Who owns bet network

As a young corporate attorney I saw my role as the protector of the BET brand and its employees and today, more than 32 years later, I still see myself as the protector and defender of a brand that I have helped to grow as a top destination for audiences across the globe. I have called BET Networks home for over three decades and this team is part of my extended family.

My belief that we can do well and do good has been a guiding principle and one that I hope you will continue after my departure. Together, we have built a world-class brand that connects with fans through the power of storytelling and we have attracted and nurtured top talent across the globe.

I would especially like to thank Bob Bakish for supporting me as I start the next chapter in this exciting journey. I leave with pride, gratitude, and joy for a life-changing professional and personal journey.

You deserve it. As BET continues to move forward, we will always be grateful to Debra for her leadership and commitment to creating top-notch entertainment that both entertains and empowers. Her passion for the BET brand has resulted in countless wins and has allowed BET to stay competitive in a growing media landscape.

I have seen first-hand how the network has grown under her direction, and I know that she will bring that same innovative thinking and strategic vision to her future pursuits.

Debra has groomed an amazing group of senior executives, and I am confident that BET Networks will continue to flourish under their leadership. Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy. The companies said Friday they hope to complete the deal earlynext year after getting regulatory approval.

BET will remain basedin Washington. Alfred A. Edmond Jr. Ken Smikle, president of Target Market News, a Chicago-basedresearch firm that tracks black business activity, said the dealmay inspire other black entrepreneurs and make it easier for themto raise money.

Viacom president Mel Karmazin said Viacom hopes to increasedistribution for Black Entertainment Television, which is currentlyavailable in about He also said BET properties should get a bigger share of themoney being spent by advertisers.

While blacks represent about 13percent of the U. In a separate telephone news conference, Johnson said BET canbenefit from its association with Viacom in numerous ways:. Johnson and Liberty Media Corp. They includethree restaurants in Maryland, Washington, D. We'll notify you here with news about. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest?