Latest in BET Networks

Viacom’s BET Networks has gone outside the media business to hire its new EVP and chief marketing officer. Kimberly Paige, who is stepping into that role, has accumulated brand marketing experience at Coca-Cola, Coty and, most recently, skincare and haircare manufacturer Sundial Brands. In her new position, Paige will…

BET Networks has tapped former theGrio executive Amy DuBois Barnett as Senior Vice President and General Manager of BET Digital. In her role, Barnett will oversee all aspects of digital content of BET non-linear platforms, BET's digital and social strategy, content development, social programming, editorial, business…

Viacom’s BET Networks and Tyler Perry Studios today announced a September 19 U.S. launch date for BET+, their joint venture and premier subscription video-on demand service. Priced at $9.99 per month, BET+ will feature more than 1,000 hours of content, including exclusive new original programming, series, movies, and…

BET+, BET Networks’ new streaming service is ramping up production on its original content. Paula Patton (Hitch, Precious) is set to star in Sacrifice, a new original movie set for premiere on BET+ in 2020. Written, executive produced and directed by Chris Stokes, Los Angeles-set Sacrifice stars Patton as Daniella…

EXCLUSIVE: We hear BET Networks is developing Sister Code, a one-hour family legal drama from writer Gregg McBride (A Heavenly Christmas) and Intrepid, the Emmy-winning banner of Blair Underwood (When They See Us, Quantico) and Tommy Morgan Jr.’s (Bridge to Nowhere). Created by McBride, Sister Code focuses on the…

BET Networks has given a series order to Sistas, a drama executive produced by Tyler Perry starring KJ Smith (The Fix), Ebony Obsidian (If Beale Street Could Talk), Mignon Von (42 Seconds) and Novi Brown (Spider). The series is the second to be greenlighted, joining The Oval, under Perry's exclusive, multi-year content…

BET Networks has set the cast for their forthcoming original comedy series Bigger from executive producer Will Packer. The scripted series will star Tanisha Long, Angell Conwell, Rasheda Crockett, Chase Anthony and Tristen Winger. Bigger recently wrapped production this summer in Atlanta. The 10 half-hour episodes…

Debra Lee, who last year stepped down as chairman and CEO of BET Networks after a three-decade career at the Viacom brand, has been added to the board of directors at AT&T. She becomes the first media-tied name to join the board as the company continues to evolve after its $85.4 billion acquisition of Time Warner and…

BET Networks has named  Marisa Levy Vice President of Unscripted Programming, a role in which she will oversee the development of all unscripted programming for the network. Her hire comes amid a leadership shift at BET Networks in which Scott Mills took the helm as President in January following the departure of CEO…

A few weeks after an appearance by Bobby Brown at TCA summer press tour raised questions about what was going through the singer’s mind, a new art installation will let fans find out for themselves. The immersive, interactive project from BET Networks and brand studio WP Narrative went on display Sunday at New York’s H…

Former Real Husbands of Hollywood star Boris Kodjoe is returning to the BET fold, signing an exclusive development deal with BET Networks. Under the pact, Kodjoe will develop ideas and show concepts for all network platforms with first-look consideration. As of now it is unclear if he will star in any the…

Another veteran top executive at a Viacom cable network is leaving the company. After a career at BET spanning three decades, Debra Lee is stepping down from her position as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BET Networks, effective Monday, May 28, 2018. Lee, who began her career with the company as its first VP…