Shame on Us All...BET Networks Unwraps the TOP 25 EVENTS THAT (mis) SHAPED BLACK AMERICA

Shame on Us All...BET Networks Unwraps the TOP 25 EVENTS THAT (mis) SHAPED BLACK AMERICA

Outspoken Paul Mooney Leads Gang of Celebrities to Count Down the Good, Bad, and Downright Ugly Mishaps that Altered Black Culture

NEW YORK, Feb. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- BET is at it again with another Top 25 special that is shocking, refreshingly honest, and sure to cause much controversy. On Tuesday, February 20, 2007 @ 10:00 p.m. ET/PT, join the "King of Controversy" Paul Mooney as he profiles the TOP 25 EVENTS THAT (mis) SHAPED BLACK AMERICA. Brace yourselves as Mooney leads the ultimate countdown to calamity.

"Here at BET we like to create Black History Month specials you won't see on any other network, and we managed to do that with this Top 25," said BET President of Entertainment Reginald Hudlin. "There's a lot of controversy surrounding these topics, but it's time to shed light on issues discussed at work, the barber shops, and beauty salons across the country." These issues are real -- these things did happen; BET is bringing them to the forefront -- so let's talk about them. Mooney's raw and sometimes stinging humor weaves everything together brilliantly. Hopefully this will stir up some emotion and spark genuine conversation on how to move forward.

BET's TOP 25 EVENTS THAT (mis) SHAPED BLACK AMERICA features comical insight from hip-hop critic, Fab 5 Freddy; actress, Meagan Good; pop culture critics Nekesa Moody, Margeaux Watson, Toure, Emil Wilbekin, and Lola Ogunnaike; entertainment lawyer, Londell McMillian; celebrity publicist Marvet Britto; New York radio personality Miss Info; R&B crooner, Mario, and many others.

The prequel to this special, Top 25 MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENTS drew an impressive 1.4 million viewers and was the #1 telecast of February 2006 among BET's target demo, adults 18-34, according to Nielsen Media Research. This Top 25 will hold nothing back. From Hurricane Katrina, the assassination of two of the greatest African-American leaders -- Martin Luther King and Malcolm X; to ridiculous-but-relevant topics like America's fixation with Elvis, the "bling" phenomenon and the negative images glorified in the hip-hop game -- it's open season for Mooney and our panel of celebrities. Tune in and watch BET claim the crown of controversy -- February 20, 2007 @ 10 p.m. ET/PT.

Log on to BET's broadband channel, BET ON BLAST for a full list of moments, extended footage, including bloopers from our panel and host as well as extra clips that were too outrageous for on-air. Voice your opinion and thoughts on BET.com's message board; and join host, Paul Mooney for a live chat on BET.com, visit the site for further details.

PROGRAM: TOP 25 EVENTS THAT (mis) SHAPED BLACK AMERICA
SCHEDULE: Tuesday, February 20, 2007 @ 10 p.m. - 11 p.m. ET/PT
RE-AIR: February 22, 25 & 27, 2007 / *check your local listings for
times*
PRODUCERS: BET and blacjac entertainment group

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 -- are brands that serve a broader and more diverse audience than the core network. BET.com is a leading 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.

http://www.bet.com/

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: BET Networks

CONTACT: Marcy Polanco, +1-212-975-4048, marcy.polanco@bet.net, or
Tricia N. Newell, +1-212-975-8230, tricia.newell@bet.net, both of BET
Networks

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

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