BHM: Black Entertainment Television

BET launched on January 25, 1980 (same date as us Jan. 25, 2009)! BET Networks inspires its audiences to make a difference in their lives and communities with a broad and impactful pro-social agenda. BET Networks’ pro-social initiatives help raise awareness about AIDS and obesity and shed light on the legendary contributions African Americans have made to this world. Programs include Touch BET, Rap-It-Up, BE HEARD, the BET Foundation and A Healthy BET.

CORPORATE MISSION: BET Networks is the pre-eminent entertainment brand serving African Americans and consumers of Black culture globally

BET was the first African-American controlled company to sell shares on the New York Stock Exchange.

Criticism: In a 2010 interview, BET co-founder Sheila Johnson said she herself is "ashamed" of what the network has become. “I don’t watch it. I suggest to my kids that they don’t watch it," she said. “When we started BET, it was going to be the Ebony magazine on television. We had public affairs programming. We had news...I had a show called Teen Summit, we had a large variety of programming, but the problem is that then the video revolution started up... And then something started happening, and I didn’t like it at all. And I remember during those days we would sit up and watch these videos and decide which ones were going on and which ones were not. We got a lot of backlash from recording artists...and we had to start showing them. I didn’t like the way women were being portrayed in these videos.” (Source)



eyeAgree: I think today's generation is desensitized to the issues that affect them due to the lack of the programs I had growing up, like Teen Summit and wholesome family sitcoms. Now everything is "Reality"-based.




Let's hope BET continues their success and remains on the path of empowering the African-American community through HIV/AIDS and obesity awareness programs, and shows like "Black Girls Rock"!

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.
Source: BET Mediaroom