FUSE MEDIA presents 2023-24 Programming line-up at GROWTHFRONTS

Fuse Media announced its 2023-24 Upfront strategy at The Alliance for Inclusive and Multicultural Marketing’s (AIMM) “Diverse Owned and Targeted Media GrowthFronts.” With an expanded roster of DEI-focused channels to provide advertisers with unparalleled opportunity to connect with young, multicultural consumers, and a programming lineup that champions this audience, Fuse Media holds a truly unique place in the media landscape.

Culturally diverse consumers make up approximately half the population and have a buying power of $6 trillion. Yet, as the nation’s consumer market becomes more diverse, a recent study by Fuse Media found that 57% of young people of color feel that their culture is never, rarely, or sometimes represented in media. Fuse Media has created a multiplatform ecosystem that entertains this audience with content that represents and reflects their community. 100% of Fuse Media’s original series feature people of color as on-screen talent. Further, 54% of original series feature LGBTQ+ talent and 11% feature people with a disability.

“For advertisers committed to connecting with young, culturally diverse consumers, Fuse Media offers a collection of inclusive brands that celebrate this rapidly growing segment of America,” said Javier Saralegui, Fuse Media’s newly appointed Revenue Officer. “This year’s Upfront is packed with original content that organically weaves in our mission of creating multiplatform destinations where everyone can see themselves represented. And our increasing investments in new, uplifting programming, as well as our incredibly well received FAST channels, both in the U.S. and abroad, will ensure that Fuse Media will continue to deliver robust offerings for select brands looking to engage with this audience in a powerful way.”

With the goal of delivering more touchpoints to reach young, diverse audiences, Fuse Media has been on an expansion track since the launch of its first FAST channel in 2018.

Last year, the number of platforms distributing the company’s FAST channels grew by 55%, and saw the launch of Latino Vibes, one of the only FAST channels offering English-language Latino content; OutTV Proud, in partnership with OutTV, the world’s very first LGBTQ+ network; and Camptastic, celebrating the kings and queens of kitsch.

The channels joined Shades of Black, one of the most widely distributed Black content channels in the FAST space, and Backstage, spotlighting diverse music artists, in connecting the Fuse Media brand with viewers across the globe. In all, Fuse Media’s FAST channels saw Total Minutes Watched increase more than fivefold in 4Q22 versus 4Q21.

“As the leader in creating inclusive content, building a home for audiences that demand authenticity in their entertainment has been our mandate since day one,” said Miguel Roggero, Chairman and CEO of Fuse Media. “From our linear channels to our growing portfolio of streaming channels, we are dedicated to delivering engaging, thought provoking and fun content to young adults, everywhere they consume content.”

For brands committed to authentically connecting with multicultural consumers, Fuse Media also offers innovative sponsorship opportunities via its unique collection of social impact initiatives:

• Anthem Award-winning Future History celebrates people currently using their voices to make a positive impact;
• Be Change encourages viewers to stay motivated around key issues of critical importance;
• All In recognizes cultural identities and moments year-round;
• Award-winning Buy Small supports women and minority owned independent businesses.

Fuse Media’s new and returning properties include the highly anticipated return of Big Freedia, in Big Freedia Means Business. In the series, the New Orleans-born innovator of bounce music explores the music and entrepreneurial opportunities that have opened up to her since she was last seen in the hit docuseries Big Freedia Bounces Back, which remains the highest rated show in Fuse history. Also returning is hit series Sex Sells hosted by WeezyWTF. Fuse Media continues to find success by leaning into the issues most important to Gen-Z audiences, particularly surrounding the exploration of relationships, sexual health, and personal well-being. In fact, a recent Fuse Media survey found that for Gen-Z, seeking better sexual health and well-being outplaced making a career change and finding a romantic partner.

Fuse Media’s new programming slate was developed to support the brand’s commitment to providing purpose-driven content that entertains and empowers young, underserved audiences. The company’s content has been recognized with industry honors including Peabody, Emmy, and Hollywood Critics Association awards, and attracts audiences that are younger and more diverse than the industry average.

See below for full descriptions of new and returning programming rolling out across Fuse Media’s streaming and TV channels in 2022-23.

NEW ORIGINAL SERIES

Like A Girl (6×30, premieres March 29 at 10pm ET) – Host Beija Marie Velez dives in deep with the groundbreaking, badass women who turn the phrase “Like A Girl” on its head. Icons like Olympic medalist April Ross, WNBA player Angel McCoughtry, pro skater Jenn Soto and Paralympic three-time champion Anastasia Pagonis share their intimate, personal perspective on the issues they face on and off the field like mental health, social stigmas, body image, reproductive issues, and gender and race inequality. It is produced by Fuse Studios.

Big Freedia Means Business (8×30, premieres June 7 at 9pm ET) – Big Freedia is back on Fuse and bigger than ever! In control of her life, her career and her brand, her HUSTLE is off the charts. Freedia’s still shaking up the dance floor and doing it with style. But now, she’s also shaking up the business world with ventures in a hotel, a record label, eyewear, purses, a cannabis line…Girl, down! Co-Production between Fuse Studios and World of Wonder.RETURNING SERIES:

We Need to Talk About America (8×30, Season 2 Premieres May 10 at 10pm ET) – Gender reveals, eating contests, over the top proposals, social media anything. American culture can seem wild and weird. Especially from the perspective of our first-generation and bicultural comedians. We’re talking sharp-witted, honest reactions to American oddities. From a diverse panel of freethinking, freewheeling professional roasters including Tim Chantarangsu, Dumbfounded, Simmi Singh, Drea Okeke, Jesus Trejo, and more. Produced by Fuse Studios.

Sex Sells (8×30, Season 3 Premieres September 2023) – When we talk about sex, we mean business and business is booming. Enter WeezyWTF, former tech professional, now one-half of the popular podcast Whoreible Decisions. Weezy celebrates sex-focused businesses and importantly, destigmatizes sexuality – especially female sexuality. Produced by Fuse Studios.

Fuse Films (Season 5) – Launched in 2019, this Imagen Award-winning franchise spotlights independent films that tell stories about and by members of underrepresented communities. Inclusive, authentic, and upbeat, these feature films are selected because of their aspirational and inspiring storylines and/or the ability to explore key issues through entertainment. Upcoming films to be announced at a later date.

Fuse Docs (Season 7) – The Peabody, Emmy and NAMIC award-winning documentary franchise has also been renewed. This series of documentaries making their U.S. TV premieres spotlights young, idealistic, and diverse people who are celebrating their cultural heritage and identity, confronting issues, and overcoming prejudice. Fuse documents their journeys and partners with organizations to help ignite a conversation around each title. Upcoming titles will be announced at a later date.

Made From Scratch (4×30, Season 6) – Our “not-really-a-cooking-show” goes beyond the recipe. It’s about those intimate, genuine moments where food is our bond, and artists can let down their guard. Join our hosts as they cook their favorite dishes and reveal how food and family have helped shape their identity, and inspired their art. Previous guests have included Becky G, Rick Ross, Ally Brooke, Miguel, Trippie Redd, A$AP Ferg, Karol G, Eva Longoria and more. It is produced by Fuse Studios.

Filmmakers to Watch: Fuse+ elevates young women and minority directors, filmmakers, and talent through this film series supporting young diverse artists. Upcoming titles include:

Lacrimosa (premieres April 25) – Filmmaker Austin Chapman’s semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story following two deaf friends struggling to make their first film.