AllBlk Returns to Black Ownership After Acquisition by Macro

AllBlk has been acquired by Macro, bringing the streaming platform dedicated to Black stories back under Black ownership.

On Wednesday, Sept. 16, Macro announced it had purchased the streamer from AMC Global Media, marking Macro’s entry into the streaming world. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“From the beginning, our vision for Macro has been to create a vertically integrated media company that can support storytellers and audiences across the entire value chain,” Macro said in a statement. “AllBlk adds an additional piece to that vision with this opportunity to build upon what has made the platform successful.”

Founded by African-American Hollywood executive Charles D. King, Macro is a multiplatform entertainment company focused on amplifying the voices of people of color. King was previously a talent agent.

His company is known for its slate of acclaimed films, including Judas and the Black Messiah, Mudbound, Fences, Just Mercy, and Sorry to Bother You.

Macro most recently partnered with Netflix and the Obamas’ Higher Ground on the upcoming film Women Like Us, starring Whoopi Goldberg, Jenifer Lewis, Vanessa Williams and Vivica A. Fox

AllBlk offers original movies and TV shows aimed at Black audiences, along with stand-up comedy specials, documentaries, reality shows and stage plays.

The streamer’s original shows have included D.O.P.E. Unit, Á LA Carte, Bronx SIU, G.R.I.T.S., and Wild Rose.

Macro plans to bring new original content to the platform and focus on increasing its audience.

AllBlk was launched in 2014 by BET founder Robert L. Johnson as Urban Movie Channel (UMC). AMC acquired the service in 2018 and rebranded it as AllBlk in 2021.

Its acquisition by Macro now returns the platform to Black ownership.

“The vision for Macro since its inception has always gone beyond making incredible films and television,” the company said. “We set out to build a space for creatives and their stories, one that supports the journey from the original concept phase to ultimately being seen by audiences, and every level in between.”