Founder & Chief Executive Officer
HanaTV was founded by Darrell Simmons and his family, a Detroit-born family, entrepreneurs, producing, and media executive with more than a decade of experience across entertainment, culture, and public engagement. Along side his family.
The creation of HanaTV is deeply personal. Created By Tyrone Benson Jr. The network was built in memory of his late mother, whose values and influence remain central to the company’s purpose and direction. His father, Tyrone Benson, a devoted widower, continues to be a guiding presence within the family and the business.
Darrell is the youngest of four siblings, Aquarius Holliday, Fred Benson, and Tyrone Benson Jr. The Benson family’s unity, resilience, and shared responsibility are reflected in HanaTV’s structure as a family-built and family-led organization.
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Education & Creative Foundation
Darrell’s passion for storytelling and performance began during his education within Detroit’s performing arts-focused school system, including the Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences. While in high school, he authored his first published passage in an award-winning book—an early demonstration of his commitment to creative expression and narrative development.
These formative experiences established the foundation for a career centered on storytelling, leadership, and media production.
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Professional Experience
Darrell began working professionally in Detroit’s entertainment scene in 2012, gaining hands-on experience in artist development, production, and media operations. His early work provided valuable insight into both the creative and business sides of entertainment.
In 2016, he was involved in the production environment of the major motion picture Detroit, further expanding his exposure to large-scale film production and professional media standards.
In addition to entertainment, Darrell has experience in civic and political engagement, having worked with Detroit mayoral candidate Anthony Adams and Detroit City Council candidate Adam Mundy. This experience strengthened his leadership, strategic communication, and understanding of community-centered media.
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The Purpose Behind HanaTV
After more than ten years of industry experience, Darrell Simmons and family founded HanaTV to create a network that balances creativity with structure, and innovation with responsibility.
HanaTV exists to:
• Develop original programming with integrity
• Protect creators and intellectual property
• Deliver culturally relevant entertainment
• Build a sustainable, family-owned media company
HanaTV is not simply a streaming platform—it is a legacy-driven organization built to honor the past, serve the present, and grow into the future.
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Partner With HanaTV
HanaTV welcomes partnerships with creators, brands, investors, and organizations looking to grow alongside a rising streaming network rooted in culture and community.
Partnering with HanaTV offers the opportunity to collaborate early with a family-owned media company focused on original content, audience trust, and long-term expansion. Whether through content development, brand integration, distribution, or strategic collaboration, HanaTV is committed to building meaningful partnerships that align with its mission and values.
To explore partnership opportunities or business inquiries, please contact us directly:
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