Angela Cannon serves as Senior Vice President of Multicultural Networks and General Manager of AspireTV at UP Entertainment. The powerhouse media executive has built a trailblazing career amplifying Black voices and mentoring future leaders. She recently shared her journey on the Mompreneurs podcast with host Nancy Redd.
“At AspireTV, we are the epicenter of Black culture, delivering premium entertainment that authentically represents us as a culture,” Cannon explained. “It represents Black life, Black style, Black stories, Black success.” Her leadership has transformed the network into a vital platform for diverse creators.
From Pre-Med Student to Media Executive Leading AspireTV
Cannon’s path to prominence in media and entertainment wasn’t planned—it was destined. She initially studied medicine in college but realized her heart was elsewhere. Her passion always led back to discovering more about the entertainment industry.
She moved to California and worked her way through the entertainment world. Cannon developed a deep passion for curating stories that reach audiences effectively. “I wanted to be that person to make the decision,” she said about choosing which stories get told.
Recognizing the Gap in Black Representation on Television
From a young age, Cannon understood that representation on screen was severely lacking. “Even back then, when I was little, I remember thinking, how come we’re not on the TV?” she recalled. She noticed the absence of people who looked like her in mainstream programming.
This early awareness shaped her career trajectory and mission. She wanted to change the landscape so future generations would see themselves represented. Her determination to fill this gap drove her work at AspireTV for nearly two decades.
Building AspireTV as the Epicenter of Black Culture
Today, Cannon drives innovation at AspireTV and UP Entertainment as both strategist and storyteller. She oversees marketing, operations, and programming for the network. Additionally, she develops partnerships resulting in must-see projects like AspireTV’s newest release, Harlem Globetrotters: Secrets of the City.
“I didn’t know that I would be sitting here running a network 18 years later,” Cannon admitted. “I didn’t aspire to do that. I aspired to make sure that our voices were heard.” The team focused on what was missing—positive Black voices and representation not always seen on other networks.
Continuous Learning and Staying Ahead of Industry Changes
Curiosity fuels Cannon’s staying power in the rapidly evolving media landscape. Even while advancing her career, she’s continued her education in various fields. She’s studied everything from digital marketing to project management to stay on top of her field.
“I went back to school to make sure that I understood what digital marketing was,” she explained. She wanted to understand how marketing would change for both linear television viewers and streaming customers. Staying ahead of the curve has been essential to her success.
The Power of Hiring Smarter People and Building Strong Teams
Cannon’s willingness to bring in and nurture new talent has helped navigate the media industry’s challenges. By trusting her team’s expertise and embracing innovation, she’s helped her network reach new heights. “It helped me to grow too,” she shared about working with talented professionals.
“You can’t think that it’s only on your shoulders—it’s the team you build,” Cannon emphasized. She believes in making sure team members have the wherewithal to take the organization to the next level. “By hiring smarter people, you’re the one that is ultimately reaping the benefits,” she added.
Mentoring the Next Generation of Media and Technology Leaders
Another crucial facet of Cannon’s work is her passion for mentorship. The seasoned media executive uses her knowledge to empower the next generation. She ensures that fresh voices continue to shape media and entertainment for years to come.
“I wanted to tap back into our young people and say, you can make a difference,” she told Redd. “I’m going to help get you there.” She wants to be a vehicle to help young people understand their potential impact in technology conversations.
Embracing AI and Technology to Stay Current in Media
Cannon sparks important conversations about navigating new technology like artificial intelligence. She emphasizes that staying current requires embracing new tech and understanding how it changes work and culture. Her perspective challenges common fears about technological advancement.
“It’s not that AI is going to take the jobs,” she explained. “It’s the people that understand how to use AI that are going to take the jobs.” She encourages people to lean into technology rather than fear it. “We need to be the ones that are affecting how AI shows up for us as a culture,” she added.
Balancing Career Success With the Journey to Motherhood
Today, Cannon is embracing a new chapter—motherhood through adoption. “I always wanted to be a mom,” she said. When it didn’t happen naturally, she decided to focus on making motherhood a reality on her own terms.
Choosing motherhood required careful consideration of several options. “Should I do IVF? Adoption? Fostering? How is that going to affect my career in the long term?” she wondered. Ultimately, she adopted a beautiful baby boy who has brought immense joy to her life.
The Power of Village and Support Systems for Working Mothers
Cannon isn’t navigating motherhood alone. She has a devoted support system of family and friends who have shown up every step of the way. Their presence has made her transition to motherhood smoother and more joyful.
“The village is strong and mighty and I’m so grateful,” she shared. The love for both her and her son has been clearly seen and heard. “Everything works out in the timing that it should,” Cannon reflected. “I feel a sense of purpose has come over me, moreso than ever before.”
Her financial stability allows her to be there for her son the way she wants. She feels more grounded than ever before. Cannon’s journey demonstrates that women can build successful careers while creating the families they’ve always wanted.
