Robert John Brillante
and the Birth of

Born on February 27, 1959, Bob Brillante stands as both an entrepreneur and a tireless advocate against racism in America. His journey commenced on a U.S. Army base in Bad Kreuznach, Germany, where his parents, Major Orlando E. Brillante and Alda Brillante, welcomed him into the world.

Following his father’s military service retirement, the Brillante family resettled in central Florida, where Major Brillante undertook a groundbreaking venture—establishing the State’s inaugural cable television company, Florida Cable. Young Brillante imbibed invaluable lessons about the cable television industry while working alongside his father during his formative years.

Upon completing his education, Brillante’s professional trajectory led him to the forefront of the Florida Cable Telecommunications Association (FCTA), initially as the Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs. Swiftly rising through the ranks, he ascended to the position of Executive Vice President. His tenure at FCTA witnessed the genesis of several media enterprises under his stewardship.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Brillante shares his life with his wife, Dana Brillante. The couple currently resides in North Florida, balancing life between the State’s capital city and scenic St. George Island. Brillante’s diverse interests include saltwater fishing, racquetball, and golf, alongside his commitment to volunteer work, focusing on animal rescue and mentoring underprivileged youth. Additionally, Brillante extends his expertise to nurture budding entrepreneurs and supports the launch of small businesses.

Reflecting on his formative years, Brillante’s childhood was steeped in the cable television domain, owing to his father’s pioneering efforts in establishing Florida Cable. Growing up in this environment, Brillante imbibed the intricacies of the trade, from climbing telephone poles to door-to-door cable subscription sales.

Brillante’s collegiate years at Florida Technical University, now the University of Central Florida, were marked by active engagement in various extracurricular activities, showcasing his leadership potential. Post-graduation, Brillante returned to the cable industry, assuming pivotal roles within FCTA, eventually spearheading the establishment of key ventures like Cable Power and Media Strategies, Inc. (MSI).

Under Brillante’s stewardship, FCTA achieved significant milestones, but his most groundbreaking endeavor was yet to come—the inception of Florida’s News Channel (FNC). Launched in 1998, FNC revolutionized television news production and distribution with cutting-edge technologies, setting new standards for the industry. Brillante’s vision led FNC to become a trailblazer in newsgathering, production, and transmission technology, earning its place as the nation’s leading regional news network.

FNC’s innovative approach, featuring virtual reality news environments and tailored local content, captivated audiences across Florida’s major television markets. Brillante, both the owner and manager of FNC, ensured the network’s seamless operation and continual growth.

Beyond FNC, Brillante’s entrepreneurial spirit led to the establishment of MBC News, LLC, and the Black News Channel (BNC), further diversifying media representation. His commitment to amplifying diverse voices in media remains a hallmark of his career.

Today, Brillante continues to leave an indelible mark on the media landscape through consultancy endeavors, most recently contributing to the successful establishment and expansion of NTD News, serving Asian American communities in the U.S. Brillante’s legacy stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication to innovation and inclusivity in media.