Black Entertainment Television Network
Black Entertainment Television (BET) is an American cable television network and multimedia group that provides news, entertainment, and other programming developed primarily for African American viewers. BET also operates BET Her, a channel geared toward African American women. The network features contemporary and 20th-century popular music through BET Gospel, BET Hip-Hop, BET Jams, and BET Soul. BET also produces documentaries and movies for distribution on its main channel and sponsors the BET Awards. The company’s headquarters are in Washington, D.C.
BET was launched in 1980 by media entrepreneur Robert L. Johnson. Having gained experience as a lobbyist for the cable television industry in the late 1970s, Johnson recognized an opportunity to reach African American audiences through a dedicated cable TV channel. Initially, BET offered only two hours of weekly programming in 1980 but slowly gained viewership throughout North America and the Caribbean.
Music videos were a cornerstone of early BET programming, alongside shows targeting a younger audience. Over time, the network expanded its offerings to include political and issue-oriented programs, comedy showcases, talk shows, sports programming, and a wide variety of other content. This diverse programming helped solidify BET’s position as a leading provider of black entertainment.
After establishing BET as a successful niche media company, Johnson took the company public in 1991, listing it on the New York Stock Exchange. However, in 1998, Johnson and other investors regained private control of the firm. In 2000, Johnson and his partners sold BET to Viacom Inc. for $3 billion. Today, the Black Entertainment Television Network reaches approximately 90 million households. In addition to its core television programming, BET’s affiliated businesses have included book publishing and event production, further expanding the reach and influence of the black entertainment television network. This acquisition marked a significant moment in the history of the black entertainment television network.
