BET (Black Entertainment Television)
American media company operating cable television networks, streaming services, and digital content focused on African American culture, entertainment, and news programming.
Company Type
public
Founded
1980
Headquarters
Washington, D.C., USA
About BET (Black Entertainment Television)
Paramount Global is a publicly traded American multinational media conglomerate that operates film studios, television networks, streaming services, and digital content. The company is headquartered in New York City and owns major entertainment properties including CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Pictures.
Paramount Global operates across multiple business segments including cable networks, streaming services, film production, and television production. The company employs thousands of people globally and serves billions of viewers through its diverse entertainment offerings.
Paramount Global's acquisition of BET significantly expanded its multicultural programming and positioned the company to serve diverse audiences across multiple platforms and demographics.
History of BET (Black Entertainment Television)
BET was founded in 1980 by Robert L. Johnson, becoming the first television network dedicated to African American audiences. The network was established with the vision of providing entertainment, news, and cultural programming specifically for Black viewers.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, BET grew rapidly, expanding its programming to include music videos, original series, news coverage, and special events. The network became an influential platform for African American culture, music, and social issues.
In 1991, BET became the first Black-controlled company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The company continued to expand its digital presence with BET.com and launched additional networks like BET Her and BET Gospel.
The pivotal moment came in 2001 when Viacom (now Paramount Global) acquired BET for $3 billion. Under Viacom's ownership, BET expanded its programming, improved production quality, and launched new digital initiatives while maintaining its cultural focus.
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, BET continued to evolve with the changing media landscape, introducing streaming services like BET+ and expanding its digital content offerings while maintaining its position as the leading media brand for African American audiences.
Brands Owned by BET (Black Entertainment Television)
BET (Black Entertainment Television) owns 1 brand in our database.
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BET (Black Entertainment Television) Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Leading position in African American entertainment and culture
- +Diverse programming spanning music, news, and original content
- +Integration with Paramount Global's resources and distribution
- +Strong brand recognition and cultural influence
- +Expansion into streaming and digital platforms
Considerations
- -Competition from other multicultural media platforms
- -Challenges adapting to changing viewer habits and cord-cutting
- -Dependency on advertising revenue and cable subscriptions
- -Balancing cultural authenticity with commercial interests
- -Regulatory scrutiny over media representation and diversity
Frequently Asked Questions About BET (Black Entertainment Television)
Is BET a subsidiary of Paramount Global?
Yes, BET operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Paramount Global through its CBS Entertainment Group. The media company was acquired by Viacom (now Paramount Global) in 2001.
Is BET publicly traded?
BET itself is not publicly traded as a separate entity. However, parent company Paramount Global (NASDAQ: PARA) is publicly traded, allowing investors to own shares in Paramount Global and its media properties including BET.
When was BET founded?
BET was founded in 1980 by Robert L. Johnson, becoming the first television network dedicated to African American audiences.
Who created BET?
BET was created by Robert L. Johnson, who founded the network with the vision of providing entertainment and cultural programming specifically for Black viewers.
What is BET's market position?
BET maintains a dominant position in African American media and entertainment as the leading television network and digital platform serving Black audiences with diverse programming across multiple platforms.
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