In 1991, the network became the first black–controlled TV company to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.[2]
Starting in the late 1990s, the network expanded with the launch of digital cable networks: BET on Jazz (later known as BET Jazz. BET J, Centric, and BET Her), created originally to showcase jazz music–related programming, especially that of black jazz musicians; in 1998, it entered into a joint venture with Starz[3] (then–owned by John Malone's Liberty Media) to launch a multiplex service of the premium channel featuring African American–oriented movies called BET Movies: Starz! 3 (later renamed Black Starz after BET dropped out of the venture following its purchase by Viacom, then–owner of Starz rival Showtime, and now known as Starz InBlack).
Creation
In 2000, Viacom (later to be known as Paramount Global following the spin-off, and eventual reunion with several assets) announced plans to purchase BET Holdings Inc. for more than $2.3 billion.[4] The deal closed in 2001, with BET Holdings' networks becoming part of MTV Networks; but was eventually placed under BET Networks.
By 2007, BET had launched two more music–oriented networks, BET Hip Hop and BET Gospel. The flagship network would also launch new original programming by this time, including reality shows Baldwin Hills and Hell Date, competition show Sunday Best, and town hall–style discussion show Hip Hop vs. America.[5] BET's president of entertainment Reginald Hudlin resigned from the network on September 11, 2008. He was then replaced by Stephen Hill, who is also executive vice president of music programming and talent.[6] BET announced in March 2010 that Ed Gordon would return to the network to host "a variety of news programs and specials".[7]
In 2015, oversight of VH1 Soul & MTV Jams was moved to BET Networks, with both networks relaunched under the BET brand.[8]
In March 2017, president of programming Stephen Hill and executive vice president of original programming Zola Mashariki both stepped down. Connie Orlando, senior vice president of Specials, Music Programming, and News, was named the interim president of programming.[9]
Expansion into streaming
In July 2017, Viacom signed new film and television development deals with Tyler Perry following the expiration of his existing pact with Discovery, Inc. in 2019. As part of this deal, Perry would produce The Oval and Sistas for BET and co–own the network's newly launched streaming service, BET+.[10]
In March 2023, it was reported that Paramount Global was exploring the sale of a majority stake in BET in order to provide additional funding to its flagship streaming service Paramount+; Shaquille O'Neal, Tyler Perry, as well as Sean "Puffy" Combs (who owns Revolt TV) and Byron Allen (who owns Allen Media Group; including TheGrio, This TV, and The Weather Channel), were identified as potential suitors.[13] Paramount Global initially dropped its plans to sell BET in August 2023, before renewing interest in December of that year.[14][15]
Assets and Other services
Television channels
Year in parentheses denotes when channel was created.
^ Channel was originally BET on Jazz, BET Jazz, BET J, & Centric.
^ ab Channel originally had the MTV branding, and was part of the MTV group of Viacom Media Networks.
BET Walk of Fame Awards
The BET Walk of Fame Awards were established in 1995 by BET. In 2004, proceeds were shared between United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and the BET Foundation, which executes the Healthy BET obesity awareness campaign and other pro-social causes like the annual charitable black-tie BET Walk of Fame ceremony.[16]
BET Interactive
In 2006, BET Interactive, LLC became a subsidiary of BET.[17] BET also has a digital group including BET.com, BET on Blast, BET on Demand and BET Mobile.[18]
BET's programming is distributed on DVD and through video-on-demand services under the name BET Home Entertainment. In 2007, a distribution deal was arranged with Paramount Home Entertainment, a sister company of BET since 2001.[19][20]
^"Cable Guide 2010", adage.com, archived from the original on December 30, 2013, retrieved December 29, 2013, BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment, including DVDs and video on demand