SILVER SPRING, Md., Feb. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Robert L. Johnson, Chairman of RLJ Entertainment (NASDAQ: RLJE) and Founder of Black Entertainment Television commends the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for voting favorably for a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to unlock the set-top box. This rule-making will give consumers the choice to purchase universal set-top devices that can combine traditional cable programming with streaming video content in an integrated user interface that puts all content on equal footing and brings an end to mandatory, expensive cable boxes.
Johnson stated, "I applaud the Federal Communications Commission for today's favorable rule-making. The universal set-top box, unlike the leased cable box, will increase consumer choice, save consumers billions of dollars from monthly lease bills, and can combine traditional cable programming with streaming video content that puts content on an equal footing.
I personally want to thank Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, the Commission's only African American member, for joining FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler and Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel in supporting the universal set-top box proposal. I also commend Commissioner Clyburn for her leadership on launching a Notice of Inquiry to focus on what role the FCC can play in increasing diversity of content across all media platforms.
RLJ Entertainment has two proprietary digital streaming channels with exclusive and niche-focused content – AcornTV (British mystery and drama) and UMC – Urban Movie Channel (urban-themed programming) – 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.
Minority programmers, who have traditionally had their voices in media restricted by distribution gatekeepers who have controlled access based on either a lack of appreciation of diversity or misguided beliefs that there isn't economic value in minority content will now have the chance to have their programming viewed. Minority programmers are simply seeking an opportunity to have their content seen and their voices heard."
Media Inquiries: Traci Otey Blunt, 240.743.7620 or tblunt@rljcompanies.com
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
To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/robert-l-johnson-applauds-the-federal-communications-commission-for-its-favorable-vote-on-the-universal-set-top-box-which-will-greatly-enhance-minority-diversity-in-programming-across-all-media-formats-300222737.html
SOURCE RLJ Entertainment, Inc.
