Latest news with #ESSENCE
Malaysian Reserve
21 hours ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
HARTBEAT AND SUNDIAL MEDIA & TECHNOLOGY GROUP ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP TO LAUNCH ESSENCE-BRANDED FAST CHANNEL
First-of-Its-Kind Platform Will Serve Black Women Through Premium Content and Original Programming LOS ANGELES, June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hartbeat, the global entertainment company founded by Kevin Hart, and Sundial Media & Technology Group (SMTG), a human connections company and home to iconic brands like ESSENCE, AFROPUNK, and Refinery29, today announced a partnership to launch an ESSENCE-branded FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) channel. This collaboration addresses a significant gap in the streaming landscape by creating the first major streaming platform specifically designed for Black women, combining SMTG's robust content library with Hartbeat's award-winning, premium production and creative capabilities. The partnership emerges at a pivotal moment when Black viewership on Connected TV (CTV) and FAST platforms is experiencing explosive growth, yet programming specifically tailored to Black women remains underserved across major streaming platforms. According to recent industry data, Black households over-index significantly in CTV consumption, with streaming viewership among Black audiences growing 40% year-over-year, while targeted content remains severely underrepresented. 'Hartbeat has consistently identified and served underrepresented markets,' said Jeff Clanagan, President and Chief Distribution Officer of Hartbeat. 'This ESSENCE-branded FAST channel represents another strategic opportunity to create authentic content for an audience that has been overlooked by traditional streaming platforms. We're not just launching a channel – we're creating a cultural destination.' 'For decades, we've built iconic brands like ESSENCE and AFROPUNK that celebrate and serve diverse communities through powerful content and unforgettable experiences,' said Kirk McDonald, CEO of Sundial Media & Technology Group. 'This partnership with Hartbeat allows us to extend those brands into the streaming ecosystem for the first time, creating a dedicated platform where Black women can see themselves authentically represented in premium entertainment.' The FAST channel will feature a dynamic mix of acquired programming from SMTG's extensive library and original content produced through the partnership. Hartbeat's production team will develop exclusive content that celebrates Black women's experiences, achievements, and cultural contributions. 'This groundbreaking partnership highlights ESSENCE's commitment to innovation and premium storytelling, ensuring Black women are not only seen, but centered, in the next frontier of media,' said Michele Ghee, ESSENCE Chief Content Officer. 'We're proud to introduce an ESSENCE-branded FAST channel that elevates the voices, experiences, and culture of our audience, offering access to curated, empowering content whenever and wherever she wants it. We're not just launching a channel; we're creating a new space for our community to see themselves reflected and celebrated in bold, authentic ways. ' An integral part of this partnership includes leveraging the relationships of Hartbeat and ESSENCE to engage with established Black women actresses, writers, and directors, providing them with a platform for creative freedom and empowering them to produce authentic content. It will provide sustainable funding for premium programming and create new revenue streams for Black women creatives, while delivering authentic brand messaging that resonates with the target demographic. The collaboration harnesses the combined power of two iconic brands in Black culture. For 55 years, ESSENCE has served as the definitive voice of Black women, celebrating their beauty, brilliance, and influence across generations. SMTG's powerhouse portfolio of platforms reaches millions of culturally engaged consumers and commands deep audience loyalty, anchored by tentpole experiences like the ESSENCE Festival of Culture® and Beautycon™. Hartbeat provides world-class production capabilities, digital distribution expertise, and proven success in creating culturally relevant content that resonates with diverse audiences. Hartbeat's track record includes building the Laugh Out Loud Network into the #1 cultural comedy network; producing acclaimed series including 'Number One on the Call Sheet' for Apple TV+' and 'Fight Night' on Peacock; and championing diverse voices, launching programs like Women Write Now, which champions Black female writers in Hollywood. The channel will launch across all major Connected TV, YouTube, and FAST platforms, leveraging Hartbeat's extensive distribution network to ensure maximum reach and accessibility for Black women across all viewing preferences and devices. ABOUT HARTBEATFounded by Kevin Hart, Hartbeat is the global, multi-platform entertainment company creating content and experiences at the intersection of comedy and culture – with a mission to keep the world laughing together. Hartbeat finances, develops, and produces content for all platforms; connects with consumers around the world through events and the company's expansive distribution network; and co-creates entertainment and builds award-winning IP alongside brands. Hartbeat's flagship consumer brand, the LOL! Network, reaches audiences across its O&O social media, audio, and OTT partners. Led by an award-winning team, Hartbeat is a valuable partner to the biggest entertainment companies, platforms and brands in the world, driving cultural currency and generating sales, subscriptions, buzz, and conversation with some of the most coveted audiences. ABOUT SUNDIAL MEDIA & TECHNOLOGY GROUPSundial Media & Technology Group (SMTG) is a human connections company — the signal powered by culture, scaled by technology, and built for community. SMTG connects, elevates, and empowers the most influential consumer segment in the market: HER, the Chief Influence Officer. With over 100 years of community knowledge and insights, SMTG is redefining the media model into a next-generation platform. Powered by proprietary intelligence and AI technology, it activates an ecosystem that scales HER influence and economic power. Its portfolio includes some of the most iconic, purpose-driven brands and experiences shaping culture today—ESSENCE (Girls United, ESSENCE Studios, ESSENCE Festival of Culture™), Refinery29, AFROPUNK, Beautycon™ (including NaturallyCurly), the Global Black Economic Forum, the Academy for Advancing Excellence, and the New Voices Fund. Through storytelling, products, and platforms, SMTG delivers the tools and technology to shape the future of media, commerce, and community—on HER terms. ABOUT ESSENCE COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA GROUP Communications is the number one—and only 100% Black-owned—media, technology and commerce company at scale dedicated to Black women and communities. With a community of more than 31 million Black women, ESSENCE inspires a global audience through diverse storytelling and immersive original content rooted in Culture, Equity and Celebration. The brand's multi-platform presence in/ publishing, experiential and online encompasses its namesake magazine; digital, video and social platforms; television specials; books; and signature live events, including Black Women in Music, Black Women in Hollywood, ESSENCE Black Women in Sports, Fashion House, Street Style and the ESSENCE Festival of Culture®. Media Contacts:Skai Blue Media for Sundial Media & Technology Group:TeamSMG@ Metro Public Relations for Hartbeathartbeat@
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Sundial Media & Technology Group and Creator Currency Networks Launch CreateHer Network to Address $31.8 Trillion Women Creator Economy Gap
Data-driven initiative targets systemic undercompensation as women control the majority of global spending, yet earn 30% less than male creators. NEW YORK, June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sundial Media & Technology Group, a human connections company and home to iconic brands like ESSENCE, AFROPUNK, and Refinery29, today announced a strategic partnership with Creator Currency Networks to launch CreateHer Network, the first women's creator platform designed to close the economic gap between women's cultural influence and their compensation. CreateHer Network has secured initial partnerships with publishers including xoNecole, HOORAE, the Issa Rae-led media company, KeyTV, a digital media network founded by Keke Palmer, ESSENCE, and Refinery29. The platform addresses a fundamental market disconnect: although women control $31.8 trillion in global consumer spending and account for 85% of U.S. purchasing decisions, women creators earn approximately 30% less than their male counterparts in brand partnerships, revealing a persistent gap between cultural influence and economic equity. "We talk a lot about equity, but equity requires infrastructure, and that's what CreateHer Network delivers," said Kirk McDonald, CEO of Sundial Media & Technology Group. "Women are the primary drivers of consumer behavior and cultural trends, yet the creator economy hasn't evolved to properly compensate them for this influence. This partnership is about shifting that dynamic and building a platform that recognizes the true worth of women's cultural influence." CreateHer Network will provide members with three core pillars: Capital Access & Revenue Optimization: Direct pathways to funding, advanced revenue optimization tools, and strategic guidance on diversifying income streams across platforms and partnerships. Technology & Training Infrastructure: Proprietary analytics dashboard, content performance insights, audience demographic analysis, and educational resources covering negotiation, business development, and personal branding. Equitable Brand Partnerships: Curated connections with brands committed to equitable compensation, authentic partnerships, and long-term creator relationships rather than transactional exchanges. Cedric J. Rogers, Co-Founder of Creator Currency Networks and former CEO of Culture Genesis, added: "When we started Creator Currency Networks, we knew the biggest opportunity was fixing how women creators get paid. SMTG gets it; they understand that real change requires platforms that actually pay creators what they're worth." "Women creators deserve more than visibility—they deserve equity, ownership, and infrastructure. We're not just building a network; we're building an economic movement that connects influence to income," said Ava Pearl, multi-hyphenate creator, Founder of Curly Culture and CurlyCon LA is now co-founder of Creator Currency Networks. The network's first creator cohort launches this fall, featuring brand partnerships, content activations, and live events across New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Chicago. Early access applications open in August, with the full platform launching in Q4 2025. Visit here for more. About Sundial Media & Technology Group: Sundial Media & Technology Group (SMTG) is a human connections company — the signal powered by culture, scaled by technology, and built for community. SMTG connects, elevates, and empowers the most influential consumer segment in the market: HER, the Chief Influence Officer. With over 100 years of community knowledge and insights, SMTG is redefining the media model into a next-generation platform. Powered by proprietary intelligence and AI technology, it activates an ecosystem that scales HER influence and economic power. Its portfolio includes some of the most iconic, purpose-driven brands and experiences shaping culture today—ESSENCE (Girls United, ESSENCE Studios, ESSENCE Festival of Culture™), Refinery29, AFROPUNK, Beautycon™ (including NaturallyCurly), the Global Black Economic Forum, the Academy for Advancing Excellence, and the New Voices Fund. Through storytelling, products, and platforms, SMTG delivers the tools and technology to shape the future of media, commerce, and community—on HER terms. About Creator Currency Networks: Creator Currency Networks is a creator economy platform co-founded by Ava Pearl and Cedric J. Rogers that builds infrastructure to help creators maximize their economic potential. Rogers previously co-founded and served as CEO of Culture Genesis, the largest Black-owned digital video network. The company focuses specifically on addressing systemic inequities faced by women creators, who drive the majority of consumer decisions yet remain significantly undercompensated in the creator economy. Media Contacts:Skai Blue Media for Sundial Media & Technology Group:TeamSMG@ Flight PR for Creator Currency Networksalysha@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Sundial Media & Technology Group
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
KJ Smith Debuts Baby Bump on BET Awards 2025 Red Carpet
KJ Smith debuted her baby bump on the red carpet at the 2025 BET Awards Smith posed in a flowing green gown outside the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles The actress and her husband Skyh Black, who got married in September 2023, announced in May that they were expectingKJ Smith is bumping along! The Sistas actress debuted her baby bump on the red carpet at the 2025 BET Awards on Monday, June 9 outside the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Smith, 40, is expecting her first baby with her husband Skyh Black. Smith was glowing in a flowing green gown with cutouts and her hair pulled back into an elegant low bun. Black, 37, opted for an all-black ensemble with sunglasses and necklaces to complete the look. The parents-to-be posed on the red carpet for some PDA moments and hand-holding. Black and the All The Queen's Men star began dating in January 2021 and were engaged that December. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Black and Smith got married in September 2023 at the Malibu Dream Resort in front of their 150 closest family members and friends. They spoke with PEOPLE about their special day and the thoughtful theme they had in mind. "Our last name is Black, so we always use it as a play on words," Black said of the event, which included elements of their shared Black culture. "We're from the South and we have these traditions that are very near and dear to our hearts that our parents and grandparents have shared. Our wedding is an homage to our ancestors with some elegant moments we've curated and loved as a couple... And it was better than I imagined." Smith debuted her baby bump in May, announcing her pregnancy with ESSENCE. She was hesitant to have kids since she was focused on her acting career, had fibroids, and suffered from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, Black changed her mind. "I didn't want kids at all. I aspired to be a rich auntie. I did not meet my husband until well into my 30s, so I had already decided," Smith told ESSENCE exclusively. "And then when he came into my life, and you meet a man who is responsible and a leader who takes charge and wants to be a father, wants to have a family, my mind changed as we grew and as we became a couple and married." She continued, "He was the main reason I wanted a child. I said, 'This would be a good experience with you as my partner and husband.' So I didn't anticipate having kids at all, and now I want as many as I can have." The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! Black is also looking forward to parenthood. "My biological father was very absent in my life. So personally, it's something that I've always looked forward to. It's something that I've always dreamed of, how I was going to connect with my kid, or foster their dreams, so I'm elated," he told the publication. The BET Awards are airing live on Monday, June 9 from Los Angeles' Peacock Theater on BET. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
R&B Singer Jaheim Arrested And Charged With Cruelty To Animals
R&B singer Jaheim was arrested and released earlier this month for the alleged inhumane treatment of his pets. According to Fulton County jail records, the 'Finding My Way Back' performer was taken into custody and released the next day on six counts of cruelty to animals. The 47-year-old, born Jaheim Hoagland, allegedly failed to provide enough water, sanitary conditions, and ventilation for his dogs, according to local news station WSB-TV2 Atlanta. He is said to own four pit bull terriers, a hound mix-breed, and a French bulldog. This is not the singer's first time being accused of mistreating animals. A few years back, Hoagland faced similar charges in New Jersey. According to ESSENCE, he was taken into custody in September 2021 for the alleged starvation and neglect of 15 dogs, with one of the animals dying. At the time, he was charged with third-degree animal cruelty and failure to provide necessary care to an animal after over a dozen animals located in and on his property in poor health. 'Responding Hillsborough Patrol units upon canvassing the area located a total of six dogs in separate animal crates in the driveway of a Chamberlain Drive residence,' detailed Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson at the time. 'One of the dogs located was initially unresponsive in a water-filled crate and subsequently had to be euthanized. Additional dogs were found inside of separate crates, which were partially filled with several inches of water and dog feces.' The statement continued, 'An additional nine dogs were located inside of the residence in varying stages of emaciation, without access to food and water.' Musically, Jaheim's last album is 2016's Struggle Love. 'It's a concept on the album Struggle Love,' he explained to You Know I Got Soul. 'It's titled that because I think back and look at my life as a mirror of struggles. Through those struggles, it's been a lot of ups and downs. The things that you love and like to do, you struggle with them. You see it in other people's interpretations. We have people writing from all different angles.' More from Keyshia Cole To Headline The Love Hard Tour With Trey Songz, K. Michelle, And Jaheim Jaheim Requests A 'Verzuz' Battle With Usher AZ On 'Doe Or Die II,' Working With Idris Elba, And Being All In For A Reunion With The Firm
The Province
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Province
Pandora's summer collection looks to nature for inspiration
The Pandora Summer Collection was inspired by the beauty of nature. Photo by Pandora Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. The launch: Pandora Summer collection. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The buzz: Nature seems like a natural inspiration source for a summer collection. Especially a range of jewelry designs. After all, the natural world is full of shapes, stones and other assorted elements that can be a perfect jumping off point for wonderful, wearable designs. Jewelry brand Pandora has leaned into the beauty of nature for its latest seasonal collection. With pieces attached to its various collections, including ESSENCE, Timeless, Moments and ME, the range features earthly aspects such as Within the cool ESSENCE collection, the nature tie sees two new textures added into the mix, including a twisted style said to be inspired by 'windswept ocean fronts,' as well as a ripple design, which is said to mimic the tides or 'rhythm' of the ocean. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. For those who love a pendant piece, the brand's charm-forward Moments collection features several ocean-inspired pieces such as sea stars, sea horses, pearls and more. Additional jewelry pieces within the summer release include tennis bracelets, miniature dangle charms, sparkling mini hoop earrings and more. While we're sure Pandora fans will find a few sea-inspired seasonal charms to add to their existing creations, we spotted two seriously strong style stars within the release. The 14-karat gold plated Organically Shaped Oval & Treated Freshwater Cultured Pearl Necklace ($235), and the eye-catching Sparkling Blue Starfish Dangle Charm ($185), are two designs that have been added to our summer accessory wish lists. The Pandora Summer Collection was inspired by the beauty of nature. Photo by Pandora The price: From $30. The retailer: Read More Vancouver Canucks Local News Local News Crime Vancouver Canucks
