Hp4 Digital Works and Solutions with Christopher “Play” Martin have transformed the brand of news recently with the launch of a new program entitled “Brand Newz.”In February 2007, Brand Newz became a subsidiary of the Durham, North Carolina, based Hp4 Digital Works and Solutions. Brand Newz focuses on a wide range of topics from education, inspiration, health, sports, politics and entertainment, through two (2) minute primetime news briefs on the “My RDC” (formerly UPN) network in Raleigh/Durham, NC and via Internet on www.brandnewz.com. Former actor and hip hop pioneer Christopher “Play” Martin will host and serve as lead anchor of the nationalized telecasted show.
Each week, Monday through Friday Brand Newz will broadcast 2 minute shorts on My RDC (formerly UPN) in primetime between 8-8:30pm. The broadcast features individuals who are using themselves and their situations to have a positive inspirational influence on the TV audience. All are invited to see and get more on Brandnewz.com. Brandnewz.com’s first week is dedicated to the introduction of it’s concept and the individuals involved before it’s normal weekly structure begins.
HP4 implemented and developed the “Brand Newz” blueprint to showcase talented individuals who might otherwise be overlooked. According to HP4DW&S General Manager, Darien Super “Brand Newz hopes to make the world a better place through the eyes of young aspiring writers, photographers and motivated individuals; Brand Newz wants to convert the country to a nation of innovative digital fellowship.
Brand Newz has transformed ordinary people’s optimistic visions into reality through broadcasting, journalism and industry internship opportunities. The Brand Newz concept emerged as a new-fangled HP4DW&S vision after the completion of two triumphant national documentaries, “Holy Hip Hop, the DVD” and most recently “Welcome to Durham.”
“Team Brand Newz” Chief Editor Detrick Clark stated, “I think Brand Newz has raised the bar for all news resources through its creative concepts in reporting, and the meshing of grassroots communities and advocates for positive change. Brand Newz not only looks forward to the opportunity to shed light on everyday stories and miracles, but we also hope to give individuals the opportunity to report and broadcast their news.”
Jeffonda Evans, “Team Brand Newz” Senior Producer said, “Brand Newz is a vehicle for the communities’ stories to be told, and a way for their voices to be heard as we spread their good news. I believe that Brand Newz will have a constructive impact on the community, as people are educated and informed about entertainment, politics, health, finances and etc… We hope that we can continue to be a component in motivating people that support positive endeavors.”
More than a year ago, Christopher severely broke his leg in a “freak” accident; however, he felt that the experience was anything but an accident. During his incapacitation, Chris began to pray, read and reflect, as well as, watch a great deal of biographies, documentaries and especially 24-hour news channels. He became obsessed and very upset with networks that had the power and position to correct misconceptions, but chose to maintain the status quo. Finally Martin asked himself “Why don’t you do something about it”? Little did Martin know he and HP4 shared the same concern?
Supe, stated, “In the midst of all of the calamities and traumatic events we face in our generation, Brand Newz’s focus has been reporting on positive things taking place in today’s society. Since its launch, our aspiration was to consistently provide an insight on things that inspire, encourage, educate and motivate our viewers; while providing good news and a good feeling at the same time and who else but Christopher Martin to translate that message.”
According to Christopher “There’s as much good news as there is bad news to air about our communities, but the present mass media infrastructure has skewed reporting to disproportionately highlight negative activity in certain sectors of society. I don’t knock negative news, because its part of the information needed to survive; however, for the sake of balance the human spirit needs good news as well.”
Hopefully “Brand Newz” will help dispel some of those inaccurate stereotypes, by giving those same typecast victims the opportunity to prove their critics wrong. “Brand Newz” seeks broadcasters, journalist and industry interns, as well as apprentices and experienced persons to fill various crew positions. Brand Newz always wants to know ‘what’s good with you’ as we promote positive stories about those motivated minds trying to make a difference.
Brittany “B” Benson, current “Team Brand Newz” correspondent said, “I feel very blessed to be part of such a positive movement, and to be given the opportunity to work with HP4 on this vision. I think the viewers appreciate “Brand Newz” because of the way it differs from “ordinary” news sources.”
Evans said “Brand Newz operates with the belief that if you’re good enough to be in the news, then you’re good enough to report it? Anyone with a camcorder and a story about themselves, or the community is invited to send it to Brand Newz/HP4DW&S, P.O. Box 3596, Durham, NC 27702, for review and airing on “My RDC” and, or via www.brandnewz.com
Remember to make duplicates of your stories and works, because all materials will be kept and stored in our Brand Newz archive.” Go to website for more information.
WLFL/ WRDC TV General Manager Neal Davis declared, “Brand Newz is a positive look at the world around us. Brand Newz gives the viewers the rare opportunity to find the good things happening in their communities and the chance to tell the world about it. ”
“Team Brand Newz” correspondent Mike Nice had this to say, “Brand Newz is a new way for the community to show its positive side to America. We need to hear about good things going on in all neighborhoods. It is a very good medium for upbeat people to show the world what they’re doing to make the planet a better place. All positive stories…how real is that? Brand Newz is the beginning of a new brand of news.” Team Brand Newz will introduce new faces in new places, including correspondents Brittany Benson, Mike Nyce, and Halicia Thompson, as well as, Team Brand Newz Chief Editor Detrick Clark and Senior Producer Jeffonda Evans. Brand Newz encourages local talents from across the country to involve themselves in this brand new movement!
