BET (Black Entertainment Television), was one of the first cable channels to focus exclusively on music videos and other forms of entertainment when it premiered in 1980. By 1988, Ed Gordon took over hosting duties for BET News – another first.
Johnson quickly expanded and listed the network on the New York Stock Exchange before selling it to media conglomerate Viacom for $3 billion in 2000.
1980
Robert Johnson launched BET as a two-hour weekly programming block featuring music videos and repeats of black sitcoms during the 1980s, before it eventually becoming its own independent channel in 1983.
In 1988, BET unveiled BET News hosted by journalist Ed Gordon to address topics pertinent to African American audiences.
BET expanded beyond radio to publish magazines, market clothing and cosmetics, launch radio networks, create premium film cable channels such as BET Movies: Starz! 3 and publish books. BET eventually sold itself to Viacom.
1981
BET first premiered as Black Entertainment Television (BET), a cable network offering music videos and urban-oriented movies and series. BET News premiered for half an hour and featured Ed Gordon.
BET was sold to media giant Viacom in 2001 and, many have criticized its sale. Many believe this sale caused BET to lose its identity as an African-owned network; as a response, BET expanded their holdings by publishing magazines and organizing event production as well as adding spin-off cable networks with their mission being elevating audience voices.
1982
At the end of this decade, BET was reaching 30 million households; its news programs, Our Voices and Lead Story had become immensely popular, while Entertainment programs began featuring rap videos as well.
Johnson expanded his media empire through digital cable channels such as BET Her and premium movie channel BET/Starz!3. In 1998 he went public, and sold it to media giant Viacom in 2001 for $3 billion while keeping a controlling stake himself. Since then RLJ Companies has operated independently.
1983
Following some initial difficulties, BET transformed itself into a 24-hour channel and started airing music-video shows. They also began publishing a magazine for black teenagers as well as creating BET News.
BET was listed on the New York Stock Exchange for the first time in 1991 by its original founder Robert L Johnson and sold to media conglomerate Viacom in 2001 for an estimated price of $3 billion.
Under its new owners, BET broadened its program lineup to include various talk shows and news programs as well as the premium film channel BET Movies/Starz!.
1984
BET began as two hours of weekly programming and quickly expanded to include music videos popular during the 80s in America. BET News with Ed Gordon as host was then introduced, marking its inaugural run aimed specifically at black audiences.
Mission of BET The network’s mission has always been to use its platform to promote and celebrate African American culture while addressing issues that affect it, producing television shows and movies as well. BET is currently owned by Viacom and located in Washington D.C.
1985
In the 1980s America saw numerous race riots and BET emerged as an essential news source about African Americans, helping make Ed Gordon an icon. But it also caused controversy due to its emphasis on rap music and shows which perpetuated negative stereotypes of Blacks.
BET went public and became the first publicly traded company dominated by African American ownership in 1991. Since then, it has expanded further by adding cable channels, film production divisions, publishing divisions, and an official website.
1986
BET was an innovative media empire, producing popular magazines like Emerge and YSB as well as direct selling beauty products like Color Code skin care. BET also provided pay-per-view movie channel Action as well as producing original television programs like BET News and 106 & Park.
BET was initially created as an outlet for African Americans’ voices to be heard, yet faced significant backlash from various sources that claimed its programming promoted sexism and anti-intellectualism. Regardless, this did not deter its growth – BET continued expanding its offerings regardless.
1987
By this time, BET had established its own news division and was offering regular programs such as talk show 106 and Park and competition shows Baldwin Hills and Hell Date. Furthermore, music videos featuring mainstream hip-hop were becoming available along with Teen Summit for teenage call-in.
BET also expanded their brand to include Young Sisters and Brothers magazine as well as Ed Gordon’s first live news program, which made its popularity skyrocket during major stories such as 1992 LA Riots coverage as major advertisers signed onto such as Anheuser Busch and Coca-Cola as advertisers.
1988
BET was listed on the New York Stock Exchange for the first time ever in 1991 and quickly expanded throughout the 1990s, including adding spin-off channels like BET Her (formerly BET Jazz and BET J) and Starz BET (formerly VH1 Soul and MTV Jams).
In 2001, Johnson sold BET to Viacom and it officially lost its status as a black-owned network. Subsequently, however, BET came under heavy criticism for airing derogatory music videos and old sitcoms that promoted negative stereotypes of African Americans.
1989
In 1991, BET became the first African-American controlled company to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange and expanded their presence by adding music channels and creating Color Code skin products.
BET was sold to media conglomerate Viacom in 2001, yet continues to promote African American culture and community issues such as HIV/AIDS awareness. Due to its global reach and quality programming, BET has become a worldwide sensation.