JC Watts, the former Republican Congressman who is making news after his announcement that he plans to launch an all-black cable news network some time this year, says that issues like the Reverend Wright scandal show that such a network is sorely needed.

"I've not seen anything in his writings, in his speeches, in his books, in his public appearances, that would encourage me to believe that he views the world through the Rev. Wright's prism," said Watts, the last black Republican to serve in the U.S. House. "I'm a Republican. Barack Obama is a Democrat. I am not taking a position in the presidential race, but I can tell you this: If people vote against Barack Obama because of what the Rev. Wright said, it would be unfortunate. I don't agree with what the Rev. Wright said, but I've said to some of my Republican friends: 'Guys, it's a whole big world out there and I guarantee you, before all is said and done, there will be associations that a Republican has. You are going to be on a slippery slope."'

As for Watts' political affiliation, he said that not all blacks think alike, but most of them vote alike. He plans to show a "diversity of black opinions" on his network. Now, that could be a good thing. Or it could be a euphemism for "black Fox News." It's not necessarily the impression I get, but only time will tell.

Before former Republican Congressman JC Watts launches his all-black news network sometime next year, he's surely going to try to poach the black anchors, correspondents, and guest commentators, the number of which has multiplied since the election started, from his "mainstream" competition. Below, check out some of the people who might be getting sweet offers from Watts & Co. in the new year. But will they take them?

Former Republican Congressman JC Watts — who stepped out of politics to run his business, later becoming a correspondent on Fox News and CNN — says CNN and Fox News just don't cover black topics like they could. But that's old news. The new news is that Watts is planning on launching a Black News Network sometime in 2009. No word on who is launching it with him or how he's doing it, but experts estimate it would cost about $100 million to launch a news network and six months to staff it. Comcast has already agreed to carry the channel in Philly, DC, Baltimore, Atlanta, Chicago, and Detroit, most of which have majority-black populations. As nice as this seems, how exactly will a black news network with a staunch Republican at the helm really turn out? Only time will tell, but I'd be happy to take guesses on who will be the O'Reillys, Olbermanns, and Matthews of the new network. [NYP]

• A new black show is coming to television! Does it count if it's an animated spin-off of Family Guy? [HN]

• A lesson to the ladies: This might seem like common sense, but try to avoid going into hotel rooms with Dennis Rodman. [People]

• Former congressman J.C. Watts is launching a black news network. [NPR]

• 50 Cent wastes Nelson Mandela's time. [MTV]

• Somebody please buy Kanye West this building. He'll die if he doesn't get it. [KW]