About
Revolutionizing Content Consumption for the Culture
At POLARIS, we strive to create a platform that truly represents and celebrates Black culture, entertainment, and technology. Launched in December 2021, our television platform quickly gained momentum with its coverage of MLK, Black History Month, Essence Festival, and the Rolling Loud Festival. Now, with the introduction of our digital property, watchpolaris.com, we continue to offer exclusive content spanning culture, music, and news.
As a 100% Black-owned multimedia entertainment brand, our mission is to revolutionize content consumption across TV, digital, and social platforms. Airing on WatchFree+, VIZIO’s free streaming service, our 24-hour streaming channel highlights narratives created by BIPOC storytellers, empowers emerging content creators, and collaborates with some of hip-hop’s most influential artists. With a leadership team that includes esteemed TV industry veteran Rahman J. Dukes, iconic journalist Sway Calloway, respected music historian Shaheem Reid and industry hidden polymath Nathaniel Clark, POLARIS is uniquely positioned to deliver premium, cross-generational content that entertains, educates, inspires, and uplifts the community.
As we continue to grow and expand our offerings, we invite you to join us on this journey to redefine entertainment and celebrate the wealth of talent within the community. With your support, we can ensure that POLARIS remains a beacon of inspiration and empowerment for generations to come.
Our Team
Chief executive Officer
Rahman J Dukes
Rahman Dukes, a New York native and hip-hop journalism pioneer, has been a leading voice in the genre for the past 20 years. He began his career at MTV Networks in 1996, where he was mentored by Fred Jordan, the late VP of Music Programming. Over the years, Dukes has contributed significantly to hip-hop’s ascent to the top of the music industry by creating groundbreaking content for digital, social media, and television platforms. He has worked with notable artists like Jay-Z, Lauryn Hill, D’Angelo, and Kanye West, among others, and has been instrumental in the development of MTV’s urban unit and the popular Video Music Awards.
In addition to his work at MTV, Dukes co-founded MTV JAMS and was part of the team that launched the African American-targeted cable network, REVOLT, in 2013. He has also consulted for various record labels and media platforms, played a vital role in the rise of the podcast empire, and worked on social justice initiatives like “Justice for Flint” with directors Ryan Coogler and Ava Duvernay. Currently, Dukes is working with legendary journalists Shaheem Reid and Sway Calloway on Coopertown Media, aka CM Media, a venture aimed at creating content and supporting the next generation of content creators in the live production space.
Founding Member
Sway Calloway
Sway Calloway, a multifaceted American journalist, radio personality, executive producer, and former rapper, rose to fame as the co-host of the nationally syndicated radio show The Wake Up Show, alongside DJ King Tech. The influential show featured music, interviews, and helped launch the careers of several rappers, including Ras Kass, Chino XL, and Eminem. Currently, Sway hosts “Sway in the Morning” on SiriusXM Shade45 and MTV’s TRLAM, providing a platform for the latest music, news, and cultural content.
In his early career, Sway and King Tech released independent albums and secured a major label record deal with Giant Records. Their 1990 album, Concrete Jungle, opened doors for them to host their own radio show on KMEL. The duo later released albums under their own label, Bolo Entertainment, and Interscope Records. In 2000, Sway joined MTV as a correspondent and reporter for various music video shows and news specials, such as Total Request Live and Direct Effect. The success of The Wake Up Show on radio led to a brief TV version on MTV in 2004.
Sway’s career has seen numerous milestones and notable moments. In 2006, he signed a unique contract with MTV, granting him the ability to bring new projects to the network and produce programming with King Tech. This made him the first TV personality since Carson Daly to negotiate such a deal. Sway has made guest appearances on various shows and even lent his voice to the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show introduction. In recent years, he has conducted memorable interviews with high-profile personalities, such as his 2012 conversation with President Barack Obama and the infamous 2013 interview with Kanye West, which led to West’s on-air meltdown.
As Sway continues to shape the landscape of music, news, and culture, he remains an influential and respected figure in the industry. His ability to adapt to the ever-evolving media landscape and maintain relevance is a testament to his passion and dedication to his craft.
Founding Member
Shaheem Reid
Renowned Queens, NY journalist and hip-hop connoisseur Shaheem Reid boasts a 20-year career marked by stints at MTV News and Busta Rhymes’ Conglomerate record label. He has now teamed up with esteemed hip-hop journalists Rahman J. Duke and Sway Calloway to launch Polaris, the first black-owned, ad-supported streaming channel. Polaris, which debuted on VIZIO’s SmartCast following a strategic partnership, focuses on telling the stories of hip-hop and black culture from the perspectives of indigenous people and people of color. The channel offers a news show and various documentaries that provide a well-informed viewpoint on the subject matter.
In a recent interview with Billboard, Reid emphasized that Polaris is the culmination of over two decades of industry experience. He and his colleagues felt the need to create a platform that not only covers the culture they cherish but also empowers both emerging and established content creators. The discussion also touched upon the significance of finding the right platform to showcase one’s work and the current state of hip-hop media.
Chief Operating Officer
Nathaniel Clark
Nathaniel Clark, a renowned problem solver who has made his mark in various industries, is now poised to bring his expertise to the world of entertainment. After spearheading revenue generation for major lenders and helping bridge the wealth gap for small businesses, Clark has become a trusted advisor to high-profile former athletes. With a diverse portfolio that includes Real Estate, Ecommerce, Logistics, Automotive, and Aviation, his strategic guidance has led to significant revenue growth across the board. As he ventures into the entertainment sector, Clark aims to create massive disruption by leveraging advanced tactics, such as Google Dorks, OSINT, and LLMs in revenue generation strategies.
In addition to his already impressive skill set, Clark has expanded his knowledge in hybrid cloud technology, data licensing and monetization, and Google certifications. His experience with integrations positions him to drive innovation in the entertainment industry. By merging his unique background with these newly acquired skills, Nathaniel Clark is well-prepared to deliver transformative solutions that will shape the future of entertainment.
