Diddy's Next Venture Is A Music-Themed Cable Network

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By Rob Markman

Diddy has kept business flowing outside of the music industry in the past few years, pushing fashion and his Cîroc vodka brand, but the entertainment mogul in now reportedly in talks to launch a new cable network. Broadcasting & Cable reports that Combs will be launching Revolt, a music-themed channel that will go live on December 12, 2012.

According to B&C, who cited unnamed sources, the producer/rapper has hooked up with former MTV programming chief Andy Schuon to develop the network, which is said to be aimed at African-American audiences. It is being reported that Comcast will distribute Revolt, though a Comcast rep would not confirm Diddy's involvement. Time Warner Cable, however, admitted to having "some discussions" with Combs regarding Revolt and it is being reporting that they will also be involved with the network's distribution.

This year looks to be big for Diddy's Bad Boy Records. In late 2011, he signed French Montana and MTV's Hottest Breakthrough MC winner Machine Gun Kelly, and Brooklyn MC Red Café will drop his debut Shakedown in the coming months.

In a radio interview with DJ Whoo Kid earlier this month, Diddy addressed the criticism that Bad Boy doesn't fully support its artists. "Over the last couple of years, there's been a strong propaganda movement that's been brewing in the negative sense against Bad Boy, against what it is to sign to the Bad Boy label, if it's a detriment to your career," Diddy said. "Just hate. Just regular hate and also a lot of people not understanding how this industry works. ... This is not a PG-rated industry. If you're weak, you'll be eaten alive."

MTV News has reached out to a Diddy representative but has not yet received comment.

What do you think of Diddy's plans to start a music-themed cable network? Tell us in the comments.

[url=http://rapfix.mtv.com/2012/01/24/diddy-next-venture-music-themed-cable-network/]View the full article[/url]