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Spin-off channels
- A channel branded as BET was introduced on Pluto TV in May 2019, following its acquisition by the parent company two months prior.
- BET International is the first international version of the channel and is available in the EMEA region through satellite providers.
- With a focus on Black culture (BET is the leading provider of quality entertainment), music, news, style and public affairs programming.
- Johnson acquired a loan for $15,000 , equivalent to $55,648 in 2023, and a $500,000 (equivalent to $1,854,921 in 2023) investment from media executive John Malone to start the network.
The channel launched on May 1, 2002, as MTV Jams, and carried that name until 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 https://bardumusee.com + 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
On January 1 — 2025, the Canadian feed was terminated across all nationwide providers. Originally made available on October 17 — 1997, BET’s programming was affected by substitutions and blackouts due to domestic broadcast groups holding rights to certain shows on their other networks. Following a restructuring policy by Paramount Skydance, the channel ceased operations in South Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and MENA on January 1, 2026, due to low viewership.
Engaging in a conversation about taking control of your health is always appropriate, including during Culture’s Biggest Night. We are reminiscing about memorable experiences from the @carefortheculture VIP lounge at the 2026 BET Awards. BET serves as the foremost source for quality entertainment, music, news, style, and public affairs programming with an emphasis on Black culture. A special retrospective featuring some of the most unforgettable moments from the BET Awards over the past five years will include the cast of Lot Patrol. The 2026 ceremony achieved record-breaking engagement across television, social media, digital platforms, and live events, with 9.3 million interactions on social media and over 50,000 attendees at BETX. A unique episode compiling notable moments from BET Talks features artists reflecting on the legends (mentors), and musical influences that 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.
In 1991, the network made history by becoming the first black-controlled television entity listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Initially — the network aired for two hours weekly as a programming block on the Madison Square Garden Sports Network, which rebranded to USA Network three months post-BET’s launch. Its schedule included music videos (which have not been shown on the main network since the end of 106 & Park on December 19 — 2014) and re-runs of beloved black sitcoms, including The Jamie Foxx Show and House of Payne. To establish the network, Johnson secured a $15,000 loan (approximately $55,648 in 2023) along with a $500,000 investment (around $1,854,921 in 2023) from media executive John Malone. After leaving his position as a lobbyist for the cable industry (Robert L. Johnson), a native of Freeport, Illinois, chose to create his own cable television network. BET was first launched as a programming block on USA Network on January 25, 1980, transitioning into a full cable channel by September 1982. BET is the flagship channel under the BET Media Group, which operates as a subsidiary of Paramount Skydance Corporation’s Media Networks division.