Angela Cannon Leads AspireTV Into a New Era of Black Excellence
Angela Cannon, a powerhouse media executive, has built AspireTV into what she calls “the epicenter of Black culture.” As Senior Vice President of Multicultural Networks and General Manager at UP Entertainment, Cannon leads with purpose — ensuring that Black stories, creators, and audiences are seen and celebrated across screens.
“At AspireTV, we are the epicenter of Black culture, delivering premium entertainment that authentically represents us as a culture,” Cannon said during her Mompreneurs interview with host Nancy Redd. “It represents Black life, Black style, Black stories, Black success.”
Through her work, Cannon continues to shift how Black culture is portrayed in media — transforming AspireTV into a hub where community, creativity, and culture thrive side by side.
Building a Career Rooted in Representation and Storytelling
Cannon’s journey into media was anything but traditional. She once studied medicine before realizing her true calling was storytelling. “I had to find out what that next thing was, and it always led back to entertainment,” she recalled. That realization led her to California, where she worked her way through the entertainment world, developing a passion for stories that reflect the depth of Black experiences.
Even as a child, Cannon noticed the lack of representation on screen. “When I was little, I remember thinking, how come we’re not on the TV?” she said. Today, she’s doing something about it — using AspireTV to fill that gap. “We thought about what was missing out there, which was positive Black voices and representation that you don’t always see on other networks,” she explained.
Among her proudest achievements is AspireTV’s latest project, Harlem Globetrotters: Secrets of the City, which showcases creativity and culture through an unapologetically Black lens.
Empowering Teams and Embracing Innovation in Media
Cannon’s leadership philosophy centers on teamwork and learning. She’s a firm believer that growth comes from surrounding yourself with great minds. “By hiring smarter people, you’re the one that is ultimately reaping the benefits,” she said. “You manage that team, you learn from that team, you grow with that team.”
Her curiosity and commitment to innovation have kept her at the forefront of the media industry. She even went back to school to study digital marketing and project management to ensure AspireTV stays ahead of evolving trends. “I wanted to make sure that I understood how digital marketing was going to change the way we connect with both traditional and streaming audiences,” she explained.
This forward-thinking approach has made Cannon a bridge between traditional storytelling and the new digital landscape — all while keeping representation at the heart of it.
Mentoring the Next Generation of Black Creatives
Cannon’s success isn’t just about building networks — it’s about building people. She’s deeply committed to mentoring young Black talent who want to make their mark in media and technology. “I wanted to tap back into our young people and say, you can make a difference and I’m going to help get you there,” she said.
She also stresses the importance of embracing technology, especially artificial intelligence, to ensure Black voices shape the future of innovation. “It’s not that AI is going to take the jobs — it’s the people that understand how to use AI that are going to take the jobs,” she said. “We should lean into it more and not be afraid.”
Through mentorship and advocacy, Cannon ensures that Black talent not only has a seat at the table but is also shaping the conversation.
Motherhood and Purpose: A New Chapter for Angela Cannon
Beyond her media achievements, Cannon is embracing another role — motherhood. After years of dedication to her career, she made the decision to adopt a baby boy, a choice she describes as both powerful and grounding. “He is a joy, he is a blessing. And I couldn’t be prouder,” she said.
Cannon shared that her journey to motherhood wasn’t simple. “Should I do IVF? Adoption? Fostering? How is that going to affect my career?” she recalled asking herself. But with the support of her family and friends, she followed her heart. “Everything works out in the timing that it should,” she said. “I feel a sense of purpose has come over me, more so than ever before.”
Her story reminds women everywhere that purpose, leadership, and love can coexist — and that it’s never too late to define your own version of success.
