Business and Media Pioneer Robert L. Johnson Announces Launch of New iOS App for Subscription Streaming Service Urban Movie Channel (UMC)
Los Angeles, CA(29 Nov 2016)
Urban Movie Channel (UMC), the first subscription video on demand (SVOD) service created for African American and urban audiences in North America, today announced the arrival of the highly-anticipated iOS app. Available to download free at: http://apple.co/2epkX7z, UMC offers a seven-day free trial and thereafter is just $6.99/month. Created by Robert L. Johnson, Chairman of RLJ Entertainment (NASDAQ: RLJE) and founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), UMC features quality urban content and showcases feature films, documentaries, original series, stand-up comedy, and other exclusive content for African American and urban audiences.
Johnson stated, “We are very excited about the launch of the UMC app as part of the iOS platform. The iOS app will give UMC the ability to reach millions of potential subscribers while also giving us a level playing field to compete with some of the top digital streaming content brands. More importantly, UMC is enhancing its commitment to becoming available to African American and urban households who want to access the compelling content we provide for their specific viewing interests, as well as to provide them with an alternative to the high-priced costs of a cable set-top box. At $6.99, UMC is a proven value and we look forward to maintaining our position as the preeminent urban digital streaming source.”
RLJ Entertainment recently announced a partnership with AMC Networks which builds on each company's long track-record of successfully developing high-quality content for targeted audiences and capitalizing on new technology along with changing viewing habits to make that content available to consumers.
The UMC iOS app was developed by Brightcove Inc., a software company and leading online video platform.
UMC adds new titles weekly including live stand-up specials like Gary Owen’s I AGREE WITH MYSELF and performances featuring The Daily Show host Trevor Noah and comedic rock star Kevin Hart; comedy films including #LUCKY NUMBER starring Method Man; dramas including KNUCKLEHEAD starring Emmy Award winning actress Alfre Woodard and Gbenga Akinnagbe and SECOND COMING starring Golden Globe Award winner Idris Elba and Nadine Marshall; documentaries including Tim Reid Presents: THE LEGACY DOCUMENTARY SERIES; action/thrillers including THE SIN SEER starring Isaiah Washington and Lisa Arrindell Anderson; and stage play productions including the upcoming premiere of David E. Talbert’s ANOTHER MAN WILL on December 9, 2016.
Available at urbanmoviechannel.com, UMC is also available on the Roku platform, as an Amazon Prime add-on subscription, and through Amazon Fire TV and Amazon Fire Stick. UMC will also become available on Apple TV in early 2017.
About RLJ Entertainment: RLJ Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: RLJE) is an entertainment content distribution company in primarily North America, the United Kingdom, and Australia. RLJE’s 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. With its popular OTT branded channels, Acorn TV (British TV) and UMC (Urban Movie Channel), RLJE targets distinct, premium audiences and Urban niche audiences. The company grows its proprietary digital channels through development, acquisition, and distribution of exclusive rights of program franchises and feature film content 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.