“It’s just every day, getting up, and doing it, and doing it again, and just getting better and better and better… It’s figuring out new ways to do things,” says Kent Speakman.

By Juliana Silva – Staff Writer Unsugarcoated Media

In Episode 44, host Aalia Lanius welcomes Kent Speakman, entrepeurneur, philanthropist, and founder of KNEKT TV, to discuss socially conscious media and the importance of creating content for social good, especially during a pandemic where it seems as the world is surrounded by disaster. Speakman’s experience in the film and media industry allowed him to explore his passion for social work, and helped create projects and events to bring awareness to social causes.

When starting his journey in the media industry, Speakman explains how, at first, he struggled with producing projects and getting them off the ground. However, this all changed the moment he got involved with creating socially conscious content, with, his first live show that brought awareness to human trafficking victims was a huge success. “Everybody said yes,” Speakman explains, “from the celebrities, to media partners… everybody got involved.” This show got over one million views.

“I just realized how impactful it was.”

Aalia agrees. “It’s less of a job when you know what you’re doing is actually creating an impact for someone else”

Now, Speakman runs his own company, KNEKT.TV, a television network that focuses on producing content that brings awareness to social issues throughout the world. KNEKT.TV is available throughout several apps, such as Apple TV, Roku, Google Play Store, etc, as well as online through their website. His content ranges from 80 different series focused on social good, from concerts and music to other forms of entertainment. He looks forward to exploring new series and getting involved with new technology to help spread his content to new places.

It is no doubt that with the pandemic, the way we consume media has changed. Recently, Speakman was involved in the production of the 320Festival, an in person event turned virtual due to the pandemic that focuses on mental health. Despite this sudden change from in person to virtual, several bands and panelists from around the world joined in the online event to discuss mental health awareness.

“It was something I was very proud of for how we were able to sort of help everybody who was involved initially and not let that get cancelled,” says Speakman.

Not only has the medium of the media changed due to the pandemic, but so has its role in our society. With people sitting at home with nothing to do but watch television, go on social media, and read the news, everyone is constantly bombarded with social issues in our world. Speakman, however, notes this as perhaps a good thing: with the help of the media, social issues such as human trafficking and Black Lives Matter have been brought into light, and sparked important conversations throughout the country. Being at home, and not being able to look out, has helped people look inwards.

“This last year is just the start of what we are going to see more of in 2021, hopefully not with the negative things,” Speakman jokes, “but more on the trend of caring.”

Speakman notes that recently people have become more active in voicing social issues through social media platforms, and how it has become “cool to care about issues.” Aalia agrees, and states that with the rise of cancel culture, “the world no longer is about selling a good product, but being a good brand.”

When asked to advise other brands about the importance of creating content for social good, Speakman does not hesitate. “Don’t be afraid, don’t hold back,” Speakman states. “Because it’s where the future trends are going.” 

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Connect with Kent Speakman:

IG: @KentSpeakman

Website: https://www.knekttv.com/

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