Black Entertainment TV Channel
Founded: July, 1983
Parent Company: Viacom
Tagline: "Yes To Black"
Website: bet.com
Starting out as an African American-centric music video and sitcom (rerun) channel, BET has evolved into a full-fledged media network. From BET Gospel to BET Jams, there are now 4 additional BET channels that supplement the primary. During its first 15 years of airtime, BET's first hit show was BET Tonight, hosted by Tavis Smiley. They tackled a variety of cutting-edge social and political issues, which, at the time, were not commonplace on cable or satellite TV. So, from social reform to increased diversity in programming, BET has left an indelible mark on broadcast TV.
In 2001, BET was acquired by Viacom (owner of Disney, Time Warner, CBS, etc). It marked the first time the channel wasn't wholly owned by an African-American management team. Programming has generally remained the same, and now with the additional resources, expect more of the quality original, political and reality TV.
Black Entertainment TV Programming & Shows
Reruns: Family Matters, The Parkers, Moesha, The Wendy Williams Show, The Real, Dish Nation, etc.
Original Series: Being Mary Jane, Real Husbands of Hollywood, BET Inspiration, BET Awards, etc.
