The channel launched on May 1, 2002, as MTV Jams, and carried that name until October 5, 2015, and was placed under BET’s purview as MTV drifted away from music programming. As part of Viacom’s 2017 restructuring plan, the network was speculated to slowly wind down operations over time. After the 2015 relaunch of the former MTV Jams as BET Jams , which has much wider distribution,, the channel’s programming was shifted to an automated playlist made up of BET’s library of older hip-hop videos. It formerly aired some of BET’s original programming such as Rap City — ComicView and the network’s video countdown programs. BET Gospel is a television network in the United States that launched on July 1, 2002. The service launched in the United States in Autumn 2019 with First Wives Club (which was originally planned to launch on Paramount Network before being shifted to BET) announced as one of the service’s original series.
in 30 Recap of the 2026 BET Awards
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.
The Canadian feed was discontinued on all other providers nationwide on January 1 (2025.new archival link needed BET became available through most Canadian pay-TV providers on October 17), 1997, though with select programming substituted and blacked out due to domestic broadcast groups owning the rights the shows being broadcast and carrying them on another of their networks. The channel was also shut down on January 1, 2026 in South Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa and MENA following its restructuring policy by Paramount Skydance due to low ratings.
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 https://ambassadorsevents.com 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.
International BET
A linear television channel was launched by BET France — accompanied by non-linear services such as Bouygues Telecom, Canalsat, Numericable/SFR, and Free. You consent to receive marketing updates — special promotions (including those from partners), and additional information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. Paramount began phasing out BET in Canada in 2022 due to rights expiration, leading several major providers to discontinue the channel, starting 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.
In June 2019, the launch of BET+ was announced, a premium streaming service targeting Black Americans. In May 2019, a BET-branded channel was launched on Pluto TV (which was acquired by its parent company two months earlier). BET has launched several spin-off cable networks over the years, including BET Her (formerly known as “BET on Jazz”, then “BET J” and later “Centric”), BET Hip-Hop, and BET Gospel. Enough is Enough backed an April 2008 report titled The Rap on Rap by the Parents Television Council that criticized BET’s rap programming — suggesting that the gratuitous erotic, violent and profane content was targeting children and teenagers. In July 2017, Viacom signed new film and television development deals with Academy Award winner Tyler Perry following the expiration of his existing pact with Discovery Inc. in 2019. Connie Orlando, senior vice president of Specials, Music Programming, and News was named the interim president of programming.
Discover all the entertainment you may have missed or are eager to rewatch.
Part #2 of Behind the Image: Druski
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.
Eventually, spin-offs from sister channels began to be rebranded under the BET name, including BET Jams (previously “MTV Jams”), BET Soul (which was once “VH1 Soul”), and SHO×BET (originally known as “Showtime Beyond” and featured sci-fi films), along with VH1, an older-targeting offshoot of MTV that transitioned into reality shows and subsequently focused on programming centering on Black Americans. Under this agreement, Perry was set to produce The Oval and Sistas for BET and co-own the newly introduced streaming service, BET+. In March 2010, it was announced by BET that Ed Gordon would rejoin the network to host various news programs and special features. By this time (BET had also introduced a lineup of original programming), which included reality series Baldwin Hills and Hell Date, the singing competition Sunday Best, and the town hall discussion Hip Hop vs. America. In September 1982 (BET was established as a fully independent entity), separate from any other programming block or channel, although it continued sharing channel space with other cable networks on local systems due to limited availability for their 24-hour programming until the advent of digital cable allowed for expanded channel capacity.