MACRO Studios founder and CEO Charles D. King has acquired Black-focused streaming service ALLBLK from AMC Networks, positioning the direct-to-consumer platform for a new phase of growth driven by expanded original programming. Originally launched in 2014 by BET co-founder Robert L. Johnson under the banner UMC, ALLBLK made history as the premier subscription video-on-demand platform tailored specifically for Black film and television audiences.
While financial terms were not disclosed, MACRO plans to leverage the service to foster deeper cross-studio creative collaboration, accelerate audience growth, and cultivate direct community engagement with core viewers, while maintaining an ongoing content-licensing agreement with AMC, which remains an investor in MACRO.
“At a time of significant disruption and consolidation across the media industry landscape, MACRO sees an opportunity to invest in a focused platform with a clear audience and strengthen it through greater resources, content, and creative partnerships,” King said in a statement. “ALLBLK adds an additional piece to that vision with this opportunity to build upon what has made the platform successful. We’re proud of our longstanding partnership with AMC Global Media and excited to lead ALLBLK into its next chapter.”
The acquisition expands MACRO’s footprint across film, television, and digital media. Its production catalog includes Oscar winner Judas and the Black Messiah, They Cloned Tyrone, and the upcoming feature If I Go Will They Miss Me.
–Dominique Young // @heyyydommm