The NAACP has partnered up with TV One in a new multi-media 5 year agreement, that will see TV One become the new TV home for the association’s NAACP Image Awards, beginning with the live airing of the 45th NAACP Image Awards, in February 2014. 

The multimedia partnership was jointly announced today by NAACP National Board of Directors Chairman Roslyn M. Brock and TV One Chairman and CEO / President of Radio One Alfred Liggins.

“Our new multi-faceted long-term partnership with TV One will bring expanded visibility and awareness of the NAACP and its important programs, such as the NAACP Image Awards,” said NAACP’s Brock. “TV One offers the resources and capabilities to reach audiences in today’s broad media universe, therefore advancing the message of promoting and protecting human and civil rights.”

In addition to airing the Image Awards live broadcast, the network will also provide promotional support on TV One, Radio One and Reach Media, Interactive One, and via a multi-platform marketing campaign.

“We are truly honored to be partnering with the NAACP and becoming the new home for the Image Awards,” said Liggins of TV One. “Today’s announcement is a game changer for TV One and our loyal viewers across the country. As we prepare to celebrate the 10th anniversary of TV One’s 2004 launch, I can think of no greater opportunity to thank this audience than by providing them with access to the preeminent awards show that showcases the incredible achievements of Black Americans and by creating an ongoing opportunity for dialogue around social justice issues on TV One.”

The NAACP Image Awards previously aired on NBC, which, arguably made it more widely accessible, since NBC is a broadcast network TV network, while TV One is a cable and satellite TV network. So what this could mean for the show’s viewership from here on, will be made clear when the next installment airs, for the first time on TV One, in February.

The 44th Annual NAACP Awards, which was broadcast on NBC last February, drew 3 million viewers overall, matching its year-ago rating in adults 18-49, and equaled its highest result since 2009. TV One's most popular series don't draw those kinds of numbers, so this could be a boost for the network, in the long run.

Submissions are now being accepted until Friday, November 15, 2013 for Image Awards consideration – information is available at www.naacpimageawards.net.

Nominations for the 45th NAACP Image Awards will be announced next January.