BET's Signature Gospel Show BOBBY JONES GOSPEL Begins 26th Stellar Season With All-New Episode On October 8

BET's Signature Gospel Show BOBBY JONES GOSPEL Begins 26th Stellar Season With All-New Episode On October 8

Spiritual Favorites Pastor Shirley Caesar, Smokie Norful, Tye Tribbett, Karen Clark Sheard and Fred Hammond Lead Caravan of Gospel Music's Elite Performers

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- BET will again make a joyful noise to the heavens with its new Fall 2006 season of BOBBY JONES GOSPEL featuring some of today's most prominent gospel artists and choirs and premiering Sunday, October 8 at 9:00 a.m. ET/PT. Contemporary and fresh artists like Fred Hammond, Kierra "KiKi" Sheard and Byron Cage join such gospel pioneers as Pastor Shirley Caesar, Dorothy Norwood, and the Mighty Clouds of Joy for 13 all-new episodes that will not only entertain, but inspire the masses.

This new season of BOBBY JONES GOSPEL spotlights a Legends & Classics theme with today's brightest newcomers combining with veteran gospel stars to share a musical ministry with BET's live studio audience. Joining award- winning and Gospel Music Hall of Fame host Dr. Bobby Jones in the season- opening episode on October 8 is gospel singer Lexi, who holds her own as Dr. Jones's guest co-host, along with legendary singers Richard Smallwood, Tony Terry and the harmonious sounds of renowned R&B group Take 6. Televising from BET's Washington, DC headquarters, the new slate of BOBBY JONES GOSPEL episodes are sure to undoubtedly raise the roof to heavenly heights this fall.

"I am very excited that BOBBY JONES GOSPEL serves as an important platform to showcase both new talent and the many legends in Gospel music today," said Dr. Jones, often referred to by many as the "Dean of Gospel Music." "It's rewarding to be a part of the longest running program on BET which continues to inspire and encourage millions of viewers through this unique genre of music."

The first and only nationally-syndicated Black gospel television program, BOBBY JONES GOSPEL, is the "home" for many artists, whether they are gospel or secular, veteran performers or fresh, new talent. Dr. Jones and the Nashville Super Choir have not only been entertaining viewers for a quarter-century on BET, but have revolutionized the gospel industry with an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary gospel music.

"Since its debut in 1980, the BOBBY JONES GOSPEL program has consistently been one of our top-rated Sunday programs and has always been a favorite staple among our viewers of all ages," stated Lynne Harris Taylor, BET's Vice President of Specials and Executive Producer of BOBBY JONES GOSPEL. "This show is the only network program that highlights memorable performances from today's most notable and legendary artists infused with inspirational messages and gospel elements."

BET's refreshing balance of musical legends and today's gospel and R&B favorites -- including phenomenal duets by Kenny Lattimore & Chante Moore, Gerald Levert & CoCo McMillan and Tremaine & Edwin Hawkins -- are sure to stir the souls of viewers. A red-hot talent lineup, new production set and special guest host appearances by Dottie Peoples, Karen Clark Sheard and Lexi are sure to make this new season of BOBBY JONES GOSPEL an inspirational feast every Sunday morning.

The following is a list of artists slated to perform on the new 2006-07 season of BOBBY JONES GOSPEL featuring "Legends & Classics" episodes on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. ET/PT:

Karen Clark Sheard R.E.A.L. Nashville Super Choir
Byron Cage Smokie Norful Tye Tribbett & Greater Anointing
Fred Hammond Dorothy Norwood Pastor Shirley Caesar
The Singletons J Moss Dottie Peoples
Dave Hollister Kelly Price Mighty Clouds of Joy
The Caravans Take 6 Kierra "Kiki" Sheard
Kenny Lattimore Chante Moore Coko
Gerald Levert Melanie R. Hill Zak Williams & 1Akord
Israel & New Breed Deitrick Haddon Tremaine & Edwin Hawkins
Michelle Bonilla New Direction Malcolm Williams & Great Faith
Regina McCrary Marcus Cole Judith Christie McAllister
Lexi Daniel Austin 7 Sons of Soul
The Murrills CoCo McMillan Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson
Donald Lawrence Karen Briggs The Anointed Pace Sisters
Tony Terry Virtue The Golden Wings Quartet
Juda Camp Leon Timbo Freda Battle & Temple Worshippers
21:03 DeWayne Woods Richard Smallwood & Vision

ABOUT BET NETWORKS

BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE:VIA)(NYSE:and)(NYSE:VIA.B), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 81 million households according to Nielsen media research, and can be seen in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of businesses extensions: BET.com, the Number 1 Internet portal for African Americans; BET Digital Networks - BET J, BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; and BET Mobile, a service venture into the lucrative world of ring tones, games and video content for wireless devices.

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Source: BET Networks

CONTACT: Lyntina Townsend of BET Networks, +1-202-608-2745, or
Lyntina.Townsend@bet.net

Web site: http://www.bet.com/PR

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