LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Longstanding Asian American media publisher Character Media and ChimeTV, the first Asian American cable network, will merge to form North America’s premier Asian media conglomerate. Character Media owner Imperial Family Companies (IFC), led by HIH Andrew Lee of the Joseon Empire, together with Society 1, owner of ChimeTV and spearheaded by CEO Takashi Cheng, made the official announcement today.
“The integration of Chime TV with Character Media signifies the dawn of a new chapter in Asian American media,” said Cheng. “This partnership goes beyond content creation. It's about molding culture, amplifying our narratives, and constructing a legacy that resonates with Asians and Pacific Islanders in the U.S., Canada and around the world.”
The monumental merger comes on the heels of Character Media’s largest and most successful Unforgettable Gala (UNFO) to date, when more than 1,000 gathered at the 21st annual awards event in Beverly Hills last month to celebrate Asian Pacific Islander excellence in entertainment, arts and culture. The news also follows the first-ever televised broadcast of UNFO via the ChimeTV network, airing for the first time nationwide on cable television. As ChimeTV readies to evolve into Golden TV, together with Character Media, the entities are poised to establish the most influential Asian American media conglomerate in North America, significantly shaping the media landscape.
Lee, CEO of IFC and owner of Character Media, added, “The combined strengths of Character Media and ChimeTV will empower us to craft unparalleled content and opportunities. We're excited to embark on this journey, setting a new benchmark for media representation.”
A pivotal figure in the Asian American community, James Ryu, founder and publisher of Character Media, remarked, “Witnessing the merger of Character Media with ChimeTV is a dream come true. In addition to the business expansion, this merger is about establishing a voice and platform that mirrors the diversity and depth of the API community.”
Character Media, renowned for its KoreAm legacy and annual production of the Unforgettable Gala, the largest Asian American entertainment awards show, will continue to amplify the achievements of APIs in entertainment, arts and culture through its gala celebration and yearlong editorial content. Coupled with ChimeTV's cable television platform and innovative content approach, the merger will extend the reach and impact of both entities.
“This collaboration is about crafting an extraordinary powerhouse in media,” emphasized Cheng. “As we set to activate the Golden TV ecosystem, we mark a new era in API entertainment and media. Together, we can lead the way for more opportunities for API stories and in turn revolutionize the entire industry.”
Follow Character Media (@Character.Media) and ChimeTV (@WatchChimeTV) on Instagram. Updates are also available on Facebook (@CharacterMediaCom), X/Twitter (@Character_Media), and TikTok (@charactermedia).
Press requiring additional details on the merger or more information on upcoming related projects may contact Jessica del Mundo (jessica@10storyhouse.com or press@charactermedia.com) at 323-741-5600.
About Character Media:
Character Media, a subsidiary of Imperial Family Companies, has been the premier source of news and events for the Asian American entertainment community for more than 30 years (along with its predecessors Kore Asian Media, KoreAm Journal and Audrey Magazine). Character Media traces its roots back to 1990, when it was founded by Jung Shig Ryu and his son, current publisher James Ryu, under the name KoreAm Journal.
About ChimeTV:
Asian American-owned ChimeTV, led by Takashi Cheng, is America’s only 24/7 general entertainment AAPI English language channel, delivering entertainment, voices, stories, and experiences of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) people through cable TV and streaming platforms. ChimeTV unites all cultures and is a beacon that illuminates the richness, depth, and dynamism of AAPI culture, fostering understanding, appreciation, and connection. In 2024, ChimeTV will rebrand as the new Golden TV.
About Imperial Family Companies:
Led by HIH Andrew Lee of the Joseon Empire, Imperial Family Companies represent a portfolio of companies ranging across multiple industries, with one unifying characteristic: great people executing their ideas at the highest level with a commitment to empowering people everywhere. More information is available at ImperialFamily.com.
About Society 1:
Society 1 is a privately funded members club founded by leaders of Southern California’s Asian American community. Society 1 advocates for a sustained commitment to justice and ensures that people from historically marginalized communities are given a voice and platform. As changemakers, Society 1 also helps brand partners build inclusive decision-making practices and promote diversity in the workplace. Membership at Society 1 offers access to private events and experiences, designed to enhance the presence, influence, and participation of Asian Americans in leading circles of society. Follow Society 1 on Instagram @officialsocietyone.