Ova Media Group in the News

Cassandra Cooper, Founder and CEO of Ova Media Group, has spent decades working to ensure that women of color have a platform to tell their stories — and to see themselves reflected in the media they consume.

In a feature published by Forbes in September 2020, writer Meimei Fox highlighted Cooper's journey from working behind the scenes in Hollywood to building her own streaming network from the ground up. The piece explored how Cooper identified a gap in the market: a streaming platform built specifically for and by women of color.

"I realized there was no home for us," Cooper told Forbes. "There were shows about us, but there was no platform that was truly ours — that centered our experiences, our voices, our stories."

Ova Media Group launched as a response to that void, offering original programming, classic films, talk shows, and cultural content that speaks directly to an audience that has long been underserved by mainstream media.

Forbes noted that Cooper's approach is not just about entertainment — it is about data, community, and economic empowerment. By building a subscription platform and collecting viewer data, Ova Media Group gives creators and advertisers direct access to one of the most engaged and underserved demographics in streaming.

— As featured in Forbes, September 2020

Shoutout SoCal sat down with Cassandra Cooper to talk about her journey as a media entrepreneur, the vision behind Ova Media Group, and what it means to build a platform rooted in purpose.

What inspired you to start Ova Media Group?

"I've been in this industry a long time," Cooper shared. "And I kept seeing the same thing — brilliant stories, incredible talent, powerful voices — but no real home for them. I decided to stop waiting for someone else to build that home and build it myself."

What makes Ova different from other streaming platforms?

"We're not trying to be Netflix. We're building something that feels like home for a community that has always deserved its own space. Every decision we make starts with our audience — their culture, their joy, their struggle, their excellence."

What advice do you have for other women of color in media?

"Don't wait for permission. Don't wait for someone to hand you a seat at the table. Build your own table. That's what we did with Ova, and it's the most powerful thing I've ever done in my career."

What's next for Ova Media Group?

"We're expanding — more original productions, more platform partnerships, more opportunities for creators. We're just getting started. The best is absolutely ahead of us."

— As featured in Shoutout SoCal, 2021

The National Film & Television Awards honored Ova Media Group in 2018 for its outstanding contribution to independent media and its commitment to showcasing diverse voices in film and television.

The recognition highlighted Ova's growing catalog of original programming, its distribution reach, and its mission-driven approach to content creation — particularly in elevating stories by and for women of color.

Cassandra Cooper accepted the award on behalf of the Ova Media Group team, dedicating it to every creator whose story had found a home on the platform.

— National Film & Television Awards, 2018

At the National Social Media Awards Los Angeles 2022, Ova Media Group was recognized for its excellence in digital media presence and its ability to build and engage a loyal audience across social platforms.

The award reflected Ova's growing influence not just as a streaming platform, but as a cultural force in the digital space — connecting with audiences through authentic storytelling, community engagement, and a consistent brand voice that resonates deeply with women of color.

The recognition underscored the platform's mission: that meaningful media, distributed through modern channels, can build real community and create lasting cultural impact.

— National Social Media Awards Los Angeles, 2022