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Spin-off channels
- In May 2019, a BET-branded channel was launched on Pluto TV (which was acquired by its parent company two months earlier).
- The first international version of the channel (BET International), can be accessed in the EMEA region via satellite providers.
- As the premier provider of high-quality entertainment, news, music, public affairs programming, and style, BET emphasizes Black culture.
- To establish the network, Johnson received a $15,000 loan , which translates to $55,648 in 2023, along with a $500,000 investment (equivalent to $1,854,921 in 2023) from media executive John Malone.
The channel launched on May 1 — 2002, as MTV Jams, and carried that name until https://bardumusee.com October 5, 2015, and was placed under BET’s purview as MTV drifted away from music programming. As part of Viacom’s 2017 restructuring plan, the network was speculated to slowly wind down operations over time. After the 2015 relaunch of the former MTV Jams as BET Jams (which has much wider distribution), the channel’s programming was shifted to an automated playlist made up of BET’s library of older hip-hop videos. It formerly aired some of BET’s original programming such as Rap City, ComicView and the network’s video countdown programs. BET Gospel is a television network in the United States that launched on July 1, 2002. The service launched in the United States in Autumn 2019 with First Wives Club (which was originally planned to launch on Paramount Network before being shifted to BET) announced as one of the service’s original series.
Comic View: Rooftop SeriesSkeet Carter, Michael Turner & Dominique
In June 2019 (the launch of BET+ was announced), a premium streaming service targeting Black Americans. In May 2019, a BET-branded channel was launched on Pluto TV (which was acquired by its parent company two months earlier). BET has launched several spin-off cable networks over the years (including BET Her (formerly known as “BET on Jazz”), then “BET J” and later “Centric”), BET Hip-Hop, and BET Gospel. Enough is Enough backed an April 2008 report titled The Rap on Rap by the Parents Television Council that criticized BET’s rap programming (suggesting that the gratuitous erotic), violent and profane content was targeting children and teenagers. In July 2017, Viacom signed new film and television development deals with Academy Award winner Tyler Perry following the expiration of his existing pact with Discovery Inc. in 2019. Connie Orlando (senior vice president of Specials), Music Programming, and News was named the interim president of programming.
Becoming a full-time channel
The Canadian feed was discontinued on all other providers nationwide on January 1, 2025.new archival link needed BET became available through most Canadian pay-TV providers on October 17, 1997, though with select programming substituted and blacked out due to domestic broadcast groups owning the rights the shows being broadcast and carrying them on another of their networks. The channel was also shut down on January 1, 2026 in South Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa and MENA following its restructuring policy by Paramount Skydance due to low ratings.
It’s always the right time to have a conversation about taking charge of your own health — including during Culture’s Biggest Night. We’re looking back at special moments from the @carefortheculture VIP lounge during the 2026 BET Awards. With a focus on Black culture (BET is the leading provider of quality entertainment), music, news, style and public affairs programming. A special look back at some of the most memorable moments from the BET Awards over the last 5 years with the cast of Lot Patrol. The 2026 ceremony hit record numbers across television — social, digital, and live experiences, including 9.3 million social interactions and BETX crowds topping 50,000. A special compilation episode (featuring memorable moments from BET Talks interviews in which artists reflect on the legends), mentors, and musical influences who shaped their careers.
in 30 Recap of the 2026 BET Awards
Living Legend Icon honoree Ms. Lauryn Hill performs “Everything Is Everything” at the BET Awards, celebrating her timeless legacy and lasting influence. From history-making moments on the BET Awards stage to a young entrepreneur’s big break — this week proved Black excellence never takes a day off. The ‘Pony’ singer popped the question to his longtime girlfriend Jannette Escartin and she said yes! BET Awards host Druski joins Terrence J for an exclusive look behind the making of television’s biggest night while reflecting on his remarkable rise from viral sensation to comedy powerhouse. Steve Mack was a key figure in Harlem’s legendary Best Out crew and manager of the rap group Harlem Knights, whose crew was involved in the iconic Jay-Z vs. DMX battle.
Initially airing as a two-hour programming block on the Madison Square Garden Sports Network (which rebranded to USA Network just three months post-BET’s launch), the network featured music videos and reruns of popular Black sitcoms, including The Jamie Foxx Show and House of Payne, although music videos have not been broadcast on the main network since the conclusion of 106 & Park on December 19, 2014. Johnson secured a loan amounting to $15,000 (equivalent to $55,648 in 2023) and an investment of $500,000 (which is $1,854,921 in 2023) from John Malone, a media executive, for starting the network. After resigning from his position as a lobbyist in the cable industry, Robert L. Johnson, hailing from Freeport, Illinois, made the decision to create his own cable television network. BET began as a programming block on the USA Network on January 25 — 1980, and transitioned into a fully operational cable channel by September 1982. Serving as the flagship channel of the BET Media Group (which is a subsidiary of Paramount Skydance Corporation’s Media Networks division), it holds a significant position in the lineup.