BET stands for Black Entertainment Television. It is an American TV channel that shows programs made for Black audiences. These include music videos, movies, news, comedy shows, award shows, and more.
BET helped many African-American artists become famous, and it gave Black voices a platform when they were often ignored by other channels.
Have you ever wondered who owns BET, the popular channel known for African-American entertainment, music, and culture? BET stands for Black Entertainment Television, and it has been one of the most well-known TV networks for Black audiences in the United States.
In this article, we’ll explain everything in simple English — including the history of BET, its ownership, important people behind it, and the company that runs it today. Let’s get started!
BET Channel Ownership Details
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Black Entertainment Television (BET) |
| Channel Type | Cable Television Network |
| Founded By | Robert L. Johnson and Sheila Johnson |
| Launched In | January 25, 1980 |
| Original Owner | BET Holdings Inc. (Founded by Robert L. Johnson) |
| Current Owner | Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS) |
| Year Acquired by Viacom | 2001 |
| Headquarters | Washington, D.C. (original), now in New York City |
| Current BET President (as of 2024) | Scott Mills |
| Parent Company | Paramount Global |
| Focus | African-American music, culture, movies, and news |
| Official Website | BET Official Website |
Who Founded BET?
BET+ is a streaming service from BET. It offers:
- Movies
- Series
- Comedy specials
- Shows made by Black creators
BET+ works like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. You can watch it on your phone, tablet, smart TV, or computer. It helps BET reach younger viewers and compete with other digital platforms.
BET was started in 1980 by Robert L. Johnson and his then-wife Sheila Johnson. Robert Johnson is an American businessman who believed that Black people needed a TV channel that represented their culture and life.
He started BET with a small budget, and the channel first aired only two hours a week. But it quickly grew, and by the 1990s, BET was one of the most-watched cable channels in Black households.
Who Owns BET Today?
Today, BET is owned by a company called Paramount Global. This company was known as Viacom when it bought BET in 2001. Later, Viacom became ViacomCBS, and now it is called Paramount Global.
So, while Robert L. Johnson created BET, he sold the channel in 2001, and now a big media company runs it.
Let’s break it down:
- Original Owner: Robert L. Johnson (BET Holdings Inc.)
- Current Owner: Paramount Global
- Purchase Year: 2001
- Sale Amount: Around $3 billion
What is Paramount Global?
Paramount Global is a very large media company. It owns many TV channels and film studios, including:
- CBS
- Nickelodeon
- MTV
- Comedy Central
- Paramount Pictures
- BET
Paramount Global owns these channels and helps them make content, manage business, and reach viewers around the world.
Who is Robert L. Johnson?
Robert L. Johnson is a businessman, investor, and founder of BET. He was the first African-American billionaire in the United States.
He created BET because he wanted a TV channel that focused on the lives and culture of Black Americans. His work helped make African-American media more visible.
After selling BET, Johnson started other businesses, including RLJ Companies and a private equity firm. He is also involved in sports, hotels, and more.
Who Runs BET Now?
The current President and CEO of BET (as of 2024) is Scott Mills. He has worked at BET for many years and helped grow its digital and global reach.
Under his leadership, BET is now:
- Producing more original shows
- Supporting Black filmmakers and writers
- Expanding into global markets
- Running BET+ successfully
What Does BET Show?
BET is known for its strong focus on Black culture and entertainment. Here are some things you can watch on BET:
- TV shows: “Being Mary Jane,” “The Game,” “Sistas,” “Twenties”
- Movies: Many Black-led films and specials
- Music shows: “106 & Park” was one of the most popular music shows ever on BET
- Award shows: BET Awards, BET Hip Hop Awards, Soul Train Awards
- News and Documentaries: Focused on Black history and real-life issues
BET also has a streaming service called BET+, which includes exclusive shows and movies.
Changes in BET Ownership Over Time
Let’s look at how BET’s ownership changed step-by-step:
- 1980: BET is founded by Robert L. Johnson and Sheila Johnson.
- 1983: BET becomes the first Black-owned company listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
- 2001: BET is bought by Viacom for around $3 billion.
- 2006–2019: BET runs under Viacom.
- 2019: Viacom and CBS re-merge and become ViacomCBS.
- 2022: ViacomCBS changes its name to Paramount Global.
- Now: Paramount Global still owns and operates BET.
Did BET Almost Get Sold Again?
Yes, in 2023, there were reports that Paramount Global was thinking about selling BET to a Black owner again. Some people who were interested in buying BET included:
- Tyler Perry (movie and TV producer)
- Byron Allen (media entrepreneur)
- Sean “Diddy” Combs (music mogul)
But by the end of 2023, Paramount decided not to sell BET. They said BET is still an important part of their business.
Why Is BET Important?
BET is more than just a TV channel. It is important because:
- It gives Black creators a platform to tell their stories.
- It supports Black musicians, actors, and filmmakers.
- It covers real news and issues that affect African-American communities.
- It helps educate people about Black history and achievements.
BET continues to inspire millions of viewers and artists every year.
Key Points About BET Ownership
- BET was founded in 1980 by Robert L. Johnson and Sheila Johnson.
- It was the first Black-owned TV channel in America.
- In 2001, Viacom (now Paramount Global) bought BET.
- Today, BET is owned by Paramount Global.
- The current President of BET is Scott Mills.
- BET shows music, movies, news, and award shows made for Black audiences.
- BET+ is the streaming version of the channel.
- BET has helped grow and support African-American voices in the media.
FAQs
Q1: Who is the owner of BET?
Answer: The owner of BET is Paramount Global, a large media company that also owns CBS, MTV, and Nickelodeon.
Q2: Who founded BET?
Answer: BET was founded by Robert L. Johnson and his then-wife Sheila Johnson in 1980.
Q3: Is BET still Black-owned?
Answer: No, BET is no longer Black-owned. It is owned by Paramount Global, a company based in the U.S.
Q4: When did Viacom buy BET?
Answer: Viacom bought BET in 2001 for around $3 billion. Viacom is now known as Paramount Global.
Q5: What does BET stand for?
Answer: BET stands for Black Entertainment Television.
Q6: Is BET+ owned by the same company as BET?
Answer: Yes, BET+ is owned by Paramount Global, just like the BET TV channel.