TV ONE BEGINS PRODUCTION ON "RICKEY SMILEY FOR REAL"

Featuring Popular Nationally Syndicated Radio Host Rickey Smiley, New Series Set to Premiere in November

SILVER SPRING, MD. - SEPT. 15, 2015 - TV One is currently in production on Rickey Smiley For Real, a one-hour series featuring syndicated radio personality, host and stand-up comedian Rickey Smiley, as he tries to juggle his career and home life. Premiering in November, Rickey Smiley For Real, produced by Bobbcat Films, will capture Smiley as he navigates the "ups" and "downs" of professional demands, single fatherhood, and intimate relationships. Shooting in Atlanta, Georgia, where he resides during the week, and in his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, where he raises his family, Smiley's struggle to find work-life balance while trying to maintain a love life will be a central focus of the series.

"After two seasons of working with the 'ins and outs' of a scripted series while balancing my radio hosting responsibilities and my personal life, I realized the effort was redundant," said Smiley. "There was a better opportunity to share through a reality lens - showing warts and all - my efforts to maintain a satisfactory professional and personal life as a single father and entrepreneur."

Infusing his brand of comedy into every situation, Rickey Smiley For Real, will introduce viewers to his four children - sons Brandon and Malik, adopted daughter D'Essence, and adopted daughter Aaryn - as well as his extended family of co-workers, colleagues and friends - his deceased friend's son Craig, live-in assistant Miss Pat, personal assistant Miss Price, D'Essence's boyfriend Landon, business manager Bruce, childhood friend and family lawyer Nikita Blockton, radio co-host Da Brat, radio show sidekicks Gary Wit Da Tea, HeadCrack and Juicy, and radio show producer Beyonce Alowishus.

"So often reality series focus on extreme personalities in the Black community, reflecting a one-dimensional point-of-view," remarked D'Angela Proctor, TV One's head of original programming and production. "Rickey Smiley For Real seeks to offer an alternative slice of the reality pie in showcasing a successful Black man navigating life and career, but filled with just as much humor, drama, and relatable situations we know viewers and fans of Rickey Smiley will enjoy."

Rickey Smiley For Real is produced by Bobbcat Films for TV One with Rickey Smiley and Roger M. Bobb as executive producers and Angi Bones as co-executive producer. For TV One, Lamar Chase is executive-in-charge of production, Robyn Greene Arrington is vice president of original programming and production, and D'Angela Proctor is head of original programming and production.

ABOUT RICKEY SMILEY

Funny-man Rickey Smiley is known for making millions laugh for over 25 years. As a much loved comedian, television host of Dish Nation, and top rated nationally syndicated radio personality of The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, Smiley has earned a reputation for delivering for audiences on and off stage. With the distinct ability to take everyday observations and turn them into comedic gold, Smiley is a standout in the entertainment world. Smiley is one of the few "clean" comics amongst the upper echelon of contemporary great Comedians. In addition, his comedy shows often include a live band, which he accompanies playing several instruments and singing. Coming from his humble roots of Birmingham Alabama, Smiley rose to superstardom after igniting his 25-year career serving as opening act for Industry titans such as Steve Harvey, George Wallace, and Carl Strong. Throughout his career trajectory, Smiley has been one of the industry's most towering forces in building an impressive empire that has landed him preeminent roles on radio, television, film and on-stage performances. For more information on Smiley's personal and professional background, please visit http://www.rickeysmiley360.com/ and http://rickeysmileymorningshow.com/.

ABOUT TV ONE:

Launched in January 2004, TV One (www.tvone.tv) serves 57 million households, offering a broad range of real-life and entertainment-focused original programming, classic series, movies and music designed to entertain and inform a diverse audience of adult Black viewers. The network is the exclusive home of News One Now, the only live daily news program targeting Black viewers. In December 2008, the company launched TV One High Def, which now serves 14 million households. TV One is solely owned by Radio One [NASDAQ: ROIA and ROIAK, www.radio-one.com], the largest radio company that primarily targets Black and urban listeners.