Russell Simmons Eyes TV Network Purchase

6:41 PM PDT 9/20/2011 by THR Staff

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Amy Sussman/Getty Images for FIJI Water

The music producer says the small screen needs an integrated channel that better reflects American culture.

Music mogul Russell Simmons is eyeing a major media purchase: he wants to buy a TV network.

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The channel would be "integrated" and truly "diverse," not segregated as is the standard now. Simmons said at a charity event in Hong Kong Tuesday that when mainstream networks "say diversity they mean segregation. 'Let's do some more black TV.' Instead, there's all these cultures that should be more integrated properly."

Simmons also said, according to the Wall Street Journal, "Networks are a little show in how mainstream culture is shifting. There's a lack of integration in Hollywood, and I want to address that."

The Def Jam Recordings honcho also revealed during the event that he's working with Brian Grazer and Ron Howard on a television project.

Simmons first mentioned his TV aspirations in a New York Post interview last month.

A formal announcement about Simmons' TV plan is coming soon, promised Simmons, "Now you've heard about it. It's going to happen."