Here’s some news worth knowing that the press release I received announcing this new talk show didn’t include – Victoria Mahoney (writer/director of lauded indie drama Yelling To The Sky), is directing it.

Specifically, as Victoria tells us, she’s directing the first 8 episodes of the new talkie series, adding, “my interest in reflecting other perspectives, extends beyond feature narrative. TV in every capacity, needs to catch up with the times and minds of today.  I am determined to help make traction, in that expansion.“

Recapping… ASPiRE, the new television network from Magic Johnson Enterprises has has greenlit it first talk show.

Titled Exhale, the new network’s entry into the talk show space has been compared to The View, and will be hosted by the above 5 African American women in media.

Content will include conversation on the usual topics – family, relationships, career, money and faith.

Exhale, which is ASPiRE’s 3rd original series, will be produced by Lynne Robinson and Black Robin Media. 

Shooting has already begun for what will be an 8-episode first run set to debut in June; so Victoria is pretty much helming the entire first season.

“We are thrilled to add ‘Exhale’ to our lineup of original programming,” said the ASPiRE GM Paul Butler. “This fresh, hip and candid new series will enlighten audiences with its broad range of topics relevant to the community.” 

ASPiRE, launched in June 2012, was selected by Comcast from among over 100 candidates as one of four new minority-owned independent networks, and expectations are that the new network will be available in 20 to 30 million homes by the end of this year.