UPDATE: BET Networks Wraps Up a Record-Setting 2006
The Number One Media Company Targeting African Americans and Consumers of
Black Culture Experienced Phenomenal Programming Success and Business
Growth
WASHINGTON, Jan. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- It was a history-making year for BET
Networks in 2006. From new original programming that drove record ratings,
to the emergence of BET J, the re-launch of BET International and further
expansion into broadband and mobile content, BET Networks left an indelible
mark on 2006. BET maintains its rank as the #1 cable network in Total Day
and in Weeknight Primetime among Black Households.
In her first full year as Chairman and CEO of BET Networks, Debra Lee
led the company to the highest-rated year in its 26-year history. "It has
been an exciting year, fueled by a solid business plan and a strong
executive team more than capable of executing that plan," said Lee. "In
addition, the programming direction mapped out by President of
Entertainment Reginald Hudlin has not let us down. Hit program after hit
program has proven that BET is in a new era and the sky is the limit."
An aggressive programming strategy led by Hudlin produced more top BET
original series than in any other year. Topping the list of a string of hit
series was AMERICAN GANGSTER, cable's #1 Weekday original series among
Black Households and Blacks ages 18-34 for 2006. The docu-drama premiered
with a 1.6 rating (1.3 million households and 1.6 million total viewers),
according to Nielsen Media Research, and the numbers have consistently held
strong week to week. Rounding out the list of the top five original series
in BET history -- all airing in 2006 -- were LIL' KIM: COUNTDOWN TO
LOCKDOWN; KEYSHIA COLE: THE WAY IT IS; COLLEGE HILL: SEASON 3 and DMX: SOUL
OF A MAN.
Increasing the momentum from BET's hit original programming was a
strong lineup of mega-specials. CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL 06, which premiered
last February, became the #1 inspirational/religious program in 2006,
according to Neilson Media Research. In the summer, the BET AWARDS 06
grabbed the title of #1 program in cable television history among Black
households with a 4.9 rating (6.6 million viewers, 4.1 million households),
and ending the year with a bang was the first-ever BET HIP HOP AWARDS, the
#1 hip-hop telecast on television in 2006. Both signature award shows gave
BET the top two cable television award shows in 2006 among Black Households
and Blacks ages 18-34.
Moreover, viewer favorite 106 & PARK maintained its position as
television's #1 music variety show, and BOBBY JONES GOSPEL, VIDEO GOSPEL
and LIFT EVERY VOICE held onto their spots as the top three
inspirational/religious series on television.
Contributing to the explosive growth of BET Networks were strategic
business moves that allowed the company to focus on its target audiences
and provide the edgy and compelling programming viewers desired. The first
move was the evolution of former BET Jazz network to "BET J." BET J offers
a contemporary and diverse lineup of programming for a more mature BET
audience. Viewers can catch classic favorites such as VIDEO SOUL GOLD along
with much- talked-about new original programs like COMMITTED: THE CHRISTIES
and MY MODEL LOOKS BETTER THAN YOUR MODEL. "As BET viewers mature, so do
their tastes, and we want to continue offering them programming they love
on a more contemporary level," said Debra Lee.
Another bold business move that bolstered the brand in 2006 was taking
full control of BET's interactive arm, BET.com, with the cash buyout of its
original investment group. This led to more compelling content that
resulted in 56.9 million page views in November '06, an increase of +424%
vs. November '05 according to Nielsen/NetRating (Nov. 2006) and a whopping
3.7 million registered users.
Other 2006 successes for BET Networks included:
* The launch of BET International and the introduction of BET programming
on three continents -- Africa, Europe and Asia -- and on three separate
platforms -- broadband, digital radio and television
* The creation of BET Animation and Business Affairs departments to expand
original programming and strengthen BET's relationship with the
Hollywood entertainment community
* The launch of BET Interactive's BET on Blast, the first broadband player
targeted towards African Americans that offers a mix of web-only
original programs and live streaming special events
* The convergence of BET.com and BET News to create a 24/7 newsroom that
provides users with a constant stream of breaking news, exclusive
content and alternative points of view with streaming video, news blogs
and interactive polls
* BET Mobile's debut on iTunes featuring top-rated original programs
AMERICAN GANGSTER, LIL' KIM: COUNTDOWN TO LOCKDOWN, DMX: SOUL OF A MAN,
BEEF: THE SERIES, BET COMIC VIEW and THE CHRISTIES: COMMITTED. Within
the first week, the BET docu-drama AMERICAN GANGSTER became one of the
ten most-downloaded cable TV shows on iTunes and garnered a four out of
five star rating from iTunes users
* Continued recognition of BET's Rap-It-Up initiative, the largest
HIV/AIDS effort in the country targeting African Americans, with
multiple Cable Positive POP Awards
* Increased growth for the BET Foundation with the introduction of "We Can
For Wellness," the Foundation's second youth-focused initiative
About BET Networks
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), is
the leading provider of media and entertainment for African Americans and
consumers of Black culture on a global basis. The primary BET cable network
reaches more than 84 million households according to Nielsen media
research, and can be seen in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.
BET Digital Networks -- BET J, BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop -- serve a
broader and more diverse audience than the core network. BET.com is the
number one internet destination for the target audiences. BET Mobile
delivers music, gaming, and video content to the target audiences on
wireless devices across virtually all service providers. BET Event
Productions is a full-scale event management and production company with
festivals and live events spanning the globe. Finally, BET International
delivers BET content to the consumers of Black culture around the world.
