Roland Martin Moves Over to TV One From CNN for New Sunday Morning Show

Didn't it seem like it was not more than a second ago, that we were talking about Roland Martin leaving the morning host spot at 1690 WVON Chicago for the Tom Joyner Morning Show. When opportunity knocks you better be ready.

Silver Spring-based cable channel TV One has tapped CNN analyst Roland Martin to host a new weekly public affairs series that will focus on issues critical to the African Americans community.

"Washington Watch with Roland Martin," due this fall, will feature interviews with officials from the White House, Congress and other policymakers who represent black communities, as well as discussions with journalists and commentators, and a wide range of policy experts.

“With the election of President Obama, Washington has taken center stage in the hearts and minds of African Americans, and with the many critical issues facing our country, this was the perfect time for us to launch a program to help our viewers understand what impact Washington policy decisions are likely to have on their lives,” said TV One President and CEO Johnathan Rodgers, who with Martin announced the new program Saturday at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans.

Martin will sit down each week with key newsmakers and members of the Congressional Black Caucus, according to the network, which is currently available in more than 47.5 million homes.

Also, American Urban Radio Networks White House Correspondent April Ryan and Comcast Network host and Philadelphia Tribune columnist Robert Traynham will join a rotating panel of journalists and experts set to discuss the top stories in Washington.

"Our goal is to also speak to a wide variety of individuals, whether they are Democrat, Republican, liberal, conservative, moderate, independent, African American, Hispanic, white, Asian, Native American, you name it," said Rodgers. "Washington Watch" debuts Sept. 27 at 11 a.m. ET, and will repeat each week at 5 p.m.