UPDATE: BET Networks Wraps Up a Record-Setting 2006

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)(NYSE:and)(NYSE: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.

Source: BET Networks

CONTACT: Anne Williams of BET Networks, +1-202-608-2063,
anne.williams@bet.net

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

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