The Viacom-owned Black Entertainment Television (BET) network has launched BET in the United Kingdom. The announcement was made on Thursday in Leicester Square, London.
“We’re thrilled to be able to bring high quality, black cultural content to communities around the world and deliver on our commitment to expand the BET brand internationally,” said Debra L. Lee, BET Networks Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, in a press release from BET.
According to the press release, the company will add to its more than 87 million home viewers with the overseas move. The network is set to launch a channel on Sky Guide and will reach more than 8.8 million homes across the U.K.
“I’m happy that the network is not just secluded to the African-American audience,” junior chemistry major Charlene Lawson said. “I just wish BET can deter away from so many music videos…add more positive programming.”
Initially, the programs to be aired in Europe will be rating-busters “Sunday Best,” “College Hill,” and “106 & Park.” According to the press release, the network will also air the documentary “Life and Death in Darfur: Jeff Johnson Reports” and “Hip-Hop Vs. America.” More regional content is scheduled to be added in the future.
“For the U.K. version of BET, we will be giving BET’s U.S. content a regionalised look and feel that reflects the U.K. marketplace, and as we grow and develop the channel, we look forward to partnering with the U.K. creative industry to give BET an even stronger British accent,” Michael D. Armstrong, senior vice president and general manager of BET International, said.
BET can be found on Sky channel 209.
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