Many critics (we know who we are) noted that Magic wasn't the ideal talk show host, especially without any television or comedic background. Magic says he very well may not have been the right guy.

"Maybe I wasn't the right person," Magic says, "but [Keenan and Sinbad] tried it and it didn't happen for them...they've been on TV longer thanI have."

Magic suprisingly reveals that the greatest problem for these shows was the lack of support - specifically from black celebrities. He blames poor bookings for the shows' low ratings, complaining that 'A' list black celebrities wouldn't appear on the program. In particular, Magic refers to black celebrities who may have white people running their careers or running interference for them.

"We all have to support each other, and we don't do that. Black stars think that if they're not on 'Leno' or 'Letterman' then they're not making it. That's the problem. Their managers and agents keep them off of the black shows. There it is, there's your major problem right there," he says.

Magic urges blacks to support whomever makes the next attempt at a black entertainment program, especially because there is now no urban oriented vehicle for black entertainment on network television. "We still need an avenue. Now, even though my show is cancelled...all minorities suffer. Because, regardless if the show was good or not, you don't have an outlet anymore. Now we will complain because we don't have anything."

Johnson continues that without support it's hard for minorities to have any power or strength in Hollywood. He contends that minorities need to support each other so that those that come after will have an opportunity. Magic feels that minorities can't seem to come together and remain divided.

He says, "We can't win. We've never been able to gain power. Forget the money, people don't care if we get money, because other groups of people know we don't have any power...because we don't stick together. That's our main problem."

Johnson agrees the show did have other problems, but felt with the late addition of comedian Tommy Davidson, it had a chance.

"We started off really bad. I didn't' get off to the start I wanted. But once we signed Tommy, I had gotten better and Tommy took the show over the top...I thought we got into a groove."

Johnson was roundly criticized by blacks, some, very close friends. He believes some of the criticism, even from friends, was right on target. But much of the black community criticism came about because of the guest appearance of Howard Stern. Most viewers felt Johnson 'sold out' during the broadcast, but Johnson doesn't see it that way.

"I don't book the guest. It was up to the producers who they booked. They wanted Howard Stern, so I interviewed him." When asked could he veto their decision, Magic says, No..that's who FOX wanted."

But according to Magic, he handled the 'shock jock' perfectly. "I thought I handled it how I should've, I laughed him off. He wants to get under your skin, that's his whole M.O. If he can bother you, then he's got you and he will continue to handle you. When he came at me, I laughed at all that stuff, because I know who I am." The Howard Stern appearance brought "The Magic Hour's" best ratings, but the show couldn't hold on. It was cancelled soon after, airing the Stern appearance as the first repeat as the show fades out.

Johnson says he's not disappointed at the cancellation though. He would even try to share the talk show couch again if the situation wereright.

"I would try it again. It just depends on the situation. I learned a lot...now [I] know what mistakes not to make. It's funny to me," he says, "I've learned a great deal. I came out a better person...we still know (the) games are still being played." Though no longer Magic - the host, Magic - the businessman is still keeping busy. As founder and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises he oversees Magic Johnson Development Corp., Magic Johnson Theatres, Magic Johnson Productions, Magic Johnson Management Group, and Magic Records.

"I have 101 things to do. We'll have ten theatres by next summer, we have 10 more Starbucks going up, we have 3 TGI Fridays going up, I bought a shopping center here in Hollywood - so that's 4. So I have a lot of stuff going on."

But even with all his entrepreneurial conquests, Magic still wants something else. "I want somebody black to be on TV that we can all feel proud of."

Social responsibility means giving back to the community. As important as creating a business legacy is Johnson's legacy of charitable and community activities. In 1991, he founded the Magic Johnson Foundation, a non-profit organization which directs its efforts toward the health, educational, and social needs of inner city youth. One can see also his imprint with such organizations as the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Starlight Foundation, American Heart Association and the Urban League. He has helped raise over $10 million for the United Negro College Fund with the "A Midsummer Night's Magic" weekend charity event.

The Johnson philosophy is that all business ventures must have a redeeming social value. Thus, Johnson Development Corporation has devoted its efforts toward revitalizing urban shopping centers by bringing employment opportunities and stimulating economic growth for future economic investment. Magic Johnson Theatres, in partnership with Sony Retail Entertainment, has opened state-of-the-art multiplex screens in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Houston with others planned in New York, Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, New Orleans, San Diego and Washington, DC. Once again, employment opportunities are generated, the beneficiaries being the youth of our inner cities.