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Two-time Emmy and Three-NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Curtis Symonds.
Co-Founder and President of Allen Media Group's HBCU GO, discusses his recent Cable Hall of Fame induction, the growth of HBCU GO, and his vision for expanding awareness of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The conversation explores his media career, relationships with industry pioneers Bob Johnson and Byron Allen, the cultural significance of HBCUs, and the opportunities surrounding HBCU sports and storytelling.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview was designed to:
- Celebrate Curtis Symonds' induction into the Cable Hall of Fame.
- Discuss the mission, growth, and future of HBCU GO.
- Highlight the educational, cultural, and economic importance of HBCUs.
- Promote HBCU football programming and upcoming events.
- Encourage greater corporate and community support for HBCU institutions and programming.
Key Takeaways 1. Hall of Fame Recognition Reflects a Lifetime Career in Media
Symonds described his Cable Hall of Fame induction as one of the most important moments of his career, particularly because BET founder Bob Johnson introduced him. He credited Johnson with teaching him how to build relationships, partnerships, and successful media businesses.
Key Insight:
Success in media is built on long-term relationships, trust, and vision.
2. HBCU GO Was Created to Fill an Exposure Gap
Symonds launched HBCU GO because he believed HBCUs were not receiving the visibility they deserved despite their significant impact on Black education and leadership.
Key Insight:
HBCU GO was founded not merely as a sports platform, but as a movement to elevate awareness of HBCU history, legacy, and value.
3. The Long-Term Goal Is Storytelling
While football broadcasts drive viewership, Symonds sees storytelling as the future of the network.
Future content will focus on:
- Student achievements
- Alumni success stories
- Educational excellence
- HBCU culture and traditions
- Institutional history
- Marching bands and performing arts
Key Insight:
Sports are the entry point; storytelling is the long-term strategy.
4. HBCUs Produce Leaders Across America
McDonald highlighted how HBCUs produce large numbers of Black professionals in areas such as:
- Education
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Law
- Public service
- STEM careers
Both hosts agreed that these achievements deserve more public attention.
Key Insight:
The academic success of HBCUs is often overshadowed by sports and entertainment.
5. HBCUs Create a Strong Sense of Belonging
Symonds emphasized that students at HBCUs experience a level of personal connection that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.
He noted that students are known personally by administrators, faculty, and fellow students, creating an environment where individuals feel valued and supported.
Key Insight:
HBCUs create community, confidence, and lifelong relationships.
6. HBCU Culture Is a Powerful Brand Opportunity
According to Symonds, many sponsors underestimate the loyalty and engagement of HBCU audiences.
He believes brands that authentically support HBCUs can build strong and lasting customer relationships.
Key Insight:
The HBCU audience is highly engaged, loyal, and community-driven.
7. HBCU GO Has Achieved Significant Reach
The network is currently available through:
- Amazon Prime Video
- YouTube TV
- Roku
- Plex
- Local broadcast television partners
Symonds noted that the platform now reaches nearly all U.S. television households through its combined distribution channels.
Key Insight:
HBCU GO has evolved into a national media platform.
8. The Experience Extends Beyond Football
One of the interview's recurring themes was that HBCU sports are about more than the game.
The complete experience includes:
- Tailgates
- Marching bands
- Homecomings
- Community networking
- School pride
- Historic rivalries
Key Insight:
The cultural experience often draws as much interest as the competition itself.
9. Marching Bands Are a Major Focus for Future Programming
Symonds previewed plans for a behind-the-scenes series focused on HBCU marching bands, describing it as similar to a "Hard Knocks" format.
The series will showcase:
- Rehearsals
- Student dedication
- Performance preparation
- Band culture
Key Insight:
Marching bands are a unique and valuable part of the HBCU experience that deserves greater visibility.
Notable Quotes On HBCUs
"HBCU help build you, man."
On the HBCU experience
"When you go to a PWI, you're a number. When you go to an HBCU, the president knows your name."
On the mission of HBCU GO
"I'm going to build a channel that helps educate people and our community on the value, the history, the legacy of HBCUs."
On Byron Allen's support
"I believe in your vision. I'm going to get behind you."
On the HBCU audience
"One thing you got to love about HBCU is that it's a loyal audience."
On HBCU GO's marketing message
"HBCU GO. The culture is calling."
On the excitement surrounding HBCUs
"You're around your people."
On homecoming traditions
"It's like you just started college all over again with the same friends."
On the broader value of HBCUs
"There's more to HBCU than people would have thought."
Executive Summary
Curtis Symonds presents HBCU GO as more than a sports network. His vision is to create the premier media platform dedicated to HBCU culture, education, athletics, and storytelling. By combining live sports with authentic cultural content, HBCU GO seeks to increase awareness of the contributions HBCUs make to society while creating opportunities for students, alumni, institutions, sponsors, and communities nationwide.
#BEST
#SHMS
#STRAW
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