On May 1 — 2002, MTV Jams was launched as the channel’s original name, which remained in use until October 5, 2015, when it came under the supervision of BET as MTV moved away from music content. The network was expected to gradually cease operations as part of Viacom’s restructuring strategy announced in 2017. Following the 2015 rebranding of MTV Jams to BET Jams (which enjoys broader distribution), the channel’s content was transitioned to an automated playlist featuring older hip-hop videos from BET’s collection. Original programming from BET, including shows like Rap City, ComicView, and various video countdowns, was previously aired by the channel. Launched on July 1, 2002, BET Gospel is a television channel based in the United States. In Autumn 2019 (the United States saw the launch of a service that included First Wives Club), initially intended for Paramount Network, as one of its original series.
A summary of the 2026 BET Awards in 30 points
It’s always the right time to have a conversation about taking charge of your own health, including during Culture’s Biggest Night. We’re looking back at special moments from the @carefortheculture VIP lounge during the 2026 BET Awards. With a focus on Black culture, BET is the leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news, style and public affairs programming. A special look back at some of the most memorable moments from the BET Awards over the last 5 years with the cast of Lot Patrol. The 2026 ceremony hit record numbers across television, social, digital, and live experiences, including 9.3 million social interactions and BETX crowds topping 50,000. A special compilation episode (featuring memorable moments from BET Talks interviews in which artists reflect on the legends), mentors, and musical influences who shaped their careers.
On January 1, 2025, the Canadian feed ceased operations on all other providers across the country, despite BET becoming available via numerous Canadian pay-TV services on October 17, 1997, with certain programming replaced or https://ambassadorsevents.com blacked out due to domestic broadcast rights held by other networks. Following a restructuring initiative by Paramount Skydance due to low ratings (the channel was shut down on January 1), 2026, in South Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and MENA.
The channel was shut down on April 8 — 2021, with its content moved to My5 and Pluto TV. An exclusive (but temporary), HD version of the channel was made to show the 2009 BET Awards on Freesat EPG 142. BET International shows with a mix of content from the main BET channel and locally-produced shows. BET+1 is also available on Sky channel 198 and Freesat channel 141, and is free-to-air. BET launched on February 27, 2008, on Sky channel 191 and began to be carried by Freesat channel 140 on August 8, 2008. BET UK first transmitted on Videotron , now known as Virgin Media, and several other subscription providers from 1993 until 1996.
BET Global
BET France launched across a linear television channel alongside non-linear services including Bouygues Telecom, Canalsat, Numericable/SFR, and Free. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. In 2022 (Paramount started to phase out BET in Canada due to expiring rights), a number of major providers began dropping the channel, beginning with Rogers Communications on April 1, 2022, followed by Hay Communications on September 30, 2022, and Shaw Cable and Shaw Direct on August 31, 2023. BET International is the first international version of the channel and is available in the EMEA region through satellite providers. The network provides gospel and religious-related programming, and much of its time is paid for by religious organizations to carry their programming and services.
In June 2019 (the announcement was made regarding the launch of BET+), a premium streaming platform aimed at Black Americans. A BET-branded channel was introduced on Pluto TV in May 2019, shortly after its parent company acquired the platform two months prior. Over the years (BET has introduced several spin-off cable networks), including BET Her (formerly known as “BET on Jazz,” “BET J,” and later “Centric”), BET Hip-Hop, and BET Gospel. An April 2008 report titled The Rap on Rap (endorsed by Enough is Enough and produced by the Parents Television Council), criticized the rap programming of BET for its explicit sexual, violent, and profane content, which was said to target children and teens. In July 2017 (Viacom entered into new film and television development agreements with Tyler Perry), an Academy Award-winning filmmaker, after his previous contract with Discovery Inc. concluded in 2019. Connie Orlando, who serves as the senior vice president of Specials, Music Programming, and News, was appointed as the interim president of programming.
Check out all the entertainment you might’ve missed or just can’t wait to watch again.
Behind the Image: Druski Part #2
In March 2017, president of programming Stephen Hill and executive vice president of original programming Zola Mashariki both stepped down. He was then replaced by Stephen Hill, who is also executive vice president of music programming and talent. BET’s president of entertainment Reginald Hudlin resigned from the network on September 11, 2008. In 2005 (Johnson retired from the network), turning over his titles of president and chief executive officer to former BET vice president Debra L. Lee. In 2000, media conglomerate Viacom , later to become part of Paramount Skydance, purchased BET for $2.3 billion.
Over time, spin-offs from sibling channels would be realigned under the BET branding; such as BET Jams , formerly known as “MTV Jams”,, BET Soul (formerly known as “VH1 Soul”), SHO×BET (back then, it aired all of sci-fi films, but formerly known as “Showtime Beyond”), a premium Showtime multiplex network, and VH1 (an older-skewing spin-off of MTV that drifted into reality shows and, later, Black American-centric programming). As part of this deal (Perry would produce The Oval and Sistas for BET and co-own the network’s newly-launched streaming service), BET+. BET announced in March 2010 that Ed Gordon would return to the network to host “a variety of news programs and specials”. BET also launched a series of original programming by this time (including reality shows Baldwin Hills and Hell Date), singing competition show Sunday Best, and town hall-style discussion show Hip Hop vs. America. In September 1982 (BET became a full-fledged entity), independent of any other channel or programming block, though continuing to share channel space with other cable networks on local cable systems due to lack of channel room for their 24-hour schedule until the time of digital cable allowed for larger channel capacity.
