urban elite network podcast

Marcus Fizer is the founder of the Urban Elite Network, a media startup that aims to build a comprehensive empire. This includes a TV network, digital magazine, podcast network, and even a coffee company. The focus is on African American creators and stories, with an emphasis on representation and unique content. Marcus has a strong business plan, including tiered advertising packages, exclusive channels, and affordable airtime packages for smaller creators. He also prioritizes quality and consistency, with curated themes for each channel and a meticulously planned editorial calendar for the magazine. He treats talent fairly by paying them and proposing a revenue sharing model for image usage. Marcus has a vision to not only build a successful media company but also to empower and inspire others by offering his platform as a model for niche creators. All right, so today we're diving deep into media startups, but this is not just about some kid in their basement with a microphone. We are talking about building a whole empire brick by brick. Yeah, it's really impressive the scope of the vision here. I mean, today we're looking at Marcus Fizer, the founder of the Urban Elite Network. And he is not just dipping his toes in the water, he's going all in. Yeah, absolutely, and we're talking a TV network, a digital magazine, a podcast network on 22 platforms, and get this, a coffee company. Which at first glance, you're like, coffee, really? But it actually ties back into the whole story from Chicago, South Side, Roseland to be exact, and you can see how that upbringing, that energy, that hustle, the need for diverse voices to break through is all woven into this venture. That's really interesting, and you know what? We'll circle back to the coffee a little bit later, but first I wanna break down this media empire he's trying to build piece by piece. And let's start with the TV network. And this isn't just like one or two channels, right? This is a whole curated experience. It is. This is like a mix of those classic shows that you just can't find on cable anymore, plus fresh, independent content, all with a focus on African American creators and stories. Yeah, he's really smart for that. You know, a lot of people miss those old shows, but then he's also bringing in these new voices, new perspectives, and it's content you're not gonna find anywhere else, you know? It's unique. It's such a smart strategy, and he's curating it all himself. And speaking of curated, let's talk about Urban Elite Magazine, because this isn't just your average, you know, run-of-the-mill, glossy magazine. No, not at all. This is high-quality photography showcasing up-and-coming models. It's got in-depth interviews with artists who deserve the spotlight, articles about black-owned businesses, tech innovators, all of that. It's about representation, absolutely. But I think it also goes a little bit deeper than that. You know, he's providing a platform for inspiration, education, connection. It's aspirational, but then it's grounded in these real stories, you know, real people who are out there actually doing the work. Right, exactly, it's accessible. Okay, so we've talked about the creative vision, but before we get to the coffee, which I'm dying to hear more about, let's talk about the business side of things, because Marcus clearly has a head for business. His notes on revenue streams are, let's just say, extensive. Yeah, he's not messing around. He's thinking about tiered advertising packages for both the TV network and the online magazine. Then there's also the option to buy airtime on those linear channels, which he even mentions could be password-protected. Whoa, hold on, password-protected, so like exclusive content for certain audiences. Exactly, like a private network within the network. So maybe a company wants to broadcast its internal training videos, or a community organization wants to share messages with its members. It's all about flexibility, you know, and catering to those niche audiences. I love that. Okay, so we've got these exclusive channels, targeted advertising. What else? So he's really thought of everything, hasn't he? What else is on his mind? Well, he's also thinking about ways to make it more affordable, you know, especially for smaller creators. So he's got these monthly airtime packages at a discounted rate, which provides a steady stream of income for him, but also makes it more accessible. That's really smart. It's like he's creating this whole ecosystem where everyone wins. And speaking of winning, can we talk about Grandpa's Best Coffees? Because that name just makes me smile every time I hear it. They're pretty great. Yeah. Yeah, and it actually started as something he would brew up for himself, like late night creative sessions, fueling those dreams. And now it's like, it's 22 flavors, inspired by his grandfather's recipes. And he's integrated it into the entire Urban Elite Network. So we're talking branded coffee mugs, maybe even subscription boxes with coffee and magazine content. Exactly, this is brilliant. Right, it's all about building that brand, creating an experience. Okay, I am all on board with this. But, you know, building a media empire takes more than just big ideas and delicious coffee. That's true. You gotta have the operational know-how to make it all work. You need a good team and systems. Yeah. And it seems like from these notes that he's got a pretty good handle on that side of things too. Yeah, he seems very detail-oriented. He's got notes on everything from client onboarding to content scheduling, even quarterly business reviews. This is serious business. This isn't just about selling airtime. This is about building relationships, you know, partnerships. Yeah, absolutely. He's really thinking about that whole customer journey from start to finish. Like he mentions that new clients will receive welcome packages, dedicated account managers. He's even looking at project management software to streamline production and provide clients with actual performance analytics. That's impressive. With all of this variety, right, the TV channels, the magazine, the coffee, the podcasts, can he really maintain that high bar for quality? Well, that's the million dollar question, isn't it? But from what I'm seeing here, he's at least aware of the challenge. Like take the TV network, for example. He's got dedicated channels for everything. Kids programming, indie films. He's even got a sci-fi channel. And we can't forget about Soul Select, that 24-7 music video channel. Exactly, and it's all curated. That's what we want, just curated vibe. Right, and he's mapped out themes for each channel. He's even thinking about standardized production processes for commercials, just to ensure that everything remains consistent, high quality. Smart, okay, so what about Urban Elite Magazine? How do you keep a consistent voice and vision with such a diverse range of topics? Yeah, I mean, that's always a challenge with a magazine, right? But again, his editorial calendar is meticulously planned out. So January's all about new year, new goals. Inspiring stories, practical advice. March is Women's History Month. June is Pride Month. You get the idea. Yeah, it's very comprehensive. And I notice he even has Mental Health Awareness Month. Oh, yeah, absolutely. This is not just like a superficial magazine. No, this is about sparking conversation. And of course, each issue will feature those stunning photo shoots with up-and-coming models and artists. Which brings me to my next point, actually. The talent, is he treating them fairly? Because we're talking about their art, their image, their livelihoods. Yeah, and this is something that he seems to be very sensitive to. Like, he's adamant about paying everyone featured, even if it's a smaller fee for now. And he's thinking very carefully about image rights, which is huge. Okay, so break that down for me, because image rights can be a little tricky. Sure, so he's proposing a system where the talent will be paid for the initial photo shoot. And Urban Elite Network, you know, they could use a select few of those images for that specific feature. But then, he wants to hold on to the rest of the images for potential future use. Which makes sense for him as a business owner. Right, exactly, so maybe for online articles, promotional materials, whatever. But here's the thing. He doesn't want to just, you know, take advantage. So he's proposing that they get to keep like a poster picture from the shoot. And they can use that to promote themselves. Okay, so they can sell that poster, use it on their own website, stuff like that. Exactly, so it's mutually beneficial. I like that a lot. Yeah, and then he even mentions a revenue sharing model. So if he uses their images in, say, like a future issue of Urban Elite magazine, they would get a cut of the profits. Wow, so everyone wins. That's the idea. I mean, talk about building loyalty and trust with the people you're working with. Right, and it all feeds back into that core vision of empowerment and community. Yeah, I'm really starting to see the bigger picture here. This isn't just about Marcus building a media company. He's trying to build a movement. I think you're right. But, you know, ambition is one thing. Turning it into a sustainable business, that's a whole other challenge. Definitely, and that's what we'll have to see. Can he actually pull this off? Because building an empire takes more than just a good blueprint, you know? It takes grit, resourcefulness, and probably a little bit of luck. So we've seen the blueprints, we've smelled the coffee. Well, figuratively, I guess. I know. But we really get a sense of just how ambitious this whole urban elite network really is. But how does Marcus see this playing out long-term, you know? Is it all about becoming this huge media giant, or is there something more to it? That's a great question. And, you know, looking through his notes, I actually think it's more nuanced than just, like, pure expansion. He talks about partnerships, maybe even expanding into new markets. But here's where it gets really interesting. He's toying with the idea of offering his platform as a model for other niche creators. Hold on, so like a franchise model, but for representation. Yeah, exactly. Imagine this. Someone's passionate about, say, Latinx stories or LGBTQ filmmakers, and they want to launch their own network. They could use urban elite as a blueprint, right? They could tap into the infrastructure, the systems, all the expertise that Marcus has built. That could be huge. I mean, that's not just building one network, that's changing the whole game. Exactly. But let's be real, dreams need a solid foundation. So how does he plan to make this whole thing financially viable, especially with these big ambitions for social impact? And that's where those notes on nonprofits come in. Okay, tell me more. This is where you see that he's not just focused on the bottom line. He wants to use this platform to make a real difference. So he's proposing this special offer for nonprofit organizations. Basically, they can buy airtime at a significantly reduced rate. And, get this, they get to keep all the ad revenue generated during their slots. Wow, he's essentially offering free advertising. Yeah, pretty much. And not just to anyone, but to organizations that are doing good in the world. That's a powerful statement. It is, it's a gamble for sure. But it's one with a potentially huge payoff. Because not only does it position Urban Elite Network as a force for good within the community, but it also attracts socially conscious viewers and advertisers. It aligns his business goals with this broader mission. Exactly. And that is powerful. You know, it's funny, we started this deep dive really just looking at a media startup. But the more we uncover, the more it becomes about something much bigger. It's about empowerment. It's about giving a voice to the unheard. Giving a platform to those who are often unseen. It's about representation. And honestly, that's the difference between just building a company and sparking a movement. And I think Marcus Fizer just might be onto something truly special here. Only time will tell if he can pull it off. But one thing's for sure, he's asking all the right questions and he's building with a purpose. And that's what makes this dove dive so thought-provoking for me. What if this model, this commitment to representation and community, what if this really could disrupt the media landscape as we know it? And what if Marcus's success inspires a whole new generation of creators and entrepreneurs to go out there and build their own empires on their own terms? Now those are questions worth pondering. So the next time you hear about a new media startup, remember this, it might be more than just a business. It might just be the start of a revolution.