BET was established by Robert L. Johnson, an industry lobbyist for cable operators Comcast who wanted to establish a channel dedicated to black culture. BET originally began as two-hour programming block on USA Network but quickly transformed into its own channel.
In 1988, BET News hosted by journalist Ed Gordon became popular among African American viewers as it allowed them to stay informed of local events.
Robert L. Johnson
Robert L. Johnson is an American media magnate and graduate of Princeton University who founded BET Networks. Additionally, he serves as a philanthropist, activist, investor and board member in several companies such as RLJ Lodging Trust and KB Home; currently owning and operating his innovative business network known as RLJ Companies which includes hotel real estate investments, private equity services, 401k fintech services, automobile dealerships and content streaming businesses.
Johnson founded Black Entertainment Television (BET), one of the first cable TV networks dedicated to niche markets, in 1980. Starting out with two hours of programming each day and soon expanding to encompass politics, issue-oriented programs, comedy showcases and talk shows; BET quickly rose in popularity across North America and the Caribbean. Johnson credits BET’s success to its ability to appeal to a diverse audience – initially featuring music videos and reruns of popular black sitcoms until eventually including political programs, comedy showcases and talk shows as well.
In 1991, Johnson took BET public, making it the first African American-controlled company ever traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Johnson played an instrumental role in introducing journalist Ed Gordon’s widely watched BET News program which became an invaluable source of information on issues impacting black communities while simultaneously raising their voices nationally.
BET Networks
BET Networks is an American television network serving diverse audiences. Producing and airing shows about music, movies, sports, news and other subjects; BET is owned and operated as part of Viacom’s domestic networks unit; its headquarters can be found in Atlanta Georgia.
BET first debuted as Black Entertainment Television (BET) in 1980 as a cable TV channel targeting African American audiences. Beginning with two hours of weekly programming aimed at reaching this target market, its viewership quickly spread throughout both North America and the Caribbean. At first, its focus was mainly hip hop music videos and old situation comedies. But eventually more political, issue-oriented programs, comedy showcases, and talk shows were added – plus other interesting media content like documentaries.
BET expanded into digital cable channels during the 1990s and launched its inaugural branded merchandise line. They also established Young Sisters and Brothers magazine for African Americans and acquired Paige Publications Inc to publish it. Alongside cable channels, they own digital music channel BET Jams as well as two international channels: BET Soul and BET International.
BET was not immune from the decline in TV ratings caused by cord-cutting or internet viewing; as viewership declined it lost its status as the leading African American network.
BET Holdings Inc.
Black Entertainment Television was first launched as a two-hour weekly cable channel called BET in 1980 by former cable industry lobbyist, Mark Johnson. Johnson recognized its potential in reaching an underserved African American audience; thus securing contracts with providers like TCI to broadcast BET programming that consisted of music videos provided free by record labels as well as talk show hosted by Bob Jones.
BET expanded into a major media empire through its flagship cable television channel and other ventures. BET owned and operated a direct-marketing company that used infomercials to market products such as Color Code skin care. Furthermore, they owned and managed an entertainment-themed restaurant chain known as SoundStage as well as two pay-per-view action movie channels and premium film cable channels.
In 1991, BET became the first Black-controlled public corporation listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Johnson took BET private in 1998 but eventually returned it back into public ownership when Viacom Inc purchased it for $3 billion.
BET Media Group is one of the world’s largest media companies for connecting and empowering African American communities worldwide. Operating BET News, BET+, BET Gospel, BET HER, and BET International channels as well as various associated businesses for book publishing and event production – BET Media Group provides essential resources that connect African American audiences.
BET Awards
BET Awards is an annual ceremony to recognize African Americans in music, film, sports and other forms of entertainment. The award show includes various performances and is broadcast live on BET. The inaugural BET Awards was held in 2001 at Paris Las Vegas hotel on the Las Vegas Strip; subsequent ceremonies have taken place at Kodak Theatre and Nokia Theatre at LA Live as well. Outkast performed live during its inaugural performance while Robert L Johnson, currently the Chief Executive Officer of BET Network, introduced Outkast at their first ceremony.
BET holds many accolades to its credit, such as being the first television network dedicated to blacks and the first black-owned company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Today it stands as one of the most successful American companies and enjoys immense support among African American communities across America.
Even with its success, BET has come under attack from numerous African-American critics like syndicated columnist George Curry and cartoonist Aaron McGruder, among others. Critics contend that BET promotes blatant sexism and anti-intellectualism while others claim that its programming of rap music videos and old sitcoms employing stereotypes promote racial hatred. Furthermore, scandals regarding financial mismanagement have arisen at BET but despite these setbacks the company continues to expand – now operating two movie channels named BET Movies and Starz in Black.