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Fox Soul
Fox Soul
from Wikipedia

Fox Soul is a digital television network and live streaming service operated by Fox Corporation that launched on January 13, 2020.[1] Named after soul music,[2] the network focuses on two demographics; the African American experience and Christian media.[3]

Key Information

Featuring original and syndicated programs including The Sharpton Sisters, Brutally Honest with Jasmine Brand, Crockett's Corner, Cocktails with Queens, The Book of Sean and The Business of Being Black with Tammi Mac. The network also includes programs about the achievements of past and present African Americans, for instance The Uprising series.[4]

Fox Soul is the first streaming service launched by Fox Television Stations and Fox Entertainment,[5][6] prior to the acquisition of 21st Century Fox by The Walt Disney Company Fox had another faith-based studio called Fox Faith.[7][8] It is accessed by audiences across various digital streaming platforms including YouTube, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FOX Now, Samsung +, Roku, Tubi, Amazon Fire TV, The Web, Apple TV, Stirr, FuboTV, iOs, Android, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and DirecTV channel 4401.[9]

History

[edit]

In May 2021, with a reported 44-million count of viewers, FOX Soul was greenlit to expand its Black culture-fuelled programming. With James DuBose holding the seat of Head of Programming, the streaming service entered into its second season.

On September 30, 2022, Deadline Hollywood published word of FOX Soul's further expansion with a return of original FOX Soul flagship series on the network including The Black Report, The Book of Sean (hosted by Rev. Dr. Sean H. McMillian), The Business of Being Black with Tammi Mac, Cocktails with the Queens (co-hosted by Claudia Jordan, Vivica A. Fox, LisaRaye McCoy and Syleena Johnson), TEA-G-I-F (co-hosted by Claudia Jordan, Al Reynolds and Funky Dineva aka Quentin Latham).[10]

Original programming

[edit]
  • One on One with Keyshia Cole — Hosted by Keyshia Cole
  • The Book of Sean — Hosted by Dr. Sean McMillan
  • Choppin’ It Up with Mike and Donny — Hosts: Mike Hill and Donny Harrell
  • The Tammi Mac Late Show — Host: Tammi Mac
  • Turnt Out With Ts Madison - Host: Ts Madison
  • Out Loud with Claudia Jordan — Hosted by Claudia Jordan
  • Fox Soul’s Screening Room — Hosted by Vivica A. Fox
  • Fox Soul’s Black Report
  • Tea-G-I-F - Hosted by Claudia Jordan, Funky Dineva (left December 2023), Armon Wiggins (replaced Funky Dineva), and Al Reynolds
  • Fox Soul Deals
  • Chatter
  • Cocktails With Queens - Hosted by Claudia Jordan, LisaRaye, Vivica A. Fox, and Syleena Johnson
  • Hollywood Unlocked With Jason Lee Uncensored[11]
  • The Mix
  • Kingz With Kosine
  • Worth A Conversation with Jay "Jeezy" Jenkins — Hosted by Jeezy
  • Quarantine Cook-Off with Rickey Smiley — Host: Rickey Smiley
  • Established with Angela Yee — Hosted by Angela Yee
  • Get Into It With Tami Roman — Hosted by Tami Roman
  • Love In Black with Tory and Teri- Hosted by Tory Smith and Teri Smith
  • A7FL Games of the Week — Hosted by A7FL

Fox Television Stations syndicated programming

[edit]
  • Dish Nation – syndicated entertainment news show
  • The Real
  • Street Soldiers with Lisa Evers – Community issues and music news from WNYW/New York, hosted by Lisa Evers
  • Later with Leon – Comedic view of the news airing in late night on WFLD/Chicago, hosted by Leon Rogers
  • The Feed At Night – Pop culture, comedy and news airing in late night on WTXF/Philadelphia, hosted by Alex Holley and Thomas Drayton
  • Isiah Factor: Uncensored – Late night news and pop culture show on KRIV/Houston, hosted by Isiah Carey
  • Divorce Court

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Fox Soul is a live, interactive, ad-supported channel operated by , launched on January 13, 2020, that targets African American audiences with programming centered on black culture and discussions of issues affecting the black community. The network delivers original talk shows and lifestyle content weeknights from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. PT, followed by locally produced public affairs programs from , available for free via its website, mobile apps, and platforms such as YouTube TV and . Positioned as a platform amplifying black voices through frank conversations on relevant topics, Fox Soul emphasizes empowerment and cultural celebration while being accessible to all viewers.

History

Launch and Initial Development

Fox Television Stations announced the launch of Fox Soul on January 13, 2020, as an ad-supported over-the-top (OTT) streaming network specifically targeted at African American viewers. The platform, operated under , sought to deliver content centered on the experiences and perspectives of Black communities. The service introduced the "Our Voice, Our Truth," which underscored its commitment to unfiltered conversations on pop culture, politics, faith, and personal matters affecting Black audiences. This emphasis aimed to foster authentic dialogue without external constraints, distinguishing it from broader mainstream offerings. From inception, Fox Soul prioritized live streaming formats with evening programming blocks, drawing on ' local production capabilities to integrate original and syndicated elements efficiently. This approach leveraged the company's established broadcast infrastructure to support rapid deployment as a digital-first channel accessible via apps and online platforms.

Expansion and Programming Growth

Following its launch in January 2020, Fox Soul rapidly expanded its slate in 2021, introducing new talk shows and cultural specials aimed at engaging African American audiences with content on , , and community issues. This included series such as The Nightcap and Reality Check, which contributed to a reported 131% increase in unique viewers to 61 million and a 191% rise in minutes viewed to 700 million for the full year. Under the leadership of general manager James DuBose, who oversaw programming decisions from inception, the network prioritized Black-led content creation to differentiate from broader competitors. DuBose's efforts focused on scaling operations through internal development and strategic alignments within , including leveraging multicast distribution via for wider carriage on local over-the-air channels. This enabled syndication of Fox Soul's programming across Fox-owned stations, enhancing accessibility without additional infrastructure costs. By mid-2021, these initiatives had solidified the network's position as a FAST channel emphasizing authentic cultural narratives, with DuBose crediting the growth to audience resonance with unfiltered discussions. DuBose departed Fox Soul in early 2023 to pursue ventures, including the launch of In The Black Network, after three years of guiding its expansion from a nascent digital to a platform with sustained audience metrics. His tenure marked a phase of operational maturation, setting the stage for continued programming diversification through 2023, such as fall slates incorporating and news formats.

Recent Developments

In late 2024, Fox Soul premiered its original talk series Truth Talks on October 21, hosted by Emmy-winning radio personality Ryan Cameron alongside panelists Dr. Cheyenne Bryant, Brii Renee, and Willie Moore Jr., addressing generational topics including discussions on in a November 15 episode. The series emphasizes provocative, narrative-shifting conversations on trending issues relevant to African American audiences. Into 2025, Fox Soul continued expanding its programming with the How Sweet The Sound competition, featuring live events such as the May 24 Washington, D.C., showcase of , dance, and performances, alongside announcements of winners like soloist Peter Elliot and choir finalists. New comedy content emerged, including the Laugh Out Loud developed by creators Adriane McLean and Sabrina Cofield, spotlighting local talent for humorous sketches. Spiritual programming saw growth with ongoing episodes from series like Believer's Walk of Faith and church broadcasts, such as on October 19. Fox Soul maintained its focus on and interactivity, launching It Only Takes One in September 2025 as a series highlighting community leaders in areas like Inglewood through purpose-driven spotlights and audience engagement. These initiatives underscore the channel's sustained operations and adaptation to viewer preferences for real-time, culturally resonant content as of October 2025.

Programming

Original Programming

Fox Soul's original programming features self-produced talk shows and faith-oriented content designed to explore Black cultural experiences, including relationships, , , , and community concerns through direct, community-focused . These programs prioritize unvarnished discussions on empirical issues affecting Black audiences, such as personal empowerment and spiritual growth, often drawing from Christian perspectives to foster resilience and self-reliance. Daily talk formats include "Portia," a music-centric show highlighting personal narratives and cultural ownership; "Chattin' With Chelsea," which delivers candid exchanges on everyday topics; and "Go Sis," centered on and relational advice. "Side Dish" and "Scrollin' with Jen & Vee" address , , and trends from a Black viewpoint, while "The Noon" and "Street Flava" cover midday news and urban music scenes. The nighttime series "The House," launched in 2021, is a one-hour featuring Black LGBTQIA+ panels conversing over dinner about community experiences and underrepresented perspectives. Faith-based originals emphasize and communal uplift, with live broadcasts like "Live From New Birth with Dr. Jamal Bryant," which streams worship services and teachings to promote spiritual closeness and practical application. Additional religious content includes "The Believer's Walk of ," "Higher Dimension Sunday Experience," "The Community of ," and "," airing multiple times daily to provide sermons tackling real-life challenges faced by believers. Specials such as "How Sweet the Sound" further this focus by showcasing performances and narratives. Since its 2021 expansion, the lineup has evolved to include more provocative panels countering sanitized mainstream discourse, as seen in returning formats like "" for cultural commentary and "" for entrepreneurial insights, all rooted in prioritizing community realities over external framing.

Syndicated and Acquired Content

Fox Soul incorporates syndicated programming from ' multicultural offerings to complement its core lineup, including shows such as , a nationally syndicated program featuring urban sketches and celebrity commentary, and , a community-focused series addressing urban issues like crime and activism produced by local Fox affiliates. These acquisitions draw from established Fox station content, providing reruns and episodes that align with the network's emphasis on African American cultural perspectives without requiring new production resources. The network has expanded its acquired content through partnerships with external producers, such as the August 2024 distribution agreement with Converge Media, which integrates a range of black-focused films, shows, and future productions into Fox Soul's streaming slate to broaden topical diversity. Similarly, a 2023 two-year deal with Universal Media Group added dynamic programming tailored to urban audiences, filling scheduling gaps during off-peak hours. Faith-based reruns, including episodes from The Community of Faith and Believer's Walk of Faith, are sourced externally to sustain 24/7 availability, blending inspirational content with secular discussions to maintain viewer engagement across time slots. This strategy prioritizes content that reinforces cultural relevance for black viewers, using syndicated assets to extend reach via multicast signals and apps while avoiding overreliance on originals during expansion phases. By selectively acquiring shows with proven appeal in urban markets, enhances its programming depth without shifting focus from community-driven narratives.

Format and Distribution

Fox Soul employs a free, ad-supported streaming model, delivering live and on-demand content without requiring subscriptions or paywalls. This approach enables broad accessibility via its dedicated , foxsoul.tv, as well as platforms such as for live broadcasts and interactive viewing. The network extends its reach through over-the-top (OTT) devices and services, including , , , and , allowing users to stream programming on smart TVs, mobile apps, and connected devices. Audio extensions of select shows are available as podcasts on platforms like , providing on-demand listening options for topics discussed in video formats. Interactive features enhance viewer engagement, with live streams supporting real-time comments and participation, particularly on YouTube-hosted episodes. The service maintains a publicly accessible live schedule on its website, detailing daily programming lineups to facilitate planned viewing. Topic-specific video clips, categorized by subjects such as celebrities, lifestyle, culture, health, and news, are offered for shorter, targeted consumption, complementing full episodes and encouraging repeated visits to the platform.

Business and Operations

Ownership and Leadership

Fox Soul operates as a division of (FTS), a subsidiary of , which was established following the 2019 spin-off of Fox assets after The Company's acquisition of . FTS provides operational oversight, aligning Fox Soul with 's broader portfolio of broadcast and digital properties focused on audience-driven content rather than mandated ideological quotas. Jack Abernethy has served as CEO of FTS since , directing strategic decisions for its 29 owned stations and affiliated streaming initiatives, including the launch of Fox Soul as FTS's inaugural free ad-supported streaming channel in January 2020. Under Abernethy's leadership, FTS emphasizes local market responsiveness and viewer engagement metrics over top-down diversity engineering, distinguishing it from competitors influenced by institutional pressures for performative inclusion. James DuBose held the roles of and head of programming from Fox Soul's , shaping its early vision for unfiltered, community-centric programming that prioritized authentic Black cultural dialogue over sanitized narratives. DuBose departed in 2023 to found Network, an independent platform, reflecting a transition in hands-on leadership amid Fox's ongoing refinement of digital offerings. In June 2023, D'Artagnan Bebel was appointed and head of programming for Fox Soul, succeeding DuBose while maintaining his positions as senior vice president and of KRIV (Fox 26) in . Bebel's dual role underscores FTS's integrated approach to local stations and national streaming, leveraging operational synergies to sustain Fox Soul's focus on live, interactive content tailored to African American viewers.

Viewership Metrics and Revenue Model

In 2021, Fox Soul reported a 131% increase in unique viewers to 61 million and a 191% surge in minutes viewed to 700 million, reflecting significant early growth for the ad-supported streaming channel launched in 2020. These metrics, driven by expanded and audience engagement features like live chat, positioned the network to pursue profitability amid competitive pressures from established Black-focused outlets such as . Fox Soul operates primarily on a , leveraging demographic data to deliver culturally resonant ads to its predominantly African American audience, with over 67% viewership penetration exceeding that of competitors like OWN and . This approach emphasizes niche appeal over mass-market breadth, capitalizing on Fox Corporation's distribution infrastructure across streaming platforms to offset lower overall scale compared to legacy cable networks. sales, including spots during live interactive shows, form the core monetization strategy, with leadership indicating break-even potential by 2023 and profitability thereafter through programming expansion and ad inventory optimization. Publicly available data on viewership post-2021 remains limited, though the channel's ongoing operations and integration within Fox's broader portfolio suggest sustained efforts toward financial viability into , without disclosed metrics indicating decline or major shifts. Fox Soul's model avoids subscription fees, relying instead on affiliate synergies and data-driven ad targeting to navigate fragmentation in media , where targeted niches can yield higher CPMs despite volume challenges.

Distribution and Accessibility

Fox Soul reaches audiences through a wide array of digital distribution channels, including over-the-top (OTT) streaming services and connected TV platforms. The service is accessible on , , (channel 1104), channels (channel 403), (channel 347), , , , , and the official FoxSoul.tv website, alongside dedicated mobile apps for and Android devices. This multi-platform approach extends availability to smart TVs and mobile devices, enabling live and on-demand viewing without traditional cable infrastructure. As a (FAST) channel, Fox Soul eliminates paywalls, offering its content at no direct cost to users supported by , which differentiates it from subscription-based rivals like BET+ or VH1's ad-free tiers. Launched on January 13, 2020, by , the platform emphasizes broad accessibility to foster engagement with African American viewers. Distribution prioritizes U.S. markets, with programming drawing from local productions at Fox-owned stations in urban centers such as New York, , and , where African American demographics are concentrated, though streaming enables nationwide reach via connectivity. This focus aligns with the channel's aim to serve underserved communities through device-agnostic delivery, without reliance on over-the-air .

Reception and Impact

Achievements and Positive Reception

Fox Soul achieved notable viewership growth in its early years, with unique viewers surging 131% to 61 million and total minutes viewed increasing 191% to 700 million in 2021 compared to the prior year. This expansion reflected the network's success in attracting an African American audience through ad-supported streaming focused on cultural relevance. In May 2021, Fox Soul broadened its slate to advance discussions on experiences, introducing series such as a Tuesday featuring Gen-Z and millennial perspectives, Later with Leon hosted by Leon Rogers on Mondays, and Reality Check on Fridays addressing relationships and personal growth. These additions emphasized empowerment themes, including faith-based content like Joyful Worship & Praise and The Community of Faith, which drew praise for fostering open dialogues on spiritual and communal self-improvement underrepresented in broader media. By fall 2022, the network further expanded with returning flagship series including Cocktails with , Business of Being with Tammi Mac, and Fox Soul , signaling sustained momentum in original content production and audience retention. In August 2024, Fox Soul secured a distribution partnership with Converge Media, integrating additional films and shows to enhance its programming diversity and reach. Observers noted the channel's second anniversary in 2022 as a milestone, crediting its "Our Voice, Our Truth" approach for enabling candid explorations of , , and personal advice that resonated with viewers seeking authentic Black-centric narratives.

Criticisms and Challenges

Critics have argued that Fox Soul's programming lacks depth and innovation, relying heavily on talk shows that fail to meaningfully engage with Black culture or systemic challenges facing . A in described the lineup as oversaturated with formats focused on , fitness, and , giving the impression that "much thought went into the programming at all" and doing "little to satiate the urge for a new channel that engages with Black culture in a meaningful way." The portrayed the service as potentially tokenistic, questioning whether adding a handful of shows compensates for broader , while capitalizing on social media trends like rather than pioneering substantive content. Skepticism has also centered on Fox Soul's affiliation with , whose conservative-leaning division has drawn accusations of racial insensitivity, including a 2018 racial discrimination settled for $10 million. Detractors questioned whether the parent company's reputation—marked by criticism of and support for , figures with low favorability among Black voters—would alienate progressive audiences seeking platforms free from perceived ideological constraints. Operationally, Fox Soul has faced challenges including key leadership departures and intensifying competition from Black-owned media ventures. In June 2023, former James DuBose exited to launch Network, an ad-supported streaming platform emphasizing Black creatives and ownership, stating his goal had been to transition Fox Soul toward majority or full Black ownership but ultimately pursuing an independent model. This move highlighted tensions over control and authenticity in a landscape crowded by alternatives like DuBose's venture, which positions itself as "Black-owned, Black-focused, and profitable."

Cultural and Market Influence

Fox Soul has contributed to diversifying the landscape for Black audiences by offering ad-supported content centered on interactive discussions of faith, personal responsibility, and community-driven topics, distinct from the victimhood-oriented frames dominant in outlets like . Launched on January 13, 2020, as Fox Corporation's first over-the-top platform targeting , it promotes "unfettered discussion" of , pop culture, and self-improvement, enabling viewer participation that emphasizes agency over systemic grievance narratives. This focus has positioned Fox Soul as a to left-leaning in Black-targeted programming, where academic and journalistic sources often exhibit toward collectivist interpretations of social issues; instead, its formats, such as Fox Soul Faceoff, pit left- and right-leaning perspectives against each other on hot-button topics, fostering on individual accountability and spiritual resilience. By prioritizing causal analyses of community challenges—rooted in everyday empirical realities like family structure and economic —rather than ideologically charged rhetoric, the channel has influenced niche conversations, evidenced by ongoing partnerships like the August 2024 distribution agreement with Converge Media to amplify diverse Black voices. In market terms, Fox Soul's model has validated the profitability of culturally attuned for demographics, operating within Fox's broader ad revenue ecosystem that saw company-wide increases of 7% in fiscal 2023, partly driven by targeted streaming growth. Its persistence since launch, amid a fragmented digital space, signals demand for non-monopolized content options, as demonstrated by the subsequent ventures of like former James DuBose, who in 2023 founded In The Network to capitalize on similar underserved segments. This expansion underscores empirical viability, with ad strategies leveraging events and interactivity to attract brands seeking authentic engagement over generalized appeals.

Controversies

Farrakhan Broadcast Cancellation

In late June 2020, Fox Soul announced plans to broadcast a July 4 speech by , leader of the Nation of , prompting immediate backlash from Jewish advocacy groups and public figures due to Farrakhan's history of antisemitic statements, including praise for and promotion of conspiracy theories alleging Jewish involvement in events like the . The announcement, shared via social media over the weekend, highlighted Farrakhan's address as part of the network's Independence Day programming targeted at African-American audiences. By June 29, 2020, Fox Soul reversed course, deleting the promotional tweet and confirming it would not air the speech following protests from organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League and Simon Wiesenthal Center, as well as criticism from CNN anchor Jake Tapper, who described Farrakhan as a "vile anti-LGBTQ anti-Semitic misogynist." The rapid cancellation underscored tensions within the Murdoch-owned streaming service between its stated focus on unfiltered discussions of "real topics" for Black viewers and the risks posed by associations with figures known for separatist ideologies and inflammatory rhetoric that alienated advertisers and broader audiences. The episode exposed internal pressures on Fox Soul's programming decisions, as the network navigated advertiser sensitivities amid Farrakhan's long-documented pattern of anti-white, anti-Jewish, and homophobic remarks, which had previously led to by other media outlets. Despite the reversal, the incident tested Fox Soul's branding as a platform for authentic voices, revealing how external scrutiny could override initial commitments to controversial content.

Ideological Debates and Media Scrutiny

Left-leaning outlets have scrutinized Fox Soul's launch and programming as potentially opportunistic efforts by to capitalize on Black cultural trends without substantial innovation or authentic engagement. A analysis described the channel's reliance on multiple talk shows as lacking depth, suggesting it "capitalizes on trends rather than setting them" and evokes a "cringey" outdated association of "Soul" with identity in 2020. This critique aligns with broader skepticism toward Fox's expansion into Black-targeted content amid perceptions of the parent network's conservative , questioning whether it genuinely addresses needs or serves corporate diversification goals. In contrast, Fox Soul executives and partners have framed the channel as a platform for unfiltered, authentic Black voices, emphasizing partnerships like that with The For Us By Us Network to deliver content "unapologetically Black, consumable by all" focused on education and inspiration within the community. Supporters highlight shows such as Fox Soul Faceoff, which pit left- and right-leaning perspectives against each other on issues like and , as evidence of balanced rather than partisan imposition. Debates persist over how Fox Soul navigates "unfiltered truth" against normalized progressive narratives, particularly in coverage of conservative policy frameworks. For instance, episodes of Truth Talks have examined , the Heritage Foundation's blueprint for potential Republican governance reforms, allowing panel discussions that critique its implications for social programs while airing diverse viewpoints from commentators. Such programming has drawn accusations of diluting critical analysis to align with Fox's broader ideological leanings, though proponents argue it fosters independent reasoning over echo-chamber conformity. Viewership metrics provide empirical counterpoints to claims of narrow partisan appeal, with Fox Soul reporting a 131% increase to 61 million viewers and 191% rise in minutes viewed to 700 million in , suggesting resonance across ideological lines among audiences seeking varied discussions on , , and personal empowerment. This growth, sustained through interactive streaming, underscores a for platforms prioritizing community-specific issues over strict ideological conformity, even as media watchdogs continue to its long-term credibility.

References

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