Bill Text: GA HR1076 | 2011-2012 | Regular Session | Introduced

Georgia House Resolution 1076 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Historically Black Colleges and Universities Network; Georgia; recognize

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2011-04-14 - House Read and Adopted [HR1076 Detail]

Download: Georgia-2011-HR1076-Introduced.html

11 LC 94 5191

House Resolution 1076

By: Representative Mitchell of the 88th

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and commending the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Network in Georgia; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Network intends to be an independent full-time sports, "edutainment," and lifestyle network devoted entirely to the four HBCU conferences, their members, and others; and

WHEREAS, the HBCU Network is aligned with the White House Initiative on HBCUs and expects to receive written support from President Barrack Obama's administration; and

WHEREAS, the HBCU Network will be based in Georgia, with its primary offices in Atlanta, employing Georgia residents and engaging other Georgia based business in network operations; and

WHEREAS, the HBCUs, several of which are located in Georgia, shall be equity partners in the network and also benefit financially from annual rights fees; and

WHEREAS, the HBCU Network intends to launch in the Fall of 2011, filling a space currently unaddressed by others and becoming the destination channel for alumni, current and prospective students, and sports fans interested in top Black college sports, "edutainment," and lifestyle programming; and

WHEREAS, all four sports conferences and ESPN have documented their intention to support the HBCU Network as soon as it has secured a distribution agreement with Comcast Corporation; and

WHEREAS, the HBCU Network has already begun to develop non-sports programming with top African American celebrities who have committed to lending the network their presence and performance; and
WHEREAS, the HBCU Network expects Comcast Corporation and Cox Communications, Inc., to be early distributors of the network; and

WHEREAS, distributors of the network in Georgia and elsewhere shall enjoy the benefits of programming desirable to their subscribers and income from the sale of local advertising to be aired in association with the network; and

WHEREAS, support for the HBCU Network has already been expressed by several key constituents in public and private sectors and include the United Negro College Fund, Thurgood Marshall Foundation, Congressional Black Caucus, National Urban League, Magic Johnson Foundation, and a host of civic, political, celebrity, and community leaders.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body recognize and commend the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Network for its efforts to operate a business that will employ Georgia residents, program a network that will focus on and raise awareness of HBCUs, engage other Georgia based businesses in its efforts, provide distributors of programming in Georgia with desirable content, and otherwise enhance the lives and experiences of Georgia residents and businesses.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Network.