Who Owns BET Television Network?

Paramount Global currently owns BET (Black Entertainment Television). BET was originally founded in 1980 by Robert L. Johnson as a niche cable channel targeting African American audiences. It quickly gained popularity, expanding its programming to include music videos, news, entertainment, and various shows catering to a diverse range of interests within the Black community.

In 2000, Viacom Inc., which later became Viacom Global and eventually Paramount Global, acquired BET for $3 billion. This acquisition marked a significant moment in media history, making BET part of a larger media conglomerate.

Under Paramount’s ownership, BET continues to operate as a leading entertainment brand focused on Black culture, offering a variety of programming across its various channels, including BET Her, BET Gospel, BET Hip-Hop, BET Jams, and BET Soul. The network also produces documentaries, movies, and sponsors the annual BET Awards, a major cultural event celebrating Black excellence in music, entertainment, and sports.

Paramount Global’s portfolio includes numerous other well-known media brands, further solidifying its position as a major player in the entertainment industry. The acquisition of BET allowed Viacom, now Paramount, to significantly expand its reach within the African American market and diversify its content offerings. This strategic move reflected the growing influence and importance of the Black consumer demographic in the media landscape.

The reach of BET extends to approximately 90 million households globally, underscoring its impact and influence as a major media outlet. Beyond its core television programming, BET has diversified its business interests to include related ventures such as book publishing and event production, further amplifying its cultural impact.