Comcast Drops Fuse After A Decade, Says Decision Is “Suprising And Troubling”

Comcast Drops Fuse After A Decade, Says Decision Is “Suprising And Troubling”

Comcast has announced today that they have decided to drop Fuse, which focuses on multicultural prog..

Comcast has announced today that they have decided to drop Fuse, which focuses on multicultural programming. The news was announced today by Michael Schwimmer, President and CEO of Fuse Media.

“Despite Comcasts publicly-stated commitment to support diverse and independently operated networks, Comcast has elected to drop Fuse, a multicultural-focused television network, on December 31, after more than a decade of carriage. This decision is both surprising and troubling considering that Fuse met Comcasts financial demands and no other requirements were ever communicated to us,” said Schwimmer in a statement given to Deadline. “A commitment to diversity is an enduring value, not a politically expedient card for Comcast to play until such time as consent decrees or business objectives no longer require it. Comcasts behavior leading to its decision to drop Fuse reveals an agenda inconsistent with their public statements, giving further credence to the merit of on-going DOJ oversight.”

Schwimmer adds, “We have been dedicated from the very beginning to providing opportunities for diverse creative talent to entertain and inform diverse communities. By removing our network from its consumer offering, Comcast is silencing yet another independent media company, in this case one that is devoted to providing a platform for inclusive voices and authentic representation at a uniquely important time in our society.”

Fuse is home to series such the unscripted T-Pains School of Business and The Hollywood Puppet Show from executive producer Wilmer Valderrama and Entertainment One. Their programming also includes the Fuse Docs series of documentaries such as the Peabody Award-winning Indivisible about Dreamers. Fuse recently greenlit the new animated series Sugar and Toys.

Fuse has a loyal viewership, specifically from underserved communities. From 2015 through end of 3rd quarter 2018 Fuses ratings are up over 50% in the coveted P18-34 age group while overall ad-supported cable declined 34% in the demo during the same timeframe. As well during Q3, Fuse delivered a 74% multicultural comp ranking it #5 among English-language ad-supported entertainment cable networks.

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