Welcome to another episode of HBCU Legends! In this episode, host Kyle T. Mosley sits down with Hardy Pelt, Chief Revenue Officer of Urban Edge Network and a true game-changer in the world of HBCU sports media.
Together, they dive deep into the obstacles and opportunities of controlling your own content, especially for historically Black colleges and universities—and break down how major media companies have historically sidelined HBCU games and audiences.
Hardy pulls back the curtain on the business of broadcasting, sharing stories about major networks moving crucial HBCU matchups to off-peak times, and why Black audiences are so often kept as consumers but rarely elevated to owners in the media landscape.
The conversation covers everything from the power of Black unity, to the importance of impressions and KPIs in the marketing world, to why owning your own streaming platform—like the Urban Edge Network app or SWAC TV—is a vital step toward financial independence for Black institutions.
You'll hear Hardy passionately explain the challenges HBCUs face when navigating ad agencies, why exposure doesn't always translate to dollars, and the real economics behind TV deals for classic games like the Bayou Classic.
Plus, get practical advice for content creators and institutions—no matter how big or small—on harnessing technology, supporting Black-owned platforms, and building a sustainable future. Tune in for an eye-opening, motivational, and deeply informative conversation about ownership, legacy, and leveling the media playing field for HBCUs and beyond.
TIMESTAMP
00:00 Challenging Media Bias in Sports
04:36 Marketing Manipulation and Cultural Influence
08:05 Impressions-Based Buying System
10:36 Black Media Economic Exclusion
16:27 "Prioritize Ownership in Branding Deals"
17:17 Exclusive Content Drives App Success
22:19 Confronting Misguided Consultancy Practices
24:17 "Black Economic Power Awakening"
29:05 Black Economic Contributions Ignored
30:04 "Implement Faith in Education"
34:48 Unjustified Conflict with Swack
37:03 Racial Bias in Black Spaces
40:44 "Control and Secure Your Content"
43:34 "Spreading Love Isn't Always Enough"
48:49 "Bank Seeks Control Amid CFO Issues"
51:28 "Demanding Industry Respect"
52:50 Interview with Urban Edge CRO
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