Train Productions. The ensemble cast is led by Jones (“P. Valley,” “Luke Cage”), LaRay (“Bosch,” “Greenleaf”), Philip Smithey (“Murderville,” “The Rookie”) and Derrex Brady (“NCIS,” “First”) with D.L. Hughley. LaRay and Jones serve as showrunners and executive producers; Rhone, Cedric The Entertainer and Reesha L. Archibald serve as executive producers.

‘Act Your Age’ summer run launches June 3

Civil Rights icon Xernona Clayton feted in Juneteenth special

ATLANTA (April 27, 2023) — Bounce TV, the popular broadcast and multi-platform entertainment network serving African Americans, announced today a jam-packed slate of new original programming, including the renewal of the hit series “Johnson” for a third season, the return of the new smash comedy “Act Your Age” and the premiere of a Juneteenth original documentary special celebrating a civil rights leader, “Xernona Clayton: A Life in Black and White.”

“From the continued momentum of our latest hit in ‘Act Your Age,’ to the return of one of our staples with ‘Johnson’ and an extremely moving documentary telling the largely untold story of a cultural treasure Xernona Clayton, Bounce viewers have a lot to be excited about this summer,” said David Hudson, head of original programming at Scripps Networks. “We are looking forward to telling these incredible stories in the months to come.”

‘Johnson’ is back for third season

Bounce announced the renewal of “Johnson” – the popular dramedy that focuses on four lifelong best friends, all of whom share the same last name – set to premiere Saturday, Aug. 5 at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT with two all-new episodes back-to-back. Shot on location in Atlanta, the series is a journey of love, self-discovery and brotherhood told from the Black male perspective but is inclusive of all men. The second season saw the series touch on hot-button topics including fatherhood, classism and the ever-evolving relationship dynamics between Black men and women.

“Johnson” is produced in partnership with Eric C. Rhone and Cedric The Entertainer’s A Bird & A Bear Entertainment, Deji LaRay (the show’s creator) and Thomas Q. Jones’ Midnight Train Productions. The ensemble cast is led by Jones(“P. Valley,” “Luke Cage”), LaRay (“Bosch,” “Greenleaf”), Philip Smithey (“Murderville,” “The Rookie”) and Derrex Brady(“NCIS,” “First”) with D.L. Hughley. LaRay and Jones serve as showrunners and executive producers; Rhone, Cedric The Entertainer and Reesha L. Archibald serve as executive producers.

‘Act Your Age’ summer season

Bounce’s newest hit series “Act Your Age” returns on Saturday, June 3 with two new episodes back-to-back starting at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT. The premieres kick off the second half of the 16-episode first season of “Act Your Age,” running weekly on Saturday nights through the summer. Leading up to the summer run, Bounce will air the first seven spring episodes in double-features every Saturday night at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT starting April 29. A spring season marathon is set for Saturday, May 27 starting at 5:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. CT.

The series premiere of “Act Your Age,” produced in partnership with MGM, was seen by 2.14 million viewers in its debut telecasts in March, making it the most-watched half-hour series launch in Bounce history. The multiple-camera, half-hour comedy tells the story of three vibrant, successful Washington D.C./Northern Virginia-area women in their 50s who are each at a personal crossroads and who decide the best way forward in life is together. “Act Your Age” stars Kym Whitley (“Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Next Friday,” “Young and Hungry”) and Tisha Campbell (“Uncoupled,” “My Wife and Kids,” “Dr. Ken”) with special guest star Yvette Nicole Brown (“Community,” “The Mayor,” “Big Shot”).

‘Xernona Clayton: A Life in Black and White’

Bounce also unveiled the centerpiece of its Juneteenth programming, the world premiere of an exclusive new documentary which will celebrate the life of perhaps the most unheralded civil rights icon and African American pioneer of our time. “Xernona Clayton: A Life in Black and White” tells the amazing story of Clayton, a truly extraordinary woman who has impacted our country so respectfully and quietly that many aren’t aware of her enormous contributions.

“Xernona Clayton: A Life in Black and White” will be an elegant march through Clayton’s nearly century-long life that honors an extraordinary woman, from her years working closely with Dr. Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King, through her pioneering broadcasting career with Ted Turner. Clayton founded The Trumpet Awards more than 30 years ago to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of African Americans and those who have succeeded against great odds and inspired success in others. The Trumpet Awards were acquired by Bounce in 2016 and continue to this day.

Produced by Emmy and Peabody award-winning director and producer Nancy Saslow, “Xernona Clayton: A Life in Black and White” will be told from Clayton’s perspective and also through the eyes of family and friends who have been part of her life, including Ambassador Andrew Young, Martin Luther King III, actor and rapper T.I., actor and comedian Chris Tucker and many others. Premieres Monday, June 19 at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.

Bounce and MGM partner for new original comedy series ‘Act Your Age’ starring Kym Whitley and Tisha Campbell, with special guest star Yvette Nicole Brown

Alyson Fouse serves as showrunner; Premieres Spring 2023

ATLANTA (November 17, 2022) — Bounce, the popular broadcast and multi-platform entertainment network serving African Americans, today announced a partnership with MGM to produce a new original series, “Act Your Age.”

The multiple-camera, half-hour, comedy tells the story of three vibrant, successful DMV area women in their 50’s who are each at a personal crossroads and who decide the best way forward in life is together. “Act Your Age” stars Kym Whitley (“Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Next Friday,” “Young and Hungry”) and Tisha Campbell (“Uncoupled,” “My Wife and Kids,” “Dr. Ken”) with special guest star Yvette Nicole Brown (“Community,” “The Mayor,” “Big Shot”).

Whitley’s plays Bernadette, a successful, no-nonsense real estate developer. Campbell plays Keisha, the wild card of the group who is always up to something. And Brown plays Angela, the former First Lady of Norfolk, Virginia, who is looking to redefine her life after being widowed by her husband, revered career politician.

Alyson Fouse (“Big Shot,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” “The Wanda Sykes Show”) created the series and serves as showrunner and executive producer. The series is produced by Mark Burnett, Barry Poznick and Bradley Gardner (“Hot in Cleveland”) and co-executive producer Ken Ornstein (“Everybody Loves Raymond”).

The 16-episode first season of “Act Your Age” has begun production in Los Angeles and will premiere on Bounce in the spring of 2023. Alyson Fouse (“The Neighborhood,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” “The Wanda Sykes Show”) created the series and serves as showrunner and executive producer.

“The opportunity to do “Act Your Age” with Kym, Tisha and Yvette on Bounce, a network that has made me feel so comfortable being my authentic self, means the world to me,” said Fouse. “We’ve built a world where the stories of Black women in the prime of their lives can be both funny and heartfelt; a world where individually they shine but they also show support for one another,” “Act Your Age” is a celebration of the Black women who have loved, raised, befriended and held me up through the years and honors and salutes the ones who have inspired me.”

“Partnering with MGM Television, working with top showrunner Alyson Fouse, and attracting immensely popular and talented actors Kym Whitley, Tisha Campbell and Yvette Nicole Brown are huge steps forward for Bounce originals. “Act Your Age” joins our other new series “Johnson” and “Finding Happy” as game changers for Bounce,” said David Hudson, vice president of original programming, Scripps Networks.

The multi-generational sitcom also features Mariah Robinson (“The Wrong Valentine”) and Nathan Anderson (“All About the Washingtons,” “Richie Rich,”) as the 20-something children of Angela and Bernadette, respectively.

“Act Your Age” is the newest Bounce original series, joining “Johnson,” the critically acclaimed hit show focusing on four life-long best friends, and “Finding Happy,” starring B. Simone as a mid-30s woman determined to change her life for the better. Both of these shows come from Eric C. Rhone’s & Cedric The Entertainer’s production company A Bird & A Bear Entertainment.

Broadcast to Celebrate and Support Healthcare Workers to Feature Real Experiences from Doctors, Nurses and Families Around the World

Will Include Performances and Appearances by the World’s Leading Artists from all Corners of the Globe Performing at Home

ATLANTA (April 15, 2020) — Today, Katz Networks announced that One World: Together At Home — a globally televised and streamed special in support of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic — will air on Bounce and Laff on Sat. April 18 at 8:00 pm (ET).

Launched by international advocacy organization Global Citizen, and the World Health Organization, One World: Together At Home will show unity among all people who are affected by COVID-19 and will also celebrate and support brave healthcare workers doing life-saving work on the front lines.

Curated in collaboration with Lady Gaga, the One World: Together At Home broadcast special will include performances and appearances by Alicia Keys, Amy Poehler, Andrea Bocelli, Awkwafina, Billie Eilish, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day, Burna Boy, Camila Cabello, Celine Dion, Chris Martin, David & Victoria Beckham, Eddie Vedder, Ellen DeGeneres, Elton John, FINNEAS, Idris and Sabrina Elba, J Balvin, Jennifer Lopez, John Legend, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Kerry Washington, Lang Lang, Lizzo,  LL COOL J, Lupita Nyong’o, Maluma, Matthew McConaughey, Oprah Winfrey, Paul McCartney, Pharrell Williams, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Sam Smith, Shah Rukh Khan, Shawn Mendes, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift, and Usher.

  One World: Together At Home is not a telethon – it is a historic, first-of-its kind global broadcast event to celebrate the heroic efforts of community health workers, and to support the World Health Organization in the global fight to end COVID-19. The broadcast will feature stories from frontline healthcare workers on the COVID response, commitments from philanthropists, governments and corporations to support and equip frontline healthcare workers around the world, with masks, gowns and other vital equipment, and to local charities that provide food, shelter, and healthcare to those that need it most.

For more information about Global Citizen and its campaign to support the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO, powered by the UN Foundation, please visit globalcitizen.org and follow @GlblCtzn on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using #GlobalCitizen. To learn more about WHO’s response to the pandemic and the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, please go to www.who.int/COVID-19 and follow @WHO on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok. For information, visit  www.globalcitizen.org/togetherathome.

Bounce is the first and only multi-platform African-American network and features a programming mix of original series and movies, off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and events and more. Laff is devoted to comedy around-the-clock and presents contemporary off-network sitcoms and popular movies geared toward an audience of adults 18-49.

 ABOUT GLOBAL CITIZEN

Global Citizen is the world’s largest movement of action takers and impact makers dedicated to ending extreme poverty by 2030. With over 10 million monthly advocates, our voices have the power to drive lasting change around sustainability, equality, and humanity. We post, tweet, message, vote, sign, and call to inspire those who can make things happen to act — government leaders, businesses, philanthropists, artists, and citizens — together improving lives. By downloading our app, Global Citizens learn about the systemic causes of extreme poverty, take action on those issues, and earn rewards, which can be redeemed for tickets to concerts, events, and experiences all over the world. To date, the actions of our community, along with high-level advocacy efforts and work with partners, has resulted in commitments and policy announcements from leaders valued at over $48 billion, affecting the lives of more than 2.25 billion people by 2030. For more information, visit www.GlobalCitizen.org.

ABOUT KATZ NETWORKS

The Katz Networks are targeted, demo-specific brands leading a new generation of fast-growing, multi-platform networks that super serve consumers with diverse and entertaining programming available to be seen everywhere, on over-the-air, cable, satellite television, via over-the-top services, on mobile devices and on the web. Katz Networks is part of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP.)

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ATLANTA (Jan. 31, 2020) – Bounce will world premiere an original new one-hour special, Bounce Celebrates Black History, paired with a number of popular movies inspired by contributions of African Americans, in honor of Black History Month this February.

Queen Latifah, Common and Harry Belafonte headline Bounce Celebrates Black History as they present a collection of stories depicting the strength and courage of Black Americans, some never before heard, that made history and our nation a better place. The special covers people and events of historical significance including The Underground Railroad, Black Pharaohs, Martin Luther King, Jr., Dr. Charles Drew, Madam C.J. Walker, Green Book, Cinque Amistad, James Baldwin, Gordon Parks and a presentation of African-American firsts. Civil Right Icon Ambassador Andrew Young is featured prominently throughout Bounce Celebrates Black History, which premieres Monday, February 10 at 8:00 p.m. (ET) and will be seen throughout the month.

In addition to the special, Black History-themed films airing on Bounce in February include: Beloved, based on Toni Morrison’s 1987 novel of the same name starring Oprah Winfrey; Tyler Perry’s For Colored Girls; Angela Bassett’s multiple-award winning turn as Tina Turner inWhat’s Love Got To Do With It; the American war drama Red Tails starring Terrence Howard and Cuba Gooding Jr.; Why Do Fools Falls In Love starring Halle Berry and Vivica A. Fox and The Vernon Johns Story with James Earl Jones in the title role. Visit BounceTV.com for all dates and times.

Bounce (@bouncetv) is the first and only multi-platform entertainment network targeting African Americans, with programming seen over-the-air, on cable, on DISH channel 359, over-the-top on Roku^®, on mobile devices via the Bounce app and on the web via BounceTV.com. Bounce features a programming mix of original series and movies, off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and events and more. Bounce is part of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP).

ATLANTA (Sept. 11, 2019) – It’s rare for a television series to increase viewership season over season. Bounce’s original drama Saints & Sinners has done exactly that – for the fourth consecutive time.

The show’s just-concluded fourth season reached 7.1 million viewers and increased audience versus season three by +11% among Households and +13% in the delivery of Persons 2+. It was also up by +16% in P18-49 and +5% in P25-54.

Saints & Sinners was the #1 most-watched program in P18-49 and P2+ and second among HHs and P25-54 among all ad-supported cable in the delivery of African-Americans, Bounce’s target-audience, Sunday nights at 9:00 p.m.

In general market viewership, the show ranked 11^th in P18-49, 12^th in P25-54 and 16^th in both HHs and P2+ among all commercial cable networks.

 Saints & Sinners is the most-watched program in Bounce history. Viewers can catch up on Saints & Sinners anytime on Brown Sugar, Bounce’s subscription video-on-demand service. Brown Sugar is available on Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, Comcast Xfinity X1, Amazon Prime Channels, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Kindle, Android and Apple smartphones and tablets and web browsers via BrownSugar.com. 

This season of Saints & Sinners saw Mayor Ella Johnson (Vanessa Bell Calloway) setting her sights beyond Cypress, Georgia and using her power and influence to position herself for a state senate seat. When her mother’s (Donna Biscoe) deep buried secrets surface, they threatened the very foundation of Ella’s world as she struggled to keep her enemies at bay and her children safe. Saints & Sinners also stars Clifton Powell, Tray Chaney, Keith Robinson, Demetria McKinney, J.D. Williams, Jasmine Burke, Dawn Halfkenny and Karon Joseph Riley.

Saints & Sinners is produced in partnership with Swirl Film’s Eric Tomosunas & Ron Robinson (Behind the Movement: The Rosa Parks Story, Love Under New Management: The Miki Howard Story, Tales, Pride & Prejudice.)

Bounce (@bouncetv) is the first and only multi-platform entertainment network targeting African Americans, with programming seen over-the-air, on cable, on DISH channel 359, over-the-air, over-the-top on Roku^®, on mobile devices via the Bounce and Brown Sugar apps and on the web via BounceTV.com. Bounce features a programming mix of original series and movies, off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and events and more. Bounce is part of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP).

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Source: Nielsen LSD, Bounce, Ratings Program Report, Saints & Sinners S4 (7/7/19-8/25/19, Su 9P-10P), Saints & Sinners S3 (4/8/18-5/27/18, Su 9P-10P, Rank based on defined daypart Su 9P-10P; Ratings Reach Report, Saints & Sinners Season 4 Premiere and Encore Telecasts (7/7/19-9/4/19), based on 1-min qualifier

Saints & Sinners Season Four Premiere Finishes #1 on Television
Ahead of ABC, CBS, FOX, HBO, All Cable Networks
Sunday Night 9:00-10:00 p.m. (ET) Among African Americans 18-49 & 25-54

Episode Reaches 1.3 Million Viewers Sunday Night,
Becomes Most-Watched Program in Bounce History

ATLANTA (July 11, 2019) – The much-anticipated fourth season premiere of the hit Bounce original drama series Saints & Sinners on Sun. July 7 at 9:00 p.m. (ET) was the number one most-watched program on television, beating such shows as The $100,000 Pyramid on ABC, What Just Happened? (FOX), Instinct (CBS) and Big Little Lies (HBO), in the delivery of African Americans 18-49 and 25-54 Sunday night between 9-10 p.m.

The telecast was also a top 20 program in the general market delivery of Households, P18-49 and P25-54 ahead of shows on FOX, The CW, TNT and ESPN among others.

The 9:00 p.m. premiere averaged 751K Total Viewers, an increase of +10% over the show’s season three premiere and delivered 590K Households (+12%) to set the record as the most-watched program in Bounce history.  The telecast was also up +24% in the delivery of Persons 18-49 (281K) and +2% in P25-54 (335K) versus the season three premiere.

Bounce premieres new episodes of Saints & Sinners Sunday nights at 9:00 p.m. ET, with a primetime play for the west coast at 12 Midnight ET/9:00 p.m. PT. The season four premiere of Saints & Sinners reached 1.3 million unduplicated viewers across its two initial airings on Sunday night.

Bounce also aired Saints & Sinners marathons of season one, two and three July 5-7 leading into the season four premiere and the marathons combined to reach 3.5 million total viewers.

Season four of Saints & Sinners sees Mayor Ella Johnson (Vanessa Bell Calloway) setting her sights beyond Cypress, Georgia and using her power and influence to position herself for a state senate seat. When her mother’s (Donna Biscoe) deep buried secrets surface, they threaten the very foundation of Ella’s world as she struggles to keep her enemies at bay and her children safe. Saints & Sinners also stars Keith Robinson, Demetria McKinney, Clifton Powell, J.D. Williams, Jasmine Burke, Dawn Halfkenny and Tray Chaney. Special guests this season include Tami Roman, Roger Guenveur Smith and Karon Joseph Riley.

Saints & Sinners is produced in partnership with Swirl Film’s Eric Tomosunas & Ron Robinson (Behind the Movement: The Rosa Parks Story, Love Under New Management: The Miki Howard Story, Tales, Pride & Prejudice.)

Bounce (@bouncetv) is the first and only multi-platform entertainment network targeting African Americans, with programming seen over-the-air, on cable, on DISH channel 359, over-the-air,over-the-top on Roku^®, on mobile devices via the Bounce app and on the web via BounceTV.com. Bounce features a programming mix of original series and movies, off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and events and more.

Bounce is part of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP).

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Source: Nielsen, Ratings Program Report, LSD, Bounce, Saints & Sinners (7/7/19, 9p-10p), Season 3 premiere: 4/8/18 (9p-10p); R&F Report, L+SD, Saints & Sinners: 7/7/19 (9p-10p and 12a-1a), S1, S2, S3 Marathons: 7/5/18-7/7/18 (1p-9p), reach and TSV based on 1 minute qualifier; ranked based on programs ending within defined daypart 9p-10p vs. broadcast and ad-supported cable nets

ATLANTA (Feb. 14, 2019) – Bounce has licensed the broadcast television rights to the popular and NAACP Image Award-winning series Moesha and The Game in a multi-year agreement with CBS Television Distribution.

Bounce lands all six seasons (127 episodes) of Moesha and all nine seasons (147 episodes) of The Game and will air the shows back-to-back weeknights with Moesha from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. and The Game between 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. starting Mon. Feb. 18 (all times Eastern).

Moesha, one of the first sitcoms to center around an African-American teenage girl, stars R&B superstar Brandy Norwood as Moesha Mitchell, who’s juggling school, friendships and romance in the Leimert Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. After previously being the female head of the household, Moesha must learn to love and trust her father’s new wife while doing her best to be the “glue” that helps hold her family together. Moesha stars Sheryl Lee Ralph, Countess Vaughn, Shar Jackson, William Allen Young, Marcus T. Paulk, Ray J, Lamont Bentley and Yvette Wilson. The series aired on UPN between from 1996 until 2001.

The Game follows the wives and girlfriends of pro football players and the power plays they use to get their guys the best agents, the best endorsements, the best merchandising deals – even the “in” charity. Tia Mowry stars as Melanie Barnett whose boyfriend, Derwin (Pooch Hall), is the new third-string wide receiver for the San Diego Sabers. As she deals with egos, groupies and image consultants, Melanie is finding out how “the game” is played among the women behind the athletes. Wendy Raquel Robinson, Hosea Chanchez, Coby Bell, and Brittany Daniel round out the cast. The series, created by Mara Brock Akil, was a spin-off of the long-running hit series Girlfriends. It premiered on The CW in 2006 for three seasons and then moved to BET, where it set cable television ratings records.

Bounce (@BounceTV) airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage and features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports, and more. Bounce has grown to be available in more than 109 million homes across the United States and 97% of all African-American (AA) television homes, including all the top AA television markets. Bounce is part of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP)

Toyota, P&G and L’Oréal also Partner With 27th Annual Event Celebrating African-American Achievements

World Premieres on Bounce Sun., Feb. 17, at 9:00 p.m. ET

ATLANTA (Feb. 13, 2019) – McDonald’s® USA will serve as the Official Sponsor of the 2019 Bounce Trumpet Awards, with Toyota, Procter & Gamble and L’Oréal also participating in the prestigious annual event celebrating African-American achievements and contributions which will air exclusively on Bounce on Sunday, February 17 at 9:00 p.m. ET.

McDonald’s sponsorship includes the Rising Star Award presented by McDonald’s. This honor recognizes those who are working diligently to achieve a goal that will improve the lives of others and make a lasting impact. The 2019 Rising Star Award presented by McDonald’s will be given to singer, dancer and actor JD McCrary. Presently appearing in The Paynes on the Oprah Winfrey Network, he will be starring as the voice of Young Simba in the live-action remake of The Lion King. 2018 Rising Star honoree Rhyon Brown, who recently joined the cast of Empire, will present this year’s award, which will be showcased during the telecast plus via red carpet interviews, behind-the-scenes exclusives, social media stories as well as on-site activations throughout the venue. Also as part of the McDonald’s sponsorship, Brown will discuss her latest achievements in the On the Rise with Rhyon Brown video series, to be distributed on-air, online, through social media.

2019 Bounce Trumpet Awards sponsors also include: Toyota, the exclusive automotive sponsor and featured on the Red Carpet and Countdown Clock; P&G, sponsor of the Portrait Studio presented by Crest® featuring stylized photos of the 2019 honorees and performers and Febreze® with a Red Carpet pre-show segment airing in the afternoon leading up to the telecast; and L’Oréal which will be featured in a Red Carpet pre-show segment highlighting top looks from the Trumpets.

NAACP Image® Award-winning actress Wendy Raquel Robinson and GRAMMY® Award-nominated R&B singer Tank serve as this year’s hosts. 2019 Bounce Trumpet Awards honorees are GRAMMY® Award-winning rapper, actor, entrepreneur and activist Tip “T.I.” Harris; actor, comedian, film director and writer Robert Townsend; GRAMMY® Award-nominated rapper and one of hip-hop’s pioneer feminists MC Lyte; GRAMMY® Award-winning record producer, rapper and songwriter Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins; fashion designer and haberdasher Daniel “Dapper Dan” Day; rising star JD McCrary and educator Tim King. GRAMMY® Award Platinum recording artist Ashanti, GRAMMY® Award-winner India.Arie, rappers Da Brat, Lil’ Mama and YoYo, and R&B singer Keyshia Cole are among the performers.

The Trumpet Awards were conceived to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of African Americans and those who have succeeded against great odds and inspired success in others. Founded in 1992 by American Civil Rights leader Xernona Clayton, The Trumpet Awards were acquired by Bounce in 2016. The list of prestigious honorees over its 27-year history includes Muhammad Ali, Beyoncé, Jamie Foxx, Halle Berry, Stevie Wonder, The African-American Women of the United States Congress, Steve Harvey, Martin Luther King III, Janelle Monáe and Spike Lee. Visit www.trumpetawards.com for more information.

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Bounce (@BounceTV) airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage and features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more. Bounce has grown to be available in more than 109 million homes across the United States and 97% of all African-American (AA) television homes, including all the top AA television markets. Bounce is part of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP).

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Contact: Jim Weiss 770-672-6504 [email protected]

Honorees Include: Tip T.I. Harris, Robert Townsend, MC Lyte, JD McCrary, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Dapper Dan & Tim King

Special Musical Tributes and Performances by India.Arie, Ashanti, Keyshia Cole, Lil’ Mama, Da Brat and More

World Premieres on Bounce Sun. Feb. 17 at 9:00 p.m. ET

ATLANTA (Feb. 5, 2019) – NAACP Image ® Award-winning Actress Wendy Raquel Robinson and GRAMMY® Award-nominated R&B singer Tank host the 2019 Bounce Trumpet Awards, an exciting night of inspiration, history and crowd-rousing performances celebrating African-American achievements and contributions.

The gala event world premieres on Bounce, which exclusively owns, produces and telecasts the star-studded event, on Sun. Feb. 17 at 9:00 p.m. ET. Visit www.trumpetawards.com for more information.

During the 2019 Bounce Trumpet Awards viewers will see:

• The inaugural Xernona Clayton Award being presented to GRAMMY® Award-winning rapper, actor, entrepreneur and activist Tip T.I. Harris by Trumpet Awards founder and civil rights leader Ms. Clayton herself.

• The Music Excellence Award going to four-time GRAMMY® Award-winning record producer, rapper and songwriter Rodney Jerkins aka Darkchild. Artists Jade Novah, Keyshia Cole, Justine Skye and Sevyn Streeter will all take the stage to perform chart-topping hits produced by Darkchild including “Say My Name” (Destiny’s Child), “Angel of Mine” (Monica), “The Boy is Mine” (Brandy and Monica) and “Shoulda Let You Go” (Keyshia Cole).

• The Living Legend Award being accepted by actor, comedian, film director and writer Robert Townsend. In a tribute based on music from Townsend’s hit film The Five Heartbeats, artists Kim Burrell, Q. Parker and Brian Courtney Wilson grace the stage to perform “Nights Like This,” “Haven’t Finished Yet” and “A Heart is a House for Love.”
• The Trailblazer Award being presented to GRAMMY ® Award-nominated rapper MC Lyte. A special tribute includes Big Tigger, Lil’ Mama, DJ K Rock, Da Brat and YoYo performing select hits from MC Lyte’s career including “I Wanna Be Down” (Remix), “Lyte as a Rock,” “Paper Thin” and Self Destruction.”
• The Rising Star Award presented by McDonald’s going to singer, dancer and actor JD McCrary.
• The Vanguard Award being accepted by fashion designer and haberdasher Dapper Dan (Daniel Day).
• The Education Excellence Award being presented to educator and President and CEO of Urban Prep AcademiesTim King.

GRAMMY® Award Platinum recording artist Ashanti and GRAMMY® Award-winner India.Arie will wow the audience with house-shaking performances. In special musical tribute to the Queen of Soul, the late Aretha Franklin, artists Tasha Page-Lockhart, Kyla Jade and Paris Bennett perform select hits from Ms. Franklin’s iconic career including “Respect,” Freeway of Love,” “Rocksteady” and “Think.”

The Trumpet Awards were conceived to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of African Americans and those who have succeeded against great odds and inspired success in others. Founded in 1992 by American Civil Rights leader Xernona Clayton, The Trumpet Awards were acquired by Bounce in 2016. The list of prestigious honorees over its 26-year history includes Muhammad Ali, Beyoncé, Jamie Foxx, Halle Berry, Stevie Wonder, The African-American Women of the United States Congress, Steve Harvey, Martin Luther King, III, Janelle Monáe and Spike Lee.

Bounce (@BounceTV) airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage and features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports, and more. Bounce has grown to be available in more than 109 million homes across the United States and 97% of all African-American (AA) television homes, including all the top AA television markets. Bounce is part of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP)

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Previous Seasons of Saints & Sinners to Stream on Hulu in Bounce’s First-Ever Deal with the Premium Streaming Service

MIAMI – Bounce, the only emerging broadcast – or “multicast” – television network producing original scripted series, announced today that Saints & Sinners has been renewed for a fourth season, to premiere in the summer of 2019.

The network also announced a new licensing agreement that will make previous episodes of the hit original drama series and #1 most-watched program available to stream on Hulu. All three seasons of Saints & Sinners will stream on Hulu ahead of the season four premiere – marking the first time originally-produced content from Bounce will be available on the premium streaming service.

Saints & Sinners centers around the pursuit of power, intertwined with greed, deception, corruption, compromising sexual affairs and murder – all set against the backdrop of a large southern church. Cliffhangers and twists abound in the series, which is set Cypress, Georgia, a sleepy southern town outside Atlanta. Saints & Sinners stars Vanessa Bell Calloway, Clifton Powell, Christian Keyes, Keith Robinson, J.D. Williams, Jasmine Burke, Tray Chaney, Demetria McKinney, Afemo Omilami and Donna Biscoe. The show is produced in partnership with Swirl Film’s Eric Tomosunas (Behind the Movement: The Rosa Parks Story, Love Under New Management: The Miki Howard Story, 35 and Ticking, Pride & Prejudice.)

Bounce (@BounceTV) airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage and features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports, and more. Bounce has grown to be available in more than 109 million homes across the United States and 97% of all African-American (AA) television homes, including all the top AA television markets. Bounce is part of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP)

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Contact:        Jim Weiss        770-672-6504         [email protected]

ATLANTA (Nov. 28, 2018) – A Stone Cold Christmas, Bounce’s first originally-produced movie, reached more than 1.4 Million Viewers in its premiere night airings on Sunday, Nov. 25.

The 9:00 p.m. (ET) premiere of A Stone Cold Christmas delivered 468K Total Viewers posting whopping increases of +60% in Household delivery, +92% in the delivery of Persons 18-49 and +70% in P25-54. The audience grew throughout the program with viewing peaking at 565K Total Viewers. A Stone Cold Christmas encored later in the evening (1:00 a.m. ET/10:00 p.m. PT) averaging 264K Total Viewers and growing HHs by +13% with similar strong increases among P18-49 (+31%) and P25-54 (+27%).

A twist on the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol, A Stone Cold Christmas stars Demetria McKinney (Saints & Sinners, Tyler Perry’s House of Payne) as Mia Stone, a shrewd businesswoman and a dreadful boss, who is more concerned about money than family and friends. When Mia finds herself face-to-face with the love of her life, she is forced to deal with past decisions if she has any chance of a future. Rounding out the cast are Andra Fuller (True to the Game, Black Jesus), Fred Williamson (M*A*S*H, Hell Up in Harlem), Brittany Perry Russell (13 Reasons Why, Sparkle) and Lochlyn Munro (Scream, White Chicks). Bounce is airing A Stone Cold Christmas throughout the holiday season (check listings at BounceTV.com).

Bounce is the only emerging broadcast network producing original scripted programming of any kind. The network boasts a megahit original drama series Saints & Sinners, plus top comedies Family Time and In The Cut with a new original sitcom Last Call debuting Jan. 7, 2019. Bounce will produce and premiere three more original movies in 2019.

Bounce (@BounceTV), seen in 92 percent of U.S. households and 97 percent of all target-market, African-American television homes, is the first and only African-American broadcast network and features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more. Bounce is part of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP).

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Source: Nielsen, Ratings Analysis Program Report and R&F Program Report, L+SD, Sun 11/25/18 (9p-11p and 1a-3a) vs P4W: 10/22/18-11/18/18 (Sun, 9p-11p and 1a-3a), Reach based on 1-minute qualifier, median age based on P2+

Contact:        Jim Weiss                  770-672-6504                       [email protected]

                                                                                         Bounce Announces New Comedy Series Last Call,                                                                                       Charles Malik Whitfield (Empire) Stars

ATLANTA (Nov. 14, 2018) – Bounce, the nation’s fastest-growing television network designed for African-American audiences, will premiere its first Bounce Original Movie, A Stone Cold Christmas, on Sunday, November 25 at 9:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. CT.

Bounce also announced a new original series Last Call, a half-hour situation comedy from Bobbcat Films and Roger Bobb, producer of Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns and Mann & Wife. Last Call will premiere on Bounce on Monday, Jan. 7, 2019.

 A twist on the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol, A Stone Cold Christmas stars Demetria McKinney (Saints & Sinners, Tyler Perry’s House of Payne) as Mia Stone, a shrewd businesswoman and a dreadful boss, who is more concerned about money than family and friends. When Mia finds herself face-to-face with the love of her life, she is forced to deal with past decisions if she has any chance of a future. Rounding out the cast are Andra Fuller (True to the Game, Black Jesus), Fred Williamson (Being Mary Jane, Hell Up in Harlem), Brittany Perry Russell (Sparkle, The Preacher’s Son) and Lochlyn Munro (Riverdale, Scream, White Chicks). A Stone Cold Christmas will also air throughout the holiday season.

Bounce will premiere two more original movies in 2019.

 Last Call stars Charles Malik Whitfield (Empire, If Loving You is Wrong) as Darius Knight, an ex-NFL player who – after discovering his business manager ran off with all his money – opens a comedy club in the backroom of his only remaining investment – a Baltimore bar named Last Call. The bar regulars are then forced to share their favorite watering hole with a parade of comics while Darius climbs out of debt. principal cast members include T.C. Carson (Living Single), Carl Payne (Martin), Brely Evans (Being Mary Jane), Mishon Ratliff (Lincoln Heights) and Erica Page (Office Christmas Party). Season one will feature guest appearances from Towanda Braxton (Braxton Family Values), Pierre (How to Be a Player), Vanessa Fraction (Barbershop 2), Karlous Miller (Wild’N Out), David Otunga (WWE Raw) and Teresa “Top Notch” Nelson (Wild’N Out). Cynthia Bailey (Real Housewives of Atlanta) and Lisa Wu (Hollywood Divas) also make appearances on Last Call this season.

Bounce (@BounceTV) airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage and features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more. Visit BounceTV.com for more information. Bounce is part of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP).

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Contacts:      Jim Weiss                  770-672-6504                       [email protected]

Iconic Series to Air Mon. – Fri. at 8:00 p.m. (ET) Starting Nov. 12

ATLANTA (Nov. 7, 2018) – Olivia Pope is coming back to primetime.

Bounce has licensed the broadcast television rights to the Peabody and EMMY® award-winning series Scandal in a multi-year agreement with Walt Disney Direct-to-Consumer & International. Bounce lands all seven seasons and 125 episodes of Scandal and will air the popular series Monday – Friday nights at 8:00 p.m. ET beginning Nov. 12. Link to promo here.

Scandal stars Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope, a former White House Communications Director who helms a prominent D.C. crisis management firm. She and her team of powerful lawyers make scandals disappear while handling government crises and coping with problems of their own. Pope is also romantically involved with the president of the United States, Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III, played by Tony Goldwyn. Scandal also stars Guillermo Diaz, Darby Stanchfield, Katie Lowes, Jeff Perry, Joshua Malina, Bellamy Young, Scott Foley, Joe Morton, Cornelius Smith Jr. and George Newbern. The series was produced by ABC Studios.

Scandal became a cultural phenomenon after it debuted on ABC in 2012. It was one of the most talked about shows on television across its seven-season run, scoring high ratings and critical praise. The series also helped propel the “live-tweeting” trend with a highly-engaged cast and crew who tweeted along with each episode.

“Scandal is Bounce’s most-significant off-network series acquisition to date,” said Bounce General Manager Cheryle Harrison. “It is a smash hit that featured a powerful and complex black female lead in a broad-based drama designed for the masses. We are thrilled to add this iconic series to our programming slate.”

Bounce (@BounceTV) airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage and features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more. Visit BounceTV.com for more information. Bounce is part of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP).

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Contacts:      Jim Weiss   770-672-6504    [email protected]

Bridget Osterhaus     818-560-5252  [email protected]

ATLANTA (June 6, 2018) – America loves Bounce’s Saints & Sinners.

The only original, scripted drama series on multicast television shined in its third season, reaching over 7.5 million total viewers. Viewership was up versus season two among Households and in the delivery of Persons 2+ and the primetime premieres of the new episodes delivered over half a million P2+ for eight consecutive weeks.

Saints & Sinners was the fourth most-watched program among all ad-supported cable in the delivery of African-Americans (25-54), Bounce’s target-audience, Sunday nights at 9:00 p.m. during its run.

One of the many season highlights occurred on May 6 when Saints & Sinners was the #1 most-watched program in all of television, beating CBS, FOX and NBC and all ad-supported cable and pay networks in the delivery of African Americans (P25-54) between 9:00-10:00 p.m. (ET). Saints & Sinners beat such shows as NCIS: Los Angeles on CBS, Family Guy on Fox, Fear The Walking Dead on AMC and Westworld on HBO that night.

Consumers can catch up on all three seasons of Saints & Sinners anytime on Brown Sugar, Bounce’s new subscription-video-on-demand service. Brown Sugar features an extensive library of iconic black movies, all un-edited and commercial-free and is accessible on Amazon Channels, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Kindle, Apple TV, Roku, Android and Apple smartphones and tablets and web browsers via BrownSugar.com.

Saints & Sinners centers around the pursuit of power, intertwined with greed, deception, corruption and murder – all set against the backdrop of a large southern church. The series stars Vanessa Bell Calloway, Clifton Powell, Christian Keyes, Keith Robinson, J.D. Williams, Jasmine Burke, Tray Chaney, Demetria McKinney, Afemo Omilami and Donna Biscoe. Saints & Sinners is produced in partnership with Swirl Film’s Eric Tomosunas (Undershepard, 35 and Ticking).

Bounce (@BounceTV) airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage, and features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports, and more. Bounce has grown to be available in more than 109 million homes across the United States and 97% of all African-American (AA) television homes, including all the top AA television markets. Bounce is part of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP)

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Source: Nielsen, L+SD, Bounce, Saints & Sinners S3 (4/8/18-5/27/18), reach based on 1-min qualifiers and all telecasts, P4Ws (3/5/18-4/1/18 Su 9p-10p); Saints & Sinners S2 (3/5/17-4/23/17); Ranker: Nielsen, Rating Analysis Program Report, L+SD, S3 Saints & Sinners (4/8/18-5/27/18), Sunday programs 9p-10p (Rank based on programs starting at 9p)

Contact:        Jim Weiss                  770-672-6504                      [email protected]